_Reg._ If Rome would thank me, I will teach her how. --Know, Fathers, that these savage Africans Thought me so base, so very low of soul, That the poor wretched privilege of breathing, Would force me to betray my country to them. Have these barbarians any tortures left To match the cruelty of such a thought? Revenge me, Fathers! and I'm still a Roman. Arm, arm yourselves, prepare your citizens, Snatch your imprison'd eagles from their fanes, Fly to the shores of Carthage, force her gates, Dye every Roman sword in Punic blood-- And do such deeds--that when I shall return, (As I have _sworn_, and am resolv'd to do,) I may behold with joy, reflected back, The terrors of your rage in the dire visages Of my astonish'd executioners. _Ham._ Surprise has chill'd my blood! I'm lost in wonder! _Pub._ Does no one answer? must my father perish? _Man._ Romans, we must defer th' important question; Maturest councils must determine on it. Rest we awhile:----Nature requires some pause From high-rais'd admiration. Thou, Hamilcar, Shalt shortly know our final resolution. Meantime, we go to supplicate the gods. _Reg._ Have you a doubt remaining? Manlius, speak. _Man._ Yes, Regulus, I think the danger less To lose th' advantage thy advice suggests, Than would accrue to Rome in losing thee, Whose wisdom might direct, whose valour guard her. Athirst for glory, thou wouldst rush on death, And for thy country's sake wouldst greatly perish. Too vast a sacrifice thy zeal requires, For Rome must bleed when Regulus expires. [_Exeunt Consul and Senators._ _Manent_ REGULUS, PUBLIUS, HAMILCAR; _to them enter_ ATTILIA _and_ LICINIUS. _Ham._ Does Regulus fulfil his promise thus? _Reg._ I've promis'd to return, and I will do it. _At._ My father! think a moment. _Lic._ Ah! my friend! _Lic. and At._ O by this hand we beg---- _Reg._ Away! no more. Thanks to Rome's guardian gods I'm yet a slave! And will be still a slave to make Rome free! _At._ Was the exchange refus'd? Oh ease my fears. _Reg._ Publius! conduct Hamilcar and myself To that abode thou hast for each provided. _At._ A foreign residence? a strange abode? And will my father spurn his household gods? _Pub._ My sire a stranger?----Will he taste no more The smiling blessings of his cheerful home? _Reg._ Dost thou not know the laws of Rome forbid A foe's ambassador within her gates? _Pub._ This rigid law does not extend to thee. _Reg._ Yes; did it not alike extend to all, 'Twere tyranny.--The law rights every man, But favours none. _At._ Then, O my father, Allow thy daughter to partake thy fate! _Reg._ Attilia! no. The present exigence Demands far other thoughts, than the soft cares, The fond effusions, the delightful weakness, The dear affections 'twixt the child and parent. _At._ How is my father chang'd, from what I've known him!