Horatius. Shame of thy race, why dost thou hang upon him? Wouldst thou entail eternal infamy On him, on me, and all? Horatia. Indeed I would not, I know I ask impossibilities; Pub. Pity thee! Begone, fond wretch, nor urge my temper thus. A sister's thanks for having sav'd her country. [Exit. Horatia. Yet stay-Yet hear me, Publius-But one word. Horatius. Forbear, rash girl, thou'lt tempt thy fa ther To do an outrage might perhaps distract him. Horatia. Alas, forgive me, sir, I'm very wretched, Indeed I am-Yet I will strive to stop This swelling grief, and bear it like your daughter. Do but forgive me, sir. Horatius. I do, I do Go in, my child, the gods may find a way To make thee happy yet. But on thy duty, Whate'er reports may reach, or fears alarm thee, If you command it, sir. But will you then, Remember that your poor Horatia's life Hangs on this dreadful contest? Horatius. "Lead her in." [Exit Horatia. [Looking after her.] Spite of my boasted strength, her griefs unman me. -But let her from my thoughts! The patriot's breast No hopes, no fears, but for his country knows, [Exit. ACT III. SCENE I. Continues. VALERIUS and VALERIA meeting, Valerius. Now, my Valeria, where's the charming she Valeria. 'Tis not the lover, but the friend she wants, If thou dar'st own that name. Valerius. The friend, my sister! There's more than friendship in a lover's breast, More warm, more tender is the flame he feels-Valeria. Alas! these raptures suit not her distress: She seeks th' indulgent friend, whose sober sense, On me for that kind office? Valeria. Yes, Valerius. She chose you out to be her advocate To Curiatius; 'tis the only hope She now dares cherish; her relentless brother And save her ere she sinks. Valerius. Her advocate To Curiatius! Valeria. 'Tis to him she sends you, To urge her suit, and win him from the field. Valerius. To my rival! To Curiatius plead her cause, and teach My tongue a lesson which my heart abhors 1 Impossible! Valeria, pr'ythee say Thou saw'st me not; the business of the camp Valeria. What means my brother? [Going. You cannot leave her now; for shame, turn back; Is this the virtue of a Roman youth? Oh, by these tears!. Valerius. They flow in vain, Valeria: Nay, and thou know'st they do. Oh, earth and heaven! This combat was the means my happier stars Valeria. Yet thou canst murder her task. Valeria. I know the task is hard, and thought I knew Thy virtue too. Valerius. I must, I will obey thee. Lead on. Yet pr'ythee, for a moment leave me, 'Till I can recollect my scatter'd thoughts, And dare to be unhappy. Valeria. My Valerius! I fly to tell her you but wait her pleasure. [Exit. Valerius. Yes, I will undertake this hateful office; It never can succeed.-Yet at this instant It may be dangerous, while the people melt Makes her my friend, and may afford hereafter A thousand tender hours to move my suit. That hope determines all, [Exit. SCENE II. Another Apartment. Enter HORATIA and VALERIA. HORATIA with a Scarf in her Hand. Horatia. Where is thy brother? Wherefore stays he thus? Did you conjure him? did he say he'd come? As my last refuge. Did he seem averse Valeria. Dear maid, Restrain your sorrows; I've already told you Horatia. Oh wherefore then Is he away? Each moment now is precious; |