Att. 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. Att. 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. Salutes my eye, but Regulus-my father! Pub. I saw, and flew with transport to embrace him, 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, Bar. Publius, you'll find him in Bellona's temple. Att. Then Regulus returns to Rome a slave! Pub. Yes, but be comforted; I know he brings Proposals for a peace; his will's his fate. Att. Rome may perhaps refuse to treat of peace. Pub. Didst thou behold the universal joy At his return, thou wouldst not doubt success. There's not a tongue in Rome but, wild with transport, Proclaims aloud that Regulus is come! The streets are filled with thronging multitudes, Att. Where is Licinius? find him out; Pub. Barce, adieu ! Bar. [Exit ATTILIA. Publius, a moment hear me. Know'st thou the name of Africa's ambassador? Pub. Hamilcar ? Bar. Son of Hanno ? Pub. Yes! the same. Bar. Ah me! Hamilcar !-How shall I sup port it! (aside.) Pub. Ah, charming maid! the blood forsakes thy cheek: Is he the rival of thy Publius? speak, And tell me all the rigour of my fate. Bar. Hear me, my lord. Since I have been thy slave. Till now I have not felt the weight of bondage. Know then, my lord-how shall I tell thee all? more; I dread the fatal frankness of thy words: [Exit PUBLIUS. Bar. (alone.) And shall I see him then, see my Pride of my soul, and lord of all my wishes? Down, foolish heart! be calm, my busy thoughts! Who ne'er have felt the pangs which absence gives. The lambent flame rekindle, not destroy, And woes remember'd heighten present joy. [Exit. ACT II. SCENE The inside of the Temple of Bellona-Seats the Senators and Ambassadors-Lictors guarding the entrance. for MANLIUS, PUBLIUS, and Senators. Man. Let Regulus be sent for to our presence; And with him the ambassador of Carthage. Is it then true the foe would treat of peace? Pub. They wish at least our captives were exchang'd, And send my father to declare their wish : And, 'ere he quitted Carthage, heard, unmov'd, Should he return. O Romans! O my countrymen ! Can you resign your hero to your foe? Say, can you give up Regulus to Carthage? Man. Peace, Publius, peace, for see thy father comes. Enter HAMILCAR and REGULUS. Ham. Why dost thou stop? dost thou forget this temple? I thought these walls had been well known to Regulus? Reg. Hamilcar! I was thinking what I was When last I saw them, and what now I am. That wearied out, at length, with bloody war, Man. We will at leisure answer thee. Be seated. Come, Regulus, resume thine ancient place. Reg. (pointing to the Senators.) Who then are these? Man. The Senators of Rome. Reg. And who art thou? Man. What mean'st thou? I'm her Consul; Hast thou so soon forgotten Manlius? Reg. And shall a slave then have a place in Rome, Among her Consuls and her Senators? Man. Yes!-For her heroes Rome forgets her laws; Softens their harsh austerity for thee, To whom she owes her conquest and her triumphs. Where Regulus must stand, shall Publius sit? Reg. Alas! O Rome, how are thy manners chang'd! When last I left thee, 'ere I sail'd for Afric, It was a crime to think of private duties -Sit, (To Pub.) And learn to occupy thy place with honour. Pub. Forgive me, sir, if I refuse obedience; My heart o'erflows with duty to my father. Reg. Know, Publius, that thy duty's at an end; Thy father died when he became a slave. Man. Now urge thy suit, Hamilcar, we attend. Ham. Afric hath chosen Regulus her messenger; In him, both Carthage and Hamilcar speak. Man. (to Reg.) We are prepar'd to hear thee. Ham. (to Reg.) 'Ere thou speak'st Maturely weigh what thou hast sworn to do, Should Rome refuse to treat with us of peace. |