The Inflexible Captive: A Tragedy, in Five Acts
At. I only recollect I am a daughter, A poor, defenceless, helpless, wretched daughter! Away——and let me follow.

——

Pub. No, my sister.

No, my sister.

At. Detain me not—Ah! while thou hold'st me here, He goes, and I shall never see him more.

Barce. My friend, be comforted, he cannot go Whilst here Hamilcar stays.

At. O Barce, Barce! Who will advise, who comfort, who assist me? Hamilcar, pity me.—Thou wilt not answer?

O Barce, Barce!

Ham. Rage and astonishment divide my soul.

At. Licinius, wilt thou not relieve my sorrows?

Lic. Yes, at my life's expense, my heart's best treasure, Wouldst thou instruct me how.

At. My brother, too—— Ah! look with mercy on thy sister's woes!

My brother, too

——

Pub. I will at least instruct thee how to bear them. My sister—yield thee to thy adverse fate; Think of thy father, think of Regulus; Has he not taught thee how to brave misfortune? 'Tis but by following his illustrious steps Thou e'er canst merit to be call'd his daughter.

At. And is it thus thou dost advise thy sister? Are these, ye gods, the feelings of a son? Indifference here becomes impiety— Thy savage heart ne'er felt the dear delights Of filial tenderness—the thousand joys That flow from blessing and from being bless'd! No—didst thou love thy father as I love him, Our kindred souls would be in unison; And all my sighs be echoed back by thine. Thou wouldst—alas!—I know not what I say.— Forgive me, Publius,—but indeed, my brother, I do not understand this cruel coldness.

Ham. Thou may'st not—but I understand it well. His mighty soul, full as to thee it seems Of Rome, and glory—is enamour'd—caught— Enraptur'd 
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