University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Martia, Clelia, Children.
Martia.
Ha! Gone?—for ever gone?—too cruel Regulus!
No more at parting—and yet gone for ever?
Shou'd he not have return'd, and said once more
Farewel—then afterwards return'd again—
And said again farewell—e'er he went hence for ever?

Clelia.
My dearest Mother!—I wou'd give you Comfort,—
But that I find I want it for myself.

Martia.
What say'st thou?—Comfort—'tis for Ease and Quiet;—
It sleeps upon the Down of sweet Content,
In the sound Bed of Industry and Health:
It flies the Wretch like me—the Wretch indeed—
Whom Hope has left—and in their room, behold
Despair and Frenzy—see they madly join,
Whirling consuming Fire thro' all the Brain:—
Hail Horrors! hail Destruction! welcome Death!
Thou art my Ease, my Comfort, and my Hope:—
How is Death alter'd! what a Change is here?
Or did the Poet's Fiction do him wrong?
Instead of empty Sockets—two fair Eyes
Inviting with mild Lustre, and his Cheek
Fresh with the rosy Bloom of youthful Hebe—
His horrid Grin, chang'd to a pleasing Smile:
Come, thou shalt be my Guide—Conduct my Steps
Where I may find my Regulus—

Second Child.
O Sister, speak, and give my Mother Ease,
Or teach me how to do it.

Martia.
Where has my Fancy wander'd?—the gay Dream,
The fond Delusion has forsook me now—
And I am still alive—and still most wretched.