Pub. All Rome.——The citizens are up in arms: In vain would reason stop the growing torrent; In vain wouldst thou attempt to reach the port, The way is barr'd by thronging multitudes: The other streets of Rome are all deserted.

——

Reg. Where, where is Manlius?

Pub. He is still thy friend: His single voice opposes a whole people; He threats this moment and the next entreats, But all in vain; none hear him, none obey. The general fury rises e'en to madness. The axes tremble in the lictors' hands, Who, pale and spiritless, want power to use them— And one wild scene of anarchy prevails.

He is still thy friend:

Reg. Farewell! my daughter. Publius, follow me.

Publius

At. Ah! where? I tremble——

——

Regulus

Reg. To assist my friend— T' upbraid my hapless country with her crime— To keep unstain'd the glory of these chains— To go, or perish.

To assist my friend—

At. Oh! have mercy!

Oh! have mercy!

Reg. Hold; I have been patient with thee; have indulg'd Too much the fond affections of thy soul; It is enough; thy grief would now offend Thy father's honour; do not let thy tears Conspire with Rome to rob me of my triumph.

Hold;

At. Alas! it wounds my soul.

Reg. I know it does. I know 'twill grieve thy gentle heart to lose me; But think, thou mak'st the sacrifice to Rome, And all is well again.

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