but mocked and crushed By the stern laws of Rome and tyranny Of the false Ten, since ever it was born. Thy bright brown eyes are luminous with soul;[29] Wise, gentle brother, dost thou weep for me? Tib. (sobbing passionately). A curse upon those false and dreadful Ten! Cornelia, would that I might succor thee! Cor. Most dear, my brother, weep no more for me; The gods, who love true lovers, do despise Tyrants and murderers, and sure will aid Our cause if we be patient to the end. Time is a greybeard, and he will not haste At any whim, and Fate, a bigot stern, Who acts according to his quick desire; He preys on Innocence as well as Guilt, And none can change the fashion of his ways.      [A pause. Now, tell me, wast thou playing mariner, But now, and was yon bath a mighty sea? Tib. (brightly). I was Æneas, our great forefather, And I was sailing from our ancient Troy. Oft Juno dashed our ships against the rocks In spite, because the Trojans she abhorred; Yet, by a miracle, lo! I was saved. Cor. And didst thou then encounter and escape Scylla's dread arms, Charybdis' frightful jaws? Tib. Ay, and therefrom lost I three goodly men— Two oarsmen and my helmsman. Cor. Cruel fate! Perchance thou hast survived these perils, so Thou mayst give comfort to thy troubled sister. Methinks—but what familiar sound is that? Surely his voice dismissing his attendant— And now a knocking on the outer door! The porter cometh nigh. Tiberius, 'Tis he! I dreamed not he could come this day! Tib. Then I'll begone, sister; give me a kiss; I'll seek thee later and relate my voyage. [Exit. Cor. Ah! gods! I feel as fluttered as a maid[30] Of the plebeians might. Thus do I share The simple nature of his simple class, Through my deep love for him. My haughty mien, Patrician dignity, desert me when Mine own beloved cometh unto me.  (Voice of porter without.) Most gracious mistress, I await thy pleasure, To usher in a visitor to thee. Cor. (aside). I must not seem too eager, comprehensive, Lest e'en my faithful porter, noting it, Let slip without my doors some foolish scandal.

[29]

 Cruel fate!

[30]

[To porter.

Who is the visitor? Porter. Sicinius. Cor. Admit Sicinius into my presence.

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