University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

To Leonatus enter Bellarius.
Bell.
Welcome, my son!—The country's all in motion—
Some flying from, and some to arms! But, here,
Within our cavern's maze, we rest secure,
And smile at war and tumult.

Leon.
No—when life
Was prodigal of every promised bliss
That youth could look for, honourable danger
Ne'er saw my shoulder-blade—and shall I now
Turn from the death I wish to earn?—No, father!
An hour, and I am nothing, save a name—
But it may be a loud one. A short joy
Reanimates my bosom—Gods, I thank ye!—
Lost to myself, I shall be found to others,
Found in the fixing of my country's rights;
And, by my my death, affirm that liberty,
Which makes the life of Britain.

Bell.
Be it so.
Since we can't live, why, let us die together.—
Hear me, thou son of my electing soul!
Among the noble youth that graced our isle,
I, once, stood obvious to the public eye,
For thou wast not in being then; and when
Discourse ran high on soldiership, my name
Was not far off—If thou dost think me, yet,
Worthy thy fellowship in arms, then, help
To buckle on my ancient mail. O, Thou,
Whose will disposeth what thy wisdom form'd,
Make our last hour a great one!—be our day
Of glorious dissolution, here on earth,
Our natal-day in Heaven!

Leon.
My father, come!
I long to emulate your high example;
In your loved sight to have my prowess tried,
And fall, applauded, by your honour'd side.

[Exeunt.