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, secur'd 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 wrecks of matter, and the crash of worlds.
What means this heaviness that hangs upon me?
This lethargy that creeps through all my senses?
Nature oppress'd, and harrass'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 fit for heav'n. Let guilt or fear
Disturb man’s rest: Cato knows neither of 'em,
Indiff'rent in his choice to sleep or die.
SCENE II.
Cato, Portius.
Cato.But, hah! whose 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’’.O let the pray'rs, th' intreaties of your friends,
Their tears, their common danger, wrest it from you.
Cato.Wou’dft thou betray me? wou'dst thou give me up
A slave, a captive, into ‘’Cesar’’'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.
