Appius. He faints with sudden revelation from
The gods of what is manifestly true.
Virginius, thou art deluded, or
A man, of old, deceptive.
Virginia. 'Tis a lie!
He is Virginius, no more, no less!
And 'tis enough, as Rome can witness to.
Thou art not worthy to crawl on the ground
And kiss the hand which hath these many years
Battled for Rome! Thou canst but harm our flesh.
His name and mine are unstained as the flame
On Vesta's altar.
[Turns to where Icilius is struggling vainly in the hands of the guard.
Peace, Icilius!
Of what avail is aught to such as these?
Small hope is left—and yet, O, Appius,
Wert thou not born of woman? For the one
Who gave thee life, respect her sisters now.
Let mercy dawn within thy hardened breast,
Speak but one word—one word—and many lives
Will leap and live again. Look down upon
And honor this grey head, now bowed so low;
The only stay and comfort in his age
Wouldst tear from him? His years in solitude
Will roll away, a never-ending tide.
Ye Romans, look upon your citizens,
Protect your women—lest indignant Jove
Lightnings shall send upon you, or the shield
Of Mars be taken from its sanctuary.
[Icilius at this moment breaks from the grasp of the soldiers and leaps to Virginia's side. The girl lifts his bound hands and places them against her breast, raising her eyes to his.
Icilius! I heard a ringing laugh,
And saw, as in a vision, a young child—
Our flesh and blood—our souls' inheritor.
I saw adorning me, in the strange dream,
A wedding garland fresh, not clanging chains.
O, if to die within thine arms! But stay!
My father—see the workings of his face!
He suffers. Father, we shall meet again
In the Elysian fields, when I am free!
Appius. Fools! Cease your maudlin tragedy! Disperse!
Come forward, slave, the judgment hath been passed.
Cor. (starting). The judgment, and so soon!
Tiberius (leaping from the car). It is not so!
Virginia, stay awhile!
Icilius (aside). Unbind my hands, Virginia!
Virginia. The knot is hard and I am dazed. I tremble.
Love, wilt thou sacrifice thy life for me?
Icilius. Ah! some one loose me of these cursed bonds!
[He is seized by the soldiers and again forced from the young girl's side. Cornelia steps from her car, and coming forward kneels at the feet of Appius.
Cor. Lord Appius, behold a broken heart,
But one with gentle blood from noble veins
Forever fed. Though proud, I kneel to thee.
O, loose her bonds—restore her liberty—
And I my wealth, my house, and e'en my life
Shall give to thee or this thy servant here.
Deep down into the dust I do incline
Myself, who am a lady of the best
And noblest line in Rome. I offer thee
My services, if thou wilt free the maid
Who did befriend me in mine hour of need.
Virginia. Cornelia! To me! Nay, it shall not be!
Thou friend of friends, such sacrifice is vain.
One kiss alone I ask of thee—one kiss—
Then silence! See, Tiberius weeps for thee.
[Tiberius springs with a cry into Cornelia's arms. The two draw off together. The four citizens come forward.
Galba. O, Appius, we offer thee our lives
To do with as thou wilt—but loose the maid!
Appius.Petitioners, ye gods, from every side?
It shall not be, for she is Marcus' slave.
The judgment has been passed, and I have spoken!
[A murmuring.