SCENE III.
Valerius enters, preceded by Lictors with their
fasces, and other Officers.
Valer.
Hail to this honour'd house!—My brother Fabius,
My sister, and my niece—my daughter now—
All hail!—Valeria, tell me, have you seen
My gallant son?—Does he engage your favour?
Fab.
Your niece, my lord, is rather pale with fear,
Lest he should not like her!
Valer.
Not like her, say you?—
He cannot chuse—he will, he must, he shall!—
Valeria.
Alas, my uncle!
Liking, I fear, is not to be controul'd—
Were that to rest upon constraint, I doubt
I should be then most wretched!
Valer.
Doubt no more.—
I would fain see a son, who, but in thought,
Dare prove repugnant to his father's pleasure.
Parents, in Rome, stand in the place of gods
To all their offspring—our will is absolute!—
Hence discipline ensues; and hence, we have
Good sons, good men, good soldiers, and good citizens!
How is your fair Adopted, brother Fabius—
How fares Lavinia?
Fab.
Somewhat indisposed—
She went not to the triumph.
Valer.
Then, the triumph
Wanted its chiefest ornament!—
Soon as my son and our Valeria here
Are married, the fortunes of Lavinia
Become our nearest care.
Fab.
I thank your greatness.
[Trumpets.
Valer.
These trumpets speak the coming of my Cimbrius!
I order'd his attendance.—Leave, I pray ye—
Leave till we talk awhile!—
[Exeunt
Julia, Valeria, and
Fabius.
