the weakness of my soul. Know then, my Lord—how shall I tell thee all?

Pub. Stop, cruel maid, nor wound thy Publius more; I dread the fatal frankness of thy words: Spare me the pain of knowing I am scorn'd; And if thy heart's devoted to another, Yet do not tell it me; in tender pity Do not, my fair, dissolve the fond illusion, The dear delightful visions I have form'd Of future joy, and fond exhaustless love.

Publius

Barce. (alone.) And shall I see him then, see my Hamilcar, Pride of my soul, and lord of all my wishes? The only man in all our burning Afric Who ever taught my bosom how to love! Down, foolish heart! be calm, my busy thoughts! If at his name I feel these strange emotions, How shall I see, how meet my conqueror? O let not those presume to judge of joy Who ne'er have felt the pangs which absence gives. Such tender transport those alone can prove, Who long, like me, have known disastrous love; The tears that fell, the sighs that once were paid, Like grateful incense on his altar laid; The lambent flame rekindle, not destroy, And woes remember'd heighten present joy.

Such tender transport those alone can prove,

ACT II.

Scene—The inside of the Temple of Bellona—Seats for the Senators and Ambassadors—Lictors guarding the entrance. Manlius, Publius, and Senators.

Scene

Manlius

Publius

Man. Let Regulus be sent for to our presence; And with him the ambassador of Carthage. Is it then true the foe would treat of peace?

Pub. They wish, at least, our captives were exchang'd, And send my father to declare their wish: If he obtain it, well: if not, then Regulus Returns to meet the vengeance of the foe, And pay for your refusal with his blood: He ratified this treaty with his oath, And ere he quitted Carthage, heard, unmov'd, The dreadful preparations for his death, Should he return. O, Romans! O, my countrymen! Can you resign your hero to your foe? Say, can you give up Regulus to Carthage?

Man. Peace, Publius, peace, for see thy father comes.

Hamilcar

Regulus

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