University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

[OMITTED] Lavin.
By what enchantment could you enter here?—

Favon.
Strong love can force a way thro' all obstructions.

Lavin.
Ah me! I fear—I tremble for your safety!
Do you not know to what a horrid death,
Painful as ignominious, you are doom'd,
Should you be found?—For me, it matters not—
With hope all fear has vanish'd!

Favon.
Heavenly maid!
I come not here without due warrant—no—
Credentials of high import!—Know you not
The character of Fabius?
[Delivers the contract, and the tablet.
Of your late mother too?

Lavin.
Alas!—what say you?—
Terentia dead!—

Favon.
No, no—you are the daughter
Of Fabius and Lavinia!—Read the tablet.

[She reads.
Lavin.
Yes, nature vouch'd it!—I may well believe,
I was her offspring—her acts, her accents,
Her looks that hung with such endearment o'er me,
Confess'd her all the mother—while my grief
That would not have survived her, proved the child!

Favon.
Come love, the season wanes—let us escape!
Your father wakes to bless you—and my legions
Are all impatient to behold you!

Lavin.
How!—
Shall I, whom Cimbrius honours with his hand,
Bring infamy on both?

Favon.
Wealth of my soul, there's no alternative—
To-morrow cannot save you from destruction!
The tyrant Pretor, the remorseless Pontiff,
Is absolute in Rome.—The noble Fabius,
Commits you wholly unto my protection.

Lavin.
But then, the fearful hazard of our flight!—

Favon.
Not far from hence, there waits a chosen band
Of faithful followers—every life among them
Devoted to your safety—Come!—

Lavin.
O Junius!—
By that loved name I knew you first—I swear,
My life, my fame itself is yours—this moment
I would with pleasure yield them, willing victims
Or to your peace, or honour!—Yet, I know not—
My heart, my heart misgives me!—But, go on!—
Surely the guardian powers of truth and innocence
Are with us, and around us!—

[Exeunt.