University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Veleda, Inguiomer.
Veleda.
[Looking after him.
By you defended, by your gen'rous efforts
Protected, guarded, Germany is safe
From the oppressor's rod. In him we see
The godlike spirit of those ancient worthies
Who toil'd, or bled for liberty and laws.

Inguiomer.
Years have elaps'd, since by his patriot ardour
Expell'd, exterminated the Romans fled
Beyond the Rhine. Their boasted Emperor,
Their deified Augustus, dar'd no more
Invade the land: his schemes of wild ambition
By one great overthrow he saw defeated.
He pass'd his days in misery of heart;
Wept for his loss, and like a puny infant
Cried, “Varus, Varus, give me back my legions.”

Veleda.
Oh! may Tiberius, who usurps the name
Of Cæsar, may that fell, that savage tyrant,
That monster of iniquity and fraud,
Before the dawn relumes the purpled East,
Oh! may Arminius give him ample cause
To mourn his slaughter'd legions; may he shed
The tear of bitt'rest anguish, on the rack
Of a mind torn and goaded by his crimes.

Inguiomer.
This very night we storm the Roman camp.
Our plan is form'd; our measures are concerted;
Your brother will lead on a chosen band,
A brave battalion: There the gen'rous youth
May by his deeds immortalize his name.

Veleda.
I doubt him not: Within his bosom glows
The hero, and the patriot. Since the Gods
Restor'd me to my friends, this very day
I saw my brother busy at his post;
I paus'd, and listen'd to him; then I heard
The language of his heart: A train of bards
With fervent zeal in slow procession came,
Chaunting their heav'nly strains. “My brother cried,
“Come, see me fighting in my country's cause.
“If victory attend me, to your annals
“Add a young warrior; if I fall in battle,
“Record my memory.”

Inguiomer.
He gives an earnest
Of matchless worth, the rival of Arminius.