University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Arminius, Flavius,
Arminius.
I wish'd to see a brother: By that name
Can I address you, while that Roman garb
Declares hostility, and speaks the man
Who has renounc'd his friends, abjur'd his country,
And bears a heart, that to the pulse of nature
Answers no more?

Flavius.
Accuse me not unjustly:
I meet Arminius with a brother's love.

Arminius.
Say you behold me, with the pious love
You owe your country, and with joy, with rapture
Arminius springs to clasp you in his arms.

Flavius.
Though I come hither from the adverse camp,
And follow Cæsar's standard; yet my country,
The welfare of all Germany, the peace,
And happiness of millions, strongly plead
Here in this bosom; those the pow'rful motives
That urge me to the war.

Arminius.
And by that war,
Is slavery the boon you mean to grant
To your devoted country? For those bright,
Those noble motives, does that burnish'd helm
Display its lustre?

Flavius.
This high plumed helmet
(taking it off)
Germanicus with his own warlike hand
Plac'd on my brow.

Arminius.
And that unseemly scar,
That marks your forehead, and deforms your visage,
What gen'rous hand bestow'd it?

Flavius.
On the banks
Of the Adrana , where the Cattian nation,
After a battle obstinately fought,
Gave way at length to the undaunted valour
Of veteran troops, I saw a Roman press'd
By a fierce German with his lifted sabre,
When instantly I flew to his relief,
And then receiv'd this honourable wound,
But sav'd a Roman citizen from death.

Arminius.
For that exploit, that great heroic deed,
What was your recompence?

Flavius.
A civic crown,
A military chain, and other honours,
That grace the Roman's valour.

Arminius.
Did those honours
Glare in your eye, and lure you from your country?

Flavius.
They are my noblest pride.

Arminius.
(With a sneering laugh)
—You have the wages
Of a slave cheaply bought.

Flavius.
Controul this violence;
I have not merited this keen reproach.

Arminius.
And do those baubles pay you for your treason?
Contempt and laughter mix with indignation.
Thou base deserter!

Flavius.
Brother, if you knew
The Roman character—

Arminius.
Full well I know it.
The nations of the world too long have groan'd
Beneath their iron rod: And shall your Cæsars,
Your Cæsars deified, and for their crimes
Enroll'd among the Gods of Rome, shall they,
Who trample on their Senate, and their people,
Demand the homage of a free-born race,
And bid the Northern world embrace the yoke?

Flavius.
Germanicus is lov'd where'er he's known.
He leads the armies of Imperial Rome
To fame and victory. Where now the spirit
Of the Tubantes, and the Cattian state?
They have submitted, and the Roman chief
Ensures his conquest by the arts of peace.
He wins all hearts; he calls the wand'ring savage
From fens, from forests, and from hills of snow
To settled mansions; teaches them to form
New laws, new cities; to enjoy the sweets
Of civil union, and of polish'd life.

Arminius.
Their arts of polish'd life are Roman vices,
The baits of luxury; the balefull charm,
That mingles in the cup delicious poison
To sweeten slavery.

Flavius.
No more I'll bear
This torrent of abuse.

Arminius.
With patience hear me:
I now descend to humble supplications.
I now conjure you by the sacred ties
Of honour; by the love you owe your country,
Atone for what is past; renounce your treason.
By me your mother prays, implores, beseeches you,
Not to betray your family and friends.
Think of the vast renown of leading armies
To serve your country: To that glorious conduct
Will you prefer the vile detested name
Of a deserter, a perfidious traitor?

Flavius.
Here break we off; here end this impious strain
Against the lords, and sov'reigns of the world;
The friends of human kind. Opposing them,
'Tis you betray the interests of humanity.
Hither I came disarm'd, or my good falchion
Should vindicate the cause of Roman virtue.

Arminius.
Presumptuous man! I dare thee to the field.
What ho! bring forth my arms.

Enter Marcus.
Marcus.
Controul this rage;
On terms of peace this interview was granted,
Flavius withdraw; you're wanted at your post.

Flavius.
Farewell, Arminius; may we never meet
In the embattled field.

[Exit with Marcus.
Arminius.
Thou traitor, go,
And 'midst the armed files avoid my sword.
And yet,—must brothers meet in adverse arms?
In kindred blood must they imbrue their javelins?
'Tis ever thus, when discontent and faction
Brood over fancied ills, and fire with rage
Sons against fathers, brothers against brothers.
'Tis horror all, and worse than civil war.