University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

The Camp; Fulvius, Appius, Assellius, &c.
FULVIUS.
A virgin? and Petronia? Vibius' daughter?

APPIUS.
So said the herald.

FULVIUS.
She's my son's belov'd:
I thought him frantic when he us'd to praise her;
But her beauties beggar panegyric.

APPIUS.
I'm glad we can redeem your gallant son;—
Domitius is an honourable exchange.

FULVIUS.
Would he were here!

APPIUS.
He shall be soon.

FULVIUS
—(Aside.)
Possession
Might quench a passion so unlike a Roman;
I hate a Capuan, but detest her father.

ASSELLIUS
—(to Pedanius.)
Although I knew the daring of the youth,
I was astonish'd.

PEDANIUS.
Now 'tis plain he loves,
Loves to distraction: Friendship to her father
Could never make him beg for death to save her.

APPIUS.
By Heaven! you're right.

PEDANIUS.
And something may be done.

[Exit, conferring with Appius—Manet Fulvius.
Enters a Tribune, with a Carthaginian Prisoner.
FULVIUS.
A Carthaginian prisoner! by his mien,
And noble bearing, he should be important.
Ha! how he scowls contemptuous! say, whence, soldier?

TRIBUNE.
As westward with my party I patroll'd,
I beat the forest where I was commanded,
In vain; but eastward to the camp returning,
Hid in a darkling, woodbine-mantled cave,
Fronting the river, near Feretria's temple,
We spied this Moor; but ere we could secure him,
Into the stream, he, tearing, toss'd this packet,
And with his poniard tried to stab himself.
A hardy swimmer haply this recover'd;
And I, my Lord, the dagger wrested from him.

FULVIUS.
Whence art thou, slave?

[He is silent, and frowns more contemptuously.
TRIBUNE.
Thus on the march he frowningly was mute.

FULVIUS.
Not speak, barbarian! Then he'll tell no lies:
And where's the African that's not a liar?
Hence with him, guards; and to our fiercest lions,
His country savages, to-morrow cast him.