University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

—The Camp.
Enter S. Oppius and Q. F. Vibulanus.
Opp.
Has he set out?

Vibul.
He has, my Oppius,
And never to return; his guard, instructed
To take good care of him. There's not a man
But's ten times sold to us, and of our wishes
Fully possess'd. Dentatus will no more
Obstruct us in our plans. He did not like
The site of our encampment. He will find
At least the air of it was wholesome.

Opp.
What
Report are they instructed to bring back?

Vibul.
They fell into an ambush—He was slain.

Opp.
But should the truth by any means ooze out?

Vibul.
Imprison them, and secretly despatch them,
Or ope the dungeon-doors, and let them 'scape.

Opp.
I should prefer the latter method.

Vibul.
Well,
That be our choice. But when it is determined
To spill blood otherwise than as it may
Be spill'd, to hesitate about some drops
Is weakness, may be fatal.—Come, my friend,
Let us be seen about the camp, and ready,
With most admiring ear, to catch the tidings,
Which all ears, save our own, will wonder at.
Here's one that went with him!
Enter Marcus.
Well, friend, your news?

Marc.

Dentatus is no more; but he has dearly sold his life.
The matter has been reported as you directed. By few it is
received with credence—by many with doubt; while some
bold spirits stop not at muttering, but loudly speak suspicion
of foul play. A party that we met, a mile beyond the lines,
no sooner heard our story, than they set off to bring the body
to the camp. Others have followed them. Fabius, we have
your gage for safety.

Vibul.
You have.—Come, let us show ourselves.—Guilt hides,
And we must wear the port of innocence,
That walks abroad and looks its foes in the face.

[They go out.