Sylla A Tragedy, In Five Acts |
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| 2. | SCENE II. |
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 | Sylla |  |
118
SCENE II.
AUFIDIUS, LÆNAS, VALERIA, People.AUFIDIUS.
What mean these preparations? are they made
To give us warning that affrighted Rome
Reels on the verge of ruin? Pompey's troops
Surround the Forum, and the people run
T'interrogate the oracle of Antium—
VALERIA.
What fear ye, Romans? is there yet a plague
Our country has not known from Sylla's fury?
Beat but your hearts in unison with mine,
This day would see the last of Sylla's crimes.
Say, are ye weary of your chains? ashamed
Of thus degrading Rome's fair majesty,
To meet at last but an ignoble death?
Behold, I offer you my arm to punish
The tyrant. When my country dies, 'tis fit
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That my last breath revive the flowers of Freedom!
Here, in this very palace where I 'wait
My husband, my two brothers died for you;
Envying their fate I feel I owe my country
What of the generous blood may yet remain
That ran all-taintless through Cornelia's veins:
Would ye but second me, to-day, e'en here
Should it be shed in sacrificing Sylla.
AUFIDIUS
(aside to VALERIA).
How would so bold a measure aught avail thee?
How could'st thou open for thyself a passage?
Amid such hosts of warriors, victor slaves,
Such bands of lictors, crowds of courtiers,
Nought but the bolt of Heaven can surely strike him.
Then let us wait awhile, and curb our anger:
Let's hate, but hate in silence.
VALERIA.
From the left
What crowd moves onwards hither? it is he!—
It is my husband.—Heaven, accept my thanks!
We are again united.
| Sylla | |