■'■^^^a^vvs .vv?^^-' ^. ^. .(iX,-"* r-.,< -_. •v< CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE Arthur H. and Mary Harden Dean Book Fund m- COPYRIGHT ANB ONLY AUTHORISED VERSION. .^ :, i- DARCIE & CORBYN'S EDITION OF XKX EACHELS IN FRENCH AND ENCS-LISH. THE ORIGINAL FRENCH COPT WITH A LITERAL ENGLISH TRANSLATION Wl^.< CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY. This is to Certify, That, by an agreement madfe between the undersigned and Mr. J. Daeoie, dated July 3d, 1855 I have assigned to him, on certain terms and conditions, the whole and sole right and authority to pub- lish all the plays and other dramatic pieces contained in M'Ue Rachel's repertoire, together with all copyrights thereunto belonging. Also, that I have caused to be handed to him, for publication, perfect copies of every work, transcribed from the prompter's books of the Theatre Pransaise in Paris ; and further, that the English Translations ( appearing side by side, and scene for scene, with the original French, in these books) have been expressly pre- pared by my authority, and under my supervision ; and that this is the only correct edition of the various pieces, as performed by M'lle Eachel, and-the only one published with her and my tonction. NE^VST- YORK : UNDER THE AUTHORITY OP M. RAPHAEL FELIX. PUBLISHED BY JOHN DARCIE & WARDLE CORBYN. ^ 1855. ||, Entered aoosiding to Aot of ConsreBS, in the year 1855, by JOnN DARCIE, in tiie Cleric's Office of the District Court of the United State* toi the Southern District of New-York. RO£ LOCK'WOOD & SON, * 411 BROADWAY, NEW-YORK. B. L & S. inyite attention to their li&ge and valuable collection of -; FRENCH. ITALIAN. SPANISM kW PflRTUGUESE BOOKS. It has been much enlarged by recent importations from Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Florence, Turin, £c., and invoices of new publications are constantly coming to hand. 5^° R. L. & S. have just printed a Catalogue of their Foreign Booke^ ■with prices, which will be fumiriied gratis, on application. Books imported to order on liberal terms. ': ' A Certain Remedy for all Diseases of Man or Animals Requiring an Ex- ternal Application. WARRANTED IN EVERY CASE FOR WHICH IT IS RECOMMENDED. THE MEXICAN MUSTANG LINIMENT, Unlike all other popular Medicines, is used by many prominent Members of the Faculty, and !n many of the Pablic Hospitals. Their prejudices have yielded to indisputable and incontrovertible demonstrations of cures performed where their remedies have failed. Fnllparticulars will be found in the "PEOPLE'S ALMANAC," published annually; the "MUSTANG BULLETIN," published monthly ; the thousands of Newspapers published daily and weekly, and other documents issuing constantly. Principal offioes : Pantheon Building, 343 Broadway, N. Y., and St. Louis, Mo. B[^EL FELIX, MANAGER OF MLLE. EACHEL'S FEENCH COMPANY IN AMEEICA. NEW-YORK : y PUBLISHED BY DARCIE & CORBYN. 1855. oh:a.iia.oteiis VIEGINIE, M'LLE KACHEL. FAUSTA, ACTEE, UNE ESCLAVE, APPIUS CLAUDIUS, ' EABIUS, ' VIRGINIUS,. . MAXIME, SYLVIUS, HORACE, UN HOMME DU PEUPLE UNE JEMME DU PEUPLE, Presented for the first time in Parjs at the Theatre Franjais by the King's Qompany, April 3rd, 184*j. ^5 001 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by JOHN DAROIE, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New-Yorlf. ■wv^ VIRGINIA. ACTE. PREMIERE. le th6S,tre reprfisente I'int^rieur de la maison de Virgi- nius. Porte au fond. A droite,_le jbyer, laiitel des dieux lares, une porte. A gauche, tine fenfitre et une porte. Des guirlandes de fleurs ornent les murs, ou pendent aussi la armes du centurion et des couronnes. SCENE I. VIRGINIB (seule). (Vir^nie sort de la ohambre a gauche ; elle porte religi- eusement dans sea mains des couronnes de "violettes et une pat^re qui contient de I'orge ; ehe verse I'orge sur I'autel des dieux lares, et depose les couronnes sur leur tdte.) Dieux lares, qui veillez eI la pais domestique, Je ■vieus vous implorer selon I'usage antique. Eecevez mes presents : j'apporte £l voire autel Les couronnes de fleurs, I'orge put et le sel. C'est vous, dieux familiers, appuis de mon enfauce, Qui, dans tous les perils, ayez pris ma defense ; Voioi que d'autres dieux, protecteurs de I'amour, Iioin du toit paternel m'entrainent sans retour,. Penates, adoptez ma famille nouvelle, Et vers cet avenir que mon cceur me rev^e, Guidez toujours mes pas. J'abandonne k regret Et votre autel modeste, et son calme secret. Du bonheur qui m'attend I'espSrance est bien grande ; Mais, en vous adressant oette derni^re offrande. En songeant que bientot je dois quitter ces lieux, Dieux patemels, je pleure ; aceeptez mes adieux I A mon p^re surtout donnez un.peu de joie; Que le fil de ses jours soit fait d'or et de soie. Je pense avec douleur qua son foyer, ce soir, Seui et sUencieux il revieudra s'asseoir. Dieux trfis bons, ^loiguez, si sa vertu vous touche, L'iusorauie au front p41e et I'ennui de sa couche, Et que ses jours heureux, I'un k I'autre li^s, Remplacent des chagrins sans rotour oublies ! SCENE 11. VmaisiB, AcTE, EsCLAVES. {Aot6 vient du dehors ; elle est fluivie d'uno eselave qui porte, dans une oorbeille, k. parure de nooes de Virgi- nie ; Tesdare pose la corbeilla sur une table et s'^loigne.) ACTE. De tes nooes voici la parure sacr^e, Virginie, et bientfit nous t'en vcrrons par^e ; ACT TI-IE FIRST. The theatre represents the interior of the house of Vir- ginius— door at the iJack — on the right the hearth — the altar of the domestic gods and a door — on the left a ■window and a door — some garlands of flowers orna- ment the vralls, where also hang the arms of a cen- turion and some crowns. SCENE I. YISGINIA (alone). (Virginia comes outof the chamber on the left hand. She piously carries in her hands some crowns of violets and a vessel containing barley. She pours the barley upon the altar of the domestic gods, and places the crowns upon their heads.) Household gods, who watch over domestic peace, T come to implore you, according to anciefit usage. Receive my offerings. I bring to your altar The crowns of flowers, pure barley and salt. It is you, familiar gods, support of my childhood, Who, in all the perils, liave undertaken my defence. Behold some other gods, protectors of love, Far from the paternal roof draw me without return. Penates, .adopt my new family. And towards this future that my heart reveals to me, Guide still my steps. I leave with regret Tour modest altar and its secret quiet. ' Of the happiness that awaits me, the hope is very great. But in addessing to you this last offering. In thinking that soon I am to quit these places, Paternal gods, I weep. Accept my adieu I To my father, above all, give a lit,tle joy. That the thread of his days may be woven of gold and of sUk. ... I think with sorrow of his hearth this night. Alone and silent he wUl return to seat himselC Beloved Gods, drive from him, if his virtue moves you. The pale forehead of sleeplessness and weariness from his couch. And that his happy days, bound continuously together, May replace sorrows forgotten, never to return! SCENE II. Virginia'. Aote. (Aote comes from within. She is followed by a slave, who carries in a basket the nuptial attire of Virginia, The slave places the basket oa a table, and retires.) ACTE. Of thy nuptials see here the sacred attire, Virginia, and soon thou wilt be arrayed in it. VIEGINI A. Cest la chaste ceinturo en laine de brebis. Symbole des devoirs nouveaux que tu subia ; Les brodequins legers, la tunique: examine Ce long voile, ornement de rupouse flamine — Ces fleura dont le parfum fait naitre leg aveux ; L'or de ce javelot doit oruer tes eh^eux, Et rappeler au maitre a qui tu te destines, Le rape audaeieux de vos maros Sablnear Ma fiUe, les presents de ton pere sont beaux, Et tous ces ornemeuts vont briller aux flambeaux, Quand les enfants joyeux, apres la dixieme heure, Eolaireront tes pas vers une autre dameUre. TIRGINIE. Chers gages .derbonheur, doux presents, rendez moi Plus belle a ses regards, plus digne de sa foi I Tous, dieux d'hymen, mettez dans ce voile de flamme , Un ciiarrae souverain qui captive.son Itme ! Ainsi, o'est dans ce jour. Acti^ dans un moment, . Que je vais me donner epouse A mon amant ? . Icilius me plait ; on Padmiro, on le vaute : Mon bonheur cepeudaut ma trouble et m'fipouvanto. Bxplique-moi mon cceur : je deviens aujourd'hui Sa mere de faraille, et je tremble pour lui. Pardonno, Icilius, je t'aime et je t'offenae ; Maia je voudrais pouvoir revenir vers I'enfauce. ACTE. Ce trouble te rendra plus chaniiante it ses yeux. Le bonbeur qu'on attend fait le coeur soucieux. Sois ealrae ; en t'asseyant sur la toison de laine, Les clievcux parfumfia do fleura de maijolaine, En recevant ce soir des mains de ton ^poux La cle de sa maison pour y veillersur tous, Tu sentiras alors cette paix innocente IJe "Vesta protectrice a ton hymen pr^sente. VIRGINIB. Pour piix de tous lea soins que je rejus d'Aotfi, Qu'offrirais-je aujourd'hui ? De l'or ? la liberty ? ACTE. Jo veux un autre prix de mon zile. Pardonue I Ton pero me connait^ o'est a toi qu'il me donne, Et jo suis satisfaite. TIRGINIE. Aetel 4.CTE. Cest bien en vain, Le oceui' fitant 116, qu'on affranchit la main. TIRGINIE. Eegarde ce licteur 4 la d-marche altifire. ACTE. 11 vient icL TIRGINIE. Get homme escorte uno litiere : TJne femme en dosooud. Dieux bous, voioi Fauata, La sceur d'lcihus. SCENE III. TiEGHsiE, Fausta. (Une Iiti(?ro, esoortfie par un licteur, s'arrete dovant la maison de Tirginie ; Kausta en descend ; Tirginie va au devand ,6.'e\i,e. Aote a'eloigne, emportajit la cor- beiUo qui contient la pafure de Tirginie.) TIRGINIE (saluant Fausta). Pretresse do Testa — The chaste ^rdle of the lamb's while fleece, Symbols of the new duties you will sustain; See, the light sandals, the tunic; behold, This long veil, ornament of a holy bride. Theae flowers yield fragrance stealing forth like consent. This golden arrow is to adorn thy tresses ; Reminding the lord to whom tbou art betrothed Of the bold seizure of the Sabine damea. My child, these, thy father's presents, are beautiful ; And all these gems will glitter with their fires, When happy children, after an hour passed, Shall light thy footsteps to another home. TIRGINIA. Dear tokens of joy I aweet gifts I may I be More lovely in his sight, more worthy of his trust I goda of love I enweave in this bright veil A sovereign charm to captivate his soul I Thus, Aote, in a day, in a moment, is it That I devote myself, a wife, to my betrothed I Icilius charms me. All admire him and praise him. My joy already troubles and afflicts me. Unriddle it, my heart I I become this day The mistress of his house, and I tremble for him. Pardon, Icilius I I love thee and I offend thee. Could I, I would return towards infancy again. ACTE. This anxiety will make you more charming to him. The jny which awaita you swells your heart with fears. Be calm ; when seated on this fleece of wool, Tour tresses redolent with sweet marjoram flowers, And you receive, this evening, from your husband, The key of his house, to superintend all things, Tou will then think only of innocent rest. That protecting Testa sustains thy nuptials. TIRGINIA. What price can pay for Acte's cares to-day 7 ShaU it be gold? No. Liberty 1 ACTE. 1 know another price of my zeal. Pardon me. Thy father comprehends. To, thee he baa given me, And I am contented. Aote I TIRGINIA^ ACTE. It is all vain. Where the heart is bound, the hand ia never free. TIRGINIA. Behold that lictor, proudly stalking by. ACTE. He's coming here. TIRGINIA. The man attends a Utter. A woman advances. Good powers I 'tis Fausta I Sister of Icilius. SCENE III. TiE(jiNiA. Fausta. (A litter, escorted by a lictor, is placed before the resi- dence of Tirginia. Fausta leaves it. Tirginia goes across to her. Aote retires, carrying the basket con- taining the robes of Tirginia. TIRGINIA (saluting Fausta). Priestess of Testa — ^VIRGINIA. FAUSTA. Embrasaez voire aoeur, ohere enfant. Le grand-pretre Aux noces, jusqu'au soir, me permet de paraitre. VIRGINIE. Pr^troBse, il est done vrai ? PAUSTA. Nommez-moi votre soeur. Co nom dang votre bouche aura plus de douceur. Je viens pour vous parler, pour vous voir, Virginia, Pour veiller aui apprfits de la oSremonle. VIRGINIB. Oombien ce soin me louche, et cOmbien cet honneur D'une amiti^ si haute ajouto a men bonheur I FAUSTA. Allons, que le respect le oMe k la tendresse^ Ne voyez que la soeur, oubliez la pretresse. Mou fr^re en ce moment, et c'est ]A son devoir, Dispose sa maison pour vous bieu reeevoir. Les victimes qu'on doit ofl'rir aux sacrifices, Les torches dent le feu d6truit les mal§fices, Tout est pr^t ; et pourtant, ce qui fait en ce jour Yotre bonheur certain, ma soeur, c'est son amour. TIRGINIB. Et moi, ma soeur, je sens, dans le fond de mon Ame, Brfller pour mon fipoux une divine fiamme, Je veille dans mon oceur, comme vous a I'autel, Pour garder ce foyer d'un amour immortel, Et jamais, je I'espSre, une ti^deur fatale N'6teindra ce feu pur dont je siiis la vestale. PAUSTA. Heureux Icilius, et fier avec raison D'une pareiUe Spouse admise en sa maison I Je n'ai plus qu'une crainte au sujet de mon frfire. YIRGINIE. Une crainte ? parlez I PAUSTA. Je vais vous satisfaire. Vous savez comme moi, ma soeur, en quelles mains Sont torab^s la fortune et I'honneur des Remains : les decemvirs sont rois. Claudius nous opprime Par la force toujours, et souvent par le crime. Les excfis de Tarquin par lui sont d^pass^s, Et, pour le redouter, vous en savez assez. Or, notre Icilius, magistral populaire, De la foule k son gr6 soulevait la colore, Et sa voix trop souvent fit trembler le s^nat^ Pour qu'un patricien jamais lui pardonnat Appius Claudius, qui le craint et I'observe, Doit avoir contra lui quelque haiue an reserve. VIRGINIE. Oh I vous m'dpouvantezi PAUSTA. Sur cat esprit ardent Votre amour et vos soins auront de I'asoendant. Au bonheur dun mari que votre &me attentive Dans la paix du foyer lattire, la captive Et le retienne, afin qu'un ennemi puissant Le trouve assez heureux pour Je croire innocent. VIRGINIE. Qui, loin de Claudius il feut que je I'antraina ; Je orois etre moi-m^mo un objet do sa haine. PAUSTA. Vous, ma soeur? PAUSTA. Embrace your sister, dear child. The hign priest At your nuptials this evening permits my presence. VIRGINIA. Priestess, is it indeed so 1 . PAUSTA. Call me your sister. That name from your lips will be doubly dear. I come to see you, to speak with you, Virginia, And to enrobe you for the ceremony. VIRGINIA. How much this care moves me, and how much this honor 1 A friendship so high adds to ray happiness. PAUSTA. Come, let respect give way to tenderness. See only the sister ; forget the priestess. My brother at this moment, and il is his duty. Disposes his house to receive you well. The victims they should ofier in the sacrifices, The torches, of which the fire destroys witchcraft, All are ready ; and moreover, what makes on this day Tour happiness eertaiu, my sister, is his love. VIRGINIA. And I, my sister, I feel in the bottom of my soul, Burning for my husband, a divine flame. I watch over my heart, as you over the altar, Por to guard this hearth of an immortal love. And never, I hope, a fatal lukewarnlness Will extinguish the pure fire of which I am the vestaL PAUSTA. Happy Icilius, and proud with reason Of such a wife admitted to his house ! I have only one fear on the subject of my brother. A fear I Speak. VIRGINIA. PAUSTA. I am about to satisfy you. You klfow as well as I, my sister, in what hands Are fallen the fortunes and the honors of the Romans. The Decemvirs are kings. Claudius oppresses us By power always, and often by crime. The excesses of Tarquin are surpassed by hhn ; And to dread him you know enough. Now, our Icilius, a popular magistrate. Raises the passions of the mob at his pleasure ; , And his voice has too often made the senate tremblei For this a patrician will never pardon him. Appius Claudius, who fears and watches him, Must have against him more hate in reserve. Oh 1 you terrify me. VIRGINIA. PAUSTA. Upon his ardent spirit Tour love and your cares will have the ascendancy. To the happiness of a husband let your attentive soul In the peace of the fire-side draw him, the captive. And retain him ; so that a powerful enemy Will find him happy enough to believe him innocent. VIRGINIA. Tas ; distant from Claudius it is necessary I must draw him. I believe myself to be an object of his hate. PAUSTA, Tou, my sister? 6 V I E G I N I A . ^ TIRGINIE. Oui ^ j'ai peur de cet homme fetaL Quand j'a passe au forum, prta de son tribunal, Et que je vais m'asseoir aux ecoles publiques, Claudius me pouisuit de ses regards obliques ; Je sens un froid mortel p^n^trer dans mon sein. PAUSTA. Aurait-il centre vous form6 quelque desseiu ? Vous avez d)j sans douto avertir votre pfere ? TIRGINIE, II compte m'assurer un avenir prospfire. Pourquoi I'inquieter ? je le quitte aujourd'hui, Et d6ja sa douleur est grande. PATJSTA. On vient: c'est lui SCENE IV. VrEOINEE, FaBSIA, YlHeiNHJS. VTRGrlNTUS (so»tant de sa chambre). ■ Prtoesse de Testa, sahit ; daignez permettre Qu'un p6re, de sa fille une heure encorle maitre, Lui donne ses conseUs une demitire fois, Lorsqu'elle va passer sous de nouvelles lois. Ma flile, c'est ici, dans cette meme chambre, Que tu naquis un jour des ides de Novembre. Aux regards de ton pfere il fallut t'exposer : Jjes femmes A mes pieds Tinrent te deposer. Ton premier cri, charmant cette heure solennelle. Fit jaillir de mon sein mon 4me patemelle. Je me penchai vers toi, plein d'elans inconnus, Je t'^l^ai de terre et je te reconnus. Devant tons mes amis et devant ma &mille, Avec des cris d'amouf je te nommai ma fille ; Je t'admis au foyer, et joyeux jusqu'aux pleurs, J'endormis dans mes bras tes premieres douleurs. Moi que Ton avait vu jusqu'alors tacitume, Heureux, j'allai t'inscrire au temple de Satume, Le front leve, le coeur affranchi de tout de deuil. Taut ce titre de pfere elevait mon orgneiU Tu n'as point dementi cette premiere joie, Et tes pas assures suivant la bonne voiej Chacun a pu te voir, modeste en tes propos, La premiere au travail, la demi^re au repos. Mais voici que ce jour t'impose une autre tSche. Au sort d'leiliuB que ton ame s'attache: Ton fipoux est d6ji pret a te (aire accueiL Entre dans sa maison sans en toucher le sueil, A Testa congaor^, pour qu'elle te protege, Bt rejoive les.dieux qui te feront cortege, la force qu'au dehors on nous voit deployer Nous la devons, ma fille, au bonheur du foyer. Aprte les champs, la guerre, et la place publique, Nous cherchons les douceurs de la paix domestique Et bientot le soldat, qui revieut abattu. Par vos soins d^vou^s retablit sa vertu. ;Souviens-toi des conseils que ton pfere te domme : Au pouvoir d'un mari mon amour t'obandoone, Et le servif sera ton unique devoir. TIRGINIE. Ah 1 je pourrai toujours vous aimer et vous voir. TIRGINIUS. Iciiius sera ton majtre dans une heure. Arant que de sortir de ma pouvre demeure, Aux lares patemels offre un rayon de miel; ,-Tu peux leur offrir moins ; un peu d'orgo e* «te ael. TIRGIBriA, Tes; I have fear of this fetjl man. "When I pass to the forum, near t(» bis tribaoal. And am going to take my place ip the public schools Claudius follows me with his sinister looks. I feel a mortal coldness penetrate into my boson. FAUSTA. Should he against you have formed some design, Tou should without doubt have warned your father of it TIRGINIAr Ho relies in assuring to me a prosperous fortune. - "Why should I make him uneasy ? I quit him to-(i^ Ajid already his grief is great. FAITSTA. :Some one comes. 'Tis he. SCENE IV. TlRGHBITA, FaUSTA, TlRGBTHra. TIRGINIUS (entering from his chamber). Priestess of Testa, hail I Deigm to permit That a fatiher of bis daughter, one hour yet the master, May give to her his counsel for the laat time. Before she passes under new laws. My daughter, it is here, in this same room. That thou wast bom, one day in the ides of November. To the eyes of thy father thou wert exposed. The woman at my feet came to place thee. Thy first cry, charming this solemn hour, Made my paternal heart in my bosom spring ; And I leaned towards thee,, full of unknown feelings. I raised thee from the earUi, and I acknowledged thee. Before all my friends and my family, "With cries of love, I named thee my daughter. I admitted thee to my hearth, and joyful even to tears, I soothed in my arms tliy first griefe ; I, whom all had seen till then so taciturn. Happy, I went to inscribe thee in the temple of Saturn ; My head erect, my heart freed from all grief; So much this title of father raised my pride. Thou hast not deceived this first joy. And thy assured steps following the good way, Each one could see, modest in thy conversation. The first to work and the last to reprae. But behold, this day imposes on thee another task. To the fate of Iciiius thy soul attaches itself. Thy husband is ready, prepared to make thee welcome Enter into his house without touching the threshold, To Testa consecrated, so that she may protect thee ; And welcome the gods which will attend thee. The strength that outwardly they see us display. We owe, my daughter, to the happiness of our hearths. After the fields, the war, and the public place, "We seek the sweets of .domestic peace ; And soon the soldier, who returns weakened. By your devoted cares establishes his virtue. Remember thee the councils that thy father gives thee. To the power of thy husband my loye abandons the% And to serve him will be thy only duty. TIRGINIA. Ah I I can still love you and see you. ■ TlRGINItrS. loUius will be thy master in an Ijow. Before leaving my poor duelling,. To the paternal lares offer a grain of honey. Thou canst to them offer no less. A little badejB and some salt VIRGINIA. Ta m^re le priait. Ces p^nates d'ai^Ue Protfigfirent long-tempa ton enfanoe fragile, Avant que de pai'tir invoque les aussi Pour tou p6re qui va se trouver seul tci, Afin qu'il puisse voir, Sana mourir de ta perto, Ta place au foyei vide et ta chambxe d^serte. TIRGINIB. Mon p^re, voub pleurez ! FAtrSTA. B^primez ces douleurs. ■Un dieu vous est propioe et voua versez dea pleura! Alois que TOtre fille k mon fr^reeat unie^ Tous VOUS donnez un fils saua peide Virginie. VIEGimUS. Oui, j'ai tvt; noua devons £tre tous satisfaita; Haia, nous autres soldats, nous somjues aiasi &its, Une fois dana le camp, nous avoca I'fime forte ; Notre corps eat de fer et le danger nouspo^^e.. J'arrache sans p^ilir le trait qui boit mon sang,; Je puis le relancer aans sortir de mon rang. Mais ioi de retour, au milieu d'un tel charme, Ainsi que notre main notre Sme se d^sarme : Et I'amour paternel, de tout amour vaiuqueui", K'est pas un trait qu'on puisse arraclier de sQi^ coeur? FAXJSTA. Aliens, Tirginius, votre esprit s'exag^re De cet filoignement la douleur paasagfiVe ; Votre fiUe demain reviendra dana vos bras. TIRGINIUS. Que n'ai-je up flls I un flls, on ne le donne pas ! PAUSTA. Trfive, Tirginius ; vous, chfire Tirginie, Tenez vous preparer pour la c^remouie. A I'autel des grands dieux bientbt nous paraitrons. Avez-vous convifi vos amis, vos patrons ? TIRGINIUS. Des patrons ! Retires au fond de lem-s domaines, lis n'ont rien conserve des vieilles moeurs Romaines. Plus de clients : parmi cea fiers pafriciens Chacun a a^par^ nos int^rto des siens. J'honoro Fabius, sa noblesse, son fige ; J'en dprouvai souvent I'utile patronp,ge. Mais le peuple et les grands so fuyant aujourd'hui, Je aembleraia transfuge en revenant a lui ; Je ne donnerai point un si mauvais exemple. Va te parer, ma fille, afin d'aller au temple. SCENE V. TiKSINIUS, PABITTS. TIRGINIUS. Mon gendre d6 la fete a r«gl€ les app^^ts, Mais PabiuB absent me (i^use d^s regrets. Fabiua I PABIUS. Autrefois, Rome avait &. combattre Plusieurs peuples liguSs contre elle ; its ^talent quatre ; Et r^tat 6nerv6 par sea diviaiona ' Ne pouvait paa armer assez de legions. Alors un Fabius demanda cette grdoe D'etre charge lui seul, et tous ceux de sa race, De faire k sea dfipens la guerre aux Teiens. On accepte ; aussitdt il avertit les eiena, Thy mother prayed to them. These penates of clay Protected for a long time thy fragile childhood. Before setting out, invoke them also For thy father, who will find himself alone here At last ; that "he May see, without dying for thy loss, Thy place at the hparth empty, and thy chamber deserted. VIRGINIA. My father, you weep I FAUSTA. i Bepress this gri§£ A god ia propiti(Jus to you, ai^d you shed tears I WBen your daughter to my brother is united, Tou gain a son withoiit losing Virginia. VIP.GINIUS. Tes, I am wrong; we ought to be all content; But we soldiers are thus, constituted. • Once in the camp, we have firm miuds ; Our body is of irpn, and danger supports up. I tear from me, without turning pale, the arrow which drinks my blqod, I can hurl it back without leaving my ranks. But here returned, in the midst of such charms, Thus our mind disarms our hand, And paternal love, of all love the conqueror, Ib not au arrow one can tear from the heart. FAUSTA. Let us go, Virginius. Your mind exaggerates Of this departure the passing grief. Tour daughter will, to-morrow, return to your arms. . ' VIRGINIUS. Why have I not a son ? A son one does not give away. FAUSTA. Stop, Virginius. Tou, dear Virginisj Come, prepare you •for tbe ceremony. At the altar of the great gods ws shall soon appear. Have you invited your frienda and your patrons ? VIRGINIUS. Patrons 1 Retired to the depths of their domauis, . They have preserved nothing of the old Roman manners. No more of clients I Among these proud patricians. Each one of them has separated our interest from hfe. I honor Fabius, his nobleness, his age. I have often experienced the useful patronage of it. But the people and the nobler separatmg to-day, I should appear a deserter, in returning to him. I will not give so bad an example. Attire thyself my daughter, that thou mayst go to the temple. "^ SCENE V. ViRomius. Fabius. VIRGINIUS. ^fy son-in-law has arranged the preparations of the feast ; But Fabius' absence causes me sorrow. Fabius — F4.BIUS. In former times, Rome had to fight jjlany people leagued together. They were four. And the state, weakened by her divisions, ^ould not arm sufficient legions. Then one Fabius asked this favor. That he alone, and all his kinsmen. Might defray, at their own cost, the war with the Teiens. Thoy accepted it ; and he then warned his own people ; VIRGINIA. Kt des le lendemaln, sitot qne le jour brille, Trois cents hommes, trois cents H'une m^me faaiijle, f '^loignent ; legion dont le dernier soldat ■ iJut pu, dans les grands jours, pr^sider le sfeat. ia guerre fat terrible et iongue, ila la soutmrent ; Et Borne s'agrandit des succds qu'Ds obtinrent : Mais ila p^rirent tous I Enfant, je restai seul Charg6 de 'caji.t de gloire, avec mon bisaieuL Maintenant je demande i quoi bon ce service Et ce beau dfivoflment, s'il fallait que je visse tesoendre I'hSritier de cet illustre nom ♦i bas, qu'on rouglrait de I'avoir pour patron ? VIRGINIUS. 7'ai des torts envers vous, de grands torts ; et j'avoue Qu'el ses nombreux clients Pabius se dfivoue : Vous m'avez d^fendu devant le magistrate Aid6 de voa oonseils quand j'ai fait un contrat ; J'en conviens hautement : votre appui salutaire M'a valu dans le camp inon grade militaire. Mais quand j'ai de grands torts, tout un peuple a raison D'aoouser le s^nat de' liaute traWson. Qu'on maltraite un de nous, qu'on le traine au supplice Son patron d'Appius est le premier complice. Ou ne pn ^ge plus les clients icsultfis, ■^p livre au decemvir nos droits, nos libert^s. jbrt du sfinat absent, qu'en vain la foule implore, Le bras de Claudius d^ouille ou d^shonore. FABIUS. Ne r^criminons point : des mallieurs de I'^tat Le peuple fut la cause autant que le s6nat. As-tu done oubli6 vos injustes colors Centre les senateurs, les hommes consulaires, Condamn^s sans pudeur k la mort, S. I'exil ? Et devant vos tribuns le s6nat en p6ril ? Chacun des deux partis de son c6t6 conspire, Les decemvirs alors arrivent 4 1'empire. Nous lea y portions tous par des efforts communs, Vous centre les consuls, nous centre les tribuns. Mais sous un meme joug leur puissance nous range, Et le sort, a la foia, nous punit et nous venge. Si bien que nous avons perdu, sans le pr^voir, Les uns la liberty, les autres le pouvoir. VIRSINIUS. Et comment affranchir Eome? PABITJS. Par la Concorde I Voil^ le seul moyen que le sort nous accorde. Notre disunion fait nos ennemis plus forts ; On doit, pour les briser, unir tous les efforts. D'ailleurs, dans un ^tat oh, selon ses caprices, Chacun peut au foram a^ter les cornices, Et dans les grands debats, nes de la liberty, Lutter au Cliamp-de-Mars aouvent enaanglant^, E faut, pour temperer cea loia r^publicaines. Par des rapports prives attfinuer les haities. Citoyens, discutons dans le forum Homain ; Simples particuliers, tenons-nous par la main ; Pour que la liberty, dans cet 6tat plus ferrae, Bouillonne sans briser Rome qui la rcnferme. Ne vols pas le senat dans quelqUes jeunes gens Par la debauohe us^s ; fastueux indigens Que la niisere, unie a tant de honte, abaisse, . Et qui, pauvres d'honneur, ont besoin de richesse I Non I le vrai s^nateur, le patricieri pur, Seul et fier, vit au fond de son domaine obsour • ' Et,: riche au pouvre, il tient sa vigueur occupSo A manier toujoura la charrue ou 1 6p6e. II croit vous honorer quand il vous fait aooueil, And, from the next morning, soon as the day broke. Three hundred men, three hundred of the same family, Departed. A legion, of whom the meanest soldier "W^ould have been able, in our proudest day, to preside ia the senate, The war was terrible, and long they sustained iti Rome, from the success they obtained, gained much,. But they all periahed I A child, I alone remamed^. Loaded with so much glory by my forefathers. I now ask, of what use tlus- service And this great devotion, if I am to see The heir of this illustrious name descendr So low that they shpuld blush to have him for a patron 7 VIRGINIUS. I have done you wrong, gfeat wfflBg; and I confess That to his numei'ous clients Pabien is devoted. « You have defended me before the magistrate. Aided by your counsels, when I have made a contract, I have agreed to it rea;dily. Tour salutary support Has raised me in the camp to my military rank. But when I have had great wrongs, a whole nation has' Reason to accuse the senate of high treason. When t'ney maltreat one of ua, when they drag him to punishment, His patron of Appius, is the first accomplice; When they no longer protect the inaulted clionta ; They give to the decemvirs our rights and our liberties. Strong in the absence of the senate, whose presence the crowd vainly implores, The arm of Claudius despoils and dishonors. FABIUS. No recriminations I Of the misfortunes of the state The people were the cause, as well as the senate. Hast thou forgotten your unjust passion ' Against the senators ? the members of the consulate Condemned; without shame, to death and exile ? Whilst before your tribunes even the senate was in peril ?. Each of the two parties conspiring thus together. The decemvirs then arrived at empiie. We bore them there by mutual efforts ; Tou against the consuls, we against the tribunes. But under the same yoke theu' power ranges us. And fate at the same time punishes and avenges us- So well, that we have lost, without foreseeing it. The one, liberty ; the others, power. VIRGINIUS. But how to free Some? FABlUa By concord I " Behold the only means that fate grants us I Our disunion makes our enemies stronger. We must, to break them, unite all our efforts. Besidea, in a atate where, according to his caprice, Each can, at the forum, aliake the assembly. And in the grand' meetings, born of liberty, Struggle in the field of Mara, . often bathed in blood ;. We must, to temper these republican laws. By private relations, lessen hatred. Citizens, let us discuss, in the Roman forum. Simple facta. Let us grasp each other by the hand„ So that liberty, in tliis firmer state, tMay boil, without breaking Rome which incloses it. Do not see the senate in some young people. By debauch wearied ; pompous mendicants. That misery, united to so much shanpe, abases ; And who, poor of honor, have need of riches ! No ; the true senator, the pure patrician, Alone and proud, lives inclosed in h.ia obscure domain ,- And, rich or poor, he keeps his vigor occupied By handling constantly the plough or the sword. He thinks you honored when he makes you welcome ; VIRGINIA. Et je sens qu'il est dur de potter tant d'orgueil. Mais aussi quel secours, quel appui salutairo Donne A l'6tat, souvent, cet Jpre caractfire I Qui brave I'ennemi? qui cliasse les tyrans ? Qui demande pour soi les dangers les plus grands I Qui dlrige I'^tat ? qui prodigue son ime 1 Nous! c'estnous? Nfigligeant des excfis que je blame, Consid6rez comment I'absence du s^nat Beux ans passes a peine amoindrlt cet 6tat ; Comprenez, en voyant Rome d^ja flfitrie.. Que sans patriciens il n'est point de partie, Et c4dez la puissance aux hommes que le sang, Leur gloire et leur courage, ont mis au premier rang. TIRGINIUS. Je sais de nos patrons les fonetions Insigiles j lis marchent les premiers ot je lea en crois dignes ! Pour dominer dans Rome lis ont de surs moyens. Mais un mot en faveur des simples citoyons I Nous donnons a Wtat et nos soins et nos peiuos, Et dans les grands*p6rils tout le sang de nos veines. Mais quaud nous le servons de concert, vous, du moina Tons avez I'ltalie et Rome pour t^moins ; Vos moindres actions sent pour nous des exemples Tons jugez au Forum, vous d^diez les temples, Et, vainqueurs, vous ccignez votre front radieux Du laurier trioraphal qui vous 6gale aux dieux. Moi, Remain ignor6, soldat perdu dans I'ombre, Je combats a mon rang, sans gloire ; je fais nombre. Rome, vers les consuls 61evant ses clameurs, Lorsque je meurs pour olle, ignore que je meurs Toua absent, la maisou est florissanto et riolie ; Mais le soldat parti, son cliamp demeure en friche, 11 vif d'emprunts ; et puis on voit du debiteur Les blessures s'ouvrir sous le fouet du licteur Eh ! patron, regardez dans quels travaux s'^coule L'existence de ceux qui composent la foule. Ces rudes pUb6iens,61oignes des emplois, De la chose publique ont sur eux lout le poids. La pierre brute ainsi dans la fosse profonde Roule et tombe, un palals sur cet appui se fonde, Et dans I'^tat ainsi uotre obscur dfivoument Exerc6 sans 6clat porte le tnonument. FABIUS. Oui, oui, Virginius, en toi la vertu brille, Et je suis seuiement I'aine dans la famiUe. VIRGINIUS. Patron, voioi ma fille, il &ut pour son bonlieur Oublier un pen Rome et notre d^sbonneur. SCENE VI. ViRGiNiirs, Fabius, Fausta, Aote, Vibginie, puis Claudius, Mazimb, LioiEUEa (Virginie porte le voile couleur de flamme et tout la pa- rure d'uno fiancee.) EABIUS. J'honore I'homme auquel ton enfant est unie, Et je le dis heureux en voyant Virgiijie. VIRGINIUS (regardant vers le fond) N'est-ce pas Claudius? PABIUS. II vient de ce cdtS. VIRGINIUS. Aveo tous ces licteurs. And I feel he is austere in showing so much pride. But also, what succor, what salutary help, These hard characters often give to a state I Who braves the enemy? who drives away tyrants? Who asks for himself the greatest dangers? Who conducts the state ? who gives all his powers ? Us I It is ourselves I Passing over the excesses I blame, Consider how the absence of the senate. Hardly two years back, weakened the state. Understand that, in seeing Rome already withered. That without patricians there is no power ; And cede the preSminence to men that blood. Their glory and their courage have put in the first rank. VIRGINIUS. I know the eminent functions of our patrons. . They rank the first, and I believe them worthy of it_ To rule in Rome ^hey have sure means. But a word in favor of the simple citizens I We give to the state our cares and our troubles,- And, in great perils, nil the blood in our veins.. But when we serve it in cpncert, you, at least,. You have Italy and Rome as witnesses. Tour least actions are for us examples. You judge in the forum ; you dedicate in the temple;. And, conquerors, you bind your radiant foreheads With the triumphant laurels with which you equal gods. I, an ignorant Roman, a soldier lost in the shade, I fight in my rank without glory, one of many. Rome towards her consuls raising her clamors, Wlien I die for her, she is ignorant that I die. You absent, your house is flourishing and rich ; But the soldier gone, his field remains unploughed. Ho lives by borrowing ; and then they see upon the debtor The wounds reopefaed by the lictor's rod. Eh I patron, look, in what labors pass away The existence of those who compose the crowd. These rude plebians, driven from employment, In the public state bear all the weight of it. The brute stone thus in the deep ditch Rolls and falls. A palace up<)n this support founds itselE And in the state, thus our obscure devotion. Exercised without noise, bears the monument. FABIUS. Yes, yes, Virginius, in thee virtue shines, And I am only the eldest of the family. VIRGINIUS. Patron, here is my daughter. It is necessary for her happiness For a while to forget Rome and our dishonor. SCENE VI. VmuiNius, Fabius, Fausta, Acte, Virginia. Then>. Claudius, Maximus, Lictobs. (Virginia wears a flame-colored veil, and all the apparel of a bride.) FABIUS. I honor tho man to whom thy child is united. And I call him happy in seeing Virginia. VIRGINIUS (looking towards tho back). Is this not Claudius ? FABIUS. He comes to this side. VIRGINIUS. With all his lictors. 10 VIEGINIA. VIRGINIB. Que nous vsnt-il, Aet6 ? FAB-inS. Veioi le decemvir. CLAumtrs. La fete est oommeno^e. le voile de rHymen pare la fiancee. Cette maison joyeuse, au sein de Home en pleuis, Offre aux dieux familiers les eouronnes de fleura : Et bientqt des chanteurs venus da I'Ktrurle Tout charme pas des sous votre Uche incuiie. Bien, tout est bien I Pendant cet indigne complot, le prfitre Fteial lance son javelot ; les Sabins par deux, foisoni saisi lavictoire-; lis marchent maintenant sur notre territoire. FABIUS. Bieux puissana,. quels malheurs 1 TIRGINIUS. Que d'affronts k venger I CjLAXJDIUS. Aliens, Tirginius, ignorons le danger, Et quo sur notre- front une eselave depose En couj'onne tresses le safran et la rose 1 Nous avons oublie que I'on nous attaquait ; D^cidons qui do nous sera roi du banquet. Dieux imraortels I Ton nom est inscrit sur un role ; Ton g^nfiral lui-meme a refu ta parole : Et, lorsque I'ennemi se live a I'liorizon, Tirginius en paix demoure en sa maison, Oubliant, au milieu du bonheur qui lo souille, Que la honte est au nom ee qu'est au fer la rouille I TIRGINIUS. Ah: EABIUS. Do votre collogue il obtint un congS, Et son sejour & Rome ainsi s'est prolong^. ClAUDIDS. Ne le defendez pas, ma plainte est legitime. Je venais lui donner une marque d'estime : J'avais oompte sur lui, dans co pfiril urgent. Pour conduire un secours de soldats et d'argent. Mais il a pr6fer6 sa fiUe i sa patrie. TIRGINIUS. Eabius, c'est assez. (A Claudius.) Ecoutez, je vous prie I Toici qu'en ma maison un homme s'est trouvfi Fltoissant devant tons mon courage 6prouv6. Mais on sait ma vertu, j'en ai des preuves siires J'ai vu trente combats, j'al regu vingt blessures, Et toutes par devant. Et lui, trois fois consul, Trois fois mon g^n&al, il vous dira que nul Mieux que moi no s'acquitti, au p&il de sa vie, De cet impot du sang qu'on doit & la patrie. Toulez-vous des temoiiis et des garants plus stirs ? Toyez de eotfi, regardez sur ces mura < Ces bracelets d'argent, ces armea, cette chalne, Riche butin I surtout la couronne de oh^na Qui m'a fait voir un jour le peuple 4 inqu aspect, Pendant lea jeux publics, se lever par reipoct. Mais voua pensez que, tout au bonheur de ma fille, Je suis moina oitoyen que pi're de famille ? Non, non : lorsque des dieux le pouvoir surhumain Pour un noble avenir forme un cceur de Remain, De divers sentiments ils coinposent ceite Sme : C'est I'amour des enfants. c'est ramour de la femme, Le respect du foyer, la foi dans les serments; VIRGINIAl. What wants he with U3, Acte 7 FAFIUS. Behold the decemvir. CLAUDIUS. The feast has commenced. The veil of Hymen adorns the bride. This joyous house, whilst the bosom of Rome is in tears, Offers to the domestic gods crowss of flowers ; And soon the singers of Etruria ■Will charm by their sounds your cowardly carelessness. 'Well, It is all well 1 During this unworthy meeting The Fecial priest darts his javelint The Sabinea twice have seized the victory. TJiey now march upon our territory. FABIUS. Powerful gods [ what misfortunes I TIRGINIUS. What insults to avenge 1 CLAUDIUS. Go on, Tirginius. Let us be ignorant of the danger, And let a slave upon our forehead place A crown woven of saffron and the rose 1 We have forgotten that they are attacking us. Let us decide which of us shall be king of the banquet. Immortal gods 1 Tliy name is inscribed upon a roll ; Thy general has himself received thy word ;, And when the enemy rises above the, horizon, Tirginiua in peace remains within house. Forgetting, in- the midst of happiness that the stain, That the shame, is to the name what rust is to iron ! TIRGINIUS. Ah I FABIUS. Prom your colleague he obtained a, leave. And he haa thus prolonged his stay in Rome. CLAUDiUS. Defend him not ; my complaint is just. I came to confer on him a mark or my esteem. I counted upon him, in this urgent peril. To conduct a relay of soldiers and of money. But he has preferred hia daughter to his country. TIRGINIUS. Fabius, it is enough. (To Claudius.) Listen, I pray you I Here in my house a man presents himself, Totally decrying my proved courage. But all know my virtue ; I have given sure proof of it. I have seen thirty combats, received twenty wounds, •And all before. And he, three times consul. Three times my general, he will tell you that no one Better than myaelf acquitted him, at the peril of his life. Of this tax of blood that one owes to the country. Do you wish for witnesses and guarantees more sure ? Look on tbia side, regard these walls. These bracelets of silver, these arms, this chain ; Rich booty I above all, the crown of oak, Which has let me see the people, on my appearance At the publie gamea, riae with respect. But you think that, in the happiness of my daughter, I am less a citizen than a fatlier ? No, no. When the gods, with superhuman power, For a noble future formed a Roman's heart Of divers sentiments, tliey composed thia soul. It is the love of children, it is love for his wife. Respect for his hearth, faith in an oath, VIRGINIA. U £t ces pendiants divins, ccs noUea sentimenta, R6uni3 en faisceau, forment dans notre vie La grande passion, I'amour de la patrie. Ainsi done, Claudius, en mol, sachoz-le bisD, Le p^re St le soldat font tout le cltoyen. IclUlus sera dans une heure mon gendro, £t demaln, s'U le faut, au camp je puis me rendre. PABIUS. Etea-Tous satisfait? CLiUDITJS. C'est parler en Eomain. Hfitez-vous done : conduis ta fiUe par la main Au temple de Junon, et, sans attendre I'heure, Mandox leiliua eueor dans sa demeure. VIEGINIUS. Je suis Totre eonseil : il faut en oe moment ¥aS3K fkee au danger par notre dSvoiiment. Niens, ma fille, sortons ; suivez moi dans le temple. SCENE VII, CLABUroS, MaXIME, IilCTBCBS. MAXIMB. Qu'attend le deeemTir 7 Je le vois, il oontemple Get asile paisible oi, dans I'obscuritfi, Vlrginie a v6cu, nous oapUant sa ieaut4. Je eomprends votre amour. Oui, ce foyer modeste, Cette chambre tranquille, et oe toit presque agreate, Ont un charme secret, une aimplieite, Oil votre coeur s'engage et se trouve arr^te. (Maixime regarde dans la ehambre de Tirglnie.) Sa tunique, sou lit, ses purea bajidelettes, Ces lares protecteura ornfis de violettes ; Tout vous emeut : on sent dans oe -qu'elle a touchy • E&ide de I'amour le prestige caeh§. CLAUDIUS. Non, jamais dans I'amour ma vertu ne suecombe ; Venus ne me vit point immoler de^olombe Daus son temple, et je sais, quels que soient mes d^sirg, Sans reoevoir ses lois accepter ses plaisir's. Je conviens avec toi que cette fille est belle ; Mais, au lieu d'Sprouver un tel amour pour elle, Je ne saurais souffrir qu'elle puisse usurper Les loisirs d'Appius et le prfioceuper. Ainsi done, satiafaia au.plus tot mon caprice. Dana un bonheur ais(; qiie ee d^sir pfirisse ; , Il m'irrite, et je veux, soit amour, soit dMain, La possfider ee soir pour I'oublier domain. ' MAXIilB, Aveo un tel d^sir, quel prpjet eat le votre De livrer cettp fille enfro les mains d'un autrp ? Elle est prfes de I'autel a eette heure, et c'eat vous Qui semblpz laietey dana lea bras d'eppux. CLAUDIUS. Tu peux t'en ranpprter & ma haine jalouse : Quoiqu'U soit A, rautel, ne crois pas qu'il I'SpoTlse. MAXIME. Et quel m07eii.si sflr avez-vous epajfloyfi-? CLAUDIUS^ Sous ma loi, tu le sais, tout dans ^pme est ployS. J'ai mande cette nuit le Plamine ; j'exige. Pour empSoher I'hymen, qu'on invente un prodige. And these divine wishes, these noble sentiments, United together, forming in our life The great, passion, love of our country. Thus, then, Claudius, in me know it well, The father and the soldier both make the citizen I loiliua in an hour will be my son-in-law ; And to-morrow, if necessary, I will go to tho camp. FABIUS. Are you satisfied ? CLAtJEtUS.. Spoken like a Boman. Hasten, then ; conduct thy daughter by the band To the temple of Juno; and without waiting for the hour Send word to loilius, yet in his dwelling. TIRGINIUS. I follow your oo\msel. It is necessary at this moment To face the' danger by our devotion. Come, my child; let us go. FoUqw me to the temple. SCENE VII. CLATJBinS, MAXIMU8, LlOIOHS. MAXIMUS. Let them wait for the decemvir { I see him. He con- templates This peaceful asylum, where in obseurity ' Virginia has lived, hiding from ua her beauty. I underatand your love. Yes, this modest hearth. This quiet chamber, this really rural roof. Has a secret charm, a simplicity, Where your heart's engaged and feels itself arrested. (Maximus looks in the chamber of Virginia.) Her tunic, her bed, her pure fillets. These protecting lares, ornamented with violets ; All move you. One feels in what she has touched. The hidden prestige of love reside. QLAUDIUS. No ; never to love has my virtue succumbed. Venus has not seen me immolate the dove In her temple ; and I know, whatever may be my desires, "Without receiving her laws, to accept her pleasures. I agree with thee that the girl is beautiful ; But instead of experiencing an unbounded love for her, I cannot allow that she should entirely usurp The pleasures of Appius, and preoccupy him. Thus, then, my caprice, early satisfied. In an easy happiuesa deire perishes. It irritates me ; and I wish, perhaps from love, perhaps from disdain. To possess her to-night, that I may forget her to-morrow. MAXIMIJS. With such a desire, what project is your To give this girl into the hands bf another ? She is at the altar at this hour, and it is you Who seem to throw her into tie arms of'^a husband. CIjAUDIUS. Thou art willing to recall to me my jealous hatred. Although be vsayhe at the altar, belieye not that he will marry her. - MAXIMUS. And what means so sure have you employjed 7 'CLAUDIUS. Under my law thou knowest all in Eome is subject. I have sent this night to the flamin. I exact That to prevent this saarriaga they invent a prodigy. 13 VIRGINIA, Au ■fcoaheur du tribun I'obstacle vient de haut, Et les dieux, cette foia, parleront comme il faut. Le p^re va partir. MAXIMS. Vous oubliez, cher maitre, Que s'il part, ce soldat peut bientot reparaltre, Et que ranoien tribun. CLMJDIUS. Ob I quant A oe rival. L'anoien tribun, Maxlme — MAXIMS. Eh bien ? CLAUDIUS. Monte k cbeval, Vole au camp, et ce solr expose eL moa collogue, Pour perdre Icilius, les motifs que j'all^gUe: Que cet homme conspire et prepare en secret Le retour des tribuns : ce mot est son arret. Pendant qu' Icilius est sous sa d^pendance, Qu'il nous venge, surtout qu'il frappe aveo prudence, Icilius puni, celebrez sa v^eur, Consolez ses amis et flattez leur douleur ; Pleurez m^me aveo eux, s'il le faut ; mais, de gr5,ce, Qu'on me venge du traitre et qu'on m'en d^barrasse. Qu'on en fasse un hSros, un dieu, malgrg ses torts, ' Mais qu'il porte ses lois agraires obez les morljs. Cela fait, sans retard passe dans I'autre arm^e, Instruis les chefs avant qu'elle soit inform^e. Centre le pfere aussi je dois me premunir. MAXIMS. A ce gendre si cher faut il le r^unir 7 CLAUDIUS. Hon. MAXIMS. Les dieux sont pour vous : I'epouse et son cortege Eeviennent constem^s. CLAUDIUS. Le destin me protege. SCENE VIII. VlKCHNIUS, Clattdius, Maxime, PABros, ViReiNIB, ACTB, Faust A. (En entrant, Virginius prend ses armes.) FABiUS. Les augures, aprSs un severe examen, Ont jug6 qu'il fallait ajourner cet hymen, Icilius n'a plus qu'une m&le pensfee : II s'arme en ce moment. Sa jeune fiancee, Aussi chSre ^ son oceur qu'elle est belle t ses yeux, Sur les marches dvi temple a re^u ses adieux. Vous pouvez disposer du beau-pfire et du gendre. VIRGINIUS. Quoi qu'il faille souffrir, quoi qu'il faille entreprendre, Nous avons rfeolu daller au premier rang Eeconqufirir les dieux au prix de notre sang. CLAUDIUS. D6vouez au pMl vos Smes fiprouvfies II faut condutre au camp de nouvelles levies: To the happiness of the tribune the obstacle comes from on high, And the gods, this time, -will speak as they should. The father will go hence. -' MAXIMUS. ■ : Tou forget, dear master, ; If he goes, this soldier will soon reappear ; And that the ancient tribune — CLAUDIUS. ^'^ Oh! as to this rival, ■( » The ancient tribune ; Maximusl , .'; MAXIMUa Well! CLAUDIUS. Mount your horse. Fly to the camp, and this night reveal to my colleague To ruin Icilius, from the motives which I allege ; That this man conspires, and prepares in secret The return of the tribunes. 'This word is his arrest. Whilst that Icilius is under his directions. Let him avenge us. Above all, strilie with prudence. Icilius perished, eulogize his valor ; Console his friends, flatter their grief. Weep with them, if necessary : but pray Let them avenge me of the traitor, and rid me of him. Let them make him a hero, a god, notwithstanding his treasons ; But let them bear his agrarian laws to the house of the dead. This done, without delay pass to the other army; ' Instruct the chiefs before they are informed of it. Against the father I must strengthen myself beforehand. MAXIMUS. And to this dear father-in-law wo must reunite him ? CLAUDIUS. No. MAXIMUS. The gods are for you. The bride and her party return in terror. CLAUDIUS. Fate protects me. SCENE vni. ViBaiNins, CLAtroros, Maximus, Fabius, Vikqinia, Aote, * Fausta. (In entering, Virginius takes his arms.) FABIUS. The augurs, after a strict examination. Have judged it necessary to adjourn this marriage. Icilius has only one manly thought. He armed himself on the instant. His young affianced. As dear to his heart as she is beautiful to his eyes. Upon the steps of the temple has received his adieu. Tou can dispose of the father-in-law and the son-in-law. VIRGINIUS. What it is necessary to suffer, it is necessary to undertake. We have resolved to go in the first rank, To regain the good will of the godii at the price of our blood. CLAUDIUS, Devote to peril your tried souls. . '. It is necessary to conduct to the camp the new levies. VIRGINIA. 13 Ton gendre Icilius, au mont Algide ; et toi Chez les Sabins. VIRGINIUS. Je pars. CLAUDIUS (4 part, en sortant). Tirginie est 4 moL SCENE IX. ViRGHNrtJB, Pabius, Yieoinie, Factsta, Acts. VIRGINIE. Vous partez ? VIRGINIUS. Le pSril de Rome nous I'^olame. Ohacun de aous lui doit et son sang et son &ae, Adieu. TIRGINIE (retenant son p6re). Hon pjre — VIRGINIUS. Allons ! par mon heureux retour, Je te rendrai bient6t le prLs de ton amour. Adieu. VIRGINIB. Mon p&re ! VIRGINIUS. ' Eh bien I pourquoi verser dea larmes ? R^jouis toi plutot lorsque je prends les armes Pour servir mon pays. PABIUS. Tu fais ce que tu doi. Vii'ginius absent, je veiUerai sur toi, Ma fille. FAUSTA. Et raoi, ma soeur, je feral mon 4tude D'adoucir les ennuis de votre solitude. VIRGINIE. Les dieux sent centre nous, mon p^re ; en oe moment, J'ai le coeur attrist^ d'un noir pressentiment. Helas ! quand de Janus on fermera les portes, Quand nous irons en foule au devant dea cohortes Pour revoir nos parens, plus d'une parmi nous Cherchera vainement son p4re et son §poux. VIRGINIUS (attrist^, jette un dernier regard aur I'aute, des dieux lares). Dioux tris bons et trSa granda, vous, dieux de la famille! Gardez cette demeure et veillez sur ma fille. A d'autres aocordcz un glorieux destin, leur part dans la viotoire et lenr part da butin ; A d'autres acoordez tons les fruits de la guerre ; Les couronnes de ohene et les arpents de terre ' Au soldat, au tribun, qui revient triomphant ; A moi, le seul bohhour de reyoir mon enfant. (II sort ) Thy son-in-law, loilius, to Mount Agide; and thou To the Sabuie frontier. VIRGINIUS. I go. CLAUDIUS (apart, in going out). Virginia is mine. SCENE IX. ViRannus, Fabitts, Virginia, Fausta, Aotb. Tou depart 7 VIRGINIA. VIRGINIUS. The peril of Rome reclaims us. Bach of us owes to it our blood and our soul. Farewell VIRGINIA (retaining her father). My father — VIRGINIUS. Let U3 part. By my happy return I will soon restore to thee the price of thy lore. Farewell. VIRGINIA. My father 1 ^ . VIRGINIUS. Ah! well, why then those tears? Thou should rejoice sooner when I take my arms To serve my country. FABIUS. Thou dost as thou ought. Virginius absent, I will watch over thee. My daughter. FAUSTA. . And I, my sister, I will make it my study To soften the weariness of your solitude. VIRGINIA. The gods are against us, my father. At this moment I have my heart sorrowful with a black presentiment. Alas I when on Janus will they close the doors, "When shall we go to meet the cohorts ? To see again our parents ? More than one amongst us Will vainly seek her father and her husband I VIRGINIUS (sorrowfully throwing a last look upon tho altar of the domestic gods). Gods most good and most great ! you, god of my family I Guard this place and wafch over my daughter. To the others accord a glorious destiny ; Their part in the' victory and their part in the plunder; To the othera accord all the fruits of the war. The crowns of oak and their measure of land To the soldier, to the tribune, that returns triumphant. To me, the only happiness is to regain my child. (He exits.) 14 VIRGINIA. ACTE DEDXIEME. M^me Dficor. SCENE I. ACTB, UN Esclate; ils -riennent du dehors. (L'esclave entre le premier. II fait voir a Act6 des bi- joux posfis BUT une table, puis il s'^loigne.) ACTE. VoiU done les pr&ents qu' Appius nous envoie ! Je ne redoute pas que ma fiUe les voie : Son coeur est au dessus de leur ^clat trompeur : Mais tout ce qui nous vient d'Appius me fait peur. Notre esolave a reju les presents de cet homme Pendant que nous ^tions dans les champs, hors de Home, Aux f^tes de CerSs. Oh I le cruel tounnent Que Virginie absent en un nareil moment ! Ce Claudius — SCENE II. ViEansntE, Aotb, vss Esolave. VIRGINIE (entrant preoipitamment). J'arrive oafial (A l'esclave qui la suit.) Je t'en conjure, Va pr^venir Fausta, raconte-lui I'injure, Expose en peu de mots les dangers que je oours, Bt dis-lui que sa soeur reclame sou secours. (L'eselave sort. Virginie, fatigu^e,, tombe sur un sifige.) ACTE. Quelle injure, dis-moi ? quel danger 7 Ah I de grSce 1 Virginie, apprends moi quel malheur to menace. VIRGINIE. Laisse-moi respirer, et tu vas le savoir. Ah I c'6tait un affront difficile a. prfivoir. ACTE. Eh bien 7 VIRGINIE. Te souvient-U encore de Sylvie, Ma compagne d'enfance ? Elle passait sa vie Aux borda de I'Anlo, vers les champs de Tibur, Jeune, belle, ignoree en cet asile obscur. Elle avait sans da voix, ses yeux et son sourire, Un charme de bonts que je ne puis pas dire : Et des nymphes des bois on la nommait la soeur, A voir de son maintien la gr^ce et la douceur. Un Claudius la voit aux fiitea de Satume ; Bientot U la surprend dans un pi^ge nocturne. Plus de bonheur alors, pour elle plus d'espoir I Elle nous a quittfes pour ne plus nous revoir I Et I'on dit qu'elle va trainant sa vie errante Pros du lao de Turnus, dans les bois de Laurente. ACTB. II te faut I'oublier ; elle a subi son sort: Bt la honte est pour elle uno premiijre mort. ACT THE SECOND. The same decoration. SCENE I. AOTE. A Slave. They come from without. (The slave enters the first. He shows Acte some jewels placed upon a table ; then he goes out.) ACTB. Here, then, are the presents that Appius has sent us I I do not fear my daughter seeing them ; Her heart is above their deceitful brilliancy; But all that comes from Appius makes me fear. Our slave has received presents from this man, ■Whilst we were in the fields, outside Rome, At the feast of Ceres. Oh I the cruel torment Of Virginia's absence at such a moment I This Claudius — SCENE II. VraaiNiA. AcTB. A Slave. VIRGINIA (entering precipitately). At last I have arrived I (To the sl&ve who follows her.) I conjure thee, Go, forewarn Pausta ; recount to her the injury ; Expose in a few words the dangers that I run ; And say to her that her sister claims her succor. (The slave goes out. Virginia, fatigued, throws herself on a seat.) AOTE. "What injury ? tell me ! What danger ? Oh I pray, Virginia, teach me wliat danger menaces you. VIRGINIA. Let me breathe, and thou shalt know it. Ah ! it is au insult difficult to foresee. Ah! well— ACTB. VIRGINIA. Thou yet rememberest Sylvia, The companion of my infancy. She passed her life On the banks of the Arno, near the Field of Tiber. Young, beautiful, innocent, in this obscure asylum, She had in her voice, her eye|, and her smile A charm of goodness that 1 cannot name ; And the wood-nymphs named her their sister. Prom seeing the grace and sweetness of her carriage. One Claudius saw her at the feast of Saturn. Soon he surprised her in a nocturnal snare. No more of happiness-then ; no more of hope for her. She quitted us, ntver to return to us. And they say she drags out her wandering life Near the lake of Turnus, in the woods of iaurente. ACTB. We must forget her. She has submitted to her fate, And shame is for her a first death. VIRGINIA. 15 VIRGINIE. Ahl pour me pfinfetrer d'un effroi IfigHime, ITfetait-ce pas«ssez ffvine-seule vlctimel Tu connaissais AlbmC? Eh bieni je la rerois Dans mes T^ves ; la milt, fentends pleurer sa v«ix. Kile noble de coeur et de naissance libre, EUe oherclia la mort dans un gouffie du Tibre ; Un fr^re d'AppiuB avalt tralii ses voeux. Je la revis hier, la robe et les cheveux Plelns de faag^, les yeux liagards, la &ee bl^me. Dienx I qtfeHe me semblait diCKrer d'e!le-m^me ! (Virginie se 16ve.) Mais, moi, moi I sais-tu bien, Act6, quel est celui Dont les regards souillis me cherchent aujourd'hui? O malheur ! oe n'est pas un senateur qui m'aime. Ce n'est pas un consul, c'est Claudius lui m^me. Claudius I ACTS. VIEGINIE. Claudius, decemvir souverain Dont le bras fait peser sur Rome un joug d'airain 1 Je comprenda les ennuis dont j'^tais oppress6e ; Je supportais d6j4 le poids de sa pens^e. ACTK Aujourd'hui qrfa-t-il fait ? VIRGINIE. Quand les frfires arvaux A C6r4s blenfaitrice ofFraient les fruits nouveaux Sur I'autel de gazon, et que leurs mitres blanches Agitalent en passant les rameux verts des branches, Une femme est yennue en riant m'aborder. " Puissent, m'art-eUe dit, les dieux vous accorder Les plaisirs de votre Age et ce bonheur splendide Que fait naitre I'fiinour dans une Ame candide I Puissent-ils du vos jours prolonger le printemps Et d'un (Kil protecteur vous regarder long-temps I Mais -d quoi bon les voeux que je fais, me dit-elle ! N'avez-vous pas d6j4 le sort d'une immortelle ? La plus belle Romaine, assise au plus haut rang, Prodiguerait aux dieux les parfums et le sang Pour r^gner comme vous sur le ccEur d'un tel homme — " Je pense a mon 6poux, a ces mots, je le nomme. Mais elle : " Dirigez plus haut votre d^sir 1 Un bel espoir vous tente, il vous faut le saisir. L'homipe dont je vous parle a I'or et la puissance,' Acceptez sa tendresse aveo reconnaissance. D'un seul mot, d'un regard votre bonheur .depend," Lorsque le voyageur marche sur un serpent, D^s qu'il entend siffler et qu'il voit le reptile, II se jette en arrifere et demeure immobile. Ainsi, quand cette femme, a I'oeil terne et menteur, M'a fait voir Claudius envers moi s^ducteur, Immobile et sans voix devant mon ennemie, Au fond de leur projet j'ai vu mon infamie. Mais bientot, reprenant ma force et ma raison, J'ai quitt6 cette femme ,et fui vers la maison. Tu connais le danger maintenant ; que t'en semble 7 N'est-ce pas d boi droit, ch6re Act6, que je tremble ? "acte. J'apprends avec douleur, mais sans ^tonnement. Un malheur pressenti bien avant ce moment. A de nouveaux affronts prepare ton courage : Tu ne sais pas oombien le dicemvir t'outrage I II ose t'adresser les presents que voici ; •Un esclave est venu les apporter ici. TIRGINIE. Claudius I — des presents 1—4 moi, la fiancee D'un autre I Justes dieux 1 suis-je assez ofifensee? Alors qu' leilius ne m'a jamais offert Pour gage de ea foi que oet anneau de fer, VIRGINIA. Ah 1 to p©n«trate me with a rightful fear, One victim alone was not enough. Thou knowest Atbina? Ahl well, I see her In my dreams. At night I hear her voice weeping. Child, noble of heart and of free birth. She sought dealth in the gulf of the Tiber. A brother of Appius ha,d betrayed his vows. I saw her yesterday. Her robe and her~~hair PuH of mud ; the eyes haggard ; the face pallid. Gods I how she seemed to me to differ from herself I (Virginia rises.) But I — I, Acte I knowest thou well, Acte, who is this Of whom the impure looks sought me to-day ? evil ! is it not a senator who loves me ? Is it not a consul ? is it not Claudius himself ? ACTE. Claudius! VIRGINIA. Claudius, sovereign decemvir, Whose arm makes a yoke of brass weigh upon Rome I 1 comprehend the weariness with which I was .oppressed. I supported already the weight of his thought. ACTE. To-day what has he done ? VIRGPIIA. When the arvaux brothers. To beneficent Ceres, offered new fruits Upon the altar of grass, and that their white mitres Agitated, in passing, the green shoals of the branches, A woman came, laughing, to accost me. " May," said she to me, " the gods grant you The pleasures of your age, and this splendid happiness That love makes rise in a candid soul I May they of your days prolong the spring, And with a protecting eye regard you a long time ! But of what use the wishes that'I make?" said she. " Have you not already the destiny of an immortal ? The most beautiful Roman lady, seated in the highest rank. Lavishes to the gods perfumes and blood. To reign like you in so unequalled a man I" I thought of my husband, at these words, and I named him. But she : " Raise higher your desire I A fine hope tempts you ; you must seize it. The man of whom I speak to you has gold and power. Accept his tendernfes with gratitude. On one word alone, one look, your happiness depends." When thfe traveller treads upon a serpent. When he hears it hiss, and sees the reptile. He starts back, and remains immoveable. Tlius, when this female, with an eye dull and lying, Showed me Claudius towards me a seducer, Immoveable and without utterance before my enemy, At the bottom_ of their project I saw my infamy ; But soon regaining my strength and my reason, I quitted this woman, and flew towards the house. You know the danger now. What appears it to thee? Is it not with good right, dear Acte, that I tremble ? ACTE. I learn with sorrow, but without astonishment, An evil foreseen well before this moment. To some new affronts prepare thy courage. Thou knowest not how the decemvir will outrage thee. He dares address to thee these presents here. " A slave has just carried them hither. VIRGINIA. Claudius! — some presents! — to me, the affianced Of another! Just gods! am I enough insulted ? When even Icilius has never offered to me, Eor the gage of hia faith, but this iron ring. TO VIEGINIA. Claudius, sans respect pour I'amour qui m'anime, Par cet appSt grossier croit m'entrainer au crime ; Et ces omements vils qu'il m'ose presenter, Sont faits de ce m§tal qui sert pour acheter I Va rendre a Claudius tbus ses dons, et sur I'heure— Les presents de cet homme ont souill6 ma demeure ; Et ce serait blesser notre honneur et nos dieux Que d'y porter la main, que d'y jeter les yeux. (Acts prend les bijoux et sort a droite. A peine est-elle sortie, que Claudius parait au fond.) * Claudius ! SCENE m. Claudius, Tiegiote. TIRGINIE. CLAUDIUS. Tirginie, eooutez-moi sans crainte, Ecoutez ! lion amour n'admet pas de oontrainte. A mes offres a peine avez-vous rSpondu, J'ignore quel arret votre coeur a rendu : Repondez ; quel que soit le rnallieur qu'on redoute. On prefire toujours ce malheur memo au doute. Ma presence vous blesse; et je sens que j'ai tort, Qu'U fallait se dompter ; I'amour est le plus fort I Malgr^ vous, malgre moi, le destin nous rassemWe, Et vous m'ficouterez. VIRGINIE. Dieux ! grands dieux ! CLAUDIUS (a part). EUe tremble ! EUe tremble, et moi-meme, au son de cette voix, Moi-meme en I'abordant pour la premiere fois, Moi, qui venais ici sur de.tout entreprendre, D'un Itrange respect je ne puis me defendre. (A Virginie.) Celui quo Rome sert est pret a vous servir. Cost Claudius qui parle, et non le decemvir. Mes soldats, mes licteurs, mon empire qu'on vante, Rien de cela ne doit vous causer d'^pouvante, Tous.Toyez, je viens seul ; je ne suis qu'un Remain ; Que V6nus vous soumet, et qui vous tend la main. TIRGpriE. pudeur 1 Vous osez mo parler de la sorte I Eloigncz-vous — ou bien il faudra que je sorte. CLAUDIUS. Virginie I Et ces dons, et ces voeux empress^ Qu'on a du vous offrii' ! VIRGINIE. Je les ai repoussfe. CLAUDIUS. Eepousser les pr&ents d'un homme qui vous aime I Est-ce m6pris pour moi 1 VIRGINIE. C'est respect pour moi-mtoe. Et d'aiUeurs, qu'on me disc ou je dois d^poser. Le prix dud&horineur qu'on me vient proposer. Irai-je le suspcndre avec cette oouronne, Qui rapproche des dieux ceux aux quels on la donne ? Pourrai-je le placer sans crime sur I'autel Des pfinates gardiens du foyer paternel 1 Faut il le renfermer dans la cliambre oil ma mere Claudius, without respect for the love that animates me, By this gross allurement seeks to draw me to crime 1 ■ . And these vile presents that he ^ares to present to me,' Are made of this metal that serves to buy 1 Go ; return to Claudius all his gifts, and instantly. The presents of this man have polluted my dwelling, And it is wounding our honor and our gods To oairy them in one's han(J, or to throw one's eyes upon them. (Acte takes the jewels, and exits. Hardly has she dis- appeared when Claudius appears at the back.) SCENE ni. CLAUDina Virginia. VIRGINIA. Claudius ! CLAUDIUS. Virginia, listen to me without fear. Listen ! My love admits not of constraint. To my offers hardly have you responded. I am ignorant what sentence your heart has rendered. Answer. Whatever be the evil that one dreads, We still prefer this evil to uncertainty. My presence wounds you, and I feel that I am wrong ; But it is difficult to subdue one's passions. Love is most strong ! Spite of you, spite of myself, destiny draws us together ; And you shall listen to me. VIRGINIA. Gods ! great gods ! CLAUDIUS (aside). She trembles. She trembles ; and I myself] at the sound of this voice ; I, myselli in accosting her for the first time ; I who came to undertake every thing ; From a strange respect I cannot divest myself. (To Virginia.) He whom Rome serves is ready to serve you. It is Claudius who speaks, and not the decemvir. My soldiers, my lictor.g, my empire, all which they extol. None of this should cause you fear. You see I am alone ! I am but a Roman That Venus makes submit to you, and who tenders you his hand. VIRGINIA. modesty 1 Tou dare to address me in this kind I Depart from me, or I must qui£ you. CLAUDIUS. Virginia ! And these gifts and these eager vows That they ought to have brought to thee ? VIRGINIA. 1 have repulsed them. CLAU0IUS. Repulse the presents of a man that loves you 1 Is it contempt for me ? VIRGINIA. It is respect for myself. And besides, tell me how I ought to dispose of The price of dishonor that has just been proposed to me ? Shall I suspend it with this crown. Which draws towards the gods those to whom it is given ? Can I place it, without crime, upon the altar Of the household penates of the paternal hearth ? Must I inclose it in the chamber where my mother VIRGINIA. 17 A cachd les tr^sora d'une conduite austere ? Dites, ditt'S le-moi ? Lo culte des aieux DijA depuis long-temps a consaorfi ccs lieux ; leur fime y vit toujours, ct leur puissant exomple . A dfija transform^ cette dcmeure en temple ; lis sont ici presents, et tout ce quo j'y vols, ' Pour m'inspirer I'honneur, semble prendre une voix. Adieu I CLAUDIUS. Vous m'entondrez ! ■ Une telle franchise M^rite une reponse. II faut zue je vous dise Tout ce que j'ai d'amour au ooeur, pour qu'd I'instant Chaoun de nous ici sache ce qui I'attend. Appius Claudius gouvorne seul d Rome ; L'amour gouverne seul dans le coeur de cet homme ; Et si I'ambition le rendit assez fort Pour tenir les Remains ass'ervis Sans effort, 1) n'est rien d'impossible i son amour extreme, Plus violent en lui que I'ambition meme. VIRGINIE. Tout votre amour, servi par tout votre pouToir, iSTe me forcera point a trahir mon devoir. Un, autre a mes sermenta, et votre tyrannie N'e§t qu'uu titre de haine aux yeux de Virginie. CLAUDIUS. Eh bien I si vous pensez que Rome ait merits De se voir affranohir de mon autorit^ — Exprimez un desir ; j'assemble les cornices, Et de la liberte vos voeux sont les pr6mices. Je brise les faisceaux lev^s sur les Romains, •Jo remets moa pouvoir et leur sort en vos mains. L'avenir ^tait beau, je te lo sacriflo ; A I'espoir d'etre aime mon ame se confis, Et je permets au scjl; d'etre injuste envers moi, Pourvu que le malheur me rapproche de toL TIRGINIE. Jamais 1 Dans ses devoirs mon Amo est obstiufie, Et Rome trouvera dans nous sa destinfie. CLAUDIUS. O Virginie, ecoute! Enfant, si tu voulais, Tu passerais tes jours dans un riche palais I Heureuse et disposant de ma fortune enti^re, Tu pourrais, ohaque jour, sortir dans ta litifire Aveo mille clients armes et courageux, ]';t, comme une pretresse, assister a nos jeux, •Pour toi tons les plaisirs de Corinthe et d'Athenes, -JoJes demanderais a ces villcs lointaines. Des esclaves de Gr6ce, histrions exereSs, A charmer tes loisirs seraient tout empresses ; • Tes fejnmes rangeraieut lea plis de la tunique. Oil court le filet dor sur la pourpre punique. Jo les vois se hater de ^r6-venir tes voeux : Dans la resille blanche enfermor tes qheveux : Avec un soin jaloux parfumer ohaque tresse, Et garder la beaut6 de leur jeune maitresse. Portune, empire et rang, pour un jour de bonheur, . Je mets tout a tes pieds. VIRGINIE. Rion ne vaut mon honnour. CLAUDIUS. Pardonne, apaise-toL Quelle est done ta puissance, Et quel oharme suprdmo est dans ton innocence ? Explique-mol comment tes d^dains, ta fiert£, Sans exciter ma haine, augmentent ta beauts ? Dispose de mon sort: jo t'aime, je t'epous^. VIRGINIE. Vous, seigneur I De ses droits la noblesse est jalouse; II vous est d^fendu de vous unir k moi : Je suia fiUe du peuple. Has concealed tlie treasures of an austere conduct ? Tell me, tell me it 1 The worship of my forefathers Already for a long time has consecrated these places. Their soul lives there always, and their powerful examjde Has already transformed tl:is dwelling into a temple. They are here present ; and all that I see here. To inspire me with honor, seems to take a voice. Farewell I CLAUDIUS. You will hear me I So much frankness Merits a reply. It is necessary tliat I should tell you All the love that I have in myheart ; for, from that instant Each of us may know what awaits them. Appius Claudius governs alone in Rome. Love governs the heart of this man ; And if ambition renders him sufficiently strong To hold the Romans in slavery without effort. There is nothing impossible to his extreme love, More violent in him than ambition even. VIRGINIA. All your love, backed by all your power, Shall not force me to betray my dutyt My vows are given to another, and your tyranny Is only a title of hatred in the eyes of Virginia. CLAUDIUS. Well, if you think that Rome has merited To behold itself free from my authority, Express a wish. I will assemble the committee, And your vows will be the first fruits of liberty. I will break those burdens levied upon the Romans ; I will place my power and their fate in your hands. The future is splendid, and I sacrifice it to thee. In the hope of being loved my soul confides | And I permit fate to be unjust towards me. So that fate draws me near to thee. VIRGINIA. Never I In my duties my soul is obstinate, And Rome will find in us her destiny. CLAUDIUS. Virginia I listen. Child, if thou wishest, Thou shalt pass thy days in a rich palace, Happy, and disposing of my entire fortune. Thou canst, each day, go out in tliy litter, "With a thousand armed and courageous clients, And as a priestess assist at our plays. For thee all the pleasures of Corinth and Athens 1 will demand from tliose distant towns. Slaves of Greece, and practiced fable-tellers. To charm thy leisure hours shall all be eager. Thy women shall arrange the folds of thy tunic. Or run the thread of gold upon the punio purple. I see them hasten to foresee thy wishes ; In the white netting to inclose thy hair; With a jealous care to perfume each tress And guard the beauty of their young mistress. Fortune, empire, rank, for one day of happiness I I put all at thy feet. VIRGINIA. , Nothing is worth my honor. ' CLAUDIUS. Pardon me. Be appeased. What is then thy power 7 What supreme charm is in thy innocence ? Explain to me how thy disdain, thy pride. Without exalting my hatred, augments thy beauty ? Disposes of my fate. I love thee and I will marry thee. VIRGINIA. You, patrician ! Of their rights the nobles are jealous. You are forbidden to unite yourself to me. ' I am the daughter of a plebian. 18 VIRGINIA. CLAUDIUS. On pent changer la loi. TIRGmiE. Qui peut changer la loi ne peut changer mon Sme, Et j'aime Icilius, et je serai sa femme. " CLAUDIUS. On me repousse, moi, qui peux tout exiger — Eh bien ! il faut parler, il faut vous a£fliger. . J'aurai i: rouve du moins que jS voulais me taire. J'attendais mon bonheur d'un aveu volontaure ; Mais puisque aos grands'dieux ont si peu de pouvoir Sur votre coeur s6duit, vous allez tout savoir. VIRGINIE (a .part). Que va-t-il m'annoncer ? CLAUDIUS. Je refois de I'ann^e Des nouvelles dont Eome est a peine inform^e. VIRGINIB. Mon pere ? CLAUDIUS {i part). Elle n'a point tremble pour son amant. TIRGINIB. Ditea — I'incertitude est lin a£freux tourment. CLAUDIUS. Cahnez-vous, dissipez cette pieuse crainte : Tons n'avez pas encore un tel sujet de plainte Votre pSre est vivant, et dans tous lea combats • II march© le plus brave entre nos vieux soldats. TIRGINIE. C'est done Icilius ? CLAUDIUS. Mon amour vous destine A terminer dans Rome une guerre intestine ; Et par lui les Remains verront changer leur sort. Icilius, vous, dis-je ! II est mort ! VIRGINIB. CLAUDIUS. Icilius est mort 1 VIRGINIB. CLAUDIUS. L'ennemi triomphe dans I'Agide, Minerve I'a couvert de sa puissante ^gide. La, votre fiano^l dans un qombat de nuit, A peri. Tout lieu entre vous est dtouit ; Et vous pourrez bientot disposer de vous-mfime. VIRGINIB. Icilius est mort I dieux cruels I (EUe tombe sur un CLAUDIUS. EUe Vaime I Qu'importe sa douleur I le suoc^s est certain. (A Virgluie.) Mortels, r^signons-nous 5, la loi du destin. Votre douleur est juste, et loin que je la bUnie, Je sens que je ne puis en d^feiidre mon ame. D(it un parejl aveu nuire ^ mes int^r^ts, J'estime Icilius digne de vos regrets. VIRGINIB (absorja^e par sa douleur). Voila done le malheur que m'annonjait nagu^re. CLAUDIUS. "We can change the laws. VIRGINIA. What can change the laws, cannot change my soul ; And I love Icilius, and I will be his wife. CLAUDIUS. They repulse me ! I who can demand all by right ! Well, I must speak ; I must afflict you. . I shall have proved, at least, that I wished to be silent. I awaited my happiness by voluntary consent ; ■ But since our great gods have so little power Upon your heart, you must know all. VIRGINIA (aside). What is he about to announce to me ? CLAUDIUS. I receive from the army News of which Rome is scarcely yet informed. VIRGINIA. My father?— . CLAUDIUS (aside). She does not tremble for h^r lover. VIRGINIA. TeU me ! Uncertainty is a frightful torment. CLAUDIUS. Calm yourself. Dissipate this pious fear. Tou have not yet so great a subject for sorrow. Tour father is living, and in all the fight He strides in the foremost rank of our veterans, VIRGINIA. . It is, then, Icilius ? CLAUDIUS. My love destines you To terminate in Rome an intestine war. And through him the Romans saw the means to Change their destmy. VIRGINIA. Icilius! I say to you 1 CLAUDIUS. Icilius is dead. VIRGINIA. He is dead! CLAUDIUS. The enemy triumpked in Algide. Minerva sheltered them with her powerful shield. There your aSSanced, in a night skirmish, Has perished. All ties between you are broken. And you will be able to dispose of yourself the sooner. VIRGINIA. Icilius dead I Cruel gods ! (She falls upon a seat.) CLAUDIUS. She loves him ! What matters her grief 7 Success is certain ! (To Virginia.) Mortals, let \is resign ourselves to the will. of destiny.' Your sorrow is just, and far from blaming, I feel I cannot prevent my soul from sharing it. Should such an avowal hurt my interests, I esteem Icilius worthy your regrets. VIRGINIA (absorbed by her grief). Behold, then, the misfortune that was announced to me lately. VIR,G;INIA, 19 Cet aigle qui volait k gauolio, A flour do terre I O songe que je fls sous un arbro sans fruit, Ces soudaines clart^s qui brillaieut dans la nuit, Et men coeur sans espoir, presage phis funeste I De inon loilius voila ce qui me reste : Un simple anneau de fer, doux gage de sa foi, T^nique souvenir de son amour pour moi — CLAUDIUS (A. part). Noit-elle settlement que je suis aupris d'elle. VIRGINIB (so levant). No crois pas que la mort trouble oe cceur fidele t Non ; I'amour immortel que mon dme te doit Et I'anneau consacr6 que tu mis ^ mon doigt, Je les voue a I'espoir d'uno meilleure vie. En d^pit de la mort, je snis ta Yirginia Le veuvage de I'Ame est durable, et je vols Que je n'ai pu donner mes amours qu'une fois. Mon coeur suivra le tien dans le royaume sombre, (jarde la toug mes voeux pour consoler ton ombro. CLAUDIUS (a part). Ou vient — Fausta I SCENE IV. Fausta, ViRGmiE, Claudius. (Fausta et Virginle s'embrassent avant de parler.) VIRGINIB. Je plem'e, et vous pleurez aussl ? FAUSTA. Qui, ma sosur, il est mort. (Apercevant Claudius.) Que fait cet homme ici ! Q'le'dit-il? queveut-il? CLAUDIUS (a part). Comme elle me regards I FAUSTA. 11 ose vous aimer I lui ?, CLAUDIUS. Fausta, prenez garde. - FAUSTA. Dieux vengeurs I Jusqu'a vous cet homme ese parvenu Par un ohemin sanglant qui vous est inconna CLAUDIUS. PretressI — VIRGINIE. Ezpliquez-vous. CLAUDIUS, MalliGur i qui m'oQense I Je ne me borne pas au soin do ma defense — FAUSTA. II s'emporte d^jA— T-vous I'entendez, ma soeur, Lui-meme de son 4me il traljit la noircour, Eooutez : et malgrfi la fiert6 qu'il (jtale, De nous trois tout a I'heure il sera.le plus pale. II vous dit que mon frere est mort comme un Somain, Par le fer ennemi, les armos a lamain ? VIRGINIK. 11 me I'assuro. This eagle vchich flow on the left, even ■with the ground ; The dream that I had under a tree without fruit ; These sudden lights which shine in the night; And my heart, without hope, presaged most deadly. Of my Icilius behold what remains to me ! A simple ring of iron, sweet gage of his faith, Only remembrance of his love for me. CLAUDIUS (apart). Sees she only that I am near her. VIRGINIA (rising). Do not think death troubles this faithful heart. No ; the immortal love that my soul owes to thee. The consecrated ring mat thou didst put upon my I dedicate them to the hope of a better life. In spite of death, I am thy Virginia. The widowhood of the soul is lasting, and I see I could not give my affections but once. My heart will follow thine into the dark kingdom. To keep there all my vows to console thy shadow. CLAUDIUS (aside). Some one comes. Fausta ! SCENE IV. Fausta, Virginia, Claudia. (Fausta and Virginia embrace each other without speaking.) , VIRGINIA. I weep, and you weep also. FAUSTA. Yes, my sister ; he is dead. (Perceiving Claudius.) What brings this man here ? What says he ? what wants he ? CLAUDIUS (aside). How she looks upon me ! FAUSTA. He has dared to love you ! — he I — CLAUDIUS. J'austa, beware I FAUSTA. Avenging gods I this man has attained tQ your power By a bloody road which is unknown to you I CLAUDIUS. Priestess I — , VIRGINIA. Explain yourself. CLAUDIUS. Misfortune to those who offend me ! I am not obliged to vindicate myself. 1 , , _ FAUSTA. He is already enraged I Tou hear him, my sister ! He himself has betrayed the blackness of bis soul. ■Listen; and spite of the pride that he displays, Of us three jramediately he will bo the palest. He will tell you that my brother has died like a Roman, ■ By the sword of the enemy ; arms in his hand ? VIRGINIA. He assures me of it. 20 VIRGINIA FAUSTA. II meut I mon frdre7Tirgiiue, Est mort assassin^. < CLAUDIUS. Mensonge, calomnie I FAUSTA. Par ordre d'Appius I CLAUDIUS. Elle ose I VIRGINIB. Je la cr«is. CLAUDIUS. Fausia, votro douleur abuse de ses droits. YIRGINIE. lis I'ont assassine, ma soeur? FAUSTA. Que vous dirai-je ? II fut traltreusement attir^ dans uu piege, , Et la nuit, dans lea bois, mon frdre, votre 6poux, Sui'pris par sea licteiis, est tomb6 sous leurs coups. !No3 amis sent venus nous raconter le crime, Nous dire quelle main a frappfi la victime. Claudius a aaisi le moment opportun De perdre son rival et notre' ancien tribun. Pouvait-il maitriser son amour et sa haine, Lui, qu'a tous les exc^s le seul caprice entraine ? CLAUDIUS. Voua dites votre frferS assassine par nous — Si je suis innocent, Fausta^ malheur A, yous I Je serai sans piti6 pour qui me deshonore. Si je suis crirainel, malheur a vous encore I Tous aurez 4 subir un blen plus grand danger : Qui merite un affront n'a plus qu'a se venger. FAUSTA. Ya, do ta tyrannie on connait I'exigenoe. CLAUDIUS. Tu la craindras plus tard. FAUSTA. J'espfire en ta vengeance. Je la desire m^me, et je demande aux dieux Tout ce qui pent te rendre enoor plus odieux. Qu'ils te livrent ma vie, elle leur est offerte, :Si oe crime nouyeau doit assurer ta perte. ■Quo leur haine i ce prix soit prompte i te saiair, Et je verrai couler moii sang avec plaisir. CLAUDIUS. Fausta I * • (A Virginie.) Baasurez-vous ; j'ai vainou ma colore. Otte femme m'outrage, eh bien 1 je le tol^re. Je ne suis point cruel, Virginie, et je sens 'Que I'injure n'est rien prfis des hommes puiasanfa. Voua ne la croyez point, n'est-ce pas ? VIRGINIE. Quelle audace I Vous OROz me parler, mo regai'der en face I Au lieu de fuir d'ici, oonfua, pale, interdit, Vous osez m'aborder apres ce qu'elle a dit Vous, notre ennemi ; vous, a qui tout sert de proie ; Vous, par qui j'ai perdu mon amour et ma joiel Icilius est mort frapp6 par des Romains, Vous avex mis le fer dans leurs cruelles mains, Kt vous venez ici, pr^s d'une autre victime, .Solliciter le prix do votre premier crime ; FAUSTA. He lies I My brother, Virginia, Has been assassinated I CLAUDIUS. A falsehood ! a calumny I FAUSTA. By the order of Appius I CLAUDIUS. He dares I — VIRGINIA. I believe it. CLAUDIUS. Fausta, your grief abuses its right. VIRGINIA. ■ They have assassinated him, my sister ? FAUSTA. How shall I tell you ? He was traitorously drawn into a snare, Aiid at night, in the woods, my brother, your husband, Surprised by hia liotors, fell under their blows. Our friends are come to relate to us the crime, To tell us what hand has struck the victim. Claudius had seized the opportune moment To rid himself of his rival and our ancient tribune. Could he overcome his love and his hate. He, whom to all excess caprice alone has drawn 7 CLAUDIUS. Tou say your brother is murdered by ua. If I am innocent, Fausta, fear for yourself 1 I am without mercy on those who dishonor me. If I am guilty, fear for yourself still more I You have to face a much .greater danger. He who deserves an affront has only to avenge himselC FAUSTA. Go ; of thy tyranny we know the exaction. CLAUDIUS. Tou will fear it, later. FAUSTA. I hope in' thy vengeance. I desire it, even ; and I ask from the gods AU that oan render thee yet more odious, let them give up to thee my life ; it is offered to them : 'If this new crime would assure to me thy rtiin ; That their hate, at this price, would be prompt to seizo' thee, itnd I could see thy blood flow with pleasure, CLAUDIUS. Fausta I (To Vu-ginia.). Reassure yourself. I have conquered my passion. This woman has outraged me ; welt, I tolerate her. I am not cruel, Virginia, and I feel That the injury is nothing to powerful men. Tou believe not this ; is it not so ? VIRGINIA. What audacity 1 You dare to speak to me ! to look upon me, See to face 1 Instead of flying from here, confused, pale, disconcerted, You dare accost me, after this that she has told me I You, our enemy 1 you, to whom all sei-ve as prey ! You, through whom I have lost my love and my joy t Icilius is struck dead by Romans. You have putthe sword in their cruel hands ; And you come here, near to another victim. To solicit the price of your first crime 1 VIRGINIA, 2] Et T0U8 renez ici, m'ofiKr presque t. genoux, Nos presents teints de aangi du sang de mon £pouz I Sortez! sortezi Maisnon; €coute^ ma r^ponse: Je V0U3 crois orMnel quand Fausta vous d^nonce. .Le sort d'Icilius ne me changera pas, Et je hais votro amour autant que son tr^pas. N'employez avec moi ni d6tour nl surprise, La Bomaine rous hait, I'amante vous m^prise ; £t je sens dans mon coeur, par un transport soudain, L'aversion grandir autant que le d^dain. Tnstruit des sentiments que mon S.me tous porte, Allez, ne touchez plus le seuil de cette porte, Sans crime on ne saurait ici vous recevoir : Sortez I €pargn^z-nous le tourment de vous voir I (EUe sort avec Fausta.) And you come here to offer me, almost on your knees. Your presents, stained with blood 1 the blood of my hus- band I Go I go ! But no ; listen to my answer. I believe you criminal when Fausta accuses you. The fate of Icilius will not change me ; And I hate your love as much as his death. Employ with me neither excuse nor surprise. The Roman woman hates you ; the lover despises you ; And I feel in my heart, by a suddeii transport, My aversion increase as well as my disdain. Instructed in the sentiments my soul bears for thee. Go; touch no more the threshold of this door. Without a crime you cannot be here received : Go ; spare us the torment of seemg you I (She exits with Fausta.) A'CTE TROISIEME. Le th^&tre represente l'int£rieur de la maison d'Appius Claudius. Autour de la salle, statues des dieux. A droite, une fendtre. Fortes laterales. Au fond, la cour et le peristyla SCENE I. Claudius, Uaxoie. CLAUDIU& Eh bien 1 Maxime, eh bien I as tu pris tes mesures ? MAXIME. Je r^ponds du suooes, tout est pr^t. CLAUDIUS. Tu m'assures Que je dois, que je puis compter aur ces t^moins ? MAXIMS, lis sent i nous, patron. CLAUDIUS. Je n'attendais pas moins. Et la vieille nourrice ? MAXIME. ' Ah! je vous r^pondu d'ello : Ijs, main promote au serment, la m^moire fiddle. CLA.UDIUa Mais que fait Virginie 7 MAXIME, Avant la fln du jour Bile veut s'eloigner et tromper votre amour. CLAUDIUS. Elle veut fuir, dis-tu7 MAXIME. J'ai pr^parfi le pi^ge, De toutes parts d^jA voire pouvoir I'assifige ; ACT THE THIRD. The theatre represents the interior of the' mansion of Ap- pius Claudius. About the room, statues of the gods. On the right, a window, lateral doors. At the back, the Court and the peristyle. SCENE I, Claudius. Maximds. CLAUDIUS. Well, Maximus, well, have you taken your measures?! MAXIMUS. I will answer for success. All is ready. CLAUDIUS. Tou assure me That I ought, that I can count upon these witnesses f MAXIMUS. They are ours, patron. CLAUDIUS. I hoped no less. And the old nurse? MAXIMUS. I will answer to you for her. The hand prompt to the oath, the memory faithful. CLAUDIUS. But what is Virginia doing ? ' MAXIMUS. Before the end of the day She will fly -hence and deceive your love. CLAUDIUS. She'will fly, sayest thou? , ^„ ,;', , MAXIMUS. I have prepared the snare. On all sides your power surrounds her. Vi R-Gd N I A . Oa I'observe de prSs, n'ayoz auoua souci: J vais m'omparer d'elle et la conduire ioi. CLAUDIUS. Apr^a tous ses mepris, dominer eetto femme, Voila de ces moments qai rajeunissent rame 1 Je les attends, Maxime ; et je suis transports ^ D'un amour absolu Comme ma volont§. Ton dSvoiiment, d'aiUeurs, aura sa rteompense. MAXIMS. Dejsl riche des biens que votre main dispense, Je ne Veux d'autre prix i mon vleux dfivoiiment, Maitre, que de pouvoir vous'parler francliement. , CLAUDIUS. Parlo, parte, Maxime. MAXIME. Entre nous, il me semble Que vous vous livrez trop i votre amour ; je tremble Que, tout au sentiment qui vieut de vous saieir, Vous ne perdiez I'empire ea courtant au plaisir. Hon projet me fait peur, maitre ; Ion nous soupgonne, Et notre habilet^ ne trompera personne. Meme en y regardant de plus pr^s, j'al compria Qu'une injustice occulte Irrite les esprits Bieri plus que ne ferait la violence ouverte. Ce peuple qui se tait, mSdite votre perte. Deux ans d'abaissement n'ont pas changfi ses moeurs ; Sa colore s'abstient d'inutiles clamours, Mais croyez que- sa haine espfere. CLAUDIUS. Par HercnlaJ Je ne ref us jamais d'avis plus ridicule. Jl va mo rfipeter encore, cette fois, Que le peuple a regret se couiUe .sous mes lois ; <3ue lassfi de subir un pouvoir trop aoerbe, II me voue a I'exil de Tarquin-le-Superbe ! Mais comprends qu'on ne peut fonder aveo raison ' Bntre nous et Tarqaiaa cette comparaison. Pour renverser les rois, I'heure, (itait opportune : Peuple et nobles unis dans la meme infortnne Osferent s'a£Franchir par un commun effort ; Quand le peuple a des chefs le peuple est le plus fort. Mais ce peuple aujourd'hui d^teste la noblesse Et lour division garantit leur faiblesse. Xe senat halt la plfebe, et nos patriciens Reooncent t leurs droits pour la priver des slena J'al prJs de moi la fleur de la noble jeunesse, Heureuse que par nous I'Sge royal renaisse ; EUe ne defend plus ces obscure pl6beins Que je condamne au faut et prive de leurs biens. Tandis qu'adroitement je la rends ma complice, EUe prend lour dSpouille et rit de leur suppUoe. Va, je les connais blen I ees nobles jerfties gena Par amour du pays no aont gufere exegeants. Qu'ils puissent Staler la pourpre de leur toge, Kt pendant les grands jeux dresser k part leur logo, De la guerre et des champs Sviter les travaux, Et fatiguer I'artoe aux course de ehevaux, II ne se plaindront pas ; preierant, en silence, Aux libertSs de tous leur unique licence, Je les tiens attaches par une chaine d'or Sur le lit des favours oii leur vertu s'endort No me parlS done plus de Tarquin-le-Superbe, 11 oompait les pavots, et moi, je feuche I'herbe. MAXIME. Ah I — ohaque opprimS lutte aveo divers efiforts: Les grands ont leurs complots, la foule a ses transports. La oonspiration sert d'arme i votre, haine, Mais le peuple a pour lui la rSvolto soudaine. They watch her closely. Have no care. I go to seize and conduct' her hither. CLAUDIUS. After all h.er.oontempt, to reign over this woman I These are the moments that renew the youthof the soul. I await them; Maximus ; and I am transported With a love absolute as my will. Thy devptipn;' beside, shall. have its recompense.. MAXIMUS; Rich already in wealth by your hands bestowed, I wish for no other reward for my old devotion Than the poWer, lord, pf sppakiug to you'fteel/, ■ CLAUDIUS. Speak, spfeak, M.\xinius. MAXIMUS. Between us, it appears to me That you give yourself^up too much to love. I tremble Lest|4hrouorh tlie sentiment which has now possessed you. You should lose empire, in courting pleasure. My project makes me fear, master. They suspect us. And our skill will deceive no person. Even looking at it nearer, I have understood How an hidden injustice irritates the mind Even more than open violence can. do. ; ' • The people, who are silent, meditate your ruin. Two years of abasement have not changed their manners. Their passion abstains from useless clamors ; But, believe me, their hate hopes yet. CPAUDIUS. By Hercules ! I never received advice more absurd. He again repeats to me That the people with regret bend under my laws 1 That, weary of submitting to too sharp a power, They would swear to exile me, like Tarquin the Proud I But understand that they cannot found with reason Between ourselves and Tarquin this comparison. The hour was opportune for the overthrow of kings. People and nobles, united in misfortune, Tried to free: themselves by a common effort , When the chiefs are with the.-people, the people are^ the strongest. But the people to-day detest the noli^es, And their division insures their wieakness. The senates J)p,lje^ the plebians, and our patricians Renounce ihoir rights to deprive them, of theirs. I have near me the flower of the young nobility, Happy that through us the royal age returns. It defends no more these obscure ptobiana Whom I condemn to the rods and deprive of their fortunes. Whilst adroitly thus I make them my accomplices, They take theSp spoil and laugh at their torments. Go ; I know them well ; these young patricians' By the love of country are ibot, little animated. If they can display the purple of their tunica^ And during the grand games . have their private pIao6C^ . Prom war and the field shun the work, • And with chariot-oouraes tire the arena, They will not complain; preferring^ in siteqce, The liberty of their general license. I hold them attached by a thread of gold ; On the bed of favors, their ivlrtue 'sleeps. Speak to me no more of Tarquin the' Bupertoif f. ~ He cuts the poppies, I mow ithe, grass. MAXIMUS. , Ah ! each, oppressed, struggles with divers efforts. The great have their plots, the people their outbreaks. Conspiracy seems as arms to your hatred ; But the people have for their assistant sudden revolt VIRGINIA. 23 Vou3 yoyez les soldats abandonner laur rang, Eefiiser au pays le tribut de leur sang. , CLAUDIUS. Je lo sais : du soldat la haino satisfaite Cherche mon d^slionneur dans sa propre cl^faite. Mail plus 11 s'affaiblit, et plus je deviens fort ; Vaincus, je les opprime aveo un moindre effort ; Leur d^faite nouvelle abaisse leur courage, Et la lionte les rend dignes de I'Rclavage, D ailleurs, je hais ce peuple ; et ccux de ma maison Peuvent le d6tester, JIaxipae, aveo rstison. Eegarde mes'aieux et leurs exploits insigues: . No te souvient-il plus des traltements indlgnes Qu'ils eurent i. subir do ce peuple Romain ? Je suis juste pourlul quand je suis inliumain. Sa haine, qui s'attaebe a tout homme qui brille, A proscrit trois cfoijsuls dans ma seule famille. Et les Eomains, apr^s ce qu'ils ont fait centre eux, Me traitent de Tarquin I Qu'ils s'estiment heureux, SI je n'ajoute pas,' comme un dieume I'inspire, Le poids de ma vengeance au poids de mon empire I A mon amour du moins donnons un libre champ, Ma haine ranimfie, irrite ce penchant. Tirginie est du peuple : a I'ardeur qui m'entr^e, Je coraprends que I'amour est bien pres de la haine. MAXIMD. €ontenez-TOUs, patron : songez qu'en ce moment Sous la toge du juge il faut cacher I'amant. Claudius; Mon front est aussi froid que le marbro des tables Oil le texte concis de nos lois redoutables Est graT6 ; qu'il soit fait ainsi que j'ai voulu I SCENE If. CLAUDIUS, (apart.) Tout sert ou tout subit mon pouvoir absolu. ' Toi, qui m'as d^daigne, chasS6 de ta demeure, Tu vas m'appartenir ; je pOurrai tout & I'heure Faire couler tes pleurs et te remplir d'effroi, Voir tomber ta pudeur, tti fierte devant moi. 'I'u me feras piti^ ! C'est un bonheur immense 1 Et je me sens joyeux jusques a la dfimence. Paut il la possJder, ont faut 11 la punir ? — II me faut tout cela. Saoliez vous rduiiir, Haine, colore, amour ! AUez d'intelllgetoce ! Taltes A. Claudius une belle vengeance I Et que Rome, voyant un chAtiment si prompt, S'^tonne du supplioe; et devine Taffront. (Oris au dehors— II va i la feii6tre.) Bien.l ils ont d^ja mis la main aur Yirginie, Et la foule a laisa^ cette audace impunie. Devant le decemvir ou traine cette- enfant; Elle prie, elle pleure, et nul ne la defend. On (Urait, i les voir, qu'ils se font une 6tude De se montrer i moi digne^ de jSieryi.tude, Mais c'est un coup hardi — ^HStons-nous d'achever — Qui rSpand la terreur ne doit pas I'^prouver, J'honore trop ce peuple en le craigniint'rebelle.- ■Volci Maxime. On vient — Que Virgirrie est beHel Tou see the soldiers abandon their ranks, And refuse to the counti'y the tribute of their blood. CLAUDIUS. I know it. The soldier satisfies himselfj Seekiijg my dishonor in his own defeat. But the more he enfeebles himself, the stronger I become. Conquered, I oppress them with less e'ffort. Their new defeat abases their courage, And shame renders them worthy of slavery. BestflBs, I hate the people ; and those of my house May detest them with reason. Regard my ancestors and their signal exploits. Dost thou not remember the un'Worthy treatment They had to submit to from these Roman people ? I am just to them when I am cr-jel.. > Their hate, which attaches itself to all men who shine, Has proscribed three consuls in my single family. And the Romans, after what they have done against them, Treat me as Tarquin ! Let them esteem themselves That I add not, as the gods inspire me, The weight of my vengeance to the weight of my empire I To my love at least let us give a free field ; My reanimated hate irritates this liking. "Virginia is of the people. From the ardor wliioh draws me, I understand how near love is allied to hate. . MAXIMUS. Restrain yourself pattpn. Remember, at this moment Tou must conceal the lover under the sign of the judge. CLAUDIUS. . My fore'aead is as cold as the marble of the tables Where the concise text of our redoubtable laws Is engraved. Let all be done as I wish it. „ SCENE II. CLAUDIUS {alone). All serve, or all submit to my absolute power, . Thou who hast disdained me, driven from thy dwelling, Thou wilt be mine. I shall at once Cause thy tears to flow and fill thee with affright ; See thy shame, thy pride sink before me. Thou wilt almost mdke me feel'pity 1 A great happiness I And I feel joyous almost to madness. It is necessary to possess her, it is necessary to punish her. I must do all this. Know how to unite yourselves, Hate, 'jaSsion, and love! -Teach yourselves To make for Claudius a splendid vengeance I And &bme,^£eing a chastisement so prompt^ May be amazeil at the punishment, a'bd divine the affront (Cries without. He goes to the window.) 'Tis well. Already they have laid their hands upon Vir- ginia"' And the orowcl have left this audacity unpunished. Before the decemvir they witt drag this child. ' She entreats, she prays, and none wiU defend her. The world would say, in seeing them, that they make it a study To show themselves worthy of servitude to me. But it is a bold stroke. Let us haste to end it. He who spreads terror should not experience it I honor these people too much, in believing they would rebel. Here is Maximus. Theycott». How beautiful is Tirgiaia! 24 VIRGINIA, SCENE III. CLATJBIUS, MAXIME, VlRaiHIB, LidTEUBS. (lics Lictevirs et Maxime entrainment Vir^nie devant Claudius.) VIRGINIE. Au secours! au secoursl — Quel crime ai-je commia? - MAXIME, (a Claudius.) La ToiU dans vos mains, je vous I'avais promia VIRGINIE. 0Aurore Les vents, trtbuns des mers, nous agitaient encore. Voila quel fut mon sort : e'est aujourd'hui le tien. En terminant chez toi mon premier entretien, Ma coldre annongait encore une temp^te ; Ce qu'a dit mon courroux, ma haine le r^pfitg ; Mon oi^eil ne veut pas qu'un noble Claudlen Aime, espire, s'irrite, et rougisse pour rien. VIRGINIE. Mais ne dirait-on pas, en Scoutant cet homme, Qu'il a vaincu les dieux et qu'U a d^truit Rome 7 Juge, r6pondez-moi : de quel droit un Bomain Sur une fille llbre a-t-il port£ la main ? R4pondez : que me veut votre client Maxime ? Quels sent scs droits 7 Cet homme est I'instrument dVii crime. Mais tout un peuple, instruit de votre affreux desseiil. Yous croira ravisseur, vous sachant assassin ; CLAUDIUS. Que je suis peu touch^ de cejte, violence I Tu comptes sur le peuple ; il garde le silence. II perd sa liberte, sa gloire : qu'attends tu D'un peuple sans pudeur, ainsi que sans vertu? Par un coup si hardi vainement je les tente; Leur 14chete s'obstine a passer mon attente. Quand mon bras fatigu^ voudrait se reposer, Leur faiblesse aussitot m'engage i tout oser. Quant a Maxime, il faut que je t'en avertisse, Soit qu'il serve aujourd'hui ma haine ou ma justice, Je crois son action fondee, et je suis prfit, Pour maintenir ses droits, a rendre un juste arr^t. Maintenant je te vols incertaine, inquiete, Chercher dBs_ yeux le fer suspend\j sur ta t^tO; Ah1 ce sont'de ces coups quo I'on ne pr^voit pas. La terre peut soudain s'entr'ouvrir soua tes pas. (Tirginie fiiit un mouvement d'effrol) Je n'ai qu'i dire un mot pour Maxime ; et, but I'heure, Un licteur te conduit au fond de sa demeure. ' Ecoute : Claudius peut etre ton sauveur. C&Ae a ma passion, je juge en ta favour. Reponds : il &ut choisir mon amour ou ma haine ; II &ut etre a I'instant victime ou souveraine ; Car je dois I'Tin ou I'autre i mon orgaeil, confus B'avoir honteusement essuyd ses refus. Choisis: pour se laver d'un si cruel outrage, L'amour peut tout ici. VIRGINIE. La rertu, d'avantage. CLAUDIUS. Four la demi^re fois je t'ai tendu la main. VIRGINIE. Horreurl EUe est encore pleine de sang Eomain, Du sang d'Icilius I Laissez-moL CLAUDIUS. Virginie I VIRGINIE. Pourqui pilissez-vous, si je vous calomnie 7 Ah! vous n'en ^tiez pas A. votre coup d'essai I Vous I'avez fait mourir. CLAUDIUS. Eh bien I eh bien I c'est vrai. Et ce crime, du moins, fait voir combien je t'aime. n est de ma furcur uno preuve supreme. Where the turbulent south wind governs, each day The tempest, in flying, announced its return. Also the next, from the first break of Aurora, The winds, tribunes of the sea, agitated us. Behold what was my fate 1 It is to-day. In ending at thy house our first interview. My passion announced again the tempest. What my anger announced, my fate repeats. My pride will not permit a noble Claudius , Should love, hope, irritate himself, and blush, for nothings VIRGINIA. But will they not say, in listening to this man. That he has vanquished the gods and destroyed Rome 7 Judge, answer me. /By.what right a Roman Upon a free woman has laid his hand ! Answer. What does jour client, Maximus, want with me f What are his rights 7 This man is the instrument of a. crime. But the whole people, instructed of your frightful design^ Will believe you ravisher, knowing you an assassin. CLAUDIUS. That I am little moved by this violence ! Thou countest upon the people. Tliey keep silence. They lose their liberty, their glory. What dost thou ex- pect Gf a people without shame, also without virtue 7 By a blow so bold, vainlj^ I excite them. Their obstinate cowardice passes my expectation. When my tired arm wishes to repose, Their feebleness tempts me immediately to dare alL As to Maximus, I must warn thee. Be it to-day that he servos my hate or my justice^ I believe his action founded, and I am ready To maintain his rights, to render a just decision. Now I see thee uncertain, unquiet ; J?hy eyes seek the sword suspended over thy head. These are the blows that cannot be foreseen. The earth may open suddenly at thy feet. (Virginia makes a movement of fear.]); I have but to say one word for Maximus, and, within the- hour, A lictor will conduct thee to the depths of his dwelling Listen. Claudius can be thy savior. Yield to my passion ; I judge in thy favor. Answer. Tou must choose my love or my bate. It is necessary at once to be victim or sovereign. For I owe the one or the other to my pride, confusedi' At having shamefully endured thy refusal. Choose. To cleanse thyself from so cruel an outrage^ Love can do all. ' VIRGINIA. Virtue, more, CLAUDIUS. For the last time I offer you my band. VIRGINIA. Horror 1 ' It is yet stained with Roman bloodil The blood of Icilius I Leave me. CLAUDIUS. Virginia I VIRGINIA. Why do you turn pale, if I calumniate you ^ Ah ! you were not, then, trying me I You have killed hihj I OLAUDIUa Well, well, it is true ; And the crime, at least, will make you see how much E love you. It is a supreme proof of my frenzy. 26 VIRGINIA. Tu me hais sang retour, je le sens, je le vois. Mais sais-tu quel pouvoir consacre iei mea droits ? Bien au dessus des cieux, dans les profondeurs sombrea Oil le chaos etend sa temp^te et ses ombres, Sur un trone de fer, inabordable et seul, Est un dieu souverain, o'est le maitre, I'aieul. Son regard penetrant dirige toute chose. Et tandis que par lui tout se meut, il repose. II fait le jour nfifaste et la fatale nuit ; Aux enfers oomme aux cieux sa volonte nous suit. C'est lui dont la puissance inflexible, pbstin^e, Trace le cours certain de chaque destin^e, Kt c'est par lui qu'on est, au moment r^VOlu, Inceste ou parricide, ainsi qu'il I'a voulu. Eh bien 1' voila le dieu dont le pouvoir rn'opprime II te voue au malheur, il m'encourage au ciime. Taudis que notre esprit erre et flotte incertain, Ce tyran nous entraine, et je c^de a,u destin, J'aocepte tout ; la haine a mon amour suocSde ; Je te vois sans pltifi ; pleure, resiste, c^de, Qu'importe I j'obeis a I'inflexible loi Que nous impose un dieu d'airain, Mt comme moi. TIRGINIE. Kon, je n'accepte pas cette infernale excuse. Le malheur croit aux dieux, le crime lea accuse. Je sais que ceux de Rome ordonuent la vertu, Et d'aucune frayeur mon coeur n'est combattu. Sans craindre le Destin, je connais sa puissance : II regie les hasards qui donnent la naissance ; II dirige a son gre le sujet et le roi, Le riclie et lindigent ; mais que m'importe eL mOi I Saehez que dans mon Sme un tel courage vibre, Qu'en d^pit du destin je me proclame libre. II brise mon espoir d'un Bourire moqueur : Mais son pouvoir jamais ne va jusqu'a mon coeur. D'un maitre et d'un bourreau je suis en vain la prole ; Ma haine et mon amour yont o& je tes envoie I CLAUDItrS. 3'aime cette vertu qu'aucun danger n'abat, i ! Et qui, sans h^siter, accepte le combat 1 Ton coeur, par ses d^dains, ajoute a son empire. • Je t'aime pour I'horreur que mon crime t'inspire Et comme rien ne pent t'arracher de mes bras, Je pref^re a present que tu ne m'aimes pas. Oui, ton m^pris me sert ; et je pense avec joie Qu'au lieu d'line maitresse il me donne une proie ; Que j'entendrai tea oris, que je verrai tes pleura, Que j'aurai le plaisir de toutes tes douleurs, Le sort en est jet6 1 d6j4 I'heure s'^coule, Scribes 1 licteursl Maxime. (lis paraissant tout i coup.) SCENE V. Claudius, ViBSnnB, Maxisie, SoiobeS, Liotbues. CLAITDItTS. Avertissez la foole Que je vais au forum, et du mont Quirinal Epanohez tons ses flots autour du tribunal. Mon cortege la suit sur la place publiquo. (Montrant Virginie.) Pabiua la defend! qu'il entre qu'il s'explique I Nous I'attendons. Ni lui, ni^e peuple Bomain, Ki les dieux ne pourront I'arracher de ma main. Thou hatest me without return. I feel it, I see it. But knowest tliou what 'power here consecrates my right? Much above the heajfens, in tile profound depths Where chaos extends. his tempests and his shadows, XJpon a throne of ^ iron, inaccessible and, alone. Is a sovereign god. He is the master, the forefather. His penetrating look directs all things. And while, through him, all moves, he reposes. He makes the inauspicious day and the fatal night. In hell as in heaven his will follows us. It is he whose'inflexible and unchangeable power Traces the certain course of each destiny ; ^ And it is through him that one is, at this revolviiig mo- ment, Incestuous person or parricide, which he wills. Well, behold the god whose power oppresses me I He devotes thee tomisfortune ; he encourages nUe to crime. While our spirit wanders and floats undertainly. This tyrant draws, and I yield to destiny. I accept all. Hatred succeeds to love. ' I see thee without pity. Weep, resist, yield. What matters it? I obey the inflexible law Which a god of brass, made like me, imposes on us. VIRGINIA. No ; I cannot accept this infernal excuse. Misfortune believes in the gods ; crime accuses them. I know that those of Rome ordain virtue. And my heart struggles with no terror.; Without fearing fate, I know its power. It rules the chances which it gives birth to. It directs to its taste the subjecst and the king, The rich and the indigent. But what matters ? Know that in my sOul so much courage vibrates That, in sipite of fate, I proclaim myself free. He breaks my hope with a smile of mockery ; But his power can never attain my heart. Of a master and of au executioner I am in vain the prey> . My hate and my love go where I send them ! CLAITDItJS. I love this virtue that no danger osai abate, And which, without hesitation, accepts the combat I Thy heart, by its disdain, adds to its empire. I love thee for the horror thatmy crime inspires thee with, And nothing can tear thee from my arms. I prefer, at present, that you should not love me. Tes, thy contempt serves me ; an(l I jthink with joy That in lieu of a mistress it gives me a prey. When I shall hear thy cries, when I shall see thy tears, When I shall have the pleasures of all thy miseries, Fate has decided it so ! Already the hour is past. " Scribes I lictors! MaximusI, ' (They appear directly.) SCENE V. Claudius, Yikotnia, Maximus, Scribes, Xiotobs. CLAUDIUS. > Warm the people That I go to the forum, and from the Mount Quirinal Spread all their floods around the tribunal. My suite will follow to the public place. (Showing Virginia.) Fabius defends her. Let him enter. Let him explain.. We await him. Neither he, nor the Roman people, Nor the gods can tear her out of my hand! VIRGINIA 27 MafiUe! SCENE VI. Lb3 Membs. ' Fabius, Acje; f:austa. ACTB. YIRGINIE. Ch^re Aete 1 FAUSTA. Virginie — CLAUDIUS. Ah I prStresae, Daus vm si grand pfiril secourez ma d^tresse. ■ FABIUS. Justice, Claudius; je la veux a tout prix 1 Oaez-vous staler un si profond m^pris De nos moeurs, de nos lois, de notre r^publique 7 Vous Tenez en plein jour sur la place publique, Quaud JupiterTonnant veille ^ notre destin Du haut du Capitole et du mont Palatin, . ArrSter sans pudeur et saisir cette fille En qui I'houneur reside, en qui la vertu brille ; La tille d'un soldat, d'un citoyen Romain, Qui pour nous maiutenant a le far S la main ! Oh I laissez-moi parier. La foule stup§faite Deplore vos excis plus que notre d^faite. ^ II est des crimes tela qu'Ua rfivoltent lea dieux, £t chassent des tombeaux lea ombres des aieux. Maxime a viol^ les moeurs, lea loia do Rome, Kt je demanderai qu'on exile cet homme. CLAUDIUS. Maxime — FABIUS. Et si le juge ose fitre son appui, Notre accusation moatera jugqu'a luL TIEGINIE {A Fabiua). Vous fitesmon sauveur 1 MAXIMUS (ai part, au decemvir). Claudius — CLAUDIUS. Je tolSre, • A cause de ton ^e, un transport de colore : Mais sois plus modir£ devant mon tribunal, la, ton %e et ton nom te prot^geraient mal. De quel droit m'intenter une injuste quorella ? Connaia-tu bien les droits que Maxme a aur elle? FABIUS. Que lui demande-t-il7 FAUSTA. Qu'a-trelle fait ? FABIUS. Pourquoi Mettre la main sur elle au tn^pris de la loi 7 MAXIME. Faroe que c'est mon droit, I'ancien droit des Quifites, Oonsacr6 par I'usage et par nos lois (Sorites. CLAUDIUS. Parle, expose ton droit. MAXIME. • Toici bientdt quinze ana Que j'avia une esclave en ma maison dea champs. Or, elle devint m^rcj et je vitune fllle, Esclave de naissance, augmenter ma Cimille. SCENE VI. The Same. Fabius, Acte, Fadsta. My child I Dear.Aotel Virginia I ACTB. VIRGINIA. FAUSTA. CLAUDIUS. Ah I priestess, In so great a peril succor my diatreasi FABIUS. Justice, Claudius ! and I will have it at any price I Dare you display so profound a contempt Of our manners, of our laws, of our republic ? Tou come, in full day, upoii the public place. When Jupiter the Thunderer. Watches over our destiny From the top of the Capitol and Moan* Palatine, To arrest, without shame, and seize this girl. In whom honor resides and in whom virtue shines ; The daughter of a soldier, a Eioman citizen, "Who for us now holds the sword in his hand! Oh I let me speak. The stupified crowd Deplore your excess more than our defeat It is by such crimes they make the gods desert them, And chase from the tombs the shaded of their ancestors, Maximus has violated the manners, the law.s of Rome, And I demand that we exile this man. Maximus — CLAUDIUS. FABIUS. And if the judge darea to be hiS; support, Our accusation will ^^ount even to nim. VIRGINIA, (to Fabius). Tou are my savior. , * MAXIMUS.' Claudius — CLAUDIUS. it tolerate, : i On account of your age, a transport of passion f. . But be more moderate before my IribuoaU. ■ , Here thy ago and thy name wiU ill protect thee,; By what right-begin -with, me an unjust quaireW : Dost thou know the rights that Maximus has over her I What does he aak? What haa she done 7 FABIUS. FAUSTA. fabius: Why- Doea he lay handa upon her^ in contempt of tho law ? MAXIMUS. . Because it is mjr right ; the iinoieht right of the QUirites, Consecrated by use and our written laws. CLAUDIUS. Speak. Expose thy right. MAXIMUS. It will be^soon fifteen years Since I had a slave in my country-house. Now, she became a mother, and 1 5aw the child, Bom a slave, to augment my family. 28 VI ECHINI A. Uh citoyen, que Rome honoro avec raison, f aisait nourrir Ea fille aupr^s de ma maison. Cette fille mounit : Ba mire alois put craindre De voir I'affection de son marl s'dteindre ; Elle Tint Implorer mon esclave, si bien Qu'au lieu de I'enfant mort, I'eselave mit le sien. Le complot fut conduit avec beaucoup dadresse, Ce marl, dont la femme abusait la tendresse, C'^tait Virginius, crfidule autant que moi; El I'enfaut d6rob6, qui m'appartient, c'cst ton. (II inique Virginie.) VIRGINIE. • Moi, fille d'une esclaVe I ACTE et PAUSTA. Bl)e est libre. FABIU& Elle est libre I VIRGINIE. Fausta ! j'aimerais mieux me jeter dans le Tibre ' Quo d'etre son esclave. (Elle va vera Maxime qu'elle regarde en face.) Ah I j'ai mal entendu. Voyons : regarde-moi I T^pete I que dis-tu 7 Mon pire fut trompS 7 je ne suis pas sa fille 7 Et je naquls esclave an sein de sa famille 1 Moi I Begardez : cet homme est un vil instrument I Regardez-le p&lir : II ment ! il ment I il ment ! PABIDS. D'un mensonge grossier faut-il que tu t'^meuves? n est le demandeur, il doit foumir ses preuves. MAXIME. J'^tablirai mon droit, et j'aurai mes t^moins. PABIUS, D'Appius et de toi je n'attendais pas moins. CLAUDIUS. Je descends au forum, oA je dois vous entendre. Son p6re est ton client, tu pourras la dfifendre. Sortons. PABIUS. Par ces discours ne crois pas m'abuser ; Afin de la d^fendre, il faudra t'accuser. < Mais, avant de parler pour cette jeune fille, J'attendrai le retour du pire de famille ; Car le pire a des droits qu'on ne peut pas nier. ' CLAUDIUS. Je I'attendrais en vain, le p4re est prisonnier. Mon pfire I VIRGINIE. FAUSTA. Tout I'acoable. FABIUS. II reverra le Tibre. Je ne veux que trois jours, dans trois jours il est libre. Uni par les liens de Thospitalitfi Avec les chefs Sablns, j'aurai sa libertd. Quel motif si pressant te force d'etre injuste ? CLAUDIUS. Je me range i. I'avis d'un personnage auguste : Qui, de Virginius j'attendrai le retour. VIRGINIE. Dieux sauveursi A citizen, whom Rome honors with reason. Had his daughter nursed near my house. His child died. Her mother then did fear To see the affection of her husband extinguished. She came to implore my slave, so well, "That in place of the dead child the slave put her's. The plot was conducted with much address. This husband, whose wife abused his tenderness, It was Virginius, as credulous as myself; And the stolen child, who belongs to me, it is thyself (He indicates Virginia.) VIRGINIA. Me, the daughter of a slave I She is free. She is free. ACTE and FAUSTA. FABIUS. VIRGINIA. Fausta, I would rather throw myself into the Tiber Than be his slave. (She goes towards Maximus, and she looks him in the face.) Ah 1 I have heard ill. Let us see 1 look upon me ! repeat 1 what sayest thou ! TJjat my father was deceived 7 I am not his daughter ? That I was born a slave in the bosom of his family! Me I — Lool^ this man is a vile instrument I Regard his paleness I He lies I he lies I he lies I FABIUS. For so gross a falsehood needest thou be moved 7 He is the plaintiff ; he ought to furnish his proofs. MAXIMUS. I will establish my rights, and I will have my witneS ses FABIUS. From Appiua and from thee I expected no less. ' CLAUDIUS. I descend to the forum, where I ought to hear thee. Her father is thy client ; thou canst defend her. Let us go. FABIUS. By this disgpurse believe not to abuse me. Before I defend her, it is necessary to accuse her. But before I speak for this young girl, I will await the return of the father of the family ; For the father's, rights no one can gainsay. CLAUDIUS. Tou will await him in vain. The father is a prisoner. yiRGINIA. FAUSTA. My father I AU crushes her. FABIUS. He will again see the Tiber. I ask but three days ; in three days he is free. United by the ties of hospitality With the Sabine chie^ I will have his liberty. What motive so pressing forces thee to be unjust 7 CLAUDIUS. I will take the advice of so aiigust a person. Yes, I will await Virginius' retiirn. VIRGINIA. VIRGINIA. 29 CLAUDIUS. Et de plus, JB yeux, jusquea au jour Oil Je soWat captif rontrera dans la ville, VcUler aux droits de tous et donuer un asila A cctte joune fille. Aucun d'eux en secret Ne pouiTa, grSce A moi, se soustraire A I'arr^t. Oui. pour sa sflretfi dont le soin me regarde, lei je la retiens, et c'est moi qui la garde. VIRGINIE. Me retcuir ioi ! FAUSTA. C'est une trahison. FABiM .loffm de la oacher au fond de ma maison, I'.t tu n'oseras pas I'enfermer dans la tienne. Viens, ina fille, sortons. CLAUDIUS. Lioteurs I qu'on la retienue. ■ FABIUS. Fronds garde, Claudias I pour nos de toutes parts On s'arme en oe moment— CLAUDIUS. Des mficontents 6pars, Saus projets et sans chefs. I FACIUS. Pour briser ton empire, Lo peuple aura dos chefs. CLAUDIUS. Lesquels 1 FABIUS. Moi ! je conspire I Et bicntot au senat — CLAUDIUS. Je puis seul I'assembler. FABIUS. Crains ce peuple jaloux — CLAUDIUS. Qu'un licteur fait trembler. FABIUS. hes soldats reviendrdnt — CLAUDIUS. Honteux de leur d^faite. FABIUS. Les dieux sont-ils vaincus ? CLAUDIUS. ■Qu'ou I'eloigae. Tant que je suis au faite, (Aux lioteurs.) FABIUS. Auras-tu cette t^m^rit^, De me renvoyer seul vers le peuple irrit^ 1 Je te I'ai deja dit, la r^yolte fermente, Kt la haine du peuple i ohaque instant s'augmente. On s'agite, et bientot des monts et des vallona La campagne enverra ses plus rudes colons. Attondras-tu qu'on vienne assi^ger ta demeure? i'^coute. (Cris en dehors.) VIRGINIE. On vient ! CLAUDIUS. Des cris I Eh bi'en ! i la bonpe heure I CLAUDIUS. And more, I wish, until the day When the captive soldier shall reenter the town. To watch over the rights of all, and give an aaylunx To this young girl. Not any of thom secretly Can, thanks to me, withdraw from judgment. Yes, for her safety, for which I am answerable, Here I will retain her, and I myself will guard her. Retain me here I — This is treachery. VIRGINIA. PAUSTA. • • FABIUS. I offer to shelter her in the interior of my house ; And thou darest not enclose her in thine. Come, my child ; let us go. CLAUDIUS. Lictors, retain them I * FABIUS. Beware, Claudius I On all sides for us They arto themselves at this moment. CLAUDIUS. Some scattered malcontents. Without prcijects and without leaders. FABIUS. To break thy power . The people will have leaders. CLAUDIUS. Who? FABIUS. Myself I I rebel ! And soon the senate— CLAUDIUS. I only can assemble them. FABIUS. Fear these jealous people — CLAUDIUS. That a lictor can make, tremble. FABIUS. The soldiers will return — CLAUDIUS. ' Ashamed of their defeat. FABIUS. Are the gcffls vanquished ? CLAUDIUS. So much so that I am arbiter. Make him depart. FABIUS. Wilt thou be thus rash. To let me return aloue to this irritated people 1 I hav.e already told you the revolt ferments, And the hate of the people each moment increases. They are moved, and soon the mountains and valleys And the country will send the rudest colonists. Wilt thou wait till they come to besiege thy dwelling? , (Cries without^' VIRGINIA. They comg I CLAUDIUS. Shouts t Well, it is seasonably I 30 VIRGINIA. De Jeur soumissiou j'igiiorals tout le prix, Tant ils m'avaient iiaguere inspire de m^pris.' Mais leur. aitreKion sgrandit ma fortuhe, Et mon. pouYoir me ptait; puisqu'iMesamportune. Tiens S, mon tribunal, tu m'y verras montor Pour cMtiei; tous ceuxiqui ra'osfent affronter^ Et toi-memaaveo ewXjivifiJllard, si-ta me blames. EloigneziSl'iQstaut/Fabius et oosfcmmes. • licteurs, obeissez ! , (Les lioteurs g'a.vancent.) VIRGINIE (a Fabius)^ • Et que me-reste-t-il Pour sauver d'Appius men honneur en p6ril? FABIUS (lui donnant un poignard'qu'elle cache). Prends ce fer. TIRGINIB (a part). Je guis libre, et mon honneur I'emporte. Oui, j'aurai I'ame pure et j'aural la main forte. Claudius me poursuit, qu'il vienne m'asservir. Qu'U vienne m'outrager! j'atta^ids le decemvir. {Act6 et Faus'ta s'eloignent devant les lioteurs — Fabius les suit — Virginie reste seule dans le palaig de Claudius). I was ignorant of the value of (Sieir submission ; With so much contempt have they lately inspired me. But their hatred enlarges ,my success, • And my power please^, since it wearies them. Come to my tribunal ; thou shalt see me mount it, To chastise these who dare to offend me, And thyself with them, old man, if thou blamest me. Drive hence, at once, Fabius and these women. Lictors, obey ! (The lictors advance.) VIRGINIA (to Fabius). "What is left me' To save from Appius my perilled honor ? FABIUS (giving her a poignard, whicji she conceals). Take this steel. VIRGINIA (aside). I am free, and my honor is saved. • Yes, my soul shall be pure, my hand strong. Claudius pursues me ; let him come to subdue me. Let him attempt ray outrage I I await the decemvir. (Acte and Fausta are driven off by the lictors. Fabius follows them. Virginia remains alone in the palace ol Claudius.) ACTE QUATKIEME. Le thfi&tre represente la maison de Virginie. II fait nuit. SCENE I. Acte, Fausta. (Acte et Fausta sont assises au foyer ; * les Eclair.) une lampe de fer FAUSTA. II fait nuit, et tout dort. La campagne et la ville Se reposent sans bruit dans une ombre tranqiylle ; Soldats et laboureurs, tout, jusqii'aux animaux:, Dans un sommeil profoitldl gbflte I'oubli des maux. Les dieux donnent au loin une paix opportune Aux^tangs, ^ux for^s que le vent Importune. Mais pour ma soeur, qu'en vain j'ai voulu) p!M>t6gier, La nuit, si douce a tous,.ji^,qu'ombre et que danger. Je ne puis la servir. Tainoinent le college Des fillcs de Vesta I'admire et la protege : Afln de la sauver il jjermet vaineraent Que je passe uno nuit hors du saint monument. Soins perdus"! ' 3?Sbius voit lui-meme, a son Sge. ■ M6priserde sounom' I'augUste patronage. Yoila sa. place. vide. dieux !' dieux immortelg! Que lui servent les dons., porte? a yos autels ? ' FAUSTA. Je crois les voir encor qupfld- ils ei^traient au temple : Je les vois tous les deux,' la foulo les contempJe ; , Et chaque m^re dit a sa fiUe : " Vois-tu? ACT THE FOUETH. The theatre represents the house of Virginius. It is ui^ht SCENE I. Acte. Fausta. (Acte and Fausta are seated at the hearth. An iron lamp . lights them. FAUSTA. It IS night, aad all sleep. The country and the town Repose without noise in the tranquil shade. Soldiers and laborers, all, even to animals. In a profound slumber taste fbrgetfulness of evils. To the distant the gods give a seasonable peace. To the waterSj to the forests that the wind troubles. But for my sister, vainly I wish to protect her. The night, so sweet to all, l^as only shade and danger. I cannot serve her. Vainly the assembly Of the daughters of Vesta admire and protect her. To save her, at last it vainly permitted me To pass the night away from the holy monument. Lost paitts ! Fabius, .at his age, himself sees The auguist patronage of his name despised. ACTE. Belioldher place empty I gods ! immortal gods' I How do the gifts carried to your altars benefit her? FAUSTA. I imagine T .see them again, when they entered the templo I see themjjothf The crowd gazes oti them ; And each" mother says to her child, "Seest thou? VIRGIiNIA. 31 Bile obtient aiijourd'hui la prix de sa vertu : L'Ame d'loilius s'est ,vers elle inclin^e." mortels, ignorants de notre destinfe 1 De ce bonheur profond, de oes chants, de oes fleurs. II no nous rcsto plus que du sang et des pleura. SCENE II. AOTE, PABroSi-'pAtrSTA. (Fabius entre par la droito. Act6 et Pausta se levant et s'approchent de lui.) FABIUS. Lcs licteurs d'Appius m'filoignent de sa porte ; Ta soeur est maiutenant d^shonor^e ou morte. Lo poignard que j'ai mis dans cette ialble main No la sauvera pas: tout espoir serait vain. Hon csclavo est all^,. partant notre demande, Vers le camp des Sabins, au obef qui les commaude ; Lo pere reviendra ; mais il sera reduit A pleurer seul ici sur son bonheur dfitruit — ACTE. Jo n'ai pas tlSfendu I'enfant que j'ai vu naitre, Kt je n'attendrai pas le retour de mon maitre. FABIUS. Ecoutez, toutes deux. PAUSTA. J'entends un bruit de pas. . FABIUS. Quelque agent d'Appius. ACTE. . Tous ne vons trompiez pas. Vers Jupiter Stator je vois marcher un homme. II s'arrete; il'est la. SCENE II]. AcTE, Pausta, Fabius, Virginius. •* VIRGINIUS (au dthors). Difeux qui prot^gez Eome I Grand Jupiter ! salut I PAUSTA. C'est lui i XCTK. O'est lui ! FAB US (;i Act6). Tais toi — FAUSTA. Sa presence m'inspiro unc sorte d'elTroi. . FABIUS. Allez, pretresse ; allez, malgre sa tyrannic, Des mains de Claudius arracher Virginie. Le decemvir, sachcnt le perc ,de retour, Ne peut la retenir sans trahir son amour : Mes esclaves sont la qui vous feront' eseorte Allez : Virginius di^ja fiappo a la pprto. • (Aetc) ct Fausta sortant a droite.) She gains to-day the price of her virtue. The soul of Icilius bends itself towards bor." mortals I ignorant of our destiny I Of this profound happiness, of these songs, of these flowers^ There remains nothing to us but blood and tears 1 SCENE II. AcTE, FabiuS, Pausta. v (Fabius enters from the right. .Acte and Pausta rise and approach him.) FABIUS.- ■ The Motors of Appius drove me from his door. Thy sister is now dishonored or dead I The dagger which I put in that- feeble hand T\'ill not save her. All hope will be in vain. My slave has departed, carrying our request, Towards the camp of the Sabines, to the chief that oom-^ mands them. The father will return ; but he will be reduced To weep alone here upon his happiness destroyed. ACTE. I have not protected the child I saw bom, And I will not await the return of my master. FABIUS; Listen! bothl — FAUSTA. I hear the noise of a step. ■ FABIUS. Some agent of Appius. ACTE. You do not deceive yourself. Towards Jupiter Stator I see a man walking. He stops ; he is there. SCENE III. AciE, Pausta, Fabiu^ Vieginius. VIRGINIUS (without). Gods who protect Rome I Great Jupiter I hail I FAUSTA. 'lis he ! ACTE. 'Tis he I FABIUS (to Acte). Be silent I PAUSTA. His presence inspires me with a Ijind of fear. FABIUS. Go, priestess ; go, spite his tyranny, Prom the hands of Claudius to tear Virginia. The decemvir, knowing the return of the father, Cannot retain her without betrayirlg his love. My slaves are tjiere, who will escort you. Go. Virginius already knocks at the door. f Acte and Fausta go out.) :S2 VIRGINIA. l/ui, captif; il revient icJ pendant la nuit. 'Qui peut I'avdir sauv^ ? qui peut lavoir instruit ? ^CENE IV. Fabius, YiEGINinS. VIEGINIUS. 'Ouvrez, ouvrez, c'est moi I Mes esclaves, ma fille, -fteconnaissez la voix du pSre de famille. FABIUS. IMalheureux pfere 1 allons, il faut ouvrir. TIRGINIUS. Eh quoi I "Vous ioi, Faljius ? vous, a cette lieure I FABIUS. Oui, moL TIBGINIUS. . Ah ! voti'e d^TOilment a passe lea limites. Xorsque je m'Sloignai, patron, tous me promites De veiiler snr ma fille ; et je tous trouve icL -J'ai pu m'en sSparer sans le moindre souol. •puis I'^couter plus long temps. • FABIUS. Un soldat Tel que Virginius parle comme il combat ; II n'est pas orateur, il est pfere ; sa fiUe Est pour lui tout son bien et toute sa famille, Eooutez ; ou plutot rendez-lui son enfant. CLAUDIUS. O'est une eselave. PABIUS. Non, le pass6 la defend. Et qu'importe, apr&s tout, quelle naquit eselave ! EUe fut libre ici. La liberty se grave Dans les cceurs, sur les fronts, comme un signe divin Que Ton n'effaoe pas, que mil ne porte en vain. Elles a pris part, dans Rome, k tou3 vos sacrifices, AuS: autels de vos di^ux rempli de saints offices, Et vous ne pouvez pas, sans une impi^tS, La renverser du haut de cette libertl. CLAUDIUS. Maxime est dans son droit I et Maxime I'emporte, Si vous n'opposez pas une preuve plus forte A celle qu'U foumit ,^ VIRGINIUS (au peuple). Vous I'entendaz I eh bien I A de pareils discours vos ne rfepondez rien ? FABIU6. Et vous acoepterez I'arrlt qu'il nous prepare ! CLAUDIUS. Contemplate, Upon Mount Palatine and before each temple, My faithful soldiers and my armed clients. VIRGINIUS. I see only the avenging gods of the oppressed. And in such shameful affronts who can Jiesitato? When we have suffered all, we have nothing more to fear. Nothing can be added to the torments that Rome has suffered ; And the excess of our evils ensures my security. I will unveil, then, the crime which is hidden, Should iny head at the same instant fall under this axe I accuse Claudius of a criminal love. He pursued my child to the paternal hearth. Maximus, his client, the instrument of his vices. Sells to him for money his infamous services. His witnesses, their oaths, thell' vows are suborned. And it is you, and it is I, to fulfil their vsfishej, Ought to lavish all ou these infamous masters. The blood of the soldiers and the modesty of the women ! Will you suffer all this ? CLAUDIUS (rising). Before my tribunal, Of revolt he openly gives the signal. PABIUS. This man defends himself He accuses. He threatens. CLAUDIUS. MAXIMUS. VIRGINIA (to her father). You will lose yourself for me I MAXIMUS. Chastise his audacity I CLAUDIUS. , I can listen no longer to him. PABIUS. A soldier Such as Virginius, speaks as he fights. He is not an orator ; he is a father. His daughter Is to him all his wealth and all his family. LisfJn to him ; or, sooner, give him his child. CLAUDIUS. She is a slave. PABIUS. No ; the past defends her. And what matters it, after all, if she was bom in slavery ? She was free here. Liberty engraves itself In the heart, upon the forehead, as a divine sign Which cannot be effaced, which none carry in vain. She has taken part, in Rome, in all your sacrifices ; At the altars of your gods falfiUed the sacred offices ; And you cannot, without sacrilege. Thrust her firom the height of this liberty. CLAUDIUS. Maximus is in the right, and Maximus shall obtain her If you cannot oppose a proof more strong To this which he has furnished. VIRGINIUS. Tou hear him ? Well, To this unparalleled discpurse you answer nothing ! PABIUS. And you accept the judgment he has prepared for us ! VIRGINIA. 45 VIRGINIUS. Et vous pourrez souffrir qu'Appius nots sfipare I Oil sont nos proteoeurs, nos parens, nos amis? Oii sont-ils maintenant ces d^fenseurs promis ? FABIUS. Qu'ou lui reude jtistioe ! LE PEtrPLE. Oui, justice ! FABItrS. II le faut !— (Le peuple fait un mouvement vers le tribunal de Claudius.) CLAUDItJS. Youa ne trouverez pas mon pouvoir en d6faut. Soldats, clients, lioteurs; remplissez voire t&ohe I Opposez aux mutins les faisceaux et la haohe. (Les licteurs^loignentle peuple deVirginiusetde sesamis.) Ecoutez maintenant. FABIUS. Arr^te, au nom des dieux ! SYLVIUS (du milieu de la foule). Epargne un vieui soMat. FABIUS. Epargne tes aieux. CLAUDIUS. L'audace du soldat, qu'elle Teste impunie : Que eette jeune fille, iiutrefois Virginie, Appartienne A Maxima ; enfin qu'il ait le droit Dc- pouvoir a I'lnstant I'entrainer sous son toit. (Virginie va se cacller dans les bras do son perc), VIRGINIUS. Romains ! grand dieux 1 — FABIUS. Voici le dernier jour do Kome. vmaiNius. Ausecoursl citoyens! CLAUDIUS. Va, licteur, je te sommc De remettre a I'instant cette fille au pouvoir De son maitre nouveau. Marche, fas ton devoir. VIRGINIE. Us viennent 1 — FABIUS (arr^tant les Ucteurs qui vont s'emparer de Vir" ginie). Claudius I — STLVIUS. Oh I magistrat indigne ! — VIRGINIUS. Arrefez I arr^tez 1 licteurs, je me r^signe. Oui, Claudius, je cMe a ton autorite ; Par la doleur je fus un moment cmport^. Tu vols mon d^sespoir. J'elevai son enfance — Avant que de la voir passer en ta puissance, Permets que je lui parle A I'eoart,, en eo lieu. Permets que je lui dise un eternal adeau. (Claudius fiiit signe qu'il aocordc k Virginius oo quil do- mande. II prend sa fiUe a I'loart.) VIRGINIE. iSauvez-moi I sauvez-moi I c'est en vous quej'espfire. VIRGINIUS. lloi — je n'espere rien, jo ne peux rien. ' VIRGINIUS. And you can suffer Appius to separate us 1 Where are our protectors, our parents, our friends? "Where are they now, these promised defenders? FABIUS. Let them render him justice. THE PEOPLE. Yes, justice ! FABIUS. He must ! (The people make a movement tpwards the tribunal of Claudius.) CLAUDIUS. You will not find my power wanting. Soldiers, clients, lictors, fulfil your task ! Oppose to the rebels the fasces and tlie axe! (The lictors drive the people from Virginius ahd his friends.) Now listen — FABIUS. Stay, in the name of the gods I SYLVIUS (from amidst the crowd). Spare an old soldier! FABIUS. Spare thy ancestors I CLAUDIUS. Let the audacity of the soldier remain unpunished. Let the young girl, otherwise Virginia, Belong to Maximus. At once let him have the right Of power this instant to drag her under his roof. (Virginia attempts to hide herself in the arms of her father. ) VIRGINIUS. Romans ! Great Gods ! FABIUS. Behold the last day of Rome 1 VIRGINIUS. Help 1 citizens I CLAUDIUS. Go, lictor. I summon thee To place, on the instan?, this girl in the power Of her new master. Go, do thy duty. VIRGINIA. They cornel FABIUS (stopping the lictors who are about to seize Vir- ginia.) Claudius 1 SYLVIUS. unworthy magistrate I VIRGINIUS. Stay ! stay I Lictors, I resign myself. Yes, Claudius, 1 submit to thy authority. By grief I was for a moment carried away. Thou seest my despair. I educated her infancy. Before I see her pass into thy power, Permit me to speak apart to her in this place. Allow me to bid her an eternal adieu. (Claudius signs that he grants Virginius what ho asks. Ho takes his child on one side.) VIRGINIA. Save me I save me I It is in you I hope. VIRGINIUS. Me I I can hope nothing, I can do nothing. 46 VIEGINIA. virgijue. Mon p&'e 1 — Maxime ■est lii, je sms son esclavfi, sou bien — II vient pour me saisir, et tous ne pouyez rlen? YIRGINIUS. Seul et d^sarmfi — ^rien I VIEGINIB. Pour sauver ceux qu'on aime, On a son d&espoir dans un -danger supreme. Oh ! ne me livres pas & ce juge odieux 1 (Virginie tombe aux genoux de son pfere.) YIRGINIUS. Je suis abandonne des hommes et des dieux — (Apercevant uu couteau sur I'etabli d'vm boucher.) Dufer!— TIRGINIB. Soyez toujouis le p6re de lamille 1 — VIEGINIUS (apart). O'est la mort, c'est I'espoirl YIRGINIE. D^feudez votre fille ! — Que regardez-Tons la? — Qui vient me aecourir ? TIRGINIUS. Je n'ai rien vu — Destin I — TIRGINIB. Que ne puis-ge mourir I TTRGINiriS. Ma-fflle, embrasse-moi I YIRGINIE. Songez que Virginie "^ Mourra moins de la mort que do ISgnqminie. Begardez Claudius ; il m'pbserve, il m'attend I Pour me sauver de lui vous n'avez qu'on instant Permettre qu'il me traone esclave on son repaire, C'est dire qu'en effet vous n'etes pas mon p&e. VIEGINIUS. Moil— VIRGINIE. Prouvez b'U le fant, sur I'henre, devant tous. Prouvez en le versant que mon sang est a vous — Mais E est dSsarm^, c'est en vain qua je prie. Tenez-moi, serrez-moi I dispulez-leur ma vie. CLAUDIUS. Allons, licteurs, aUonsI VIRGINIE. Mon pere 1 VIEGINIUS; ' ' Je )e suis 1 Pour te sauver I'honneur, je iais comme je puis. (II prend le oouteau.) VIRGINIE. Ma mto ! — II faut mourir I (EUe se voile ot se cache dans le s'ein de son p6re.) CLAUDIUS. Emmenez cette escdave. VIRGINIUS (frappant sa fille). EUe est libra ! LE PEUPLB (poussant un cri d'horreur). . Ah!— VIEGINIA. My father 1 Maximus is there. I am his sla;ve, his goods I He comes to seize roe, and you can do nothing? VIEGINIUS. Alon^ and disarmed— nothing ! VIRGINIA. To save those w^hom we love, Supreme danger has its despair Ah I leave me not to this odius Judge 1 (Virginia falls upon her knees to her father.) VIRGINItTS. I am abandoned by men and gods I — (Perceiving a knife on a butcher's bench.) A knife!— • . ^ VIRGINIA. Be yet the father of the family 1 VIRGINIUS (aside). It is death I it is hope ! VIEGINIA. Defend your child 1 What see you there ? "Who come to succor me t VIEGINIUS. I have seen nothing — ^Fate I — VIEGINIA. Cannot I die ? VIEGINIUS. My daughter, embrace me I VIEGINIA. Do you dream that Virginia Will stirink less from death than ignominy ? Look upon Claudius. Ho observes me, he waits me I To save me from him you have but a moment. Will you suffer him to drag me a slave to his den ? That is to say indeed that you are not my father. VIEGINIUS. II VIEGINIA. Prove, if it be needful, at once, before all, Prove, in sheddmg it, that my blood is yours. But he is unarmed ! It is in vain I pray 1 Hold me ! clasp me I dispute with them my life ! CLAUDIUS. Proceed, lictors, proceed! VIEGINIA. My father! VIEGINIUS. I am it ! To save thy honor I will do what I am able. (He takes the knife.) VIEGINIA. My mother I — I must die I (She veils and conceals herself in the bosom of her, father.) CLAUDIUS. Bear hence this slave. VIEGINIUS (stabbing Ms daughter). She is free! PEOPLE (uttering a cry of horror). Ah!— VIRGINIA. 47 PAUSTA. Ma soeur t ma soeur t VIRaiNIlfS. Elle te brave 1 (Elevaat en I'air le couteau sanglant.) Je iais aux dieuz de Borne uue libation Bu sang qui coule et fuit la prostitution ! Et par ce fer sanglant, par ce sang d'une femme, Je devoue aux enfers la tfite de rmlS,me I FABITJS. Eomains, pour le punir, il suffit d'un effort. Vengeance 1 — CLAUDIUS. A moi, lioteurs I — LE PEUPLE. Mort au tyran I — ^la mort I — (La peuple se precipite sur Claudius.) PAUSTA. Ky sister I my sister 1 VIRGINIUS. She defies thee I (Elevating in the air the bloody knife.) I make to the gods of Rome a libation Of the blood that runs and flies Irom prostitution I And by this bloody steel, by the blood of a womaii, I devote to the infernal gods the head of the villain I PABIUS. • Romans, to punish him it requires but an effort I Vengeance I • CLAUDIUS Aid me, lictors I " PEOPLE. Death to the tyrant!— death! (The people precipitate themselves upon Claudius.) PINIS. 'M:'i * * * AKD REMIiG ALL TAN, PliPLES AND FRECKLES I FOR SHAVING, AND CLEANSING THE TEETH. THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW NOTICES OF THE PRESS. , [From the Editok of thi London Mail.] Balm of Thousaku Flowbrs.— Us inventor, Dr. A Do Fontaine, of Paris, has been at great expense and labor in Its composition , and has sncceeded, to the utmost of his wishes, in preparing an article which will prove conducive, in the highest degree, to the health, •omrort, and enjoyment of all who use it. Composed of plants and flowers of the most healthy, innocent, and powerlXil properties, coUectedfVamdifferent parts of the world, being Jiighlyperrumedby its own ingredients, and peculiarly pleasant in its operation, it eannot fiiil to impart satisfaction to all who employ it for the purposes for which it is so happily and wonderflilly adapted. It is de- signed for the toilet, the nursery, and the bath, and as such It is recommended by the faculty of London and Paris, as well as of the principal cities of the United States, and it has been decidedly approved by thousands who use it In preference to all other cosmetics. Every one who has attended to the philosophy of health, knows of whatlmmehse importance it is to the true et^joyment of life and a free exercise of tha thculties to keep the skin clean and the pores open by frequent ablutions. A composition tending to facilitate this operation, and, at the same time, render it more salutary and pleasant, must bo received by all classes of the community, and particu- larly by ,those of intelligent and enlightened minds. The delicate and soothing sensations which it produces, the delightfU aonnesa which It Imparts to the skin, the clearneea and beauty vvhich it gives to the complexion, and the powerful sanative virtues it possesses in removin^cutaneoUB diseases, wilt be universally acknowledged. Its application relieves the surface of all Impurities, leaving a renovated skin, and a pure and healthy bloom. As an emollient lor the hair it is unrivalled, promoting its growth, preventing its loss, and giving it a soft and glossy richness. As a wash for cleaning the teeth it is unsurpassed by any dentifrice now in use, promoting their preservation, arresting their decay, and rendering them clean and white as alabaster, As an ^iclo for shaving, it Is superior to anything now in use that we have seen tried for that purpose, not only Ihcilltatlng that operation, but, at the saino time, imparting an agreeable softness and freshness to the face. Beader, do not class this with the thousand nostrums of the day. No one can be in doubt of its virtues. [Fbok Godrt's LADt's Boos.] Balh of Thousand Flowers.— This beautUUI cosmetic removes all tan, pimples,. and tVecklea flrom the face, removes grease spots from clothes or carpeting, beautifies the skin, cleanses the teeth, or curls the hair. This is what we know this celebrated Balm will do, and we see that the proprietors offer tSOO reward to any person who can produce its equal in efHcaey. The price is Fifty Cents per bottle, and the monsy to be returned if the article does not prove satisfactory. [Tns roLLowiNs is from Gatlord Olark, or thi Knickirboceer Maoazink] It is not our wont to allude to kindred fabrications, but we can say, from the ocnlir proof, that the Balm of Thousand Flowers, * Siroparation for removing tan, pimples, and flreckles from the face, shaving, cleaning the teeth, curling the h^r, removing grease sputs rem clothes, carpets, &.C., sold by FSTRIDGE & CO., Boston, is the best article we have ever encountered. It is, in reality, all that It purports to be. FETRIDftE & CO., Proprietors. to Sxm\ Jidianaras. FRENCH-ENGLISH AND ENGLISH-FRENCH. SPIEES'S FBEKCH AND EITGLISH DICTIOHABY-TJITABEIDOED. A general French and English Dictionary, newlj composed from the dictionaries of the French Academy, Laveaux, Boiate, Beschevelle, &e. ; Johnson, Webster, Blehardson, Ac. - eontaining many words not found in other dictionaries, and giving, 1st, all the words of both languages now in use, and those em- ployed in the general literature of every period down to the present time ; 2d, the principal nautical and military terms and phrases, and those connected with commerce, the arts and Icienees, with maniifacturea, mining, and railroads, and with parliamentary, financial, and admii^istrative life ; 3d, the componnd words, both French and English, in general use, or those that cannot be trhns- '.ated literally ; 4th, the various acceptations of words in their logical order, separately designated by numbers ; Bth, brief examples of nil the ordinary or literary acceptations that present any difficulty to the student ; 6th, the modification which the senses of words undergo by the addition of adjoctives, prepositions, adverbs, &c. ; 7th, the idioms and familiar phraseolology In most general "nss ; Bth, the prepositions that govern verbs, adjectives, dec. ; 9th, the prepositions that govern adverbs, adjectives, Ae.; 10th, the irregularities of the pronunciation ; 11th, the irregularities ot verbs, and of the plural of nouns, &c.; 12th, observations on words presenting gram- matical difficulties ; followed by a vocabulary of mythology and names of persons, and a vocabulary of geographical names, ancient and modem, that differ in the two languages. By A. Sfirss, Professor of English at the Imperial Oollege of Bonaparte, (Paris,) at the Imperial School of Civil Engineers, &e. From the fifth and last Paris Edition. Revised, Corrected, and especially adapted to American schools, academies, and colleges, and to the wants of those who are desirous of learning to write and speak the French language. With a Key to French pronunciation ; the conjugation of the auxiliary and regular verbs ; a table of all the primitive irregular and defective verbs, and several thousand new words and phrases. By J. L. Jewbtt, editor of " Ollendorfl^a New Method of Learning French," &e. 8vo. Price $2 50. SPIEES'S TBEirCH ASJ) EKGIiISH DICTIONABY— SCHOOL-EDITIOIT. A Frononnclng School Dictionary of the French and English Languages. By A. Skiers, Professor of English at the Imperial College of Bonaparte, (Paris,) at the Imperial School of Civil Engineers, Jcc. Kcvlsed, Corrected and Enlarged, with the pronunciation affixed of every French word, and a Key to the pro- nunciation ; together with the Irregular tenses and persons of all the French verbs, t'rangsd in their alphabetical place in the Sle- tionary. By J, K Jewett, editor uf "OU^ndprlTs New Method of Leamitig French,' Ac. Price $1 50; <*,* These are the'fint Dictionaries published which have been prepared o;tpreseiy to enable the studcht to wi'ite'and speak, as well as to read, the French language. It is believed thai their Intrinsic merits ar> such as to socuro their ultimate adoption in place of Mher similar works. For sale by all lixikscllers. Published by M,A.80]Sr BROTHERS, 23 ?ark fHow, KS'cw-Trorfc Hi vlilii 58 0-A.3Sr-A:Xi STI^EET, ■/)■* V- , ^'S, \mpxtu M^ pOTfectewr 0f Ckb anly pantHl^s, -1 ' i i ; i >. < I ;;i ! •! i ! ;!■! ! = ; ; i '<'i I • Mrk'JA ■ '■'"■rillli £''■■:■'■'.: .(:'j;(I •)* is r«corviBg from his rarisiaa Biodiste New Styles by the Steamers as they are issued in Paris, and has now m '; ' ,-■ stock, copies of the MOST E1LBG-A.IS"T DESJG-.N"-^ ttat hare been issuet this season, as well as the original Cloaks. Also a large stock of OPERA CLOAKS IN ENDLESS VAEIETY. ' 58 CANAL STREET, New-"Sork. IMPROVER AI^IflCrlAL TEETH. ft! LifTE PROFESSOR IN'TME Offld'' COLLfeGE & MNTAt StjlGERY, Invites atten tion to his improved method of constructiilg Artificial Dentures, which combinea the foUowins advantages: ^ v:^ f» r^ '-. ,^ f). ffff^V'l-'^' ■' "■: "'Cf 1st, There are no seams or crevces for the lodgment of food, to vitiate the saliva, or infect the breath, as not ^'veTV.thfll'glltW*' moiature can-gBt-.hetweenthe4eeth-jmd -the plate. - -r:-- ■ ~2d; An AiSScial Grum, -vrlich is firm and indestructible as the teeth, is fused at a high heat, between and araund their base, which unites flieni fttaaly to each other »ndiotitiepla,te upon wMeh they are set. This gum imparts to the teeth l^t peculiar, espresuon and life-like appearance which characterizes the nataral-organs. y 3. Great' strengthiispbtamed bythusuni&ig the teeth, gum, and plate, and no ordinary force in;imasticating cas break them &Dmtlieiir.|^e. '«.:'' 4. A clea^'snd ^lisCitW; articulation of speech is restored. This important change is effected by having the inside of the teeth and ^ts»"^^ natural form. Tothjs form: the tcmgue is readily adapted ; tiiis perfect adaptatbn of the tongue to the denturia prevents the :.higsing or muffied sounds in speaking or singing so oftfu observed in persons wearing artifioial jBeth.' - '- ^ 5. The nalitiral fonn and expression of tiie month and face can be restored, in cases where they have become sunken. Tms is done by mteiais of additional attachments to the framework supporting the teeth. These attach- ments are so formk^as to bring out thesunken portions,and sustain themin thoir proper poisitibn. They arecover- ed with the' above- named igjwn-eosiponndi: and have become component parts of the denture, and when, rightly formed, canndt be detected by 'Itie closest observer. This method of restoring the cheeks to their original JiiUness, and also the natui;arform and expiisssiion of- the mouth and lips, has been well tested, having been made a special feature in the' aulictt's practice for several years -past, _ A variety of Photographic and DSguerreotype likenesses; which havSBheen taken-'bf persons without this improvement, and also with it, can be seenat bis office, showing the great chan^.m afp^arance which is produced in Ae countenances of individuals now wearing' dentures constructed upon this principle, wl^ch the public are invited to call and examine, together with other specimens of his improved style of wcik, not rei$iiiiing the above attachments. i 6. The plates usually employed i&r this work are platina, the purity of which prevents even the slightest tamish, or unpleasi^taste in the mouth. In short, this system embraces many new and important features, which are readily appieSated by those -^veariug:. artificial dentures upon this principle. "With reference to the utility of this method, nimwous testimonials, qan .be given from eminent dentists in tjie various parts of the Union, and persons wearing tho-vrork in this aud other cities. J. ALLEN; 30 BOND STREET, NEW- YORK. 1^" Persons (Je^i4ng.fut1ieMaforip%tien-ca¥:oJrtain (gratijitOuply) a pamphlet explaining the whoje process, and all the improveelekts, iphfa^iit^tiOn a^Jtr. ALLEN'S tQ^KKSS, 30 BoKD Street, New- York. or s« jkiiy/ ,ga? vooc;:A=iPw y i - j ^SJ^ ^^e ^.^ -"^^^^^^^^^^^^^.Z^^ and ^^Saifti^^JtJ^^jrS^--^^^^^ thewbnderf.1 confidence, and m/ttS?^,'""" 'T "l^ ""'S"'""^-^'. ^'"^Wand^^SKAxtiaCof v™ '^^^'^ ZV!t ^"^^^^^S out or becoming thin ; for the prevention and eiir«o? in °\7°'^^^ ^^^ health ; for prevent- Jr^nittL ^ ""^ ^°'S- °^ P'^P'-^''. ^^hes. ring^vorpivbalt spots scurnndiinfT'^' "^H^"^^ ^^'^^''W the scalp, drynes3^».now;Qffi,red R. the ladies.:--gSfrt)IB^|StI^^ or profuse acrid perspiration or dicatand mechanical treatment of and afplicatLotfw Kair fi,fZ- ? the pubUo with the precise rules for the me- stee of luxuriance hitherta unknoivu to those even posseTsins and b".!;,"^ " T''"' ^"'^ «"''^"'g ''« g™^«^ ^'^ wOTkmg replenishments upon those heads wher« deScTo LmL ^ ^-^ °i * ?°°^ ^'^^^ ^>^ ^"1 ^"''der- -ature's most expressive oWari^t.' I.^'^ufafctaredl^ sofd only af '^ ^''^"^ •^'^'"^ Ipve^es^of this boon ol WM. DIBBLEE'S, Ladies' Hair Dresser and Wig Maker, 549 BBOADWAY, NEw'-YOUK. t-^ T^ i.ABaB)sr':Ofl^3^ Joa an ,d IN THE UNITED STATES ^0^ ©[F/g^©0(Q)[y]© ^MI $200,000 WORTH OF ELEGANT MOSAIC MlDAllION TAPESTRY, Mton, irurt ®tm-flg ^ Ingrain Carfrfs, OIL CLOTHS, RUGS, MATS, MATTING, TABLE AND PIANO COVERS, WINDOW SHADES, &6r At 30 FEB CENT. LESS than any other Establisliment in New-York 1- ;mr.' iJSOc N. B. — 50 000 yai^ds of beautiful IiraBAnr GjutPEfs, 3s., 43., 5s., and 5s. 6d. per yard. All Carpets warranted as represented. English and Frendi Carpets imported direct S^g^ the numufaoturers. Goods p;dubited with pleasure at all times. 99 Bowexy, New-York, Sign of the "BREAT AMERICAN lAGLI." PETERSON & HUMPHREY, 379 BROADWAY, Cor. White Street, Direct the attention of their friends and the Trade, to their large and magnificent Stock of BIOH AND ELEGANT OARPETINGS, imported direct from the For our Oity Betail Trade, consisting of BOUVAISE CARPET, IN ONE ENTIRE PIECE, MEDALLION CENTRE, LANDSCAPE BORDER. Ttom the most celebrated Manufacturers, and are not confined to one man's exclusive make. \fEOET AN1& ^(SBllllSSON @ARPgT8, Of ricn designs, and of every new pattern made, up to the present tim& % Which, for Tarlety, Style and Quality, Is nnsurpaased In the United States, together with all other Stylos of Carpeting Manufactared, We do not deem it necessary to partiijularize oar Stock, or mention the number of our Sale Rooms, but merely say we defy the WHOLE TRADE together to produce a better Stock, all of which will be sold on the laOST REAS01TABX.E TERMS. PETERSON & HUMPHREY, 379 Broadway, New- York. CANTRELL'S COVERING FOR THE FEET, 336 B0V7ERT, between Bond and Great Jones Sts., ITew-Tork. « ^ JAMBS, HATTER, (ST. NICHOLAS HOTEL.) ^m\km\i% Uffkskitt, i^akr utr^ irafr gats, m all t|nr ^mt\% From the Slouched Hat of the Cavaliers to the Modem Doric CapitaL All Articles usual to the Trade. F. W. CHRISTERN, I'onip SooksHUr att^ %mpxizx, 763 BROABWAT, BETWEEN STH Sc 9TH BTS. F. W. Chrlsiem keeps constantly on band a lar^e stock of French, German, Spanish, and Italian works, receiving new puWicationa every month by steamer, and publishes moDthly a .Bulletin of Foreign Literature," to be had gratis on application. -' J. F. BROWNE & CO., Makers and Importers of GRAND, SEMI-GRAND, AND SIX OCTAVE DOUBLE-ACTION HARPS, WAREROOUS, 895 BROAHWAX. N. B.— The largest assortment of Harp Music in New- York. THE NEW-YORK ' ttBtral ll^iri^to auir ^^t\\z, IS ISSUED FORTNIGHTLY. The Mpsio^i. Eetibw fa a handaomely-piintad Journal of 16 pages, four of vnicn. in each number, contain new music of a vai*ie(3. popu- lar, and practical character, designed to meet the wants of choirs and social parties. The reading matter of the Mosical Rbvibw com-, prises copious accounts of whatever is donein a musical way through- out the country ; includingj'eports of musical conventions, criticisms npon concerts, inusical gosatp at home and abroad, entertalnijig Btories, and general in 'ormation upon musical topics. ••• The price of Thb Nbw-Yobk Mdsioal Rbview. which has now twice the circulation of any other musical Journal In the world, ia tBV oa, dollar a year, in advance. UASOff EBOTH£BS. 33 Park Bow, K T FULL LIFE-SIZE f |0tff9ra||ic f artraits m Cattto. The public are respectfully invited to call and inspect our full life- size Photographs, which are taken at no other establishment in the world. ' Photographs in oil, paste. Stnd water colors of any size, colored by ouil.Parisian Ariisls. and finished in a style unequated by imitators. Photographs of every description made from Daguerreotypes of de- ceased persons. Perfect satisfaction guaranteed. GURNEY & FREDERtOES, No. 349 Broadway, and No. 46 Rue basse du Rempart, Parts. PRIVATE BOXES, RESERVED SEATS, TICKETS FOB THE (fpra, f Irate atilr €mm\s, OAN ALWAYS BB SE0T7HED AT DANSKIN'S TICKET OFFICE, Jollie's music Store, 519 Broadway,— St. Nicholas Hotel. OPEBA SLABSKS FOB SALS OB TO LET. CORRECT EDITIONS of the LIBRETTOS. STEAUX Nos. 95 and 07 Cliflf Street, corner of Frankfort, New-York. . ^^c»-»- ■ THE lAEGEST AND MOST COMPilEHENSIVE QENEEAL NEWSPAPEK, BOOK AND JOB PRraTIN& OPPICE ON THB CONTINENT. BALL, BLACK 8c COMPAHIT, SUCCESSORS TO MABQUAND & CO., Manufactflrers and Importers of Silver Platecl Ware, Diamonds, Watclies, Jewelry, h., (Sign of the Golden Eagle,) 247 BEOADWAY, NEW-YOBK. (Stliens and strangers are are liwlted lo an inspeetion— which wllf n«t Incur the least obligation to pnrchasa— of some of the mostbeantifnl and recherche atticles over Imported Into this market, Mltaed by one of the arm In Europe, , Thla only recognized anthorlty Is publiataed on the First of every month, eontalninp; all the newest alyles of Bonnets, Caps, Mantillas, Drenes, Children's do., beauttmi patterns for Needlework sni Waxwork ; and New Pieces of MuBic. Price, SB cents, of ell BookaeUers. "THE GOLDEN BELL." A New and most delightfol Perfume for the Handkerchief, prepared expressly from Native Flowers, without regard to "tost. In pretty lilrtle bottles, One Dollar each. Extracted and sold only by G. F. MERCHANT, 567 Broadway. N. Y. Prepared only by 6. Yah Dbubek, restores Gray Hair to Its natural color and pristine ^vlgfor, and never falls to create a now and beaatlful growth of Hair on parts previously sickly and diseased. Apply at the Depot Booms, 114 Chambers Street, N. T>. and tka principal J)ruggUt* in the United Statet. The immense sale and unprecedented popularity of this article render all ftirther praise superfluous. Its delightful perfume, combining the fragrance of the most dehcate extracts, together with its great efBoaoy in Restoring, Preserving, and Beautifying the Hair, have made it an indispensable article of the Toilet for both Ladles and Gentlemen. Still further improvements have lately been made, both in its composition and perfume, making it, bj far, the Choieest Article of the kind ever prepared. Put up handsomely, and sold by all Druggists and Fancy Goods Dealers. To guard against valueless imitajions and oounteifeits, ask for " Lyon's Kathairon," the only genuine article. HEATH, WYNKOOP & Co., Proprietors, 63 LIBEKTY STREET, IVEW-YORK. JOHN A. GBAT, PKINTEU AND 8TERE0TTPEB, 99 & 97 ClilFF STBEET. "■"• ^^*y y^^-^.'^i^^'^ ;^'§^