"These are _stars_ indeed, And sometimes _falling ones_." --_Steevens._ [274] _Pandora_ was a woman formed by Vulcan, with the joint contribution of all the gods, every one of whom bestowed on her some grace or beauty.--_Steevens._ [275] In the old copy the four last letters of _breath_ have dropped out by accident, but they are no doubt rightly restored.--_Collier._ ACT II, SCENE I. CASSIBELANUS, CRIDOUS, BRITAEL, GUERTHED, NENNIUS, BELINUS, EULINUS. VOLUSENUS _following_. CAS. Heavens favour Cridous, fair Albania's king: And Britael, deck'd with the Demetian crown: The same to famous Guerthed, whose command Embraces woody Ordovic's black hills. Legate, you may your message now declare. VOL. By me great Cæsar greets the Briton state: This letter speaks the rest. CAS. Then read the rest. VOLUSENUS _reads_. "Cæsar, Proconsul of Gallia, to Cassibelane, King of Britain. Since Romulus' race by will of Jove Have stretch'd their empire wide From Danube's banks (by Tigris swift) Unto Mount Atlas' side: And provinces and nations strong With homage due obey; We wish that you, hid in the sea, Do likewise tribute pay. Submitting all unto our wills For rashly aiding Gaul: And noble lads for hostages Make ready at our call. These granted may our friendship gain; Denied shall work your woe. Now take your choice, whether you'd find Rome as a friend or foe." CAS. Bold mandates are unwelcome to free princes. Legate, withdraw; you shall be soon despatch'd. [_Exit_ VOLUSENUS. CRI. He writes more like a victor than a foe; Whose greatness, risen from subdued nations, Is fasten'd only with fear's slippery knot. Nor can they fight so fierce for wealth or fame, As we for native liberty. With answer rough Bid him defiance. So thinks Cridous. GUER. Guerthed maintains the same, and on their flesh I'll write my answer in red characters. BRI. Thou ravenous wolf, imperious monster, Rome, Seven-headed Hydra, know, we scorn thy threats: We can oppose thy hills with mounts as high, And scourge usurpers with like cruelty. And thus thinks Britael.