APPIUS AND VIRGINIA. A TRAGEDY. BY JOHN WEBSTER.  
Printed in the Year 1654.   
APPIUS AND VIRGINIA.  

Actus Primus Scena Prima.  Enter Minutius, Opius, and Lictors. Minut. 
IS Appius sent for, that we may acquaint him  
with the decree o'th' Senate?  Lictor 
He is, my Lord, and will attend  
your Lordships presently.  Opp. 
Lictor, did you tell him that our business  
was from the Senate?  Lict. 
I did, my Lord, and here he is at hand.  Enter Appius, his two cousins and M. Clodius. Appius 
My Lords, your pleasure?  Minut. 
Appius, the Senate greet you well,  
and by us do signify unto you  
that they have chosen you one of the Decemviri.  App. 
My Lords, far be it from the thoughts  
of so poor a Plebeian, as your unworthy servant  
Appius, to soar so high: the dignity of so  
eminent a place would require a person  
of the best parts and blood in Rome.  
My Lords, he that must steer at th' head of an  
Empire, aught to be the mirror of the times  
for wisdom and for policy, and therefore  
I would beseech the Senate to elect one.  
worthy of the place, and not to think of  
one so unfit as Appius.  Minu. 
My Lord, my Lord▪ you dally with your wits.  
I have seen children oft eat sweet meats thus,  
as fearful to devour them  
you are wise and play the modest courtier right  
to make so many bits of your delight  Opius. 
But you must know, what we have once concluded  
cannot for any private man's affection  
be slighted: take your choice then with best judgement  
of these two proffers, either to accept  
the place proposed you, or be banished Rome  
immediately: Lictors make way: we expect  
your speedy resolution.  Exeunt Opius, Minutius 1. Cozen. 
Noble cousin,  
you wrong yourself extremely to refuse  
so Eminent a place.  2. Cozen. 
It is a means  
to raise your kindred. Who shall dare t'oppose  
himself against our Family, when yonder  
shall sit your power, and frown?  Appius. 
Or banished Rome!  
I pray forbear a little. Marcus.  Marcus. Cl. 
Sir.  Appius. 
How dost thou like my cunning?  Marcus. Cl. 
I protest  
I was be-agued, fearing lest the Senate  
should have accepted at your feigned refusal.  
See how your kindred and your friends are mustered  
to warm them at your sunshine. Were you now  
in prison, or arraigned before the Senate  
for some suspect of treason, all these swallows  
would fly your stormy winter, not one sing:  
their music is the Summer and the Spring.  Appius. 
Thou observest shrewdly: well, I 'll fit them for 't.  
I must be one of the Decemviri,  
or banished Rome. banished laugh, my trusty Marcus,  
I am enforced to my ambition.  
I have heard of cunning footmen that have worn  
shoes made of lead some ten days fore a race  
to give them nimble and more active feet:  
so great men should, that aspire eminent place,  
load themselves with excuse and faint denial,  
that they with more speed may perform the trial:  
Mark his humility says one; how far  
his dreams are from ambition, says another:  
he would not show his Eloquence, lest that  
should draw him into office: and a third  
is meditating on some thrifty suit  
to beg 'fore dinner. Had I as many hands  
as had Briareus, I'd extend them all  
to catch this office; 'twas my sleep's disturber,  
my diets ill digestion, my melancholy  
past physics cure.  Enter Opius, Minutius, Lictors. Marcus. 
The Senators return.  Minu. 
My Lord, your answer.  Appius. 
To obey my Lord, and to know how to rule  
do differ much: to obey by nature comes,  
but to command by long experience.  
Never were great men in so eminent place  
without their shadows. Envy will attend  
on greatness till this general frame takes end.  
'Twixt these extremes of state and banishment,  
my mind hath held long conflict, and at last  
I thus return my answer, noble friends,  
we now must part, necessity of State  
compels it so.  
I must inhabit, now a place unknown,  
you see't compels me leave you. Far you well.  1. Cozen. 
To banishment, my Lord?  Appius. 
I am given up  
to a long travel full of fear and danger,  
to waste the day in sweat, and the cold night  
in a most desolate contemplation,  
banished from all my kindred and my friends,  
yea banished from myself; for I accept  
this honourable calling.  Minu. 
Worthy Appius,  
the gods conduct you hither: Lictors, His robes.  2. Cozen. 
We are made for ever, noble kinsman,  
'twas but to fright us.  Appius. 
But my loving kinsmen,  
mistake me not, for what I spoke was true,  
bear witness all the gods: I told you first,  
I was to inhabit in a place unknown;  
'tis very certain, for this reverend seat  
receives me as a pupil, rather gives  
ornament to the person, than our person  
the least of grace to it. I shown you next  
I am to travel; 'tis a certain truth:  
Look by how much the labour of the mind  
exceeds the bodies, so far am I bound  
with pain and industry, beyond the toil  
of those that sweat in war, beyond the toil  
of any Artisan, pale cheeks, and sunk eyes,  
a head with watching dizied, and a hair  
turned white in youth, all these at a dear rate.  
we purchase speedily that tend a State.  
I told you I must leave you, 'tis most true.  
Henceforth the face of a Barbarian  
and yours shall be all one, henceforth I'll know you  
but only by your virtue: brother or father  
in dishonest suit shall be to me  
as is the branded slave. Justice should have  
no kindred, friends, nor foes, nor hate, nor love,  
as free from passion as the gods above.  
I was your friend and kinsman, now your Judge,  
and whilst I hold the scales, a downy feather  
shall as soon turn them as a mass of pearl  
or Diamonds.  Marcus. 
Excellent, excellent Lapwing,  
there's other stuff closed in that subtle breast.  
He sings and beats his wings far from his nest.  Appius. 
So Gentlemen, I take it, here takes end  
your business; my acquaintance, far you well.  1. Cozen. 
Here's a quick change, who did expect this cloud?  
Thus men when they grow great do straight grow proud.  Appius. 
Now to our present business at the camp:  
the army that doth winter 'fore Agidon,  
is much distressed we hear: Minutius,  
you with the levies and the little corn  
this present dearth will yield, are speedily  
to hasten thither, so to appease the mind  
of the intemperate soldier.  Minu: 
I am ready  
the levies do attend me, our Lieutenant  
send on our troops.  Appius: 
Farewell Minutius.  
the gods go with you, and be still at hand  
to add a triumph to your bold command.  Exeunt. Enter Numitorius, Icilius, Virginia. Numitor. 
Noble Icilius. welcome, teach yourself  
a bolder freedom here, for by our love  
your suit to my fair niece doth parallel  
her kindred's wishes. There's not in all Rome  
a man that is by honour more approved  
nor worthier, were you poor, to be beloved.  Icilius. 
You give me (noble Lord) that character  
which I could never yet read in myself:  
but from your censure shall I take much care  
to adorn it with the fairest ornaments  
of unambitious virtue: here I hold  
my honourable pattern, one whose mind  
appears more like a ceremonious chapel  
full of sweet music, than a thronging presence.  
I am confirmed, the court doth make some show  
fairer than else they would do; but her port  
being simple virtue, beautifies the court,  Virginia. 
It is a flattery (my Lord)  
you breath upon me, and it shows much like  
the borrowed painting which some Lady's use,  
it is not to continue many days;  
my wedding garments will outwear this praise.  Numitor. 
Thus Ladies still foretell the funeral  
of their Lord's kindness.  
But my Lord, what news?  Enter a Servant, whispers Icilius in the ear. Icilius. 
Virginius, my Lord, your noble brother  
disguised in dust and sweat, is new arrived  
within the City: troops of artisans  
follow his panting horse, and with a strange  
confused noise, partly with joy to see him,  
partly with fear for what his haste portends,  
they show as if a sudden mutiny  
o'erspread the City.  Numitor. 
Cousin take your chamber.  
What business from the camp?  Icilius. 
Sure Sir it bears  
the form of some great danger, for his horse  
bloody with spurring, shows as if he came  
from forth a battle: never did you see  
amongst quails or cocks in fight a bloodier heel,  
then that your brother strikes with. In this form  
of orespent horseman, having as it seems,  
with the distracting of his news, forgot  
house, friends, or change of raiment, he is gone  
to th'Senate house.  Numitor. 
Now the gods bring us safety,  
the face of this is cloudy, let us haste  
toth' Senate house, and there inquire how near  
the body moves of this our threatened fear.  Exeunt. Enter Appius melancholy after Clodius. Cl: 
My Lord.  Appius. 
Thou troublest me.  Clodius. 
My hand's as ready armed to work your peace  
as my tongue bold to inquire your diseontents.  
Good my Lord hear me.  Appius. 
I am at much variance  
within myself, there's discord in my blood,  
my powers are all in combat, I have nothing  
left but sedition in me.  Clodius. 
Trust my bosom  
to be the closet of your private griefs.  
Believe me, I am uncrannied.  Appius. 
May I trust thee?  M. Clodius. 
As the firm centre to endure the burden  
of your light soot, as you would trust the poles  
to bear on them this airy canopy,  
and not to fear their shrinking. I am strong,  
fixed and unshaking.  Appius. 
Art thou? Then thine ever: I love.  M. Clodius. 
Ha' ha' he.  Appius. 
Can this my ponderous secrecy  
be in thine ear so light? Seems my disturbance  
worthy such scorn that thou deridest my griefs?  
Believe me, Clodius, I am not a twig  
that every gust can shake, but 'tis a tempest  
that must be able to use violence  
on my grown branches. Wherefore laughest thou then?  M. Clodius. 
Not that you're moved, it makes me smile in scorn  
that wise men cannot understand themselves,  
nor know their own proved greatness. Clodius laughs not  
to think you love, but that you are so hopeless  
not to presume to enjoy whom you affect.  
What's she in Rome your greatness cannot awe  
or your rich purse purchase? Promises and threats  
are statesman's Lictors to arrest such pleasures  
as they would bring within their strict commands;  
why should my Lord droop, or deject his eye?  
can you command Rome, and not countermand  
a woman's weakness? Let your Grace bestow  
your purse and power on me. I'll prostrate you.  Appius. 
Ask both and lavish them to purchase me  
the rich fee-simple of Virginia's heart.  M. Clodius. 
Virginia's!  Appius. 
Hers.  M. Clodius. 
I have already found  
an easy path which you may safely tread,  
yet no man trace you.  Appius. 
Thou art my comforter.  M. Clodius. 
Her father's busied in our foreign wars,  
and there hath chief employment; all their pay  
must your discretion scantle: keep it back,  
restrain it in the common Treasury.  
Thus may a states-man'gainst a soldier stand,  
to keep his purse weak, whilst you arm his hand.  
Her father thus kept low, gifts and rewards  
will tempt the maid the sooner; nay haply draw  
the father in to plead in your behalf.  
But should these fail, than siege her Virgin Tower  
with too prevailing engines, fear and power.  Appius. 
Go then and prove a speeding advocate;  
Arm thee with all our bounty, oratory,  
variety of promise.  Enter Valerius. Valerius. 
L. Appius, the Decemvirate entreat  
your voice in this day's Senate. Old Virginius  
craves audience from the camp with earnest suit  
for quick dispatch.  Appius. 
We will attend the Senate.  Clodius, 
Be gone.  Enter Spurius, Opius, Valerius, Numitor, etc. Opius. 
We sent to you to assist us in this counsel  
touching the expeditions of our war.  Appius. 
Ours is a willing presence to the trouble  
of all State cares. Admit him from the camp.  Enter Virginius. Opius. 
Speak the camps will.  Virginius. 
The camp wants money, we have store of knocks,  
and wounds God's plenty, but we have no pay,  
this three months did we never house our heads,  
but in yond great star-chamber; never bedded  
but in the cold field-beds, our victual fails us,  
yet meet with no supply; we're fairly promised,  
but soldiers cannot feed on promises;  
all our provant, apparel's torn to rags,  
and our Munition fails us: Will you send us  
to fight for Rome like beggars? Noble Gentlemen,  
are you the high State of Decemviri,  
that have those things in manage? Pity us,  
for we have need on't. Let not your delays  
be cold to us, whose bloods have oft been heated  
to gain you fame and riches. Prove not to us  
(being our friends) worse foes than we fight with:  
Let's not be starved in kindness. Sleep you now  
upon the bench, when your deaf ears should listen  
unto the reckless clamours of the poor?  
Then would I had my Drums here, they might rattle,  
and rouse you to attendance. Most grave Fathers,  
show yourselves worthy stewards to our Mother  
fair Rome, to whom we are no bastard sons,  
though we be soldiers. She hath in her store  
food to maintain life in the Camp, as well  
as surfeit for the City. Do not save  
the foe a labour; send us some supply,  
lest ere they kill us, we by famine die.  App. 
Shall I (my Lords) give answer to this soldier?  Opius. 
Be you the city's voice.  App. 
Virginius, we would have you thus possessed,  
we sit not here to be prescribed and taught,  
nor to have any suitor give us limit,  
whose power admits no curb. Next know, Virginius,  
the Camp's our servant, and must be disposed,  
controlled and used by us, that have the strength  
to knit it or dissolve it. When we please  
out of our Princely grace and clemency  
to look upon your wants, it may be then  
we shall redress them: But till then, it fits not  
that any petty fellow waged by us  
should have a tongue found here before a Bench  
of such grave auditors. Further,—  Virg. 
Pray give me leave,  
Not here? pray Appius, is not this the judgement seat?  
Where should a poor man's cause be heard but here?  
To you the Statists of long flourishing Rome,  
to you I call, If you have charity,  
if you be humane, and not quite given over  
to Furs and metal, if you be Romans,  
if you have any soldier's blood at all  
flow in your veins, help with your able arms  
to prop a sinking camp, an infinite  
of fair Rome's sons, cold, weak, hungry, and clotheless,  
would feed upon your surfeit. Will you save them,  
or shall they perish?  App. 
What we will, we will,  
be that your answer: perhaps at further leisure  
We'll help you, not your merit but our pleasure.  Virg. 
I will not curse thee, Appius, but I wish  
thou wert i'th' camp amongst the Mutineers  
to tell my answers, not to trouble me.  
Make you us dogs, yet not allow us bones?  
Oh what are soldiers come too! Shall your camp.  
the strength of all your peace, and the iron wall  
that rings this Pomp in from invasive steel;  
shall that decay? Then let the foreign fires  
climb o'er these buildings; let the sword and slaughter  
chase the gowned Senate through the streets of Rome.  
to double die their robes in Scarlet; let  
the enemies stripped arm have his crimsoned brawns  
up to the elbows in your traitorous blood;  
Let Janus' Temple be devolved, your Treasures  
ripped up to pay the common adversaries  
with our due wages. Do you look for less?  
the rottenness of this misgoverned State  
must grow to some Disease, incurable  
save with a sack or slaughter.  App. 
You're too bold.  Virg. 
Know you our extremities?  App. 
We do.  Virg. 
And will not help them?  App. 
Yes.  Virg. 
When?  App. 
Hereafter.  Virg. 
Hereafter? when so many gallant spirits  
that yet may stand betwixt you and destruction,  
are sunk in death? Hereafter? when disorder  
hath swallowed all our Forces?  App. 
We'll hear no more.  Opius. 
Peace, fellow peace, know the Decemviri,  
and their Authority; we shall commit you else.  Virg. 
Do so, and I shall thank you; be relieved  
and have a strong house o'er me, fear no alarms  
given in the night by any quick perdue.  
Your Guilty in the City feeds more dainty  
than doth your general. 'Tis a better Office  
to be an under Keeper than a Captain;  
The gods of Rome amend it.  App. 
Break up the Senate.  Virg. 
And shall I have no answer?  App. 
So farewell.  Virg. 
What Slave would be a soldier to be censured  
by such as ne'er saw danger? To have out pay,  
our worths and merits balanced in the scale  
of base motheaten peace. I have had wounds  
would have made all this Bench faint and look pale  
but to behold them searched. They lay their heads  
on their soft pillows, poor upon their bags,  
grow fat with laziness and resty ease.  
And us that stand betwixt them and disaster  
they will not spare a Drachma. O my soldiers,  
before you want, I'll sell my small possessions  
even to my skin to help you, Plate and Jewels  
all shall be yours. Men that are men indeed,  
the earth shall find, the Sun and air must feed.  Enter Numitorius, Icilius, Valerius, Virginius. Numitor. 
Your daughter, noble brother, heating late  
of your arrvial from the Camp, most humbly  
prostrates her filial Duty.  Virg. 
Daughter rise.  
And brother I am only rich in her,  
and in your love, linked with the honoured friendship  
of those fair Roman Lords. For you Icilius,  
I hear I must adopt you with the title  
of a new son; you are Virginia's chief,  
and I am proud she hath built her fair election  
Upon such store of virtues. May you grow,  
although a city's child, to know a soldier  
and rate him to his merit.  Icil. 
Noble father,  
(for henceforth I shall only use that name)  
Our meeting was to urge you to the process  
of our fair contract.  Virgin. 
Witness Gentlemen,  
here I give up a father's interest,  
but not a father's love, that I will ever  
wear next my heart, for it was born with her  
and grows still with my age.  Numitor. 
Icilius,  
receive her: witness noble Gentlemen.  Valer. 
With all my heart. I would Icilius could do as much  
for me; but Rome affords not such another Virginia.  Virgin. 
I am my father's daughter, and by him  
I must be swayed in all things.  Num. 
Brother, this happy Contract asks a Feast,  
as a thing due to such solemnities.  
It shall be at my house, where we this night  
will sport away some hours.  Virg. 
I must to horse.  Numitor. 
What, ride to night?  Virg. 
Must see the Camp to night.  
'Tis full of trouble and distracted fears,  
and may grow mutinous. I am bend to ride.  Val. 
To night?  Virg. 
I am engaged: short farewells now must serve,  
the universal business calls me hence,  
that toucheth a whole people. Rome, I fear,  
thou wilt pay use for what thou dost forbear.  
Explicit Actus I.   

Actus Secundus Scena Prima.  Enter Clown whispering Virginia, after her M. Clodius with presents. Virginia 
SIrrah, go tell Calphurina, I am walking  
to take the air: entreat her company.  
Say I attend her coming.  Corbulo 
Madam, I shall: but if you could walk abroad, and get an Heir, it were better, for your father hath a fair revenue, and never a son to inherit.  Virginia 
You are, sirrah—  Corbulo 
Yes I am sirrah: but not the party that is born to do that; though I have no lordships, yet I have so much manners to give my betters place.  Virginia 
Whom mean you by your betters?  Corbulo 
I hope I have learned to know the three degrees of comparison: for though I be bonus, and you melior as well as mulier; yet my Lord Icilius is optimus.  Virginia 
I see there's nothing in such private done,  
but you must inquire after.  Corbulo 
And can you blame us (Madam) to long for the merry day, as you do for the merry night?  Virginia. 
Will you be gone sir?.  Corbulo. 
Oh yes, to my Lady Calpharnia's. I remember my errand  Vir. 
My father's wondrous pensive, and withal  Exit Corbulo. 
with a suppressed rage left his house displeased,  
and so in post is hurried to the camp:  
it sads me much; to expel which melancholy,  
I have sent for company.  Enter Clodius and Musicians. Clodius. 
This opportunity was subtly waited,  
it is the best part of a politician  
when he would compass aught to fame his industry  
wisely to wait the advantage of the hours,  
his happy minutes are not always present.  
Express your greatest art, Virginia hears you,  Song. Vir. 
Oh I conceive the occasion of this harmony.  
Icilius sent it, I must thank his kindness.  Clo. 
Let not Virginia wait her contemplation  
so high, to call this visit an intrusion;  
for when she understands I took my message  
from one that did compose it with affection,  
I know she will not only extend pardon,  
but grace it with her favour.  Vir. 
You mediate excuse for courtesies,  
as if I were so barren of civility,  
not to esteem it worthy of my thanks;  
assure yourself I could be longer patiented  
to hear my ears so feasted.  Clo. 
join all your voices till you make the air  
proud to usurp your notes, and to please her  
with a sweet echo; serve Virginia's pleasure.  Song. 
As you have been so full of gentleness  
to hear with patience what was brought to serve you  
so hearken with your usual clemency  
to the relation of a lovers sufferings:  
your figure still does revel in his dreams,  
he banquet's on your memory, yet finds  
not thoughts enough to satisfy his wishes,  
as if Virginia had composed his heart,  
and fills it with her beauty.  Vir. 
I see he is a miser in his wishes,  
and thinks he never has enough of that  
which only he possesses: but to give  
his wishes satisfaction, let him know  
his heart and mine do dwell so near together,  
that hourly they converse, and guard each other.  Clo. 
Is fair Virginia confident she knows  
her favour dwells with the same man I plead for?  Vir. 
— Unto Icilius.  Clo. 
Worthy fair one,  
I would not wrong your worth so to employ  
my language for a man so much beneath  
the merit of your beauty: he I plead for  
has power to make your beauty populous,  
your frown shall awe the world, and in your smile  
great Rome shall build her happiness;  
honour and wealth shall not be styled companions,  
but servants to your pleasure.  
Then shall Icilius (but a refined Citizen)  
boast your affection, when Lord Appius loves you.  Vir. 
Bless his great Lordship, I was much mistaken,  
let thy Lord know, thou Advocate of lust,  
all the intentions of that youth are honourable,  
whilst his are filled with sensuality.  
And for a final resolution know,  
our hearts in love like twins alike shall grow.  Exit. Clo. 
Had I a wife, or daughter that could please him  
I would devote her to him, but I must  
shadow this scorn, and soothe him still in lust.  Exit. Enter six soldiers. 1. 
What news yet of Virginius return?  2. 
Not any.  1. 
O the misery of soldiers!  
They doubly starve us with fair promises.  
We spread the earth like hail, or new reaped corn  
in this fierce famine; and yet patiently  
make our obedience the confined jail  
that starves us:  3. 
Soldiers, let us draw our swords  
while we have strength to use them.  1. 
'Tis a motion  
which nature and necessity commands.  Enter Minutius. Minut. 
You're of Virginius' Regiment.  Omnes. 
We are.  Minut. 
Why do you swarm in troops thus? to your quarter.  
Is our command grown idle? to your trench.  
Come I'll divide you, this your conference  
is not without suspect of mutiny.  1. 
Soldiers, shall I relate the grievances.  
of the whole Regiment.  Omnes. 
Boldly.  1. 
Then thus my Lord.  Minut. 
Come, I will not hear thee,  1. 
Sir you shall:  
Sound all the Drums and Trumpets in the camp,  
to drown my utterance, yet above them all  
I'll rear our just complaint. Stir not my Lord,  
I vow you are not safe if you but move  
a sinew till you hear us.  Minut. 
Well sir, command us: you are the general.  1. 
No my Lord, not I,  
I am almost starved; I wake in the wet trench,  
loaded with more cold iron then a jail  
would give a murderer, while the general  
sleeps in a field bed, and to mock our hunger  
feeds us with scent of the most curious fare  
that makes his tables crack, our pay detained  
by those that are our Leaders: and at once  
we in this sad, and unprepared plight,  
with the Enemy, and Famine daily sight.  Minut. 
Do you threaten us?  Omnes. 
Sir you shall hear him out.  1. 
You send us whips, and iron manacles,  
and shackles plenty, but the devil a coin.  
Would you would teach us that cannibal trick, my Lord,  
which some rich men ' i'th' City oft do use:  
shall's one devour another?  Minut. 
Will you hear me?  1. 
O Rome thou'rt grown a most unnatural mother,  
to those have held thee by the golden locks  
from sinking into ruin; Romulus  
was fed by a she wolf, but now our wolves  
instead of feeding us devour our flesh,  
carouse our blood, yet are not drunk with it,  
for three parts of it is water.  Minut. 
Your captain,  
noble Virginius is sent Rome,  
for ease of all your grievances.  1. 
'Tis false.  Omnes. 
I, 'Tis false.  1. 
he's stolen away from's, never to return,  
and now his age will suffer him no more  
deal on the Enemy, belike he'll turn  
an usurer, and in the City air  
cut poor men's throats at home sitting in's chair.  Minut. 
You wrong one of the honourablest Commanders.  Omnes. 
Honourable Commander?  1. 
Commander? I my Lord, there goes the thirst  
in victories, the general and Commanders  
share all the honour as they share the spoil;  
but in our overthrows, where lies the blame?  
the common soldier's fault, ours is the shame.  
What is the reason that being so far distant  
from the affrighted enemy? We lie  
' i'th' open field, subject to the sick humours  
of heaven and earth: unless you could bestow  
two summers of us? shall I tell you truth,  
You account the expense of engines, and of swords,  
of horses and of armour dearer far,  
than soldiers lives.  Omnes. 
Now by the gods you do.  1. 
Observe you not the ravens and the crows  
have left the City surfeit, and with us  
they make full banquets. Come you birds of death,  
and fill your greedy crops with humane flesh;  
then to the City fly, disgorge it there  
before the Senate, and from thence arise  
a plague to choke all Rome. Omnes. And all the Suburbs▪  Minut. 
Upon a soldier's word, bold Gentlemen,  
I expect every hour Virginius  
to bring fresh comfort.  Omnes. 
Whom? Virginius?  1. 
Now by the gods, if ever he return,  
we'll drag him to the slaughter by his locks,  
turned white with riot and incontinence,  
and leave a precedent to all the world,  
how captains use their soldiers.  Enter Virginius. Minut. 
See, he's returned.  
Virginius, you are not safe, retire,  
your troops are mutinous, we are begirt  
with Enemies more daring, and more fierce,  
then is the common foe.  Virg. 
My troops, my Lord?  Minut. 
Your life is threatened by these desperate men,  
betake you to your horse.  Virg. 
My noble Lord,  
I never yet professed to teach the art  
of flying. Ha, out troops grown mutinous?  
he dares not look on me with half a face  
that spread this wildfire. Where is our Lieutenant?  Val. 
My Lord.  Virg. 
Sirrah, order our companies.  Minut. 
What do you mean, my Lord?  Virg. 
Take air a little, they have heated me.  
Sirrah, is't you will mutiny?  3. 
Not I Sir.  Virg. 
Is your gall burst, you Traitor?  4. 
The gods defend Sir.  Virg. 
Or is your stomach sea sick, doth it rise?  
I'll make a passage for it.  5. 
Noble Captain, I'll die beneath your foot.  Virg. 
You rough porcupine, ha'.  
do you bristle, do you shoot your quills you rogue?  1. 
They have no points to hurt you, noble Captain.  Virg. 
Wast you (my nimble shaver) that would whet  
your sword against your commander's throat, you sirrah?  6. 
My Lord I never dreamt on't.  Virg. 
Slaves and cowards,  
what are you choleric now? by the gods  
the way to purge it were to let you blood.  
I am i'th' centre of you, and I'll make  
the proudest of you teach the Aspen leaf  
to tremble, when I breath.  Minut. 
A strange Conversion.  Virg. 
Advance your pikes. The word,  Omnes. 
Advance your pikes.  Virg. 
See noble Lord these are no Mutineers,  
these are obedient soldiers, civil men:  
You shall command these, if your Lordship please,  
to fill a ditch up with their slaughtered bodies,  
that with more ease you may assault some Town.  
So now lay down your Arms. Villains and Traitors,  
I here cashier you. Hence from me my poison,  
not worthy of our Discipline: Go beg,  
go beg, you mutinous rogues, brag of the service  
you ne'er durst look on; it were charity  
to hang you, for my mind gives, you're reserved  
to rob poor market women.  Minut. 
O Viginius.  Virg. 
I do beseech you to confirm my sentence,  
as you respect me. I will stand myself  
for the whole Regiment, and safer far  
in mine own single valour, then begirt  
with cowards and with traitors.  Minut. 
O my Lord, you are too severe.  Virg. 
Now by the gods, my Lord,  
you know no discipline, to pity them.  
Precious devils? no sooner my back turned,  
but presently to mutiny?  Omnes: 
dear captain.  Virg. 
Refuse me if such traitorous rogues  
would not confound an Army. When do you march?  
when do you march, gentlemen?  1. 
My Lord, we'll starve first,  
we'll hang first, by the gods, do any thing  
ere we'll forsake you.  Minut. 
Good Virginius,  
limit your passion.  Virg. 
Sir, you may take my place,  
not my just anger from me: these are they  
have bred a dearth i'th' camp: I'll wish our foes  
no greater plague then to have their company:  
show but among them all so many scars  
as stick upon this flesh, I'll pardon them.  Minut. 
How now, my Lord, breathless?  Virg. 
By your favour. I ha' said.  
Mischiefs confound me if I could not wish  
my youth renewed again, with all her sollies,  
only t'ave breath enough to rail against  
these— 'Tis too short.  Minut. 
See Gentlemen, what strange distraction  
your falling off from duty hath begot  
in this most noble soldier: You may live  
the meanest of you to command a troop,  
and then in others you'll correct those faults,  
which in yourselves you cherished, every Captain  
bears in his private government that form,  
which Kings should o'er their Subjects, and to them  
should be the like obedient. We confess  
you have been distressed: but can you justly challenge  
any commander that hath surfeited,  
while that your food was limited? You cannot.  Virg. 
My Lord, I have shared with them an equal fortune,  
hunger, and cold, Marched through watery fens,,  
borne as great burdens as the pioner,  
when scarce the ground would bear me.  Minut. 
Good my Lord, give us leave to proceed;  
the punishment your captain hath inflicted  
is not sufficient; for it cannot bring  
any example to succeeding times  
of penance worth your faulting: happily  
it may in you beget a certain shame;  
But it will in others a strong hope  
of the like lenity. Yet gentlemen,  
you have in one thing given me such a taste  
of your obedience; when the fire was raised  
of fierce sedition, and the cheek was swollen  
to sound the fatal Trumpet, than the sight  
of this your worthy captain did disperse  
all those unfruitful humours, and even then  
convert you from fierce Tigers to stayed men:  
we therefore pardon you, and do restore  
your captain to you, you unto your captain.  Omnes. 
The gods requite you, noble general.  Minut. 
My Lord, my Lord:  Omnes. 
Your pardon noble captain.  Virg. 
Well, you are the general, and the fault is quit,  
a soldier's tears, an elder brother's wit  
have little fault in them, nor do they season  
things worth observing, for their want of reason.  
Take up your arms and use them, do I pray,  
ere long you'll take your legs to run away.  Minut. 
And what supply from Rome?  Virg. 
Good store of corn.  Minut. 
What entertainment there?  Virg. 
Most honourable,  
especially by the Lord Appius.  
There is great hope that Appius will grow  
the soldier's patron: with what vehemency  
he urged our wants, and with what expedition  
he hasted the supplies, it is almost  
incredible. There's promised to the soldier  
besides their corn a bounteous donative;  (A shout. 
but 'tis not certain yet when't shall be paid.  Minut. 
How for your own particular?  Virg. 
My Lord,  
I was not entered fully two pikes length  
into the Senate, but they all stood bare,  
and each man offered me his seat: The business  
for which I went dispatched, what gifts, what favours  
were done me, your good Lordship shall not hear,  
for you would wonder at them, only this,  
'twould make a man fight up to'th' neck in blood,  
to think how nobly he shall be received  
when he returns to'th' City.  Minut. 
'Tis well,  
give order the provision be divided  
and sent to every quarter.  Virg. 
Sir, it shall.  
Thus men must flight their wrongs, or else conceal them,  
when general safety will us not reveal them.  Exeunt. Enter two Petitioners at one door, at the other M. Clodius. 1. Petit. 
Pray is your Lord at leisure?  M. Clodius. 
What is your suit?  1. Pet. 
To accept this poor Petition which makes known,  
my many wrongs in which I crave his Justice,  
and upright sentence to support my cause,  
which else is trod down by oppression.  M. Clodius. 
My Lord's hand is the prop of Innocence,  
and if your cause be worthy his supportance  
it cannot fall.  1. Petitioner. 
The gods of Rome protect him.  Clodius. 
What, is your paper too petitionary?  2. Petit. 
It leans upon the Justice of the Judge,  
your noble Lord, the very stay of Rome.  Clodius. 
And surer basis, for a poor man's cause,  
she cannot yield. Your papers I'll deliver,  
and when my Lord ascends the Judgement seat,  
you shall find gracious comfort.  Enter Icilius troubled. Icilius. 
Where's your Lord?  Clodius. 
Icilius? Fair Virginia's late betrothed?  Icilius. 
Your ears, I hope, you have not forfeited,  
that you return no answer. Where's your Lord?  Clodius. 
At's study.  Icilius. 
I desire admittance to him.  Clodius. 
Please you attend, I'll know his lordship's pleasure.  
Icilius? I pray heaven she have not blabbed.  Icilius. 
Attend? a petty Lawyer t'other day,  
glad of a fee, but called to eminent place,  
even to his betters, now the word's, Attend.  
This gowned office, what a breadth it bears?  
how many tempests wait upon his frown?  Enter Clodius. Clodius. 
All the petitioners withdraw. L. Appius  
must have this place more private, as a favour,  
reserved for you, Icilius. Here's my Lord.  Enter Appius with Lictors afore him. Appius. 
Be gone, this place is only spared for us,  
and you Icilius. Now your business.  Icil. 
May I speak it freely?  App. 
We have suffering ears,  
A heart the softest down may penetrate.  
Proceed.  Icil. 
My Lord.  App. 
We are private, Pray your courtesy.  Icil. 
My duty.  App. 
Leave that to th' public eye  
of Rome, and of Rome's people. Clodius there.  Clod. 
My Lord.  App. 
Place me a second chair; that done,  
remove yourself. So now, your absence Clodius.  
Icilius sit, this grace we make not common  
unto the noblest Roman, but to you  
our love affords it freely. Now your suit?  Icil. 
It is, you would be kind unto the Camp.  App. 
Wherein, Icilius, doth the Camp touch thee?  Icil. 
Thus: Old Virginius, now my father in Law,  
kept from the public pay, consumes himself,  
sells his Revenues, turns his plate to coin,  
to wage his soldiers, and supply the Camp,  
wasting that useful substance which indeed  
should rise to me, as my Virginia's Dowry.  App. 
We meet that opposition thus Icilius.  
The camp's supplies doth not consist in us,  
but those that keep the common Treasury;  
speak or entreat we may, but not command.  
But Sir, I wonder, you so brave a Youth,  
son to a thrifty Roman, should alley you,  
and knit your strong arms to such falling branches;  
which rather in their ruin will bear down  
your strength, than you support their rottenness.  
Be swayed by me, fly from that ruinous house.  
whose fall may crush you; and contract with mine,  
whose bases are of Marble, deeply fixed  
to maugre all gusts and impending storms.  
Cast off that beggar's daughter, poor Virginia,  
whose dowry and beauty, I'll see trebled both,  
in one allied to me. Smile you Icilius?  Icil. 
My Lord, my Lord, think you, I can imagine  
your close and sparing hand can be profuse  
to give that man a Palace, whom you late  
denied a cottage? Will you from your own coffers  
grant me a triple Dowry, yet interpose me  
a poor third from the common Treasury?  
You must move me by possibilities,  
for I have brains; give first your hand and Seal,  
that old Virginius shall receive his pay  
both for himself and soldiers, and that done,  
I shall perhaps be soon induced to think,  
that you who with such willingness did that—  App. 
Is my Love misprised?  Icil. 
Not to Virginia.  App. 
Virginia?  Icil. 
Yes Virginia, Lustful Lord.  
I did but trace your cunning all this while.  
You would bestow me on some Appian Trull,  
and for that dross to cheat me of my Gold;  
for this the Camp pines, and the City smarts.  
All Rome fares worse for thy incontinence.  App. 
Mine boy?  Icil. 
Thine Judg. This hand hath intercepted  
thy Letters, and perused thy tempting guests,  
these ears have heard thy amorous passions, wretch,  
these eyes beheld thy treacherous name subscribed.  
A judge, a devil.  App. 
Come I 'll hear no more.  Icil. 
Sat still, or by the powerful Gods of Rome  
I'll nail thee to the Chair. But suffer me,  
I'll offend nothing but thine ears.  App. 
Our Secretary.  Icil. 
Tempt not a lover's fury, if thou dost  
now by my vow, insculpt in heaven, I'll send thee.—  App. 
You see I am patiented.  Icil. 
But withal revengeless.  App. 
So, say on.  Icil. 
Hope not of any grace, or the least favour,  
I am so covetous of Virginia's love,  
I cannot spare thee the least look, glance, touch.  
Divide one bare imaginary thought  
into a thousand, thousand parts, and that  
I'll not afford thee.  App. 
Thou shalt not.  Icil. 
Nay, I will not.  
Hadst thou a judge's place above those Judges  
that judge all souls, having power to sentence me,  
I would not bribe thee, no not with one hair  
from her fair temples.  App. 
Thou shouldst not.  Icil. 
Nay, I would not.  
Think not her Beauty shall have leave to crown  
thy lustful hopes with the least spark of bliss,  
or have thine ears charmed with the ravishing sound  
even of her harshest phrase.  App. 
I will not.  Icil. 
Nay, thou shalt not.  
she's mine, my soul is crowned in her desire,  
to her I'd travel through a land of fire.  App. 
Now have you done?  Icil. 
I have spoke my thoughts.  App. 
Then will thy fury give me leave to speak?  Icil. 
I pray say on.  App. 
Icilius, I must chide you, and withal  
tell you, your rashness hath made forfeiture  
even of your precious life, which we esteem  
too dear to call in question. If I wished you  
of my alliance, grafted into my blood,  
condemn you me for that? Oh see the rashness  
and blind misprision of distempered youth!  
As for the Maid Virginia, we are far  
even in least thought from her; and for those Letters,  
Tokens and Presents, we acknowledge none.  
Alas, though great in place, we are not gods.  
If any false impostor hath usurped  
our hand or greatness in his own behoof,  
can we help that? Icilius, there's our hand,  
your rashness we remit; let's have hereafter  
your love and best opinion. For your suit,  
repair to us at both our better leisures,  
we'll breathe in it new life.  Icil. 
I crave your pardon.  App. 
Granted ere craved, my good Icilius.  Icil. 
— Morrow.  App. 
It is no more indeed. Morrow Icilius.  
If any of our servants wait, without,  
command them in.  Icil. 
I shall.  App. 
Our Secretary,  
we have use for him. Icilius, send him hither.  
Again good morrow.  Exit Icilius. 
Go to thy death, thy life is doomed and cast.  
Appius be circumspect, and be not rash  
in blood as thou'rt in lust: Be murderous still,  
but when thou strik'st, with unseen weapons kill.  Enter Clodius. Clod. 
My Honourable Lord.  Appius. 
Deride me, dog?  Clod. 
Who hath stirred up this tempest in your brow?  App. 
Not you? Fie, you?  Clod. 
All you Panthean Gods,  
confound me, if my soul be accessary  
to your distractions.  Appius. 
To send a ruffian higher,  
even to my closet, first, to brave my Greatness,  
play with my beard, revile me, taunt me, hisse me;  
nay after all these deep disparagements,  
threat me with steel, and menace me unarmed,  
to nail me to my seat, if I but moved:  
all these are slight, slight toys.  Clod. 
Icilius do this?  App. 
Ruffian Icilius, he that in the front  
of a smooth Citizen, bears the rugged soul  
of a most base bandit.  Clod. 
He shall die for't.  App. 
Be not too rash.  Clo. 
Were there no more men to support great Rome,  
even falling Rome should perish, ere he stand:  
I'll after him, and kill him.  App. 
Stay, I charge thee.  
Lend me a patiented ear; To right our wrongs,  
we must not menace with a public hand;  
we stand in the world's eye, and shall be taxed  
of the least violence, where we revenge:  
We should smile smoothest where our hate's most deep,  
and when our spleen's broad waking, seem to sleep.  
Let the young man play still upon the bit,  
till we have brought and trained him to our lure;  
Great men should strike but once, and then strike sure.  Clod. 
Love you Virginia still?  App. 
Do I still live?  Clod. 
Then she's your own. Virginius is, you say,  
still in the Camp.  App. 
True.  Clod. 
Now in his absence will I claim Virginia  
to be the daughter of a bond woman,  
and slave to me; to prove which, I'll produce  
firm proofs, notes probable, sound Witnesses;  
then having with your Lictors summoned her,  
I'll bring the cause before your Judgement Seat,  
where, upon my infallid evidence,  
you may pronounce the sentence on my side,  
and she become your Strumpet not your Bride.  App. 
Thou hast a copius brain, but how in this  
shall we dispose Icilius?  Clod. 
If he spurn  
clap him up close, there's ways to charm his spleen.  
By this no scandal can redound to you;  
the Cause is mine; you but the Sentencer  
upon that evidence which I shall bring.  
The business is, to have Warrants by Arrest.  
to answer such things at the judgement Bar  
as can be laid against her; Ere her friends  
can be assembled, ere herself can study  
her answer or scarce know her cause of summons  
to descant on the matter, Appius may  
examine, try, and doom Virginia.  
But all this must be sudden.  App. 
Thou art born  
to mount me high above Icilius scorn.  
I'll leave it to thy manage.  Exeunt. 
Explicit Actus secundus.   

Actus Tertius Scena Prima.  Enter Nurse and the Clown. Corbulo. 
WHat was that you said, Nurse?  Nurse. 
Why, I did say thou must bestir thyself.  Corbulo. 
I warrant you I can bestir my stumps as soon as another, if fit occasion be offered; but why do you come upon me in such haste? is it because (Nurse) I should come over you at leisure?  Nurse. 
Come over me, thou knave? what dost thou mean by that?  Corbulo. 
Only this, if you will come off, I will come on.  Nurse. 
My Lord hath strangers to night: you must make ready the Parlour, a table and lights; nay when, I say?  Corbulo. 
Me thinks you should rather wish for a bed then for a board, for darkness then for lights; yet I must confess you have been a light woman in your time: but now.  Nurse. 
But now? what now, you knave?  Corbulo. 
But now I'll go fetch the table and some lights presently.  Enter Numitorius, Horatio, Valerius, Icilius Numit. 
Some lights to usher in these Gentlemen,  
Clear all the rooms without there. Sat, pray sit.  
None interrupt our conference.  Enter Virginia. 
Ha', whose that?  Nurse 
My most— child, if it please you.  Numitor. 
Fair Virginia, you are welcome.  
The rest forbear us till we call. Sweet cousin,  
our business, and the cause of our discourse  
admits you to this council. Take your place.  
jeilius we are private, now proceed.  Icil. 
Then thus; Lord Appius doth intent me wrong,  
and under his smooth calmness cloaks a tempest,  
that will ere long break out in violence  
on me and on my fortunes.  Numit. 
My good cousin,  
you are young, and youth breeds rashness. Can I think  
Lord Appius will do wrong, who is all Justice,  
the most austere and upright Censurer  
that ever sat upon the awful Bench?  Valer. 
Icilius, you are near to me in blood,  
and I esteem your safety as mine own.  
If you will needs wage eminence and state,  
Choose out a weaker opposite, not one  
that in his arm bears all the strength of Rome.  Numit. 
Besides Icilius,  
know you the danger what it is to scandal  
one of his place and sway?  Icil. 
I know it kinsmen, yet this popular Greatness  
can be no bugbear to affright mine innocence.  
No his smooth crest hath cast a palped film  
over Rome's eyes. He juggles, a plain Juggler.  
Lord Appius is no less.  Numit. 
Nay, than cousin,  
you are too harsh, and I must hear no more.  
It ill becomes my place and gravity,  
to lend a face to such reproachful terms  
against one of his high presence.  Icil. 
Sat, pray sit.  
to see me draw his picture 'fore your eyes,  
to make this man seem monstrous, and this god  
Rome so adores, a devil, a plain devil.  
This Lord, this judge, this Appius, that professeth  
to all the world a vestal chastity,  
is an incontinent, lose lecher grown.  Numit. 
Fie cousin.  Icil. 
Nay 'tis true. Daily and hourly  
he tempts this blushing Virgin with large promises,  
with melting words and Presents of high rate,  
to be the stolen to his unchaste desires.  Omnes. 
Is't possible?  Icil. 
Possible?  
'Tis actual Truth, I pray but ask your niece.  Virg. 
Most true, I am extremely tired and wearied  
with messages and tokens of his love;  
no answer, no repulse will satisfy  
the tediousness of his importunate suit.  
And whilst I could with modesty and honour,  
without the danger of reproach and shame,  
I kept it secret from Icilius;  
but when I saw their boldness found no limit,  
and they from fair entreaty grew to threats,  
I told him all.  Icil. 
True: understanding which  
to him I went.  Valer. 
To Appius?  Icil. 
To that giant,  
the high Colossus that bestrides us all;  
I went to him.  Horatio. 
How did you bear yourself?  Icil. 
Like Appius, at the first, dissemblingly,  
but when I saw the coast clear, all withdrawn,  
and none but we two in the Lobby, than  
I drew my poniard, took him by the throat,  
and when he would have clamoured, threatened death,  
unless he would with patience hear me out.  Numit. 
Did he, Icilius?  Icil. 
I made him that he durst not squeak,  
not move an eye, not draw a breath too loud,  
nor stir a fingar.  Horatio. 
What succeeded then?  Numit. 
Keep fast the door there: Sweet cousin not too loud.  
What then succeeded?  Icilius. 
Why, I told him all,  
gave him his due, called him lascivious Judge,  
(a thousand things which I have now forgot)  
showed him his hand a witness against himself,  
and every thing with such known circumstance,  
that he might well excuse, but not deny.  Numit. 
How parted you?  Icilius. 
Why Friends, in outward show.  
But I perceived his heart: that Hypocrite  
was born to gull Rome, and deceive us all.  
He swore to me quite to abjure her love;  
yet ere myself could reach Virginia's chamber,  
one was before me with regreets from him,  
I know his hand. Th' intent of this our meeting  
was to entreat your counsel and advice:  
The good old man her Father is from home,  
I think it good that she now in his absence  
should lodge in secret with some private friend,  
where Appius nor his Lictors, those bloodhounds  
can hunt her out. You are her uncle Sir,  
I pray counsel the best.  Numit. 
To oppose ourselves  
now in this heat against so great a man,  
might in my judgement to ourselves bring danger,  
and to my niece no safety. If we fall  
she cannot stand; let's then preserve ourselves  
until her father be discharged the Camp.  Valer. 
And good Icilius, for your private ends,  
and the dear safety of your friends and kindred,  
against that Statist, spare to use your spleen.  jicil. 
I will be swayed by you. My Lords, 'tis late,  
and time to break up conference. Noble Uncle  
I am your growing Debtor.  Numit. 
Lights without there.  Icil. 
I will conduct Virginia to her lodging.  
Good night to all at once.  Numit. 
The Gods of Rome protect you all, and then  
we need not fear the envious rage of men.  Exeunt. Enter Clodius, with four Lictors. Clodius. Lictors 
bestow yourselves in some close shops,  
about the forum, till you have the sight  
of fair Virginia, for I understand  
this present morning she'll come forth to buy  
some necessaries at the sempster's shops:  
how ere accompanied be it your care  
to seize her at our action. Good my friends,  
disperse yourselves, and keep a careful watch.  1. 
'Tis strange that Ladies will not pay their debts.  2. 
‛ It were strange indeed, if that our Roman Knights.  
would give them good example and pay theirs.  1. 
The calendar that we Lictors go by, is all dog days.  2. 
Right, our common hunt is still to dog unthrifts.  1. 
And what's your book of common-prayer?  2. 
Faith only for the increase of riotous young Gentlemen i'th' country, and bankrupts i'th' City.  1. 
I know no man more valiant than we are, for we  
back Knights and Gentlemen daily.  2. 
Right, we have them by the back hourly: your French fly applied to the nape of the neck for the French rheum, is not so sore a drawer as a Lictor.  1. 
Some say that if a little timbered fellow would justle a great loggerhead, let him be sure to lay him i'th' kennel; but when we shoulder a Knight, or a knight's fellow, we make him more sure, for we kennel him i'th' counter.  2. 
Come, let's about our business.  Exeunt. Enter Virginia, Nurse, and clown. Virg. 
You are grown wondrous amorous of late,  
why do you look back so often?  Clown. 
Madam, I go as a Frenchman rides, all upon one buttock.  Virg. 
And what's the reason?  Clown. 
Your ladyship never saw a monkey in all your life time have a clog at's tail, but he's still looking back to see what the devil 'tis that follows him.  Nurse. 
Very good, we are your clogs then.  Virg. 
Your crest is grown regardant; here's the beauty  
that makes your eyes forgetful of their way.  Clow. 
Beauty? O the gods! Madam I cannot endure her come-  Nurse. 
Why sir, what's my complexion? (plexion.  Clow. 
Thy complexion is just between a Moor & a french woman.  Virg. 
But she hath a matchless eye sir,  Clow. 
True, her eyes are not right matches, besides she is a widow.  Nurse. 
What then, I pray you?  Clown. 
Of all waters I would not have my beef powdered with a widow's tears.  Virg. 
Why, I beseech you?  Clow. 
O they are too fresh Madam, assure yourself they will not last for the death of fourteen husbands above a day and a quarter; besides, if a man come a wooing to a widow, and invite her to a banquet contrary to the old rule, she will sooner fill her eye then her belly. Besides that, if he look into her estate, first, look you, Here are four fingers, first the charge of her husband's funeral, next debts, and legacies, and lastly the reversion; now take away debts and legacies, and what remains for her second husband?  Nurse. 
I would some of the Tribe heard you.  Clewn. 
There's a certain fish, that as the learned divulge, is called a shark. Now this fish can never feed while he swims upon's belly, marry when he lies upon his back, oh he takes it at pleasure.  Virg. 
Well sir, about your business, make provision  
of those things I directed.  Clown. 
Sweet Lady, these eyes shall be the clarks of the kitchen for your belly; but I can assure you Woodcocks will be hard to be spoke with, for there's a great feast towards.  Virg. 
You are very pleasant.  Clown. 
And fresh cod is taken down thick and threefold, women without great bellies go together by the ears for't, and such a number of sweet toothed caters in the market, not a calf's head to be got for love or money; Muttons mutton now.  Virg. 
Why, was it not so ever?  Clown. 
No Madam, the sinners i'th' Suburbs had almost ta'en the name quite away from't, 'twas so cheap and common: but now 'tis at a sweet reckoning, the term time is the muttonmonger in the whole calendar.  Nurse. 
Do your Lawyers eat any salads with their mutton.  Clow. 
Yes, the younger revellers use capers to their mutton, so long till with their shuffling and cutting some of them be out at heels again. A bountiful mind and a full purse ever attend your ladyship.  Virg. 
O I thank you.  Enter Clodius, and four Lictors. Clo. 
See, yond's the Lady.  Clown. 
I will buy up for your ladyship all the young cuckoos in the market.  Virg. 
What to do?  Clown. 
O 'tis the most delicatest dish I'll assure you, and newest in fash on: not a great feast in all Rome without a cuckoo.  Clodi. 
Virginia. Virg. Sir.  Clodi. 
Mistress you do not know me,  
yet we must be acquainted: follow me.  Virg. 
You do salute me strangely. Fellow you.  Clow. 
Do you hear sir, me thinks you have followers enough. Many Gentlemen that I know, would not have so many tall followers as you have for the price often hunting geldings, I'll assure you.  Clodius. 
Come, will you go?  Virg. 
Whither? by what command?  Clodius. 
By warrant of these men, and privilege  
I hold even on thy life. Comeye proud dame,  
you are not what you seem.  Virg. 
Uncivil sir,  
what makes you thus familiar and thus bold?  
Unhand me villain.  Clodius. 
What Mistress, to your Lord?  
he that can set the rasor to your throat,  
and punish you as freely as the gods,  
no man to ask the cause? Thou art my slave,  
and here I seize what's mine.  Virg. 
Ignoble villain,  
I am as free as the best King or consul  
since Romulus. What dost thou mean? Unhand me.  
Give notice to my uncle and Icilius,  
what violence is offered me. Clodi. do, do.  Clow. 
Do you press women for soldiers, or do you beg women, instead of other commodities; to keep your hands in use? By this light if thou hast any ears on thy head, as it is a question, I'll make my Lord pull you out by th' ears, though you take a Castle.  Exit. Clodius. 
Come, will you go along?  Nurse. 
Whither should she go sir? here's pulling and haling a poor Gentlewoman.  Clodius. 
Hold you your prating reverence, the whip  
shall cease on you for your smooth cozenage.  Virg. 
Are not you servant to Lord Appius.  Clodius. 
How ere I am your Lord, and will approve it  
'fore all the Senate.  Virg. 
Thou wilt prove thyself  
the cursed pander for another's lust,  
and this your plot shall burst about your Ears  
like thunderbolts.  Clodi. 
Hold you that confidence,  
first I will seize you by the course of law,  
And then I'll talk with you.  Enter Icilius, and Numitorius. Numit. 
How now, fair cozen?  Icilius. 
How now, Gentlemen?  
What's the offence of fair Virginia,  
you bend your weapons on us?  Lictor. 
Sir stand back, we fear a rescue.  Icilius. 
There's no need of fear,  
where there's no cause of rescue: what's the matter?  Virg. 
O my Icilius! Your incredulity  
hath quite undone me, I am now no more  
Virginius daughter, so this villain urges;  
But published for his bond woman.  Numit. 
How's this?  Clodius. 
'Tis true my Lord,  
and I will take my right by course of Law.  Icilius. 
Villains set her free,  
or by the power of all our Roman gods,  
I'll give that just revenge unto my rage  
which should be given to Justice. Bondwoman?  Clodi. 
Sir, we do not come to fight, we'll deal  Enter Appius. 
By course of Law. My Lord we fear a rescue.  Appius. 
A rescue? never feared, here's none in presence  
but civil men. My Lord, I am glad to see you.  
Noble Icilius, we shall ever love you.  
Now Gentlemen reach your Petitions.  Icilius. 
My Lord, my Lord.  App. 
Worthy Icilius, if you have any business deferr't  
until tomorrow, or the afternoon,  
I shall be proud to pleasure you.  Icilius. 
The Fox is earthed, my Lord you cannot wind him yet.  Appius. 
Stools for my noble friends.— I pray you sit  Clodius. 
May it please your Lordship.  App. 
Why uncivil sir?  
have I not begged for bearance of my best  
and dearest friends, and must you trouble me?  Clodius. 
My Lord, I must be heard, and will be heard,  
were all the gods in Parliament, I'd burst  
their silence with my importunity,  
but they should hear me.  Appius. 
The fellow's mad;  
we have no leisure now to hear you sir.  Clodius. 
Hast now no leisure to hear just complaints?  
Resign thy place O Appius, that some other  
may do me Justice then.  Appius. 
we'll hear't to morrow.  Clodius. 
O my Lord,  
Deny me Justice absolutely, rather  
them feed me with delays.  Icilius. 
Good my Lord hear him,  
and wonder when you hear him, that a case  
so full of vile Imposture, should desire  
to be unfolded.  Clodius. 
I my Lord, 'tis true,  
the Imposture is on their parts.  Appius. 
Hold your prating,  
away with him to prison, clamorous fellow.  
Suspect you our uprightness?  Clodius. 
No my Lord:  
but I have mighty Enemies, my Lord,  
will overflow my cause. See, here I hold  
my bondwoman that brags herself to be  
descended of a noble family.  
My purse is too scant to wage Law with them,  
I am enforced be mine own advocate,  
not one will plead for me. Now if your Lordship  
will do me justice so, if not then know  
high hills are safe, when seas poor dales o'erflow.  Appius. 
Sirrah, I think it fit to let you know,  
ere you proceed in this your subtle suit,  
what penalty and danger you acrne,  
if you be found to double. Here's a virgin  
famous by birth, by education noble,  
and she forsooth, haply but to draw  
some piece of money from her worthy father,  
must needs be challenged for a bondwoman.  
Sirrah take heed, and well bethink yourself,  
I'll make you a precedent to all the world,  
If I but find you tripping.  Clodius. 
Do it freely.  
and view on that condition these just proofs.  App. 
Is that the virgin's nurse.  Nurse. 
Her milk Nurse my Lord, I had a sore hand with her for a year and a quarter, I have had somewhat to do with her since too, for the poor Gentlewoman hath been so troubled with the green sickness.  Icilius. 
I pray thee Nurse entreat Sertorius  
to come and speak with me.  App. 
Here is strange circumstance, view it my Lord,  
if he should prove this, it would make Virginius  
think he were wronged.  Icilius. 
There is a devilish cunning  
expressed in this black forgery.  App. 
Icilius and Virginia, pray come near,  
compound with this base fellow. You were better  
disburse some trifle then to undergo  
the question of her freedom.  Icilius. 
O my Lord!  
she were not worth a handful of a bribe,  
if she did need a bribe.  Appius. 
Nay, take your course,  
I only give you my opinion,  
I ask no fee for't. Do you know this fellow?  Virginia. 
Yes my Lord, he's your servant.  Appius. 
You're i'th' right:  
But will you truly know his character?  
he was at first a petty Notary,  
a fellow that being trusted with large sums  
of honest Citizens, to be employed  
i'th' trade of usury; this Gentleman,  
couching his credit like a tilting staff  
most cunningly it broke, and at one course  
he ran away with thirty thousand pound,  
returning to the City seven year after,  
having compounded with his creditors  
for the third moiety, he buys an office  
belonging to our place, depends on us,  
in which the oppression and vile injuries  
he hath done poor suitors, they have cause to rue,  
and I to pity: he hath sold his smiles  
for silver, but his promises for gold,  
his delays have undone men.  
The plague that in some folded cloud remains,  
the bright Sun soon disperseth; but observe,  
when black infection in some dunghill lies,  
there's work for bells and graves, if it do rise.  Numitor. 
He was an ill prop to your house, my Lord.  Appius. 
'tis true my Lord, but we that have such servants,  
are like to cuckolds that have riotous wives,  
we are the last that know it: this is it  
makes noblemen suspected to have done ill,  
when the oppression lies in their proud followers.  Clod. 
My Lord, it was some soothing sycophant,  
some base detracting Rascal that hath spread  
this falsehood in your ears.  App. 
Peace Impudence, did I not yester day, no longer since  
surprise thee in thy Study counterfeiting.  
our hand?  Clod. 
'Tis true, my Lord.  App. 
Being subscribed  
unto a Letter filled with amorous stuff  
unto this Lady?  Clod. 
I have asked your pardon,  
and gave you reason why I was so bold  
to use that forgery.  App. 
Did you receive it?  Virg. 
I did my Lord, and I can show your Lordship  
a packet of such Letters.  App. 
Now by the Gods,  
I'll make you rue it. I beseech you Sir,  
show them the reason moved you counterfeit  
our Letter.  Enter Valerius. Clod. 
Sir, I had no other colour.  
to come to speak with her.  App. 
A goodly reason!  
Did you until this hour acquaint the Lady  
with your intended suit?  Clod. 
At several times,  
and would have drawn her by some private course  
to have compounded for her liberty.  Virg. 
Now by a virgin's honour and true birth,  
'tis false, my Lord, I never had a dream  
so terrible as is this monstrous devil.  App. 
Well Sir, referring my particular wrong  
to a particular censure, I would know  
what is your suit?  Clod. 
My Lord, a speedy trial.  App. 
You shall obtained with all severity,  
I will not give you longer time to dream  
upon new slights to cloak your forgery,  
Observe you this chameleon, my Lords.  
I'll make him change his colour presently.  Numit. 
My Lord, although th' uprightness of our cause  
needs no delays, yet for the satisfaction  
of old Virginius, let him be present  
when we shall crave a trial.  Appius. 
Sir it needs not:  
Who stands for father of the Innocent,  
if not the judge? I'll save the poor old man  
that needless travel.  Virg. 
With your favour Sir,  
we must entreat some respite in a business  
so needful of his presence.  App. 
I do protest,  
you wrong yourselves thus to importune it.  
Well, let it be to morrow, I'll not sleep  
till I have made this thicket a smooth plain,  
and given you your true honour back again.  Icil. 
My Lord, the distance 'twixt the Camp and us  
cannot be measured in so short a time.  
Let us have four day's respite.  App. 
You are unwise;  
rumour by that time will have fully spread  
the scandal, which being ended in one hour  
will turn to air: To morrow is the trial,  
in the mean time, let all contented thoughts  
attend you.  Clod. 
My Lord, you deal unjustly  
thus to dismiss her; this is that they seek for,  
before to morrow they'll convey her hence  
where my claim shall not seize her.  App. 
Cunning knave,  
You would have bond for her appearance? say.  Clod. 
I think the motions honest.  App. 
Very good.  
Icilius shall engage his honoured word  
for her appearance.  Clod. 
As you please, my Lord,  
But it were, fitting her old Uucle there  
were jointly bound with him.  App. 
Well Sir, your pleasure  
shall have satiety. You'll take our word  
for her appearance; will you not Sir, I pray?  Clod. 
Most willingly my Lord.  App. 
Then Sir you have it,  
and i'th' mean time I'll take the honoured Lady  
into my guardianship, and by my life,  
I'll use her in all kindness as my wife.  Icil. 
Now by the Gods you shall not.  App. 
Shall not, what?  Icil. 
Not use her as your wife Sir.  App. 
O my Lord, I spoke it from my heart.  Icil. 
I very likely.  
She is a Virgin Sir, and must not lie  
under a man's forth coming; do you mark?  
not under your forth coming, lecherous Appius.  Appi. 
Mistake me not, my Lord: Our Secretary,  
Take bonds for the appearance of this Lady.  
And now to you sir, you that were my servant,  
I here cashier you; never shalt thou shroud  
thy villainies under our noble roof,  
nor scape the whip, or the fell hangman's book  
by warrant of our favour.  Clod. 
So my Lord,  
I am more free to serve the Gods, I hope,  
now I have lost your service.  App. 
Hark you sirrah,  
who shall give bonds for your appearance, ha'?  
to justify your claim?  Clod. 
I have none, my Lord.  App. 
Away, commit him prisoner to his chamber:  
I'll keep you safe from starting.  Clod. 
Why my Lord?  App. 
Away, I will not hear you.  
A judge's heart here in the midst must stand,  
and move not a hair's breadth to either hand.  Exit. Numit. 
O were thy heart but of the self same piece  
thy tongue is, Appius; how blessed were Rome!  Icil. 
Post to the camp Sertorius, thou hast heard  
th'effect of all, relate it to Virginius.  
I pray thee use thy ablest horsemanship,  
for it concerns us near.  Serto. 
I go my Lord.  Exit. Icil. 
Sure all this is damned cunning.  Virg. 
O my Lord,  
seamen in tempests shun the flattering shore,  
to bear full sails upon't were danger more.  
So men o'er born with greatness still hold dread,  
false seeming friends that on their bosoms spread:  
for this is a safe truth which never varies,  
He that strikes all his sails seldom miscarries.  Icil. 
Must we be slaves both to a tyrant's will,  
and confounding ignorance at once?  
Where are we, in a mist, or is this hell?  
I have seen as great as the proud Judge have fell:  
the bending Willow yielding to each wind,  
shall keep his rooting firm, when the proud Oak.  
braving the storm, presuming on his root,  
shall have his body rend from head to foot;  
Let us expect the worst that may befall,  
and with a noble confidence bear all.  Exeunt. Enter Appius, Clodius, and a servant. App. 
Here, bear this packet to Minutius,  
and privately delivered, make as much speed  
as if thy father were deceas'di'th ' Camp,  
and that thou wentest to take th'Administration  
of what he left thee. Fly.  Seru. 
I go my Lord.  Exit. App. 
O my trusty Clodius.  Clod. 
My dear Lord,  
let me adore your divine policy.  
You have poisoned them with sweet meats, you have my Lord.  
But what contain those Letters?  App. 
Much importance.  
Minutius is commanded by that packet  
to hold Virginius' prisoner in the Camp  
on some suspect of Treason.  Clod. 
But my Lord, how will you answer this?  App. 
Tush, any fault  
or shadow of a Crime will be sufficient  
for his committing: thus when he is absent  
we shall in a more calm and friendly sea  
sail to our purpose.  Clod. 
Mercury himself  
could not direct more safely.  App. 
O my Clodius,  
Observe this rule, one ill must cure another;  
as Aconitum a strong poison, brings  
a present cure against all serpent's stings.  
In high attempts, the soul hath infinite eyes,  
and 'tis necessity makes men most wise.  
Should I miscarry in this desperate plot,  
this of my fate in after times be spoken,  
I'll break that with my weight on which I am broken.  Exeunt. Enter Two Serving men at one door, at the other Corbulo the clown melancholy. 1 Serving. 
Why how now Corbulo? thou wast not wont to be of this sad temper. What's the matter now?  Corb. 
Time's change, and seasons alter, some men are born to the Bench, and some to the halter. What do you think now that I am?  1. Serving. 
I think thee to be Virginia's man, and Corbulo.  Corb. 
No, no such matter: guess again, tell me but what I am, or what manner of fellow you imagine me to be?  1. Serving. 
I take thee to be an honest good, fellow.  Corb. 
Wide of the bow hand still: Corbulo is no such man.  2. Serving. 
What art thou then?  Corb. 
Listen, and I'll describe myself to you: I am something better than a Knave, and yet come short of being an honest man; and though I can sing a treble, yet am accounted but as one of the base, being indeed, and as the case stands with me at this present, inferior to a rogue, and three degrees worse than a Rascal.  1. Serving. 
How comes this to pass?  Corb. 
Only by my services success. Take heed whom you serve. Oh you serving Creatures; for this is all I have got by serving my Lady Virginia.  2. Serving. 
Why, what of her?  Corb. 
She is not the woman you take he to be; for though she have borrowed no money, yet she is entered into bonds; and though you may think her a woman not sufficient, yet 'tis very like her bond will be taken. The truth is she challenged to be a bond woman; now if she be a bond woman and a slave, and I her servant and Vassal, what did you take me to be? I am an Ant, a Gnat, a worm, a Woodcock amongst birds, a Hodmondod amongst flies, amongst Curs a trindle tale, and amongst fishes a poor Ipèr; but amongst Serving men worse, worse than the man's man to the under Yeomen Fewterer.  1. Serving. 
But is it possible, thy Lady is challenged to be a slave? What witness have they?  Corb. 
Witness these Fountains, these floodgates, these Well-springs: the poor Gentlewoman was Arrested in the open Market; I offered, I offered to bail her; but (though she was) I could not be taken. The grief hath gone so near my heart, that until I be made free, I shall never be mine own man. The Lord Appius hath committed her to Ward, and it is thought she shall neither lie on the Knight side, not in the Troping Ward, for if he may have his will of her, he means to put her in the Hole. His Warrant hath been out for her, but how the case stands with him, or how matters will be taken up with her, 't is yet uncertain.  2. Serving. 
When shall the trial be?  Corb. 
I take it to be as soon as the morning is brought a bed of a new son and Heir  2. Serving. 
And when is that?  Corb. 
Why tomorrow, for every morning you know brings forth a new sun, but they be all short lived, for every night she drowns them in the Western sea. But to leave these enigmas, as too high for your dull apprehensions. Shall I see you at the trial to morrow?  1. Serving. 
By Jove's help I 'll be there.  2. Serving. 
And I, if I live.  Corb. 
And I, if I die for 't: Here's my hand I'll meet you. It is thought my old master will be there at the Bar; for though all the timber of his house yet stand, yet my Lord Numitorius hath sent one of his Posts to the Camp to bid him spur cut and come to the sentence. Oh we have a house at home as heavy as if it were covered with lead. But you will remember to be there.  1. Serving. 
And not to fail.  Corb. 
If I chance to meet you there, and that the Case go against us, I will give you a quart, not of Wine, but of Tears; for instead of a new Role, I purpose to break my Fast with sops of sorrow.  
Explicit Actus tertius.   

Actus Quartus Scena Prima.  Enter Virginius like a slave, Numitorius, Icilius, Valerius, Horatio Virginia like a slave, Julla, Calphurina, Nurse. Virginius. 
THanks to my noble friends, itnow appears  
that you have rather loved me then my fortune,  
for that's near shipwrecked: chance you see still ranges,  
and this short dance of life is full of changes.  
Appius! how hollow that name found'st, how dreadful?  
It is a question, whether the proud lecher  
will view us to our merit; for they say,  
his memory to virtue and good men  
is still carousing Lethe. O the Gods,  
not with more terror do the souls in hell  
appear before the seat of Rhadamant,  
than the poor client yonder.  Numit. 
O Virginius.  
Why do you wear this habit? it ill fits  
your noble person, or this reverend place.  Virg. 
That's true, old man, but it well fits the case  
that's now in question. If with form and show  
they prove her slaved, all freedom I'll forgo.  Icilius. 
Noble Virginius,  
put out a bold and confident defence:  
search the Imposture, like a cunning Tryer,  
false metals bear the touch, but brook not fire:  
their brittleness betrays them; let your breath  
discover as much shame in them, as death  
did ever draw from Offenders. Let your truth  
nobly supported, void of fear or art,  
welcome what ever comes with a great heart.  Virginius. 
Now by the Gods, I thank thee noble youth.  
I never feared in a besieged Town  
Mines or great Engines like you lawyer's Gown.  Virginia. 
O my dear Lord and father, once you gave me  
a noble freedom, do not see it lost  
without a forfeit; take the life you gave me  
and sacrifice it rather to the gods  
then to a villains Lust. Happy the Wretch  
who born in bondage lives and dies a slave,  
and sees no lustful projects bend upon her,  
and neither knows the life nor death of honour.  Icilius: 
We have neither Justice, no nor violence,  
which should reform corruption sufficient  
to cross their black premeditated doom.  
Appius will seize her, all the fire in hell  
is leapt into his bosom.  Virginius. 
O you Gods,  
extinguish it with your compassionate tears,  
although you make a second deluge spread,  
and swell more high than Tenerif's high head.  
Have not the Wars heaped snow sufficient  
upon this aged head, but they will still  
pile winter upon winter?  Enter Appius, Opius, Clodius, six Senators, Lictors. Appius. 
Is he come? say.  
Now by my life I'll quit the General.  Numit. 
Your reverence to the Judge, good brother.  Virginius. 
Yes Sir, I have learned my compliment thus,  
Blessed mean estates who stand in fear of many,  
and great are cursed for that they fear not any.  App. 
What is Virginius come?  Virg. 
I am here my Lord.  App. 
Where is your daughter?  Numit. 
Here my reverend Lord.  
Your habit shows you strangely.  Virginia. 
O 'tis fit,  
it suits both time and cause. Pray pardon it,  App. 
Where is your Advocate?  Virg. 
I have none my Lord.  
Truth needs no Advocate, the unjust Cause  
buys up the tongues that travel with applause  
in these your thronged Courts. I want not any,  
and count him the most wretched that needs many.  Orator. 
May it please your reverend Lordships?  App. 
What are you Sir?  Orat. 
Of counsel with my client Marcus Clodius.  Virg. 
My Lord, I undertake a desperate combat  
to cope with this most eloquent Lawyer:  
I have no skill i'th' weapon, good my Lord;  
I mean, I am not travelled in your laws.  
My suit is therefore by your special goodness  
they be not wrested against me.  App. 
O Virginius, the gods defend they should.  Virg. 
Your humble servant shall ever pray for you.  
Thus shall your glory be above your place,  
or those high titles which you hold in Court,  
for they die blessed that die in good report.  
Now Sir I stand you.  Orat. 
Then have at you Sir.  
May it please your Lordships, here is such a Case  
so full of subtlety, and as it were,  
so far benighted in an ignorant mist,  
that though my reading be sufficient,  
my practice more, I never was entangled  
in the like pursenet. Here is one that claims  
this woman for his daughter. Here's another  
affirms she is his bondslave. Now the Question  
(with favour of the Bench) I shall make plain  
in two words only without circumstance.  App. 
Fall to your proofs.  Orat. 
Where are our papers.  Clod. 
Here Sir.  Orat. 
Where Sir? I vow you're the most tedious client.  
Now we come to't my Lord. Thus stands the Case,  
the Law is clear on our sides. Hold your prating.  
That honourable Lord Virginius,  
having been married about fifteen year,  
and issueless, this Virgins politic mother  
Seeing the Land was likely to descend  
to Numitorius. I pray Sir listen.  
You my Lord Numitorius attend,  
we are on your side. Old Virginius  
employed in foreign wars, she sends him word  
she was with child; observe it, I beseech you,  
and note the trick of a deceitful woman:  
she in the mean time fains the passions  
of a great bellied woman, counterfeits  
their passions and their qualms and verily  
all Rome held this for no imposterous stuff.  
What's to be done now? here's a rumour spread  
of a young Heir, gods bless it, and belly  
bombasted with a cushion: but their wants,  
(What wants there?) nothing but a pretty babe,  
bought with some piece of money, where it skill not,  
to furnish this supposed lying in.  Nurse: 
I protest my Lord, the fellow i'th' night cap  
hath not spoke one true word yet.  Appius 
Hold you your prating woman till you are called.  Orat. 
'Tis purchased. Where? From this man's bondwoman  
The money paid. What was the sum of money?  Clod. 
A thousand Drachmas.  Orat. 
Good, a thousand Drachmas.  App. 
Where is that bondwoman.  Clod. 
She's dead, my Lord.  App. 
O dead, that makes your Cause suspicious.  Orat. 
But here's her deposition on her death bed,  
with other testimony to confirm  
what we have said is true. Wilt please your Lordship  
take pains to view these writings. Here, my Lord,  
we shall not need to hold your Lordships long,  
we'll make short work on't.  Virg. 
My Lord.  App. 
By your favour.  
If that your claim be just, how happens it  
that you have discontinued it the space  
of fourteen years?  Orat. 
I shall resolve your Lordship.  Icil. 
I vow this is a practised Dialogue:  
comes it not rarely off?  Virg. 
Peace, give them leave.  Orat. 
'Tis very true, this Gentleman at first  
thought to conceal this accident, and did so,  
only revealed his knowledge to the mother  
of this fair bondwoman, who bought his silence  
during her life time with great sums of Coyn.  App. 
Where are your proofs of that?  Orat. 
Here, my good Lord, with depositions likewise.  App. 
Well, go on.  Orat. 
For your question  
of discontinuance. Put case my slave  
run away from me, dwell in some near City  
the space of twenty years, and there grow rich,  
it is in my discretion, by your favour,  
to seize him when I please.  App. 
That's very true.  Virginia. 
Cast not your nobler beams, you reverend Judges  
on such a putrified dunghill.  App. 
By your favour, you shall be heard anon.  Virg. 
My Lords, believe not this spruce Orator.  
Had I but feed him first, he would have told  
as smooth a tale on our side.  App. 
Give us leave.  Virg. 
He deals in formal glosses, cunning shows,  
and cares not greatly which way the Case goes;  
Examine I beseech you this old woman,  
who is the truest witness of her birth.  App. 
Soft you, is she your only witness?  Virg. 
She is, my Lord.  App. 
Why, is it possible  
such a great Lady in her time of child birth,  
should have no other Witness but a Nurse?  Virg. 
For aught I know the rest are dead, my Lord.  App. 
Dead? no my Lord, belike they were of counsel  
with your deceased Lady, and so shamed  
twice to give colour to so vile an act.  
Thou Nurse observe me, thy offence already  
doth merit punishment beyond our censure,  
pull not more whips upon thee.  Nurse. 
I defy your whips, my Lord.  App. 
Command her silence Lictors.  Virg. 
O injustice! you frown away my Witness;  
Is this Law? is this uprightness?  App. 
Have you viewed the Writings?  
This is a trick to make our slaves our heirs  
beyond prevention.  Virg. 
Appius, wilt thou hear me?  
You have slandered a sweet Lady that now sleeps  
in a most noble Monument. Observe me,  
I would have ta'en her simple word to gauge  
before his soul or thine.  App. 
That makes thee wretched.  
Old man, I am sorry for thee that thy love,  
by custom is grown natural, which by nature  
should be an absolute loathing. Note the Sparrow,  
that having hatched a cuckoo, when it sees  
her brood a Monster to her proper kind,  
forsakes it, and with more fear shuns the nest,  
than she had care i'th' Spring to have it dressed.  
cast thy affection then behind thy back, and think.—  Orat. 
Be wise, take counsel of your friends.  
You have many soldiers in their time of service  
father strange children.  Virg. 
True: and Pleaders too,  
when they are sent to visit Provinces.  
You my most neat and cunning Orator,  
whose tongue is quicksilver, Pray thee good Janus  
look not so many several ways at once,  
but go to th' point.  Orat. 
I will, and keep you out  
at points end, though I am no soldier.  App. 
First the oath of the deceased bondwoman.  Orat. 
A very virtuous Matron.  App. 
Joined with the testimony of Clodius.  Orat. 
A most approved honest Gentleman.  App. 
Besides six other honest Gentlemen.  Orat. 
All Knights, and there's no question but their oaths will go for currant.  App. 
See my reverend Lords,  
and wonder at a Case so evident.  Virg. 
My Lord, I knew it.  Orat. 
Observe my Lord how their own Policy  
confounds them. Had your Lordship yesterday  
proceeded as 'twas fit, to a just sentence,  
the apparel and the Jewels that she wore,  
more worth than all her Tribe, had then been due  
unto our Client: now to cozen him  
of such a forfeit, see they bring the maid  
in her most proper habit, bondslave like,  
and they will save by th' hand too. Please your Lordships,  
I crave a sentence.  Virginius. Appius. Virginia. 
My Lord.  Icil. 
Lord Appius.  Virginius. 
Now by the Gods here's juggling.  Numit. 
Who cannot counterfeit a dead man's hand?  Virginius. 
Or hire some villain to swear forgeries?  Icil. 
Clodius was brought up in your house my Lord,  
and that's suspicious.  Numit. 
How is't probable,  
that our wife being present at the childbirth,  
whom this did nearest concern, should ne'er reveal it?  Virg. 
Or if ours dealt thus cunningly, how haps it  
her policy, as you term it, did not rather  
provide an Issue male to cheer the father?  Orat. 
I'll answer each particular.  App. 
It needs not,  
Here's witness, most sufficient witness.  
Think you, my Lord, our laws are writ in snow,  
and that your breath can melt them?  Virginius. 
No my Lord,  
We have not such hot livers: Mark you that?  Virginia. 
Remember yet the Gods, O Appius,  
who have no part in this. Thy violent Lust  
shall like the biting of the envenomed aspic,  
steal thee to hell. So subtle are thy evils,  
in life they'll seem good Angels, in death devils.  App. 
Observe you not this scandal?  Icil. 
Sir, 'Tis none.  
I'll show thy Letters full of violent Lust  
sent to this Lady.  App. 
Wilt thou breathe a lie  
'fore such a reverend Audience?  Icil. 
That place  
is sanctuary to thee. Lie? see here they are.  App. 
My Lords, these are but dilatory shifts.  
Sirrah I know you to the very heart,  
and I'll observe you.  Icil. 
Do but do it with Justice.  
Clear thyself first, O Appius, ere thou judge  
our imperfections rashly, for we wots  
the Office of a Justice is perverted quite  
when one thief hangs another.  1. Senator. 
You are too bold.  App. 
Lictors take charge of him.  Icil. 
'Tis very good.  
Will no man view these papers? What not one?  
Jove thou hast found a Rival upon earth,  
his nod strikes all men dumb. My duty to you.  
The Ass that carried Isis on his back,  
thought that the superstitious people kneeled  
to give his dulness humble reverence.  
If thou thinkest so, proud judge, I let thee see  
I bend low to thy Gown, but not to thee.  Virg. 
There's one in hold already. Noble youth  
fetters grace one being worn for speaking truth;  
I'll lie with thee, I swear, though in a dungeon;  
the injuries you do us we shall pardon,  
but it is just the wrongs which we forgive,  
the gods are charged therewith to see revenged.  App. 
Come, you're a proud Plebeian.  Virg. 
True my Lord.  
Proud in the glory of my Ancestors,  
who have continued these eight hundred years:  
the Heralds have not known you these eight months.  App. 
Your madness wrongs you, by my soul I love you.  Virg. 
Thy soul?  
O thy opinion old Pythagoras,  
Whither, O whither should thy black soul fly,  
into what ravenous bird or beast most vile?  
only into a weeping Crocodile.  
Love me? Thou lov'st me (Appius) as the earth loves rain,  
thou fain wouldst swallow me.  App. 
Know you the place you speak in?  Virg. 
I'll speak freely.  
Good men too much trusting their innocence  
do not betake them to that just defence  
which Gods and Nature gave them; but even wink  
in the black tempest, and so fond sink.  App. 
Let us proceed to sentence.  Virg. 
Ere you speak  
One parting farewell let me borrow of you  
to take of my Virginia.  App. 
Now my Lords,  
we shall have fair confession of the truth.  
Pray take your course.  Virg. 
Farewell my sweet Virginia, never, never  
shall I taste fruit of the most blessed hope  
I had in thee. Let me forget the thought  
of thy most pretty infancy, when first  
returning from the Wars, I took delight  
to rock thee in my Target, when my Girl  
would kiss her father in his burganet  
of glittering steel hung'bout his armed neck;  
and viewing the bright metal, smile to see  
another fair Virginia smile on thee.  
When I first taught thee how to go, to speak,  
and when my wounds have smarted, I have sung  
with an unskilful, yet a willing voice,  
to bring my Girl asleep. O my Virginia,  
when we begun to be, begun our woes,  
increasing still, as dying life still grows.  App. 
This tediousness doth much offend the Court.  
Silence: attend her Sentence.  Virg. 
Hold, without Sentence I'll resign her freely,  
since you will prove her to be none of mine.  App. 
See, see, how evidently Truth appears.  
Receive her Clodius.  Virg. 
Thus I surrender her into the Court  Kills her. 
of all the Gods. And see proud Appius see,  
although not justly, I have made her free.  
And if thy Lust with this Act be not fed,  
bury her in thy bowels, now she's dead.  Omnes. 
O horrid act!  App. 
Lay hand upon the Murderer.  Virg. 
Oh for a ring of pikes to circled me.  
What? have I stood the brunt of thousand enemies  
here to be slain by hangmen? No. I'll fly  
to safety in the Camp.  App. 
Some pursue the villain,  
others take up the body. Madness and rage  
are still th' Attendants of old doting age.  Enter two soldiers. 1 
Is our Hut swept clean?  2 
As I can make it.  1 
'Tis betwixt us two;  
but how many thinkest thou, bred of Roman blood,  
did lodge with us last night?  2 
More I think then the Camp hath enemies,  
they are not to be numbered.  1. 
Comrade, I fear Appius will doom us to Actaeon's death,  
to be worried by the cattle that we feed.  
How goes the day?  2 
My stomach has struck twelve.  1 
Come see what provant our knapsack yields.  
This is our store, our Garner.  2 
A small pittance.  1 
Feeds Appius thus, is this a City feast?  
This crust doth taste like date stones, and this thing  
if I knew what to call it.  2 
I can tell you: cheese struck in years.  1 
I do not think but this same crust was baked  
and this cheese frighted out of milk and whey  
before we two were soldiers: though it be old  
I see it can crawl; what living things be these  
that walk so freely between the rind and pith?  
for here's no sap left.  2 
They call them Gentles.  1 
Therefore 'tis thought fit,  
that soldiers by profession Gentlemen  
should thus be fed with Gentles. I am stomach sick,  
I must have some strong water.  2 
Where will you have't?  1 
In you green ditch, a place which none can pass  
but he must stop his nose, thou knowst it well,  
there where the two dead dogs lie.  2 
Yes I know't.  1 
And see the Cat that lies a distance off  
be flayed for supper. Though we dine to day  
as Dutch men feed their soldiers, we will sup  
bravely like Roman Leaguerers.  2 
Sir, the General.  1 
we'll give him place,  
but tell none of our dainties, lest we have  
too many guests to supper.  Enter Minutius with his soldiers reading a Letter. Minut. 
Most sure 'tis so, it cannot otherwise be,  
Either Virginius is degenerate  
from the ancient virtues he was wont to boast,  
or in some strange displeasure with the Senate;  
Why should these letters else from Appius  
confine him a close prisoner to the Camp?  
and which confirms his guilt, why should he fly?  
needs than must I incur some high displeasure  
for negligence to let him thus escape;  
which to excuse, and that it may appear  
I have no band with him, but am of faction  
opposed in all things to the least mildeed,  
I will cashier him, and his Tribuneship  
bestow upon some noble Gentleman  
belonging to the Camp. soldiers and friends,  
you that beneath Virginius Colours marched,  
by strict command from the decemvirate,  
we take you from the charge of him late fled,  
and his Authority, Command, and Honour  
we give this worthy Roman. Know his Colours,  
and prove his faithful soldiers.  Roman. 
Warlike General,  
my courage and my forwardness in battle,  
shall plead how well I can deserve the title,  
to be a Roman Tribune.  Enter the first mutinous soldier in haste. Minut. 
Now, the news?  1. Sould. 
Virginius in a strange shape of distraction,  
enters the camp, and at his heels a legion  
of all estates, growths, ages, and degrees,  
with breathless paces dog his frighted steps.  
It seems half Room 's unpeopled with a train  
that either for some mischief done, pursue him,  
or to attend some uncouth novelty.  Minut. 
Some wonder our fear promises. Worthy soldiers,  
martial yourselves, and entertain this novel  
within a ring of steel: Wall in this portent  
with men and harness, be it ne'er so dreadful.  
he's entered by the clamour of the camp,  
that entertains him with these echoing shouts.  
Affection that in soldier's hearts is bred,  
survives the wounded, and out lives the dead.  Enter Virginius with his knife, that and his arms stripped up to the elbows all bloody; coming into the midst of the soldiers, he makes a stand. Virg. 
Have I in all this populous Assembly  
of soldiers that have proved Virginius valour,  
one friend? Let him come thrill his partisan  
against this breast, that through a large wide wound,  
my mighty soul might rush out of this prison  
to fly more freely to yond crystal palace,  
where honour sits enthronized. What, no friend?  
Can this great multitude then yield an enemy  
that hates my life? Here let him seize it freely.  
What, no man strike? am I so well beloved?  
Minutius then to thee. If in this camp  
there lives one man so just to punish sin,  
so charitable to redeem from torments  
a wretched soldier, at his worthy hand  
beg a death.  Minut. 
What means Virginius?  Virg. 
Or if the general's heart be so obdure,  
to an old begging soldier, Have I here  
no honest Legionary of mine own Troop  
at whose bold hand and sword, if not entreat.  
I may command a death?  1. Sould. 
Alas good Captain.  Minut. 
Virginius, you have no command at all,  
your Companies are elsewhere now bestowed.  
Besides, we have a Charge to stay you here.  
and make you the camp's prisoner.  Virg. 
General, thanks.  
For thou hast done as much with one harsh word  
as I begged from their weapons. Thou hast killed me  
but with a living death.  Minut. 
Besides, I charge you  
to speak what means this ugly face of blood,  
you put on your distractions? What's the reason  
all Rome pursues you, covering those high hills,  
as if they dogged you for some damned act?  
What have you done?  Virg. 
I have played the Parricide,  
Killed mine own child,  Minut. 
Virginia?  Virg. 
Yes, even she.  
These rude hands ripped her, and her innocent blood  
flowed above my elbows.  Minut. 
Killed her willingly?  Virg. 
Willingly, with advice, premeditation,  
and settled purpose; and see still I wear  
her crimson colours, and these withered arms  
are died in her heart blood.  Minut. 
Most wretched villain?  Virg. 
But how? I loved her life. Lend me amongst you  
one speaking Organ to discourse her death;  
It is too harsh an imposition  
to lay upon a father. O my Virginia!  Minut. 
How agrees this? love her, and murder her?  Virg. 
Yes, Give me but a little leave to drain  
a few red tears, (for soldiers should weep blood)  
and I'll agree them well. Attend me all.  
Alas, might I have kept her chaste and free,  
this life so oft engaged for ingrateful Rome,  
lay in her bosom. But when I saw her pulled  
by Appius Lictors to be claimed a slave,  
and dragged unto a public session's house,  
divorced from her fore Spousals with Icilius,  
a noble youth, and made a bondwoman,  
enforced by violence from her father's arms  
to be a Prostiture and paramour  
to the rude twine of a lecherous Judge;  
Then, then, O loving soldiers, (I'll not deny it)  
for 'twas mine honour, my paternal pity,  
and the sole act, for which I love my life.  
Then lustful Appius, he that sways the Land,  
slew poor Virginia by this father's hand.  1 Sould. 
O villain Appius.  2 Sold. 
O noble Virginius.  Virg. 
To you I appeal, you are my Sentencers:  
Did Appius right, or poor Virginius wrong?  
Sentence my Fact with a free general tongue.  1. Sold. 
Appius is the Parricide.  2. Sold. 
Virginins guiltless of his daughter's death.  Minut. 
It this be true, Virginius as the moan  
of all the Roman fry that follows you  
confirms at large, this cause is to be pitied,  
and should not die revengeless.  Virg. 
Noble Minutius,  
Thou hast a daughter, thou hast a wife too,  
so most of yôu have soldiers. Why might not this  
have happened you? Which of you all, dear friends,  
but now, even now, may have your wives deflowered,  
your daughters slaved, and made a lictor's prey?  
Think them not safe in Rome, for mine lived there.  Roman. 
It is a common cause.  1 Sold. 
Appius shall die for't.  2 Sold. 
Let's make Virginius General.  Omnes. 
A General, a General, let's make Virginius' General.  Munit. 
It shall be so. Virginius take my Charge,  
the wrongs are thine, so violent and so weighty  
that none but he that lost so fair a child,  
knows how to punish. By the Gods of Rome,  
Virginius shall succeed my full command.  Virg. 
What's honour unto me, a weak old man,  
weary of life, and covetous of a grave?  
I am a dead man now Virginia lives not,  
the self same hand that dared to save from shame  
a child, dares in the father act the same  Offers to kill himself. 1. Sould. 
Stay noble General  Minut. 
You much forgo revenge, Virginia's.  
Who, if you die, will take your cause in hand,  
and proscribe Appius, should you perish thus?  Virg. 
Thou oughtest Minutius. Soldiers, so ought you.  
I'm out of fear, my noble wife's expired,  
My daughter (of blessed memory) the object  
of Appius lust, lives amongst the Elysian Vestals,  
my house yields none fit for his lictor's spoil.  
You that have wives lodged in you prison Rome,  
have Lands unrifled, houses yet unseized;  
your freeborn daughters yet unstrumpeted,  
prevent these mischiefs yet while you have time.  1. Sold. 
We will by you our noble General.  2. Sold. 
He that was destined to preserve great Rome.  Virg. 
I accept your choice in hope to guard you all  
from my inhuman sufferings. Be to my pride  
that I have bred a daughter whose chaste blood  
was spilt for you, and for Rome's lasting good.  
Explicit Actus Quartus.   

Actus Quintus Scena Prima.  Enter Opius, a Senator, and the Advocate. Opius. 
IS Appius then committed?  Senator. 
So 'tis rumoured.  Opius. 
How will you bear you in this turbulent state?  
You are a Member of that wretched Faction.  
I wonder how you scape imprisonment?  Advocate. 
Let me alone, I have learned with the wise hedgehog.  
to stop my cave that way the tempest drives.  
Never did Bear-whelp tumbling down a hill  
with more art shrink his head betwixt his claws  
than I will work my safety Appius  
is in the sand already up to th' chin,  
and shall I hazard landing on that shelf?  
he's a wise friend that first befriends himself.  Opius. 
What is your course, of safety?  Advoc. 
Marry this.  
Virginius with his Troops is entering Rome,  
and it is like that in the market place  
my L. Icilius and himself shall meet.  
Now to encounter these, two such great Armies,  
where lies my Court of Guard?  Senat. 
Why in your heels.  
There are strange dogs uncoupled.  Adu. 
You are deceived,  
I have studied a most eloquent Oration,  
that shall applaud their fortune, and distaste  
the cruelty of Appius.  Senat. 
Very good Sir.  
It seems than you will rail upon your Lord,  
your late good Benefactor.  Adu. 
By the way Sir.  Senat. 
Protest Virginia was no bondwoman,  
and read her noble Pedigree.  Adu. 
By the way Sir.  Opius. 
Can you not by the way too find occasion  
to beg Lord Appius Lands?  Adu. 
And by the way  
perchance I will. For I will gull them all  
most palbably.  Opius. 
Indeed you have the Art  
of flattery.  Adu. 
Of rhetoric you would say.  
And I'll begin my smooth Oration thus,  
Most learned Captains.  Senat. 
Fie, fie, that's horrible, most of your Captains.  
are utterly unlearned.  Adu. 
Yet I assure you,  
most of them know arithmetic so well,  
that in a Muster to preserve dead pays,  
they I make twelve stand for twenty.  Opius. 
Very good.  Adu. 
Then I proceed,  
I do applaud your fortunes, and commend  
in this your observation, noble shake-rags.  
The Helmet shall no more harbour the spider,  
but it shall serve to carouse Sack and cider.  
The rest within I'll study.  Opius. 
Farewell Proteus,  
and I shall wish thy eloquent bravado  
may shield thee from the whip and Eastinado.  
now in this furious tempest let us glide,  
with folded sails at pleasure of the tide.  Enter Icilius, Horatio, Valerius, Numitorius (at open door) with soldiers; Virginius, Minutius, and others at the other door. Icil. 
Stand.  Virg. 
Make a stand.  Wins Icil. 
A parley with Virginius.  Minut. 
We will not trust our General 'twixt the Armies,  
but upon terms of hostage.  Numit. 
Well advised!  
Nor we our General: who for the leaguer?  Minut. 
Ourself.  Minutius and Numitorius meet embrace, salute the Generals. Virg. 
Who for the City?  Icil. 
Numitorius.  Numit. 
How is it with your sorrow noble brother?  Virg. 
I am forsaken of the gods, old man.  Numit. 
Preach not that wretched doctrine to yourself,  
It will beget despair.  Virg. 
What do you call  
a burning fever? Is not that a devil?  
It shakes me like an earthquake. Wilt a, wilt a  
give me some Wine?  Numit. 
O it is hurtful for you!  Virg. 
Why so? are all things that the appetite  
of man doth covet in his perfectest health,  
what ever Art or Nature have invented,  
to make the boundless wish of man contented,  
Are all his poison? Give me the Wine there.— When?  
Do you grudge me a poor cup of drink? Say, Say.  
Now by the gods, I'll leave enough behind me  
to pay my debts, and for the rest, no matter  
who scrambles for't.  Numit. 
Here my noble brother I  
Alas, your hand shakes. I will guide it to you.  Virg. 
'Tis true, it trembles. Welcome thou just palsy,  
'twere pity this should do me longer service,  
now it hath slain my daughter. So I thank you;  
now I have lost all comforts in the world,  
it seems I must a little longer live;  
be't but to serve my belly.  Minut. 
O my Lord,  
this violent fever took him late last night,  
since when, the cruelty of the disease,  
hath drawn him into sundry passions  
beyond his wont temper.  Icil. 
'Tis the gods  
have poured their Justice on him.  Virg. 
You are sadly met my Lord.  Icil. 
Would we had met  
in a cold grave together two months since,  
I should not then have cursed you.  Virg. 
Ha! What's that?  Icil. 
Old man, thou hast showed thyself a noble Roman,  
but an unnatural Father; thou hast turned  
my Bridal to a Funeral. What devil  
did arm thy fury with the lion's paw,  
the dragon's tail, with the Bulls double horn,  
the cormorant's beak, the cockatrice's eyes,  
the Scorpions teeth? and all these by a father  
to be employed upon his innocent child?  Virg. 
Young man, I love thy true description;  
I am happy now, that one beside myself,  
doth teach me for this act. Yet were I pleased,  
I could approve the deed most Just and noble;  
and sure posterity, which truly renders  
to each man his desert, shall praise me for't.  Icil. 
Come, 'twas unnatural and damnable.  Virg. 
You need not interrupt me. Here's a fury  
will do it for you! You are a Roman Knight.  
What was your oath when you received your Knighthood?  
a parcel of it is, as I rememember,  
rather to die with honour, then to live  
in servitude. Had my poor girl been ravished,  
in her dishonour, and in my sad grief,  
your love and pity quickly had ta'en end.  
Great men's misfortunes thus have ever stood,  
they touch none nearly, but their nearest blood.  
What do you mean to do? It seems, my Lord,  
now you have caught the sword within your hand,  
like a madman you'll draw it to offend  
those that best love you; and perhaps the counsel  
of some lose unthrifts, and vile male contents  
hearten you to't: go to, take your course,  
my faction shall not give the least advantage  
to murderers, to bankrupts, or thiefs,  
to fleece the common Wealth.  Icil. 
Do you term us so?  
Shall I reprove your rage, or is't your malice?  
He that would tame a Lion, doth not use  
the goad or wired whip, but a sweet voice,  
a fearful stroking, and with food in hand  
must ply his wanton hunger.  Virg: 
Want of sleep will do it better than all these, my Lord.  
I would not have you wake for others ruin,  
lest you turn mad with watching.  Icil. 
O you gods!  
You are now a General; learn to know your place,  
and use your noble calling modestly.  
Better had Appius been an upright judge,  
and yet an evil man, then honest man,  
and yet a dissolute judge; for all disgrace  
lights less upon the person, than the place.  
You are i'th' City now, where if you raise  
but the least uproar, even your father's house  
shall not be free from ransack. Piteous fires  
that chance in towers of stone, are not so feared  
as those that light in Flax shops; for there's food  
for eminent ruin.  Minut. 
O my noble Lord!  
Let not your passion bring a fatal end  
to such a good beginning. All the world  
shall honour that deed in him, which first  
grew to a reconcilement.  Icil. 
Come my Lord,  
I love your friendship; yes in sooth I do,  
but will not seal it with that bloody hand.  
Join we our armies. No fantastic copy,  
or borrowed precedent will I assume  
in my revenge. There's hope yet you may live,  
to outwear this sorrow.  Virg. 
O Impossible.  
A minute's joy to me, would quite cross nature,  
as those that long have dwelled in noisome rooms,  
swoon presently if they but scent perfumes.  Icil. 
to th' Senate. Come, no more of this sad tale,  
for such a tell-tale may we term our grief,  
and doth as 'twere so listen to her own words,  
Envious of others sleep, because she wakes.  
I ever would converse with a grieved person  
in a long journey to beguile the day,  
or winter evening to pass time away.  
March on, and let proud Appius in our view  
like a tree rotten, fall that way he grew.  Enter Appius, and Marcus Clodius in prison, fettered and gyved. App. 
The world is changed now. All damnations  
seize on the Hydra headed multitude,  
that only gape for innovation.  
O who would trust a people?  Clod. 
Nay, who would not,  
rather than one reared on a popular suffrage,  
whose station's built on Avees and Applause?  
There's no firm structure on these airy Bases.  
O fie upon such Greatness.  App. 
The same hands  
that yesterday to hear me conscionate.  
and Orarorize, rung shrill Plaudits forth  
in sign of grace, now in contempt and scorn  
hurry me to this place of darkness.  Clod. 
Can not their poisons rather spend themselves,  
on th' judge's folly, but must it needs stretch  
to me his servant, and sweep me along?  
Curse on the inconstant rabble.  App. 
Grieves it thee  
to impart my sad disaster?  Clod. 
Marry doth it.  App. 
Thou shared'st a fortune with me in my Greatness,  
I hailed thee after when I climb my State,  
and shrinkest thou at my ruin?  Clod. 
I loved your Greatness,  
and would have traced you in the golden path  
of sweet promotion; but this your decline  
sours all these hoped sweets.  App. 
'Tis the world right.  
Such gratitude a great man still shall have  
that trusts unto a temporising slave.  Clod. 
Slave? Good. Which of us two in our dejection  
is basest? I am most sure  
your loathsome dungeon is as dark as mine,  
your conscience for a thousand sentences  
wrongly denounced, much more oppressed than mine.  
then which is the most slave?  App. 
O double baseness,  
to hear a drudge thus with his Lord compare!  
Great men disgraced, slaves to their servants are.  Enter Virginius, Icilius, Minutius, Numitoriut, Horatio, Valerius, Opius with soldiers. Virg. 
Soldiers, keep a strong guard whilst we survey  
our sentenced prisoners: And from this deep dungeon  
keep off that great concourse, whose violent hands  
would ruin this stone building and drag hence  
this impious judge piece▪ meal, to tear his limbs  
before the Law convince him.  Icil. 
See these Monsters,  
whose fronts the fair Virginia's innocent blood  
hath vizarded with such black ugliness,  
that they are loathsome to all good men's souls.  
Speak damned judge how canst thou purge thyself  
from Lust and blood?  App. 
I do confess myself  
guilty of both: yet hear me, noble Romans,  
Virginius, thou dost but supply my place,  
I thine. Fortune hath lift thee to my Chair,  
and thrown me headlong to thy pleading bar.  
If in mine eminence I was stern to thee;  
shunning my rigour, likewise eat my fall.  
And being mild where I shown cruelty,  
establish still thy greatness. Make some use  
of this my bondage. With indifference  
survey me, and compare my yesterday  
with this sad hour, my height with my decline,  
and give them equal balance.  Virg. 
Uncertain fate, but yesterday his breath  
awed Rome, and his least ●…ved frown was death:  
I cannot choose but pity and lament,  
So high a rise should have such low descent.  Icil. 
He's ready to forget his injury.  
(Oh too relenting age!) Thinks not Virginius,  
if he should pardon Appius this black deed,  
and set him once more in the Ivory Chair,  
he would be wary to avoid the like,  
become a new man, a more upright Judge,  
and deserve better of the Common Weal?  Virg. 
'Tis like he would.  Icil. 
Nay, if you thus begin,  
I'll fetch that shall anatomize his sin.  Exit. Numit. 
Virginius, you are too remiss to punish  
deeds of this nature. You must fashion now  
your actions to your place, not to your passion,  
severity to such acts is as necessary  
as pity to the tears of innocence.  A shout. Minut. 
He speaks but Law and Justice.  
Make good the streets, with your best men at arms:  
Valerius and Horatio know the reason  
of this loud uproar, and confused noise.  
Although my heart be melting at the fall  
of men in place and Office, we'll be just  
to punish murderous Acts, and censure Lust.  Enter Valerius and Horatio. Valer. 
Icilius, worthy Lord, bears through the street  
the body of Virginia towards this prison;  
which when it was discovered to the people,  
moved such a mournful clamour, that their cries  
pierced heaven, and forced tears from their sorrowing eyes.  Horat. 
Here comes Icilius.  Enter Icilius with the body of Virginia. Icil. 
Where was thy pity when thou slewest this maid,  
thou wouldst extend to Appius? Pity? See  
her wounds still bleeding at the horrid presence  
of you stern Murderer, till she find revenge;  
nor will these drops stench, or these springs be dry  
till theirs be set a bleeding: Shall her soul  
(whose essence some suppose lives in the blood)  
still labour without rest? Will old Virginius  
murder her once again in this delay?  Virg. 
Pause there Icilius.  
This sight hath stiffened all my operant powers,  
iced all my blood, benumbed my motion quite.  
I'll pour my soul into my daughter's belly,  
and with a soldiers tears embalm her wounds.  
My only dear Virginia!  App. 
Leave this passion,  
proceed to your just sentence.  Virg. 
We will. Give me two swords. Appius grasp this,  
You Clodius that. You shall be your own hangmen,  
do Justice on yourselves. You made Virginius.  
sluice his own blood: lodged in his daughter's breast,  
which your own hands shall act upon yourselves.  
If you be Romans, and retain their spirits,  
redeem a base life with a noble death,  
and through your left veins confine your breath.  App. 
Virginius is a noble Justicer,  
had I my crooked paths levelled by thine.  
I had not swayed the balance. Think not Lords,  
but he that had the spirit to oppose the Gods,  
dares likewise suffer what their powers inflict:  
I have not dreaded famine, fire, nor strage,  
their common vengeance, poison in my cup,  
nor dagger in my bosom, the revenge  
of private men for private injuries;  
nay more than these, not feared to commit evil,  
and shall I tremble at the punishment?  
Now with as much resolved constancy,  
as I offended, will I pay the mulct,  
and this black stain laid on my family,  
than which a nobler hath not place in Rome,  
Wash with my blood away. Learn of me Clodius,  
I'll teach thee what thou never studiest yet,  
that's bravely how to die. Judges are termed  
the Gods on earth; and such as are corrupt  
read me in this my ruin. Those that succeed me  
that so offend, thus punish. This the sum of all,  
Appius that sinned, by Appius hand shall fall.  Kills himself Virg. 
He died as boldly as he basely erred,  
and so should every true bred Roman do.  
And he whose lise was odious, thus expiring;  
in his death forceth pity. Clodius thou  
wast follower of his fortunes in his being,  
therefore in his not being imitate  
his fair example.  Clod. 
Death is terrible  
unto a conscience that's oppressed with guilt.  
They say there is Elysium and hell,  
the first I have forfeited, the latter fear.  
My skin is not sword proof.  Icil. 
Why dost thou pause?  Clod. 
For mercy, mercy I entreat you all.  
Is't not sufficient for Virginia slain  
that Appius suffered; one of noble blood,  
and eminence in place, for a plebeian?  
Besides, he was my Lord and might command me:  
If I did aught, 'twas by compulsion, Lords,  
and therefore I crave mercy.  Icil. 
Shall I doom him?  Virg. 
Do, good Icilius.  Icil. 
Then I sentence thus:  
Thou hadst a mercy, most unmeriting slave,  
of which thy base birth was not capable,  
which we take off by taking thence thy sword.  
And note the difference 'twixt a noble strain,  
and one bred from the rabble: both alike  
dared to transgress, but see their odds in death:  
Appius died like a Roman Gentleman,  
and a man both ways knowing; but this slave  
is only sensible of vicious living,  
not apprehensive of a noble death.  
Therefore as a base Malefactor (we)  
and timorous slave, give him (as he deserves)  
unto the common Hangman.  Clod. 
What, no mercy?  Icil. 
Stop's mouth,  
away with him: the life of the Decemviri  
expires in them. Rome thou at length art free,  
restored unto thine ancient liberty.  Minut. 
Of Consuls: which bold junius Brutus first  
begun in Tarquin's fall. Virginius you  
and young Icilius shall his place succeed,  
so by the people's suffrage 'tis decreed.  Virg. 
We martial than our soldiers in that name  
of Consuls, honoured with these golden bays.  
Two fair, but Ladies most infortunate,  
have in their ruins raised declining Rome,  
Lucretia and Virginia, both renowned  
for chastity. Soldiers and noble Romans  
to grace her death, whose life hath freed great Rome,  
march with her Course to her sad Funeral Tomb.  Exeunt. Flourish.  
FINIS.