O sovereign lord and rightful judge, the gods do save thy grace.
Here entereth Judge Appius and Claudius.
With tender heart, Virginius, thou welcome art to me.
I sorry am to utter out the things I hear of thee;
For Claudius, a subject here, a man of mickle fame,
Appealeth thee before my court in deed of open shame.
And though indeed I love thee so as thy deserts desire,
Yet not so but I must judgment give, as justice doth require.
Virginius. My lord, and reason good it is: your servant doth request
No partial hand to aid his cause, no partial mind or breast.