Part 11 (2/2)

Through what variety of untried being, Through what new scenes and changes must we pa.s.s?

The wide, the unbounded prospect lies before me; But shadows, clouds, and darkness, rest upon it.

Here will I hold. If there's a Power above us (And that there is, all Nature cries aloud Through all her works), He must delight in virtue; And that which He delights in must be happy.

But when, or where?--this world was made for Caesar: I'm weary of conjectures--this must end them.

[_Laying his hand upon his sword._ Thus am I doubly arm'd: my death and life, My bane and antidote, are both before me.

This in a moment brings me to an end; But this informs me I shall never die.

The soul, secured in her existence, smiles At the drawn dagger, and defies its point.

The stars shall fade away, the sun himself Grow dim with age, and nature sink in years, But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth, Unhurt amidst the war of elements, The wreck of matter, and the crush of worlds.

What means this heaviness, that hangs upon me?

This lethargy, that creeps through all my senses?

Nature, oppress'd and hara.s.s'd out with care, Sinks down to rest. This once I'll favour her, That my awaken'd soul may take her flight, Renew'd in all her strength, and fresh with life, An offering lit for Heav'n. Let guilt or fear Disturb man's rest, Cato knows neither of them, Indiff'rent in his choice to sleep or die.

_Enter_ PORTIUS.

But, hah! who's this? my son! Why this intrusion?

Were not my orders that I would be private?

Why am I disobey'd?

_Por._ Alas, my father!

What means this sword, this instrument of death?

Let me convey it hence.

_Cato._ Rash youth, forbear!

_Por._ Oh, let the pray'rs, th' entreaties of your friends, Their tears, their common danger, wrest it from you!

_Cato._ Wouldst thou betray me? Wouldst thou give me up, A slave, a captive, into Caesar's hands?

Retire, and learn obedience to a father, Or know, young man--

_Por._ Look not thus sternly on me; You know, I'd rather die than disobey you.

_Cato._ 'Tis well! again I'm master of myself.

Now, Caesar, let thy troops beset our gates, And bar each avenue; thy gath'ring fleets O'erspread the sea, and stop up ev'ry port; Cato shall open to himself a pa.s.sage, And mock thy hopes.----

_Por._ Oh, sir! forgive your son, Whose grief hangs heavy on him. Oh, my father!

How am I sure it is not the last time I e'er shall call you so? Be not displeased, Oh, be not angry with me whilst I weep, And, in the anguish of my heart, beseech you To quit the dreadful purpose of your soul!

_Cato._ Thou hast been ever good and dutiful.

[_Embracing him._ Weep not, my son, all will be well again; The righteous G.o.ds, whom I have sought to please, Will succour Cato, and preserve his children.

_Por._ Your words give comfort to my drooping heart.

_Cato._ Portius, thou may'st rely upon my conduct: Thy father will not act what misbecomes him.

But go, my son, and see if aught be wanting Among thy father's friends; see them embark'd, And tell me if the winds and seas befriend them.

My soul is quite weigh'd down with care, and asks The soft refreshment of a moment's sleep.

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