University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

The German Camp still continues.
Arminius, Inguiomer,
Arminius.
That treach'rous slave, the Ambassador of Rome
Has had his answer.

Inguiomer.
When Cæcina hears
The energy of truth, the firm decision
That liberty inspir'd, his heart will shrink,
And shudder at the ruin that surrounds him.

Arminius.
The blow must soon be struck; the hour draws nigh;
Time presses; we are call'd; his parting ray
The sun has spent, and in suffusion red
His glaring orb is quench'd; clouds roll on clouds,
And night hangs low'ring on the drowsy world,
Propitious to our purpose.

Inguiomer.
All things favour
Our grand assault. On yonder eastern bank,
O'er the Visurgis where our bridge was join'd
To the main land, the head has been destroy'd
By Roman caution; but our boats and platforms
Well chain'd together will secure our march.

Arminius.
By Heav'n, this night Cæcina and his legions
Shall share the fate of Varus; once again
We shall exterminate the Roman race.
Some strong emotion, some prophetic ardour
Expands my breast, and o'er informs my soul.
I feel the god; imagination burns,
And colours to my sight a glorious scene,
A scene of victory! I see their camp
Floating in gore; their tow'rs and ramparts storm'd;
Their mangled bodies in one purple heap
Cov'ring the plain, to feed the region kites.