University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

The Portico and Ayles in the Temple of Vesta.—The Vestals and Inferior Pontiffs, in white robes, ranged on each side.
Enter Lavinia, Julia, Valeria, and Attendants, on one side; Valerius, with inferior Pretors, and Lictors, on the opposite side.
The Chief Vestal walks through the midst, bearing the sacred fire in a silver censer.
Valer.
Reach forth the sacred flame!
[Takes it from the Vestal.
Lavinia, stand before us!—Now to make
Your last election—Chuse this holy fire,
Or yield you to the wishes of your friends!

Lavin.
Give me the vow, my Lord!

Valer.
Suppose your father, Fabius, should approve
This offer'd partner—by the laws of Rome,
You are at his disposal.

Lavin.
My Lord, my father, Fabius, did, long since,
Confirm my plighted vows to your Favonius,
When, in the semblance of a Roman knight,
His valour rescued me from violation.

Valer.
By this dread fane, and its presiding power,
I rather, with a torch in either hand,
Would light your funeral pyres, than see you join'd
To Junius Cimbrius!

Lavin.
I also swear, that were the pit now yawning,
Where vestals have deplored their broken vows,
I rather would descend the mortal steps,
To lay me in the griesly arms of death,
Circled with horrors and eternal darkness,
Than wed another!

Valer.
O, to the last perverse!—Then take thy destiny!
Begin the solemn rites.

[Gives her the fire.
Lavinia bearing the censer in her right hand, is led by Valerius, and followed by Julia and Valeria, the Pretors, &c. in slow procession into the Temple.