University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Lavinia
enters, as passing through the apartment.
Loved, loveliest Maid!
Soft seat of every virtue, every beauty!—
Do I once more behold thee?

Lavin.
My heart's master!
Am I so blest to see thee, once again?—
Thus, humbly, let me thank the bounteous gods,
And you, my great preserver!

[Lavinia kneels—Favonius raises her, and, while they converse apart, Valeria eyes them with jealous attention.
Valeria.
Death to my heart, they do not meet like strangers!
He knows her, and is known!—With what an eye
They look their very souls into each other!
Perhaps, long known—perhaps, already vow'd,
Or bound in nuptial bands!—My hopes are blasted,
Wreck'd, lost for ever!—Sick, sick to death!
Undone, undone Valeria!

[Valeria sinks on a sopha.
Lavin.
Alas, my sister swoons!—what may this mean?
What are you, sir?—Perhaps, her late betroth'd!—

Favon.
Your Junius, my Lavinia—your firm Junius—
Junius Favonius Cimbrius!—

Lavin.
Then I do see the powers are bent on ruin!—
Away, my lord, away!—
[Favonius retires.
Valeria, sister!—ah, she's breathless!—Help—
Who's there?—for Heaven's sake, help!—My Lady Julia,
Help, help!—