Reg. My Publius, welcome! What tidings dost thou bring? what says the Senate? Is yet my fate determin'd? quickly tell me.—

My Publius, welcome!

Pub. I cannot speak, and yet, alas! I must.

Reg. Tell me the whole.—

Pub. Would I were rather dumb!

Would I were rather dumb!

Reg. Publius, no more delay:—I charge thee speak.

Pub. The Senate has decreed thou shalt depart.

Reg. Genius of Rome! thou hast at last prevail'd— I thank the gods, I have not liv'd in vain! Where is Hamilcar?—find him—let us go, For Regulus has nought to do in Rome; I have accomplished her important work, And must depart.

Pub. Ah, my unhappy father!

Ah, my unhappy father!

Reg. Unhappy, Publius! didst thou say unhappy? Does he, does that bless'd man deserve this name, Who to his latest breath can serve his country?

Pub. Like thee, my father, I adore my country, Yet weep with anguish o'er thy cruel chains.

Reg. Dost thou not know that life's a slavery? The body is the chain that binds the soul; A yoke that every mortal must endure. Wouldst thou lament—lament the general fate, The chain that nature gives, entail'd on all, Not these I wear?

Pub. Forgive, forgive my sorrows: I know, alas! too well, those fell barbarians Intend thee instant death.

Forgive, forgive my sorrows:

Reg. So shall my life And servitude together have an end.—— Publius, farewell; nay, do not follow me.—

So shall my life

——

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