Part 7 (2/2)

_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 thoughts, Tell me my fate. I ask not the success My cause has found.

_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!

_Por._ Away! you're too suspicious in your griefs; Lucia, though sworn never to think of love, Compa.s.sionates your pains, and pities you.

_Marc._ Compa.s.sionates my pains, and pities me!

What is compa.s.sion, when 'tis void of love?

Fool that I was, to choose so cold a friend To urge my cause!--Compa.s.sionates my pains!

Pr'ythee what art, what rhet'ric didst thou use To gain this mighty boon?--She pities me!

To one that asks the warm returns of love, Compa.s.sion's cruelty, 'tis scorn, 'tis death--

_Por._ Marcus, no more; have I deserved this treatment?

_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._ What means that shout, big with the sounds of war?

What new alarm?

_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.

_Por._ Quick let us hence. Who knows if Cato's life Stands sure? Oh, Marcus, I am warm'd; my heart Leaps at the trumpet's voice, and burns for glory. [_Exeunt._

SCENE II.

_Part of the Senate House._

_Enter_ SEMp.r.o.nIUS, _with_ LEADERS _of the Mutiny_.

_Sem._ At length the winds are raised, the storm blows high!

Be it your care, my friends, to keep it up In all its fury, and direct it right, Till it has spent itself on Cato's head.

Meanwhile, I'll herd among his friends, and seem One of the number, that, whate'er arrive, My friends and fellow soldiers may be safe. [_Exit._

_1 Lead._ We are all safe; Semp.r.o.nius is our friend.

Semp.r.o.nius is as brave a man as Cato.

But, hark, he enters. Bear up boldly to him; Be sure you beat him down, and bind him fast; This day will end our toils.

Fear nothing, for Semp.r.o.nius is our friend.

_Enter_ SEMp.r.o.nIUS, _with_ CATO, LUCIUS, PORTIUS, _and_ MARCUS.

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