University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Cælius, Albinus.
CÆLIUS.
Didst thou remark the Senate's stubborn Pride,
Who vainly think themselves Invincible?
They would be so indeed, were Time allow'd 'em,
To cherish in their Sons this daring Spirit.
Albinus, the fair Plan of Liberty,
Which every Mortal secretly adores,
Inspires the Soul with such a dauntless Courage,
As they ne'er know, who feel the Weight of Bondage!
In Tarquin's Reign a Flow of circling Joys,
Unstrung their Nerves, and sunk their Martial Ardour.
The King, employ'd in conquering his own Subjects,
Permitted us t'enjoy the Sweets of Peace.
But should the Roman Genius once awake;
Should Rome be free; the Torrent of her Arms
Will with wild Rage o'erwhelm the neighb'ring Nations.
These Lions, which their Masters made so Tame,
Will whet their Fangs, and spring upon their Foes!
Then let us, by their Ruin, timely scatter
The gathering Storms, which threaten all Hesperia,
And may, ere long, disturb the World's Repose.
For our own Safety, let us bind the Romans
In the same Chains which they would fix on others.
But will Messala come? May we confer?
And will he dare—

ALBINUS.
This was the Place assign'd.
He'll straight be here. Titus is his Support.

CÆLIUS.
But art thou well assur'd he may be trusted?

ALBINUS.
If right I know Messala, he conspires,
Rather to change his own, than Tarquin's Fortune;
And yet his Courage is as firm and dauntless,
As if inspir'd by Thirst of jealous Honour.
He's Master of himself, and of his Secrets,
Impenetrably close, when most provok'd.

CÆLIUS.
In Tarquin's Reign, when last I was at Rome,
I took him to be such as you describe,
And since his Letters—But see! he here approaches.