proffer'd friendship. Man. (after a pause.) Yes, I do promise. Reg. Bounteous gods, I thank you! Ye never gave, in all your round of blessing, A gift so greatly welcome to my soul, As Manlius' friendship on the terms of honour! Bounteous gods, I thank you! Man. Immortal Powers! why am not I a slave? By heav'n! I almost envy thee thy bonds. Reg. My friend, there's not a moment to be lost; Ere this, perhaps, the Senate is assembled. To thee, and to thy virtues, I commit The dignity of Rome—my peace and honour. Man. Illustrious man, farewell! Reg. Farewell, my friend! Farewell, my friend! Man. The sacred flame thou hast kindled in my soul Glows in each vein, trembles in every nerve, And raises me to something more than man. My blood is fir'd with virtue, and with Rome, And every pulse beats an alarm to glory. Who would not spurn a sceptre when compar'd With chains like thine? Thou man of every virtus, O, farewell! may all the gods protect and bless thee. Manlius Licinius Reg. Now I begin to live; propitious heaven Inclines to favour me.——Licinius here? —— Lic. With joy, my honour'd friend, I seek thy presence. Reg. And why with joy? Lic. Because my heart once more Beats high with flattering hope. In thy great cause I have been labouring. Because my heart once more Reg. Say'st thou in my cause?
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