University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Martia, Decius, Clelia, &c.
Martia.
Ha! Decius!—speak—say—where is Regulus?—
What—gone?

Decius.
Too sure:—I saw him pass the Gate,
Where weeping Rome attended;—and oh Martia!
How shall Description paint what I beheld?—
On Friends that crouded for a last Adieu,
Stedfast he gaz'd, and solemnly took leave,
Short were is Farewels—But advancing farther,
Thrice he look'd back, and thrice assay'd to say
Farewel my Country—but here, rising Sorrow,—
(Till now suppress'd) bore down the strong Restraint,
And in a Flood of Tears, drown'd all his Speech:—
Earnest he gaz'd—and with entreating Eye,
And Hands up-lifted, seem'd to pray for Blessings
Upon the Roman People:—then fetching from his Heart,
A sadly-pleasing Sigh—he turn'd away—
And, silently resolv'd, pursu'd his Journey.

Martia.
Decius!—

Decius.
Thy Sorrow is too big for Words;—
Let us retire and mourn:—My dearest Clelia!
Thou art my Part of Regulus; thy Worth
Will be a strong Remembrancer of his,
A Mirrour of thy Father's:—Equal Jove!
If thy all-judging Pow'r designs for Decius,
Ought differing from the Race of common Men;
Let it be given to this fervent Pray'r!—
Grant me, O Father both of Gods and Men!
To love, like Regulus, my native Land,
And die, like him, when 'tis her great Command.