ACT II. SCENE I. The fame Veftibule. Enter VARIUS, with TITINIUS newly arriv'd at W Athens. TITINIU S. Hat mean these fumptuous Preparations? VARIUS, O wrong not facred Athens, Sir, the Nurfe TITINIUS. Fallacious Eloquence, and useless Arts! I I own her Learning; but that Polishing Has but too much weaken'd our harder Steel. Our ancient, rough, and manly Worth now bends But mix'd with drofs of Flatt'ry and Corruption. VARIUS. And whither should it fly, if not to Athens? TITINIUS. Is't poffible? Pardon a Stranger's Error, Sent from the Gods, I think: for 'tis their Cause; VARIUS. The Sports are just beginning; I have time But folemn Celebrations to the Gods, With pious Hymns imploring their Protection, And most of all, Affection to their Country, TITINIUS. I recant, And grow my self impatient for your Pleasures. SCENE II. The Scene opens, and difcovers the magnificent Temple of BACCHUS, where the publick Entertainments were wont to be celebrated at Athens. The Statue of BRUTUs being this day erected, is fuppofed to be the Occafion of thefe Solemnities, and must appear in the furthermoft part of the Stage. After the Shews and Songs are over, BRUTUS, LUCILIUS, TITINIUS, and VARIUS remain on the Stage. LUCILIUS. By these refin'd Diverfions, we perceive Na No wonder ATTICUS, fo nice a Judge, When he retir'd, preferr'd this place to all. Philosophy is highly'ft honour'd here; BRUTUS. Here Poetry, harmoniously divine, VARIUS. But that which has occafion'd these Delights, BRUTUS. Hold, VARIUS; too much has been faid already As Honour done me for Rome's fake, not mine. Are brought in Triumph to the Capitol. LUCILIUS. Yet then, we know, that Leader justly triumphs, Under whofe Conduct those rich Spoils are gain'd. BRU 334 THE DEATH OF BRUTUS. But were our Conduct equal to our Cause; VARIUS. Rome could not fail to find support in Athens; That Liberty to which fhe owes her Splendour, Moft truly noted: From whence ever came VARIUS. The very Air of Freedom breeds great Souls, BRUTUS. And here inspires the usefulleft of Virtues, VARIUS. My Friends and near Relations, when I took Affur'd |