1 The noblest lessons of our infant days, Our trust above? Does there not still remain Ev'n in this crisis of our fate, will calm. Thy troubled soul, and fill thy breast with hope. plain, "Who hears the victor's threats, and sees his sword "Impending o'er him, feels no surer fate, "Tho' less delay'd than mine." What should I hope? That Alba conquer ?—Curs'd be every thought Which looks that way! The shricks of captive "matrons Sound in my ears!" Valeria. Forbear, forbear, Horatia; Nor fright me with the thought. Rome cannot fall. Horatia. And if Rome conquers, then Horatia dies. Protecting gods shall spread their shields around him, And love shall combat in Horatia's cause. Horatia. Think'st thou so meanly of him?—No, His soul's too great to give me such a trial; Didst thou not wish me to the temple -Come, Perhaps may ease this throbbing heart, and spread Valeria. Alas, Horatia, 'tis not to the temple That thou wouldst fly; the shout alone alarms thee. But do not thus anticipate thy fate; Why shouldst thou learn each chance of varying war, "Which takes a thousand turns, and shifts the scene "From bad to good, as fortune smiles or frowns " Stay but an hour perhaps, and thou shalt know The whole at once.-I'll send-I'll fly myself To ease thy doubts, and bring thee news of joy. Horatia. Again, and nearer too-I must attend thee. Valeria. Hark! 'tis thy father's voice, he comes to cheer thee. Enter Horatius, and Valerius. Horatius. [Entering.] News from the camp, my child! Save you, sweet maid ! [Seeing Valeria. Your brother brings the tidings, for, alas! I am no warrior now; my useless age, Yet I remember Horatia. You'll forgive us, sir, If with impatience we expect the tidings. Horatius. I had forgot; the thoughts of what I was Engross'd my whole attention.-Pray, young soldier, Relate it for me; you beheld the scene, And can report it justly. Valerius. Gentle lady, The scene was piteous, though its end be peace. Horatia. Peace? O, my fluttering heart! by what kind means? Valerius. 'Twere tedious, lady, and unnecessary To paint the disposition of the field; Suffice it, we were arm'd, and front to front The adverse legions heard the trumpet's sound: But vain was the alarm, for motionless, And wrapt in thought they stood; the kindred ranks Had caught each other's eyes, nor dar'd to lift The fault'ring spear against the breast they lov'd. Again th' alarm was given, and now they seem'd They hung their drooping heads, and inward mourn'd; Casting their swords and useless shields aside, Horatius. 'Twas so, just so, (Tho' I was then a child, yet I have heard And yet, methinks, the Albans-pray go on. Valerius. Our King Hostilius from a rising mound Beheld the tender interview, and join'd His friendly tears with theirs; then swift advanc'd, Horatius. There spoke his country's father! this The flight of earth-born kings, whose low ambition And blast creation -How was it receiv'd? Valerius. As he himself could wish, with eager transport. In short, the Roman and the Alban chiefs Shall prove superior, there acknowledg'd power Horatia. Kind Heaven, I thank thee I Bless'd be the friendly grief that touch'd their souls! Valeria. Now, Horatia, Your idle fears are o'er. Horatia. Yet one remains. Who are the champions? Are they yet elected? Valerius. The Roman chiefs now meet in council, |