University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

The Jailor opens the back scene, and discovers Favonius asleep, in irons, and stretched on straw.
Valeria.
O hero!—is it here that thou reposest
After the toils of battle?—Faithless Rome!
How oft are dungeons, banishment, or death,
The portion of thy bravest patriots,
And bonds the lot of those who bring thee freedom!
He sleeps!—A virtue like to his, finds peace
In chains and darkness.—To your office, hands!
To your blest office!
[Kneels and unbinds Favonius.
Ah, what hand or heart
Could fasten shackles on these limbs?

Favon.
Who's there?

Valeria.
A friend!—
A hapless, tho' a very tender friend,
To Lord Favonius!

Favon.
Do I dream?—Valeria!
What would thy softness with these midnight horrors?—
This is no place—

Valeria.
It is, it is a palace,
For Cimbrius is in it!

Favon.
Hast thou learn'd
Aught of Lavinia, my fair cousin?

Valeria.
Therefore,
'Tis therefore I am come.

Favon.
Ah! what of her?—

Valeria.
Inhumed, imprison'd, darker, deeper far,
Than thou art!

Favon.
O stern father of the fiends!

Valeria.
Haste, then—your chains are loosed—the gates are open—
Away to the relief of your beloved!
Force up the iron gate of living burial,
And bear your bride far hence!—Rome is no place
No seat for love or virtue like to that
Of Cimbrius and Lavinia!

Favon.
Let me gaze!—
Is it Valeria, then, who would unite
Favonius to Lavinia?

Valeria.
Yes two they—
Make my whole wealth, my sum of joy on earth!—
If I do know my heart aright, I think,
When they are bless'd, I cannot be unhappy!

Favon.
Virtue, Virtue,
Thou art female—man knows nothing of thee!—
O maid beloved, adored, dear to my heart!
Dearer than life, or aught, save my Lavinia!
Too vast the weight of this superior greatness!—
Till we do meet again in peace—farewell!

[Embrace.
Valeria.
Perhaps, for ever!—O, farewell for ever!

[Exeunt severally.