University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Rome.
Enter Aurelius and Uter, Constantius' two Brothers.
Uter.
E'en now in Rome have we for seven long years
Made this our wearisome and constant sojourn,
I would we were again in Britain.

Aur.
Even so good Uter stands it with myself,
Nay, an thou yearn'st to see thy native land,
How is it then with me that there have left
The jewel of my soul, my dearest Flavia!

Uter.
Nay, good my brother, patience yet a little,
All will be well, Flavia doth love you still.

Aur.
I cannot, will not bear this absence longer.

Enter Servant.
Serv.
A messenger, my lords, attends without
On business of great import.

Aur.
Whence comes he?

Serv.
From Britain.

Aur.
From Britain say'st thou! then admit him straight.

[Exit Serv.
Enter Messenger.
Mes.
My gracious lord, are you the eldest son
Of our good King Constantius?

Aur.
Even so.

Mes.
This packet then, I fear, will news contain
The most afflicting.

Aurelius
reads.
These letters we in haste dispatch'd to tell you,
Of your dear father's death, and to forewarn you
Of your own danger—Murder most foul hath ta'en him.
Vortigern on the Scots hath laid the murder;
But under this pretence much lies conceal'd.
Till you arrive, he is to rule deputed:
But as you prize your lives return not yet.

Aur.
Oh! horror! horror! my dear father murder'd!

Uter.
By whom? speak Messenger, where, when, and how?

Mes.
The plot, good Princes, hath been deeply laid.

Aur.
This is indeed most foul! say on, my friend,
Speak quickly, I intreat thee!

Mes.
Then thus 'tis—Vortigern hath done the deed;
His love of splendour, pomp and sovereignty,
And his great int'rest in the people's minds,
All, all did prompt him to this hellish act.

Aur.
Uter, oh heavens! the father of my Flavia!
It is impossible! It cannot be!

Uter.
Oh! this indeed is damned treachery.
My dear Aurelius, let not stupor choak
The worthy feeling of a just revenge;
Courage, Aurelius! courage, my dear brother!

Aur.
Speak on, speak on, and end thy sad discourse!

Mes.
Thy friends in Britain long suspected this,
And to each port did send their trusty spies,
To learn what vessels there for Rome were bound,
And haply that which did transport me here,
Was to have brought your executioners.

Aur.
Oh! would it had been so. Uter support me!

Uter.
Let us retire a while my gentle brother,
Hereafter we will send and question thee
On these thy tidings, and their direful cause.

[Exeunt.