Ham. Does Regulus fulfil his promise thus? Reg. I've promis'd to return, and I will do it. At. My father! think a moment. Lic. Ah! my friend! Ah! my friend! Lic. and At. O by this hand we beg—— —— Reg. Away! no more. Thanks to Rome's guardian gods I'm yet a slave! And will be still a slave to make Rome free! Away! no more. At. Was the exchange refus'd? Oh ease my fears. Reg. Publius! conduct Hamilcar and myself To that abode thou hast for each provided. At. A foreign residence? a strange abode? And will my father spurn his household gods? Pub. My sire a stranger?——Will he taste no more The smiling blessings of his cheerful home? —— Reg. Dost thou not know the laws of Rome forbid A foe's ambassador within her gates? Pub. This rigid law does not extend to thee. Reg. Yes; did it not alike extend to all, 'Twere tyranny.—The law rights every man, But favours none. At. Then, O my father, Allow thy daughter to partake thy fate! Then, O my father, Reg. Attilia! no. The present exigence Demands far other thoughts, than the soft cares, The fond effusions, the delightful weakness, The dear affections 'twixt the child and parent.
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