Page:Cato, a tragedy (Addison, 1712).djvu/46

Luc.If the firm Portius shake
To hear of parting, think what Lucia suffers!

Por.'Tis true; unruffled and serene I've met
The common accidents of life, but here
Such an unlook'd-for storm of ills falls on me,
It beats down all my strength. I cannot bear it.
We must not part.

Luc.What dost thou say? not part?
Hast thou forgot the vow that I have made?
Are not there heav'ns, and gods, that thunder o'er us?
—But see thy brother Marcus bends this way!
I sicken at the sight. Once more farewell,
Farewel, and know thou wrong'st me if thou think'st
Ever was love, or ever grief, like mine. [Exit.

SCENE III.

Marcus, Portius.

Marc.Portius, what hopes? how stands she? am I doom'd
To life or death?

Por.What wouldst 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 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 aking 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,
Compassionates your pains, and pities you!

Marc.Compassionates my pains, and pities me!
What is compassion when 'tis void of love,
Fool that I was to choose so cold a friend