University of Virginia Library

SCENE the seventh.

Venusia, Dumnorix, and Tenantius.
Venusia.
Speak, speak, Tenantius.

Tenantius.
We pursu'd our course,
But had not travell'd far, before we heard
The sound of footsteps, dashing through the brook,
Whose winding channel marks the secret way.
Not long we stood in wonder, ere a troop
Of Romans sally'd forth, and made us captives.

Dumnorix.
Why then farewell to what was left of hope.

Tenantius.
Not so my lord.

Venusia.
Speak; what resource is left?

Tenantius.
We were conducted to the Roman leaders,
One fierce and haughty, gentler far the other,
Who calm'd his stern companion, gave us comfort,
Nam'd thee with rev'rence, then an earnest zeal
Disclosing for thy safety, and requesting
A short, but friendly conference between you,
With courtesy dismiss'd us.

Venusia.
Is he near?

Tenantius.
Hard by he waits impatient for an answer,
Just where the pass is open to the tent.

Dumnorix.
What would the Roman?

Venusia.
Hasten back Tenantius,
And say, that Dumnorix consents to parley.

Dumnorix.
Ha! trust our freedom in a Roman's pow'r?

Tenantius.
Unarm'd and single will the Roman join thee.

Dumnorix.
O ineffectual effort!

Venusia.
Only see him,
If but to parley for thy children's safety.
Weak, as I am, unequal to these conflicts,
I would embrace destruction, ere request thee
Once to comply with ought below thy greatness.

Dumnorix.
Let him approach.