'Twere now too late; ere this they must have con quer'd. And here's the happy messenger of glory. Enter VALERIA. Valeria. All's lost, all's ruin'd! freedom is no more! Valeria. That Rome's subdu'd by Alba. Horatius. It cannot be. Where are my sons? All dead? Valeria. Publius is still alive-the other two He must be dead, or Rome victorious. Valeria. Thousands as well as I beheld the combat. pass? Oh, I am ill again!-The coward villain! [Throwing himself into his chair. Horatia. Alas, my brothers! Horatius. Weep not for them, girl. They've died a death which kings themselves might envy; And whilst they liv'd they saw their country free. Tears a fond father's heart, and tamely barters Valeria. What could he do, my lord, when three oppos'd him? Horatius. Die! "He might have died. Oh, villain, villain, villain!” And he shall die; this arm shall sacrifice The life he dar'd preserve with infamy. [Endeavouring to rise. What means this weakness? 'Tis untimely now, When I should punish an ungrateful boy. Was this his boasted virtue, which could charm His cheated sovereign, and brought tears of joy Το old my eyes? So young a hypocrite! Oh, shame, shame, shame! - Valeria. Have patience, sir; all Rome Beheld his valour, and approv'd his flight, Against such opposition. Horatius. Tell not me ! What's Rome to me Rome may excuse her traitor; I would have air. But grant me strength, kind gods, Whate'er 'gainst Rome your awful wills decree, [Exeunt. ACT IV. SCENE I. A Room in HORATIUS's House. Enter HORATIUS, VALERIA following. Horatius. AWAY, away!-I feel my strength renew'd, And I will hunt the villain thro' the world: Valeria. Restrain your rage But for a moment, sir. When you shall hear Valeria. And see, my brother comes. He may perhaps relate Horatius. I will not hear him; I will not listen to my shame again. Enter VALERIUS. Valerius. I come with kind condolance from the king, To sooth a father's grief, and to express Horatius. I've heard it all; I pray you spare my blushes. I want not consolation; 'tis enough They perish'd for their country. But the third Valerius. True, he indeed may well supply your loss, And calls for all your fondness. Horatius. All my vengeance : And he shall have it, sir. "Valerius. What means my lord? "Are you alone displeas'd with what he has done? "Horatius. 'Tis I alone, I find, must punish it." Valerius. Vengeance! "Punish," my lord! What fault has he committed? Horatius. Why will you double my confusion thus ? Is flight no fault? Valerius. In such a cause as his 'Twas glorious. Horatius. Glorious! Oh, rare sophistry! To find a way through infamy to glory! Valerius. I scarce can trust my senses-Infamy! What, was it infamous to save his country? Is art a crime? Is it the name of flight We can't forgive, though it's ador'd effect Restor'd us all to freedom, fame, and empire? Horatius. What fame, what freedom? Who has sav'd his country? Valerius. Your son, my lord, has done it. Horatius. How, when, where? Valerius. Is't possible! Did not you say you knew? Horatius. I care not what I knew-Oh, tell me all ! Is Rome still free?-Has Alba ?-Has my son ?Tell me Valerius. Your son, my lord, has slain her cham. pions. Horatius. What, Publius? Valerius. Ay, Publius. Horatius. Oh, let me clasp thee to me! Were there not three remaining? Valerius. True, there were ; But wounded all. Horatius. Your sister here had told us That Rome was vanquis'd, that my son was filedValerius. And he did fly; but 'twas that flight preserv'd us. All Rome as well as she has been deceiv'd. Horatius Let me again embrace thee-Come, relate it. Did I not say, Valeria, that my boy Must needs be dead, or Rome victorious? Horatius. Pretended flight, and this succeeded, ha! Oh, glorious boy! Valerius 'Twas better still, my lord; For all pursued, but not with equal speed. Each, eager for the conquest, press'd to reach him; |