Valeria. Hark! 'tis thy father's voice, he comes to cheer thee. Enter Horatius, and Valerius. Horatius. [Entering.] News from the camp, my child! Save you, sweet maid! [Seeing Valeria. Your brother brings the tidings, for, alas! I am no warrior now; my useless age, Yet I remember Horatia. You'll forgive us, sir, If with impatience we expect the tidings. Horatius. I had forgot; the thoughts of what I was Engross'd my whole attention.-Pray, young soldier, Relate it for me; you beheld the scene, And can report it justly. Valerius. Gentle lady, The scene was piteous, though its end be peace. Horatia. Peace? O, my fluttering heart! by what kind means? Valerius. 'Twere tedious, lady, and unnecessary To paint the disposition of the field; Suffice it, we were arm'd, and front to front The adverse legions heard the trumpet's sound: But vain was the alarm, for motionless, And wrapt in thought they stood; the kindred ranke Mad caught each other's eyes, nor dar❜d to lift be fault'ring spear against the breast they lov'd. Again th' alarm was given, and now they seem'd They hung their drooping heads, and inward mourn'd; Then nearer drew, and at the third alarm, Casting their swords and useless shields aside, Rush d to each other's arms. Horatius. 'Twas so, just so, (Tho' I was then a child, yet I have heard Valerius. Our King Hostilius from a rising mound Beheld the tender interview, and join'd His friendly tears with theirs; then swift advanc'd, Horatius. There spoke his country's father! this transcends The flight of earth-born kings, whose low ambition And blast creation!-How was it receiv'd? transport. In short, the Roman and the Alban chiefs Horatia. Kind Heaven, I thank thee! Bless'd be the friendly grief that touch'd their souls! "Bless'd be Hostilius for the generous counsel! "Bless'd be the meeting chiefs!" and bless'd the tongue, Which brings the gentle tidings! Valeria. Now, Horatia, Your idle fears are o'er. Horatia. Yet one remains. Who are the champions? Are they yet elected ? Valerius. The Roman chiefs now meet in council, But still, methinks, I like not this, to trust The Roman cause to such a slender hazardThree combatants!-'tis dangerous Horatia. [In a fright.] My father! Horatius. I might, perhaps, prevent it— Oppose the kind decree. Valerius. Rest satisfied Sweet lady, 'tis so solemnly agreed to, Horatius. And yet 'twere well to end these civil broils: The neighb'ring states might take advantage of them. ~Would I were young again! How glorious Were death in such a cause-And yet, who knows And strait attend thee.-Daughter, if thou lov'st hands. They bade me greet you, Lady. « Well, Valeria, [To Horatia. "This is your home, I find: your lovely friend, Valeria. Though we are women, brother, we are « Not to be scar'd with shadows, though not proof “'Gainst all alarms, when real danger threatens." Horatia. [With some hesitation.] My brothers, gen. tle sir, you said were well. Saw you their noble friends, the Curiatii ? The truce, perhaps, permitted it. Valerius. Yes, Lady, I left them jocund in your brothers' tent, Like friends, whom envious storms awhile had parted, Joying to meet again. Horatia. Sent they no message? Valerius. None, fair-one, but such general saluta tion As friends would bring unbid. Horatia. Said Caius nothing? Valerius. Caius ? Horatia. Ay, Caius; did he mention me? O yes, now I do remember, when your brother Ask'd him, in jest, if he had ought to send, "A sigh's soft waftage, or the tender token "Of tresses breeding to fantastic forms," To sooth a love-sick maid (your pardon, lady) He smil'd, and cry'd, Glory's the soldier's mistress. Horatia. Sir, you'll excuse me-something of im portance My father may have business -Oh, Valeria! [Aside to Valeria. [Exit. Talk to thy brother, know the fatal truth |