PERKINS LIBRARY Duke University Kare Dooks Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from Duke University Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/germanicustragedOOarna GERMANICUS, IN FIVE ACTS, BY A.-V. ARNAULT: PERFORMED AT PARIS BY THE king's FREi!een every time victorious — concluding, that the number of riumphs was sufficient ; and that the most signal vengeance hat could be inflicted on them, was their being permitted to arry on their intestine commotions. To these specious ci- vilities Germanicus made no direct reply, but earnestly tntreated the continuance of his command for one year loii* rer, only to finish the enterprises he had begun. Tiberius lowever, was too well skilled in dissimulation not to prevail upon him by a repetition of pretended honours : he offered him the consulship, and desired him to execute the office in person, so that Germanicus having no longer any pretences for refusing, and finding- the season very far advanced, he delayed his return no longer.; He was met many miles out of the city by infinite multitudes who received him rather With marks of adoration than respect* The gracefulness olf 8 HISTORICAL NOTICE. his person, his triumphal chariot, iu which were caried b's five children, and the recovered standards of the army )f Varus, threw the people into a phrenzy of joy and admia- tion, Tiberius though inwardly repining, seemed to join n the general rapture : he gave the people, in the name )f Germanicus three hundred sesterces each man; and thesu- ceeding year made him his colleague in the consulshj. However, his aim m as to send him distant from Rome, whee his popularity was now become odious to him; and yet note give him such a command as could at any time be turnd against himself. The Parthian invasion was very conveniflt for his designs — and besides there now offered other preteJs for sending him into Asia, which might be considered as o better than a specious banishment. Antiochus, king of O- magena, and Philopater, king of Cilicia, being both ded, some differences arose in those nations to the prejudicejf the Romans. At the same time also, Syria and Judea, o\t- burthened with taxes, made earnest supplications for redrts. These therefore appeared to be objects worthy the attentia of Germanicus ; and Tiberius was not wanting iu urgig- before the senate the necessity there was of his presencen that quarter of the empire. In consequence of this, all le provinces of Asia were readily decreed to Germanicus ; ad a g-reater power given him than had been granted to ay governor before. But Tiberius, to restrain this power, Id sent Cneius Piso governor into Syria : having disposessd Silenus of that ofHce. This Piso was a person of a furies and head-strong temper ; and in every respect fit to execie those fatal purposes for which he was designed. His instri- tions were to oppose Germanicus upon every occasion, al to excite all the hatred against him, which without suspicii he could ; and even to procure his death, if an opportune should offer. " Germanicus, being now appointed to his new dignii, departed from Rome for his eastern expedition, carrying wii him his wife, Agrippina, and his children. In the mean tim Piso, pursuant to his directions, endeavoured to gain the affe tions of the soldiers, by all the arts of bribery and adulatio He took every opportunity of abusing Germanicus; and tax€ him with diminishing the Roman glory, by his peculiar pr« tection to that people who called themselves Athenians, bi were now such no longer: Germanicus disregarded his ii HISTORICAL NOTICE. 9 vectives; being more employed in executing the business of his commission, than in counteracting the private designs of Piso. In a short time, he replaced the king of Armenia, who was a friend to the Romans; and reduced Cilicia and Coma- gena into Roman provinces; placing proetors there to collect the taxes due to the empire. He soon after obliged the king of Parthia to sue for peace; which was granted him, nuich to the advantage and honour of Rome. However, Piso, and his wife Plancina, who is recorded as a woman of an impla- cable and cruel disposition, continued to defame him, and openly to censure all his proceedings. These efforts of inef- fective malice, were quite disregarded; Germanicus opposed only patience and condescension to all their invectives; and, with that gentleness which was peculiar to him, repaid their resentments by courtesy. He was not ignorant of their mo- tives; and was rather willing to evade than oppose their en- mity. Wherefore, he took a voyage into Egypt, under a pre- tence of viewing the celebrated antiquities of that country; but in reality, to avoid the machinations of Piso, and those of his wife, which were still more dangerous. However, upon his return fell sick; and, whether from a mind previously alarmed or from more apparent marks of treachery, he sent to let Piso know, that he broke off all further connections and friendship with him. A short interval of convalescence restored the hopes of his friends, and the citizens of Antioch prepared to offer sacrifices for his recovery; however Piso, with his lictors, disturbed their solemnities, and drove off" their victims from the foot of the altars. In the mean time Germanicus grew daily worse; and his death now began to appear inevitable. Whereupon, finding his end approachino-, he addressed his friends who stood round his bed, to the following eflect: " Had my death " been natural, 1 might have reason to complain of being thus " snatched away from all the endearments of life, at so early " an age; but now, my complaints are aggravated, in falling " the victim of Piso and Plancina's treachery. Let the eni- " peror, therefore, I conjure you, know the maiuier of my " death, and the tortures 1 suffer. Those who loved me, " when living, those even who envied my fortune, Mill feel " some regret, when they hear of a soldier, who had so often " escaped the rage of the enemy, falling a sacrifice to the " treachery of a woman. Plead then my cause before the " people ; you will be heard with pity ; and if my murderers " should pretend to have acted by command, they will either 10 HISTORICAL NOTICEi " receive no credit or no pardon." As he spoke these words he stretched forth his hand, which his weeping- friends ten- derly pressing-, most earnestly vowed, that they would sooner lose Jheir litres than their revenge* The dying prince then turning to his wife, conjured her by his memory, and all the bonds of nuptial love, to submit to the necessity of the times, and to evade the resentment of her more powerful enemies, by not opposing it. Thus much he said openly ; something more was uttered in private; intimating, as was supposed, his fears from the emperor's cruelty; and shortly after he expired. Nothing could exceed the distress of the whole empire, upon hearing of the death of Germanicus. But the people of Rome seemed to put no bounds to their distress. A vacation was made in all public and domestic duties; the streets were filled with lamentation ; the people cast stones at their temples^ and flung down their altars; while new-born infants were exposed, as objects not worthy paternal attention in this uni- versal distress. So much was the spirit of the people now changed from its former fortitude and equality. They now were so accustomed to place their happiness in paying ho- mage to their masters, that they considered the safety of the state as comprised in an individual. In fact, the community was now composed of persons who had lately received their freedom ; or of such indolent and idle people as lived at the expence of the public treasure. These were, therefore, sen- sible of nothing' but their own imbecility; and afflicted themselves, like children, for evils which were only suggested by their fears* " In this universal distress, Piso, seemed marked for des- truction. Historians, in general, charge him and his wife with the death of Germanicus; it is now too remote a period to Controvert their testimony ; however, the general accusation of their giving him a slow poison, is one of those imputations that seems to have but little foundation. The belief of slow poisons is now much disputed ; it being in general supposed by physicians that it is not in the power of art to regulate the duration of their effect. Let this be as it will, not only Piso and his wife, but even the emperor himself, with his mother Livia, incurred a share of the general suspicion* These were soon after greatly increased by the arrival of Agrippina, the widdw of Germanicus, a woman in high esteem for her virtue^ who appeared bearing the ashes of her husband, and attended by all her children. As she approached the city, she was met by the senate, and the whole body of the people of Rome, HISTORICAL NOTICE; 11 with a strange mixture of acclamation and distress. The ve- teran soldiers, many of whom had served under Germanicus, gave the sincerest testimonies of their concern. The whole multitude, while the ashes were depositing in the tomb of Augustus, at tirst regarded the ceremony in profound silence; but shortly after, all of a sudden broke out into loud lamen- tations ; cr}'ing, that the common wealth was now no more. " Tiberius, whose jealousy had some reason to be alarmed at this effeminate excess of sorrow, used all his art to conceal his anger, and make a show of sharing in the general calamity. He even permitted the accusation of Piso, who was supposed to be merely the instrument of his vengeance. This general having returned to Rome shortly after, presuming on the great favour he was in with the emperor, was accused before the senate, in behalf of Agrippiua and her friends, of the death of Germanicus, and several other crimes ; particularly his cruelty to good men, and his corrupting the legions, were laid to his charge. " Piso, either conscious of his innocence, or seeing the in- efficacy of any defence against the tide of popularity, vindi- cated himself but weakly against every part of the charge. However, the poisoning of Germanicus could not be made evident enough to satisfy his judges, who seemed to take part against him. His trial was therefore drawn out to a greater length than was expected ; but in the mean time, he cut it short, by putting an end to his life in his own house. His wife, Plancina, who was universally believed to be most cul- pable, escaped punishment by the interest of Livia; so that all disturbances raised uponthis account, by degrees subsided,^ " About a year after the death of Germanicus, Tiberius took his own son, Drusus, as a colleague with him in the con- sulship; and, willing to initiate him into business betimes, left him in the government of the city ; while he himself re- tired, under the pretence of indisposition. About this time, several nations of the Gauls revolted, being unable to endure the heavy tributes which the emperor had lately imposed upon them. The principal leaders in this revolt were Florus and Sacrovir; who were so successful in the beginning, that the fame of their successes spread consternation even as tar as Rome. Caius Silius, however, marched with the Roman legions to oppose them ; and gained a great and decisive 12 HISTORICAL NOTICE. victory. A revolt also happened about this time in Numidia, under Tacfarinas, who had rebelled once before ; but he waa now, in some measure, brought under by Blsesus ; who, in consequence, received the honour of being- saluted imperator, by the permission of Tiberius. "Hitherto Tiberius had kept within bounds; hewas fru- gal, just in the distribution of offices, a rigid punisher of in- justice in others, and an example of temperance to his luxu- rious court. But now, from the ninth year of his reign, it is that historians begin to trace the bloody effects of his suspi- cious temper. " Having no object of jealousy to keep him in awe, he began to pull off the mask entirely, and appear more in his natural character than before. He no longer adopted that wisest maxim, the truth of which has familiarised it into a proverb, that " honesty is the best policy." Withhim, judge- ment, justice, and extent of thinking, were converted to sly- ness, artifice, and expedients adapted into momentary con- junctures. He took upon himself the interpretation of all poli- tical measures ; and gave morals whatever colour he cliose, by the fine-drawn speculations of his own malicious mind. He began daily to diminish the authority of the senate ; which design was much facilitated by their own aptitude to slavery; sothathe despised their meanness, while he enjoyed its effects. A law at that time subsisted, which made it treason to form any injurious attempt against the majesty of the people. Ti- berius assumed to himself the interpretation and enforcement of this law, and extended it not only to the cases which really affected the safety of the state, but to every conjuncture that could possibly be favourable to his hatred or suspicions. All freedom was consequently banished from convivial meetings; and diffidence reigned amongst the dearest relations. The gloomy disposition and insincerity of the prince, were diffused through all ranks of men: friendship had the air of an allure- ment to betray ; and a fine genius was but a shining indis- cretion ; even virtue itself was considered as an impertinent intruder, that only served to remind the people of their lost happiness. " The law of offended majesty being revived, the first of ttote that fell a sacrifice to it, was Cremutius Cordus, who, in HISTORICAL NOTICE. 13 his annals of the Roman Empire, had called Bruhis the last of the Romans. It is also thought he had given offence to Sejanus, the emperor's favourite, by too great liberty in pri- vate conversation. This brave man seeing his death resolved upon, defended himself in the senate, with great force, and undaunted resolution. Then going- home, lie resolved to de- feat the malice of tne tyrant, by a voluntary death, and refused taking any manner of sustenance. The informers, who per- ceived that he was upon the point of depriving them of their reward, presented their complaints to the senate, signifying bis intentions of escaping justice. However, while their pe- titions continued under deliberation, Cremutius, as Seneca expresses it, pronounced his own absolution by dying. " It was in the beginning of these cruelties, that Tibe- rius took into his confidence Sejanus, a Roman knight, who found out the method of gaining his confidence, by the most refined degree of dissimulation, being an overmatch for his master in his own arts. This favourite minister, by birth a Volscian, was close and subtle in his designs, but bold and aspiring in his attempts ; modest to outward appearance, but concealing an ambition that knew no bounds. He was so secure in the affections of the emperor, that, though ever so reserved and secret to others, he was entirely open and ex- plicit with him. He was made by the emperor, captain of the preerorian guards, one of the most confidential trusts in the state ; and extolled in the senate as a worthy associate in his labours. The servile senators, with ready adulation, set up the statues of the favourite beside those of Tiberius, and seemed eager to pay him similar honours. It is not well known whether he was the adviser of all the cruelties that ensued after ; but certain it is, that, from the beginning of his ministry, Tiberius seemed to become more fatally suspi- cious. " It was from such humble beginnings, that this minister even ventured to aspire at the throne, and was resolved to make the emperor's foolish confidence one of the first steps to his ruin. However, he considered that cutting off Tiberius alone would rather retard than promote his designs, while his son Drusus, and the children of Germanicus, were yet remain- ing. He therefore began by corrupting Livia, the wife of Drusus, whom, after having debauched, he prevailed upon tp poison her husband. This was effected by means of a slow 14 HISTORICAL NOTICE. poison (as we are told) Avliich g^ave liis death the appearance of a casual distemper. Tiberius, in the mean time, either naturally phlegmatic, or, at best, not much regarding hia son, bore his death with great tranquil h'ty. He was even heard to jest upon the occasion ; for, when the ambassadors from Troy came somewhat late with their compliments of condolence, he answered their pretended distiesses, by condo- ling with them also upon the death of Hector. " Sejanus, having succeeded in this, was resolved to make his next attempt upon the children of Germauicus, who were undoubted successors to the empire. However, he was frustrated in his designs, both with regard to the fidelity of their governors, and the chastity of Agrippina, their mother. Whereupon, he resolved upon changing his aims, and remo- ving Tiberius out of the city ; by which means he expected more frequent opportunities of putting* his designs into exe- cution. He therefore used all his address to persuade Tibe- rius to retire to some agreeable retreat, remote from Rome, By this he expected many advantages since there could be no access to the emperor but by him. Thus all letters being conveyed to the prince by soldiers at his own devotion, they would pass through his hands; by which means he must in time become the sole governor of the empire ; and, at last be in a capacity of removing all obstacles to his ambition. He now, therefore, began to insinuate to Tiberius the great and numerous inconveniences of the city ; the fatigues of attending the senate; and the seditious temper of the inferior citizens of Rome. Tiberius, either prevailed upon by his persuasions, or pursuing the natural turn of his tem- per, which led to indolence and debauchery, in the twelfth year of his reign left Rome, and went into Campania, un- der pretence of dedicating temples to Jupiter and Augus- tus. After this, though he removed to several places, he never returned to Rome, but spent the greatest part of his time in the island of Caprea, a place which was rendered as infamous by his pleasures, as detestable by his cruelties, which were shocking to human nature. For having in pur- suance of his intentions, dedicated the temples which he had built in Campania, he published an edict, forbidding all persons to disturb his repose ; and stopped the concourse of his subjects by placing soldiers in the ways which led to his palace. But still growing weary of places where mankind might follow him with their complaints and distresses, he withdrew himself, as was said, into that most delight*' HISTORICAL NOTICE. 15 ful island of Caprea, three miles from the continent and opposite Naples. Buried in this retreat, he gave himself up to his pleasures, quite reg-ardiess of the miseries of his subjects. Thus an insurrection of the Jews, upon placing his statue in Jerusaletn, under the o-overnment of Pontius Pilate, gave him no sort of uneasiness. The falling of an amphitheatre at Fidenae, in which fifty thousand persons were either killed or wounded, no way affected his repose. He was only era- ployed in studying how to vary his odious pleasures, and for- cing his feeble frame, shattered by age and former debauche- ries, into the enjoyment of them. Nothing- can present a more horrid picture than the retreat of this impure old man, attended in this place by all the ministers of his perverted appetites. He was at this time sixty-seven years old : his person was most displeasing; and some say the disagreeable- ness of it, in a great measure, drove him into a retirement. He was quite bald before; his face was all broke out into ulcers, and covered over with plasters; his body was bowed forward; while its extreme height and leanness increased its deformity. With sucha person, and a mind still more hideous, being gloomy, suspicious, and cruel, he sat down with a view rather of forcing his appetites than satisfying them. He spent whole nights in de- baucheries at the table; and he appointed Pomponius Flaccus, and Lucius Piso, to the first posts of the empire, for no other merit than that of having sate up with him two days and two nights without interruption. These he called his friends of all hours. He made oneNoveliusTorgnatus a prfctor,for being able to drink off five bottles of wine at a draught. His luxuries of another kind were still more detestable, and seemed to in- crease with his drunkenness and gluttony. He made the most eminent women of Rome subservient to his lusts, and all his inventions only seemed calculated how to make his vices more extravagant and abominable. Here he invented rooms adapted to his libidinous exercises, where he made use of all manner of incentives, which nothing but the depraved imagi- nation of a tyrant could delight in. The numberless obscene medals dug- up in that island at this day bear witness at once to his shame, and the veracity of the historians who have de- scribed his debaucheries. In short, in this retreat, which was surrounded with rocks on every side, he quite gave up the business of the empire ; or, if he ever was active, it Mas only to do mischief. " In fact, it had been happy for mankind, had he given i'O HISTOIUCAL NOTICE. up his suspicions, when he declined the fatigues of reigning", and resigned the will to do harm, when he divested himself of the power of doinyc good. But from the time of his retreat he became more cruel, and Sejanus always endeavoured to increase his distrusts. Secret spies and informers were placed in all parts of the city, who converted the most harmless ac- tions into subjects of offence. If any person of merit testified any concern for the glory of the empire, it was immediately construed into a design to obtain it. If another spoke with regret of former liberty, he was supposed to aim at re-esta- blishing the commonwealth. Every action became liable to forced interpretations : joy expressed an hope of the prince's death; melancholy, an envying of his prosperity. Sejanus found his aims every day succeeding: the wretched empe- ror's terrors were an instrument that he wrought upon at his pleasure, and by which he levelled every obstacle to his de- signs. But the chief objects of his jealousy were the children of German icus, whom he resolved to put out of the way. He, therefore, sedulously continued to render them obnoxious to the emperor, to alarm him with false reports of their ambi- tion, and to terrify them with alarms of his intended cruelty. By these means, he so contrived to widen the breach, that he actually produced on both sides those dispositions which he pretended to obviate : till, at length, the two princes, Nero and Drusus, were declared enemies to the stale, and afterwards starved to death in prison, while Agrippina, their mother, was sent into banishment. *' In consequence of their pretended crimes, many others lost their lives. Sabinus, who was attached to their interests, was accused and condemned by a most vile combination of informers against him. Alsinus Gallus was sentenced to re- main in prison only to increase the rigour of his punishment by a lingering death. Syriacus was condemned and executed, merely for being a friend to the latter. In this manner Seja- nus proceeded, removing all who stood between him and the empire, and every day increasing in confidence with Tiberius, and power with the senate. The number of his statues ex- ceeded even those of the emperor; people swore by his for- tune, in the same manner as they would have, done, had be been actually upon the throne, and he was more dreaded than even the tyrant who actually enjoyed the empire.But the rapi- dity of his rise seemed only preparatory to the greatness of his downfall. All we know of his first disgrace with the empe- HISTORICAL NOTICE. l7 ror is, that Satrius Secundus was the man who had the bold- ness to accuse him. Antonia, the mother of Geimaniciis, seconded the accusation. What were the particulars of his crimes, we now cannot learn ; but certain it is, that he at- tempted to usurp the empire by aiming- at the life of Tiberius ; but his own life was very opportunately substituted to that against which he aimed. Tiberius, sensible of the traitor's power, proceeded with his usual dissimulation in having- him apprehended. He granted him new honours at the very time he resolved his death, and took him as his colleague in the consulship. The emperor's letter to the senate began only with slight complaints against his friend, but ended with an order for putting him in prison. He entreated the senators to protect a poor old man, as he was, abandoned by all; and in the mean time prepared ships for his flight, and ordered soldiers for his security. The senate, who had long been jea- lous of the favourite's power, and dreaded his cruelty, imme- diately took this opportunity of going beyond their orders. Instead of sentencing him to imprisonment, they directed his execution. A strange revolution now appeared in the city : of those numbers that but a moment before were pressing in the presence of Sejanus with offers of service and adulation, not one was found that would seem to be of his acquaintance : he was deserted by all ; and those who had formerly received the greatest benefits from him, seemed now converted into his most inveterate enemies. As he was conducting to execution, the people loaded him with insult and execration. He at- tempted to hide his face with his hands, but even this was denied him, and his hands were secured. He was pursued with sarcastic reproaches, his statues were instantly thrown down, and he himself shortly after strangled by the execu- tioner. Nor did the rage of his enemies subside with his death ; his body was ignominiously dragged about the streets and his whole family executed with him. Such was the end of Sejanus; a striking example of the instability of every fa- vourite's power, and the precariousness of everv tyrant's friendship.— (Goldsmith's Kome, Vol. II. page 149.) B DRAMATIS PERSONiE. GERMANICUS, adopted Son of Tibenis, and Governor-General of the Roman Provinces in the East. AGRIPPINA, his Wife. PISO, Special Governor of Syria. SENTIUS SATURNINUS, Roman Senator. SEJANUS, Minister and favorite of Tiberius. PLANCINA, Wife to Piso. MARCUS, Son of Piso. VERANIUS, Friend to Gerraanicus. Several Conspirators, First Conspirator. Second Conspirator. Friends to Germanicus. Children of Germanicus, Soldiers, Lictors, People. Women in Agrippina's train. M. Talma. M"^' Duchesnois. M. St.-Prix, M. St.-Eugene. M. Desmousseaux. M"^' George. M. Michelot. M. Firmin. M, David. M. Dumildtre, Silent Performers. The Scene lies at Antioch. B 2 GERMANICUS, A TRAGEDY. »i»**» ##*»*# i»xA The Theatre represents a Hall^ into which several apartments lead. — On one side is seen the tribunal or seat of Germanicus — opposite to which is an altar, — The city appears above the draperies, i&hich are suspended from columns that close the peristyle^ ACT I. SCENE I. (Not quite day-break.) SEJANUS, SENTIUS. SENTIUS. Sejanus ! chosea friend of the world's master-^ You in whose breast great Caesar trusts each secret- Wrapt in the lowly garb that seems to hide you, What seek you, far from Rome, these walls within ? What deep designs ? — 22 , GERMANICUS. SEJANUS. 'Tis ev*n to apprise you, Sentius, That thus, ere morn's first blush, I'm hither come! — A mighty task brings me to Antioch's walls ! — But first — speak — tell me — sajr — Germanicus — And Piso ! — SENTIUS. Ne'er yet did their hostile tempers Clash 'gainst each other with more open wrath — Piso — (full well you know that fiery mind — ) He who 'neath grave brow hides a most rash spirit — Whom pride far wilders in his wild career — In all — in all inconstant — save — in hatred i — SEJANUS. Proceed — SENTIUS. Bidding his deeds wait on his words, Yielding a free rein to his fury's rage. Ne'er with such bold excesses, here, ev'n here, Had Piso brav'd his monarch's awful pow'r — Haply, you've heard that, once, from wisdom straying, The Prince broke through that ancient, rig'rous law, That barr'd his entrance into Isis' plains. — Too deeply touch'd at a crush'd country's woes. Woes none save Csesar claim the right to heal, To fly to Nile's sad shores he deem'd a duty. — From that flood's mouths, e'en to those threat'ning Which near Sienna his loud tide o'erleaps, [rocks, While of the Caesars this great heir was seen Spreading soft pity's cares o'er all the land — While seen he was, (haply to harmless issue) ACT I, SCENE I. 23 Giving, as friend, bounties Kings oft withhold ; — Without the pomp that waits on fear, or pride. To all oppress'd deigning his mild regard — 'Gainst each abuse opposing gen'rous sternness— And, 'bove all, lightening a too heavy law, That law which, ruthless, we more rigVous make, To bid pale Egypt starve 'mid plenty's harvest ! — Thus, headlong Piso, left alone in Syria, List'ning his wrath's dire voice, and deaf to wisdom, Down puird established order — his sole aim, On earth to undo all things by others done ! — In jealous pride of soul he thought to mount High o'er that pow'r his boldness dar'd aifront ! The Prince, return'd, with eye of indignation, Now seeks in vain his friends by exile scatter'd — He hears that city, long by his pow'r protected. Loud claim the justice of his late-spurn'd laws. To his dread bar, in his just ire, he summons, A vassal who durst deem himself his equal — Still haughty, Piso, moveless, hesitates, To bend to Augustus' and Tiberius' Son! When, sudden, struck by strange disease, unknown, On the grave's brink, in life's prime, faint and pale, Totters Germanicus — his ti'embling spouse Sends forth a cry, soldiers and people join — 'Tis tumult all— throngs press to each holy shrine; — On ev'ry altar gift on gift is pi I'd — Vows, sobs, sighs, groans, in ev'ry fane are echoed— And many a nation, on whose breast blows sound, Blend their keen griefs. The pitiless Sarmatian, Wonders his pray'rs rise for a Roman's life ! 24 GERMANICUS. From Iiid to Tiber, all on earth, but seems One weeping family trembling' for a father! — To this deep woe, still deep'ning with his danger, To this great gen'ral grief seems Piso strange — If, of the Gods, he begs protecting favors. His offering still is made to Hell's grim Gods! — Feign, e'vnin public, in his pow*r notlies' — To trembling sighs he smiles — his savage hope. As the fierce fever, or more burns, or cools, Now joy's, now fury's accents, takes by fits — Restor'd is the Hero to a nation's pray'r — Incense ascends — and blood, a wide stream, flows. From priests he scares the tidings Piso learns : He rushes to the temple — o'erthrows its altars — With outrage spurns (reckless of earth or Heaven) The prince, the people, Caesar and his Gods !— Then, through the pale ranks of a shuddering throng, Swift, haughtily serene, Seleucia gains. Three days have flown since the dire horrid hour That marks, for ever marks, this dread event — No trace, discern'd, yet leads us to discover What future course Germanicus means to try — Safe in impunity Piso seems to rest. " In these far realms is Caesar's lineage arm'd ?" Still IS the cry loud heard in camp as city. — Nay, warriors, murmuring, in their hearts convinced. The prince belov'd some chief's dark hate pursues. Were mark'd just wav'ring from strict duty's path. Still true to Caesar (frank and plain to speak it) They deem they wrong him, if his son they right ; And place in disobedience all their duty — ACT I, SCENE I. 26 SEJANUS, And you, my friend, speak, in a cause so serious, Which hostile party will your prudence join ? SENTIUS. Startled at a report that still gains gTOund, Within my duty's bound prescribed I kept me. — • I censurM no one — and no one I praisM — 1 wait but Caesar's will to guide mine action. SEJANUS. When on your truth Caesar his trust repos'd, Sure am I Caesar*s soul was not deceiv'd ! SENTIUS. My zeal let Caesar put to proof most trying, A more true subject he shall still ne'er know. SEJANUS. And hath not then that zeal's keen glance yet spied, What path firm loyalty this hour doth point to ? And guess you not, untutor'd by my counsel, The advice sound policy should give great Caesar ? SENTIUS. Say on — SEJANUS. In that high station fate has raised him to, Mid all the perils threat'ning round his throne ; Ought not wise Caesar, for the globe's vast good, Deem ev'n as done, each ill that may be done ? SENTIUS. My judgment's yours — he ought — SEJANUS. On pride so tow 'ring, 26 GERMANICUS. At length 'tis time Caesar's wakM eyes should open ! SENTIUS. 'Tis time indeed to avenge a son's great wrongs — A son that seems more gen'rous still than wise — Th' unwary wish that warms his open'd heart, Is virtue's wish — the wish to be belov'd ! — For subtle Piso — he whose matchless pride, [temns; — While pow'r it serves, that pow'r ev'n most con- Piso — his Chief's far boldest persecutor — His sov'reign's stern protector, still more dauntless — Who, impious rebel! ev'n in God's fane hallow'd, Of doubled sacrilege durst dire pattern set — He, he, alone, my friend, may just fear waken—- He, he, alone is guilty — SEJANUS. Both are guilty — SENTIUS. 'Twixt each one's guilt, can you no diflf'rence trace ? SEJANUS. Equals in pow'r to me they both appear — SENTIUS. From duty's path, did e'er our lov'd prince wander ? SEJANUS. Wish'd he that path to leave — he rules a party ! — Might he not ev'n be forc'd to stray far from it ? He's lov'd abroad — at home he's doated on — [him, The senate's idol, their join'd strength might raise One day, tho' 'gainst his will, to empire's summit ! — SENTIUS. The countless virtues heav'n has grac'd him with — His noble pride — his soul to intrigue a stranger— ACT I, SCENE I. 27 All, all, should far drive off Tiberius* terrors— SEJANUS. All, all, should still confirm the Emp'ror's fears — He who the people knows — their fickle fondness— A rival's virtues ev*n as vices dreads — So thinks Tiberius — SENTIUS. What has he resolvM on ? — SEJANUS. Ne'er, ne*er again to share the sway supreme — To reign in Asia as in Rome he reigns — Dismiss rash Piso — nay, each chief discard, Who, 'gainst his Sov'reign's pow'r could, if he would, Lift a rude, haughty, insolent arm, unpunish'd ! — £v*n, thro' your hands, he'll rule this spacious pro- vince ! — SENTIUS. Will Caesar, near him, then, the Prince recall ? SEJANUS. Far more would he be fear'd at Rome than here !— He ne'er re-enters Rome — SENTIUS. If so, Sejanus, If to these tracts Tiberius' will hath fix'd him, What rod of sway hath Caesar grac'd my hand with ? SEJANUS. That rod a rash grasp, too, too long did gripe ! — SENTIUS. I clearly see what you but darkly show me. — SEJANUS. They come — 28 GERMANICUS. SENTIUS. *Tis He — Germanicus hither moves — = SEJANUS. The time's not come when I should meet his eye !— ^ Since right my drift you read, we soon shall find, An useful hour to unfold our mutual mind ! — (Exit Sejanus.) SCENE IL SENTIUS, GERMANICUS, MARCUS, PISO— LICTORS, FOLLOWERS. GERMANICUS (tO MurCUs) Your worth I prize — Its mediation mild, Has to her Prince Armenia's realms restored— This shall Tiberius know—and, trust me, Marcus, Place me you may in your safe roll of friends — But cease to sue for guilty Piso's pardon — My rank, my race, my rights, he has slighted all — Remember them I must, since he forgets them ! — He 'tis, who breaks the bands that close should bind 'Tis grief to think it — that stern soul to soften, [us ! I've done, you know, that I ne'er ought have done,— ^ The more I grant — of me the more demands he — Deems he mean tim'rousness my indulgence kind?— Mine is the fault — ev'n at his first presuming^ Had I of anger'd pow'r the stern voice utter'd, Ne'er had he, sudden, dar'd (all madly spurning, The awe of place, the sanctity of worship) ACT I, SCENE II. 20 Mid frighteii*d Antioch, wanton, loud insult The people's ruler, and the army's chief! — Three suns have seen his punishment still postpon'd ; Yet from his guilty wandering still he turns not-— To appease my pow'r, now forc'd, at length, to crush Did e'er his pride ev'n once dissemble deign ? [him, Marcus, my will is fix'd — all, all is ready. Past is for him, at length, sweet mercy's season ! Yet still — ev'n still — what fond regrets I feel, Augustus' image, I here worship, witness ! — But since rash Piso's soul still scorns to tender The plea my wish had built kind pardon on — [it ! — My hate since still he seeks — by the God's he'll find Soon shall he learn if of all wrong I'm senseless ! If back to force his steps to duty's road, I fail in spirit, or of pow'r am void ! — Once drawn my sword, doubtless each clime he'll quit, Where'er the banner of my wide rule waves, — To-day — tis fix'd — to-day my realms he leaves — [ing ! Stays he ? — To-morrow views me 'gainst him march- In vain his craft, to steal the soldier's heart, Has from war's ranks all ancient order banish'd ! The irregular rashness his hot ire exults in, Afflicts, but not appals my pensive mind! — Faithful to me will each true Roman keep ! Of such enough I boast to quell a rebel ! 'Mid such, shines Marcus — You, my settled choice, Would single, swift to avenge our laws, our altars, Did not the sire's rights screen the culprit's wrongs! — I know, lov'd Marcus, your soul's firm as rigid ; Nor dare one doubt dim your zeal's loyal brightness — 30 GERMANICUS. Ah ! have I right to all your griefs to add The pangs that wait an effort scarce in man ? — Pangs Romans owe to Rome's salvation only ! — MARCUS. My Liege, that pity's balm your gen'rous mind, Spite of just wrath, kind grants my rending heart, Soothes for a moment my torn soul's keen sorrows ! I know my duties — their stern claims I know — My breast hence deeper feels how mild that mercy, That seeks to soften their hard, horrid rigour ! A parent's faults alone my soul must mourn ! You keep our sacred laws — he dares to break them ! Should he, alas ! in error's path persist. His cruel steps will draw mine in his ruin ! His lot will bid me life's worst ills to bear ; To hate his crimes — but all his woes to share ! (Exit,) SCENE III. GERMANICUS, SENTIUS, VERANIUS. FOLLOWERS. GERMANICUS. Is Piso worthy such a gen'rous son ? (to VeraniusJ [date!— -' Come what may come, mark well my rig'rous man- An army's quiet — a lov'd people's peace, Bid me from Asia's bounds fell Piso banish — ACT I, SCENE IV. 31 But cease we here, an arrogant, long debate — (to Sentius) Depart to-morrow — I'll to the senate answer — rU tell Tiberius, in this state of affairs, I more indulgence gave, than enforced rigour, Toward a rash, turbulent man, in misery plung*d — Perchance less culpable in mine eyes than theirs — Let Piso quick comply — or let him tremble ! — My final will shall reach you soon. (Exit,) SCENE IV. SENTIUS, (alone,) 'Twould seem He had read my heart's fond wish, and took a pleasure To thwart its most deep, its most dear desire ! His stern command bids me surmise he knows How strong a chain ties to these bounds my being ! The pow*r, the honors, tender ties I'm promised, — Long ashelives he'll guard them — shudd'ring thought! Ev'n on that gulph's dread brink where dark fate lures Should mad ambition with fell hate combine ; [me, From the dire snare round which my steps are roving, The world's whole love must fail to rescue me ! — That world that loves thee — fond wretch ! — can it guard thee, From Piso, Caesar ? — ah ! perchance thyself ? — 32 GERMANICUS. SCENE V. SENTIUS, SEJANUS. SEJANUS. Say — have you ponder'd well what fate awaits you? — SENTIUS. I've scann'cl my duty ! — SEJANUS. Caesar is offended — Nought now but his affection pleads for you ! — SENTIUS. I bear Germanicus more esteem than love — SEJANUS. And if he forfeit that ? — SENTIUS. Our ties are torn ! — Are then Germanicus* fair virtues vanish'd ?. . . SEJANUS. Much would your doubt, I deem, amaze Tiberius! Can a son, guiltless, bid a father tremble ? C§in a prince, guiltless — but o*er such deep secrets, Why dwells, with prying gaze, our imprudent eyes ? Tiberius hath decreed — What further would you ?— Blind let us be, to all he wish'd us blind to — Would you, unwary servant! would you venture, To stand bold umpire 'tween the son and father ?[us. Ah ! far from following, while dark doubts benight Low rules fram'd but to guide the herd of men, ACT 1, SCENE V. 33 Let*s view, with sight free from gross error's film, Whom the accuser is, and whom the accused ? Trace a throne's rights, the Pohty deep scan, That gives, and guards, the safety of the State ; And, above all, mute toils to crush, in the seed. Crimes which, once grown up, may not well be rooted: Be mindful, too, we walk in mystery's maze — That,oft, whilekingsAll see, they should speakNothing; But, 'neath art's thick veil, dexterously know, The crime to cover, and the atonement hide I — Strike silent! — This, the fix'd, supreme command ! — SENTIUS. Where such command fulfill ? — SEJANUS. Why here, ev'n here ! — SENTIUS. Soon ? — SEJANUS. To-day— - SENTIUS. Tell me how ? SEJANUS. By means most speedy ! — SENTIUS. On whom rely you } SEJANUS. On Piso — his late spurns — SENTIUS. Awaits a high reward so vast a service ? SEJANUS. Vou will not envy it him ! — c M GERMANICUS. SENTIUSi Stiil, comnion justice-- SEJANUS. Justice I — It tells us that, in Caesar's eye, Piso's an object of deep dread, — Dire horror ! SENTIUSii Piso! SEJANUS. He*ll Use him — the rash prince to ruin ! . But to the tears of nations will yield freely A itionster^s life, abhorr'd by Roman hearts ; Who dipp'd his felon hand in Augustus' blood :-^ We both must strive to lead him to that end. — • SENTIUS. On iny zeal's wing Caesar may trust his wishes — SEJANUS. For mej compell'd, (you may the cause divine,) To shun, 'till smiles success, sly Piso's looks, *Tis to your cautious skill, and wary wisdom, I trust the high hope of this great design — The harvest of its toil you soon must reap !— ^ SENTIUS. But first, 'tis fit your judgment's eye should mark The crowd of obstacles that. . . . SEJANUS. I'll dare them all 1 Neath the low name and habit of a slave, My Will is fate ! — This ring that decks my finger, To sov'reign laAv my ev'ry wish can turn. — Tis Caesar's signet — doubtless proof 'twill stamp On all the plans I frame to serve his pow'r^- ACT I, SCENE V. 35 Yet, all well weighed, success will ne*er be certain, *TiII Piso's self our city's walls enclose. SENTIUS. Then, learn with grief, that, warring 'gainst ourwishes, From Eastern bounds he's banish'd ! SEJANUS. Let him stay ! — O, not yet should he quit the realms of Asia — Let him return ev'n at the army's clamours — The legions love him — 'Twas his chief study ever, To court, with cunning flatteries, these bold bands. Who, 'gainst their chief, in their corrupter's cause, Ev'n now, the sword to draw, but wait a signal! — Let us give it ! — SENtlUS. The Prince hath sworn ! His threat Will Piso's daring haply deep astound ! — His son, who bears it— brings it him with terror— On instant flight perhaps he'll fix his will — Of duty's laws that son is strict observer — And bows, with equal awe, to Prince and Parent — > SEJANUS. Be it so — from him no treachery I dread. If near rash Piso shrew'd Plancina's plac'd — SENTIUS. 'Tis true this woman whom pale envy preys on. Whom Livia's love makes insolently bold, Ev'n than her Lord's owns a more savage heart ! — - Whether the bowl to mix, or aim the dagger. We, on h^r zeal, in need, may safely rest — Ev'n useless mischief in her eyes hath charms ! — c 2 86 GERMANICUS. SEJANUS. How will she joy, when to this fierce incitement, A motive fiercer far its force shall league ! — When, by destroying him to her rage consigned, Her stern soul, rousM, hopes Caesar's fav'ring friend- ship ? SENTIUS. Let's not an instant lose, — I'll speed to seek her — SEJANUS. Go then — stir up her fears — her hopes awaken, — Prove her her death this very day shall witness. Unless the prince's doom, fulfill'd, prevents it — Tell her to scape the shoals of fate, each side her. Too strong, too swift a blow, she cannot strike — Provoke her jealous hate, her gall embitter, ^Gainst lov'd Germanicus — 'gainst his spotless spouse- She, of Agrippa's noble stem, branch worthiest, Blest in her fruitfulness, the legions' Worship, Shares with the object of her blameless passion. The Court's dire hatred — and the world's kind love ! Let her, in brief, in her bewilder'd blindness, (Framer of a snare that dooms her own destruction) Ev'n lure her fated Lord to that gulph's dread brink. From which, in hurling her, himself shall tumble ! — SENTIUS. Your wish shall be ohey'd ACT 1, SCENE A'l. 37 SCENE VI. SEJANUS (Solus.) O pow'r ! O greatness ! With what a sweet controul most hearts ye sway ! — All hearts ye rule ! — Tho* the sage different deems, The least ambitious man's but the most timid ! Weak spirits, scar'd at clangers they should dare, To win your lofty joys, and still preserve them. Feign to despise delight far 'bove their reaching ! — But the brave soul that burns with a quenchless thirst, Deck'd to the time, with virtues, or with vices, (Now Caesar's path, now Brutus' footsteps Allowing) Still seeks, thro' various roads, pride's place supreme. And gains, and keeps the seat while triumphs freedom! When fair occasion smiles, such course I'll steer ; Just when the wav'ring croud's loose aim to fix, A Title I but need, whose syell shall screen The drift and deed of my high enterprize ! — Ev*n now I feel my soul was form'd for Empire ! — Who'll stay my mounting steps ? — Thou wert born Sejanus, Still farther from the rank where now thou standstin. Than is the distance from that rank to the throne ! Be — what may be — this day I'll serve my master — 1*11 strike a blow shall bring me nearer to him ! — S8 GERMANICUS. The Heroes fate, doomM for the love he draws, That throne to which I aspire shall vacant leave- To betray the Tyrant let^s ev*n keep faith with him- ril trust my deep plan to no heart but mine ! — End of Act J, *)r*# ^*** #*> ^^■^^■»f*f.t ACT JL SCENE I, PLANCINA, MARCUS. PLANCINA. Yes, Marcus, Agrippina's made for Empire With you I deem it — and like you admire, In each familiar word, ev'n in her air, The pride instiird in her plebeian veins— But brook I cannot her high pow*r to bend to — Th* illustrious Planci, authors of piy birth, The lofty Pisos, whom my heart has link'd with, Ne'er taught my spirit yet to bow so low ! — But speak we of the intent that here has led us — Here, where I nought, or feel, or inspire, save hate— You, only, Marcus, anxious, here I seek — Fain from an hateful faction would I draw you ! MARCUS. What ! tear me from them ! Mother cease to try. Of a true Roman all that e'er could hope The Prince from whom he holds his bliss and glory. In my heart's love Germanicus has found it — His countless goodness, be your blame as sumless. O'er all my soul give him all sway for ever— 40 GERMANICUS. Feel you araaz'd ? — Ah ! yes ! Your biassed judg- In him — Oh ! Mother, haply fails to find [ment The exalted genius, character sublime. That spoke great Julius, the wide Globe*s vast Lord ! — Active, untir'd — and, like him, still unconquer*d. — When I behold him, Rome's great prop, lov'd idol, (Heroic virtue's lofty fire mild tempering With each soft, sweet regard of domestic worth,) I admire, — oh ! more, — I love in so dear hero, (So young in his years, in his high deeds so old) All Caesar's virtues purg'd from all his vices. — Nay more — each day seems still more close to draw The ties his fond heart round my fond heart twines ! — This, well you know — nor did alone my daring* Learn war's dread art in hisfam'd school of conquest. — W hen to red Weser's banks, return'd our eagles, Varus* dire rout he both aveng'd and eras'd. To his arm's noble act I ow'd my life. — Ev'n 'neath that night's dread gloom (night ever woeful) When the mixt roar of winds and waters mging. The victor's fleet, elate returning, scatter'd. Hiding the billowy plain with a thousand wrecks. — I hear him now, through the hoarse whirlwind's howl, Blending his brave cry with the storm's dread dash- ing,— Requiring; of the waves, the rocks, the wrecks. Each gallant friend, consign'd by fate's dire will, From Mars* fierce rage, to Neptune's feller fury — Blame him of their doom, life's every pleasure loathe, And deem his spar*d lot fortune*s worst decree. — Such, such his rights to my sours grateful duty ! ACT II, SCENE 1. 41 PLANCINA. On a Sou's love what are a Mother's claims ? MARCUS. This breast ne'er deeper felt their tenderest pow'r ! — But duty's sacred law reigns there for ever — A law I hate, but, still, whose voice severe, Speaks in my heart, spite of me, 'gainst a Father ! — PLANCINA. What! think you then, that in high rank's deep scorn, In strong contempt of pride his birth hathgiv'n him, Piso so low can stoop ? MARCUS. The noblest spirits High glory deem it for a fault to atone I — And,where's the door thro' which his flight can 'scape The threat'ning harms that round him watch to seize him ? — Two roads are left, — each throng'd with equal ills, — To go an exile — or a rebel stay ! — PLANCINA. True, Marcus, Fate, view her from what point we may, But oficrs to our eyes, or Shame, or Danger- Danger oft flies the dauntless brow that braves him — Danger ne'er hurts true honor!— ^Ah! but Shame!... That shelter which, in her arms, the coward gains, Oh ! what a dread price pays for it his soul ! — . For safety ow'd her, the disgrace still lasting, The dastard's earthly cup, not only poisons, But far more durable, grav'd oii memory's page, Blasts his foul name to never-ending time ! — Entreat — or yield — I cannot 42 GERMANiCUS. WARCUS. Honored Parent !— Point out a path this double snare to scape — PLANCINA, By one bold step, Til lose, or s^ve myself— MARCUS, The people's *gainst you ! PLANCINA, And for me*s the soldier !— He, Marcus, can, or give, or take pow'rs crown. — Well have my favours earn'd his grateful love ! — MARCUS. Is this your hope ?— are these your projects, Mother ? — - What woes unborn now views my sickening soul !— Oh ! dire dilemma ! — Gods ! can nought then end it, Save strength's brute nerve, and the sword's crue? sharpness ? — Oh ! dread that dang'rous help the soldier's folly, Fickle as insolent, rebelHng lends you ! — Taught his own pow'r by your own erring plans, And, from that moment, all obedience mocking, 'Gainst an Usurper, thron'd by force alone, Or soon, or late, he turns the sword drawn for him ! Oh ! could so deep in crime our legions sink, As from the lawful hand to wrench a sceptre,— The hand of him they're bound, thro' life, to honor. Say, what allegiance could that Tyrant hope, Th' ambitious madman, whose sole claim to the crown, Stood, prop'd by vice, on low rebellion's base ? — Could he hope to breathe in bold Sedition's breast, Thai awe she feels not for our Gods' dear blood ? ACT II, SCENE I. 43 Or think the ruthless Robber of a realm, She deems more sacred than Augustus' son ! — Oh ! may the almighty Gods, in mercy, save us, From such success as swift remorse must follow — Can we forget this fierce, this factious spirit, Ev*n here — thro* Gaul — 'mid wide Germania's woods, Instant might, once more, lure from crime to crime, Th' inconstant herd, of our rash, idle warriors ? A nation arm'd ! how like th' uncertam Many ! Whose love is frenzy — whose fell hate is madness — Who, by the horrors of their blood-stain'd transports, Their crimes, through earth, as their contritions, blaze! PLANCINA. In camps, in cities, yes, of mankind's mass, Such is, I ovvn, the unjust, tho' constant custom. — - Yes — too, too oft, the thankless people have torn. That gen'rous hand io which they ow'd their safety ! Too oft, rash armies, scap'd from duty's yoke, ^Gainst saviour chiefs haveturn'd th' ungrateful steel— These fated leaders, victims of their virtue, Haply the assassin's dagger point had foil'd, Had they but taught the crowd's fierce rage, to feel The o*erpow*ring awe superior Souls inspire, — Their safest shield, ev*n 'neath base treason's blow — The flash thatfromtheirglanceblasts treachery 'sheart ! The Mind still moveless, the soul's peace profound, A rending world's wide wreck would fail to shake! .... But lo I time urges — and close, pressing peril, For aid, and not advice, imperious summons — No winding ways of words. — Son, by your courage, By atchievements rare, far 'bove your age's valour, 4 GERMANICUS. Without, or largess, or obsequious smiling. Deep have you rooted in each Veteran's bosom, A fame, ev'n hoary Chiefs might boast to enjoy ! — Shall I, dear Son ! if succour I must borrow. But clasp illusion's shadow, by expecting [mine ? Your friends, this day, their strength will lend to MARCUS. If, 'gainst a foe, this pious arm must shield you, You know my glowing zeal will hazard all — And, Mother, well you know, a rebel's rashness, Whoe'er he be — ne'er shall obtain my succour ! — PLANCINA. Would you that blood betray that gave you being ? MARcrs. By the Gods you'll not betray my duty's faith ! — PLANCINA. What will you do, if fate compel me ? — MARCUS. Fate ! . . . . My death 'twill doom, if it compel your crime ! But, 'gainst your will, in fate's worst spite, I still trust, Without base treach'ry to my prince, or parent, To save you Instant then PLANCINA. O whither fly you ? — BIARCUS. My Sire to seek — his knees belov'd to embrace. — To alarm him, Mother, sure, I need but paint him What dread design now swells your beating breast! — (Exit J ACT II, SCENE III. 45^ SCENE 11. PLANCINA, (alone.) [me, liigrate ! — Dreader they are the perils that now press The more ought I to have hopM thy love's strong help!— Sentius arrives not. . . .In this dread extreme, When ev*n a son's arm 'gainst my safety turns, On whom rely ?. . . .Ah ! why, alas ! thus, causeless, Has Piso's rash soul soar'd a flight so tow'ring ! — In secret, constant crost the Prince's projects ; — Robb'd him, in silence, of this realm's allegiance — Surrounded still his steps with darksome snares — Environ'd him with foes his thought suspects not — And, masking hate 'neath hypocritic zeal, Led him, with gentlest hand, to sure destruction ! — Ev'n by such arts haply we might have shunn'd Revolt's dread shock, authority's dire conflict ! Fell arts whose evil success oft fatal proves ; And now the last whose dubious bane may cure us! — Ah I I see Sentius. — Now what tidings brings he ? — SCENE III. PLANCINA, SENTIUS. SENTIUS. You must renounce within these walls to tarry ; For, wilder'd as you are, once think 1 cannot, Your mind could e'er yield to the guilty pray'r 46 GERMANICUS* Of soldiers rash, who dare for you to die^ . . * Soldiers who offer you, in their mutinous camp, A refuge, where, of laws by your guilt now broken, The angry axe, I own, can never reach you ! PLANCINA. What hear I ?— Can it be > Gods ! what behold I ?— ^Tis Agrippina ! SCENE IV. PLANCINA, SENTIUS, AGIPPINA. AGRIPPINA. Shall I trust my sight ? — Thus, then, in scorn of my power's lawful mandate^ That, 'gainst your bold guilt, shut these ramparts' gates. Your pride exults in having dar'd to pass them ! — Dreadless, remorseless, your rash steps have reached The hallow'd bar your presence now profanes — Come you, tobrave, there, the decree thatdooms you?— Doth Piso deem a weak, slight faction's folly, Can gain him, by mere dint of frantic clamor. That gracious pardon angry pow'r supreme, Ev'n to his contrite tears, could not now bestow?. . -Do, undeceive his error — I beseech you ! — PLANCINA. W hen high asthreat's'high'st pitch hiswrath hath soar'd, His tow'ring soul might, sure, now seem too lofty, So very low to stoop as pray'rs poor level ! . . . . Be you less lavish of mean counsel, lady! Madam, if not to me, to him most useless 1 ACT It, SCENE V. 47 Be it vice, be it virtue, Piso*s heart's unbending. For me, I own it, a too tender fear. For woes two chiefs, so jealous of their rights^ On us, on all the nation, swift might pour — Led me to — 'both as wife — and, as a Roman — Not to inflame, but to appease their hatred... [der'd — ... Perchance to your Lord my heart would fain have ten- Oh ! to what shame, ye Gods, I near betray'd me ! — How my soul grateful thanks that wholesome counsel. Your cruel frankness deign'd to grant my ear ! . . . . Lady, I'll follow it — yes ! — I'll instant fly — But, should the throng, arm*d round the palace gate, Bar, Against my will, the banishment 1 fly to ; To you, for proof, my truth must then appeal, And thus bid, 'gainst yourself, recoil each woe My fear predicts — my wish would have prevented. . . * Now, Lady, charge me not with disobedience, Before your Lord, who, see, this way approaches! f Exit. J ^ SCENE V. AORIPPINA, GERMANICUS, SENTILS, VERANIUS. GERMANICUS, fto SeUtlUS.) Fly, Sentius, fly; not one brief instant lose — A sail awaits thee in Seleucia*s haven ! — Speed, speed to Rome — swift to Tiberius take This scroll where trar'd my hand too true a picture 48 GERMAJVICUS. Of plots, of treasons, rage, re volt.... But wherefore? — Let Csesar read, and judge, *twixt me and Piso! — This mighty cause, Caesar should well remember, Is power's great cause — and, above all, his own! — SENTius, (aside.) Let me Sejanus find — GERxMANlCUS. Fly to the factious — [off — The mist that blinds their mind may yet be blown Fve marked — I've mournM — the error which thus warps them. Let true repentance to the right path turn them — My heart can pardon — but, — ere ends the day — Or ril save order — or with order perish ! — . . . SCENE VI. AGRIPPINA, GERMANICUS. AGRIPPINA. What say'st thou ? — GERMANICUS. What amaz'd ! — AGRIPPINA. My wondering mind. Felt, in thy speech, that virtue that burns in thee! Yet,canstthouview, nor thy soul, trembling, shudder, The fearful peril thy pow*r soon must cope with ? — GERMANICUS. Should this sad day compel me to be stern, 'Twill less appal thee yet, than 'twill afflict me ! — ACT II, SCENE VI. 49 AGRIPPINA. Dost thou foresee how far the rage will reach, Of that fierce flame, ready to kindle round us ? GERMANICUS. When, of obedience' yoke, in his blind frenzy. The soldier dares abjure the glorious bondage ; When once his rebel soul, revolting, slights, The Chief's due rev'rence — the Law's hallow'd awe— ^ Of his wild wand'rings, soon, or late, deplorMi Oft has dull weariness prov'd the sluggish cure- But ere, beneath the sway he sought to change. He, from experience wise, will joyful range him ; Ere keen remorse his hated fault atone, What woes will, built with blood, record his rage ! Ev'n now it growls. — These shouts, whose thunder stuns us ; Revolt's fell cry, dire tumult's lawless threat'ning ; Thatsteel whose dread edge, thus, unbidden, lightens-^ AIIj all, the storm foretells — all here recalls Those days of death, when Rhine's red stream beheld My turbulent vet'rans, mad with equal frenzy, Quell'd by collected camps' stern, stubborn justice!—^ AGRIPPINA. Outrage ! Revenge ! — alas ! 'twas horror all ! In those dire hours, deep stain'd by savage slaughter,— Ev'n in repentance, his quench'd ire rekindling, Rebel dragg'd rebel to his doom of death, And, from accomplice, executioner turn'd ! — GERMANICUS, Cease then to swell the sum of griefs and troubles^ That, now, deep piercing, rend my bleeding bosom^ D 50 GERMANICUS. With added fears, thy presence here must waken — My firmest fortitude thou now see'st me need — Oh ! to restore it, from the torture save me. Of shudd 'ring for thy own, and thy sons* safety — These walls, oh leave, whence my love sad exiles thee— ^ And, far from Rome's vast rule, a refuge find ! — AGRIPPINA. I fly ! Germanicus What climes shall I beg, A shelter thy camp's field no more may grant me ? Earth has no spot Rome's stern arms have not ravag'd ! And too, too well, thou know'st,the wide world's shar'd Ev'n 'twixt one conq'ring race, mankind's dread foe. And thousand conquer'd tribes to Rome e'er hostile — We've thus to dread, while o'er us hovers peril, The foes of Rome, and Rome, herself our foe — GERMANICUS. Ah ! Romans, only, are our real foes ! — From their sway far, a safe asylum waits thee — Armenia's glad groves call thee to safe quiet — Her King AGRIPPINA. What ! trust a base Barbarian's faith, When thy sworn soldiers thus perfidious prove ! — GERMANICUS. Barbarian breasts with gratitude can glow ! Polemon's son holds from my pow'r his sway — On friendship's ground our safety's lodge we'll build ! AGRIPPINA. People, or Prince, no gratitude e'er had ! Let's nought from them — from ourselves all let's hope ! ACT II, SCENE VL 61 GERMANICUS. Sure 'tis injustice to the age that owns us, To deem thus basely of all human hearts !— Tarry no more — depart — AGRIPPINA. What ! I desert thee ! GERMANICUS. I will it !— AGRIPPINA* I cannot ! — GERMANICUS. Must I command thee I AGRIPPINA. Have years of love, dear consort, giv*n thee rights To hope, this hour, 'gainst love I can obey ? — GERMANICUS. That love it is my soul implores — AGRIPPINA, oh ! cruel-^ Oh ! by our long, our mutual love's dearest name, Cease, cease to urge me to a task too trying ! [it !— « Ask thine own heart if 'twould not break to tempt My rights forget'st thou ? — Holy hymen gave them ! Less hallow'd than thine own shall e'er they be ? — Not so thou deem'd in thy great day of glory ! — They plac'd me proudly in thy conq'ring car ; — They bad me with thee share the boundless bounties Augustus* favor paid thy peerless triumphs ! And now of all the grief that wrings thy heart, As of thy joy, thou ow'st to me an half! D 2 62 GERMANICUS. I claim it. — But oh! Gods, thy soul more saddens !— ^ Well may I fear for thee, when for me thou fear'st ! — In pity to those pangs my heart that h.rrow — *Twixt all the ills this hapless hour may bring us, — Grant my sad ])ray'rs thy leave my choice to make ! Ev'n to thy arms should death*s sharpstroke pursue me, Oh ! 'gainst me close them not! — Oh! rather grant me, Death, in thy view, that would my mis'ry end. Than a dread exile, where I'd daily drag, A life thou'st slain by wishing thus to save it ! — - ril leave thee not ! — Though thought unkindly troubling, ril leave thee not ! — Whene'er blind fortune's will, Where'er pow'rs proud nod fix thy precious presence^ In banishment, in death, I'll leave thee not !— ^Mid the rash ranks where soon thy dauntless daring, Revolt shall brave, shall scourge rebellion's frenzy— I follow my lov'd lord ! — Ev'n now Piso's spouse Base treaso)i's banner through them may be waving— There I'll fix honor's flag — My virtue's courage^ Shall be as dauntless as her vice's fury ! — March we together then — - GERMANICUS. A moment stay — Yield not thy wilder'd soul to passion's whirlwind !-^ Vie not with mad Plancina in her frenzy — Dread all excess— ev'n virtue^s, — in extreme I Let that fell Fiend, mindless of modest fearing, (Softness* mild gem— sweet ornament of beauty) Strip, of her sex, the loveliest grace and charm, And thrust her boldness ''neath an army's eyes — Her thou must still view with the glance of scorn— ^ ACT II, SCENE VII. 53 What! would'stthou, by her wandering, steer thy I'm lost in wonder ! — not that I condemn [course! True courage fixM in woman's faithful heart ! There firmness calm should reign, not fury's rage \ Her bashfulness should tend her brav'ry's steps ! Ev'n such I deem was with thy being born — Led thee as spouse, and as a mother help'd thee ! — Ev'n such, this hour, when my soul wills it, bids thee, Less love me than thyself, and precious children — Proud, dearest pledges of our holy union ! Our army's, Rome's, the wide world's idol hope ! — > Sweet pledges, justice, pride, and love, forbid thee. Longer to hold in merciless murderers' reach ! — Be mother still ! — The struggles of thy soul. To bear that exile thou shalt with them suffer, Rack they thy breast worse than they torture mine, — ^^ When I must tear me from their arms and thine ? — SCENE VII. AGRIPPINA, GERMAIN ICUS, VERANIUS ; Women in the train of Agrippina — Friends of Ger-t manicus. VERANIUS. Revoh's dire flame, at your name check'd an instant, Now blazes far and wide with ten-fold fury ! — Prince ! — in the dread rage that now rules his reason, The soldier, shouting still, still calls for Piso ! Who, to these walls, comes with bold arm to brave you!— 54 GERMANICUS, GERMANICUS. (To his Friends and to the Women in Agrippina*s Train — Delivering her over to their care. J Oh ! friends ! safe guide her mid these pressing perils- She must depart ! AGRIPPINA. I leave thee ! — ■ GERMANICUS. Fare thee well ! — AGRIPPINA. Leave me !-r- GERMANicus, (to Veranius*) I must ! ... fly we to quell these rebels ! . . . (After having delivered Agrippina to the care of the Train that follom her in her exile.) (Exit.) End of Act IL r ^ ^«#'»^#'^^^^#.»'^»»s/^.»#-#^^<^j^#^.jN».#>».j,^.^^^^ ACT III. SCENE I. MARCUS, AGRIPPINA. AGRIPPINA It glads me to repeat it — your cool courage, Foil'd the hot fury of rebellion's ranks — You 'tis, whose zeal, preventing future outrage, Back brings our legions to just duty's yoke — In camp, as in these walls, sweet peace revives ! This my Lord owes you ! — haply I owe more ! — MARCUS. jl You! AGRIPPINA. I whom that peace restores to his lovM home. Whence fond affection forc'd me far to wander — MARCUS. Yes, weeping the sad cause of all your fears, Ev'n at your feet the soldiers laid their weapons — Their quick remorse, whence lasting good will rise, Far more to your success is due than minej In vain my zeal long tried each bold expedient ; — The tide of tumult rose — ^the rebel eagle, [leaders, Now, flutt'ring, near'd our walls — now faction's Bent tow'rd her wings their fierce and desp'rate steps — 50 GERMANICUS. 'Cross their proud, impious path, your fearless form. Sudden is seen !— Your hapless, hopeless train, — Matrons, and children to your footsteps tied — Your babe scar'd at your breast by sorrow's wail ; — -. Each eye's gaze fix'd — startling at their sad cries, — Awe-struck, the soldiers— stop. — They ask, in wonder. Why flow those sorrows? — why that deep, dejection? — ; Grieving, and guardless, all, — what dire distress, Has Caesar's consort, Csesar's daughter driv'n, With all their tender train to distant exile ? — Soon to these sounds a general cry replies, That the Prince, doubtful of his soldier's duty, Trusts his soul's treasures to barbarian faith — Shame,on their cheek, now marks their alter'd mind — And pity's mild gaze follows gen'rous shame — r " If yet ye deem your deeds have not attain'd ^' Dishonor's height— noy reach'd the top of treason,— " What wait you ?" said I, "Go, compleat your crime^ " Foes to the Senate, to Rome's people foes, '> And foes to Caesar — fly with fire and sword, " Spurn of our trebled pow'r the sacred awe ! *' Seize, seize your chief, ev'n in his palace seize him:! ^' Ah ! thither — speed ye — and, with contrite pray'rs, " Avert th' impending curse that quick must fall, " On perjur'd heads, false to their duty's oath ! — " If ye love Piso — plead his cause more wisely ! *' Fall at an Hero's feet^ — embrace his kneeS' — *' Sue pardon for yourselves — for my sire sue it ! — . " Fly," said I — At the word all, all was chang'd ! Repentance, plaint succeeds rebellion's threat — '. Order revives '.—forgotten ranks are filled— -_ ACT 111, SCENE I. Vour'e borne in triumph — and your Lord, amaz'd, Struck at the miracle he round him views, Sees you — embraces you-^and pardons all — AGRIPPINA. Too genVous Marcus ! — Oh ! how may my Lord, This day, with full requital, pay your kindness ?•— MARCUS. Of his heart's goodness surest proofs I boast — And view the haven from my soul's late tempests! — AGRIPPINA. What favor show'd you, then, the Prince ? MARCUS. He promis*d Piso should have free leave to plead his cause — AGRIPPINA. And can he justify it ? MARCUS. Oh! I hope it!— AGRIPPINA. A rebel ! — MARCUS. stay !— AGRIPPINA. A traitor ! — MARCUS. He's my father ! — AGRIPPINA. Oh ! pardon me ! your virtues 1 forgot ! — MARCUS. Forget his faults ! Germanicus already 58 GERMANICUS. (He shows his statue. J Augustus' true son, his rare mercy copying, — At guilt's returning tear disarm'd his vengeance ! — Oh ! if that useful act ray zeal atchiev'd Your grateful goodness crown with kind approval, Deny me not, this hour, its best reward ! — Repel me not ! — Oh ! lady ! let your anger Deign hear the pray'r your gen'rous Lord has granted. Which, at your feet, my Sire shall, kneeling, utter ! AGRIPPINA. Piso repents ! MARCUS. My raptur'd joys attest it ! — AGRIPPINA. O ! may such matchless goodness n'er prove fatal To my soul's Lord ! — Piso comes — Fear's cold thrill, Through my heart's core has shot a shiv'ring pang! — Let us go. fPiso observes her attentively.) SCENE 11. MARCUS, PISO. PISO. See ! — the Princess shuns my presence ! — Can e'er such rooted hate her breast abandon ? — MARCrS. One last weak spark of that resentment's fire, Your oath's first utterance will extinguish quite ! ACT III, SCENE 11. 59 PISO. When shall that oath be tendered him ? MARCUS. The Prince Has caird his court — each leader — chief of province — And will, to prove his truth, in their presence, seal The sure oblivion of your former feuds — PISO. Say, rather. Son, to bid them view the triumph. His pow'r, exulting, o'er my pride will gain ! — MARCUS. Turn from your thought, so low, such false suspicion ! PISO. Think'st thou I err ? MARCUS. You do ! — PISON. What has been promised ?— MARCUS. That when the Senate, People, ev'n each King, Had here convened, to learn the will supreme- Caesar would hear you— PISO. Will he not permit My sorrowing friends to attend my humble steps ?— Their fault was mine ! — My Son, I fain would trust, They may, this day, that poor indulgence hope— MARCUS, This place shall not be clos'd Against your friend's pre- sence — Freely as you, they may be seen, unarm'd— - GERMANICUS. piso. Uiiarm*d ! MARCUS, This law, my Father, to astound you seems ! Thy Prince's faith I trust — in all I'll trust him ! — > ril set th' example for my haughty clients ! And steel but ill befits a suppliant's hand — (he disarms himself J So should a soul, *bove the low level soaring, Reach a high virtue, as his fortune lofty ! — [greatness^ Oh ! how that heart I love, whose strength, whogg Dare rise to own, dare tow*r to atone a fault ! On public reverence' base pow'r*s pillar stands !^ — ^ That private, just respect all men pay all men. Shall we refuse it to great Caesar's race ?— Order would fly our banners — peace, our walls. If, this mark'd hour, when the camp's eye's upon you^ You fail'd to strengthen, by one great example, Those laws on which the state's true safety rests — Respect for others' rights our own secure ! — ^ PISO. Go, seek my friends — urge them in haste to meet me. At this tribunal, where I wait their presence — ftlARCUS. I'll instantly obey — This moment fly ! — O Gods ! — my Mother ! may her subtle speech, Dispel not, ev'n as an airy dream, The plans Act hi, scene hi. 6i PISO. Thy Mother, Marcus, will approve them — SCENE III. PISO, PLANCINA. PLANCINA. What! you here, Piso ! you ! — I ne'er had guess'd You e'er could here again your steps have brought, Long as German icus Syria's realms should sway— Your blind and wanton fnry I approved not— The wand'rins; wild of a soul far too ardent — When with arm impious, and bove all, imprudentj You, gainst yourself, by mad and public outrage, Rous'd the dire, doubled rage of Gods and mortals !— Far less do I commend that deep debasement — Which, sudden, strange succeeds your height offrenzy; That, like a culprit, suing for reprieve, Tame brings you to the place your rage astounded !— Thither I come, to speak my soul's true thought — Piso, this day doth part us ev'n for ever ! — My changeless heart, firm friend to all your glory, Can share your sorrows, not your shames partake ! — Your schemes I abhor—should you their path pursue. Disgrace yourself alone ! — I go !— ■ PISO. Remain ! — PLANCINA* To see thy shame complete, my ruiji seal'd ! — 62 GERMANICUS. PISO. With Agrippina*s tears, stay, ... .to be drunken ! — PLANCINA. Could o'er our woes, stern Agrippina weep ? tiso. O'er her own miseries soon her tears will stream ! PLANCINA. To all her vows what day was more propitious ? Germanicus triumphs ! — PISO. On a gulph's dread brink ! — PLANCINA. In it he had faH'n. . . .but for thy Son and thee !— PISO. In it he falls ! . . . . PLANCINA. Who'll plunge him in it ? PISO. I! PLANCINA. Thou, Piso ! PISO. I, Plancina ! that sole hope, Taught me to borrow weakness' shallow semblance- Of thy fond Lord could'st thou e'er ought suspect, Thy heart, or his, might, for a moment, censure ? In the first transport of a furious blindness, I, witless, thought to fly the bounds of Syria — Now calm> I see what bitter fruits had brought, So tim'rous, and so ill-concerted scheme— ACT ill, SCENE IIT. • 03 W^hat scorn, what hate, the world had pil'd upon me!— What dire reception I had from Caesar met !— Ne'er, ne*er can he to his proud nephew pardon That love the people still surround him with ! — When of all Asia's realms he nam'd him master, ShrewVl policy — say rather jealous pride, — 'Neath the bright robes of honors strove to cover The envy that tore him then from Europe's love ; Thai far from doting camps that prop'd his pow'r, Consign 'd him, subtly, to our hate, defenceless. — Such were — such are — ev'n now, his heart's deep mo- [tives — And have I well serv'd this, our common cause ? No! — friendly to the Prince, I've toil'd, I own it, Far less to dig his ruin than my own — ! Nought have I done save give his angry heart Right to destroy my life for sparing his ! — Let's expiate such errors — at length I've taught My pride to bend — my vengeance to dissemble, — Tow'rd a strong foe who's nearly scap'd my arm — Low will I stoop — but it shall be to strike him— In this dark plot, that saves my life, my glory, Discern those crafty counsels Livia taught me ; — They, ev'n this hour, (through paths she loves to hide) With wary secrecy reach'd my gladden'd hand — In them, while lab'ring — guardless — all alone — Just as of Antioch's gate I touch'd the threshold, Abrupt, accosted by my wrathful Son, I learn what great attempt had dar'd my friends ; What bars he brought to stop their glorious course. And what nice skill here held his zeal for me— Such insolent boon, hard will I strive to merit ; — i - GERMANICUS Soon shalt thou see what fruit Til cull from this !—; PLANCINA. Oh ! in that glorious plan thy great soul schemed, How do I love to find the flame that fires me ! If once I stray 'd suspicion's maze, forgive me !— Thy Son alone led me to wander in it !— Foe to our wishes, lost in Error^s dream, I rashly judgM he had won thee to betray them ! — piso. In following his project mine he furthers ! PLANCINA. Proceed — but say — seest thou no better course. Than that bold path thy brave spirit would pursue?-— PISO. Mean you the dagger ? PLANCINA. Hast thou then forgotten That Alexander, mid his friends, died poison*d — Unknown, to this hour, the hand that mingled for him. The treacherous morsel, or the fatal draught ! — PISO. That means revolts my fearless soul's bold bias ! — Livia, tis true, oft urg'd me to attempt it — But, thus, her wish to crown, I still refused- — Nor e'er will I comply, to speak it frankly, 'Till to the deed a strict command compels ine — 'Till from Tiberius' self I see, for signal, That fatal ring which, twin to Hannibars,- Hides deadliest bane to life — such poison as Rotne Saw of that great chief, end the hapless days !--- ACT 111, SCENE IV. 66 This is the sum of what IVe bound myself to — Break we our converse here — our friends 1 see ! — ^ Let's learn, Plancina, ere we aught attempt, What aid their wish and pow'r may lend our efforts !— SCENE IV. PLANCINA, PISO, CONSPIRATORS. (The whole of this Scene must he spoken in a myste- rious tone, and very low.) SECOND CONSPIRATOR. Piso, what's your design ? PISO, To uphold your rights, To increase them, friends, each nerve I've strain'd, and deem, I, more than once, and with great joy too, trespass'd. The line cold caution show'd my glowing zeal ! — I ever gave you more than my word promis'd — All, all I gave you — I permitted all. — When from the treasury, by my bounties drain'd. My lavish friendship swell'd your hoard of wealth — When Caesar's fav'rite minions were dismiss'd — The honors stript from them I bad you wear I. . . Ah ! if your fortune, measur'd by my wishes, Did of my pow'r exceed the poor duration — How should I laugh at all the freaks of Fate ! Then would you view me, mark of all her shafts, With brow unalter'd, the storm's fury welcome, — And rather break, than bend to its worst assault! — E m GERMANICUS. But, for you, I tremble ! — Can 1, if I fall, Not crush you with the weight of my tumbling wrecks Not draw you to the depth of that dire abyss, [lead me ? To which ray bounties, (crimes now deemed) must These are my thoughts — and they but spur my zeal, My life to sacrifice to the common welfare ! — (Mysteriously) What Command gives he ? — speak ! — tis you should teach me. The course I ought to keep to serve your cause. FIRST CONSPIRATOR (same tone) JFHends^ if despair misleads not far my judgment, ^Twixt but two parties, now, one choice is left us-~ Or suffer we, in full view of captured Antioch, Mean pardon, only fit for Things despis'd ; Or else, regain we, by one last bold effort, PowV Mew should ne'er surrender, but with death!*-- SECOND CONSPIRATOR. iFlonor--or infamy 1— PLANCINA. What Roman soul, Twlxt both, can pause, uncertain, for an instant ? SECOND CONSPIRATOR. And think— oh think, when of all powV disarm^d^ All hope of safety then you must renounce ! — And that the liberty they'd feign they gave you. Would be a boon, they'd nothing risk to take. That hour when fallen from the high rank we held . . . FIRST CONSPIRATOR. *v Is there a means to save our freedom ? PiSOo Ves !-a^ ACT III, SCENE iV. 67 FIRST CONSPIRATOR. Speak— Speak ! fiso* Our foe will soon appear. — The prince, To the eye of the court, before each chief of province, Comes to display his high excess of glory, Ev*n less than to proclaim our deep disgrace ! In truth, what rapture to his lofty weakness !— Shall Romans at his feet — Piso in the dust, Tendering of all their rights the shameful transfer, Buy of his lips, at such a price, a pardon ? — No ! — then be witness to our just revenge, Each Roman here conven'd by his feign*d mercy ! Of a Dictator he would ape the virtues — He dreams he*s Csesar — may he meet a Brutus ! In vain his foresight, in his doubt and dread. To our virtuous wrath each weapon has forbid — One, one remains me yet ! — That, a true Roman, E'er holds on his heart — under his hand e'er holds- Noble and last resort from vile dishonor ! Safe, and sweet shelter from a tyrant's malice ! Here 'tis !— That moment when, by you encompass'd, Germanicus' just sever'd from his friends, Down let him drop, as for his sin did Csesar ! Victim that instant he was held an idol ! Atoning neath the steel so dread to tyrants, Bounties far ampler, — far, far greater glories ! — Thus shall you guard the rights he still contests you ! Thus honor bright— thus freedom blest, — be safe ! — ^ Struck once.the blow, should, of the prince a party, Some clam ours raise, their clamors, useless all, B 2 68 GERMANICUS. Shall soon be quell'd, it glads me to assure you, By Our militia's shouts and Praetor's prudence — ^ Their love's hot zeal which late so brightly blaz'd, While purchase it 1 can, will ne'er desert me ! This instant, friends, let's put our plan in practice! . . * ALL THE CONSPIRATORS. On !-- PISO. SoOn as seen, Germanicus shall be slain ! — In the snre snare to which he proudly comes — Keep him one moment only — quick I'll strike him!--- SCENE V. PLANCINA, PISO, MARCUS, THE CONSPI- RATORS. MARCUS* Strike whom ?— Oh Gods, Germanicus ! PLANCINA. Ah ! traitor-^ piso. When thy sire's doom'd, fears't thou thy master's fate ? MARCUS. For You alone I feav — I spy your plot — And will prevent it — PIBO. At thine idol's foot. Fly to denounce us— ^ PLANCINA* Fly to accuse thy Father I ACT III, SCENE VI. 60 MARCUS. f fly to save my prince — PLANCINA. Stay ! MARCUS. And you Mother ! Yes ! you ! stab, stab your son, whom still you'll find Ever between his prince and your fell poniard — PLANCINA. His worst let him do !...end, end your mighty work !- PISO, Ne*er did I so need all my valor's aid :— (Marcus in the back ground) Lictors ! in doubled rank, gird the tribunal ! SECOND CONSPIRATOR, The prince comes — PLANCINA. Happy moment !-~ MARCUS. Fatal instant ! SCENE VI. PISO, PLANCINA, CONSPIRATORS, MARCUS' GERMANICUS, FOLLOWERS. GERMANICUS (Enters accompanied by one man only^ wearing the Toga — Piso*s sword in his hand. J Why, why around me thus, these arms, these faces ?— Romans — the period of each fear is past ! Such sights no longer are allow'd our eyes ! (To the Lictors. J Depart 1 stand not here amid my foes. 70 GERMANICUS. piso. *0 most strange blindless ! PLANCINA, *Happy inadvertence ! MARCUS (to Piso.) *Such gen*rous, glorious trust you can't betray ! (The movements concerted by the Conspirators are perform* d — The 2)articular passages lohich are to be spoken in a low voice, will be easily distinguished — however they are pointed out by an asterisk) — GERMANicus (to Marcus) Why such emotion stamp'd on all your features ? MARCUS. My soul's disturb'd, 'twixt different interests plac'd — I hail, yet fear the instant joins you to him! — GERMANICUS (in a low voice and taking Marcus aside)* You fear reproach will deep wound Piso's pride — That pride has bent — my right has been asserted — Let's soothe, if possible, by dint of kindness. That heart strict justice' force could never gain. — Come near me Piso — ( Here Piso makes a tnove to approach the prince, and putting his hand on the dagger conceaVd in his bosom) MARCUS (with emotion,) *What do you, Father ? PISO. *I obey — I .♦ GERMANICUS. Then why do you stop his steps ACT III, SCENE VI. 7| PISO. *Mv hand*s disarinM — MARCUS. *Aye, but your mind is not ! GERMANICUS. Let him approach me — I dread nothing from him ! A daring soul, at least, can ne'er dissemble-— His lips still move in union with his heart- -f What he feels he utters — openly he strikes— ^ Too much, perchance, he'll hearken to his hate, (A passion, Marius deem'd a Roman virtue) — But, still, pride's spirit, if not reason's strength, Far from his bosom drives base treachery's thought !-, (To Piso — just at that instant the Prince passes be- tween him, and Marcus- — leho, till then had kept them, from each other.) Piso — take back your sword— you may speak freely— Should your just plaint, ev'n my own crime proclaim, Still might you speak— dread not to clear yourself! — (Piso stands confounded ! ) PLANCINA. To you alone he dares disclose the secret ! GERMANICUS (tO PisO.J I understand you — choose the place — the hour - Not in my palace ; — in your own abode — There, may you, frankly, without fear, or witness, Whatever concerns the State, impart to me — Ev'n Marcus' self shall not be present there— PLANCINA. He's lost 1— 72 GERMANICUS. PISO. He has sav'd himself! — these deep emotions Tell me my heart's not clos'd 'gainst all repentance !— (to GermanicusJ By giving me back my sword, you have disarmed me ! fhejlings away his sword and kneels. J PLANCINA (to PisO.) Dastard ! GERMANICUS. (r aising him up J What do you ? Grief bewilders you ! — Piso — am I a Parthian ? — base barbarian ?— One whose mean pride, circled by servile smiles, Loves, at his foot, the Roman knee to view ? — Your heart gives way to a too deep contrition ; — Piso, forgive yourself faults Tve forgiven, — Lift up your looks! — see, see, the place's surrounded! — (At that moment, the Senators, and the Chiefs of Province enter) By those high witnesses I have summon'd here, To see our sunder'd hearts more close rejoin'd, — To view the solemn bond of our friendship seard,— And mark the oblivion of those lingering feuds, Which now I stifle in this true embrace ! — PISO. Exalted goodness ! PLANCINA. Meanness ! GERM ANI CVS. 'Tis time the legions, Should learn our friendship's union — Piso, then, Let's fly to renew — in ev'ry rank, and station — ACT III, SCENE VIII. 7i The sacred compact we have here confirmed — J claim this favor as our friendship's pledge — PISO. [ yield to the pow'r with which you sway my soul— To the camp I fly, to abjure, — and to atone, — Those hated faults which too, too long misled me ! . . SCENE VII. PLANCINA, falonej Thus when success seem'd smiling on my plan ; When I just touch'd the goal of my long, long cares, My hope is baffled, — all my wishes blasted ! All, at one cast, I lose — my son's undone me ! — By inclination slave, as well as habit — Dressing base servitude in duty's garb — Wilful to wear the yoke he plac'd on his neck .... SCENE VIII. PLANCINA, SENTIUS. SENTIUS. Ohi deign expound the mysteries I have heard of.'. Madam, can it be true, tho' plainly publish'd, That Piso and Germanicus are friends ? PLANCINA. Yes ! this day Piso fill'd his shame's deep measure He's led by the will of a son worthy him — 74 GEEMANICUS, But I whose soul can ne*er abet their scheme-^ I, to whom such peace is a woeful war — V\\ seek, far from them, in my palace's loneness, Tije means, if such there be, to wake new strife I SCENE IX. SENTIUS, SEJANUS. SENTIUS, Airs lost! SEJANUS. Lost?,. /Spite ev'n of all their plighted Oaths, Peace, if I right guess, will be but short livM— SENTIUS, The means to break it ?— SEJANUS, One there is most certain-^ This short note written in the Prince' own hand— Sentius. . . . SENTIUS, 'Gainst his own life gives us a weapon ! SEJANUS, Right well you spoke. — As in his first alarms, Piso's first rage would in his heart rekindle, Could we, by bidding falsehood spring from truth, But lead his mind to dream this fatal billet, The obvious confidant of a foe's fell wish. ACT III, SCENE IX. 75 'Gainst him was written, ev'n that very moment, The oath was uttering which his pardon pledged!.. . Deceive Plancina firet — then mock we Piso — Let thro' her hand the error find its way — Give you the letter ! — I'll all advantage gain From that hlihd rage his friends will rouse in Piso! — - SENTIUS. The army's aid we now no more can hope for — SEJANUS. Leave we the Legions to their camp confin'd— Should the steel fail us— have the poison ready— SENTIUS. The poison said you ? SEJANUS. Yes ; come,— learn the secret, Tiberius, thro' my lips, to you reveals — " The Prince's death," he said, " the world's peace calls for — *' Piso still deems that 'mid his mutinous camp, *' The haughty chief, assassin'd, soon must fall : *' Should4ie delude him, — should, 'gainst ev'ry hope, *' The wish'd event prove but an idle dream, — *' Should ev'n the poniard's point its mark have miss'd— - *' And surer means must needs be quickly us'd ; " Give him this ring— 'twill to his eye interpret, *' (Advis'd he is — ) my sov'reign will's resolve-— " Then shall you see, to duty's path return'd, ** Piso lose all remorse, if e'er he had any !" SENTIUS. Forc'd as we are to wear dark mystery's veil. What secret instrument shall work our purpose ? — 76 GERjMANICUS. SEJANUS. Plancina shall devise the hidden strok?, Which, nor your arm, nor mine, need risk to give ! But, sure success to fix to each point of the plot, The Prince, this day, must be my chief abettor ! — Evd qf Act III, *»»*»,/^»rf^**.#*'*»^**"'*^*»^"' ACT IV. SCENE L iAIARCUS, GERMANICUS, AGRIPPINA. GERMANicus, (to Marcus.) Yes — doubtless^-here Til wait your father's coming- The state's high welfare, the world's gen'ral weal, Open still wide to him the door of access ! — *Tis a free right, my heart's best friends possess — * Hear Marcus — now must you Seleucia seek, Th' intrusted bearer of my solemn errand — No stranger is your father to this secret — Ev'ii with his altering mind, my mind has alter'd— Meet Sentius — and prevent that to Tiberius He bring a note, written in hasty anger, And wrought, in vengeance, by my wounded pride- More had he serv'd me, had he hurried less — If yet 'tis time, quick be that ill repair'd — MARCUS. Sentius is near us — brief the road that sunders Seleucia's haven, and these happy ramparts. Now, thro* your gen'rous cares, the abode of peace- By quick departure I may reach him jet — GERMANICUS. Ev'n such n^ward Heav'n owes vour noble virtues!- 18 GERMANICUS. O, may the Gods, fav*ringyonr wish and mine, Speed your swift steps — His own slow course retard!— Go, and return ! (Exit Marcus.) SCENE IL GERMANICUS, AGRIPPINA. GERMANICUS. Already 'neath those portals. Where ourlovM household Gods* bright altars smoke—* Jn those bounds hallow'd where our loftiest deeds. Pile ev*ry hour the richest spoil of kings, A solemn banquet, have 1 bid prepare — ' To ev'ry heart be it a festal day ! That day, when, in these walls, to my sway restored, So many Romans amid, one foe I have not ! — AGRIPPINA. Indeed ! The scroll thy kind heart so regrets. Still, my lov'd Lord, still's but a true interpret Of that just anger which, by rashest deeds. Fierce, haughty Piso but too well deserv'd !—* GERMANICUS* Check a remembrance which, thy hate rekindling, 'Gainst faults aton*d, still bids thy blame return — Piso offend us did — Piso did repent— "That which accused him then, is noAv annulled ! - O ! let resentment then with offence expire !— ^ - AGRlPPlNAi You swore to hate* ... ACT IV, SCENE tt. 19 GERMANICUS. 1 then forswore myself ! — l3ut earth — but Heav'n — in height of grace^ forgive The pitying prince, who, by such oatli stands perjnr*d! His virtue's conquest claims some mite of glory — Far, easier far, — and well thy heart believes me, — Our wrongs to avenge — than pardon them for ever ! AGRIPPINA. Goodness of a great mind! — Virtue more than human ! — Still when I think to what dire perils draw thee Thy soul's kind bent, thy heart wide op'd to mercy — 1 admire and dread — condemn I ev*n dare!. . . . Forgive, .... I deem we do — but not forget ! . . . . That foe to spare, who yields, who, suppliant, bends, Is pow'r to wield — to act a conqueror's part — But in our arms to fold — to press to our heart, The cruel wretch, who, foil'd in coward hope, More wails for impotence — than weeps in sorrow, Wounds friendship's tenderness — Reason's sense of- fends. — *Tis treach'ry's arm 'gainst our own breast to bra e--^ *Tis welcoming woe — guilt's weapon 'tis to whet — Whose point, or soon, or late, our folly rues— tSERMANICUS. Far from inflaming, it disarms his mind- But thy quick love, for me so prompt to fear. Sees notj perchance, that, wfien we trust a traitoi , 'Gainst his own treason we may turn his soul. — Of human hearts the fabric thus is frani'cl — Let's deem, when is the best, but least imperfect, 60 GERMANICUS, When the most worthy's not from weakness free^ That the least generous boasts some virtue left — Oft, 'gainst his native bias, war his wishes. — To virtue's track despair not back to turn The soul's stray 'd step, not barr'd yet our esteem ! One false tread made, he^, haply, plung'd in crime, For he no eye had met where gush'd soft pity. — O, hapless heart! half innocent! - half guilty! — ' He had regain'd proud virtue's path he lov'd, Had he not tutor'd been himself to scorn ! — Prevent we Piso to belie repentance. — Ev'n from repentance spring heroic efforts! 'I'hou mak'stno answer! — AGRIPPINA. What can I reply ?— 1 feel confounded — yet stand not convinc'd ! — More than my reason I my heart believe ! . . . . Dread the dire end of too sublime forbearance ! . . . . On Caesar think learn where indulgence leads! — ' GERMANICUS. Think of Tiberius ! — view where vengeance leads! AGRIPPINA. Murder'd, he fell, by hands his mercy spar'd! — - GERMANICUS. The other breathes— but the dark dread that rules him, Each morn, more fell, in his scar'd spirit wakens^ With Eve's remembrances dire suspicions drear — And ceaseless, feeds their secret, ruthless rage ! . , . . See circulate from prince to subject — Terror! See mothers mourning- — wives dissolv'd in woe, Victims, not soothers to his deep dismay!— ACT IV, SCENE n, - 81 While plac/d 'twixt pale affright, and ghastly hate, Byeachfoul illhe has wroughthe thinks himthreatenM—^ Ev'n of each crime his lasting rack foreruns, The accomplice haunts him at his home's curst Oh ! rather dieten thousand dagger deaths [hearth! — Than purchase, at that price, each Caesar's sceptre !— Yes — ev'n tho* dup'd by foul deceit's fair semblance. Such gen'rous error still my soul prefers To that low skill whose glance each dark maze traces Of a mean heart, whose thought belies his tongue!—- Why, why consign rae to care's restless rigour, When my soul's first aim, when my mind's chief study, But us'd the rod of pow'r, plac'd in my grasp, To calm that dread a Roman's arms inspire — > Arms that, o'er stormy waves, thro' wilds, mid famine, Still bore my triumph's flag to earth's extremes ! — Those realms, Tiberius 'neath my rule has rang'd, When I toil for them, for me also toil — More firm than ever my best safety's built, — The good, o'er half the globe I've spread, its cement ! Oh ! could I stretch it round its whole sphere's surface!-^ If my soul grudge, Augustus ! thy gaunt heir, Each realm thy choice gave his vast sceptre's rule, 'Tis that its wave can beckon mourning millions To share a bliss my heart deep grieves to view, Still stinted but to climes my care o'ersees ! What triumph to that prince — that matchless man-?^ Who could alone exalt Rome's glory higher, So firm a base to build to his boundless fame ! Give back to hallow'd laws their ancient awe— ^ Wield each dread faculty of pow'r supreme, F 82 GERMANICUS. But from herself an erring people save — And their true glory, their best weal secure, By blending Empire's strength with Freedom's charm! AGRIPPINA. This was the thought of thy ill-fated father ! Like thee he dreamt the bliss of all mankind ! — Like thee, from childhood, his kind hands were seen, Straining to snap the rivetted ';hain of Rome ! Vain, virtuous hope, his timeless death destroy'd ! — Not measurM to our need his transient span ! Fate's stern decree, to extend our term of woe. In his prime's bloom tore him from our rent hearts! Appalling presage to a wife's scar'd soul ! Deaf to a nation's pray'r, in jealous rage, To heroes the world's love had doated on, Seldom did fortune grant wish'd length of years ! — Drusus, ere thirty, sought the silent tomb ; At twenty lov'd Marcellus' race was run — Gods ! guard my soul's lord from a fate so stern ! More lov'd than they, oh ! shall he prove more happy ? SCENE III. AGRIPPINA, GERMANICUS, VERANIUS. PISO (afterwards.) VERANIUS. One of those freedmen, thro* whom oft Tiberius, Sends yoti the mystery of his dark designs, This moment, thoughtful, reach'd the palace gate — ACT IV. SCENE IV. 83 GERMANICUS. Let him be instant led to my apartment. — But I see Piso. — Wait for me, dear friend — Ev'n in this very place Til give you hearing — Then, weigh, with equal care, the private claims, And general interests of the world's best portion ! PISO. My will shall ever wait on all your wishes ! — (Exit Germanicus, leaning on Agrippina.J SCENE IV. PISO falonej. His words, his looks, all speak a soul sincere — His artless frankness would alone dispel Doubts that too, too oft, to my thought still gloom — These darksome doubts, still sad'ning o*er my spirit, Why, why does reason's radiance now dispel them? All that his bosom held did the prince utter? Man's strange perversion deeply now I feel ! — By our own breast, judging of other's hearts. We lend them fear, and wrath, and hate, and guile, Which in our soul's recess still ceaseless rise — Thus, by suspicion sway'd, my rankling mind. Doubting that virtue's height it cannot climb; Spite of itself still dreads guile's subtlest snare Ev'n in that mercy it had ne'er awaited ! ^Plancina enters abruptly ; in her hand a letter.) F 2 84 GERMANICUS. SCENE V. PISO, PLANCINA. PLANCINA. Read Piso, read — PISO, (after having read). His perfidy is monstrous ! — Who gave you this ? PLANCINA. What matters it who gave it? — You're well acquainted with the seal and writing — PISO. Most certainly — PLANCINA. I'm sworn to say no more— PISO. Perhaps the charge was made, Plancina, since PLANCiNE, (spiritedly )t Doubtless, — each word in it — mostclearly — shows it,— Ev*n since to Piso, bound by recent bonds, Germanicus proclaimed each wrong forgotten ! . . . . PISO. He deceived me ! PLANCINA. The traitor ! PISO. When he swore The full oblivion of so long an hatred, ACT IV. SCENE V. 85 He but entie'd me, — cruel in caresses — Embraced me with a blow, — and, kissing, kills me!— PLANCINA. Better than you he feigns-— .... PISO. Since he dissembles, Since he has recourse to feint, Til ev'n use frankness- Soon shall he fall, struck at my feet, unpitied, Th* imposing Colossus of a spurious virtue — Ev*n at that feast where the perfidious dreams, By added perjury, deep to lull my prudence — His letter in his hand, I'll fly to unmask him — To each true Roman Til denounce him false — The world shall know on whom their love theylavishM ! PLANCINA. Your indignation's but too just, too noble,— Let's nought discuss save the degree of danger— Too much, nor too soon can you avenge yourself. But to its own ire yield not up your heart — ■ Learn from the lessons a fell foe affords you!— PISO. ril fly, to rouse each soldier's sliimb'ring wrath—- PLANCINA. Stay — no pow'r seek, save that within yourself—- Yes, Piso, in our hands let's place our hope ! PISO. And can I trust me to myself again? Saw not I lately, when its point should have struck, The faithless poniard quit my palsied gripe? PLANCINA. Cannot we, Piso, gain by subtle wile, 86 GERMANICUS. That sure Success high daring now denies us ? At random, oft, the arm most resolute strikes — More sure than dagger's point the deadly sip ! — A sacred banquet ev*n now*s preparing. . . . PISO. Well !— PLANCINA. At this banquet, in the heart of the feast, *Mid ebriation*s transports, ev'n from your pledging, Germanicus shall take fate's final potion! — . . . . PISO. From me ! PLANCINA. You thus prevent your certain ruin ! PISO, From me ! PLANCINA. From you — PISO. From me ? PLANCINA. What! wavVing still ! PISO. At his own board, with witnesses all compassed ? PLANCINA. More were their number, I'd ev'n still fear less — PISO. But social joys soon quench all private wrath! — PLANCINA. And social joys soon lull suspicion's watching I To end superfluous speech — now — mark me well !— Who fair occasion loses— ne'er regains it! — ACT IV. SCENE III. 87 PISO. What weapon put you in your hand ? — in mine? PLANCINA. And to your choice, has fate left any other? — What hope you still ? — PISO. Hope ? . . A true Roman's vengeance ! . , Yes, if my hand must clutch another dagger — If, my own life stak'd down, in open conflict, I must ev*n to death my powVful foe pursue — Be it so — I'm ready :... But, admitted guest, [friends — Welcom'd to his home — high rank'd 'mongst his dear Smiling 'mid gen'rous joy — oh ! can I kill him! — This social wine (exchange most base, most cruel I) To turn from a cordial draft to a potion deadly ! 'Tis depth of dastardness — 'tis treach'ry's triumph I My soul, to guilt so hideous, ne'er can stoop ! — ■ Necessity's dread law could scarce absolve it ! Spite of each wrong that goads my wrath's loos'd fury. Ne'er, ne'er did crime appal me with such horror ! — PLANCINA. Not such your late address to Livia's ear ! — Far, then, more worthy that high rank we are envied, Piso had not borne, all spurn'd his lofty rights, Germanicus had ev'n to kings compar'd him ! — Not brook'd that, mid these walls, with pageant pow'r. He had sought to bend us to a slight submission — Chang'd is the hour indeed ! — Piso, chasten'd now — From that just pride, a prouder heart reproach'd him. Stands on the poor brink of the counter virtue — All may the prince now claim from such a servant ! — m GERMANICUS. Now — let his humour veer, his fancy revel — Ne'er can he find a slave more tame than Piso— ^ JPiso, to outrage deaf — all blind to glory — Courage has left, and ev'n crept o'er to patience !— With eye of apathy, his virtue views, Ignominy and honour — pow'r and exile ! — All, fell, Tiberius, foil'd so oft in vengeance, Rankling, has hoarded 'gainst his base forbearance I PISO. What did 1 foil him in? — I own 1 promis'd, If hiy mock'd arm his wish and mine betray 'd, Thie poison's aid^ then, needful to our hope, This day would do, what steel had fail'd to effect-— =^ That hated moment's not yet born, thank heav'n ! Nor has mine eye th' appointed sign beheld, (Surest interpret of his sov'reign will) That would to denial turn my wav'ring, now ! . . . . PLANCINA* Oermanicus comes— suppress that fiery transport ! — SCENE VI. PiSON, PLANCINA, GERMANICUS, Followers. GERMANICUS. Thrice blest be the gods for this thrice happy concord^ That ends for ever both our houses' qu^Crrel ! How deeply I enjoy this welcome favour, Tiberius now delights to grace you with ! — While our prompt army, proud to throng to its flag? ACT IV. SCENE VI. 89 Vengeful of holiest vows, shall fly to punish The faithless Parthian's rash, and impious falsehood ! — While \var*s dire work my ev'ry care now claims, Watch o'er the East — her countless wants prevent — Ev'n in each realm, that owns my sovVeigii rule, Wield evVy pow*r my sway has ever wielded ! — Happier than I, bid peace and plenty rei^n O'er half the world that's opened to your bounty — With Caesar's will, receive my gratulation — " From this rich signet, proof of trusted pow'r, *' Let Piso learri (he tells me) what to-day, *' My love still hopes of his long-tried allegiance!'* (Gives him the ring.) Fiso (discomposed.) Gods ! PLANCINA* At such an absolute, so clear command, Can you, an instant, pause in your obedience ? PISO (more and more perturbed), I! — I! — I waver not — I but wait only. . . . . GERMANICUS. Come Piso — come — nor waste one moment more- Come to that happy spot where joy now calls us ! Where, of our friendship pledg'd, the first fair tiding. Draws to each other each glad mind appeas'd! — Where, lately foes, the army, and the people, Mingling in one voice, now, their festal song^ Proclaim, in harmony, their lov'd chief's svvorn peace; Proud blessing due the bonds our hearts that bind! — Sweet earnest of exulting Asia's hope ! 90 GERMANICUS. Closer still draw the cords our souls that tie ! — The hallowed oath our friendship firmly rests on, Shall, o'er the bowl, be instantly re-echoed ! — (He is about to go. J PLANCINA. fTo Piso, in a low voice.) Carry as far, if possible, falshood's art ! — PISO. What pow*r unknown, leagued with my hate's stern spirit, Spurs me, tho' 'gainst my heart, to the goal I shun ? GERMANIC us, (who has advanced far in the hack' ground^ observing he is not followed by Piso, turns back. J What ! don't you follow me, my friend ? — PISO. Ido! JEnd of the Fourth Act, ACT V. SCENE I. 91 r »#-.»^r.^^^^ ■»# #1^ #» ^># ■^^■^^•*^^*^ ■»#-.<^.js»vjvr.»^.»^sr»-^-#'^^ »# ^-^-^^ #^ ##-#».»*>^-r #» #■<%» ^r^»r-#^s»#. ACT V. SCENE I. PLANCINA falone.J Nought's yet done — nought — o*er all, calm stillness reigns — Whatwaits,whatmeanshe? — Thisdelay confounds me! Oh ! if the passions that thus burn in my soul, One moment, Piso, lent thy spirit their flame ; If my ambition, hate, and i*age, and vengeance. Could but an instant glide into thy heart — Soon should this roof, dumb witness of my wrongs, Shrill echo to the screams of widow'd wailing !— Soon, Agrippina, expiate, at my feet, Proud inju'ries time's power can n'er atone ! What joy to view her, of her fall indignant, Hard struggling now to hide her sorrow scorn'd, Now, while swoln sighs her anguish'd heart betray, Venting, in vain threats, her soul's powerless rage! — - What mingling din loud from the throng ascends? Shouts of exulting peace ! — Joy's bursting peal ! — Ah! shrink no more!... How dire, ye Gods, my error — They're cries of wild affright — they're shrieks of horror — This instant, doubtless, fills my hope's deep measure! And, to confirm my bliss, see Piso comes ! — ^2 GERMANICUS. SCENE 11. PLANCINA, PISO. PISO* *Tis done ! — Thy wish and my dread wiirs ful^ filled!.. PLANCINA. Germanicus is dead ?..-;. PISO. He's dying ! — In his breast, That cup, his perjur'd mercyj still attested,— That cup avenges now, with our past wrongs. All the dire ills his false heart had prepared us ! — • With flow*rs, gold, purple, gorgeous beds were decked— Next him still pressed the Prince to see me seated—- A grace, Plancina,that, no words can picture, [ness-^ Temper'd, with sweetest smilCj his calm brow's firm- Lent all his Words an heart-felt tone of truth. That had with ease subdued the soul of Sternness.-^ With name of friend his lips oft soothM my ear, And wak'd already in my softn'ing bosom The senseless doubts that had my heart alarmM— My soul, as o*er a gulph's brink bending, shud* [He shows a note) [der'd — • Sudden ^these words I hear : — " Now's the fit mo* ^' Avail thee of the tumult I have rais'd, [ment^ " 'Twill turn from thee the look of every guest'' — - (Confusion then disturb'd the banquet's order) [thee* " Shun, by one brave blow, the fell stroke that waits ACT V. SCENE II. S3 " Whatwait'sttliou? — poison? — cup? — they're 'neath ^ thy hand—" These words my falt'ring heart still doubtful left, — But while 1, pond'ring-, paused, and waver'd pensive, Soft sounds a voice unknown : " Think of Tiberius" PLANCINA. Most salutary counsel ! who was it gave it ?— PISO. By soldiers, slaves, people and priests, surrounded, Mine eyes, in vain, each various visage read, To seek some witness of a soul disurb*d — *Mid countless looks, unknown, I failed to find Him whose tim*d counsel struck my heedful ear — Whose heartening spirit rous'd my fainting courage... It seem*d as springing from Tiberius* tongue ! . . . . PLANCINA. Doubtless from him, whom caution never quits. Sprang this mysterious hint that nerv'd thy heart — Now taste we, worthiest Lord, sweeter in union, Pride's lofty joy— the dear delight of vengeance ! — High tho* their rapture, trust, this happy hour Low bliss now yields thy breast to that that waits thee! Trust, with proud harvests of still growing favors, Tiberius, grateful, will thy zeal overpay— Will thank the bounteous gift kind fortune gave him, By linking to thy lot his happy fate ! PISO. I deem so. Hide we now our heart's exulting — Welcome we happiness, come from fate's kind hand! — Banish hot eagerness— cold reserve discard*— Both would betray us. . . . 94 GERMANICUS. PLANCINA. My mind thinks so too ; — But terror, above all, is most incautious— To each heart's maze, confusion lends the clue ! — PISO. Trust, since my soul to obey thy bold will's fix'd, ; Trust, nothing now can e*er appal my heart ! — SCENE III. PISO, PLANCINA, MARCUS. MARCUS. You here ! — You kneeling- to Augustus' image ! . . . . Father ! — of all his sons — the best— the greatest — The most resembling him when he mercy dealt, — (Oh! grievous meed of virtue) ev'n dying — poison'd- Is led here to expire his soul's last sigh ! — If to disturb his thought your heart would shun, For him, as for yourself, oh ! show regard ! — Oh ! spare, in pity spare, his last, last looks! .... The sight of you ! . . . . PLANCINA. What mean these obscure words ?- Marcus.... PISO. Let*s not now trace the spring they flow from,— Before this demi-god ; ev'n at the moment, I sacrifice to the state my whole resentment — GERMANICUS, ACT V. SCENE IV. 95 ril tell you son — in the Prince's serious peril, The city's welfare, and the province' safety, Of all the East the weal, I'm bound to watch o'er, (Which ev'n this hour might own my sov*reign rule,) Permit me not to quit a Chief of his rank. In whom still's vested Rome's supreme coutroul ! — In brief, here I remain, tho' 'twould astound you — • Or to receive his mandates — or mine issue — SCENE IV. PLANCINA, PISO, MARCUS, Friends to Piso, Soldiers, Conspirators. FIRST CONSPIRATOR. Parent of our proud Legions, thy life's menac'd — Hear'st thou the hoarse din of the frantic people ? — From them fear nothing — ardent to protect thee See from each quarter the glad soldier rushes ! PLANCINA. I dreamt by kindness to have conquer'd malice ! Deeming" your prudent counsels but suspicions, Myself betray 'd my life into their hands. Ah ! Friends, you weep my lot in streams of sorrow i A task remains you-— oh ! avenge it too ! — Tell my lov'd sov'reign — tell my Sire rever'd — (Pointing to Pisa and PlancinaJ What horrid pangs they've giv'n my guiltless heart— What murd'rous snares they set around my feet-« What barb'rous plans they fram'd to work my ruin ! Punish their perfidy ! .... So vile's their baseness, It taints my heart with hate ! » . . .the foul sin's theirs 1 Oh be that hate a spur to your swift revenge ! Not only scourge them for the guilt they've done, Punish them chiefly to console the earth For loss of all the good I meant all the world ! Oh ? cruel Gods ! ye view'd my heart's chief desire I Now keener agonies deep, deep, pierce my bosom ! Gods ! what dread tortures must the culprits suffer ! Farewell, lov'd country — oh ! . . * . G GERMANICUS, ACT V. SCENE VI. AGRIPPINA. Oh ! I am dying ! . . , (She throws herself on her husband* s corpse and re* mains senseless with grief. The groups who stood in front of the stage advance towards each other, and screen from the eyes of the spectators the sight of so harrowing a scene ! ) PISO. His crimes, which reason now may deem misfortunes, Forbid us not, to mourn his untimely end — But banish we despair ! Tho* Rome has lost him, Still boasts our country many a worthy Chief! People ! Cfesar still reigns ! — Citizens ! — Soldiers ! By my command — by his — cease, cease your quarrels. In me respect Tiberius* sovereign sway: — Swear due obedience to his high vice-gerent ! What bids you waver ? Say, irresolute hearts, What wait you now ? . . . . SCENE VI. All the preceding and SENTIUS. SENTIUS* Trusted with absolute pow'rs, Sejanus just arrives — He'll soon be here. PLANCINA. Sejanus ! . . . . ACT V, SCENE VII. 99 Piso (loith excessive joy,) Sejanus ! Fortune, I thank thee! Well do I mark the favour of thy smile, That leads him here ev'n to uphold my pow'r ! SCENE VII AND LAST. The preceding — Sejanus (dressed in the purple rohe^ attended hy Lictors, and with all the accompani- ments of power. J PISO. Fav'rite of Caesar, speak ! proclaim to the world The august mandate of your sov'reign master ! — SEJANUS, Secure Piso ! PISO. Me? SEJANUS. As traitor to the state ! To answer the Senate for atrocious treasons, Quick let him go ! — Romans ! in Antioch's heart, Tiberius' great heir shall have ftmeral rites. PISO. What hear I ? Oh, Gods ! Fm deceived, betray M ! Sejanus, great's my crime ! I obey Caesar ; (Going to stab himself. J Fll 'scape at least, the insults they prepare me ! — > Gods ! I'm disarm'd ! Marcus (extending out his sword and turning his head asidej Now then, my Father ! PLANCINA, (holding Marcus.) Hold!.... 100 GERMANICUS, ACT V. SCENE VII. fTo PisoJ Oh, Piso ! Trust no more his fatal counsels ! . . . . Ah ! what means gives he thee to clear thyself ! That a lost, desperate wretch, to the stairs* condemned. Would snatch to 'scape from shame and agony ! . . A dagger in thy gripe, to fly to the dead, Less would fair virtue prove than fell remorse ! . . . . We, Piso, feel Remorse ? . . . . None, none I feel : . . . . Remorse I know no more than I feel fear ! . . . . Be Judge who may that tries our dauntless deeds ; — (Pointing to Sejanus.J Ev'n where it he — his rigour can't astound us 1 ... . Easier 'tis still to confute all the Senate. If they should question thee, fear not to answer ! . . . . Soon shalt thou see severity's stern frown. Turning, at truth's fair face, to terror's paleness ! Nay should oppression, urg'd by party rage, ^Mid countless, glorious feats, seek one poor error — The fault ev'n prov'd — still seeming sins exist, W hich had pow'r bade thee use for the state's great [weal, Should lead thee not to a grave, but to a Triumph ! In brief great Caesar's self thy accomplice stands ! Agrippina (at these words rushes through the crowd that surrounds her — the body ofGermanicus is seen.) Did I hear right ?. . . curst wretch. . . dire fiend, .oh, [monster ! . . . . What ! dar'st thou dream ev'n of the name of mercy ? Tremble ! I live ! O ! this last hell-born outrage. Gives back my soul its thought — my heart its firmness \ , , . — i f . * GemonicB Scalce. — A place ia Rome where condemned persona were cast down from a pair of stairs. ACT V, SCEiNE VII. Ill Ye, whose firm faith, her treach'rous tongue arraigns, Friends, oh ! delay uot to confound her falsehood ! . . (The crowd that concealed Germanicus separate.) Behold Germanicus ! . . . .From his dying lips, I tter'd with his last breath, scarce yet has fleeted, That voice — that fainting voice — which, of your friendship, Begg'd the dread vengeance !...Sued the tender pity!... Vengeance ! . . . . And was it for a pageant's show. For groans, for sighs, torches half-quench*d in tears, Your friend's expiring pray'rs were sent to your souls ! But half to grant them — is full treason 'gainst him ! Vengeance ! . . At that dread bar that loud now calls them ! . . . . Follow— accuse—CQndemn— strike the twin monsters! — Vengeance ! . . . . See j ustice' sword thirsts to destroy them ! . . . . 'Scape her stern lifted edge they never can ! . . , , Here ! — view you both a rebel and a traitor I . . . . Who, now, to cloak his guilt, his sov'reign sland'ring-, Dares try to appal the minds — convince he cannot!... There — gaze — 'tis great Germanicus — base murder'd ! Beats there a heart so hard as not to avenge him ? . . Or see, unpierc'd with pangs, Augustus' grandsons ? Sons of the best-belov'd, greatest of Romans ! . . . . Lo ! his pale widow, the lov'd urn in her hand, Lays at the Senate's feet, all dumb with sorrow, An emblem of that grief that w aits the world ! . . . VERANIUS. If from his sacred will one point we swerve. May we be wretched .... 112 GERMANICUS, ACT V, SCENE VII. AGRIPPINA. Swear ! THE FRIENDS OF GERMANICUS, (stretching out their hands over the body.) We swear ! . . . AGRIPPINA. Depart ! . . . SEJANUS, (in front of the stage). Exult, Sejanus, now ! mourn all mankind ! Joy suits thy soul far more than Caesar's mind !— FINIS. I London : Printed by Sbulze and Dean, 13> Poland Street, Oxford Street. Date Due JUL ;i **. aav.l7lf f) 1 831.76 B996MG 187446 Byron Marino Fallerp ISSUED TO 821.76 B996M0 187446 I