Vent your fury on our backs and necks; let chastity at least be secure.

If violence be offered to her, I shall implore the protection of the citizens here present in behalf of my spouse; Virginius will implore that of the soldiers in behalf of his only daughter; we shall all implore the protection of gods and men, nor shall you carry that sentence into effect without our blood.

I demand of you, Appius, consider again and again to what lengths you are proceeding.

Let Virginius, when he comes, consider what conduct he should pursue with respect to his daughter.

Let him only be assured of this, that if he yield to the claims of this man, he will have to seek out another match for his daughter.