University of Virginia Library

SCENE the second.

Boadicia, Icenians, Ænobarbus and Flaminius at a distance.
Boadicia.
Oh! I could drive this jav'lin thro' my heart
To ease its tortures. Disobey'd! Controll'd!
Ev'n in my army's sight! Malignant pow'rs,
If such there be, who o'er revenge preside,
Who steel the breast with ever-during hate,
And aid black rancour in its purpos'd mischief,
Be present now, and guide my indignation!
[pauses
The Trinobantians are advanc'd before me,
Let them sustain the onset; let the Romans
On Dumnorix with ev'ry cohort press,
Till he entreat for Boadicia's aid:
Then shall my eager eyes enjoy his ruin;
And when th'insulting boaster is o'erthrown,
His bands dispers'd, or gasping in the dust,
Then will I rush exulting in my car,
Like fierce Andatè, on the weary'd foe
Lead rout and slaughter, thro' a tide of gore
Impel my clotted wheels, redeem the day,
And from the mouth of danger snatching conquest,
Crown my revenge with glory.