Cato.'Tis well! again I'm master of myself.
Now, Cesar, let thy troops beset our gates,
And bar eath avenue, thy gath'ring fleets
O'erspread the sea, and stop up ev'ry port!
Cato shall open to himself a passage,
And mock thy hopes———
Por.O Sir, forgive your son,
Whose grief hangs heavy on him! O my father!
How am I sure it is not the last time
I e'er shall call you so! be not displeas'd,
O be not angry with me whilst I weep,
And, in the anguish of my heart, beseech you
To quit the dreadful purpose of your soul!
Cato.Thou hast been ever good and dutiful.[Embracing him.
Weep not my son, all will be well again,
The righteous gods, whom I have sought to please,
Will succour Cato, and preserve his children.
Por.Your words give comfort to my drooping heart.
Cato.Portius, thou may'st rely upon my conduct.
Thy father will not act what misbecomes him.
But go, my son, and see if aught be wanting
Among thy father's friends; see them embark'd;
And tell me if the winds and seas befriend them.
My soul is quite weigh'd down with care, and asks
The soft refreshment of a moment's sleep.[Exit.
Por.My thoughts are more at ease, my heart revives.
SCENE III.
Portius and Marcia.
Por.O Marcia, O my sister, still there's hope!
Our father will not cast away a life
So needful to us all and to his country.
He is retir'd to rest, and seems to cherish
Thoughts full of peace. He has dispatch'd me hence
With orders, that bespeak a mind compos'd,
And studious for the safety of his friends.
Marcia, take care that none disturb his slumbers.[Exit.
