Page:Italian Literature.pdf/43

 And the patrician Romans. Yes! And well May proud oppression dauntlessly go forth, For Rome is widow'd! Distant wars engage The noblest of her youth, by Fabius led, And but the weak remain. Hence every heart Sickens with voiceless terror; and the people, Subdued and trembling, turn to thee in thought. But yet are silent.

Caius. I will make them heard. Rome is a slumbering lion, and my voice Shall wake the mighty. Thou shall see. I came Prepar'd for all; and as I track'd the deep For Rome, my dangers to my spirit grew Familiar in its musings. With a voice Of wrath, the loud winds fiercely swell'd; the waves Mutter'd around; Heaven flash'd in lightning forth, And the pale steersman trembled: I the while Stood on the tossing and bewilder'd bark, Retir'd, and shrouded in my mantle's folds, With thoughtful eyes cast down, and all absorb'd In a far deeper storm! Around my heart, Gathering in secret, then my spirit's powers Held council with themselves—and on my thoughts My country rose,—and I foresaw the snares, The treacheries of Opimius, and the senate, And my false friends, awaiting my return. Fulvius! I wept! but they were tears of rage! For I was wrought to frenzy, by the thought Of my wrong'd country, and of him, that brother, Whose shade, through ten long years hath sternly cried "Vengeance!"—nor found it yet.

Ful. It is fulfilled.

Caius. And how?

Ful. Thou shalt be told.

Caius. Explain thy words.

Ful. Then know, (incautious that I am!)

Caius.Why thus Falters thy voice? Why speak'st thou not?

Ful.Forgive! E'en friendship sometimes hath its secrets

Caius.No! True friendship, never!

Caius afterwards inquires what part his brother-in-law, Scipio Emilianus, is likely to adopt in their enterprises.

His high renown, The glorious deeds, whereby was earn'd his name