University of Virginia Library

Scene I.

—Laurel grove beneath the temple at Delphi.
Enter Sextus, Aruns, and Brutus.
Sextus.
Who kisses first his mother shall be king:
So said the priestess. Oh, for sovereignty,
Goal of my disposition! I will run
A vehement, hot race for it. Away!

Aruns.
I am the elder-born, and prophecy
Dare not prevail against me. Fortune's name!
The Dullard tumbles. [To Brutus.]
Find thy feet again
When we are out of sight!

[Exeunt, running in rivalry.
Brutus.
Smoke of Cassotis, thou art in my brain!
I reel to think of it,—vile Tullia's lips
Shall give supremacy? The groaning hordes
Of the Cloaca, the dulled labourers,
Learn no interpretation of their doom:
The Lycian king forgets he was a slave;
The gods are despots. Thou deep, dewy grass,
Thou hast my kiss. [Kneels, and passionately kisses the earth.]
Is this the mystery?
Then would I be a dullard! Yet, O Earth,
Thy children shall be precious in my sight,
Their sweat remembered, and their blood avenged.
Now will I slowly home. My cherry-staff
Is gone, but I stand firm upon my feet:
I have received the message—Lord of Rome!

[Exit.