Page:Cato, a tragedy (Addison, 1712).djvu/65

A kind refreshing sleep is fall'n upon him:
I saw him stretch'd at ease, his fancy lost
In pleasing dreams; as I drew near his couch,
He smil'd, and cry'd, Cesar thou can'st not hurt me.

Marc.His mind still labours with some dreadful thought.

Luc.Marcia, why all this grief, these floods of sorrow?
Dry up thy tears, my child, we all are safe
While Cato lives,———His presence will protect us.

Enter Juba.
Jub.Lucius, the horsemen are return'd from viewing
The number, strength, and posture of our foes
Who now encamp within a short hour's march.
On the high point of yon bright western tower
We ken them from afar, the setting sun
Plays on their shining arms and burnish'd helmets,
And covers all the fields with gleames of fire.

Luc.Marcia, 'tis time we should awake thy father.
Cesar is still dispos'd to give us terms,
And waits at distance till he hears from Cato.

Enter Portius.
Portius. thy looks speak somewhat of importance.
What tidings dost thou bring? methinks I see
Unusual gladness sparkling in thy eyes.
Por.As I was hasting to the port where now
My father's friends impatient for a passage,
Accuse the ling'ring winds, a sail arriv'd
From Pompey's son, who through the realms of Spain
Calls out for vengeance on his father's death,
And rouses the whole nation up to arms.
Were Cato at their head, once more might Rome
Assert her rights, and claim her liberty.
But hark! what means that groan! O give me way,
And let me fly into my father's presence.[Exit.

Luc.Cato, amidst his slumbers, thinks on Rome,
And in the wild disorder of his soul
Mourns o'er his country; Hah! a second groan———
Heav'n guard us all———

Marc.Alas, 'tis not the voice
Of one who sleeps! 'tis agonizing pain,
'Tis death is in that sound.———