University of Virginia Library

SCENE the last.

Ænobarbus, Flaminius, and Romans.
Ænobarbus.
To Boadicia's quarter I advanc'd
At thy request, who since her last defeat,
Blind with despair and disappointed fury,
Fled to her tent; expiring there I found her
With one ill-fated daughter, both by poison:
Nor had the friendly Emmeline escap'd,
But by the swift prevention of my hand.
Dost thou not thank me, whose suggestion prompted
Our quick return to seize the secret pass?
Thou gav'st me freedom; love and fame repay thee.

Flaminius.
If thou couldst add, that Dumnorix surviv'd?

Ænobarbus
looking into tent.
Thou seest, the Gods have otherwise decreed.
Forbear to mingle vain regret with conquest.
He hath done nobly. Fair befal his urn.
Death is his triumph, which a captive life
Had forfeited to Rome, with all the praise,
Now from the virtuous to his ashes due.

Flaminius.
Then art thou fall'n at last, thou mighty tow'r,
And more than Roman edifice of glory?
See too Venusia, pale in death's embrace,
Presents her faded beauties. Lovely ruin!
Of ev'ry grace and virtue once the seat,
The last kind office from my hand receive,
Which shall unite thee to thy husband's side,
And to one grave your mingling reliques trust.
There soon a hallow'd monument shall rise.
Insculptur'd laurel with the myrtle twin'd,
The well-wrought stone adorning, shall proclaim
His gen'rous valour, and thy faithful love.