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FIRST OFFICER.

What demonry, thinkest thou, possesses Varus?

SECOND OFFICER.

That is well urged. (To the other.) Is he a maniac?

Alas, that I should see so brave a soldier
Thus, as a malefactor, led to death!

FIRST OFFICER.

Viewing his keen enliven'd countenance

And stately step, one should have rather guess'd
He led victorious soldiers to the charge:
And they, indeed, appeared to follow him
With noble confidence.

THIRD OFFICER.

'Tis all vain seeming.

He is a man, who makes a show of valour
To which his deeds have born slight testimony.

Cordenius. (advancing indignantly.)

Thou liest; a better and a braver soldier

Ne'er fronted foe, or closed in bloody strife.
[Turning away angrily to the back-ground.

FIRST OFFICER.

Our chief, methinks, is in a fretful mood,

Which is not usual with him.

SECOND OFFICER.

He did not seem to listen to our words,

Yet they have moved him keenly.—
But see, he gives the signal to proceed;