Again th' alarm was given, and now they seem'd They hung their drooping heads, and inward mourn'd; Then nearer drew, and at the third alarm, Casting their swords and useless shields aside, Rush'd to each other's arms. 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, Shall stern ambition, rivalship of power, Horatius. There spoke his country's father! this transcends The flight of earth-born kings, whose low ambition But tends to lay the face of nature waste, 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 From either army shall be chose three champions Horatia. Kind Heaven, I thank thee! Bless'd be the friendly grief that touch'd their souls } "Bless'd be Hostilius for the generous counsel! "Bless'd be the meeting chiefs !" and bless'd the tongue, Which brings the gentle tidings! 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, Horatia. [In a fright.] My father! Horatius. I might, perhaps, prevent it- Oppose the kind decree. Valerius. Rest satisfied Sweet lady, 'tis so solemnly agreed to, Not even Horatius's advice can shake it. Horatius. And yet 'twere well to end these civil broils: The neighb'ring states might take advantage of them. Were death in such a cause!-And yet, who knows And strait attend thee.- -Daughter, if thou lov'st hands. They bade me greet you, Lady. "Well, Valeria, [To Horatia. "This is your home, I find: your lovely friend, "And you, I doubt not, have indulg'd strange fears, "And run o'er all the horrid scenes of war. "Valeria. Though we are women, brother, we are Romans, "Not to be scar'd with shadows, though not proof "'Gainst all alarms, when real danger threatens." Horatia. [With some hesitation.] My brothers, gen. tle sir, you said were well. Saw you their noble friends, the Curiatii ? The truce, perhaps, permitted it. Valerius. Yes, Lady, I left them jocund in your brothers' tent, Like friends, whom envious storms awhile had parted, Joying to meet again. Horatia. Sent they no message? Valerius. None, fair-one, but such general saluta tion As friends would bring unbid. Horatia. Said Caius nothing? Valerius. Caius ? Horatia. Ay, Caius; did he mention me? now O yes, I do remember, when your brother Ask'd him, in jest, if he had ought to send, "A sigh's soft waftage, or the tender token "Of tresses breeding to fantastic forms," To sooth a love-sick maid (your pardon, lady) He smil❜d, and cry'd, Glory's the soldier's mistress. Horatia. Sir, you'll excuse me-something of importance My father may have business-Oh, Valeria! [Aside to Valeria. Talk to thy brother, know the fatal truth [Exit. Valerius. She seems disorder'd! Valeria. Has she not cause? Can you administer the baneful potion, And wonder at th' effect? Valerius. You talk in riddles ! Valeria. They're riddles, brother, which your heart unfolds, Though you affect surprise. Was Curiatius She sees him, and your deep-wrought schemes are air. me; While war continued, I had gleams of hope; But me Valeria. Yes, now you must resolve to follow And every fear she felt, while danger threaten'd, Valerius. Cruel Valeria, You triumph in my pain ! Valeria. By Heaven, I do not; I only would extirpate every thought Which gives you pain, nor leave one foolish wish |