Man. Unequall'd fortitude.

Pub. O fatal virtue!

O fatal virtue!

Ham. What do I hear? this constancy confounds me.

Man. (to the Senators.) Let honour be the spring of all our actions, Not interest, Fathers. Let no selfish views Preach safety at the price of truth and justice.

Reg. If Rome would thank me, I will teach her how. —Know, Fathers, that these savage Africans Thought me so base, so very low of soul, That the poor wretched privilege of breathing, Would force me to betray my country to them. Have these barbarians any tortures left To match the cruelty of such a thought? Revenge me, Fathers! and I'm still a Roman. Arm, arm yourselves, prepare your citizens, Snatch your imprison'd eagles from their fanes, Fly to the shores of Carthage, force her gates, Dye every Roman sword in Punic blood— And do such deeds—that when I shall return, (As I have sworn, and am resolv'd to do,) I may behold with joy, reflected back, The terrors of your rage in the dire visages Of my astonish'd executioners.

Ham. Surprise has chill'd my blood! I'm lost in wonder!

Pub. Does no one answer? must my father perish?

Man. Romans, we must defer th' important question; Maturest councils must determine on it. Rest we awhile:——Nature requires some pause From high-rais'd admiration. Thou, Hamilcar, Shalt shortly know our final resolution. Meantime, we go to supplicate the gods.

——

Reg. Have you a doubt remaining? Manlius, speak.

Man. Yes, Regulus, I think the danger less To lose th' advantage thy advice suggests, Than would accrue to Rome in losing thee, Whose wisdom might direct, whose valour guard her. Athirst for glory, thou wouldst rush on death, And for thy country's sake wouldst greatly perish. Too vast a sacrifice thy zeal requires, For Rome must bleed when Regulus expires.

Regulus, Publius, Hamilcar

Attilia

Licinius

 Prev. P 15/54 next