Scene from "Virginius." APPIUS, CLAUDIUS and LICTORS. Appius. Well, Claudius, are the forces At hand? Claudius. They are, and timely, too; the people Are in unwonted ferment. App. There's something awes me at The thought of looking on her father! Upon her, my Appius! Fix your gaze upon [Enter NUMITORIUS, ICILIUS, LUCIUS, [APPIUS ascends the tribuna CITIZENS, VIRGINIUS leading his Virginius. Does no one speak? I am defendant here. To plead a cause too foul for speech! What brow Who casts off shame, should likewise cast off fear App. You had better, Virginius, wear another kind of carriage; This is not of the fashion that will serve you. Vir. The fashion, Appius! Appius Claudius tell me The fashion it becomes a man to speak in, Whose property in his own child-the offspring In such a thing, the very self of himself, Disputed and I'll speak so, Appius Claudius. - Pray you tutor me! App. Stand forth Claudius! If you lay claim to any interest In the question now before us, speak; if not, Claud. Most noble Appius Vir. And are you the man That claims my daughter for his slave?-Look at me And I will give her to thee. Claud. She is mine, then: Do I not look at you? Vir. Your eye does, truly, But not your soul. I see it through your eye But gives the port of impudence to falsehood Your soul I had forgot; the fashion of my speech May not please Appius Claudius. Claud. I demand Protection of the Decemvir! App. You shall have it. Vir. Doubtless! App. Keep back the people, Lictors! What's Your plea? You say the girl's your slave. Produce Your proofs. Claud. My proof is here, which, if they can, Let them confront. The mother of the girl [VIRGINIUS, stepping forward, is withheld by NUMITORIUS. Numitorius. Hold, brother! Hear them out, or suffer me Vir. Man, I must speak, Num. Will she swear she is her child? [Retires. Vir. (starting forward.) To be sure she will - a most wise ques tion that! Is she not his slave? Will his tongue lie for him Or his hand steal or the finger of his hand Beckon, or point, or shut, or open for him? In jeopardy by such a barefaced trick! App. No law in Rome, Virginius, Seconds you. If she swear the girl's her child,¦ Icilius. Fear not, love; a thousand oaths App. You swear the girl's your child, And that you sold her to Virginius' wife, Who passed her for her own. Is that your oath? Slave. It is my oath. App. Your answer now, Virginius. Vir. Here it is! [Brings VIRGINIA forward Is this the daughter of a slave? I know 'Tis not with men as shrubs and trees, that by For such a shoot. My witnesses are these The relatives and friends of Numitoria! Speak for me, my friends; Have I not spoke the truth? Women and Citizens. You have, Virginius. App. Silence! Keep silence there! No more of that! You're very ready for a tumult, citizens. [Troops appear behind. Lictors, make way to let these troops advance! We have had a taste of your forbearance, masters, Vir. Troops in the Forum? App. Virginius have you spoken? Vir. If you have heard me, I have; If not, I'll speak again.' App. You need not, Virginius; I had evidence to give, Which, should you speak a hundred times again, Would make your pleading vain. Vir. Your hand, Virginia! Stand close to me. [Aside. App. My conscience will not let me Be silent. 'Tis notorious to you all, That Claudius' father at his death, declared me The guardian of his son. This cheat has long Been known to me. I know the girl is not Vir. Join your friends, Icilius, I feel for you; but though you were my father, The majesty of justice should be sacred Claudius must take Virginia home with him. Vir. And if he must, I should advise him, Appius, Complete the violation which his eyes The tongues that told him she was not my child Are these the costly charms he cannot purchase His sensual feast, and is not now ashamed, This second Tarquin had already coiled His arms around her. Look upon her Romans ! see her not polluted Tear her from Appius and his Lictors while Your hands! your hands! your hands! Support my Lictors soldiers! Seize the girl, And drive the people back. Icilius. Down with the slaves! [The people make a show of resistance; but upon the advance of the soldiers, retreat, and leave ICILIUS, VIRGINIUS and his daughter, etc., in the hands of APPIUS and his party. Deserted! Cowards! traitors! Let me free But for a moment! I relied on you; Had I relied upou myself alone, I had kept them still at bay! I kneel to you- To rush upon your swords. Vir. Icilius, peace! You see how 'tis, we are deserted, left Alone by our friends, surrounded by our enemies, App. Separate them, Lictors! Vir. Let them forbear awhile, I pray you, Appius : It is not very easy. Though her arms Are tender, yet the hold is strong by which She grasps me, Appius - forcing them will hurt them; |