 | Junius Brutus |  |
SCENE III.
Lucia, Cælius, Hortensia.CÆLIUS.
I am commanded, Lucia, by your Father,
To your own Hands to give this Letter.
LUCIA.
Ye Gods! prolong his Life; and change his Fate!
[She reads.]
“The King of Rome may reascend his Throne,
“If his most gallant Foe shou'd prove his Friend.
“Titus alone is able to restore
“A Crown, which I consent with him to share.
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“If you love Titus, Titus may be yours.
“Remember, you receiv'd your Life from me.
“On your Resolve depends the Fate of Tarquin.
LUCIA.
“On your Resolve depends the Fate of Tarquin—
And—“Titus may be yours—
Can this be possible? Will Tarquin stoop,
Inflexible till now, in spight of Woes?
Whence does he know, or how?—Ah! cruel Cælius,
You only search the Secrets of my Heart!
Show more Compassion to a wretched Princess,
Nor with these Arts ensnare my heedless Youth!
CÆLIUS.
Indeed, you wrong me, Lucia, I but fulfill
The Orders Tarquin gave, nor aim presumptuous,
To pry into the Secrets of your Bosom.
My Duty prompts me only to suggest,
That Heav'n makes choice of You, to place the Crown
Upon your Father's Head, and to restore
This ravag'd Kingdom to its ancient Splendor.
LUCIA.
To serve my Father by joining Hands with Titus!
Impossible! Explain this dark Ænigma.
CÆLIUS.
Trust me, this Heroe glows with secret Ardour
Both for the King, and all the Royal Race.
Th'Austerity of these Republicans
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I don't pretend to penetrate his Breast;
But since he knows the Merit of your Virtues,
He must be proud to own himself your Servant.
Who can behold so rich a Diadem
Presented by your Hands, with double Lustre,
And not transported bless the Royal Donor?
One soothing Word from You will fix his Heart.
Engage then Titus to your Father's Cause,
Rome's chief Support, her Tutelary God!
Deserve the happy Honour, you enjoy,
To turn at Pleasure, and controul the Fate
Of your great Sire, and of the Roman State!
[Exit Cælius.
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