Appius confesses to Marcus Claudius that he lusts after Virginia, and Marcus encourages Appius to exploit his power to obtain the girl; Appius, he says, can easily exert control over Virginius through his position in the state.
Appius shares his attraction to Virginia with Marcus Claudius, who suggests that Appius use his power to gain control over her; as a result, Appius can leverage his position to influence Virginius.