Cato. My life is grafted on the fate of Rome. Would he save Cato, bid him spare his country. Tell your dictator this; and tell him, Cato Disdains a life which he has power to offer. Dec. Rome and her senators submit to Cæsar; Her gen'rals and her consuls are no more, Who check'd his conquests, and deny'd his triumphs. Why will not Cato be this Cæsar's friend? Cato. These very reasons thou hast urg'd forbid it. Dec. Cæsar is well acquainted with your virtues, And therefore sets this value on your life. Let him but know the price of Cato's friendship, Cato. Bid him disband his legions, Bid him do this, and Cato is his friend. Dec. Cato, the world talks loudly of your wisdomCato. Nay, more; though Cato's voice was ne'er employ'd To clear the guilty, and to varnish crimes, And at the head of your own little senate: With all the mouths of Rome to second you. Cato. Let him consider that, who drives us hither. "Tis Cæsar's sword has made Rome's senate little, And thinn'd its ranks. Alas! thy dazzled eye Beholds this man in a false, glaring light, Which conquest and success have thrown upon him; Didst thou but view him right, thou'dst see him black With murder, treason, sacrilege, and crimes, That strike my soul with horror but to name them. I know thou look'st on me as on a wretch Dec. Does Cato send this answer back to Cæsar, For all his gen'rous cares and proffer'd friendship? Calo. His cares for me are insolent and vain : Presumptuous man! the gods take care of Cato. Would Cæsar show the greatness of his soul, Bid him employ his care for these my friends, And make good use of his ill-gotten pow'r, By shelt'ring men much better than himself. Dec. Your high, unconquer'd heart makes you forget You are a man. You rush on your destruction. But I have done. When I relate hereafter The tale of this unhappy embassy, All Rome will be in tears. Sem. Cato, we thank thee. The mighty genius of immortal Rome [Exit, attended. Speaks in thy voice; thy soul breathes liberty. Luc. Others perhaps May serve their country with as warm a zeal, Sem. This sober conduct is a mighty virtue Cato. Come, no more, Sempronius; All here are friends to Rome, and to each other. Sem. Cato, my resentments Are sacrific'd to Rome-I stand reprov'd. Cato. Fathers, 'tis time you come to a resolve. Sem. We ought to hold it out till death; but, Cato, My private voice is drown'd amidst the senate's. Cato. Then let us rise, my friends, and strive to fill This little interval, this pause of life (While yet our liberty and fates are doubtful) With resolution, friendship, Roman bravery, And all the virtues we can crowd into it; That heav'n may say, it ought to be prolong'd. Fathers, farewell-The young Numidian prince Comes forward, and expects to know our counsels. [Exeunt Senators. Enter JUBA. Juba, the Roman senate has resolv'd, Till time give better prospects, still to keep (Alas! I thought not then his death so near!) And merited, alas! a better fate; But heav'n thought otherwise. Juba. My father's fate, In spite of all the fortitude that shines Subdues my soul, and fills my eyes with tears. Had we not better leave this Utica, To arm Numidia in our cause, and court Cato. And canst thou think Cato will fly before the sword of Cæsar! From court to court, and wander up and down Juba. Cato, perhaps I'm too officious; but my forward cares Cato. Thy nobleness of soul obliges me. Their hidden strength, and throw out into practice Juba. I'm charm'd whene'er thou talk'st; I pant for virtue; And all my soul endeavours at perfection. Cato. Dost thou love watchings, abstinence, and toil, Laborious virtues all? Learn them from Cato: Success and fortune must thou learn from Cæsar. Juba. The best good fortune that can fall on Juba, The whole success at which my heart aspires, Depends on Cato. Cato. What does Juba say? Thy words confound me. Juba. I would fain retract them. Give them me back again: they aim'd at nothing. ear A stranger to thy thoughts. Juba. Oh! they're extravagant; Still let me hide them. Cato. What can Juba ask, That Cato will refuse? Juba. I fear to name it. Marcia-inherits all her father's virtues. Juba. Cato, thou hast a daughter. Cato. Adieu, young prince; I would not hear a word Should lessen thee in my esteem. Remember The hand of fate is over us, and heav'n It is not now a time to talk of aught But chains, or conquest; liberty, or death. [Exit. Enter SYPHAX. Syph. How's this, my prince? What, cover'd with confusion? You look as if yon stern philosopher Had just now chid you. Juba. Syphax, I'm undone! |