SCENE XIV
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Cinna with drawn sword; the aforementioned.
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Recitative
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Silla
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What? Cinna?
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With drawn sword,
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confused and undecided?…
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Cinna
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(Oh heaven! All is lost.
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Some way I seek
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out of this disastrous plight.) To my astonishment
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did I see how Cecilio, with drawn sword,
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did make his way
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through the throng. His proud,
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threatening eye, his fury caused me
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to fear treachery.
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Thee from this murderous hand to deliver and to defend
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did I draw my sword.
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Silla
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Go, friend, to discover
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if other faithless…
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Cinna
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Upon my loyalty depend,
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o master. Fear naught.
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(Nearly did I lose myself in the violent encounter.)
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(Exit.)
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Silla
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Bring here the traitor,
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Aufidio, disarm him.
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Giunia
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Oh God! Withhold.
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Cecilio
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So long I have the sword,
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so long I know what makes thee tremble.
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Silla
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Is this the measure
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of thy arrogance?
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Giunia
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(Oh gods!)
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Silla
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Surrender thy sword
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else I…
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Cecilio
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Thou dost hope in vain.
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Giunia
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Surrender it, o dearest one.
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Cecilio
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Doth my bride instruct me
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to be cowardly?
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Giunia
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Defy him not!
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Cecilio
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What wilt thou?…
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Giunia
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A proof
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of thy regard.
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Cecilio
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Must I?…
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Giunia
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Thou needs must
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place thy trust in my constancy and heaven's favour,
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and hope. Shouldst thou still cherish doubt, my love,
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thou dost offend the righteous gods
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and thy bride.
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Cecilio
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(Rage consumes me.)
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(To Giunia.)
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Content thyself.
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(He drops the sword.)
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Take it! – Barbarian.
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Silla
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Into the darkest dungeon
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cast him! But a brief while yet
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shall I suffer thee to breathe the vital breath
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which thou hast forfeited.
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In chains
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thou too, deceitful jade,
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shalt rue thy bold treason.
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No. 18 Trio
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Silla
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This criminal temerity
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I shall know today how to subdue.
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Cecilio
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Give over thy hope, villain,
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thus would I act at any time again.
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Giunia
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Here, o my husband, a pledge
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that I shall die at thy side.
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Silla
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Godless pair, your hands
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are fit for chains alone.
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Giunia and Cecilio
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If my dearest treasure loves me,
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I shall walk gladly to my death.
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Silla
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This constancy undaunted,
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this love so true,
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maddens my heart,
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inflames me.
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Giunia and Cecilio
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My constancy undaunted,
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my love so true,
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sweetly comforts my heart
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and leaves me free of fear.
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End of the second act.
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