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THE
VIRGIN
VICTIM.
A
TRA G E DY.
Ter patriæ Cecidere Manus. Virg,
e$g ***/^$#
$59*****
*199
*********
**AX$9**
By the late za TEMAS COMBER, L.ZD
Rector of Buik worth & Morborie
Huntingdoushur
H U N T T N G D 0 N,
Printed by A. JENKINSON
MDCCLXXVII.

C
ΤΟ ΟΙ
284 [Comber (T.) LLD. Rector of Buckworth,
- Huntingdonshire] The Virgin Witowa
tragedy, 8vo, unbound, 3s 6d i visi Victim.
ΑΥΤΑ ,
Huntingdon, 1777
O TO .
Τ Ο

Libran.
24736
Perfons of the Drama.
MEN.
Appius Claudius, a Decemvir.
Claudius, his Creature.
Lucius Virginius, a popular Leader.
P. Numitorius, Brother in Law to Virginius.
L. Icilius, a tribunitian Youth of Family,
eſpouſed to Virginia.
WOMEN
Fautina, Nurſe to Virginia.
Virginia, Daughter to Virginius.
SCENE: the Roman Forum.
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The VIRGIN VICTIM.
ORGIOCANDY
AC Τ Ι.
SCENE I.
Appius.
XXX* HOU reign'ſt fole Fav'rite in this gen'rous Boſom :
tá But to my Soul 1peak with the Voice of Hope,
T
Yg That ſweetelt Muſic, while my am'rous Mind,
## Collected in Attention at my Ear,
Thirſts to imbibe thy Tale! - Are our Nets ſpred?
Will then that beauteous Bird be tangled foon !
I'm all-impatient to devour her charms!
Claudius. Our Nets have long been ſpred, but ſpred in vain!
Appius. I fear, my Fowler's ſkill-leſs in his Art,
Or knowing it, devotes Himſelf to ſloth.
ho
Claudius. Your Fowler's ever-watchful for his Prey,
And has obtain'd an old Decoy to aid Him,
But the young Game's moft-ſhy. Know then, Fautina
Her Nurſe, with Gold I've to our Purpoſe bound.
She ever ſings your Praiſes, and your love:
But her young Charge Virginia liftens not
To this illuſive Song.
Appius.
I muſt poſſeſs Her.
Honors and Power by Appiuis are deſpiſed
Unleſs they purchaſe Pleaſures ! but of theſe
What can I taſte, Virginia unpofſeft ?
Poffeffion

6 THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Polefin is Enjoyment. If the yield not,
I'll force Her to my Bed : and yet much I fear,
Love aſks a willing Vietim at his Shrine,
Or elſe the genial Flame's extinguiſht ſoon
By it's reluctant Struggles. Whence can ſpring
Virginia's Scorn of Appius? Gods, that I
(Imperial Rome's great Maſter, ) muſt confeſs
Myſelf thus ſcorn'd and by a puling Girl ?
Love, thou'rt a Leveller! as luch I'll hate Thee.
her
Claudius. Virginia vows, that She a Name adores,
Which our weak ſuperſtitious Sires have raiſed
To a proud Deity, and madly built
Fair Honor's Temple, whither None approach
Unleſs they've thro' ideal Virtue's paft.
"
Appius. Does She then idolize that Lure of Fools,
And Stale of wiſemen, praiſed but ſtarving Virtue ?
Claudius. So ſhe proteſts : but if I aught diſcerii,
While ſhe adores this ever-lovely Virtue,
She worſhips it inſbrin'd in young Icilius.
Appius. Icilius ? Dares that Clod of putrid Earth
Preſume to ſhine a Rival to the diamond ?
Virginia cannot then poſſeſs an Eye -
And yet ſhe has moſt bright ones: yes, her Eyes
Quite cloud the Diamond's Blaze! And dares the wretch
Preſumptuous with his vulgar Breath profane
That Shrine, where Appius looks with Veneration ?
Claudius. He dares the holy Rites of fpoufal Love
With fair Virginia Celebrate,
Appius.
Fly, ſeize Him,
Drag Him to my Tribunal. There in Tortures
I'll lee the Wretch expire, and ſate my Vengeance!
Fly inftant; for a Moment's Stay's Perdition.
Claudius. But what ſhall be his Crine ?
his infernal Magic
Appius.
Infernal Magic. SU
Without it, ( ſure, ) the humble-burn Icilius
Had
hej

THE VIRGIN - VICTIM.
7
Had dreaded Rivalſhip with Appius Claudius, Ohi)
Nor could Virginia with moſt-piercing Eyes - vi brukt som
Be to my Graces, his Deformities
Stark-blind!
Claudius.
One Moment think! His Family
Are like a Lion's Den, and more than half-aſleep.
To rouſe their Fury is to wake Deftru&tion
Even to Appius.
Appius.
And darſt Thou expoftulate?
I'll ſend thy Soul, baſe Slave, to growl below
For Diſobedience !
Claudius.
But forgive my Fears.
You in Icilius' Life ſhall triumph more
Than in his Death, and then to your warm Breaſt
Virginia claſp.
Appius.
Already I enjoy
The double Banquet, Vengeance mix'd and Love.
Claudius. Fautina's Tongue accordant to the Sound
Of Appius' Gold ſhall move, and loud aſſert
Virginia born my Slave, by Her impos’d
For the dead Daughter of Virginius.
Thus ſhall Icilius hear Law's Sentence give
To me a Slave, to you a lovely Victim.
Appius. To Thee expos'd believe my choiceſt Treaſures. —
But art thou ſure, to Us her Tongue is true?
Elſe Diſappointment on our Meaſures waits !
Claudius. As ſure as that both Avarice and Falſehood
Poſſeſs the Old ! - If Youths on Pleaſures dote,
The Need of wealth to buy them, pleads Excuſe :
But avaricious Age is downright Madneſs,
And
yet abforb’d are other Appetites
Of Age in that grand Pool of Avarice.
Appius. Haſte then, and ſeize thy Slave, and quickly drag Her
To my Tribunal! But what ſaid 1? Drag Her ?
Don't drag, but gently lead Her : yet fhe merits
Contempt

8
THE VIRGIN Viot 1 M.
Contempt and Cruelty for her Contempt
And Cruelty to Appius.
Claudius.
Wer't not noblet
And worthier a Decemvir, worthier Appius,
Their Chief, could He fo-much deſpiſe. Virginia,
As to reſign Her to that baſe-born Choice
And puniſh Her with Poverty and Children?
Appius. What! Let Icilius triumph in his Boldneſs,
Victor at-once of Appius and Virginia !
No! I will claſp Her to this angry Breaſt,
And feel far-keener Joys in all the Woes 30,
This wayward Girl expreſſes than Compliance
Could give my Love. Then my juft Hate ſhall triumph
In Dilappointment of the bold Icilius,
az
Claudius. Lo! Where Virginia comes ?
-
SCENE II,
[ Virginia, Fautina, and Icilius appear at a Diſtance. ]
Appius.
- Gods! How her Form allures!
She muſt not, cannot dote on mean Icilius!
How-ſoon my Hate is murther'd-by my Love !
They are twin Brethren, and by Turns ſurvive.
Claudius. In vain muſt plead the Eloquence of Appius.
You by your Rashneſs will yourſelf declare/
A Party, who ſhould Fudge impartial ſeem,
If You in Safety would enjoy Virginia !
Appius. I am thy Slave : then from this Precipice
Preſerve me! I am giddy with two Paſſions
At-once; with Love and Anger !
Claudius.
In the Road
Of Peace and Safety then permit me lead you !
[ As theſe go out one Way, the others enter by the other Way. ]
Virginia. How fierce the Looks of Appius ſtruck my Soul!
E'er

THE VIRGIN VICTIMS
9
.
(Hes
E'er comes To-morrow's Eve, Virginia dies !
Fautina. Dies to a Maiden State, lives to a Matron's !
Icilius. Thoſe Tears diffolve my Heart; Hean't ſuſtain 'em!
He goes out ]
1 9112 04
Virginia. And is He flown? He loves not ( ſure ) Virginia,
Or He had kiſſed away theſe tender Tears.
Fautina. A nobler Roman would not thus deſert You. 2
dozereg
Virginia. “ Deſert me?”. May foul Falſehood blaſt thy Tongue!
66 A nobler Roman! None can nobler act
Then He who to his Country's Intreſts gives
His Fortune and his Life, as does Icilius.
Did I blaſpheme his Virtues ? --- Worſhippers,
If humble, queſtion not the Power or Goodneſs,
Which they adore, but their own worth alone. =
But, ſure, my Fears, ye're guilty, and your Folly
Hasz drove away by Sorrow my Soul's Comfort,
Icilius.
ay by en roer til bare
Fautina.
Did you not this Moment doubt his Love?
Virginia. What Train advances hither! My fad Heart
Preſages, that ſome heavy Puniſhment
They bring Virginia for Icilius griev'd !
ditron SCE N E HII.
[ Claudius enters ſurrounded by his Friends, and comes up to Virginia. ]
Claudius. Truſt me, I'm pain’d to do myſelf mere Juſtice!
You are a Woman, and as ſuch claim Mercy :
You're young and beautiful, and as ſuch claim Love,
You're modeſt, and as ſuch demand Eſteem.
You actuate all beſt Paſſions of my Soul,
And cauſe me half-forget my dreadful Buſineſs. ----
Virginia. Your dreadful Buſineſs! Pray, ſpeak plain it's Meaning,
Nor needleſs Anguilh give!
Claudius:

10
THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Claudius,
One thought a Leader's Daughter
Muſt be reduc'd to Poverty and Slav'ry! -
Virginia. Is then my Country loft, my Sire, and Spouſe? -
Claudius. You have no Sire !
You have
Virginia.
Has Heav'n then crown'd his Wifhes ?
It was his firſt warm Wiſh, “ Be fav’d my Country!”
His next, “ With it may periſh I!” Theſe Tears
How He'd reproach!- Yet Nature does them claim.
Claudius. Not-only to myſelf, and Family,
But to the brave Virginius, as moſt-groſſly
Abuſed, thus my Duty urges Claim,
I come to dalh you from a State of Plenty,
Eaſe, Splendor, Happineſs, to Depth extreme
Of Poverty, Obfcurity, and Woe!
Virginia. Good Heavens! Virginius, Romans, Gods, Icilius !
Claudius. Peace, hapleſs Maid! Your Patience may obtain
Far-nobler Treatment than your Birth durſt hope.
SCEN E IV. Icilius enters with his Sword drawn.
Virginia callid Icilius with a Voice
So-plaintfully perſuaſive as might raiſe
Cowards to Brave Men, or make Tyrants gentle !
[ Claudius dragging Virginia to Appius's Tribunal, and Icilius
attempting a Reſcue. ]
Icilius. Withdraw thy facrilegious Hands, or Death
Shall reſcue from thy Gripe this free-born Roman,
This maiden-Daughter of the brave Virginius,
And, which may ſanctify this Rage, --my Spouſe!
Claudius. This Maid was born my Slave, and yet impos'd
On good Virginius, as a fav’rite Daughter;
For You deſign’d a Spouſe.
Icilius, Canſt Thou ſuggeſt for ſuch a Violation
Of

THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Of all the Rights of Liberty ? -
Numitorius.
The Plea
Of brave Virginius is as fully-known
As the moft-folemn-Claim of roman Freedom!
Claudius. Then let us to great Appius's Tribunal
Have juſt Recourſe, and there dilucidate
This Cauſe of Ingenuity; fo flouriſh Rome!--
[ The End of the Firſt A&t. ]
book
obce
ACT II. SCENE I.
Appius [ Aſcending his Tribunal:]
Claudius, itate real Facts with greateſt Plainneſs;
For who attempts by Eloquences Colouring
To intereſt our Paſſions and not Reaſon,
No Reverence pays to Truth, but on his Judge
Urges Affronts, and injures much his Cauſe.
To ſuch baſe Arts Superior riſes Appius !
Claudius. So long has Claudius deem'd, and ſtill muſt deem!
Pathetic Colours are but pleaſing Lures,
Which hope the Judge to mock, but much deceive
The Client, and then fit Succeſs inſure.
Strait forwards therefore I'll my Tale relate.
Here ſtands a Maiden, who ( if Form is made
Criterion, ) a much better Fate deſerves,
Than Servitude, and Ingenuity
Might claim, at leaſt with plauſible Pretence ;
The Gods thought otherwiſe, and made Her Slave!
Confirm their wiſe Decrees, adore their Juſtice;
And tho' Virginius partial may complain,
Forgive, nay much compaſſionate your Soldier !
Her Mother was my Property, tho’ Art
B 2
Con-

12
THE VIRGIN VICTIM,
Concealed long the Fact! Abfolve the Gods
For this Diſguiſe, and vindicate jutt Heaven!
Meanwhile till Providence elucidate
The Fraud, and brave Virginius Leiſure gain
To ſee my Right, to me the Care commit
Of this fair Maid, whom I'll aſſiduous guard !
Appointed by wiſe Laws to ſhield her Perſon,
And much indanger'd Youth ( important Charge!)
Appius. So ſpeaks the Voice of Law's impartial Rule!
Until ſome better Reaſon can the Friends
Of this unhappy Maid produce !
Icilius.
Rome's Soldier
Commits to his juſt Repreſentative
This Guardianſhip, till He in Arms appears.
Appius. The Voice of calling Romans let' Him hear,
And one Day's Abſence from Vecilius's Mount
By Equity be granted !
Numitorius.
Twice the Space
Might Equity allow, and we demand :
But we will recompenſe with ſpeed the Diſtance!
Claudius. Who will ſufficient Sponſion interpoſe,
That with To-morrow's Sun Virginius
At this Tribunal ſolemn ſhall appear,
And ſafe produce this much-unfortunate ?
Icilius. See, Appius, every Roman's Hand is raiſed
In Teſtimony that He joins Icilius,
As Sponſor for the Appearance of Virginia!
I thank ye, Romans, Countrymen, I thank ye;
Theſe Tears of Gratitude are Eloquence,
( That Suffrage beſt ) in which Iilius glories,
Much-rather than if join'd in your Decemvirate,
Tyrannic Appius! - I may need your Hands,
To Morrow, Friends ! — This Day the Spouſe and Uncle
Become this Maiden's ample Guard and Sponfion!
Appius. While breathes Icilius thus Virginia's Name,
He

THE VIR Ġ IN VICTIM.
13
1
He tribune-like inkindles fierce Sedition, tons ist
And dire Deſtruction hopes to propagate ;
But I'll not fail, with Prudence to withdraw
To Day the Fuel ! — Hear, attentive Claudius,
To ſave your Country from Perdition's Brink
Remit your Right! - Conſign Virginia
To theſe her ſeeming-zealous Relatives. -
Old Numitorius and the bold Icilius
Bind each in twenty Talents !
[ To the Scribe.
Virginia.
Gen'rous Countrymen,
Strong Gratitude reſtores this Voice, which Fear
Has long kept Silent. - For this Teſtimony
Of
your Regard to me and my Icilius,
I thank ye, and with Prayers alone will pay!
Still may your Daughters find as-worthy Huſbands
As my Icilius, and ( to fum their Praiſe, )
May they deſerve ſuch ! — If they're arm’d with Beauty,
Ne'er may that Beauty tempta Raviſher !
And tho' Virginia be to her Icilius
Quite loft, may ſhe die ſpotleſs, yet redeem
Your Freedom, which alone is worthy Rome!
[ Appiuis quit s the Tribunal. - Claudius remains alone,
holding a Note in his Hand. ] -
SCENE II.
Thus to my private Tablet, (by whoſe Means
I fought Inſtruction how I ſhould conduct
My Claim,) this needful Anſwer Appius gives.
Compaſſion feign: it muſt our Cauſe promote,
“ On Equity He ſeems moſt to depend,
“Who in this Cauſe, the Freedom of this Maid,
• Accuſed of having been in Slav'ry born,
“ And as a Slave reclaim'd, each kind Allowance
6 For Freedom makes. I'll to our main Deſign
Attend, yet by Conceſſions amply profit!”
'Tis well,' I find I need not ſtudy Pity!
Nature all-powerful melts me.
What a Being
Is Man, who neither Acts firm Friend to Vice,
Nor Foe to Virtue ! Traitor to Himſelf,
He

14
THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Who ſeem'd more-keen to burn, as fafter flow'd
He feels each Moment more-than-mortal Pangs
Yet neither lives, nor dies ! But hither haftes
A Fellow-Suffrer moſt-ſeverely pang’d!
I'll urge Her down the Precipicel. She back
Muſt never dare to look. Whence this Remorſe?
SCENE III. Fautina enters weeping.
Claudius. Thy fooliſh Tongue is bought at Price too-high!
Fautina. Oh! She is Lovelineſs, itſelf and Virtue!
She far-out-rivals chaſte Lucretia's Merit,
That juſt Exemplar of each roman Maid ! )
She's like Lucretia chaſte, without her Pride,
In Her did Silence, Sorrow, Baſhfulneſs,
( Than Elocution more effectual ) plead :
And yet her virgin Innocence appear'd
Moſt to excite the Monſter to Deſtruction,
Her Tears,
Fautina.
Thy cauſeleſs Claim
Then yield to Silence : or my honeſt Tongue
Shall all confefs. - Tho with intenſeft Fires
You melt the golden Bribe, and down my Throat
Diſcharge the liquid Potion, on my Breaſt
You cannot Half the Pangs, which now it feels
From conſcience, Hand, inflict.
Claudius.
We'll Thee accuſe
But with ſuch Plauſibility extreme,
Of Perjury's Subornation, that Icilius
Might revel in my Slave Virginia's Arms,
That Thou ſhall ſuffer million Times the Pangs
Of Death in Tortures, which would. Scalding prove.
Liſten, ye righteous Gods! The Voice of Law
Calls Torture “ ſacred Harbinger of Truth.”
Behold! Fautina once-inflav'd to Avarice
Tho foon to Juſtice and Repentance rouſed,
Again relapſes to the very Depth
Of Wickedneſs, by Dread of keeneſt Tortures
And human Nature yields to Force of Art,
Claudius,

TH £ VIRGIN
VIRGIN VICTIM.
15
Claudius. Thy ſingle Life Tha'n't ſatiate our Vengeance,
As oft Thou ſhalt be ſlain, as Babes or Huſband
Have Lives, by which to bleed for falſe Fautina.
Fautina. O Nature, as Thou oft in duty's Paths
Duft Us conduct, ſo Thou not ſeldom lead'ft
Us thence, and I alas ! muft facrifice
This Miracle of female Excellence,
Once-bleſt Virginia, to preſerve Myſelf,
My Huſband, Sons, and Daughters ! From this Breaſt
Did She thoſe Streams derive, which gave Her Strength,
Nay Youth and fatal Beauty ? Why ſo lovely
Was She? And wherefore drank She not of Death,
From this infected Source ? Alas! From hence
A deadly Poiſon iſſued, when I vow'd,
To make Virginia the Slave of Claudius!
He mix'd the cup, of which Virginia drank!
Claudius. Repentance now is uſeleſs, nay pernicious!
Dread Appius' Vengeance, and of Tortures dream!
Wou'dft Thou prevent thoſe Horrors ? On the Mind
Of thy Virginia then perſuade this Truth,
That round Virginius's Head are cloſely ſett
The Toils of Appius, into which He'll fall
Headlong, and vain his Struggles. This Perſuaſion
May fave Fautina from all Pangs of Torture.
Fautina. From which to ſcape, I will Invention rack.
SCENE IV.
[ Virginia and Fautina meet as from oppoſite Sides. ]
Virginia. Hither do wander I, good Nurſe, impatient,
And ſeek in Thee, a ſecond Mother, Comfort,
Fautina. A ſecond Mother! yes! I've felt the Pangs
Of a true Mother for my lovely Charge,
And more than She e'er felt ! I I've tended Thee
Thro' Nleepleſs Nights, and when this aking Head
Was rack'd with Watchfulneſs, and thy Thrill Cries,
I've feigned a Song, to lull Thee to calm Reſt.
Virginia.

16: THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Virginia. I'm ſorry that ſo oft I've given Thee Pain
But Ah! once-more let thy kind Soothings lull
To Peace and Comfort my much-vexed Soul.
Fautina. To Comfort ! Ah! ſhould I my dear One lull,
"Twould be as cruel, as to rock the Sailor
On the main Maſt aſleep, when the next Moment
Muſt plunge Him in the Ocean.
Virginia.
Heavens! [ ſhudder
In Thought, while I theſe imag'd Terrors view!
But repreſent they juſtly all my Horrors ?
Fautina. Alas! Too juftly: for the brave Virginius
At Rome's Tribunal never can arrive!
I'm well, too-well aſſured by good Authority,
( The beſt, ev’n that of Appius, ) whoſe Meſſengers
Are to the Camp directed, to detain
Virginius, on Pretence of Crimes, till here
His real Cauſe, his Daughter's, is determin’d.
Virginia. Then I perceive Myſelf alas ! ſurrounded
By Evils hitherto ſuſpected — only!
I'm like a Traveller by Lightning's Glare
Who ſees Himſelf on ſome dread Precipice,
Which hitherto his Fear alone hath fancied !
Vi 52
Fautina, Take then that ſingle Path which leads to ſafety!
Virginia. How! Cou'd I ev’n in Dreams my
ev’n in Dreams my Virtue ſell,
,
It were a double vileneſs to expoſe
My Virtue to his Purchaſe who would buy me
And make me firſt a Slave. I then ſhould
prove
My Soul moſt-fervile, and ſhould juſtify
My calumnizing Foes. Avant ſuch Shame!
The Virgin, who has prickt her tender Finger
In giddy Play, will figh, and weep, nay groan,
Becauſe to Pain a perfect Stranger She,
But

THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
17
But were a Dagger buried in her Breaſt,
While Life remained, the Puncture ſhe'd forget ;
So while this Dagger's in the Boſom hid,
Of poor Virginia, and ſhe dreams of Appius,
All other Ills are only ſcratches deen'd!
[The End of the Second A&. ]
*
ah
ach
A CT III. SCENE I.
Virginia and Fautina,
Virginia. We ſhall be bleſt in mutual Faithfulneſs
And Love; Icilius haſtes to calm my Fears.
Fautina. - What Fears?
Virginia. Fears, which Thou h'it fondly raiſed,
That Appius round Virginius' Feet has ſpread
Succeſsful Snares. But me Icilius
Much-more-than half perſuades, his Vigilance
Has diſappointed theſe. To aſcertain
The very Minute when his Friends call'd hithers
My Father, flew Icilius. *
Fautina.
What Aſſurance
Can your attentive Father hence derive?
Claudius has ( ſure ) full Proofs that you was born,
Can my turfed Lips pronounce the dreadful Word ?
Virginia. Wou'dſt Thou ſay, Slave ?
Fautina.
Alas! you needs muſt fink
In Wretchedneſs extreme! Were it not wiſdom
To exerciſe a prudent Gratitude
On ſuch a generouis Lover as
с
Virginia.

I
18 THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Virginia.
Icilius?
Am I not grateful?
Fautina.
Him I could not mean!
Virginia. Thou cou'dft not give that Title, “gen'rous Lover,
To Appius. He deſerves not ſuch a Name?
Didſt Thou not ſwear, Thou wou'dft not breathe his Vows,
And that his Plea Thou wou'dft not urge?
Fautina.
Nor have I.
$
Virginia's Diſtreſs, Fautina's Tenderneſs
Oblige me thus to plead. Full well I know,
Claudius is of convincing Proofs poffeft.
Virginia Who can with ſuch have furniſh'd Him?
Fautina.
No other
Than my Virginia's Mother! and Fautina!
Virginia. Good Heavens! I'm dead already! Thou canſt pain
Yet to the Shade of poor and loft Virginia, ( no more!
Paint adb the dreadful Scene!
Fautina,
Good Numitoria,
My gracious Miſtreſs ( can I tell the Tale?
It muſt be ſpoken! ) gave her only Babe
To theſe old Arms, her's, and Virginia's Hopes.
I nurſed the lovely one, but in my Sleep
Unhappily o’erlaid it. Words or Tears
Can't anywiſe expreſs my various Horrors,
When I beheld the dear one lovely ſmile
Even in Death. The fickly Numitoria
Durſt hope no further Pledge of nuptial Bliſs.
In Pity therefore to Herſelf and Huſband,
In Pity to my Babes and all my Hopes,
Which folely on our Patron's Bounty livid,
I haftend to thy Mother, Claudius' Slave,
In whoſe fond Arms I oft had mark'd thy Charms,
Coeval to my now-loft Charge, Virginia,
And told Truth's Tale. - What need l more relate?
Thy

THE VIRGIN VictIM.
19
Thy tender Mother mingling Tears and Kiſſes
With Bleſſings, gave her Daughter, Thee, Virginia,
And took my' death-ftruck Burthen. ___ More-than-once
She yet withdrew her Hand, and cloſely clafpt Thee
To her fond Boſom. “ And then muſt I forfeit,
“ A Mother's Joys,”( ſhe cried, ) " ſtill to behold
“ Her lovely Babe, and tenderly embrace it
Nay, with Itill growing Years to hope the Fruits
Of filial Gratitude, and omenize
Stili-greater ? —Yet to nurſe a Slave for Woe;
One who may curſe her Mother for Refuſal
Of this now profferd Fortune? Then the righ'd,
And kiſs'd and ſtretcht her Arms. But what is Slavery?
It in Opinion lives, ( ſaid ſhe, ) not Nature,
Nature has given us common Appetites,
And common Food. How little Her contents !
All Men are Slaves, or None. The Rich are Slaves
To Paſſions, Wealths Productions, ( worſt of Maſters, )
From which the Poor are free. I'll keep my Child.
Virginia. Tho'murtherd thus my long nursid Hopes I mourn,
And loweſt Rank of Life my only Portion,
1 muſt admire this Woman prov'd my Mother.
Fautina. She wept and ſmild o'er all thy op'ning Charms.
Theſe in a Slave ( ſaid ſhe, ) will tempt a Raviſher ;
Then gave Thee to my Arms, but ftrait retook
And ſhall I truſt my Darling to that Breaſt,
Which has o'erlaid it's former Charge? Reſtore it.
I footh'd Her with my promis'd Vigilance,
And thus have nurſed to their ful! Bloom theſe Beauties,
Virginia. How was the ſecret of my Birth reveald?
Fautina. Your Mother oft did comfort's Streams imbibe,
At her full Eyes, when they Virginia, Thee
Thus view'd by Stealth. She on her Death-bed gain'd
One laſt Embrace of her long-loft Servilia.
The Fever rag'd, and ſuch Suſpicion raiſed
By her repeated Fondneſs, that the Truth
From Her unweeting, and each Circumſtance
Was learnt:—and now I'm threaten’d with keen Tortures!
C 2
And

20 THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
And can you let the Nurſe, who ſtill has lov'd you
As her own Child, with keeneſt Anguish combat,
By Falſehoods to retain you in a Station
Which Nature nor Kind Providence deſign’d ?
Virginia. Such Cruelty
Fautina.
What Option then remains ?
You Appius muft embrace, or Slavery!
Or Death! Virginia. That Option is each Wretches Refuge
Fautina. Meanwhile reject all Hope to wed Icilius.
Virginia. Knew'ft Thou the Power of Love, Thou ſtrait
wouldſt own,
'Tis the ſame thing, all Hope to wed Icilius
Thus to reject, and to relinguiſha Life.
SCENE II.
Virginia alone, and kneeling in a ſuppliant Poſture, .
Virginia. Great Vindex was a Slave, and yet He ſhar'd
With Brutus' in that moſt-confummate Glory
To ſave his Country!. Oft Icilius vow'd,
our Mind Thines free-born roman, » li inform Him,
My Body is not fo. That gen'rous Lover
May ſcorn the vulgar Prejudice, and bleſs me! We
But if I'm born a Slave, I'm born the Victim
Had 1 been born a Slave,
I ſhould not thus have ſhudder'd at the Proſpect,
But might have view'd the Bed of Appius and S
An enviable ſtation. Yet who would not
Efteem ſuch Education as Virginius
( I will not call Him Sire, ) beſtow'd, a Bleſſing?
Yet 'tis that Education, which beſtows
On me the Senſe of Miſery refin'd;
On poor Virginia, or on poor Servilia ?
And can it be the Name! Good Gods! How Little
Can Mortals weak of Means of Happineſs
On Earth true Judgment frame ? - Oft for a cup of Health
We ſnatch rank Poiſon, But I will not live
А
59

THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
A Slave to foul Diſhonour. Shall I rob
My Maſter of his Property ? In Memory
Of our once-hopefull Loves I'll beg Icilius,
To give the Wretch a juft Equivalent !
SCENE III.
Icilius running in to raiſe Virginia.
Icilius. I haſte to raiſe at-once thy Mind and Body,
Our Meſſengers flew long before the Tyrant's,
And ſoon may we expect your honour'd Sire.
Vriginia. Hands oft, Icilius, for I have no Sire.
Icilius. Can you then injure thus Virginius?
Virginia. He is no more my Sire. Oh! my' Icilius,
No longer mine.
Icilius,
'Tis moſt-impoſſible !
Virginia. Was I not born a Slave ? -
del tinet. Filins
*- Your Sentiments
Loud ſpeak the Falſehood of the Calumnizers !
Your Virtue and true Spirit are found equal
To any roman Heroine's.
Virginia.
13:36 - My Body
At leaſt is laviſh. Icilius. What Barbarian
Wou'd fo perſuade you?
Virginian. 'Tis alas! Fautina!
And here, ye Gods, I call ye all to witneſs.
If I have ever ſcorn'd that abject ſtate
Of Slaves, if e'er my Heart denied it's Pang,
My Breaſt it's Groan, my Eyes their Tear to Miſeries.
Of that dejected Race, then ſtrike my Fame,
May be I ſcorned and hated by Virginius,
Icilius

THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Icilius too, and Slave to Appius' Luft!
Icilius. Can then Virginia be by Birth a Slave,
Or can Fautina be Diſhoneſt ?
Virginia.
No!
But much too true. She told her dreadful Tale
(By Sighs and Groans how-much, how-fadly broken
With fuch a Face of fear Borrow,
Such flow of native Eloquence, as fpake,
That Memory recorded only Truth.
Longer to Thee I will not, can't aſpire ;
Icilius, yet O! ſink me not in th’ Arms
Of Appius. -
To doubt, if in thy Heart
A Place I held, were to be mean, a Slave.
Since then I once have filld thy Heart, diſcharge
Theſe twenty Talents, in the which you're bound ;
And let me fly to ſome ſequeſted Hut,
Where Tyranny no-more may hunt Virginia !
Theſe Talents more than an Equivalent
Are to my Worth.
Icilius.
The World is but a Trifle
If ballanc'd with the worth of my Virginia:
Of my Virginia : for Thou art my Spouſe ;
If all I can amaſs, will Forfeit pay,
Or theſe poor Hands for Thee can labour hourly.
In Mind thou’rt noble, but who ſees thy Body,
Yet not admires ? Virginia. And would Icilius purchaſe
A Slave to his firm Bofom! I'm unconquer'd
Elſewhere, but here the Woman's, Maiden's conquer'd !
Yet, what if I may be no Slave? Fauting
Pleaded the ſuit of Appius,
Icilius,
Then She's bought!
We will Truth's Voice extort.- I'll ſtill embrace Thee
A free-born Roman !
How all Pangs I've ſuffered,
Are by this chaſte embrace much-more than ballanc'd!
[ Icilius leads off Virginia.
[ The End of the Third Act. ]
ACT

THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
23
Take
** en una
** sales
ACTIV. SCENE I.
Icilius. Tho' forry for the Occaſion, I rejoice
Here to embrace a Father in Virginius.
Virginius. And I to claſp to this faſt-beating Bofon
The Spouſe and beſt Defender of Virginia,
Son of my Hopes.
Icilius.
Did Obſtacles detain You?
Soon as we left the Camp, our well-fpur'd Steeds
Half-vaniſhing in Smoke, we met two Horſemen,
On whoſe lean Cheeks ſat Hunger ; on whoſe livid Lips
Which trembled, Curſes; Fury in their Eyes
Sparkling yet funk: upon their furrowd Front
And lowring Eye-Balls, Anger, Diſappointment,
Barbarity and fell Deſpair were thrown'd in Terrors.
Theſe were the fitting Inſtruments of Appius
In Camp for ſome pretended Crime to hold you,
Till He foul Wolf on all your Daughter's Beauties
Was fatiate !
Virginia.
Gods, I thank you for the Eſcape !
Whene'er this Heart's ungrateful, keenly wound me
Firſt in that Daughter's Honour, then her Perſon !
Where ſhines the lovely Maid? Soon will, like ſpring,
Her Preſence quick diſperſe this Load of Sorrow,
Which preſſes down, like Age's Winter, join'd
To Appius' Storm, my much-afflicted Soul.
Fatigue and Weaknefs, when ſhe ſpeaks, will vaniſh.
When thro' his widen'd Noſtrils ſent my Steed
With Pain his agitated Breath, his Flanks
Sunk beat irregularly Time, his Eyes
Gliftning, and falling Ears, and trembling Tail
And faltring Feet declar'd Him tired, then I
Him

24
THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Him cheer'd with our Virginia's much-loy'd Name,
The Beaſt ſeem'd waken’d to new Life and Vigour
By-this moſt powerful Charm. Her Name Beaſts reverence
But Appius vile without Reverence fees Her,
With curious Eyes of Laltvand Cruelty. - 9
Iciliùs. This Moment prays Virginia to the Gods
For
: and
pure
Will her Heart !
sound
Virginius.
To read them all
In that fair Book, her Countenance, we'll haſte!
She comes on Wings of Joy : meanwhile can you
Believe Fautina the baſe Tool of Appius,
Much-baſer ?
Virginia.
How! Fautina !
Icilius.
Yes: an Hunger
And Thirſt is oft the only Appetite
Of Age: and Appius can ſurfeit it
Ah! No: unnatral Taſtes.can know no Meaſures !
Fair Gratitude, where reign'ſt thou? I for Years,
Methought had nurft Thee in Fautina's Bofom,
But I at leaſt will teach her Tongue Truth's Leſſon,
If Injuk arm Virginius' Brow with Terrors !
SCENE II.
Virginia, Fautina, and Numitorius enters.
Virginia. As when a Serpent ſtrives in vané to ſcale
Some Neſt of callow young, and only frights them, it is
The feather'd Parents from long Flights return’d, sexe 1971
Perceive the Dangers in their filent Tremblings,
So here who does not Sire and Daughter ſee?
Shall Tears alone our Joys expreſs and Sorrows ? bas
If I'm a Scyon of that ſacred Tree
To which I bow, Oh! ſave me in your Shade!
If I'm your Daughter, to theſe generous Friends
You owe me yet a Maid, and yet no Slave!
In Numitorius weeps a ſecond Father !
To pay Him Thanks, were to reproach his Tenderneſs!
I hope

THE
25
VIR GIN .
VICTIMVICT
I hope Icilius’ Debt to pay moſt-amply,
By giving to his Arms the fav’d Virginia.
Icilius. 'Twill be a Recompenſe which Naught can merit;
Except Affection ſuch as warms the Breaſt !
Had you beheld Virginia's wond'rous Tranſport,
.
When I aſſurd Her of your ſafe Arrival,
You would have fear'd, as I did, that 'the Pangs
Of You might prove as fatal as keen Sorrows.
Virginia. Has not your ſpeedy Journey made your Health
A Prey' to ſtrong Fatigue? If I a Sire
Shall love, while you a Daughter ſtrive to ſave.
Virginius. No! I again am young, and freſh as Morn-
My Eyes and Ears imbibe the Streams of Comfort,
Of Strength and Spirits, from thy Sight and Hearing.
None knows what He can act or ſuffer, Deareſt,
Till Danger's Arm provoke Him to the Coinbat,
And roule his leeping Force! The Deities
Support with heavenly Aid a virtuous Courage !
Fautina. Accept the Tribute of Fautina's Tears.
Virginius. Would'ſt Thou perſuade me, theſe are Tears of Joy
For my Arrival to defend my Daughter ?
Pogo Hot SIF ONS isdoor
Fautina. They're Tears of Gratitude and alſo Sorrow,. 10
For that great Loſs; to which my gracious Patron
Stands now expoſed, and in which I'm fatal Tool!
Virginius. “Of Gratitude Tis then for Appius Gold. A
“Of Sorrow
'Tis for my Return to ſave Her.
gracious Patron Yes -- too much I truſted. w
“ The Fatal Tool" Yes, to thy Family odna to svalo
Thy Wickedneſs is fatal 19 Juff Icilius,
While Indignation checks my Tongue, do Thou
The Traitreſs to herſelf expoſe! and how
90117 dost
How oft she has into theſe chaſteft Ears
Of our Virginia artfully difafedru / sitting ind
The Poiſon ( had not Virtue pour d her Antidote, )
Of the licentious VÖx's of Monfer Appius!
Thou darft not ſay thy Nature was fo-bad,
To plead without a Britse ethe Caule of Vice, vnit I
Sunidad
D
Thou
then
Thy"

26
VIRGIN VICTIM.
THE
Thou then waſt bought. - What wonder, ſhe who ſells
Her Honeſty, ſhould for an higher Price
Sell any Thing! - her Charge!
her Charge! - A Woman's Silence
When thus accuſed is a Confeffion large
Numitorius. Of. Guilt. — Invention Malice quite deſerts !
Virginius. Perhaps the bears corroborating Proofs
Of her unnat'ral Guilt. - I'll boldly ſearch her,
She is my Property, and ftrong Suſpicion
Of her foul Trealon juſtifies that kigour.
Gold; and each Bagg th' initial Letter brands
Of curſed Appius' Name. What glaring Colours
Of feniale Hand can now the Blackneſs hide
Of this Ingratitude ?
Fautina.
At Length my Lips
Have found the Powers of Language to confeſs in and
That my ungrateful Heart detected ftands.
I cannot wish to have my Crimes forgiven,
Unless the infernal embryo Treaſon's ſtifled.
Let Appius and his Client fuffer Vengeance ! CÁ
Then may perhapsiz my Sorrows find Compaſſion.
VEL AS
Virginius. Brother and Son, you are ſufficient Witneſs
Of her Confeſſion: yet thefe Baggs ſhall speak
Before his own Triburial Appius' Guilt.
16210 ir:
Good Numitorius, Claudius inform,
I wait not morrow's Sun, to vindicate
A roman Maid from luſtful Tyranny,
And Cruelty! 24 At Appius' Tribunal
Within one Hour Rome's Citizens l'll rouſe
To Love of Liberty, 1 z In Sorrow's Robes lap lutat si
I muſt myſelf inveſt. Virginia, haſten,
Parbatoi itd
Take my Example; and to merit Pardon woundiginal elinta
P'll teach Thee.
Port of oniristi
- [ to Fantina. ]
is oint er on the wo!!
Virginia, Numitorius, and Fautina, 59 oul. 10
) foto's s
SCENE. III. Icilius and Virginia remain. rt:
it oor
Icilius. Now dare I with well-grounded Confidence
Embrace
sch

THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
27
Embrace a free-born Spouſe in my Virginia !.
Virginia. How muſt I ſigh afHicted to diſcern
Fautina,' whom I've lov'd as fecond Mother,
Whom I have hugg'd and fuckt ſo long, ungrateful,
Did not far-heavier Woes oppreſs my Soul!
Icilius. And is there in Virginia's Breaſt that Dagger?
Virginia. - Is not the thought, that you' tyrannic Monſter
Againit all Right's Appearance may decree
To Servitude that Body, a keen Dagger ?
you
Icilius.
He dares not!
Virginia.
Dares not?
What fears He but Force?
He knows that None dares Arms to his Tribunal bring,
Who fears to be efteem'd a Foe of Peace !
Icilius. He is the Foe of Peace, and who ſhould flay Him,
Were Rome's beſt Friend!
Virginia.
From private Injuries
We might be thought to judge, and Rome miſtake
Icilius' patriot zele for mad Ambition !
Virginia.. Will then her Lover to Virginia promiſe
The kindeſt Act ſhe could requeſt ?
Icilius.
What! Is it
To leave a Tribune's Fortune to the Tyrant
And fly with Thee and Love to fome lone lott?
Where Labour may ſuſtain the Wants of Nature!
Virginia. - That were to injure and affront my Sire!
Can you diſtruſt my Prudence or my Virtue?
Icilius' Suſpicion wounds ſeverely!
Will you not abſolutely vow ?
- I vow!
If, when I'm prov'd Virginius' Daughter, Appius
Dares me decree a Slave, ſhow our chaſte Loves
Fortiuso I
D2
Were

Reflect on alle my Horrors and thy own,
28 THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Were of each other worthy, by emitting
This Boſom's vital Stream!
Icilius.
The ſimple Mention
Unnerves my Arm. How could I dare to promiſe
The unnatral Fact?
I fear this Hand's too-weak
To give me Safety; and my Father's too
A fond Affection might diſable quite!
I hoped Icilius would at-once appear
The Lover and the Hero!
Ah! Unkind
Virginia! Is a Sire then far too-tender?
And is not more the Lover, and the Spouſe ?
Virginia. -
When I am made the Slave of Appius' Luſt.
Leikius. Aſſume Wo's Robes! I'll rack Invention's ſtores,
To find ſome Means to ſave both Life and Honour.
Leilius. Affume Wós Robese
mom
Virginia. Then let Icilius recollect, as Patrict,
How chale Lucretia by her Death reviv'd
Rome's Liberty! If He declines the Honour,
To make that noble Sacrifice for Rome,
With Virtue's powerful Eloquence I'll plead,
Till good Virginius, who gave Life, retake it!
More-glorious in Retaking than who ſpares.
Icilius, I'm loſt at-once in Love and Admiration !
roost
Virginia goes cut.
8C EEN IV. Numitorius -enters.
Eilius. Oh! Numitorius, what thick Horror's Clouds
Involve my Soul! - I fear, the Hands of Tyrants
Have tamed our roman Eagles to the chain.
I fear, they cannot fly at noble Quarry !
Numitorius, · What Quarry wou'dſt thou fly them at, Icilius ?
Icilius. At Vultures, which would tear our trembling Lambs,
Beneath

THE VIRGIN VICTIM,
29
If it deſerves Virginia - Table,
Beneath our very Eyes!
Numitorius.
That Vulture's Appius?
Icilius. Thou art indeed a Roman, and a Patriot !
Thou worthy art to be Virginia's Uncle -
Look on IciliusSoul. --- ,
.
Tyranny
Will never hear the Voice of Truth and Juſtice !
Tho' we therefore ſhall prove Virginia
A lovely Branch from Numitorias' Stem,
The Monſter madden'd by his Paffions, may
Call Her, and ſtrive to make Her too, his Slave!
Then 1, ſurrounded by a faithful Few,
Of patriot Friends ( for He aloire, my Friend,
Who loves his Country, can his Kind ) will reach
That Breaſt where Fraud, and Violence, and Luft
Rapine and Avrice and Ambition reign.
Then Appius' Blood ſhall flow in Freedom's Cauſe,
The Cauſe of Men and Gods !
Numitorius,
I will embrace Thee!
Oh! what a Race of Patriots ſhall ariſe
To bleſs Mankind, from Thee and brave Virginia!
For ſhe is brave, tho' Woman), and her Country
Than Aught is dearer to Hier, ſave her Honour.
One Virtue always brings her radiant Siſters,
And the chaſte Matron is the trucft Patriot.:
To ſuch their Country's weal can promiſe Bleſſings,
While Vice can only triumph in Confuſion !
Icilius, But Numitorius has an Hand and Hearta
And both ſhall be employ'd for ſacred Freedon),
And our Vriginią. Know the gen’rous Maid
( Too tender of Icilius,) would not venture Him
In all the Croud of Dangers : ſhe has vow'd
To pour her Life, to Liberty Libation :
Be thine the Talk to watch her lovely Hand
And hold it from the Guilt of Suicide,
And Parricide, ( furi in Her die her Stock;)
I fear not the fnould ſtrengthen the weak Hand
Of brave Virginius to a Deed fo- horrid,
Numito.

30 THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Numitorius. Mine be that eafy Talk. Our Friends approach.
Let Us, kilius, join the ſolemn Trains !
SCENE V.
Virginius and Virginia in Mourning, attended by Romans
of both Sexes and all Ages.
Numitorius. Romans, behold the Leader of your Youth
Your Brothers, Sires and Huſbands, has exchang'd
A Soldier's Habit, for theſe mournful Robes !
Virginius. Romans, and Countrymen ! But dares Virginius
Or Countrymen or Romans call you? Appius,
That Tyrant Appius will reproach the Soldier
As foul Sedition's Patron, who reminds you
That you've a Country, or this City's Rome.
Yet what have I to fear, already threaten'd
With all a gen'rous Soldier's Heart can dread?
There was a Time when Tyrants Rome oppreſt.
Then Luft the Child of arbitrary Sway
Devoured the Wives and Daughters of it's Citizens ;
But then there was a Brutus, a Poplicola :
Who pulld the luſtful Monſters from the Throne,
And with their Blood cemented the firm League
Of Liberty and Rome. — And ſhall the City
Which boaſts to've bred Poplicola and Brutus,
Which holds their Names moſt-ſacred and adores
Their Statues ; ſhall this City dread a Race
Of Tyrants thus dreſt-upon brief Authority,
Things which yourſelves have niade, Pageants which Brutus
And brave Poplicola would view with Scorn.
Reinember, that you are the Sons of Romans ;
Reinember you yourſelves have taſted Freedom.
Don't then theſe Habits, Looks and Tears, my Friends is mo
Demand Compaſſion both for Sire and Daughter?
They might: but know, Virginius has a Claim
To your Aſiſtance on a better Title,
Then mere Compaſſion pleads; the Claim of Juſtice.
How often has Virginius drawn his Sword,
And Breaſt expoſed to his dear Country's Foes !
His

THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
31
I muſt much more endure than any cand fuftice
His Body almoſt worn away in Arms!
Whom to defend ? Romans, your Wives and Daughters !
There is a Seaſon when a modeſt Soldier
May reckon his Campaigns, recount his Exploits,
May ſhew his Scars gain’d for his country's Glory,
At ſuch a Time how-much might old Virginius
With Juſtice boaſt, nay Modeſty? The Moment
When modeſt Men may praiſe Themſelves and Acts,
Is when a People ſerv'd become ungrateful.
But that can never prove thy Caſe, Virginius!
Thy Countrymen can't e'er forget thy deeds,
While Rome is ſafe and happy in their Luſtre !
Shalt Thou endure whate'er could Thee 'befal,
If Rome were fackt! Ye Gods! avert the Omen!
If Appius make this lovely Maid the Slave,
Of his tyrannic ( can a Sire then ſpeak it? )
Citizen!
If Rome was fackt. The Face of Law and Juſtice
Would make my ſignal Sufferings more dreadful
Than headlong Violence, which in one Heap
Of Ruins ſink all Ranks and each Diſtinction,
Icilius. If ye can hear unmov'd, ye are not Romans,
Virginia's deſtin'd as the foremoſt Victim
To the baſe Chief of your triumphing Tyrants.
But all the ten muſt ravage o’er your Houſes,
Selecting for their Prey your Wives and Daughters.
The Stock whence ſprings Icilius, long has flouriſht
With Tribunitian Honours, while the Fruits
Of Peace and Liberty ye thence have gather'd.
My ſelf have for my Country been prepared
To bleed! I aſk no Honours ; ſimple Juſtice
Is all I crave! -Let not my free-born Spouſe
Become at-once a Slave and Proſtitute. -
Ye Brothers, Fathers, Huſbands view thefe Virgins,
And Matrons. Let their Tears *plead more effectual
Than could their Tongues, tho’ arm’d with Elaquence.
Virginia. Ye Romans, I aſcend the Capitol,
Supported by the beſt of Men and Fathers;
Near chaſte Lucretia's Statue to implore
The

32
THE
VIRGIN VICTIM.
The Aid of. Pallas to preſerve my Honour.
But if I needs mult Honour loſe or Life,
May I fall bravely, worthy of my Country,
And purchaſe with my Blood your facred Freedom!
[ The End of the Fourth Act. ]
ACT V.
SCENE I.
Back Scene opens.
Appius preceeded by Li&tors, &c. &c.
Virginia. Remember, Sir, your late pledged ſacred Vow,
And be this ſecond Time a better Sire!
Virginius. Fear not: Virginius ſuch Himſelf will prove !
[ Appius mounts the Tribunal, &c. &c.]
66
Claudius. Any but Claudius would complain, “ Ambition,
« A popular Ambition (ways ev’n Appius. -
Virginius' Name has ſuch perſuaſive Force,
" It Itill detains from Claudius his Slave.
Juſtice delay'd is Juſtice half denied ! ”
But Claudius knows, that ſweet Humanity
Conciliates Appius in this Maid's Behalf, dist
Humanity miſtaken ! — Brave Virginius, 1.1
ba
And plain lilius, I'm your trueſt Friend!
Virginius. Dares Claudis here profane the ſacred Name
Of gen'rous Pity, ſanctifying thus
selost wil besteague
Avrice, Injuſtice, Luft, and Gruelty: ?
stod o do. 1591

T H E VIRGIN VÍCT Í M. 33
Appius. Claudius, produce the Witneſs of your Right!
Claudius, Here; noble Appius, is that Nurſe, Fautina,
The main Contriver of this double Fraud,
Great Fraud to me, but greater to Virginius
Such Credit hias He to Fautina given,
Himſelf cannot her Plea invalidate.
Appius. Produce Her! May the Gods of Rome affift ye,
As ye ſhall ſpeak with Truth's impartial Voice!
Fautina. The Daughter of Virginius I o'erlaid,
Fun The
And with Servilia, Claudius' artful Slave,
Exchanged Her for this Child, this lovely Virgin!
[ pointing to Virginia.
Claudius. What clearer Proof can ſceptic Juflice claim ?
And what can plead Virginius for the Maid?
May thoſe, moſt-noble Appius, great Decemvir,
Who owe to Romans that beſt bleiling, Freedom,
Bear Witneſs for their Patrons, or againſt ?
Appiris. In Matters of mere civil Right 'tis lawful
Against a Patron that a Slave ſpeak Truth;
And therefore, Claudius, I decree this Slave
As ſuch to Thee.
Virginius.
Hold, Appius. if Fautina
Be lawful Evidence, in this ſtrange Caſe,
She witneſſes for me!
Appius.
For thee Virginius?
Heard ft Thou not then her Tale !
Virginius.
Yes, I have heard it,
And more than Appius yet has heard, or dreads
To hear. -
But I have other witneſſes.
Good Numitorius, generous Icilius,
Declare to this Allembly what you've heard,
And ſeen that's relative to this great Cauſe?
Numitorilts. So may the Gods of Rome preferre my Friends
And Country, as my Voice thall be Truth's Herald!
E
Theſe

34
VICTIM.
THE
vi
VIRGIN
Theſe Baggs of Gold were on Fautina found,
Who freely own'd, that their initial Letters
Denoted Him, who purchas'd at this Price
Virginia fot his Luft? 'Twas Appius Claudius!
Icilius. On the fame Sanction I this Truth confirm!
Appius. Domeſtic Witneſſes! A ſhameful Complot
To rob an honelt Roman of his Goods !
Appius, ſuperior-far to ſuch low Arts,
To Claudius with bold Truth decrees his Slave!
[ fits down,
[ A Silence with Aftoniſhment through the whole Affembly. ]
Virginius. How, Tyrant ? Is Fautina, lawful Witneſs
Againſt her Patron, thio' by none confirmed !
In this calumnious Tale? But when detected
Or pregnant Proof ( as have depos’d theſe Romans, )
And half-repentant fighs the, is Confeſſion
Uſeleſs, unlawful in great Freedom's Cauſe?
Iciljus. To Freedom, Romans ! -
Numitorious.
Romans, rouſe to Liberty !-
Appius. Claudius proceed, to ſeize your long-loft Slave ! -
.
A virtuous Maid, to thine a roman Matron,
1 bred Her, not a Slave to Appius' Luft.
Shall Men like Beaſts, ruſh to the ſhameful Commerce?
Whether theſe unarm’d Romans will endure.
Such Injuries, Virginius dares nut prophecy ;
But doubts hot from his fellow Soldiers Vengeance !
Appius. Not all the Threatenings of the bold Icilius,
Nor that mad Violence, inragʻd Virginius,
( Which theſe true Romans witneſs, tho' with ſhame,)
But other certain Proofs have me aſſurd,
That all theſe Days Seditions Embers hid,
Have ftudioully been blown to Flames pernicious !
My

THE VIR GIN VICTIM.
35
1
My Friends, and Rome's are arm’d!—No peaceful Citizen
Need tremble: but the bold, íeditious Rebel
Muſt dread Rome's Majeſty in Appius" Form.
Hafte, Lictors! To the Maſter yield his Slave!
[ Li&tors drive back the Croud &c.]
Virginius. Spil not, my Son, of roman Citizens [ to Icilius
The Blood, of many Citizens, both Sexes,
And ev'ry Age, in one long Ruin blended !
My Art ſhall hap'ly chaſte Virginia faye.
Icilius. You cannot mean to make the Fair a Victim !
Virginius. Think not, Virginius wants a Father's Feeling!
Forgive a Father's Grief, if this raſh Tongue
Has vented Aught to Majeſty of Rome,
Which Appius great inveſts, injurious !
Permit a much-painid Father to retire,
Small be the Diſtance!) with the baſe Fautina
And pure Vriginia, that I may explore
Theſe Reaſons why fo-penitent appear'd
This Wretch, and forg’d againſt your Head theſe bolts
Of Scandal! When I've pluck'd away that Veil
Of Error, I ſhall yield with eaſe a Slave
No Daughter !
Appius.
There has ſpoke a roman Father!
Retire, Virginius, with the Nurſe and Maid,
But ſoon return, and with thy honeſt Voice
Approve the Juſtice of imperial Rome,
Tho' ſpeaking by the Lips of equal Appius,
Who feels a Father's Woes for Thee, no Father!
Habit, call'd fecond Nature, oft more-itrong
Proves than the firſt. Of cruel Prejudice
Thyſelf diveft, nor to good Claudius wiſh
A wrong, and one more-heavy to Thyſelf.
While this Impoſture is your common Woe.
Virginius. For Juſtice to each Claimant much I'll ſtrive,
And, tho' ſtrong Nature ſtruggle, I'll approve
Myſelf buth Soldier, Roman, and yet Sire!
Icilius.
E2

36
THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Icilius. What Omens in thoſe Titles ftrike my Soul!
Numitorius. Fear not: Virginius is a tender Sire.
Icilius. But He's a Soldier, Roman, and a Patrict !
I fear his Country's Love may make Him cruel.
Numitorius. “ Patriots are firm, but cannot barb'rous prove!"
[ Virginius places his Daughter on one ſide of the Stage,
and Fautina on the other : back Scenes ſhut. ]
S CE N E
11.
SCE
Virginius. The Moment Thou dar'ft uſe thy Feet or Voice,
[ to Fautina ] This Inſtrument rewards Thee for thy Treaſon!
[Showing his Dagger.
66
Virginins. My ſacred Promiſe will I execute, [ to Virginia
And bravely prove Myſelf the roman Sire !
Since Thou darft bravely die, not baſely live,
For Liberty of Rome a Virgin Victim !
Spirit of Brutus, on this Breaſt deſcend [ kneel. near Brutus' Statųe,
“With Choiceſt Influence ! — Yet my Sacrifice
“ T'han thine is dearer-far. A num’rous Race
« Of Victims did thy ſlaughter'd Sons ſurvive!
“ This Maid in one compriſes Sons and Daughters !
6. At thy command the Lictors-ſtrook: I ftrike
Myſelf. Thy Sons were Traitors, Parricides :
“My Daughter is a Miracle of Virtue.
Virginia. Weaken not more your Hand already-trembling,
Nor give me many Deaths, while one's delay'd.
Virginius.“ Thou madſt thy Sacrifice confirming Freedom,
“I wou'd regain it: for Virginia's Blood
“Not only ſaves her Honour, but will rouſe
“Our ſleeping Romans to a Senſe of Freedom,
As did Lucretia's, tho’ by-far leſs-pure.
Now bare thy Breaſt.
Virginia.
Cou'd I embrace Icilius
Once e'er I fall!
Virginius,

THE VIRGIN V 1-C T I-M, T
37
Virginius.
The tender Lover wou'd
Reſtrain the Sire's Hand half-unnerv'd by Nature!
Should I embrace Thee, I could never ſave! be uses cartes
foros
Virginia. For you I feel : alas! and for Lilius!
Be kind : ſtrike deep!
[ Fautina runs out.
[ looking to the ſide where Fautina ſtood. ]
mi
Virginius,
Alas! Fautina's fiown!
2
SCENE III.
Virginia. By other Gates ſhe will alarm the A tiembly!
Be quick: or you can never at the Father!
Oh! Heavens! They comel Deliver me from ſhame!
My Hand's too-weak: or I would not thus tamely
Alk honeft Aid.
Virginius.
To look-upor, yet wound Thee
Is quite-impoſſible ! This ſtroke alone [ averting his Eyes
Gives Thee to glorious Freedom! [ He ſtabs Virginia.
Be bleft my Friends, my Father, Spouſe and Country! [ falling
I thank you, Sire, this is a natal Gift!
Virginius. Appius, this Blood devotes thy guilty Liſe
[dropping the Blood from the Dagger.
To Tortures here, but more ſevere below!
S CE N E
[ Icilius ruſhing in with Appius, &c.]
Icilius. Is that a Father, and is this a Daughter? —
Virginia. Is that my Father, and is this my Spouſe ? -
Appius. No! He has prov'd, this Maiden was a Slave.
Were She his Blood, He could not thus have ſpilt it.
Seize, Lictors, ſeize the Murtherer detected !
[ A general Murmur thro’ the Aſembly. ]
Virginius.

38
VICTIM.
THE VIRGIN
Virginius. Romans, and Countrymen! I am a Soldier,
A ſtranger to all Arts of Eloquence !
I've known no uſe of Words before this Day,
(Life's common Wants excepted, ) but to pour
My Soul in Counſel to fome Friend diſtreſt,
Or Prayer to Heaven in Gratitude for Bleilings !
Dares then Virginius call you Countrymen
Or Romans ? - Appius will reproach your Soldier,
As Patron of Sedition, who reminds
His Troops that you've a Country, or this City's Rome.
Yet what have I to fear, already-ftruck
In all a gen'rous Soldier's Heart can feel ?
There was a Time when Tyrants Rome oppreſt.
Then Luft, the Child of arbitrary Sway,
Devoured of Citizens the Wives and Daughters :
But then there was a Brutus, and Poplicola :
Who pull’d the luſtful Monſters from the Throne,
And with their Blood the facred League confirmed
Of Liberty and Rome. — Shall then theſe Walls
Which boaſts to've bred Poplicola and Brutus,
Which hold their Names moft-facred and adore
Their Statues ; ſhall this City dread a Race
Of Tyrants thus dreſt-up in brief Authority,
Things which yourſelves have niade, Pageants which, Brutus
And brave Poplicola would view with Scorn?
Remember, that you are the Sons of Romans,
Remember you yourſelves have taſted Freedom!
Don't then theſe Habits, Looks, and Tears, brave Friends,
Demand Compaſſion for this Sire and Daughter ?
They might: but know, Virginius boaſts a Claim
To your Aſiſtance on far-better Title
Then kind Compaſſion urges ; that of Jufice.
How oft has your Virginius drawn his Sword,
And bar'd his Breaſt to his dear Country's Foes ? –
This Body's almoſt worn-away in Arms!
Whom to defend ? Romans, your Wives and Daughters.
There is a Seafon, when a modeſt Soldier
May reckon his Campaigns, recount his Exploits,
May ſhew his Scars gain'd for his country's Weal.
At ſuch an Hour how-much might old Virginius
With Yuſtice boaſt, yet Modeſty. The Time
When

THE VIR GIN VICTIM.
39
When modeſt Men may praiſe Themſelves and Acts,
Is when the People ſerv'd can prove ungrateful !
Yet this Virginius, ne’er can prove thy Caſe!
Thy Countrymen thy Services forget not,
While Rome is ſafe, and thru thy bleſt Defence,
Shalt Thou endure whate'er could betal,
If Rome were fackt? Ye Gods, avert the Omen! -
If Appius made this lovely Niaid the Slave,
Of his tyrannic ( can a Sire then ſpeak it ? )
'
I muſt much more than any Citizen
Endure, while Rome was ſackt. The Face of Law
And Juſtice would exaggerate my Woes,
Whereas if Violence in one great Heap
Of Ruin tunk all Ranks, without Complaint
I all could bear!
Icilius.
If ye can hear ſuch Eloquence,
Ye are not Romans ! As the foremoſt Victim
Virginia's doom'd to the triumphant Chief
Of
your
ten Tyrants. All the ten will ravage,
Selecting for their Prey your Wives and Daughters !
The Stock from which Icilius ſprings, has bloom'd
With tribunitian Honours, and the Fruits
Of Peace and Liberty have gather'd thence!
Myſelf have for my Country ſtood prepared
To bleed. - I aſk not Honours; ſimple Juſtice
Is all I crave ! Let not my virtuous Spouſe
A free--born Roman be a Slave, or meaner,
Than honeſt Slave ! Ye Brothers Huſbands, Sires,
Condemn not in Virginius their Defender !
But let their Tongues, and more-effectual-far
Than Tongues, ( tho' arm’d with native Eloquence, )
Their Tears, ſuffice this piteous Cauſe to plead ! -
Virginius. Will then my Fellow-Citizens aſcribe
To me the Wickedneſs of tyrant Appius?
Me as a Parricide will you regard ?
No! 'Twas the Monſter Appius flew my Daughter !
More than my own, ( far more ) Virginia's Life
I valued. Hears me then a Sire, whoſe Heart
To

40
VIRGIN VICTIM.
THE VIRGIN
To this loud Voice of Nature does not beat
It's filent Suffrage ? Yet this Hand reſolv'u
Has fhed her Blood | -- No! 'Twas the Hand of Appius!
He firove Virginia's Honour to deſtroy !
What Parent would not ſacrifice his Child
To Death, much-rather than abhorr’d Pollution ?
So thought Virginia, for ſhe was a Roman,
A noble óne, at leaſt in Mind, if Virtue
Be true Nobility ! - She pray'd, conjur'd me
By all her blooming Beauties, and Remembrance
Of her dear Mother, thus at leaſt to ſave Her!
care
T
( vow'd to keep Her worthy of her Race!
True Tenderneſs extreme expoſed Virgiuius
To ſeeming Cruelty. You cannot injure
So-much your Soldier, Romans, as to think
He pleads Liſe's poor Remains one Hour to ſave!
Virginius would not live one ſingle Moment,
Did 'He not hope, and juſtly, that his Countrymen
Will vindicate theſe tender Relatives,
And by Virginia Freedom give to Rome,
Which is to Her denied. Indeed what Romani
Poffeffes not a Sifter, Wife, or Daughter?
Dream not that with Virginia has expir'd
All Lult of Appius ! No! - Impunity
Will much inflame it, till the Rage 1hall prove
To all in Rome that's fair and pure, deſtructive.
From my Misfortune learn This to avoid !
Long-ſince my virtuous Wife by Nature's Hand
Was inatcht, my Daughter now isy that of Appius!
Till I chooſe Leath, my Perſon I can guard :
The batted Tyrant cannot wound Virginius
Except in you and yours; for whom I weep;
For whom I've oft wept Plood; for whom Virginia,
Buth fair and chaite, now bleeds. - Shall the and Rome
Bleed vainly?
Appius.
What an Oralor is Virtue [in a low vcice,
Icilius.

THE VIRGIN VICTIM.
Icilius. I fand convinc'd! Virginius is moſt-tender I Vibo
Patriot, yet Sire! Awake, ye Romans true,
And drive the trembling Tyrant to Perdition! 5.1
View Him far-leſs than Man! Virginia's Spiritus (3)
Depreſſes his black Soul, and marks her Victim!
I leave Thee not, Virginid! --- In my Breaſt
02
Thou liv'ſt and reign'ft! - Virginia ! Rome! and Freedom!
Icilius and his Party draw: Appius and his Party fly: Virginius,
&c. purſue: Numitorius, &c. ſurround Virginia's Body. ]
While
young
Icilius, and renew'd Virginius
Renew'd in youth by generous Indignation,)
To Liberty and Vengeance rouſe our Romans, a
Old Numitorius will contemplative
Attend this beauteous Form, whoſe Death gives Freedom
To Rome. Thou lovelieſt, braveſt, and moft-wiſe,
Never was nobler Soul in fairer Body
Inſhrin'd. -'Twas like a Dimond of firſt Rate
Sett by a Maſter's Hand in pureſt Gold,
The Di’mond's gune : but by the Workmanſhip
Of the remaining Thell ( before ſcarce-notic'd
By moft-judicious Eyes, ) becauſe the Gemm
Hid in it's Luſtre all inferior Brightneſs,
Strangers might gueſs for what rare Ufe 'twas fram'd.
Yes : Thou waft form’d, Virginia, to allure
An Hero to the Service to his Country,
And then reward the Patriot with thy Charms,
Virtues, and Heart I- Alas! moft-wretched Appius,
Thy ill-conducted Paſſion for this Fair,
Will hurry Thee and thy nine tyrant Colleagues
Adown the Precipice of your Ambition
With Pain aſcended flow, and held one Moment!
Thus the famé Moon in Majeſty ſerene
Guides ſober Travellers to peaceful Cots,
But drowns in Pools intoxicated wand'rers.
within ] Whence roſe that Shout ? - 'Twas, ſure, the Shout of
And ſeemed the univerſal Voice of Rome [ Triumph!
Thanking the Gods for Liberty reſtor'd !
again ] Again? My roman Spirit propheſies
again]

42
VICTIM.
THE VIRGIN
again ] There ſome brave Stroke was giv'n! -- Cou'd'It Thou,
[ Virginia,
Hear theſe glad Sounds, which celebrate thy Conqueſt ?
And (ſure) thy Spirit hears, and ſees, and triumphs !
tay operate heat and here are companies
at
SCENE V. Virginius and Icilius enter,
as returning from the Place of the Aſembly.
Virginius. A glorious Vengeance worthy Us and Romte!
Num. What Vengeance? Cheer my Soul with Comfort's ſtrain!
Icilius. Fautina firſt was by fierce Claudius' Hand
Rewarded for her Treaſon !
Numitorius.
How?
Icilius.
With Death
Numitorius. Alas! Repentance often moves too-ſlow
To ſave Us from theſe Puniſhments which wait
On this Side of the Grave to plague the Guilty!
Icilius. Baſe Claudius haſted with his bloody Sword
To boaſt his Merit to the Tyrant Appius.
Numitorious. And how was He rewarded ?
Appius.
“Not Virginius,
« Nor 1 (cried Appius) ilew that charming Maid,
“ But He, whole ill-conducted Plot betray'd' Us
“ To fatal Confidence, then full Detection.
“ Accept this Recompenſe " ! He ſpeaking ſeiz'd
The Sword yet reeking with Fautina's Blood,
And hid it in the Breaſt of Claudius.
Numitorious. Thy Hand, 0 Nemeſis, great Jupiter
Directs moft-wiſely when a Miſcreant falls
By Him whoſe Slave and Tool in Guilt He ſhone.
And does not Appius tremble for his Fate ?
Virginius.

Τ Η Ε VIRGIN VICTIM.
43
SO
Virginius. No! He is calm. He ſtreve to footh the People
By ſtreams of Eloquence; but Nature's Powers
He never had relied on, and now Art
Was abient, when moit-needed. --- Silence felf
( Or broken Speech than Silence worſe, ) declar'd
His Guilt more-fully than an Orator
Moft-copious. The People, almoit-mad
With Love of Freedom, now recorded all
His own and Colleagues' Crimes in pungent ſtrain,
Which Nature Aims them with, At Length He throws
Around his baleful Eyes, which witneſs Fear
And huge Diſmay, unutterable Hate,
And foul Deſpair; then laſtly on his Breaſt
Urg'd home the fatal Sword, ſole Act of Juſtice !
Numitorius. Gods! I acquit ye of Virginia's Death!
Virginius. The Senate is aſſembled, and the Nobles
Strive with the Populace, who beſt ſhall nurſe
Of roman Freedom the reviving Spirit!
Virginius. E’er to the Camp I fly, I'll kneel devout
And kiſs theſe Relicks of the virgin Shrine.
Icilius. I'll join in Worſhip with the roman Sire, .
Virginius. Gods! Breathes She not?
Icilius.
She breathes !
Numitorius.
Nay, She revives !
SCENE
VI. Virginia and all the reſt.
Virginia. Icilius ! Father! Friends ! But where is Appius ?
He is not here! Oh! No! This is Elyſium !
Icilius. Appius is dead, while thus Virginia lives! [ They embrace
Virginia. Live then Icilius, my Sire, and Uncle ?
Numitorious: We live, and doubly live in our Virginia.
Virginius.

44
T HE: V 1 B G IN VICTIM.
Virginius. Rome lives thro' Thee; for we revive to Freedom!
Virginia. Oh! Moderate my joys; or elſe Exceſs
Will kill me. Now I dare to wiſh you happy,
If . Gratitude can make. —
[ looking at the Wound. ]
Numitorius. The Skin is baſely ras'd. Imagination
And full Perſuaſion of th’e intended ſtroke,
Th’e Averſion alſo of the Father's Eyes
Have wrought this fortunate Miſtake of Fainting
!
The ſtroke was temper'd.
Icilius.
Let not Patriots then
Of Liberty diſpair, while they have Hands
And Hearts, but ſnatch the Occaſion. —- Tyrants hurry'd are
By Paſſions to Exceſs, which works their Ruin,
While live the Roman Sire and virgin Vittim!
Curtain falls, and the Fifth Act Ends.
*****-FINI S. --*****
eensa
VYis3