University of Virginia Library

SCENE VIII.

Titus, Messala, Albinus.
ALBINUS.
My Lord, th'Ambassador, at Leisure now,
Expects you in th'Apartment of the Princess—

TITUS.
Say, I'll attend him.
[Exit Alb.
O! had I never lov'd, I had been virtuous!—
Why shou'd I sacrifice my Happiness
To yon' imperious Senate?—Let us go—
[To Messala.]
Behold the Capitol grac'd with my Trophies.

MESSALA.
Do not unjust Patricians govern there?

TITUS.
Hush!—Hark!—Methinks I hear a Voice cry out,
Forbear! Forbear! Wilt thou betray thy Country?
Brutus, and Rome's great Genius cry, Forbear!
[Raving.
[After a Pause.]
Yet free from Stain my Vital Current flows,
And this stanch Heart no base Corruption knows!
O! if by Heav'n my Ruin is decreed,
May I, at least, a Spotless Victim bleed!
Ye righteous Pow'rs! Whatever be My Fate,
Protect Your Brutus, and the Roman State!