Ham. Why dost thou stop? dost thou forget this temple? I thought these walls had been well known to Regulus?

Reg. Hamilcar! I was thinking what I was When last I saw them, and what now I am.

Ham. (to the Consul.) Carthage by me to Rome this greeting sends, That wearied out at length with bloody war, If Rome inclines to peace she offers it.

Man. We will at leisure answer thee. Be seated. Come, Regulus, resume thine ancient place.

Reg. (pointing to the Senators.) Who then are these?

Man. The Senators of Rome.

The Senators of Rome.

Reg. And who art thou?

Man. What meanst thou? I'm her Consul; Hast thou so soon forgotten Manlius?

What meanst thou? I'm her Consul;

Reg. And shall a slave then have a place in Rome Among her Consuls and her Senators?

Man. Yes!—For her heroes Rome forgets her laws; Softens their harsh austerity for thee, To whom she owes her conquests and her triumphs.

Reg. Rome may forget, but Regulus remembers.

Man. Was ever man so obstinately good?

Pub. (rising.) Fathers! your pardon. I can sit no longer.

Reg. Publius, what dost thou mean?

Pub. To do my duty: Where Regulus must stand, shall Publius sit?

To do my duty:

Reg. Alas! O Rome, how are thy manners chang'd! When last I left thee, ere I sail'd for Afric, It was a crime to think of private duties When public cares requir'd attention.——Sit, (To Publius.) And learn to occupy thy place with honour.

——

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