Tarquin The Proud; Or, The Downfall Of Tyranny. A

Tragedy, In Five Acts.
Persons Represented.
SERVIUS, King of Rome,
TARQUIN THE PROUD, Son-in-law to Servius, afterwards King.
SEXTUS TARQUINIUS, Son to Tarquin.
LUCIUS JUNIUS BRUTUS, a Noble Roman.
COLLATINUS, VALERIUS, LUCRETIUS,Romans, Friends to Brutus.
TURNUS, Chief of the Latines.
ROMAN SENATORS.
ROMAN CITIZENS.
LATINE CHIEFS.
PAGE TO TARQUIN.
TWO AURICIANS, Conspirators against Turnus.
OFFICERS, SOLDIERS, ATTENDANTS, &c., &c., &c.
TULLIA, Queen of Rome, and Wife to Tarquin.
LUCRETIA, Wife to Collatinus.
PORSENA, her Maid.
WOMAN, Attendant on Tullia.
GHOST OF SERVIUS.
SCENE. — At the commencement of the third Act, in the Latine
Camp: the other portion of the Play principally in Rome.
Act I.
Scene I. — A Street in Rome.
Enter two CITIZENS.
1st Citizen.I greet you friend. What is the news?
2nd Cit.I did intend to put that question to you. Something there is afloat,
although i' faith I scarce know what.
1st Cit.Nor I. 'Tis true I heard——
2nd Cit.What — what didst hear?
1st Cit.Nay, 'tis but report; and you well know report is not to be
depended on.
2nd Cit.Well, the report — what does it say?
1st Cit.That Tarquin's wife is dead; as also Tarquin's brother: if it be
true——
2nd Cit.Pshaw! It must be false. Tarquin but now I saw in conversation
with the Senators. But who comes here?
Enter 3RD CITIZEN.
3rd Cit.Hast heard the news? Hast heard the news?
1st Cit.Not I. What may it be?
2nd Cit.Nor I.
3rd Cit.Tarquin, I hear, has slain his wife——
1st Cit.No!
3rd Cit.And Tullia, our king's daughter, slain her husband. 'Twill break
old Servius' heart should it prove true; and true I fear it is.
1st Cit.Now may the gods forfend!
2nd Cit.And so pray I. But tell me: — Does report divulge their motives?
3rd Cit.No, not that I can gather: although some say that Tarquin does
intend to marry Tullia. If that be true — why — why —
2nd Cit.Why — what?
3rd Cit.Why — there will be a pair of them: farewell.
[Exit 3RD CITIZEN.
1st Cit.I fear much 'twill prove true.
2nd Cit.I fear so too; but let time shew. If thou should'st hear aught more,
I pray you let me share it.
1st Cit.I will. Do you the same. Farewell.
2nd Cit.Farewell.
[Exeunt at opposite sides.
Scene II. — Room in Tarquin's Palace.
Enter TARQUIN and TULLIA.
Tarquin.The deed is black, good Tullia, I like it not.
Tullia.And yet, methinks, thou should'st have thought of this
Before my sister and my husband died.
Our hands are yet quite red with their pure blood;
And shall we stop, and pause, and then turn back —
Giving up all our budding hopes for fear? —
You cannot dream the like.
Tarquin.I know not what I dream. I would be king,
But —
Tullia.And so thou may'st. For if thou art the man
My woman's soul was wont to figure thee,
Thou wilt be king. Oh! now were I a man,
There's not a deed, however black or foul,
But I would perpetrate to gain the prize —
The golden prize — on which our eyes are bent.
Tarquin.Then art thou better as thou art. The fiends
Would blush at such a horrid crime as this
You urge me to commit. Your father's life
Intrudes between my hopes and me. That man
Who gave you life. Oh! ponder on it well.
Tullia.Why thou relenting fool! An old man's life
Is barely worth a thought. The faded rose
We pluck from off the tree and cast it hence,
For 'tis a useless thing. Its fragrance gone,
And it is valueless. And so with man;
When old, decrepit, and weigh'd down with years;
The springs of life all sapp'd away; the sense
Gone mad; and imbecility usurp'd
The vacant throne of reason: — 'tis a deed
Of mercy then to free the aged soul
And let it wing away.
Tarquin.Yet urge me not to do this dreadful deed.
Die he soon must; then let him die a king.
My childish soul, not yet inur'd to crime,
Shrinks back within me at the thought of death,
And chides my great ambition.
Tullia.Tarquin! I might have lov'd my former lord,
For he was great as thee. But no. I thought
Thou had'st a noble pride; I thought the gods
Of Tarquin's race, and those of Tarquin's land,
Were treasur'd in thy breast; I thought thy sire's
Proud visage's stamp was on that haughty brow;
I thought the palace, too, in which you dwell,
The princely throne, and Tarquin's far-fam'd name,
Did constitute thee king. But I was wrong.
Then if thy spirit dares not undertake
This noble enterprise, why wear that garb?
Dost hope thou canst deceive the nation too?
Go, get thee home: thy royal blood is gone.
Assume the insignificant, the mean,
And humble dress of some poor shepherd-boy;
Eke out thy life in poverty and shame,
And dream thyself a man. The village girl
Has rosy cheeks — but think of that — and when
Thy lips with her's in loving tumults join,
Then say to her: — My name was Tarquin once,
But now —
Tarquin.Enough. Thy father's dead.
Tullia.My dearest, dearest, lord.
Tarquin.Oh! could'st thou pray
With equal force for what I'm now to do,
I'd do it with alacrity and glee;
But I most sadly fear, that not one hour
Of future peace, or soft tranquillity,
Will ever cross my path. Why then away
With conscience and remorse; pity no more
Shall enter this firm breast: but cruelty,
Ambition, and revenge, my soul shall fill,
And Tullia's father is the first I'll kill.
[Exit TARQUIN.
Tullia.Why so, this proves thou art my dearest lord,
And I will ever love, obey, and honor thee.
Thou should'st be king, and I, thy faithful wife,
That spurr'd thee on to win the glorious prize,
Should be a queen. Why this is worth all else,
And shall be uppermost in all my thoughts.
My woman's heart feels no compunctions now,
And fear, that parent of remorse, that tool
Employ'd for making cowards cringe, and bend
The abject knee, dwells not in this firm breast.
I would be queen; and shall an old man's life
Bar from my hopes this great and golden prize?
Never. What though he be my aged sire,
The act is still the same: 'tis but murder.
But soft. I fear that Tarquin's woman's heart,
Is not yet steel'd against the fiend remorse,
And may e'en now give way. I will be gone,
And in the very Senate-house I'll rouse
His drooping soul. If he should quake with fear,
Rather than fail, I'll do the deed myself.
Come then, ye gods! diffuse in my dark breast,
The blackest feelings that the fiends possess;
All mother's daughter's fondness rend away,
For this must be a dark and dreadful day.
[Exit.
Scene III. — A Street in Rome.
Enter COLLATINUS, LUCRETIUS, and VALERIUS.
Lucretius.I care not Collatinus; I cannot think, nor will I believe, that
Tarquin's aims aspire so high. I doubt not thy veracity; I only think thou
hast been play'd upon.
Collatinus.Then the gods help thy incredulity! I overheard what I now
told you, therefore I must believe although I fain would not.
Valerius.Nay, Lucretius, I heard it too; and certain am I that they spoke
of Tarquin aiming at the crown. In fact they stated that himself had sued
them for their voices; and, what is more, they had promised them.
Lucretius.Then I, perforce, believe. Look you, Collatinus, if Tarquin be
made king, pray what becomes of good old Servius?
Collatinus.Banish'd.
Lucretius.True: and after that?
Collatinus.Nay, faith I know not: yet I fear that Servius, having been
king after being still alive, would be a thorn in Tarquin's side which he
must needs be rid of.
Lucretius.And so I fear. Besides, old Servius has within our walls many a
friend both stout and true, who will not fail to plead his cause, e'en
though it should breed war. His absence, too, will be an argument of no
small force. May the gods help poor Rome: she's suffer'd more from
kings and senators, than ever she will gain.
Collatinus.Tullia his wife would check him did he dream of aught against
her father.
Valerius.Nay, hope it not. I know somewhat of Tullia. Dost think,
Collatinus, or you, Lucretius, that I could fly? could take all Rome upon
my back? could single-handed beat an array?
Collatinus and Lucretius.No.
Valerius.Then think not that that woman would stop her father's murder.
I know her. By Jupiter, if there's a fiend on earth more foul and dark than
hell itself, that fiend is Tullia. But here comes Tarquin. I'll leave you with
him.
Exit VALERIUS.
Collatinus.And so he does.
Enter TARQUIN, musing.
Collatinus and Lucretius.Good day, my noble lord.
Tarquin.To both of you I wish good day. Collatinus.
Collatinus.My lord.
Tarquin.Knowest thou, good Collatinus, whether the Senate be now
sitting?
Collatinus.My lord, the Senators are there; but not our gracious king.
Tarquin.'Tis well. Collatinus.
Collatinus.My lord.
Tarquin.I would be king! what say'st thou?
Collatinus.My lord?
Tarquin.Wilt have me for thy king? I speak it plainly, sir.
Collatinus.If — if — my good lord —
Tarquin.Hold sir! I ask not thy conditions. Attend upon the Senate.
[Exit TARQUIN.
Lucretius.Hem! hem! How like you him, good Collatinus? Methinks his
stomach's somewhat proud. But whom have we here?
Collatinus.'Tis half-mad Brutus.
Enter BRUTUS.
Brutus.If not too late, good time of day my friends. But how is this? Not
at the Senate, Collatinus? nor you, Lucretius? But that I'm half a fool I
should have been there some time since.
Collatinus.And but that I'm all a fool I never should go there again. I go
to the Senate! What! to be snapp'd at by that proud dragon, Tarquin?
Brutus.Ah! Tarquin at the Senate? (Aside.) Did'st say that Tarquin had
gone there? (To COLL.)
Collatinus.I did; and he may fill my place, for I'll not go.
Brutus.Nay, now you play my part, good Collatinus: it is not wise, I
think, to stay away. Thy place! aye, and higher than thine if not
prevented. (Aside.)
Collatinus.But now he ask'd: — would I have him for king? And when I
did essay to answer, bluster'd out: — "I want not thy conditions, sir;"
because, forsooth, I answer'd him with "if." I go to the Senate!
Brutus.Have him for king, say'st thou?
Lucretius.Yet, still, I think, we'd best attend.
Brutus.And so think I.
Collatinus.Have with you then. I fear him not.
Brutus.Proceed before me friends. You'll gain no laurels in such
company as mine. I pray you go; I soon will follow.
[Exeunt COLLATINUS and LUCRETIUS. What! Tarquin at the Senate!
Then 'tis true.
Oh! have I aped the fool to save this hour;
And yet all turn'd to nought? Great Jupiter!
The father of this man did dedicate
A temple to thy fame: and shall the son,
By impious murder, now undo that act?
Fool! fool! why stay I here? I'll not delay,
Or Servius falls, and Tarquin reigns this day.
Scene IV. — Rome.
Interior of the Senate-house. Senators discovered around the throne, and the throne
unoccupied.
1st Senator.Where is our king? Can any Senator
Divine the cause that holds good Servius hence?
I sadly fear that some mishap has fall'n
Upon his majesty. Speak, Senators.
Ah! Collatinus!
Enter COLLATINUS and LUCRETIUS. Hast heard the reason,
Collatinus, why
Our Sovereign liege has not appear'd to day?
Or you, Lucretius?
Collatinus.Grave Senators! As I came hither now,
With my good friend Lucretius here, I heard
That Tarquin aim'd to place the royal crown
Upon his head. I doubted very much
The truth of what I heard. Tarquin himself,
Just then, approach'd, and, with a haughty voice,
Desir'd to know — would I have him for king?
I did reply, I scarce know what; perhaps, —
My lord? or, aye my lord? or, what my lord?
Or some such random words. Again he ask'd —
Would I own him for king? And when I did
Essay to speak, he stopp'd me short, and cried: —
"I want not thy conditions sir!" because
I chanc'd to use the words — "if, my good lord."
With this he broke away, desiring me
To wait upon him at the Senate-house,
For which I now attend.
1st Senator.What says Lucretius?
Lucretius.I am the echo of my friend; and do
Subscribe to all that he has said.
1st Senator.We thank you, sirs,
And bless the gods that you have spoken thus
To warn us of that man's approach.
2nd Senator.And yet,
Methinks, grave sir, that one so near in blood
To Servius, our good king, might still command
Some share of our respect. Our language should
Be scarce so blunt when speaking of my lord,
The noble Tarquin.
1st Senator.Grave sir, I know no measure for my words.
If Tarquin aims to snatch the crown, he is
A traitor.
2nd Senator.This is worse than treason.
3rd Senator.I do uphold that he must be a man
Of trait'rous principles, who aims to snatch
The crown of Rome from Rome's anointed king.
1st Senator.And so say I.
4th Senator.And I.
5th Senator.And I.
Collatinus.And I.
Enter TARQUIN, hurriedly.
Tarquin.Peace, wrangling babblers! silence, peace, I say.
Methinks the pomp and majesty of state,
Are but ill-suited to your senseless brawls. (Ascends the throne.)
What ho! Some herald loud proclaim that I,
Tarquinius, do request the presence of
All Senators elected by this state,
On matters great and momentary. Proclaim. (Trumpet sounds.)
Grave Senators! you know full well that I,
Tarquinius, am of noble birth and blood;
My father having occupied this throne
With honor to himself and fame to Rome.
Wherefore I do appear among you now,
And claim of you — for 'tis my right — this crown
And kingdom.
For who is he that hath usurp'd this seat?
Is he of royal blood? of noble birth?
Or hath he any great pretension to
A seat so elevated as this throne?
He hath not, sirs. He is born of a slave,
And hence he is a slave himself. And shall
A slave fill Rome's high throne? lead out her men?
And teach us how to vanquish enemies?
I blame not you; the fault was none of yours.
Not one of you did call him to be king,
For he elected never was; but did
Usurp this regal state without your will,
Or seeking your consent. My father's corse
Was scarcely cold when Servius was hail'd king:
No interregnum, no brief space for tears,
Was then appointed you. You know full well
What tender love he bears the lowest slave;
Robbing you of your land to give it them,
And raising them to offices of state,
Because, forsooth! he was a slave himself.
Had it not been for this he might have reign'd
Until the gods did snatch his soul away.
Then shall this man, descended and born thus,
Still trifle with our rights? Shall we, who are
Of noble blood and high descent, submit
To be thus trampled on? Perish the thought.
Let's rather shew this imbecile old king
That we have yet some pride. I am your king.
1st Senator.No.
2nd Senator.Yes. (Senators draw their swords.)
Enter SERVIUS.
Servius.How now — how now, Senators! how is this?
What! brawling in the sacred Senate-house?
And you, proud Tarquin, how dare you presume,
Whilst I in proper person am alive,
Thus to convene these noble senators,
Or sit upon my throne? Speak, I demand.
Tarquin.The throne on which I sit belongs to me;
It did belong to Tarquin, my great sire,
Who left it as a legacy to me.
And who shall then prevent my filling it?
I tell thee, Servius, that thy insolence
To those who are thy masters, thus has caus'd
This seeming to revolt. Thou art a slave —
A wicked, haughty, and presumptions slave,
And shalt not be our king.
Servius.Is there not one in all this Senate-house,
For love extended, or for favors shewn,
That dares to draw a sword on my behalf?
1st Senator.Yes, here is one, my liege.
Collatinus.And here another.
Servius.Now, haughty Tarquin, I defy thy power.
I am and will be king.
[TARQUIN rushes from the throne — throws SERVIUS on the
ground — stabs him, and places one foot upon him.
Tarquin.Why so thou art.
Thou'st died a king as well.
[Enter, on one side, BRUTUS, who, on seeing the King murdered
stands aghast. On the other side, TULLIA, who places one foot on the
other side of the body of SERVIUS.
Tullia.My lord, my liege, my king!
END OF THE FIRST ACT
Act II.
Scene I. — A Street in Rome.
Enter BRUTUS.
Brutus.Ye gods! I'm mad, I'm mad — 'tis true — I'm mad:
But yesterday and all was feign'd and false;
And now — monstrous villain! — my brain whirls round,
Making me what I aped. Oh! 'twas a sight
To harrow up a soul of adamant.
To harrow up a soul of adamant.
So old, too, that he could not save himself,
When struggling with that fiend. Now I could tear
His flesh from off his bones and grind his bones
To dust. Murd'rous villain! The Senate too,
To stand and see it done. For it they're damn'd!
Yet heav'n forgive them all. So old, so grey,
To drag his body through the crowded streets
And leave it there for fools to giggle at.
'Twas horrible — 'twas more than horrible!
And Tullia too, must drive across his head,
And carry off his blood and brains upon
Her chariot wheels. His daughter, yes, his child!
Oh! nature, nature! can'st thou gaze on scenes
Like these, and own thyself their mother!
[Exit.
Scene II. — Tarquin's Palace.
Enter TARQUIN.
Tarquin.Lie still, lie still, thou dreadful minister,
Torment my soul no more. Yet 'twas a deed
The blackest of the black — much more than foul.
My crown, my life, my all, I'd give to him
That whispers in my ear — Servius still lives.
But no — he's dead; — and slain by me who should
Have stood between his death and him, a wall
Of strength for foes to batter at. My sword,
Ought never to have left its sheath, but when
My father, friend, and king did need its edge
To screen his age from dang'rous enemies.
And yet I slew — I murder'd him. Oh! foul.
Enter TULLIA.
Tullia.What! always thus, my liege? Your sorrow seems
To know no end. It cannot be undone
Mourn how you will; and therefore should be borne
As does become a man. I do not weep,
And yet to me he was both sire and king.
Tarquin.Look, Tullia! look. There's not a deed that man
Could do; there's not a pain he'd undergo;
There's not a penance he'd perform; but I
Would do and bear to hear thy father lives.
The gods did weep to hear his passing groan!
Tullia.They weep when all men die! I too could weep,
But as we cannot bring to life this king,
Why should we grieve! Come, come, my liege, 'tis time
This garb of mourning and of wretchedness,
Was laid aside. Thy subjects, too, revolt:
And half-mad Brutus waits to see his king.
Tarquin.Ah! ah! my dagger, quick! he means no good.
Tullia.Say'st thou so! Then let him look to't well. (Going.)
Tarquin.Yet stay. Perhaps 'tis but my foolish fear.
Yet did'st not notice, sweet, that when the king
Was bleeding at my feet, e'en as you came
Into the Senate-house, how Brutus swoon'd?
Tullia.No, my dread liege. My heart was full — of gladness. (Aside.)
Tarquin.Well, well; I may be wrong. I hope I am. But see — he comes.
Enter BRUTUS.
Brutus.Oh! murd'rous fiends. (Aside.)
Tarquin.No duty, Brutus, for your king and queen?
Tullia.What ails thee, Brutus, art not well?
Brutus.I crave your pardons both. You know oh! king,
And you my gracious queen, that since my youth
My mind has wander'd oft. At times I feel
As though my sense had altogether gone,
Leaving behind but what is visible,
And what, without the sense, is little priz'd.
But now this august presence seems to woo
My reason back; and prompts, in duteous love,
My knee to bend. (Kneels.)
Tarquin.Arise, arise, good Brutus.
Full well you know you're very near ourself
In royal blood; and, therefore too, in love.
Brutus.And so was aged Servius. (Aside.)
True, my liege.
Tarquin.Then name thy wants. Thou shalt possess them soon.
Tullia.Speak, good Brutus; you know I love you.
Brutus.My feelings, lady, must return you thanks.
But since your love does urge me on to speak,
I would be bold to crave some public place
Of trust and honor near your gracious selves,
Where I may testify that tender love
I bear towards you both.
Tarquin.Thou hast thy prayer, good Brutus, and shalt be
Companion to our dearest son. Thou know'st
We speak of wild young Sextus, who will reap
Much knowledge from thy company. He leaves
For Delphi some days hence. The oracle
Is wise; and much we wish to ascertain,
What that alone can speak of us. And now,
Good Brutus, fare thee well: to-morrow noon
We shall expect to see thee.
Brutus.I humbly say farewell.
[Exit BRUTUS.
Tullia.I do believe, my lord, that that man feigns
The madness which he wears. If so, it is
But clumsily put on.
Tarquin.Tullia, I like him not. Yet still he seems
A fav'rite with the mob, and must not be
Offended now. But come, my gracious queen
Let us in love forget our painful thoughts,
Let's banish hence health-fritting care; for know,
Men are not sad unless they think they are.
[Exeunt.
Scene III. — A Street in Rome.
Enter two CITIZENS, meeting.
1st Citizen.Well met — well met. I'm to the Council: you had better turn
and go.
2nd Citizen.The Council?
1st Citizen.Aye, the Council. The king in state appears today, to speak of
war with Turnus.
2nd Citizen.You're not awake. Why, man, our Tarquin is too proud to
speak of aught to us. He fancies his own wits are better far than ours.
1st Citizen.You're wrong. Tarquin is not so proud as some suppose.
2nd Citizen.You think so. But mark me. If all Rome should tell him not
to war with Turnus, still he'll do it.
1st Citizen.Nay, I'll not believe it. But you'd better go with me, and hear
what may be fixed upon.
2nd Citizen.I will.
[Exeunt.
Scene IV. — The Senate-house.
The King upon the throne, attended by SEXTUS, COLLATINUS, LUCRETIUS,
VALERIUS, SENATORS, &c.
Tarquin.Say, Sextus, have you seen our much lov'd Brutus?
Sextus.My liege, I've not.
Tarquin.'Tis strange. He promis'd to be here.
Collatinus.My gracious liege, the noble Brutus comes.
Enter BRUTUS.
Brutus.A short time since, and on yon purple throne,
The aged Servius sat; but now——(Aside.)
Tarquin.Brutus.
Brutus.My liege.
Tarquin.What was't thou said'st but now?
Brutus.I did but wonder, sire.
Tarquin.Wonder?
Brutus.Aye, wonder.
Tarquin.The cause, good Brutus.
Brutus.Faith, your majesty, I——wonder'd what the moon consisted of.
Tarquin.Brutus! art mad?
Brutus.Now and then.
Tarquin.Come Brutus, throw away this foolish whim,
It suits not with thy dignity or birth: —
Come — speak thy sentiments upon this war.
What say'st thou — shall we fight or no?
Brutus.With whom my liege?
Tarquin.With haughty Turnus.
Brutus.Some short time since,
My liege, ere Rome aspir'd, as now she does,
To hold the scales of justice in her hands,
And turn them how she will, by all means fight,
(Such would have been my honest sentiment),
Provided we have cause. But now, great king,
Rome is the world — the world is nought save Rome:
Justice, though once immaculate and pure,
Now prostitutes herself to pleasure Rome;
While that which yields Rome joy is dignified,
And though it were the foulest crime, 'tis still
Call'd justice. That's gall and wormwood. (Aside.)
Tarquin.Brutus, remember this! What says our son, The noble Sextus?
Sextus.My liege, I'm but a novice in the field.
In lady's camps I'm more at home; and this,
Perchance, might tempt me to forgo the war
You deem so requisite. With your consent,
For that same cause, I will withhold my voice.
Tarquin.You are a foolish boy.
Sextus.My liege I know't.
That foolishness now promts my tongue to state,
I think that Rome has never had a war
Worthy the name of just — save one.
Tarquin.And that?
Sextus.The Sabine war.
Tarquin.And why was that so just?
Sextus. Because we fought for women, sire.
Tarquin.Foolish boy! thou know'st not what thou say'st.
You, noble Senators, are of our mind,
Or we do much mistake. Haughty Turnus,
And the Latines, do hold Rome's honor cheap,
Dreaming that we are now fall'n off from the
High pinnacle of fame on which we stood.
Pride must be humbled — taunts return'd; if not
By words, by dreadful blows. For who so blind
That cannot see Auricians at our gates?
Ye gods! shall Rome be trampled on — despis'd,
And we not lift our arm to save her fall?
But yet, though gods assist our righteous cause,
We will not rashly act. Therefore, my friends,
And countrymen, we do intend to hold
A conf'rence with these men; and if by words
We can succeed, with honor to ourselves
And Rome, in shewing them the fallacy
Of this their mad attempt, it will rejoice
Us much; if not, then blows must end the strife,
And on their souls will rest the loss of life.
Brutus. Oh! hypocritical villain. (Aside.)
Tarquin.Brutus.
Brutus.My liege.
Tarquin.Issue an order that the Latine chiefs,
Do meet us, at the grove Ferentina,
To-morrow at the dawn of day. Brutus,
See this be done without delay. And you
Lucretius, Collatinus you, and you
Valerius, together with our much lov'd
Brutus, we do appoint companions for
Our dear son Sextus here. Sextus! wear them
Near thy heart.
Sextus.My noble king, I will with all my strength Obey you.
Tarquin.Brutus, one word.
Brutus.Ten an' it please you. (Aside.)
Tarquin.My friends, you are at liberty.
[Exeunt all but TARQUIN and BRUTUS.
(Descends from the throne.) For what this strange, fantastical, absurd,
And singular demeanour? Are we not
Worthy of thy loving duty, that thou
Should'st answer us so lightly in this court?
Think of it, Brutus, ponder over it;
It is not wise to beard us. Think on't,
I say.
Brutus.Your majesty——
Tarquin.Brutus, think on't,
Think on't, or——
[Exit TARQUIN.
Brutus.Or I shall follow my old king. Well, well;
It will and must soon reach that end. Yet oh!
Could I believe that I was justified
In taking Tarquin's life, Tarquin should die,
Before another threat could pass his lips,
Or thought flit o'er his mind. Oh, Liberty!
The dusky womb of dark futurity
Reveals thy glimmering. My eyes are bent
Upon thy faint advancing glow, and I
Will watch its onward march until this sight
Shall ache. E'en now my breast expands with joy; —
I see the tyrant's throne now crumbling 'neath
Thy glorious pow'r; and man, erect and firm,
Hailing with anxious joy thy near approach.
I hear triumphant shouts rend earth and sea,
For man has gain'd his long-lost liberty!
I'd rather be the meanest toad that crawls
Around the rank and slimy ditch, than say,
I'd be a tyrant for a single day!
[Exit.
Scene V. — Tarquin's Palace.
Enter TARQUIN.
Tarquin.What ho! within there ho! The paltry wretch
To beard me thus. What ho! I'll be reveng'd
Upon his caitiff head, the sneaking half-mad fool.
What ho! Before the Senate too; 'tis more
Than man can bear.
Enter TULLIA.
Tullia.What is't, my lord?
Tarquin.I'll teach the insolent
To tamper with my kingly rage.
Tullia.My lord?
What is't, my lord?
Tarquin.Nothing.
Tullia.Then why this rage?
Tarquin.What rage, my sweet? Oh! furies.
Tullia.Come, come, my lord; there's something wrong I know.
Tarquin.Nothing. Bearded in the Senate! Bearded —
You understand — by Brutus! — Oh! fiends.
[Exit TARQUIN.
Tullia.Why so; this looks like pride. I'll fan the flame
Until it blaze and blaze, consuming all
That comes within its reach. Brutus I loathe,
And murder is too sweet to satiate
Or slake my thirsty hate. No, no. This man
Shall live to curse the hour which gave him birth,
Heap imprecations on the head of her
Who bore and nourish'd him. I hate the king
As well; but then I hold my queenly name
Depending on his will. I have it now: —
My giddy brain is whirling with delight,
I will away and ponder on't this night.
[Exit.
END OF THE SECOND ACT.
Act III.
Scene I. — The Latine Camp. A number of Warriors discovered, conversing.
Enter TURNUS.
Turnus.The sun, my friends, is sinking 'neath yon hill,
And speaks this day as nearly spent and gone;
The shadows of the trees grow long and faint;
The chirping birds have hush'd their pleasing notes,
And nature makes long strides towards repose —
Yet Tarquin has not come. Methinks he holds
Our powër and our love in great contempt,
And acts thus but to ascertain how far
Our patience will endure. By Jupiter,
I fear this is a prologue to some scene
Of shame, of which the chiefs assembled now,
Shall form an ignominious part. It is
No wonder now to us that Tarquin should
Be styled the Proud: the title suits this hour;
And all his trifling and contempt proclaim
He well deserves the name. Our throne he aims
To fill; and gives us thus a foretaste of
His proud and haughty mind. My counsel is: —
Let's all depart.
1st Chief.No. Let us wait till dusk. We know not what
The cause may be that holds Tarquinius hence.
2nd Chief.I'm of your mind. Let's wait 'till dusk, say I.
Turnus.Do so; and gain your merited reward.
This man through parricide fills great Rome's throne,
It was by murder that he won the crown,
And now by insult and contempt he aims
To fill our throne. And shall he be a king
O'er us? Go, ask the Roman you first meet
How many murders, banishments, this fiend
Has perpetrated and decreed? You'll find
His answer very brief: and mark——
Enter TARQUIN, hurriedly.
Tarquin.Noisy, turbulent, seditious, babbler,
Hold still thy saucy tongue. To you, good sirs,
I owe some great spology. You know full well —
At least I trust you do — that I would ne'er
Have tried your patience thus without good cause;
And, therefore, must acquit me of the wish
Of doing you a wrong. As I came here,
At break of day, a father and a son
Had words of wicked growth: indeed, I fear'd
The quarrel mightily, lest, by some chance,
Its termination should be blood and death.
To stop this consequence I did believe
Of far more import than my being here;
Knowing that you would readily forgive
This seeming slight. I thank ye, oh! ye gods,
For making me thus humble.
Turnus.We know, great Tarquin, that your royal mind
Is generous, is kind, is merciful,
And likely to be led where justice calls.
But yet, the quarrel of a sire and son,
Although of weighty argument, methinks
Falls short of reason and excuse, why we,
The Latine chiefs, should dance upon your will.
Were I a sire, and did my son presume
To cross my will or disobey command,
'Twere done upon his peril — at his cost;
Upon the instant he should surely die.
My dreadful punishment, should, hand in hand,
Jump into life with that which gave it birth —
Without one moment's loss of time. But to
Suppose, I would insult the nobles of
A land to quell a paltry broil, would be
To give the lie to reason and to sense,
And state those things which merited contempt.
Tarquin.Hence
And quit my sight, thou discontented man,
Or on thy recreant head I'll hurl my wrath,
And crush thee 'neath my feet. Begone, I say.
[Exit TURNUS. In faith, my noble lords, this trait'rous man,
Has moved my hasty will. I did intend
To speak on matters of high interest
To you and yours. But since I'm hearded thus,
I shall reserve my good intent, until
You've time to teach your tongues respect, and know
To whom you speak. Exit TARQUIN.
1st Chief.Our swords shall answer this contempt. Away!
[Draw their swords and exit.
Scene II. — Evening. Tarquin's Palace.
Enter TARQUIN, enraged.
Tarquin.By heaven, my soul is bursting from my frame.
Ye gods! there was a time when I was free,
From all pollution, crimes, and murd'rous stains;
But now they weigh me to the dust. There's nought
Can blacken fame but I have done. My life
Is one dark spot upon this glorious world's
Creation: and all for nothing, less, less,
Than nothing. To be a king — to wear a crown,
And all reward is ours. Ambitious fools!
We always love the thing we want; but when
We've gain'd the long'd-for prize, our love dispels —
And like a vapour disappears: disgust
Succeeds, which is our only true reward.
But still I am a king; and who shall dare
To beard me to my face? Ah! was I king
When Turnus belch'd his filthy words on me,
And I did not revenge? And Brutus too! —
But hold! I'll be myself. Two murders more,
Will free me from these dogs. What ho! there, boy.
Enter a PAGE.
Page.My liege.
Tarquin.Come hither boy. Two men will seek for me.
I know them not; but on their angry brows
You'll find the marks-of discontent and hate.
A surly frown — a dark and shaggy beard,
Speak well the evil thoughts that reign within:
Their lips, too, curl'd with scorn, as though their trade,
Exalted rather than debased their minds.
A loose and swaggering air; their voices rough,
And harsh, and disagreeable. Such men, I say,
Will seek for me.
Page.My liege, they are without.
Tarquin.Then lead them hither, boy.
[Exit PAGE. I am resolved to free myself. Better
Be deeper in this sea of blood than thus.
Enter two AURICIANS. The arms, I spoke
To you about, are ready. I wish them
Convey'd and hid beneath old Turnus' couch,
And that without alarm. Employ your thoughts,
Just as you please; let this your silence buy.
(Throws them a purse.)
1st Aurician.My liege we do obey.
2nd Aurician.We shall require
Some note or order for these arms my lord.
Tarquin.I had forgot. 'Tis here. Now let your haste
(Gives a paper.) Speak for your love. Away!
Auricians.We're gone my liege.
[Exeunt two AURICIANS.
Tarquin.Thus will I ever rid me of my foes.
Therefore let men beware they tamper not
With me, or wake from slumber my fierce wrath.
Conscience has fled her wonted sphere, and left
All here at rest. Thou, Time, alone can'st tell,
What told, would paint my mind a living hell!
[Exit.
Scene III. — Exterior of the Palace.
Enter SEXTUS, BRUTUS, COLLATINUS, and LUCRETIUS.
Sextus.It may do well for men of your temperament, Brutus, but it won't
suit me: nothing but surly looks and silence. My royal parents are not
what they were. I verily believe the fiends are in the palace; it is
unbearable. I tell you, Brutus, I think I am the more mad of the two.
Brutus.More fool than madman. (Aside.) Sweet prince, you are facetious.
Collatinus.It is your own blame, my lord. You have amusements.
Sextus.How so, Collatinus? You were a clever conjurer to give them
proper names.
Collatinus.Hunting, sweet prince.
Sextus.Bah! What! to be in a perpetual torment lest my mettled steed
should throw me. Perchance, too, break my neck. It puts me in a vile
ferment to think on't: see, I perspire already.
Brutus.'Twould save the executioner notwithstanding.
(Aside.)
Lucretius.Then fall in love, my lord.
Sextus.Why so I have fifty times: nevertheless 'tis sensible. I love the
girls but they love not me. I marvel much at it.
Brutus.I do not. (Aside.)
Collatinus.Attend upon the forum or the Senate.
Sexius.Oh! the furies take the forum and the Senate too.
Brutus.They would if you were in it. (Aside.)
Lucretius.Or wait upon the games. Contend, and who can tell, my lord,
but that you'd win the prize.
Sextus.Tut, tut! what, run myself to a skeleton; tear my limbs from their
joints with quoits; or have my back broken in wrestling? No, no; try
again: I am not ambitious for any of these distinctions.
Collatinus.Then go to war, my lord, and fight for fame.
Sextus.Worse and worse, For although I have some skill in blows, I have
no love for them. For fame, too! This fame's a mighty word. Look
you: — there's not a man who yet has lived and died, but what would
give his fame to be alive again. Tut' man; fame! 'tis nothing. But come,
my gloomy Brutus, know'st thou of aught would give me pleasure?
Brutus.Not I, my lord, unless it were to slay yourself.
Sextus. Nay, that would pleasure you perhaps.
Brutus.Why — it might. (Aside.)
Lucretius.My lord; 'twas said in jest.
Sextus.Yet 'twas a serious jest. But since you are so hard push'd, I'll try
your wits no further. Love will not do — that's but a one-sided argument;
the games require too much exertion; the Senate not enough: we are not
at war just now, save with ourselves, and that is so very unnatural; so,
that I've only hunting left. Well, well, 'tis better too than doing nought.
Gentlemen, proceed: I'll follow. [Exeunt all but SEXTUS. Besides, it
answers well to my intent. Late in the day I will entrap them in a
conversation regarding their wives' beauty. Then — let me see — I'll
back Lucretia's charms against them all; the proof of course must follow.
Yet, hold; Brutus I love not. There's something in his aspect not at all
inviting confidence. He must be left behind; or else I fear that all my
schemes will end in idle talking. The queen, my mother, knew my
failing, if failing 'tis, and yet she strongly urged me on; this is beyond my
comprehension. And then my gracious king, swearing, and foaming at
the mouth, all day and night. His pride is but a frothy substance; — but
what misery! I verily opine that Brutus' plan was best; although 'twas like
his impudence to name it. No matter; I'll to the chase, and then to fair
Lucretia. I trust the gods will be propitious, or else 'twill prove a chase
indeed. [Exit.
Scene IV. — Midnight. Turnus' House. Turnus discovered, seated on his couch.
Turnus.Cheer up, cheer up, my soul; it cannot be
(Advances.) That thou hast cause to mourn for aught of sin
And wickedness, in this late work of shame.
And yet, a load hangs heavy on my breast,
Seeming to warn me of some coming, sad,
And tragical conclusion. Haughty Tarquin
Thirsts much for blood, to wipe away the stain
Which I, of late, by free and open speech,
Did cast upon his pride. I do believe,
Had he the power to rob me of my life —
Were I a free-born son of Rome — there's no
Impediment would stop his dreadful wrath,
Or slake his thirst for blood. But I am not.
I'll to my welcome couch: this aching head
(Reclines on his couch.) Calls loudly too for sleep, and warns me of
The midnight hour's approach. (Sleeps.)
Enter two AURICIANS, with arms.
1st Aurician.Hist, hist!
[They steal softly to TURNUS' couch, and under it conceal the
weapons. As they leave, one drops a dagger and exeunt hurriedly.
TURNUS starts from his sleep.
Turnus.Ah! what was that? I'm sure I heard a noise
Of something falling to the ground. No, no.
It was but fancy after all. And yet
It scarce could be. It was but fancy's dream.
Is it not strange that things unreal, should scare
Away the rest which tired nature woos?
I'll to my couch once more.
(Sleeps. A loud knocking.)
Voice within.What ho! Turnus, Turnus. Quick, man, quick!
(Starts from his couch.)
Turnus.Ah! some one calls.
Voice within.What ho! Turnus.
Turnus.'Tis true. I'll let him in. (Opens the door.)
Enter OFFICER and several armed SOLDIERS. Ah! how is this? What
men are ye, who thus
Intrude upon my privacy?
Officer.Nay, nay, good Turnus; we've orders from King Tarquin to
search this house for arms and implements of war conceal'd. 'Twere
useless then to offer opposition. Proceed.(To his soldiers.)
Turnus.I do not intend.
(They search and discover the arms.)
Soldier.Here they are.
Turnus.Ah! what villain has done this?
Officer.Well feign'd, by Jupiter.
Turnus.This is Tarquin's work. Oh! cruel fiend!
I am entrapp'd by treachery.
Enter TARQUIN.
Tarquin.What! is it true? Oh! villain.
Turnus.Die, tyrant, die!
[Attempts to stab TARQUIN, but his arm is held by a soldier behind
him.
Tarquin.Detestable villain! Away with him:
Convey him to the reservoir, and there,
Beneath its sleepy waves engulph'd, let death
Entrap his perjur'd soal. Ah! if the power
Was in my hands, I'd heap upon thy head
Accumulated wrath. Years upon years
I'd make thee feel a lingering death; nor should
Thy groans call forth one pitying sigh. Away!
Detested wretch! [Exit TARQUIN.
Turnus.Heartless monster! Have mercy, oh! ye gods.
[Exeunt slowly. TURNUS first.
Scene V. — Midnight. The Palace. Tullia rushes from her bed-room, with her hair in
disorder.
Tullia.Oh, horrible! horror, horror!
That pale old man. Ye gods! I'm mad, I'm mad.
No rest, no peace. Nor night, nor day, can ease
The racking torments of my living soul.
Remorse, remorse — that hated fiend remorse —
That scorpion to the guilty mind — now goads
Me on to mad despair. Better be dead,
Than be tormented thus — haunted by death,
In human shape, and yet without the soul
And sense.
Oh! 'tis a fearful thing to gaze on what
We've wrong'd; to view the drooping, injur'd, form,
Groaning beneath the load of perfidy
We've cast upon't. We cannot help but loathe
The sight; it harrows up our soul, it brings
Back to our minds our wicked deeds, and makes
Us feel that they are done afresh. Each wound
Gapes wide and bleeds; while every horrid thought
Assaults our recollection.
(The Ghost of Servius crosses the stage, weeping.) See where it comes!
Avaunt! dread shape, avaunt!
I know thee well. Thou art the fiend Remorse,
And bear'st about thee all the pangs of hell.
Hence, damn'd illusion, hence!
(The Ghost turns, points to his death-wound, and exit.) Oh! horror!
(Falls in a swoon.)
END OF THE THIRD ACT.
Act IV.
Scene I. — A Lodge. Sextus, Collatinus, Lucretius, and Valerius discovered, drinking.
Sextus. Well thought and glibly spoken, Collatinus. I drain this cup to
your advancement. (Drinks.)
Collatinus.Thanks, my good lord, thanks, many thanks; you are a
pleasant comrade: I drink to your success when next you fall in love.
(Pretends to drink.)
Sextus. The devil you do. (Aside.) I am beholden to you: Come
Lucretius, and you Valerius, my trusty friends, I pledge you in this cup.
(Drinks.)
Lucretius.Thanks, my dear lord, thanks.
Valerius.I thank you too, my lord.
Sextus.And so, good Collatinus, you think Lucretia a better wife than can
be found in Rome besides. Well, well, no doubt you're right. Come
gentlemen, I'll wager that Lucretia's charms shall far out-do the beauty of
your wives. What say you Lucretius, and you Valerius, will you uphold
your ladies' beauty by a bet?
Lucretius.It is a novel one, my lord, but still I'll humour you.
Valerius.And so will I. And come, we'll to the proof at once.
Sextus.(Assumes intoxication.) Agreed. You are right, Valerius, you are i'
the right. They lie who say Time lags: no bridegroom could complain of
this day's tardiness.
(Sings.) When first my wife and I made one,
How swiftly flew each day:
We slept beneath thy beams, fair sun,
And kiss'd the night away.
But then you see, Collatinus, I have no wife; — (hiccup) — that is the fault of it.
Collatinus.You have not, sweet prince. Nor ever will.
(Aside.)
Valerius.You sang that very well, my lord.
Lucretius.Very well sung indeed. But come — to horse.
Sextus. To horse be it then — (hiccup.)
Collatinus.Shall I take this drunken wretch to see my wife?
(Aside.)
Sextus.This wine is potent, Collatinus: it makes sad innovations on my
sense — (hiccup.)
Collatinus.You were never oppressively burden'd with that. (Aside.)
Does it, my lord?
Sextus.It does. But come gentlemen — (hiccup) — to horse, to horse.
Lead the way, good Collatinus, to the fair Lucretia's charms. (Hiccup.)
By Jupiter, I am right glad I made the bet. Come, gentlemen, proceed: I'll
follow. (Hiccup.) Confound the wine. (Hiccup.)
[Exeunt all but SEXTUS. Why so, they're gone; then am I sober.
Brutus, Brutus! how that man haunts my imagination! I hate your sulky
looking villains, who clap their hands upon their daggers, yet never mean
to use them. By the gods, there is not one of them so black a wretch as I.
There's nothing like your smiling villain. He is a man after my own heart.
Oh! Pleasure, Pleasure, thou art a most delightful creature; although to
gain thee is so difficult. Sin, deep, and damning, frowns between us; but
all beyond is joy and transports! How monstrous then it is to mourn the
means by which thou wert acquired, when all around is sickly with thy
very charms. Love, dear, delicious love! still let me bask amongst thy
flowery fields; still let me cull thy ever varying sweets; and I will laugh
with scorn at conscience and its stings. A smile will drive away
suspicion: the merry laugh will ring out innocence, though all beneath
were dark as hell itself. Lucretia! you must fall. Yet still I dread the
consummation of my wishes. No matter; here I come, my lovely Venus!
Collatinus, look to your wife! Ha! ha!
[Exit.
Scene II. — A Street in Rome.
Enter two CITIZENS, meeting.
1st Citizen.Where away, my countryman? Your looks bespeak much
sorrow.
2nd Citizen.Sorrow! Oh! no. I'm only banish'd.
1st Citizen.Banish'd?
2nd Citizen.Aye, 'tis true. The haughty tyrant Tarquin has order'd me
away.
1st Citizen.You are not serious.
2nd Citizen.Believe me it is no joke. Neither am I the only one. Most of
us, who were Senators, are objects of the tyrant's hate: we thwarted him
by voting 'gainst the Latine war; and though that war was prosecuted
much against our wish, still he has never ceas'd to hold us all in enmity.
1st Citizen.No.
2nd Citizen.Oh! 'tis monstrous, 'tis unbearable. Our wives and children
driven from their homes — compell'd to wander without shelter.
Confiscations, banishments, and murders, are daily taking place, and all
without desert.
1st Citizen.I am surprised he dares to shew himself.
2nd Citizen.Nor has he dared, save once, since the tragic death of good
old Servius.
1st Citizen.I do not wonder at it.
2nd Citizen.The nation hate him. The proud, haughty, unbending,
despicable tyrant, is not possessed of one virtue to soothe the people's
minds. They loudly speak of banishment.
1st Citizen.Is't true?
2nd Citizen.It is. Liberty is now the word. The Romans have it in their
heads, and will not soon forget it. Treason is now afloat; and Tarquin
hopes by tyranny to crush it. Fatal mistake for him.
1st Citizen.You astonish me.
2nd Citizen.Nevertheless 'tis true. You'll hear its rumbling sound ere
long.
1st Citizen.This news is chequered. I'm glad to hear that Tarquin shall be
banish'd; but grieve to learn his tyranny. And are you really banish'd?
2nd Citizen.Without a doubt. I'm on my way from Rome. Neither do I
grieve. My absence, when 'tis nois'd abroad, will aggravate the people's
hatred, and hasten Tarquin's fall. It is the price I am to pay for liberty,
and cheerfully I pay it.
1st Citizen.Then farewell. I trust you'll soon return.
2nd Citizen.I trust I shall, for well I know 'twill not take place till Rome
be free. Farewell.
[Execute at opposite sides.
Scene III. — Collatinus' House. Lucretia and Porsena discovered at the wheel.
Porsena.When did you say my lord, your husband, would return?
Lucretia.I did not state for certain, Porsena; I hope it will be soon.
Porsena.I hope so too, my lady.
Lucretia.Why, Porsena?
Porsena.I scarce can tell, lady: perhaps because you wish it.
Lucretia.It is very kind of you.
Porsena.Indeed, sweet lady, I do love your lord myself; he is so very
kind.
Lucretia.He is, he is, my girl. I shall ever love you for saying so.
Porsena.He cannot, I am sure, be happy with the prince.
Lucretia.Why so, Porsena?
Porsena.Why — I do dislike Prince Sextus.
Lucretia.Do you?
Porsena.Yes lady: I saw him once, and I have never lik'd him since; and
yet I have no reason for't.
Lucretia.Then 'tis wrong in you to hate him.
Enter COLLATINUS. My life! my love! Where have you been; are you
well? tell me, Collatinus.
Collatinus.Well, quite well, my love. Prince Sextus comes to be your
guest.
Lucretia.Does he, my dear lord?
Porsena.Then I will fly.
[Exit PORSENA.
Collatinus.He does, my dear girl; and that immediately.
Lucretia.Shall I retire and dress, my lord? or stay here as I am?
Collatinus.What! dress for him? No, no, my girl. He is inflam'd with
wine; at least, he does pretend to be; therefore, I pray you, see that no
offence befals him here: he is my guest; and let it not be said I am a
niggard host. But hark! I hear his steps: resume your wheel.
Enter SEXTUS, LUCRETIUS, and VALERIUS.
Sextus.My fair Lucretia, I salute you.
(Kisses her — she turns away.)
Lucretia.My humble duty to my noble lord.
Sextus.What! turn away? (Aside.)
Lucretia.As you came in, my lord, you saw I was employ'd.
Sextus. You were, my sweet Lucretia. (Attempts to take her hand — she
withholds it.) Hem! 'tis her part. (Aside.) Will you not give me your hand,
Lucretia?
Lucretia.My lord, I gave it Collatinus here.
Collatinus.And your heart too, Lucretia, did you not?
Lucretia.I did, my lord; and wer't to do again I'd give it you.
Collatinus.My pretty angel! But, my noble lord, and you, good sirs, I
give you all much welcome. Lucretia welcomes——
Sextus.Nay, this is not fair, good sir: I pray you let Lucretia welcome us
herself. 'Twill give the welcome greater rest. Come, my sweet hostess.
Lucretia.My noble prince, I am most glad to see you: and you, good sirs,
are equally as welcome.
Sextus.Equally! But 'tis her part. (Aside.) I thank you, pretty lady, my
heart and life are yours.
Lucretia.You're very good, my lord.
Valerius.My heart I gave my wife; my life my country owns; but still,
sweet lady, my duty's at your feet.
Lucretia.I thank you, sir.
Lucretius.Believe me, lady, while o'er this heart sweat virtue holds its
away, so long 'tis yours; when that is gone, all semblance disappears, and
we must part. Virtue and Vice can ne'er go hand in hand.
Lucretia.Good sir, you are a courtier: yet still I thank you. My lord and
sirs, I will withdraw. The thrifty wife will ne'er forget the duties of her
station. Her dear lord's home depends for comfort on her will. Retiring
from the cares of busy life, but for so brief a space, 'twere hard indeed
that he should lack for aught. And who, my lord, but she who shares with
him the sweetest joys of home; who mourns when he has cause to
mourn; who smiles when he has cause to smile; whose soul is his; whose
every wish is his: who is the partner of his life — partaker of his joys;
who, sweet lord, but she, should be solicitous to render his life happy?
But yet, once more, to such comforts as so poor a house as this affords,
you're very welcome.
[Exit LUCRETIA.
Sextus.By heaven! she is an angel. They own, good Collalatinus, they
have lost; you being by of course must share the spoil.
Collatinus.My lord, my wife is what she is. She is my wife; and therefore
I'll not sell her charms (if charms she has.) Who won your money,
Valerius?
Valerius.The noble prince.
Collatinus.And yours, Lucretius?
Lucretius.My lord, the prince.
Collatinus.Then, my good lord, I pray you keep it. Lucretia's charms
were never meant for market. And, since our object here is gained, we
will return. Valerius, and you, Lucretius, kindly lead the way. I'll speak
one word of parting to my wife, and follow you.
[Exeunt LUCRETIUS and VALERIUS. My lord, your pardon.
[Exit COLLATINUS.
Sextus.Yes, yes: I remember, — I understand — it is her part. 'Fore
heaven a lovely girl — an angel — nothing less. Farewell, my sweet; tomorrow
night, and then — hem! —
Enter COLLATINUS. You've soon return'd. Now if Lucretia were my
wife I should not part so easily from her. When once these arms embrac'd
her, they would defy a separation.
Collatinus.But then, my lord, she's not your wife.
Sextus.Nay, that's certain. I hope there's no offence, good Collatinus, but
I wish she were my wife.
Collatinus.Wilt please you lead the way, my lord?
[Exeunt.
Scene III. — Evening. Tarquin's Palace.
Enter TARQUIN.
Tarquin.Oh! Madness, what a minister art thou!
Crime's awful penalty! Men die in thee,
And yet they do not die. When Reason's gone,
The noblest part of nature takes its flight,
And what remains is empty nothingness.
Our outward form — the shell as 'twere of man —
Still treads this lower world, although that form
Has lost its brightest part. We walk, we sleep,
Our limbs perform their functions, but we know
Not how or why. 'Tis when the thoughtful mind —
Abus'd and pamper'd by its own dark deeds —
Recurs to recollection; when we dwell
Upon those wicked acts long since flown by,
'Tis then that reason murders what it is;
And scares itself from our possession.
All then is night; dark, sombre, cheerless, night:
The very air seems crush'd by darkness, while
We wander 'midst the ever dreary scenes
Our madness conjures in the mind's dark void.
Tullia! this was the case with thee. No strength —
No human strength — upset that iron mind;
'Twas thought — deep thought. Well, well; 'tis better so.
My mind and reason both hold firm; and yet
I've much to think and ponder on. Turnus
Is dead; Brutus' days are meted out,
And must soon reach their end. This waste of blood
Now brings no dread remorse — no agonies —
No pangs from conscience's stings. All here is still,
And silent as the tomb. It should be so:
For now great Rome revolts; my subjects, too,
By threat'nings think they'll undermine my throne's
Foundation. Fools, fools, fools! Tarquin must yet,
With his strong arm, quell this seditious broil;
Must bend or break these weak presumptuous minds,
That now aspire so high. Such are the means
By which I'll fortify myself a king.
[Exit.
Scene IV. — Midnight. Collatinus' House.
Enter SEXTUS.
Sextus.And this is gratitude! I am now about to sever that bond which
binds us to our kind: to blur my name with a stain which will ever hold
my memory up for the eternal execration of all virtuous minds. Is this
well, Sextus? is this well? Under the roof of your friend — of whose
food e'en now your mouth is full — thus to embitter his life? What shall
compensate him for this foul outrage on Lucretia's chastity? Will money?
no, no; I know him better: nothing but blood can expunge it from his
memory. But never mind; I will not now retreat. Come forth my sword.
Lucretia! — (draws his sword) — you are mine. Ah! struggle away, my
pretty girl — struggle away. You but augment the prize I aim to grasp.
Weep too, aye, weep. Beauty is more than beautiful when well bedash'd
with tears. Now, my girl, now. Thus will I press thee to my burning
breast. Thus — thus.
[Exit.
Scene IV. — A Street in Rome.
Enter BRUTUS and COLLATINUS.
Brutus.Hast seen the Prince to-day, Collatinus?
Collatinus.No, nor do I wish.
Brutus.'Tis strange. He's got some freak into his head — some mad
pursuit. In faith, I want him not.
Collatinus.Nor I. I hate his company. And yet if the oracle speaks true,
he is to be the greatest man in Rome.
Brutus.Do not believe it. Did you not notice how my foot slipt on
leaving?
Collatinus.And what of that? It augurs nothing.
Brutus.Perhaps not: although my madness tells me otherwise. It was I
who kissed my mother first.
Collatinus.You are mad indeed to say so. Your mother is long since
dead.
Brutus.The earth is the common mother of all; and I kissed it.
Collatinus.And so thou did'st. But who comes here?
Enter PORSENA. Ah! how is this? what brought you here?
Porsena.Oh! my dear lord, I am right glad I've found you. Lucretia's sent
me here to seek you.
Collatinus.Luc——Luc——! What is the matter, girl? — speak
— quick!
Porsena.My lord, I know not. The Prince Sextus slept at your house last
night.
Collatinus.Ah! the Prince sleep at my house? Hold! hold! my heart. The
Prince——but it is not true.
Porsena.It is indeed, my lord.
Brutus.I'll with you, Collatinus. You may require e'en me.
Collatinus. Away, away!
[Exeunt BRUTUS and COLLATINUS.
Porsena.And I will follow; for I fear me much that some sad accident has
happen'd to my poor mistress; so good, so kind a mistress too. If Sextus
should have wrong'd her — but he dare not.
[Exit.
END OF THE FOURTH ACT.
Act V.
Scene I. — Tarquin's Palace.
Enter TARQUIN and PAGE.
Tarquin.By heaven this looks like treason.
Did'st say I'm banish'd, boy?
Page./speaker>Aye, my dread liege: so it is publicly proclaimed.
Tarquin.The silly fools! Come forth my thirsty sword.
(Draws.) Now must thou prove thy master's friend, and bring
These recreant Romans to their senses. But —
Enter one of the Queen's WOMEN. How now: how is your mistress?
Woman.She's dead, my liege.
Tarquin.Dead!
Woman.Alas! my lord, it is too true.
Tarquin.Leave me.
[Exit PAGE and WOMAN. Another guest at Pluto's dreadful banquet!
And this is life! But yesterday, and slaves
Were watching to obey each small command;
And now they fly, nor dare to cast one-glance
On what remains. To-day we live and move;
To-morrow comes, and we are gone. Oh life!
That tak'st possession of this mortal lump
Of clay, but to deceive and mock our hopes,
What, what art thou? for what wast thou design'd?
That we, just reaching, grasping, our fond aims,
Must summon'd be from hence!
Enter a SOLDIER. How now! What say the Senators?
Soldier.My liege, that you are banish'd.
Tarquin.Now, may th' infernal furies seize them all.
Banish'd! And who has powër to banish me?
Am I not king? Do I not wear the crown?
Do I not bear the sword? Banish'd, say you?
Soldier.Aye, my dread liege.
Tarquin.Unmanner'd dog: dar'st thou to tell me so A second time?
Soldier.My liege, you——
Tarquin.Hold thy slavish speech! And, on thy life, see none
[Exit SOLDIER. But friends do enter here. Look to't.
Why now I am resolv'd. I do not wish
To live. My life has lost its charm — content;
And therefore 'tis a heavy load, not worth
The bare enduring. Then throw it away.
Why so I will: but first I'll be reveng'd
On these damn'd Senators. They banish me?
Insolent dogs! But let them try so force
Their sentence on my life. The silly fools!
Why have I'll fortify myself against
Their weak assaults. Never shall Tarquin fly,
While Tarquin has the powër to defy.
[Exit.
Scene II. — Collatenus' House.
Enter LUCRETIA.
Lucretia.Oh! all ye host of gods who govern heav'n;
And overrule this earth, list to my pray'rs!
If there be one more potent than ye all —
Whose pow'r is more than powerful — listen,
Oh! listen to my pray'rs. I was as chaste,
Unspotted, and as pure, as ever maid
That breath'd; and now I am an abject thing,
Without a virtuous name. Ye gods! resent
This injury; pour out on him, the cause —
The cursëd cause — of this my grief and shame,
The vial of thy wrath. Upon his head
Let fall thy heaviest punishment. Let him
Be curs'd in all he does — in all he speaks —
Wherever he may be. Grant this, ye gods!
And thus revenge my shame and death. But hark!
(She rises.) I hear the steps of Collatinus.
Enter BRUTUS and COLLATINUS.
Collatinus.What, weeping, my poor girl? Tell me the cause. All is not
well. (Attempts to embrace her.)
Lucretia.Hold, man! I am not chaste. Collatinus,
How can I say that all is well? Your wife
Has lost her chastity — her virtue's gone.
Another man's impression now your bed
Reveals; although my mind is free from guilt.
Sextus Tarquinius, late last night, came here;
He wish'd to be my guest, as 'twas then late,
And lodge here for the night. But under this
Fair mask he wore a mind as black as hell.
By armëd violence he did obtain
O'er me a deadly victory; and, if ye're men,
A victory as deadly to himself.
But give me your right hands. Now swear by heav'n,
(Takes their hands.) And by your own and heav'n's honor too,
That Sextus shall not 'scape. Collatinus,
Wilt swear? It is Lucretia asks it.
Collatinus.My angel! my Lucretia! I swear by heav'n,
And heaven's great gods, that Sextus shall not 'scape
My thirsty sword. Oh! would he now were here.
Brutus.And I, my sweet and injur'd friend, do swear
What Collatinus has now sworn.
Lucretia.It is your own concern. (Lets go their hands.)
You must consider what is due to him
As well as what to me. Although I do
Acquit me of the guilt, I never can
Dispense with that guilt's penalty. Farewell.
To Collatinus, a long — last — farewell.
Oh! watch around my fame when I am gone!
Never shall woman an example plead,
From poor Lucretia's end; to warrant life,
Outliving virtuous chastity. Farewell.
(Takes a dagger from her bosom, stabs herself, and falls.) Collatinus!
Oh, remember me! (Dies.)
Collatinus.Oh horrible!
Brutus.Now by this blood most chaste and more than pure,
(Takes the dagger from LUCRETIA'S body.) Until by royal lust abus'd;
I swear,
And call on you — oh! all ye gods in heav'n —
To witness what I swear; that I by sword
And fire will prosecute, even to death,
Tarquin the Proud and all his hellish race:
Nor shall there from henceforth be kings in Rome.
I swear it by this blood.
Collatinus.You?
Brutus.Yea, I. I am not mad: it was all feign'd.
Now Rome, Brutus shall set thee free. Wilt swear?
Collatinus.Give me the dagger. I swear — to all I swear.
(Takes the dagger.) Farewell my dearest wife. I hasten now
(Kneels and kisses her.) To seek revenge. Farewell, my girl, a long
Farewell.
[BRUTUS kneels on the other side of LUCRETIA; when the scene
changes to a street in Rome.
Scene III. — A Street in Rome.
Enter two CITIZENS, meeting hurriedly.
1st Citizen.Where away? Your hurry looks suspicious, friend.
2nd Citizen.To the Senate, fool; to the Senate.
1st Citizen.Fool! eh!
2nd Citizen.Yes, Brutus has got his wits; Lucretia has been murdered;
and all Rome is in ferment.
1st Citizen.Do you expect me to believe this?
2nd Citizen.You may believe it or not, as it pleases you friend. You may
go to the Senate, or stay away; or — or — kill yourself an it please you.
I'm for the Senate. [Exit.
1st Citizen.And so am I; at least 'tis better than self-destruction. Brutus
murder'd! and Lucretia got her wits. Ugh! I'd better go. [Exit.
Scene IV. — Senate-house, Rome. The Senators in Council. Solemn music. Enter two
Romans, bearing the body of Lucretia on a bier. They set it down in the centre of the
Stage, and fall back.
Enter BRUTUS with the dagger, and COLLATINUS.
Brutus.Listen, oh! listen all ye men of Rome;
My heart is full of anguish. Oh! listen.
A few hours since and yon poor murder'd corse,
Which now so pale and lifeless you behold,
Shone forth the pride and glory of great Rome.
A flow'r she was surpassing beautiful:
The blighting hand of Time had pass'd it by
And scorn'd to blast such glorious loveliness.
Those eyes, though now conceal'd 'neath their cold lids,
Beam'd forth in all the majesty of truth;
That tongue, whose winning accents the poor slave
Was wont to hear speak words of charity;
Those hands, so ready to extend relief; —
All come, in death, to ask from you revenge.
Virtue had rear'd a monument in Rome —
A type and symbol of herself; and there
It lies all shiver'd at your feet, and pleads
Revenge. This dagger which I hold, now reeks
With injur'd blood, that cries for dire revenge.
Oh! men of Rome, your wives may share her fate.
No innocence can screen them from their doom.
Dost not remember her? Sextus, the Prince,
Did violate that form, and render'd life,
Through loss of chastity, unbearable.
And will ye not revenge her death? Oh! heav'ns
I saw her fall by her own hand; I wept,
That royal insolence and crime should mar
So sweet a form. 'Twas but a passing tear.
My angry soul began to rouse within;
I saw before me her still bleeding corse;
Her piteous tale still rung within my ears;
I thought of her that but a few hours since,
Was seen array'd in nature's majesty;
I thought of him who'd dar'd to violate
The ties of home; and all within was fire.
I seiz'd the dagger from her bleeding breast,
And as I came along the very air
Did seem to spur me on to seek revenge.
And now I'm come to you, my countrymen,
And, in the name of Rome, I ask revenge:
Lucretia, too has come, all pale in death,
To add a silent echo to Rome's pray'r,
And spur you on to deep revenge. Away!
(They weep.) Away! with tears; they're not for injur'd men;
Away! with ineffectual complaints;
They suit not this dark hour. Take hence, take hence,
That mangled corse, it moves not our hard hearts:
[Exeunt two bearers with the body. There's none amongst us now, so
good and brave,
That dares resent this cruelty. Revenge!
Thou'rt nothing but a name — an empty sound!
Oh! look not, gods, upon this hour of shame,
Lest Rome should lose thy fost'ring influence.
But come forth, sword; my injur'd friend and I
(BRUTUS and COLLATINUS draw their swords.) Have sworn to do
this holy work, and will,
Without reluctant aid. We will be free;
'Tis but one blow for Rome and Liberty!
[Exit BRUTUS.
Collatinus.Shame, shame, degenerate men! I'll not delay, Tarquin must
die, and Rome be free this day.
[Exit COLLATINUS.
1st Senator.What spell is this that binds our tardy swords?
Shall we be branded slaves? — forego the bliss,
Of helping in a work so great as this?
All.We'll follow Brutus. Away.
[Draw and exeunt.
Scene V. — Tarquin's Palace.
Enter TARQUIN.
Tarquin.What ho! within there, Sextus. Ye gods! What Sextus! By
heav'n! this looks like danger. What, Sextus, ho! There's not a man that I
dare trust to guard my castle gates. What, Sextus, I say!
Enter SEXTUS. Quick, quick! fly to the walls, and see who comes.
Spare not their lives if they grow insolent. And, hark! if Brutus should be
there — an opportunity and a dagger must be found. Away!
Sextus.I understand, my liege.
[Exit SEXTUS.
Tarquin.Why now my soul
Thou art thyself — thou art my better guide.
Now conscience lie thou still. If friends be firm,
The palace walls will save my life from harm!
[Exit.
Scene VI. — Before the Palace walls.
Enter BRUTUS and COLLATINUS.
Brutus.What ho! within there.
Collatinus.Within there ho!
Voice within. Who's there?
Brutus.Friends.
Voice within.Unbar the gates.
Sextus within.Hold, on your lives, I charge you, held.
Enter SEXTUS on the walls.
Sextus.How dare ye, traitors that ye are, to seek, by stealth, an entrance
to the palace?
Brutus.Oh! cursëd flend, come down and learn. (Aside.) My noble lord,
what means this care?
Sextus.Are you not Brutus?
Brutus.Aye, my dear lord.
Sextus.And you Collatinus?
Collatinus.I am, my lord.
Sextus. Then both of you are traitors.
Brutus.You jest, my noble prince. Am I a traitor?
Sextus.You are. And Collatinus is the same.
Collatinus.I swear, my lord, I am no traitor to my country.
Sextus.I charge ye both, in Tarquin's name, to hold yourselves aloof; for
if ye're found within Rome's walls after this warming, your lives shall
pay the forfeit. (Going.)
Brutus.Sweet prince, I would a word with you.
Sextus.Speak then, Brutus.
Brutus.It needs must be in private, my dear lord.
Sextus.I will not trust you, Brutus.
Brutus.You are suspicious then: I never gave you cause. A spotless mind,
my lord, should soar above suspicion.
Sextus.Enough, Brutus. Treason's afloat, and I have had command that
none should be admitted within these walls. If thou hast aught to say,
speak now; if not I charge you both away.
Collatinus.I do beseech you, my good prince, admit us to the king.
Sextus.Collatinus, I dare not. But what would ye that ye have not now? I
fain would serve ye for the love I bear ——
Brutus.Lucretia, I would have thy heart's blood, foul lump of curs'd
deformity — thou lecherous toad — thou filthy, black, seducer — thou
twig of Tarquin's bloody tree. Dost understand?
Sextus. Ha! ha!
[Exit SEXTUS, laughing.
Brutus.Can man hear this? Oh! all ye gods, if ——
Enter a CITIZEN.
Citizen.My lords, the Senate is in arms; they come this way, and bring all
Rome along with them.
[Exit CITIZEN.
Brutus.I thank you, gods! I thank you. Now, Sextus — now I come; and
thy damn'd rape I'll punish home. This way, this way, my friend, this
way.
Collatinus.I follow on your steps.
[Exeunt.
Scene VII. — Tarquin's Palace.
Tarquin, within.Look to the walls, I charge you.
Enter TARQUIN.
Tarquin.By heav'n they muster thickly; all Rome is round my palace
walls. My swelling soul is up in arms, and hunts for scenes of death. Oh!
I could tear the rabble limb from limb; I could——
Enter SEXTUS. What makes you from your post? Speak, quick!
Sextus. My liege, the palace gates are——
Tarquin.Thou liest, slave; thou false degenerate son of Tarquin's race,
thou liest. Crawling, despicable, paltry, coward, thou liest. But thus does
Tarquin spit upon you all; thus — thus — I fling myself upon you!
[Exit TARQUIN.
Sextus.Devils!
[Exit SEXTUS.
Scene VIII. — Another part of the Palace.
Enter BRUTUS.
Brutus.Come forth, come forth, thou bloody villain; thou tyrant king of
Rome, come forth, I say.
Enter SEXTUS. I thank you heav'ns. Now, Lucretia, now behold thy
death and fame reveng'd.
Sextus. Perfidious traitor!
Brutus.I have no words. Blood must answer thee. Now, brave weapon,
stand my friend.
(They fight, and SEXTUS falls.)
Sextus.Brutus! thou'st conquered. We are now even. I conquered
the fair — Lucretia!
[Dies.
Brutus.Lucretia! thou'rt reveng'd. Now, Tarquin, Brutus seeks for thee.
Come forth — come forth — thou tyrant.
[Exit BRUTUS.
Alarm. Enter TARQUIN and LUCRETIUS, fighting. LUCRETIUS falls.
Tarquin.Well done, bright sword: this day will yet be mine.
Lucretius.Believe it not, foul tyrant; Brutus lives for thee.
Tarquin.Ah! die! (Stabs him.)
Lucretius.Oh!
[Dies.
Tarquin.What! Sextus dead. This is no time for grief. Brutus! why hidest
thou thyself? I'm faint with seeking for thee. (Going.)
Alarm. Enter BRUTUS.
Brutus.Turn, foul disturber of Rome's peace! Turn, hellish tyrant; 'tis
Brutus speaks.
Tarquin.Thou liest — in thy throat thou liest, half-mad slave. My sword
shall prove thou liest.
(They fight, and TARQUIN falls.) 'Tis past, 'tis past. The world, with all
its cares, and joys, and woes, now vanishes; while all around seems but
mysteriously to echo — Tarquin — good — night.
[Dies.
Enter COLLATINUS, VALERIUS, SENATORS, SOLDIERS, &c., &c.
Brutus.My friends, this day is ours. The gods have fought
Our battles, and not we. This haughty king,
Who has so long torn Rome's fair peace to shreds,
Now vainshes from 'mongst the ranks of men;
He cannot now reign over us — he's dead.
Then shall we place within a tyrant's power
The liberty so dearly bought? Shall we
Again place on our necks this painful yoke?
And have our virtuous wives and daughters slain;
Their virtue violated; citizens
Banish'd from their homes, their wives, their children;
Our property destroy'd and torn away
To feed another tyrant's pride? Never.
Perish the thought. And now that Rome is free,
We'll kneel and bless the gods for Liberty!
[They all uncover, and kneel on one knee. Curtain drops.
END OF THE TRAGEDY.