Ham. And yet I'm not a Roman.

Reg. (smiling contemptuously.) I perceive it.

I perceive it.

Ham. You may retire (aloud to the guards).

Reg. No!—Stay, I charge you stay.

No!—Stay, I charge you stay.

Ham. And wherefore stay?

Reg. I thank thee for thy offer, But I shall go with thee.

I thank thee for thy offer,

Ham. 'Tis well, proud man! Thou dost despise me, then?

'Tis well, proud man!

Reg. No—but I pity thee.

No—but I pity thee.

Ham. Why pity me?

Reg. Because thy poor dark soul Hath never felt the piercing ray of virtue. Know, African! the scheme thou dost propose Would injure me, thy country, and thyself.

Because thy poor dark soul

Ham. Thou dost mistake.

Reg. Who was it gave thee power To rule the destiny of Regulus? Am I a slave to Carthage, or to thee?

Who was it gave thee power

Ham. What does it signify from whom, proud Roman! Thou dost receive this benefit?

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