Page:Dramas 1.pdf/445

ACT III.

SCENE I.—Before the Gate of Nero's Palace: Guards, with their Officers, discovered on Duty.

Enter to them another Officer, speaking, as he enters, to the Soldiers.

FIRST OFFICER.

Strike up some sacred strain of Roman triumph;

The Pontiff comes to meet the summon'd council.
Omit not this respect, else he will deem
We are of those who love the Nazarenes.
Sing loud and clearly.

Enter Pontiff, attended.

SACRED HYMN by the Soldiers.

That chief, who bends to Jove the suppliant knee,
Shall firm in power and high in honour be;
And who to Mars a soldier's homage yields,
Shall laurell'd glory reap in bloody fields;
Who vine-crown'd Bacchus, bounteous Lord, adores,
Shall gather still, unscath'd, his vintage stores;