And leave us but the empty name of sovereignty.
But we are Romans, born to liberty,

Knowing our rights, and daring to assert them,
And while the nations round pay homage to us,
Disdaining to be slaves at home.

DUILIUS.

These sentiments

I would were graven on the people's hearts;
But I have seen them in the hour of trial
With all their passions swelling to the heighth,
Shrink back abash'd from presence of the fathers,

And therefore fear them now.

But see, the tribune!

SCENE II.

CAIUS GRACCHUS, FULVIUS, CITIZENS FOLLOWING

THEM, CELIUS, DUILIUS.

CAIUS GRACCHUS. [To the Citizens.

Once more, and in your country's name, I thank you,

Romans,

Well does your zeal become the noble cause

Which calls it forth, and Rome shall yet be free.
Now to your several occupations hence,

And ere mid-day expect me in the forum.

[The Citizens retire,

Cælius, Duilius, in th' important charge

Committed to your faith, have you been vigilant ?

Say are our friends prepar'd?

CELIUS.

In every tribe

The leaders whom you nam'd have heard their orders.

DUILIUS.

And all th' inferior multitude instructed

From them will take the signal.

CELIUS.

Such their zeal,

So firm their faith, and not to be seduc'd

Or terrify'd, that fair success assur'd

Pursues our enterprize.

DUILIUS.

Yet, for that dangers,

When unforeseen, are fatal most, 'tis fitting
That our most honour'd Tribune be appriz'd

The friends, and clients of the nobles, all
Prepar'd, and mcre in number than was thought,
Will meet in the Comitium: and the Senate
Array'd in mourning habits, and with shew
More than accustom'd solemn, to impress
The wondering people with religious dread

Of some impending great calamity,

Have mov'd to their assembly, and even now Their consultations are, I judge, begun.

GRACCHUS.

I cannot wonder our imperious nobles,
So long accustom'd to unquestion'd sway,
Should when the deep foundation of their power
Shakes with the rising spirit of the people;
And when the knife with keen resistless edge
Is laid against the sinews of their strength,
Struggle to ward the blow. Nor am I ignorant
How many friends, how many vile dependents,
Wait
on continued, and successful power.
But when was great, and glorious enterprize,
Such as might claim the guerdon of renown,
To danger not obnoxious? But we know
That glory grows with danger. 'Tis the spur
Which urges on the brave to pain and death.
If in pursuit of this attempt we perish,

We perish greatly, and posterity

Will crown with just applause our noble deed.

CELIUS.

The meanest citizen upon our party

Will gladly perish in the cause of freedom

They have the Roman spirit,

GRACCHUS.

I believe it.

But wherefore perish? Are not our adherents

the Senate,

In number more than those who prop
And resolute no less? By recent injuries
Rous'd into action, and with sure advantage
Attendant on success confirmed in purpose!
Our cause is freedom, Equal liberty,

And power, and wealth, to all. Theirs is oppression.

A little portion of usurp'd authority

And wealth extorted, sparely parcell'd out,

And held at their good pleasure, the great motive

That pricks their followers on. This well consider'd,

And all precautions wisely had, I think

Success is most assur'd.

DUILIUS.

We hope no less.

GRACCHUS.

Yet for that my intelligence imports

Not only that the clients of the nobles

Are strictly charg'd, with arms beneath their gowns Conceal'd, to join th' assembly of the people;

But that their furious, and unbridled rashness

Has plac'd the sword in vile, and servile hands,

Against the sacred majesty of Rome :

I hold it fitting, and what wisdom bids,

We arm for our defence. When they shall find us Prepar'd, 'twill check their rage, and spare th' effusion Of Roman blood.

CELIUS.

The citizens are warn'd,

And will obey your orders.

GRACCHUS.

We commend,

The noble Fulvius, and myself, your diligence.
But strictly charge them, lest impetuous zeal
Should violate the peace we mean to guard,

That not a blow be struck, or sword be drawn,
Until I give the signal.

DUILIUS.

We shall use

Our utmost efforts to fulfil your purpose.

CELIUS.

The leaders of the tribes are well advis'd

For all occurrences.

GRACCHUS.

Omit not, Cælius,