2.532. 1875 ••»H ^ ^ ^ djomell Uttiuetaitg SIthrarg iUijara, 3Npu> florli FROM THE BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY COLLECTED BY BENNO LOEWY 1854-1919 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY Cornell University Library PS 2532.B7 1875 The tragedy of Brutus, or The fall of T 3 1924 022 029 007 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022029007 THE TRAGEDY OF BRUTUS, THE FALL OF TARQUIN, JOHN HOWARD PAYE" WITH ORIGINAL CAST OF CHAR ACTERS *IN 1 833. ALBANY, N. T.: JOEL MUNSELL. 1875. THE TRAGEDY OF BRUTUS. This Tragedy is submitted to the publick with the most grateful sense of the kindness with which it has been honoured. It was originally intended to be published as sent to the Theatre ; but the omissions and changes con- sequent on its being performed, were numerous. The reader will now find it in every respect a copy from the prompt book. The imperfect lines which sometimes occur in the verse have arisen from the determination to make the conformity complete. Seven plays upon the subject of Brutus are before the publick. Only two have been thought capable of representation, and those two did not long retain possession of the stage. In the present play I have had no hesitation in adopting the conceptions and language of my predecessors wherever they seemed likely to strengthen the plan which I had prescribed. This has been so done as to allow of no injury to personal feelings or private property. Such obligations to be culpable must be secret ; but it may be observed that no assistance of other writers can be available without an effort almost, if not altogether, as laborious as original composition. I am reluctant to select peculiar objects of praise, when I found zeal and politeness so universal. — But I must be permitted to add my gratitude to the publick admiration of Mr. Kean's most masterly and splendid perform- ance of the principal character. — Mrs. Glover, too, has claims on me which must not be forgotten. — The play was introduced by her to the Theatre, and its share of publick favour must be largely attributed to the critical taste of this very amiable and intelligent woman. To the Sub-Committee and the Manager, I also beg to return my grate- ful thanks. John Howard Payne. Southampton-street, Covent Oarden, December 9, 1818. ORIGINAL CAST. PERSONS REPRESENTED. Lucius Junius Mr. Kean, Titus Mr. D. Fisher. Sextus Tarquin Mr. H. Eemble. Aruns Mr. . Claudius Mr. Collatinus Mr.. Valerius Mr. Holland. Lucretius Mr. Powell. Horatius Mr. Ydrnold. Celius Mr, Garr. Flavius Corunna Mr. B. Phillips. Centurion Mr. Ley. Messenger '.Mr. Marshall, First Roman Mr, Ebswortli. Second Roman Mr. Smith. Third Roman Mr. Buxton, Officers. Messrs. Hope, Mathews, Brown, Appleby, Cooper, Goodman. Populace. Messrs Evans, Wiber, Q. Hogg, Williams, Thomas, Pembery, West, T. West, Tutton, Bynam, Billet, Newman, Tulip, Martin, Bettel, Melvin, H. Hogg, Dean, J. Seymour, Price, Speake, Hay, Hildrow, Tabby, Deakin, Burn, Saunders, &c, &c. Senators. Messrs. Miller, Staples, Seymour, Johnson, Chappie, Bead, Connor, Rich- ardson, &c. Tullia Mrs. Glover. Tarquinia Mrs. W. West. Lucretia Mrs. Robinson. Priestess of Rhea's Temple Mrs. Brereton. Vestal Miss Cooke. Lavinia Miss leers. Ladies of the Court. Mesdms. Coveney, Chatterley, Calvert, Bates, Corri, Parnell. Mesdms. Carr, Ebsworth, Vials, Smith, 'M. Bates, Caulfleld. Attendants on Lucretia, Mesdms. Wilton, Lyon, Scott, Hill. SCMN E varies from Rome, to the camp before Ardea and to CoUatia. TIME of the Action, about 3300 years ago. BRUTUS; THE FALL OF TAEQUIN. PROLOGUE, WBITTEN BY A FRIEND, SPOKEN BY MR. H. KEMBLE. Time rushes o'er us ; thick as evening elouds, Ages roll back : — what calls them from their shrouds 1 What in full vision brings their good and great, The men whose virtues make the nation's fate, The far-forgotten stars of human kind ? The STAGE, — the mighty telescope of mind ! If later, luckless arts that stage profane, The actor pleads — not guilty of the stain : He, but the shadow flung on fashion's tide — Tours, the high will that all its waves must guide : Tour voice alone, the great reform secures, His, but the passing hour — the age is yours. Our pledge is kept. Here, yet, no chargers wheel, No foreign slaves on ropes or scaffolds reel, No Gallic amazons, half naked, climb From pit to gallery, — the low sublime ! In Shakespeare's halls, shail dogs and bears engage ? Where brutes are actors, be a booth the stage ! And we shall triumph yet. The cloud has hung Darkly above — but day shall spring — has sprung — The tempest has but swept, not shook, the shrine ; No lamp that genius lit, has ceased to shine ! Still lives its sanctity. Around the spot Hover high spirits — shapes of burning thought — Viewless — but, call them ; on the dazzled eye Descends their pomp of immortality : 2 Tragedy of Brutus. Here, at your voice, Rowe, Otway, Southeru come, Flashing like meteors thro' the age's gloom. Perpetual here — king of th' immortal band, Sits Shakespeare crown'd. He lifts the golden wand, And all obey ; — the visions of the past Rise as they lived, — soft, splendid, regal, vast. Then Ariel harps along the enchanted wave, Then the Weird sisters thunder in their cave, — The spell is wound. Then shows his mightier art, The Moor's lost soul ; the hell of Richard's heart, And stamps, in fiery warning to all time, The deep damnation of a tyrant's crime. To-night we take our lesson from the tomb : 'Tis thy sad cenotaph, colossal Rome ! How is thy helmet cleft, thy banner low, Ashes and dust are all thy glory now ! While o'er thy wreck, a host of monks and slaves, Totter to " seek dishonourable graves." . The story is of Brutus : in that name Tower'd to the sun her eagle's wing of flame ! When sank her liberty, that name of power, Pour'd hallow'd splendors round its dying hour, The lesson lived for man — that heavenward blaze Fixed on the pile the world's eternal gaze. Unrivall'd England ! to such memories thou This hour dost owe the laurel on thy brow : Those fixed, when earth was like a grave, thy tread, Prophet and warrior ! 'twixt the quick and dead, Those bade thee war for man, — those won the name That crowns thee — famed above all Roman fame. Now, to our scene — we feel no idle fear, Sure of the hearts, the British justice here ; If we deserve it, sure of your applause — Then hear for Rome, for England, for "our cause !" BRUTUS ACT I. Scene I. — A Street in Rome. Enter Valerius and Lucretius. Val. Words are too feeble to express the horror With which my soul revolts against this Tarquin. By poison he obtain'd his brother's wife, Then, by a baser murder, grasp'd the crown. These eyes beheld the aged monarch thrown Down from the senate house, — his feeble limbs Bruis'd by the pavement. — hia time-honor'd locks Which, from the very robber would have gain'd Respect and veneration, — bath'd in blood ! With difficulty rais'd, and tottering homeward, The murderers follow'd — struck him — and he died ! Luc. Inexpiable crime ! Val. High in her regal chariot, Tullia came — The corpse lay in the street. The charioteer Turn'd back the reins in horror. " On, slave, on I " Shall dead men stop my passage to a throne ?" Exclaim'd the parricide. The gore was dash'd From the hot wheels up to her diadem ! Luc. And Heaven's avenging lightnings were withheld ! Here rules this Tullia, while the king, her husband Wastes our best blood in giddy, guilty war ! Spirit of Marcus Junius ! — Would the gods Deign to diffuse thy daring through the land, Rome from her trance with giant spirit would start, Dash off her fetters, and amaze the world ! Val. Junius, didst say ? Oh ! tyranny long since Had sunk — chain'd — buried in its native hell — But Tarquin, trembling at his virtues, murder'd 8 Tragedy of Brutus, Him and his elder son. The younger, Lucius, Then on his travels, 'scaped the tyrant's sword, But lost his reason at their fearful fall. Luc. Aye, the same Lucius who now dwells with Tarquin, — The just, the fool, the laughing stock o'th' court, Whom the young princes always carry with 'em, To be the butt of their unfeeling mirth. Val. Hold ! I hear steps. Great things may yet be done, If we are men and faithful to our country. [Exeumt. SCENE II. The Camp before Ardea. Enter Claudius and Aruns, laughing. Aruns. There is no doctor for the spleen like Lucius ! What precious scenes of folly did he act When, lately, through the unknown seas of Greece, He went with us to Delphi ! — But behold ! Where, full of business, his wise worship comes ! Enter Lucius Junius. Claud. Whither so fast, good Junius, tell us whither ? Luc. To Rome, to Rome — the queen demands my presence. The state needs aid and I am call'd to court. Am I a fool ? If so, you cannot say I'm the first fool grac'd by a monarch's favor. Aruns. Why, Junius, travel has improv'd thy wit : Thou speakest shrewdly. Luc. Do I so, my lord ? I'm always glad when you and I agree ; You have just such a wit as I should choose. Would I could purchase such ! — though it might split My head, as confin'd air does — water bubbles ! Claud. How say you 1 Purchase ? Pr'ythee, what would'st give ? Luc. What would I give ? — ten acres of my land ! Arum. Thy land ! Where lies it ? Luc. Ask the king, my cousin : He knows full well. I thank him, he's my steward, And takes the trouble off my hands. or, the Fall of Tarquin. 9 Claud. Who told thee so ? Luc. The king himself. Now twenty years are past, Or more, — since he sent for me from my farm. "Kinsman," said he, with a kind, gracious smile, "For the black crime of treason which was charg'd "Against thy father and thy elder brother, "Their lives have paid: for thee, as Hove mercy, "Live and be happy : simple is thy mind " — Aruns. True, kinsman, true — ■ i'f'aith, 'tis wondrous simple. Luc. " And that simplicity will be a pledge " That thou wilt never plot against thy sovereign." Claud. Indeed, for that I'll he thy bondsman, Junius. Luc. " Live in my house, companion of my children, "As for thy land, to ease thee of all care "I'll take it for thy use ; all that 1 ask " Of thee, is gratitude." Aruns. And art thou not Grateful for goodness so unmerited ? Luc. Am I not ? Never, by the holy gods Will I forget it ! 'Tis my constant pray'r To heaven, that I may one day have the pow'r To pay the debt I owe him. But stay — stay — I brought a message to you from the king. Aruns. Thank the gods, then, for thy good memory, fool ! Luc. The king your father sends for you to council, Where he debates how best to conquer Ardea. Shall I before, and tell him ye are coming ? Claud. Aye, or behind, or with us, or stay here — As thy wit prompts, — as suits thy lofty pleasure. [Exeunt Aruns and Claudius laughing. Luc. (alone) Yet, 'tis not that which ruffles me — the gibes And scornful mockeries of ill-govern'd youth — Or flouts of dastard sycophants and jesters — Reptiles, who lay their bellies on the dust Before the frown of majesty ! — All this I but expect, nor grudge to bear ; — the face I carry, courts it ! — Son of Marcus Junius ! When will the tedious gods permit thy soul To walk abroad in her own majesty And throw this vizor of thy madness from thee ? To avenge my father's and my brother's murder ! (And sweet, I must confess, would be the draught!) 10 Tragedy of Brutus, Had this been all — a thousand opportunities I've had to strike the blow — and my own life I had not valued as a rush. — But still — There's something nobler to be done — my soul ! Enjoy the strong conception. Oh ! 'tis glorious To free a groaning country — To see Revenge Spring like a lion from its den, and tear These hunters of. mankind ! Grant but the time, Grant but the moment, gods ! If I am wanting, May I drag out this idiot-feigned life To late old age, and may posterity Ne'er hear of Junius but as Tarquin's fool ! , {Exit Lucius Junius. SCENE III. Rome. A State Apartment in the Palace of Tulija. Enter Tullia, ■preceded by Guards, Banner-Bearers, Ladies, — and followed by Valerius. She appears perturbed, and speaks apart. Till, (apart.") Why should the steady mind to shadows yield ? And yet this vision shakes my frame with horror ? I thought his spirit thunder'd in my ear : "Remember, when, with wild ambition's frenzy, "And all Rome's empire in your view, you drove "Your chariot wheels o'er your dead father's body, '' Up to the shouting forum ! " Why, my soul, Dost thou not shun remembrance of that hour ? 'Twas but the cause — the cause — For this base clay, How differs it from the dull earth we tread on When the life's gone? — But, next, the Sybil came. Whose mystic book at such a price we bought And cried, " The race of Tarauin shall be kings " Till a fool drive them hence, and set Rome free ! " Strange prophecy ! — What fool ? — It cannot be That poor dolt, the companion of my sons — or, the Pall of Taequin. 11 Hark thee, Valerius — Know'st thou that same fool Now in the camp ? Val. I. know him Well. — A man Who, when he had a name, was Lucius Junius : — A braver citizen Home never boasted, And wise and learn'd withal ; now chang'd, alas ! A spectacle which humbles me to look on ! Tul. But is he harmless in his moody humors ? Val. Tame as my horse, which though devoid of reason Shall turn, shall stop, and at my angry bidding Shall kneel, till I am throned on his back ! And this shall Junius ; the like instinct stirs Junius and him, — no more. Tul. {Apart.) Hence, idle fears ! Yet, when he went to Delphi, 'tis giv'n out The oracle address'd him with strange portents And each night since, my dreams have been disturb'd By a wild form, too much resembling his, Leading our soldiers forth with sword and flame, Kevolters from the camp, to storm the palace. But he is sent from thence, and shall be watch'd. Enter Horatius. Hot. Tour orders are obey'd. Lucius awaits. Tul. Set him before us. {Exit Hor. {To Valebius.) Tell me, will he answer If we do question him ? Val. I think he will : Yet sometimes when the moody fit doth take him, He will not speak for days ; yea, rather starve Than utter nature's cravings; then anon, He'll prattle shrewdly, with such witty folly . As almost betters reason. Horatius returns with Lucius Junius. Tul. Hark thee, fellow, How art thou call'd ? Lucius. A fool. Tul. Fool for thy nature ; Thou answerest well, — but I demand thy name. Lucius. Nothing but fool. 12 Tragedy of Brutus, Tul. His faculties are brutish ; — BRUTUS shall be thy name. Brutus. Thanks to your grace ! Hor. Dost like thy new name, gentle brute ? Br. So well, Who will may take the fool. I care not who — Your highness, an it like you. Hor. I the fool ! Sirrah, good words, or I will have thee beaten. Br. A fool thou wilt not beat — a brute thou dar'st not, For the dull ass will kick against his striker, If struck too harshly. Tul. Let me hear no more ; There's mischief in his folly. Send him hence. But stay — I'll search him farther. — Hark thee, Brutus, Thou wast at Delphi, with our sons the princes — Tell me — what questions put they to Apollo? Br. Your sons did ask who should be chief in Rome. Tul. Ha ! What replied the oracle to that ? Br. With pains and strugglings the prophetic dame This destiny reported from her god — " Great and most glorious shall that Roman be, " Who first shall greet his mother with a kiss." Tul. That is fulfill'd by Sextus. Hor. Aye, he straight Hasten'd from thence, and kissed the queen his mother. Br. Woe for me, I have no mother ! — And yet I kiss'd her first. Tul. Thou kiss'd her ? Thou? Br. Yea, madam, for just then my foot did slip In the fresh blood of a new-slaughter'd victim, And, falling, I did kiss my mother — earth. Tul. Oh, that the earth had swallow'd thee outright Till thou hadst kiss'd the centre ! I perceive, The gods are leagued with folly to destroy us. My very blood chills at my heart. — Away . [Exit Tullia, with Guards and Ladies. Hor. Hark thee, thou Brutus ; I in part suspect Thou ap'st this folly ; if I find thee trifling Or juggling with the Pythia for predictions, By all the gods I'll have thee flay'd, thy skin Strip'd into thongs, to strangle thee withal, Dissembling varlet ! — Strikes Brutus, who seizes him. or, the Pall of Taequin. 13 Veil. Shame, my lord ! forbear ! Threat'ning a fool you do but wrong yourself. Hor. But that the princes love his son, brave Titus, My dagger should have piero'd his throat ere now And sent him to his mother earth for ever ! He shall be watch'd. — Come, come with me, Valerius. [Exit Horatius. Vol. The gods restore thee, Brutus, to thyself, And us to thee ! Farewell ! Br. (Alone.') A little longer, A little longer yet support me, patience ! The day draws on : it presses to the birth — I see it in the forming womb of time — The embryo liberty. — Ha ! — 'tis my son — Down, rebel nature, down — Enter Titus. Tit. Welcome to Rome! Would I might welcome thee to reason too ! Br. Give me thy hand — - na,y, give it me — Tit. What would'st thin; ? Speak to thy son. Br. I had a thing to say, But I have lost it. Let it pass — = no matter. Tit. Look not upon me with those eyes, but speak ; What is it that annoys thee 'I tell thy friend — • How can I serve thee ? What dost lack ? Br. Preferment. Thou can'st do much at court. Tit. Ah, this is nothing ! Br. So much the fitter for a, fool's petition, And a court-promise Tit. Oh, this trifling racks me. Br. Lend me thine ear : I'll tell a secret to thee Worth a whole city's ransom. This it is ; Nay, ponder it, and lock it in thy heart' — There are more fools, my son, in this wise world Than the gods ever made. Tit. Say'st thou, my father? Expound this riddle. If thy mind doth harbor Aught that imports a son like me to know, Or, knowing, to achieve, declare it. 3 14 Tragedy of Brutus, Br. Now, my son, Should the great gods, who made me what thou see'st, Repent, and in their vengeance cast upon me The burden of my senses back again — What would'st thou say ? Ti. Oh, my lamented father^ Would the kind gods restore thee to thy reason — Br. Then, Titus, then I should be mad with reason. Had I the sense to know myself a Roman, This hand should tear this heart from out my ribs Ere it should own allegiance to a tyrant. If, therefore, thou dost love me, pray the gods To keep me what I am. Where all are slaves, None but the fool is happy. Ti. We are Romans — Not slaves — Br. Not slaves ? Why, what art thou ? Ti. Thy son. Dost thou not know me ? Br. You abuse my folly. I know thee not — Wert thou my son, ye gods ! Thou would'st tear off this sycophantic robe, Tuck up thy tunic, trim these curled locks To the short warrior-cut, vault on thy steed ; Then scouring through the city, call to arms, And shout for liberty — Ti. (starts) Defend me, gods ! Br. Ha ! does it stagger thee 1 Ti. For liberty? Said'st thou for liberty ? — It cannot be. Br. Indeed ! — 'tis well — no more. Ti. What would my father ? Br. Begone, you trouble me. Ti. Nay, do not scorn me. Br. Said I, for liberty ? I said it not : The awful word breath'd in a coward's ear, Were sacrilege to utter. Hence, begone ! Said I, you were my son ? — 'Tis false : I'm foolish ; My brain is weak and wanders ; you abuse it. Ti. Ah, do not leave me ; not in anger leave me. Br. Anger ! What's that ? I am content with folly ; Anger is madness, and above my aim ! (Music heard.} ok, the Fall of TARQuitt. 15 Hark ! here is music for thee, — food for love, And beauty to serve in the rich repast. Tarquinia comes. Go, worship the bright sun, And let poor Brutus wither in the shade. {Exit Brutus.) Ti. Oh, truly said ! bright as the golden sun Tarquinia's beauty beams, and I adore ! Soft music. Tarquinia enters, preceded by damsels bearing a crown of gold, some with censers, &c, proper for the ceremonials of a dedication to Fortune. What dedication, or what holy service Doth the fair client of the gods provide ? In the celestial synod is there one Who will not listen to Tarquinia's prayer '( Tar. I go to Fortune's Temple, to suspend Upon the votive shrine, this golden crown. While incense fills the fane, and holy hymns Are chanted for my brother's safe return, What shall I ask for Titus ? Ti. Tho' the goddess, In her blind bounty should unthrone the world, To build me one vast empire, my ambition, If by thy love unblest, would slight the gift : Therefore, of Fortune I have nought to ask — She hath no interest in Tarquinia's heart. Nature, not Fortune, must befriend me there. Tar. Thy gentle manners, Titus, have endear'd thee, Although a subject Koman, to Tarquinia; My brother Sextus wears thee next his heart ; The Queen herself, of all our courtly youth First in her favor holds the noble Titus : And though my royal father well may keep A jealous eye upon thy Junian race, — A race unfriendly to the name of king, — Yet, thee he cherishes ; with generous joy The monarch sees thy early virtue shoot, And with a parent's fondness, rears its growth. Ti. Oh ! neither name, nor nature, nor the voice Of my lost father, could he wake to reason, Not all the wrongs that tyranny could pile On my afflicted head, — not all the praise That patriot gratitude could shower upon me, 16 Tragedy of Brutus, Can shake the faithful purpose of my soul To sever it from love and my Tarquinia. Tar. Approve that firmness in the shock of trials, And if my love can recompense thy virtue, Nor tortures, nor temptations, nor the wreck Of Rome and empire, shall divide me from thee. To this I pledge my hand. Now to the Temple ! [Exeunt omnes.'] END OF THE FIRST ACT. ACT II. Scene I. — The Tent o/Sextus in the Camp le/ore Ardea. A magnificent Banquet. Sextus, Collatinus, Claudius, and Aruns, discovered drinking. Sex. Come, then, here's to the fairest nymph in Italy; And she's in Rome. Ar. Here's to the fairest nymph in Italy ; And she is not in Rome. Sex. Where is she then ? Ar. Ask Collatine; he'll swear she's at Collatia. Sex. His wife ! Ar. Even so. CI. Is it so, Collatine ? Well, 'tis praiseworthy in this vicious age To see a young man true to his own spouse. Oh, 'tis, a vicious age ! When I behold One who is bold enough to steer against The wind of tide and custom, I behold him With veneration ; 'tis a vicious age. Col. Laugh on 1 though I'm the subject ! If to love My wife's ridiculous, I'll join the laugh ; Though I'll not say if I laugh at or with you ! Ar. {Ironically.) The conscious wood was witness to his sighs ; The conscious Dryads wiped their watery eyes, For they beheld the wight forlorn, to-day, And so do I ; — but I shall not betray. Here now he is, however, thanks to me, That is, his semblance, for his soul dwells hence. How was it when you parted 1 {Mimicking.') She, — " My love, li Fear not, good sooth, I'll very constant prove." or, the Fall of Tarquin. 17 He. ; — " And so will I, — for, whereso'er I steer, " 'Tis but my mortal clay, my soul is here." {All laugh.') Sex. And pr'ythee, Collatine, in what array Did the God Hymen come to thee ! How dress'd, And how equipp'd ? I fear me much, he left His torch behind, so that thou could'st not see A fault in thy belov'd ; or was the blaze So burning bright, that thy bedazzled eyes Have since refused their office ? Col. And doth Sextus Judge by his own experience, then, of others ? To him, I make no doubt, hath Hymen's torch Discover'd faults enough ! what pity 'twas He had not likewise brought i'th' other hand A mirror, where the prince might read himself. Sex. I like thee now ; thou'rt gay, and I'll be grave. As to those dear, delicious ereatures, women, Hear what my own experience has taught me. I've ever found 'em fickle, artful, amorous, Fruitful in schemes to please their changeful fancies, And fruitful in resources when discover'd They love unceasingly — they never change — Oh, never ! — no ! — excepting in the object. Love of new faces is their first great passion, Then love of riches, grandeur, giddy sway ! Knowing all this, I seek not constancy, But, to anticipate their wishes, rove, Humor their darling passion, and am bless'd ! Col. This is the common cant ; the stale, gross, idle, Unmeaning jargon, of all those who, conscious Of their own littleness of soul, avoid With timid eye the face of modest virtue : Who, mingling only with the base, and flush'd With triumphs over those they dare attack. — The weak, the forward, or deprav'd, — declare, (And fain would make their shallow notions current,) That womankind are all alike, and hoot At virtue, whereso'er she passes by them. I have seen sparks like these, — and I have seen A little worthless village cur, all night Bay with incessant noise the silver moon, While she, serene, throned in her pearled car, Sail'd in full state along. — But Sextos' judgment 18 Tragedy of Brutus, Owns not his words, — and the resemblance glances On others, not on him. Sex. Let it glance where and upon whom it will, Sextus is careless of the mighty matter. Now hear what I have seen. I've seen young men Who, having fancied they have found perfection — Col. Sextus, no more — lest I forget myself, . And thee. — I tell thee, Prince — Ar. Nay, hold ! Sextus, you go too far. Sex.- Why, pray, good Sir, may I not praise the wife Of this same testy, froward husband here, But on his cheek offence must quivering sit, And dream of insult ? Col. I heed you not; jest on, I'll aid your humor : Let Aruns use me for his princely laughter, Let Claudius deck me with ironic praise ; But when you touch a nearer, dearer subject, Perish the man, nay, may he doubly perish, Who can sit still, and hear with skulking coolness, The least abuse, or shadow of a slight, Cast on the woman whom he loves ! though here Your praise or blame are pointless equally, Nor really add the least, nor take away From her true value more than they could add To th' holy gods, or stain them on their thrones ! Ar. If that a man might dare to ope his lips When Collatinus frowns, I would presume To say one word in praise of my own wife, And I will say, could our eyes stretch to Rome, In spite of the perfections of Lucretia, My wife, who loves her fireside and hates gadding, Would prove far otherwise employ'd — and better, — Aye, better, as a woman, than the deity Residing at Collatia. Sex. (Aside.) Well timed ; — I'll seize th' occasion : View this Lucretia ere I sleep, and satisfy My senses whether fame has told the truth. ( Aloud) I'll stake my life on't, — let us mount our horses And post away this instant towards Rome, — That we shall find thy wife, and his, and his, Making the most of this, their liberty. Why, 'tis the sex : enjoying to the full ob, the Fall of Tarquin. 19 The swing of licence which their husbands' absence Affords. I'll stake my life that this is true ; And that my own, (ill as I may deserve it) — Knows her state best, keeps best within the bounds Her matron duties claim ; that she's at home, While yours are feasting at their neighbors' houses. What say'st thou, Collatine ? Col. Had I two lives, I'd stake them on the trial, Nor fear to live both out. Sex. Let us away then. Come, come, my Collatinus, — droop not thus, — Be gay. Col. I am not sad. Sex. But fearful for th' event. Col. Not in the least. Sex. A little. Col. Not a whit. You do not know Lucretia. Sex. But we shall. Let's lose no time. Come, brothers ! Let's away. [Exeunt omnes.] SCENE II. Home. — An Apartment in the Palace. Enter Brtjtus. Br. {Alone.) Oh, that some light would beam from heav'n to teach me When to burst forth, and how to gain my purpose. For Kome I would resign all other bonds, And tear each private tie from my fix'd heart. Ha ! — Some one comes ! It is my son ! He seems Rapt in Elysium, and elate with joy ! [Retires.'] Enter Titus. Tit. 'Tis done ! 'tis done ! auspicious are the fates, Tarquinia's word is pledg'd, and all its brightness ! Br. {Coming down.) That exclamation was too lofty, boy : Such raptures ill become the troubled times — ■ Of such, no more. Ti. Oh ! at an hour like this, . Who could repress the thrill of grateful joy ! 20 Tragedy of Brutus, Br. (Eagerly.) What dost thou mean ? Ti. Tarquinia. Br. What of her? Ti. Her vows are pledg'd, And heaven's propitious smile will make her mine. Br. Thine ? What ! Thine ? Heav'n make Tarquinia thin ? Away ! away ! Heav'n spurns the race she springs from ! Ti. How ! — Father, wert thou to thyself restor'd, Thou would'st exult to see thy son thus blest. Our vows are past. They cannot be recall'd ; And soon the nuptial altar will behold her My own for ever. Br. No, Titus, not for ever ! If thou art mine, thou can'st not be Tarquinia's. Renounce thy father, — or renounce thy love. Ti. Nay, loose me, father, this is frenzy all. E'en hadst thou spoken the dictates of thy soul, (For sure thou can'st not know what thou requir'st,) I must not, would not, could not, yield Tarquinia. Nay — let me go — or my rack'd heart will break. Br. Leave me. Retire. Thine is no Roman heart. Ere long the moon will change — the moon — my goddess — And then thou may'st behold a change in Brutus. Ti. 'Tis as I thought. Folly resumes its reign. Look on him, oh ye gods ! Grant him once more the treasure now withheld, And to his son restore a long-lost father 1 [Exit Titus.] Br. (Alone.) I was too sudden. I should have delay'd And watch'd a surer moment for my purpose. He must be frighted from this dream of love. What ! shall the son of Junius wed a Tarquin I As yet I've been no father to my son, — I could be none : but, through the cloud that wraps me, I've watch'd his mind with all a parent's fondness, ' And hail'd, with joy, the Junian glory there. Could I once burst the chains which now enthral him, My son would prove the pillar of his country, Dear to her freedom as he is to me. The time may come when heaven will heal our wrongs — To your hands, mighty powers, I yield myself — 1 will not doubt heaven's goodness or Rome's virtue — Then, hence, despair ! Still, thou and I are twain ! [Exit Brutus.] ' or, the Fall of Tarquin. 21 SCENE III. The house of Collatinus at Collatia. An apartment, lighted up. Lucretia discovered, surrounded by her maids, all employed in embroidery and other female occupations. Lavinia is by the side of Luceetia. Luc. How long is it, Lavina, since my lord Hath chang'd his peaceful mansion for the camp And restless scenes of war ? Lav. Why, in my simple estimation, madam, 'Tis some ten days, or thereabout, for time Runs as it should with me, — in yours, it may he Perhaps ten years. Luc. I do not understand thee. Say* st thou, with me time runs not as it should ? Explain thy meaning — What should make thee think so ? Lav. All that I mean, is, that if I were married, And that my husband were call'd forth to th' wars, I should not stray through the grove next my house, Invoke the pensive solitude, and woo The dull and silent melancholy, — brood O'er my own thoughts alone, or keep myself Within my house mew'd up, a prisoner. 'Tis for philosophers To love retirement; women were not made To stand coop'd up like statues in a niche, Or feed on their own secret contemplations. Luc. Go to; thou know'st not what thou say'st, Lavinia, I thank the gods who taught me that the mind Possess'd of conscious virtue, is more rich Than all the sunless hoards which Plutus boasts; And that the ohiefest glory of a woman Is in retirement — that her highest comfort Results from house-born and domestic joys, — Her noblest treasure, a deserving husband ! Who, not a prisoner to the eye alone, A fair complexion or melodious voice, Shall read her deeper, — nor shall time, which palls The rage of passion, shake his ardent love, 4 22 Tragedy of Brutus, Increasing by possession. This, (again I thank The gracious gods,) — this husband, too, is mine ! Soft — "I hear footsteps ! Hour of rapture ! Look ! My life, my love, my Collatinus comes ! Enter Collatinus, Sextus, Aruns, and Claudius. Lucretia rushes into the arms of Collatinus. My lord, most welcome ! Col. Welcome these, my friends, Lucretia ! — our right royal master's sons ; Passing this way, I have prevail'd with them To grace our humble mansion. Luc. Welcome yourself ! And doubly welcome, that you bring such friends. Haste, maidens, haste — make ready for our guests ! My heart is full of joy ! [Exeunt Attendants] Ar. Rather, fair lady, You should be angry, that unseasonably, And with abrupt intrusion, we've thus broke Upon your privacy. Luc. No, my good lord ; Those to whom love and my respect are due, Can. ne'er intrude upon me ; — had I known This visit, you, perhaps, might have been treated With better cheer — not a more kind reception. This evening, little did I think my house Would have possess'd such lodgers. CI. Rather, lady. Such birds of passage, — we must hence to»night. Luc. To-night ? Doth not my lord say no to that ? Col. I would, Lucretia ; but it cannot be. If aught the house affords, my dearest love, To set before your guests, I pray, prepare it : We must be at the camp ere morning dawn. An hour or two will be the utmost limit Allow'd us here. Luc. With all the speed I can I'll play the caterer ; though I am tempted, Would that delay your journey, to be tardy And prove a sluggish housewife. [Exit Lucretia.] Sex. This is indeed a wife ! Here the dispute Must end; — And, Collatinus, we must yield to thee ! or, the Fall of Tarquin. 23 Ar. I will not envy thee, — but 'tis a wife Of wives, — a precious diamond, piok'd From out the common pebbles. To have found her At work among her maids at this late hour, And not displeas'd at our rude interruption, — Not to squeeze out a quaint apology, As, "7 am quite asham'd ; so unprepar'd; " Who could have thought ! Would I had known of it ! " And such like tacit hints, to tell her guests She wishes them away — thou'rt happy, Collatine. Col. Enough, enough. The gods forbid I should affect indifference, And say you flatter me. I am most happy. — But Sextus heeds us not. He seems quite lost. Sex. Pray, pardon me, My mind was in the camp. How wine could heat us To such a mad exploit, at such a time,, Is shameful to reflect on ; let us mount This instant, and return. Col. Now we are here, We shall encroach but little on our time If we partake the slender fare together Which will, by this, await us. Pray, my lords, This way. {Exit Collatinus.] Sex. Along — I'll follow straight. [Exeunt Aexins and Claudius.] Sex. {Apart.) Had she staid here till now, I should have done Nothing but gaze. Nymphs, goddesses, Are fables ; — nothing can, in heaven or earth Be half so fair ! — But there's no hope ! — Her face, Her look, her eye, her manners, speak a heart Unknowing of deceit ; a soul of honor, Where frozen chastity has fix'd her throae, And unpolluted nuptial sanctity. Peace, undigested thoughts ! — Down — down ! till ripen'd By further time, ye bloom. [Exit.] END OF ACT THE SECOND. 24 Tragedy of Brutus, ACT in. Scene I. — Bome. The Capitol. Equestrian Statue of TARQUINIUS Superbus. Night. Thunder and Lightning. Enter Brutus. Br. (Alone.) Slumber forsakes me and I court the horrors Which night and tempest swell on every side. Launch forth thy thunders, capitolian Jove ! Put fire into the languid souls of men ; Let loose thy ministers of wrath amongst them And crush the vile oppressor ! Strike him down, Ye lightnings ! Lay his trophies in the dust ! (Storm increases.") Ha ! this is well ! — flash, ye blue-forked fires ! Loud-bursting thunders, roar ! and tremble, earth ! A violent crash of thunder, and the statue of Tarquin, struck by a flash, is shatter'd to pieces. "What ! fallen at last, proud idol ! struck to earth ! I thank you, gods ! I thank you ! When you point Your shafts at human pride, it is not chance, 'Tis wisdom levels the commission'd blow. But I — a thing of no account — a slave — I to your forked lightnings bare my bosom In vain — for what's a slave, a dastard slave ? A fool, a Brutus ? (Storm increases) Hark ! the storm rides on ! The scolding winds drive through the clattering rain, And loudly screams the haggard witch of night. Strange hopes possess my soul. My thoughts grow wild, Engender with the scene" and pant for action. With your leave, majesty, I'll sit beside you. (Sits on the fragment of the statue.) Oh, for a cause ! A cause, ye mighty gods ! Enter V alerius followed by a Messenger. Vol. What ! Collatinus sent for, did'st thou say ? Mes. Aye, Collatinus, thou, and all her kinsmen, To come upon the instant to Collatia, or, the Fall of Tarquin. 25 She will take no denial, Time is precious, And I must hasten forth to bring her husband. [Exit Messenger.] Br. (Apart.') Ha ! Collatinus and Luoretia's kinsmen ! There's something dark in this — Valerius too — Well met — Now will I put him to the test — Valerius — Hoa ! Val. Who calls me ? Br. Brutus. Val. Go, Get thee to bed ! [Valerius is departing.'] Br. Valerius ! Val. Peace, I say, Thou foolish thing ! Why dost thou call so loud ? Br. Because I will be heard. The time may come When thou shalt want a fool. Val. Pr'ythee, begone ! I have no time to hear thy prattle now. Br. By Hercules, but you must hear. [Seizing his arm.] Val. You'll anger me. Br. Waste not your noble anger on a fool. 'Twere a brave passion in a better cause. ' Val. Thy folly's cause enough. Br. Rail not at folly — There's but one wise, And him the gods have kill'd. Val. Kill'd! Whom? Br. Behold. Oh, sight of pity ! — Majesty in ruins ! Down on your knees — down to your kingly idol ! Val. Let slaves and sycophants do that j not I. Br. Wilt thou not kneel ? Val. Begone ; you trouble me. Valerius kneels not to the living Tarquin. Br. Indeed ! — Belike you wish him laid as low. Val. What if I do? Br. Jove tells thee what to do — Strike ! — Oh ! the difference 'twixt Jove's wrath and thine ! He, at the crowned tyrant aims his shaft, Thou, mighty man, would'st frown a fool to silence, And spurn poor Brutus from thee. Val. What is this? Let me look nearer at thee. Is thy mind, 26 Tragedy of Brutus, That long-lost jewel, found, — and Lucius Junius, Dear to my heart, restor'd ? or art thou Brutus, The scoff and jest of Eome, and this a fit Of intermittent reason ? Br. I am Brutus. Folly, be thou my goddess ! I am Brutus, If thou wilt use me so ! — If not, farewell. Why dost thou pause ? look on me ! I have limbs, Muscles and sinews, shoulders strong to bear, And hands not slow to strike. What more than Brutus Could Lucius Junius do ? Vol. A cause like ours Asks both the strength of Brutus, and the wisdom Of Lucius Junius. Br. No more. We're interrupted. Vol. Farewell. Hereafter we'll discourse, And may the gods confirm the hope you've waken'd. [Exit Valerius.] Br. (Alone.) My soul expands ! my spirit swells within me As if the glorious moment were at hand ! Sure, this is Sextus — why has he left the camp ? Alone — and muffled ! — Enter Sextds wrapped in a mantle. ■Welcome, gentle prince ! — Sex. Ha ! Brutus here ! — Unhous'd amid the storm ? Br. Whence com'st thou, prince ? from battle ? from the camp 1 Sex. Not from the camp, good Brutus — from Collatia — The camp of Venus, — not of Mars, good Brutus. Br. Ha! Sex. Why dost thou start ! — thy kinswoman, Lucretia — Br. (Eagerly.') Well — what of her ? speak ! Sex. Aye, I will speak ! And I'll speak that shall fill thee with more wonder, Than all the lying oracle declar'd. Br. Nay, prince, not so, — you cannot do a deed To make me wonder. Sex. Indeed ! Dost think it ? — Then let me tell thee, Brutus, — wild with passion For this fam'd matron, — tho' we met but once, — Last night I stole in secret from the camp Where, in security, I left her husband. or, the Fall of Tarquin. 27 She was alone. I said affairs of consequence Had brought me to Collatia. She received me •As the king's son, and as her husband's friend — Br. (Apart.) Patience, oh heart — a moment longer patience ? Sex. When midnight came, I crept into her chamber — Br. {Apart.') Inhuman monster ! Sex. Alarm'd and frantic She shriek'd out " Collatinus ! Husband ! Help ! " A slave rush'd in — I sprung upon the catiff, And drove my dagger through- his clamorous throat ; Then, turning to Lucretia, now half dead With terror, swore, by all the gods at once, If she resisted, to the heart I'd stab her, Yoke her fair body to the dying slave, And fix pollution to her name for ever ! Br. And and the matron ? Sex. Was mine ! Brutus (with a burst of frenzy.) The furies curse you then ! — Lash you with snakes ! When forth you walk, may the red, flaming sun Strike you with livid plagues ! — Vipers that die not, slowly gnaw your heart ! May earth be to you but one wilderness ! May mankind shun you — may you hate yourself — For death pray hourly, yet be in tortures Millions of years expiring ! Sex. Amazement ! What can mean this sudden frenzy ? Br. What ? Violation ! Do we dwell in dens In cavern'd rocks — or amongst men in Rome ? [ Thunder and lightning become very violent."] Hear the loud curse of heaven ! 'Tis not for nothing The thunderer keeps this coil above your head ! [Points to the fragments of the statue.] Look on that ruin ! See your father's statue Unhors'd and headless ! Tremble at the omen ! Sex. This is not madness. Ha ! my dagger lost ! — Wretch ! — thou shalt not escape me ! — Ho ! a guard ! — The rack shall punish thee ! A guard, I say ! [Exit Sextus.] Br. (Alone.) The blow is struck ! The anxious messages To Collatinus and his friends explain'd, 28 Tragedy of Brutus, And now, Home's liberty or loss is certain ! I'll hasten to Oollatia — join my kinsmen — To the moon, folly ! — Vengeance, I embrace thee ! [Exit Brutus.] SCENE II. An apartment in the house of Collatinus. Collatinus enters wildly, a bloody dagger in his hand, followed by Valerius and Lucretius. Col. She's dead. 1 Lucretia's dead ! I pluckM this steel From my Lucretia's heart ! This is her blood ! Howl, howl, ye men of Home. Look ! there she lies That was your wonder. Ve mighty gods, where are your thunders now ? Ye men and warriors, have you human hearts ? But who shall dare to mourn her loss like me ! Enter Brutus. Br. I dare, — and so dare every honest Roman. Luc. Whence comes this mad intrusion ! hence, begone ! Br. The noble spirit fled ! How died Lucretia ? Val. By her own hand she died. Br. Heroic matron ! Now, now the hour is come ! By this one blow Her name's immortal, and her country sav'd ! Hail ! dawn of glory ! (Snatching the dagger) Hail, thou sacred weapon ! Virtue's deliverer, hail ! This fatal steel Empurpled with the purest blood on earth, Shall cut your chains of slavery asunder ! Hear, Romans, hear ! did not the Sybil tell you A fool should set Rome free ? I am that fool ; Brutus bids Rome be free ! Val. What can this mean ? Br. It means that Lucius Junius has thrown off The mask of madness, and. his soul rides forth On the destroying whirlwind, to avenge The wrongs of that bright excellence and Rome ! 1 The scene which was omitted after the first representation, and for which this introductory speech of Collatinus is substituted, will be found in a note at the end of the play. or, the Fall of Tarquin. 29 Luc. Can this be Lucius Junius ? Vol. Ha ! The voice "Of inspiration speaks ! Col. Oh, glorious Brutus, Let me in tears adore the bounteous gods* Who have restor'd thee to redress my woes ; And in my woes, my country. Br. No more of this. Stand not in wonder. Every instant now Is precious to your cause. Rise ! Snatch your arms ! (Bkutus hneels?) Hear me, great Jove ! and thou, paternal Mars, And spotless Vesta ! To the death, I swear My burning vengeance shall pursue these Tarquins ! Ne'er shall my limbs know rest till they are swept From off the earth, which groans beneath their infamy ! This, from the bottom of my soul I swear ! (B.e rises.) Valerius, Collatine, Lucretius, — all — Here, I adjure ye by this fatal dagger, All stain'd and reeking with her sacred blood, Be partners in my oath, revenge her fall ! All. We swear ! Br. Well have ye said : and, oh ! methinks I see The hovering spirit of the murder'd matron, Look down and bow her airy head to bless you ! Summon your slaves, and bear the body hence, High in the view, through all the streets of Rome, Up to the Forum ! — On ! The least delay May draw down ruin, and defeat our glory ! On, Romans, on! The>fool shall set you free ! [Exeunt omnes.] SCENE III. The Palace o/Tullia. Enter Flavius Corunna, in haste, meeting Hokatitjs. Cor. My lord, my lord ! Quick, tell me, where's the queen ? Hor. Whence this alarm ? What wouldst thou ? Cor. Rebellion rages — Hor. Rebellion ! 5 30 Tragedy of Brutus, Cor. Lucretia, The wife of Collatinus, is no more. The furious multitude have borne her body With shouts of vengeance through the streets of Borne, And " Sextus Tarquin," is" the general cry. Hor. "Where are the troops ? why dost thou dally here, When thou shouldst pay their insolence with death. Cor. The soldiers join the throng — the gates are cWd, And the mad crowd exclaim, " We banish Tarquin." Brutus, all wild with vengeance^ leads them on. Eor. What miracle is this ? How sayest thou, Brutus ? Cor. Aye, the fool Brutus. Now, before the rostrum, The body of Lucretia is expos'd, And Brutus there harangues assembled Borne. He waves aloft * The bloody dagger ; all the people hear him With wildest admiration and applause ; He speaks as if he held the souls of men In his own hand, and moulded them at pleasure. They look on him as they would view a god, Who, from a darkness which invested him, Springs forth, and, knitting his stern brow in frowns, Proclaims the veDgeful will of angry Jove. Hor. Fly thro' the city ; gather all the force You can assemble, and straight hasten hither. I'll to the queen — Lose not a moment. Hence ! I tremble for Bome's safety ! haste — begoDe ! \Exeunt at opposite sides.'] SCENE IV. The ForUm. The populace Jill the stage. Brutus is discovered upon the Forum. The dead body o/Lucretia is on a bier beneath. Oollatinus, Lucretids and the Female Attendants of Lucretia, stand around the corpse. Valerius and others are seen. Br. Thus, thus, my friends, fast as our breaking hearts Permitted utterance, we have told our story : And now, to say one word of the imposture, — The mask necessity has made me wear. When the ferocious malice of your king, — King do I call him ? When the monster, Tarquin Slew, as you, most of you, may well remember, My father Marcus and my elder brother, or, the Fall of Tarquin. 31 Envying at once their virtue and their wealth, How could I hope a shelter from his power, But in the false face I have worn so long ? 1st. Bom. Most wonderful ! 2d. Bom. Silence ! he speaks again. Br. Would you know why I summon'd you. together ? Ask ye what brings me here ? Behold this dagger, Clotted with gore ! Behold that frozen corse ! See where the lost Lucre.tia sleeps in death ! She was the mark and model of the time, The mould in which each female face was form'd, The very shrine aad sacristy of virtue ! Fairer than ever was a form created By youthful fancy when the blood strays wild, And never-resting thought is all on fife ! The worthiest of the worthy ! Not the nymph Who met old Numa in his hallow'd walks, And whisper'd in his ear her strains divine, Can I conceive beyond her; — the young choir Of vestal virgins bent to her. 'Tis wonderful Amid the darnel, hemlock, and base weeds Which now spring rife from the luxurious compost Spread o'er the realm, how this sweet lily rose,— How from the shade of those ill neighboring plants Her father shelter'd her, that not a leaf Was blighted, but, array'd in purest grace, She bloom'd unsullied beauty. Such perfections Might have call'd back the torpid breast of age To long-forgotten rapture ; such a mind Might have abash'd the boldest libertine, And turn'd desire to reverential love And holiest affection ! Oh, my countrymen ! You all can witness when that she went forth, It was a holiday in Borne ; old age Forgot its crutch, labor its task, all ran, And mothers turning to their daughters cried, ' There, there's Lucretia ! " Now, look ye where she lies ! That beauteous flower, that innocent sweet rose Torn up by ruthless violence — gone ! gone ! All. Sextus shall die ! Br. But then — the king — his father — 1st B. What shall be done with him ? 2d B. Speak, Brutus ! 32 Tragedy of Brutus, 2d R. Tell us ! Br. Say, would ye seek instruction ? would ye ask What ye should do ? Ask ye yon conscious walls Which saw his poison'd brother, saw the incest Committed there, and they will cry, " Revenge ! " Ask yon deserted street, where Tullia drove O'er her dead father's corse, 'twill cry, '' Revenge !•" Ask yonder seDate-house, whose' stones are purple With human blood, and it will cry, " Revenge ! " Go to the tomb where lies his murder' d wife, And the poor queen who lov'd him as her sod, Their unappeased ghosts will shriek, " Revenge ! " The temples of the gods, the all-viewiDg heavens, The gods themselves, shall justify the cry And swell the general sound,