Should both conspire to drive it from my thoughts. Por. What should I do? If I disclose my passion, Our friendship's at an end: If I conceal it, The world will call me false to a friend and brother. Observe her well, and blame me if thou canst. Marc. I'll withdraw, And leave you for a while. Remember, Portius, Thy brother's life depends upon thy tongue. [Exit. Enter LUCIA. Lucia. Did not I see your brother Marcus here? Why did he fly the place, and shun my presence ? Por. Oh, Lucia, language is too faint to show His rage of love; it preys upon his life; He pines, he sickens, he despairs, he dies! Lucia. How wilt thou guard thy honour, in the shock Of love and friendship! Think betimes, my Portius, His gen'rous, open, undesigning heart Has begg'd his rival to solicit for him! Lucia. No, Portius, no; I see thy sister's tears, And, Portius, here I swear; to Heav'n I swear, Those hasty words, or I am lost for ever. Lucia. Has not the vow already pass'd my lips? Lucia. Think, Portius, think thou sec'st thy dying Stabb'd at his heart, and all besmear'd with blood, I must approve the sentence that destroys me. Melt my resolves, and turn me all to love. It softens me too much-farewell, mv Portius! Farewell, though death is in the word,-for ever! Por. Stay, Lucia, stay! ever? hat dost thou say? Fe Thou must not go; my soul still hovers o'er thee, And can't get loose. 4 Lucia. If the firm Portius shake To hear of parting, think what Lucia suffers! ch an unlooked-for storm of ills falls on me, It beats down all my strength, I cannot bear it. We must not part. Lucia. What dost thou say? Not part! Hast thou forgot the vow that I have made? Are not there heavens, and gods, that thunder o'er us? -But see, thy brother Marcus bends this way; I sicken at the sight. Once more, farewell, Farewell, and know, thou wrong'st me, if thou think'st, Ever was love, or ever grief, like mine. Enter MARCUS. [Exit LUCIA. Marc. Portius, what hopes? How stands she? am To life or death? Por. What would'st thou have me say? Marc. What means this pensive posture? Thou appear'st Like one amazed and terrified. Por. I've reason. Marc. Thy downcast looks, and thy disorder'd Tell me my fate. I ask not the success Por. I'm grieved I undertook it. Marc. What, does the barbarous maid insult my heart, My aching heart, and triumph in my pains? That I could cast her from my thoughts for ever! Marc. Compassionates my pains, and pities me! Por. Marcus, no more; have I deserved this treat- Marc. What have I said? Oh! Portius, Oh forgive me! A soul, exasperated in ills, falls out With every thing-its friend, itself but hah! [Shout. Por. A second, louder yet, Swells in the wind, and comes more full upon us. Marc. Oh, for some glorious cause to fall in battle! Lucia, thou hast undone me: thy disdain Has broke my heart; 'tis death must give me ease. life Stands sure? Oh, Marcus, I am warm'd; my heart [Exeunt, 17 SCENE II. Part of the Senate House. Enter SEMPRONIUS, with the LEADERS of the Sem. At length the winds are raised, the storm blows high! Be it your care, my friends, to keep it up Till it has spent itself on Cato's head. Meanwhile, I'll herd among his friends, and seem [Exit. 1 Lead. We are all safe; Sempronius is our friend. Sempronius is as brave a man as Cato. But, hark, he enters. Bear up boldly to him; Fear nothing, for Sempronius is our friend. Enter SEMPRONIUS, with CATO, LUCIUS, PORTIUS, and MARCUS. Cato. Where are those bold, intrepid sons of war, That greatly turn their backs upon the foe, And to their general send a brave defiance? Sem. Curse on their dastard souls, they stand astonish'd! [Aside. Cato. Perfidious men! And will you thus disho nour Your past exploits, and sully all your wars? |