side. The girl lifts his bound hands and places them against her breast, raising her eyes to his. Icilius! I heard a ringing laugh, And saw, as in a vision, a young child— Our flesh and blood—our souls' inheritor. I saw adorning me, in the strange dream, A wedding garland fresh, not clanging chains. O, if to die within thine arms! But stay! My father—see the workings of his face! He suffers. Father, we shall meet again[56] In the Elysian fields, when I am free! Appius. Fools! Cease your maudlin tragedy! Disperse! Come forward, slave, the judgment hath been passed. Cor. (starting). The judgment, and so soon! Tiberius (leaping from the car). It is not so! Virginia, stay awhile! Icilius (aside). Unbind my hands, Virginia! Virginia. The knot is hard and I am dazed. I tremble. Love, wilt thou sacrifice thy life for me? Icilius. Ah! some one loose me of these cursed bonds! [56] [He is seized by the soldiers and again forced from the young girl's side. Cornelia steps from her car, and coming forward kneels at the feet of Appius. Cor. Lord Appius, behold a broken heart, But one with gentle blood from noble veins Forever fed. Though proud, I kneel to thee. O, loose her bonds—restore her liberty— And I my wealth, my house, and e'en my life Shall give to thee or this thy servant here. Deep down into the dust I do incline Myself, who am a lady of the best And noblest line in Rome. I offer thee My services, if thou wilt free the maid Who did befriend me in mine hour of need. Virginia. Cornelia! To me! Nay, it shall not be! Thou friend of friends, such sacrifice is vain. One kiss alone I ask of thee—one kiss— Then silence! See, Tiberius weeps for thee. [Tiberius springs with a cry into Cornelia's arms. The two draw off together. The four citizens come forward. Galba. O, Appius, we offer thee our lives[57] To do with as thou wilt—but loose the maid! Appius.Petitioners, ye gods, from every side? It shall not be, for she is Marcus' slave. The judgment has been passed, and I have spoken! [57] [A murmuring. Make way! The master comes to take his slave! [Confusion. Appius rises, his face ablaze with passion.
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