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CORD vile Appius merited,

When he his felon servant sped

As witness false, to foully swear

Against Virginia, maid most fair,

Of brave Virginius daughter dear,

As doth in Livy’s page appear,

Because he could not subjugate

Her virtuous mind, nor quell the hate

His suit inspired. Vile Claudius cried

In open court: ‘Upon my side,

O judge, give sentence, seen I can

Prove clearer claim than other man

To this fair maid, who is to me

The house-bred slave in simple fee.

For she beneath my roof was born,

And being thence unjustly torn,

Was to Virginius’ palace led,

And therein reared and nourishèd.

Great Appius, sentence give, I pray

That, from Virginius reft away,

Restored she be to my good care.

And if denial he should dare

To give my oath, I straight will bring

Good witness to affirm the thing.’

’Twas thus this villain servant told

His vile and treacherous tale with bold,