Valerius; and finding Lucrece attired in mourning habit, demanded the cause of her sorrow. She, first taking an oath of them for her revenge, revealed the actor and whole manner of his dealing, and withal suddenly stabbed herself. Which done, with one consent they all vowed to root out the whole hated family of the Tarquins; and bearing the dead body to Rome, Brutus acquainted the people with the doer and manner of the vile deed, with a bitter invective against the tyranny of the king: wherewith the people were so moved, that with one consent and a general acclamation the Tarquins were all exiled, and the state government changed from kings to consuls. The Rape of Lucrece. FROM the besieged Ardea all in post, And girdle with embracing flames the waist Haply that name of 'chaste' unhappily set To praise the clear unmatched red and white. ΙΟ Where mortal stars, as bright as heaven's beauties, For he the night before, in Tarquin's tent, That kings might be espoused to more fame, 20 O happiness enjoy'd but of a few! Beauty itself doth of itself persuade Of that rich jewel he should keep unknown Perchance his boast of Lucrece' sovereignty Braving compare, disdainfully did sting 30 40 His high-pitch'd thoughts, that meaner men should vaunt That golden hap which their superiors want. But some untimely thought did instigate O rash-false heat, wrapp'd in repentant cold, |