South. Yes, Oh yes, My bosom's better half, I can. With thee I'll gladly seek the coast unknown, and leave And spring triumphant in a friend's embrace! (Enter Raleigh.) Raleigh. To you, my lord Southampton, from the queen A pardon comes: your life her mercy spares. (Exit.) Essex. For ever blessed be that indulgent power South. All-ruling heavens, can this, can this be just? Essex. Live, Oh live, Thou noblest, bravest, best of men and friends, Agree to part, and nature send thee to me; Thou generous soul, farewell;-live and be happy; Whatever blessings fate has thus cut off Lieut. My lord, my warrant Strictly forbids to grant a moment's time. South. Oh, must we part for ever?-Cruel fortune! Wilt thou then tear him hence ?-Severe divorce! Let me cling round thy sacred person still, Still clasp thee to my bosom close, and keep Stern fate at distance. Essex. Oh, my friend, we'll meet Again where virtue finds a just reward, I fear it not:-This hideous monster, death, I trust, than either life or fame-my wife. I pray thee leave this woman's work-farewell- South. My bursting breast! I fain would speak, but words Are poor-Farewell! But we shall meet again, embrace in one SELECTION XV. CAIUS GRACCHUS-DRUSUS.-Knowles. Drusus. Your pleasure, Caius ? C. Gracchus. Pleasure!-Livius Drusus, Drusus. The caitiff! C. Gracc. Ah! ho! Now You are Livius Drusus! You were only then The man men took him for-the easy man, That, so the world went right, cared not who got The praise. Who ever thought, in such A plain and homely piece of stuff, to see The mighty senate's tool! Drusus. The senate's tool! C. Gracc. Now what a deal of pains for little profit! If you could play the juggler with me, Livius To such perfection practice seeming, as To pass it on me for reality— Make my own senses witness against myself, I see as palpable as if they were Twas worth the acting; but, when I am master As you do, that the prodigy's a lie, What wanton waste of labor!—Livius Drusus, Drusus. Well, let me be so! I will not quarrel with you, worthy Caius! C. Gracc. What barefaced shifting! What real fierceness could grow tame so soon! When open-mouthed I brave you, straight you play But only to be honest to the people. Drusus. Honest! C. Gracc. Ay, honest!-Why do you repeat My words, as if you feared to trust your own! Do I play echo? Question me, and see If I so fear to be myself. I act The wall, which speaks not but with others' tongues. say you are not honest to the people. I I say you are the senate's tool-their bait Their juggler-their trick-merchant.—If I wrong you, Tell me I lie, and smite me to the earth!- it doth hurry you C. Gracc. Give me but an answer, and I'll be content. Are you not leagued with the senate? Drusus. Your senses leave you, Caius ! C. Gracc. Will you answer me? Drusus. Throw off this humor! C. Gracc. Drusus. Drusus. C. Gracc. Give me an answer, Drusus! Madman! Are you the creature of the senate? C. Gracc. Do you juggle with the people? "Tis all I want to know you are a traitor. Drusus. A traitor! C. Gracc. Ay! Drusus. To whom? C. Gracc. To the poor people! The houseless citizens that sleep at nights Thou art their magistrate, their friend, their father. Dost thou betray them? Juggle them out of the few friends they have left? C. Gracc. The friend of neither The senate's tool!—a traitor to the people!— With one eye, glance his pity on the crowd, By his external badge; your order wears Drusus. I'll leave you, Caius, And hope your breast will harbor better counsels. Grudge you the senate's kindness to the people? 'Tis well-whoe'er serves them shows love to me! (Exit.) C. Gracc. Go! I have tilled a waste; and, with my sweat, Brought hope of fruitage forth-the superficial And heartless soil cannot sustain the shoot: The first harsh wind that sweeps it, leaves it bare! I loved them and I served them!-Let them go! SELECTION XVI. RIENZI-COLONNA-URSINI-FRANGIPANI-CAFARELLO-AN GELO-SAVELLI-THE NUNCIO-EMBASSADOR-NOBLES. Mitford. Rienzi. Why, this Is well, my lords, this full assemblage. Now Lord Nuncio, I should have asked thy blessing. I have sent Thy fairest daughter. Angelo, Colonna, A double welcome! Rome lacked half her state Colonna. Sir, I come A suitor to thee. Martin Ursini Rie. When last his name was on thy lips- Thy suit, thy suit! If pardon take at once Angelo. Yet, mercy— Rie. Angelo, Waste not thy pleadings on a desperate cause And a resolved spirit. She awaits thee. My lord Colonna, This is a needful justice. Col. Noble Tribune, It is a crime which custom Rie. Ay, the law (Exit Angelo.) Of the strong against the weak-your law, the law A thousand times he dies. Ye are noble, sirs, And need a warning. Col. Sick, almost to death. Rie. Ye have less cause to grieve. Rie. Ay, Madonna Laura is a blooming dame, And will become her weeds. Cafarello. Remember Tribune, He hath two uncles, cardinals. Wouldst outrage Rie. The lord cardinals, Meek, pious, lowly men, and loving virtue, |