 | Fragment of The Fate of Capua |  |
164
ACT III.
SCENE—Capua; a ruined Temple, with a Grove.BADIUS.
Perhaps they'd come;—I like not that perhaps;
Would none had known the secret but myself.
[Aside.
BLOSIUS.
They seem'd irresolute.
BADIUS.
They seem'd:—they are;
This, this, it is with cowards to associate.
[Aside.
BLOSIUS.
On me you scowl with cold disdainful eyes.
Did not this spawn of Afric kill my father?
Where—
BADIUS.
Blosius, stop.
BLOSIUS.
My father's sufferings, and my own desert,
From all suspicion might have screen'd my faith.
BADIUS.
I ne'er suspected you,—but our associates;
O Faith! O Piety! did we not kill,
165
In whose dark gore each one his hands imbrued,
Of whose dark gore each one a mouthful swallow'd?
Did we not wish, with right hands join'd to right,
That every curse, which angry Heaven could pour,
Might blast the villain who betray'd our purpose?
The midnight stars their frighted fires withdrew,
And Hecate shudder'd at the awful compact.
BLOSIUS.
I well remember;—but you go too far;
They'll ne'er betray us, though they should abandon.
BADIUS.
They may; but this (pointing to his sword)
shall, and I have some friends.
BLOSIUS.
I understand; and mine shall not be idle.
But, see, they come.
BADIUS.
Now, Eloquence, assist me:
I'll search them to the bottom,—drop some hints,
As though 'twere better to desert the cause,
BLOSIUS.
Hush, hush, they'll overhear us. [OMITTED]
| Fragment of The Fate of Capua | |