Page:Cato, a tragedy (Addison, 1712).djvu/44

 Por.What hast thou said? I'm thunderstruckrecall Those hasty words, or I am lost for ever.

Luc.Has not the vow already pass'd my lips? The gods have heard it, and 'tis seal'd in heav'n. May all the vengeance that was ever pour'd On perjured heads, o'erwhelm me if I break it! [After a pause.

Por.Fixt in astonishment, I gaze upon thee, Like one just blasted by a stroke from heav'n, Who pants for breath, and stiffens, yet alive, In dreadful looks: a monument of wrath!

Luc. At length I've acted my severest part, I feel the woman breaking in upon me, And melt about my heart! my tears will flow But oh I'll think no more! the hand of fate Has torn thee from me, and I must forget thee.

Por. Hard-hearted cruel maid!

Luc. Oh stop those sounds, Those killing sounds? Why dost thou frown upon me My blood runs cold, my heart forgets to heave, And life itself goes out at thy displeasure. The gods forbid us to indulge our loves, But oh! I cannot bear thy hate and live!

Por.Talk not of love, thou never knew'st its force. I've been deluded, led into a dream Of fancied bliss. O Lucia, cruel maid! Thy dreadful vow, loaden with death, still sounds In my stun'd ears. What shall I say or do? Quick let us part! perdition's in thy presence, And horror dwells about thee! Ha, she faints! Wretch that I am what has my rashness done! Lucia. thou injur'd innocent! thou best And loveliest of the sex! awake my Lucia, Or Portius rushes on his sword to join thee. Her imprecations reach not to the tomb, They shut not out society in death But hah! she moves! life wanders up and down Thro' all her face, and lights up ev'ry charm.

Luc.O Portius, was this well! to frown on her That lives upon thy smiles! to call in doubt The faith of one expiring at thy feet, Rh