child; If she be silent, who will speak for Regulus?

Lic. Let not her sorrows make my fair unjust. Is there in Rome a heart so dead to virtue That does not beat in Regulus's cause? That wearies not the gods for his return? That does not think all subjugated Afric A slender, unimportant acquisition, If, in return for this extended empire, The freedom of thy father be the purchase? These are the feelings of Imperial Rome; My own, it were superfluous to declare. For if Licinius were to weigh his merit, That he's thy father were sufficient glory. He was my leader, train'd me up to arms; And if I boast a spark of Roman honour, I owe it to his precepts and his virtues.

At. And yet I have not seen Licinius stir.

Lic. Ah! spare me thy reproaches—what, when late A private citizen, could I attempt? 'Twas not the lust of power, or pride of rank, Which made me seek the dignity of tribune; No, my Attilia, but I fondly hop'd 'Twould strengthen and enforce the just request Which as a private man I vainly urg'd; But now, the people's representative, I shall demand, Attilia, to be heard.

At. Ah! let us not too hastily apply This dang'rous remedy; I would not rouse Fresh tumults 'twixt the people and the senate: Each views with jealousy the idol, Power, Which, each possessing, would alike abuse. What one demands the other still denies. Might I advise you, try a gentler method; I know that every moment Rome expects Th' ambassador of Carthage, nay, 'tis said The Conscript Fathers are already met To give him audience in Bellona's temple. There might the Consul at my suit, Licinius, Propose the ransom of my captive father.

Lic. Ah! think, Attilia, who that Consul is, Manlius, thy father's rival, and his foe: His ancient rival, and his foe profess'd: To hope in him, my fair, were fond delusion.

At. Yet though his rival, Manlius is a Roman: Nor will he think of private enmities, Weigh'd in the balance with the good of Rome: Let me at least make trial of his honour.

Lic. Be it so, my fair! but elsewhere make thy suit; Let not the Consul meet Attilia here, Confounded with the refuse of the people.

At. Yes, I will see him here, e'en here, Licinius. Let Manlius blush, not me: here will I speak, Here shall he answer me.

Lic. Behold he comes.

Behold he comes.

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