University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Brutus, Cælius, Titus, Lucia, Messala, Albinus, Proculus, Lictors.
BRUTUS,
[to Lucia.]
Lucia, the Hour is come for your Departure.
In the first Fury of the Public Storm,
Rome could not give you to your Houshold Gods.
Tarquin himself, on fell Revenge employ'd,
(His Thoughts entirely bent on our Destruction,)
Seem'd for a while forgetful of his Daughter,
And did not then demand you of the Romans.
But I supply'd the Place of your lost Father—
'Tis with Reluctance that I call to Mind
The Sorrows of that melancholy Day.
Go, reign: And let unbiass'd Equity
Be the firm Basis of your happy Throne.
If You would be obey'd, Obey the Laws.
Maturely weigh the arduous Task of Kings;
If servile Sycophants, with soothing Voice,
Should tempt you from the sacred Paths of Justice,
Remember Tarquin's Fate, and think of Rome:
His Fate, I trust, will stand on lasting Record,
A dreadful Monument to future Tyrants!
[To Cælius.]
Cælius, we yield her to thee; Be it thy Care,
To see her safe conducted to her Father.
A Guard attends you to the Sacred Gate.

[Exeunt Brutus and Lucia at different Doors.
Titus, Cælius, and Messala stay.
TITUS,
[At a Distance.]
O! the tormenting Anguish of Despair!
[He goes towards Cælius.]
She shall not go—Once more permit me, Cælius—
Shall hopeless Love still prey upon my Life?
[Aside.
Allow me but a Word.

CÆLIUS.
The Time is urgent.
Yet, for an Hour, I can protract her Stay;
Beware, you do not seek my Aid too late.
We may, without Reserve, in her Apartment,
Deliberate on this important Crisis.

Exit Cælius, following Lucia.