And some tore up their garments fast, and strove to stanch the wound. In vain they ran, and felt, and stanched; for never truer blow That good right arm had dealt in fight against a Volscian foe. When Appius Claudius saw that deed he shuddered and sank down, And hid his face some little space with the corner of his gown, Till, with white lips and bloodshot eyes, Virginius tottered nigh, And stood before the judgment-seat, and held the knife on high. "Oh, dwellers in the nether gloom, avengers of the slain, By this dear blood I cry to you, do right between us twain; And even as Appius Claudius hath dealt by me and mine, Deal you by Appius Claudius and all the Claudian line!” So spake the slayer of his child, and turned, and went his way; But first he cast one haggard glance to where the body lay, And writhed and groaned a fearful groan, and then with stedfast feet, Strode right across the market-place unto the Sacred Street. Then up sprang Appius Claudius: "Stop him; alive or dead! Ten thousand pounds of copper to the man who brings his head!" He looked upon his clients, but none would work his will. He looked upon his lictors, but they trembled and stood still. And as Virginius through the press his way in silence cleft, And there ta'en horse to tell the camp what deeds are done in Rome. RICHELIEU BY EDWARD BULWER-LYTTON The characters in this scene are: RICHELIEU, the minister of France and Cardinal of the Church of Rome; LOUIS, the king; BARADAS, the chief conspirator; and JULIE, Richelieu's ward. The KING and BARADAS plan the assassination of RICHELIEU. Room, my lords, room. The minister of France can need no intercession with the king. Louis. What means this false report of death, Lord Rich. Are you, then, angered, sire, that I live still? Rich. Louis! My castle swarmed with the assassins. Bar. (advancing). Huguet is now Not mine; look elsewhere, We have punished them already. In the Bastile. Oh, my lord, we were prompt We? Ha, ha! you hear Rich. My liege! What page, man, in the last court grammar, Made you a plural? Count, you have seized the hireling; Sire, shall I name the master? Louis. Tush, my lord, The old contrivance; ever does your wit Service to France? I have none. Lives the man Remember, he who made, can unmake. Rich. Never! Never! Your anger can recall your trust, Louis. (motions to Baradas and turns haughtily to the Enough! Your Eminence must excuse a longer audience. To your own palace: for our conference, this Nor place, nor season. Rich. Good, my liege, for Justice All place a temple, and all seasons summer! Do you deny me justice? Saints of heaven! He turns from me! Do you deny me justice? For fifteen years, while in these hands dwelt empire, The very leper shrinking from the sun, Tho loathed by charity, might ask for justice! As men who ask man's rights!-My liege, my Louis, In the pale presence of the baffled murder? Louis. Lord Cardinal, one by one you have severed from me The bonds of human love; all near and dear Rich. Sire! I-patience, Heaven! Sweet Heaven! Sire, from the foot Exeunt KING and train. Rich. Goddess of bright dreams, Enter JULIE Julie. Heaven! I thank thee! It can not be, or this all-powerful man Rich. Julie de Mauprat, what dost thou here? Julie. Home!-is Adrien there? strive You're dumb, yet For words; I see them trembling on your lips, Rich. Be soothed, child. Julie. Child no more! I love, and I am woman! Hope and suffer: Love, suffering, hope-what else doth make the strength And majesty of woman? I ask thee for my home, my fate, my all! Where is my husband? Rich. You are Richelieu's ward, A soldier's bride; they who insist on truth Julie. O, mercy, mercy! Save him, restore him, father! Art thou not Art thou not Richelieu? Rich. Yesterday I was; To-day a very weak old man; to-morrow, |