For hope to dally with. "When friends are mad, ""Tis most unkind to humour their distraction; "Harsh means are necessary. "Valerius. Yet we first Should try the gentler. "Valeria. Did I not? Ye powers! "Did I not sooth your griefs, indulge your fondness, "While the least prospect of success remain❜d? "Was never won by tales of bleeding love: "Valeria. True, these are arts for those that love "You had no time for tedious stratagem; "A dang'rous rival press'd, and has succeeded." Valerius. I own my error-yet once more assist me— Nay, turn not from me, by my soul I meant not To interrupt their loves.-Yet, should some accident, 'Tis not impossible, divide their hearts, I might, perhaps, have hope: therefore 'till marriage Cuts off all commerce, and confirms me wretched, Be it thy task, my sister, with fond stories, Such as our ties of blood may countenance, To paint thy brother's worth, his power in arms, His favour with the king, "but most of all, "That certain tenderness of soul which steals "All women's hearts," then mention many a fair, No matter whom, that sighs to call you sister. Valeria. Well, well, away--Yet tell me, ere you go, How did this lover talk of his Horatia ? Valerius. Why will you mention that ungrateful subject? Think what you've heard me breathe a thousand times Yet dare not seem to pity what I feel. How shall I act betwixt this friend and brother? Be just to both, and leave to Heav'n the rest! [Exit. ACT 11. SCENE 1. Continues. Enter HORATIA and VALERIA. Horatia. ALAS, "how easily do we admit "The thing we wish were true! yet sure," Valeria, This seeming negligence of Curiatius Betrays a secret coldness at the heart. May not long absence, or the charms of war, Valeria. Think, my Horatia, That you're a lover, and have learn'd the art My brother idly trifled with your passion, What you too nearly feel. But see, your father. news Has brought him back thus early. Oh, my heart I I long, yet dread to ask him. Speak, Valeria. Enter HORATIUS. Valeria. You're soon return'd, my lord. Horatius. Return'd, Valeria ! My fe, my youth's return'd, I tread in air I -I cannot speak; my joy's too great for utterance. All three are champions in the cause of Rome. New warmth revive, and springing life renew'd Valeria. The time Of combat, is it fix'd? Horatius. This day, this hour Perhaps decides our doom. Valeria. And is it known With whom they must engage? But with impatience we expect each moment And soon may they arrive, that ere we quit By Heaven, thou stand'st unmov'd, nor feels thy breast The charms of glory, the extatic warmth Which beams new life, and lifts us nearer Heaven! Horatia. My gracious father, with surprise and transport I heard the tidings, as becomes your daughter. Horatius. Survive! By Heaven, I could not hope that they should all survive. Enter PUBLIUS HORATIUS. Pub. My father! [Offering to kneel. Horatius. Hence! Kneel not to me-stand off; and let me view The champion of my country !-Oh, my boy! |