University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Maximus
alone.
How adverse is my fate! Though all the earth
Abounds with villainy, when Maximus
Would seek a villain, each assumes the hero,
And baffles his designs. Affronted love
Has prov'd too weak to fire the rage of Ætius:
My daughter disobeys me—be it so—
I must no longer dally with my purpose,
But hasten on the blow—too much already
Have I disclos'd, and ere the dawn appears
Cæsar shall die: Emilius for the deed
Will lend his faithful arm. What then may follow?
Or Valentinian falls, and crowns my vengeance;
Or, grant he should survive, 'tis mine to cast
The guilt on Ætius: 'tis an easy task:
Cæsar, the rival of his fame and love,
Without my arts will deem him criminal.
Or should aught else betide, I from th' event
Can form resolves anew: in greatest dangers
That wisdom oft is best which trusts to chance.

[Exit.