Barce. Indeed I saw him not, but every tongue Speaks the glad tidings.

Publius

At. See where Publius comes.

See where Publius comes.

Pub. My sister, I'm transported! Oh, Attilia, He's here, our father——Regulus is come!

——

At. I thank you, gods: O my full heart! where is he? Hasten, my brother, lead, O lead me to him.

Pub. It is too soon: restrain thy fond impatience. With Africa's ambassador he waits, Until th' assembled senate give him audience.

At. Where was he Publius when thou saw'st him first?

Pub. You know, in quality of Roman quæstor, My duty 'tis to find a fit abode For all ambassadors of foreign states. Hearing the Carthaginian was arriv'd, I hasten'd to the port, when, O just gods! No foreigner, no foe, no African Salutes my eye, but Regulus——my father!

——

At. Oh mighty joy! too exquisite delight! What said the hero? tell me, tell me all, And ease my anxious breast.

Pub. Ere I arriv'd, My father stood already on the shore, Fixing his eyes with anxious eagerness, As straining to descry the Capitol. I saw, and flew with transport to embrace him, Pronounc'd with wildest joy the name of father— With reverence seiz'd his venerable hand, And would have kiss'd it; when the awful hero, With that stern grandeur which made Carthage tremble, Drew back—stood all collected in himself, And said austerely, Know, thou rash young man, That slaves in Rome have not the rights of fathers. Then ask'd, if yet the senate was assembled, And where? which having heard, without indulging The fond effusions of his soul, or mine, He suddenly retir'd. I flew with speed To find the Consul, but as yet success Attends not my pursuit. Direct me to him.

Ere I arriv'd,

Barce. Publius, you'll find him in Bellona's temple.

At. Then Regulus returns to Rome a slave!

Pub. Yes, but be 

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