Page:Power of affection.pdf/11

(11) Among the incredible number of perſons who were procribed under the ſecond triumvirate of Rome, were the celebrated orator Cicero, and his brother Quintus. When the news of the proſcription was brought to them, they endeavoured to make their eſcape to Brutus in Macedon. They travelled together ſometime, mutually condoling their bad fortune; but as their departure had been very precipitate, and they were not furniſhed with money and other neceſſaries for their voyage, it was agreed that Cicero ſhould make what haſte he could to the ſea-ſide to ſecure their paſſage, and Quintus returned home to make more ample proviſion. But as in moſt houſes there were as many informers as domeſtics, his return was immediately known, and the houſe of courſe filled with ſoldiers and aſſaſſins. Quintus concealed himſelſ ſo effectually, that the ſoldiers could not find him; enraged at their diſappointment, they put his ſon to the torture, in order to make him diſcover the place of his father's concealment; but filial affection was proof in the young Roman againſt the moſt exquiſite torments. An involuntary ſigh, and ſometimes a deep groan was all that could be extorted from the generous youth. His agonies were increaſed; but with amazing fortitude he ſtill perſiſted in his reſolution of not betraying his father. Quintus was