Confed'racies in vice, or leagues of pleasure; And such a friendship ends not but with life. Marc. Portius, thou know'st my soul in all its weak ness, Then pr'ythee spare me on its tender side. Por. When love's well-tim'd, 'tis not a fault to love. The strong, the brave, the virtuous, and the wise, Sink in the soft captivity together. I would not urge thee to dismiss thy passion, Por. What can thy Portius do to give thee help? sence; Then undertake my cause, and plead it to her Tell her thy brother languishes to death, Por. Marcus, I beg thee give me not an office Marc. I know thou'lt say my passion's out of season, That Cato's great example and misfortunes Should both conspire to drive it from my thoughts. But what's all this to one that loves like me? O Portius, Portius, from my soul I wish Thou did'st but know thyself what 'tis to love ! Then wouldst thou pity and assist thy brother. Por. What should I dol If I disclose my passion Our friendship's at an end; if I conceal it, The world will call me false to a friend and brother. [Aside. Marc. But see where Lucia, at her wonted hour, Amid the cool of yon high marble arch, Enjoys the noon-day breeze! Observe her, Portius, That face, that shape, those eyes, that heav'n of beauty! Observe her well, and blame me if thou canst. F Por. She sees us, and advances Marc. I'll withdraw, And leave you for a while. Remember, Portius, Thy brother's life depends upon thy tongue. [Exit. Enter LUCIA. Luc. Did I not see your brother Marcus here? Why did he fly the place, and shun my presence? Por. Oh, Lucia, language is too faint to shew His rage of love; it preys upon his life; He pines, he sickens, he despairs, he dies: "His passions, and his virtues lie confus'd, "And mixt together in so wild a tumult, "That the whole man is quite disfigur'd in him. "Heav'ns, would one think 'twere possible for love "To make such ravage in a noble soul!" Oh, Lucia, I'm distress'd; my heart bleeds for him: Ev'n now, while thus I stand blest in thy presence, A secret damp of grief comes o'er my thoughts, And I'm unhappy, though thou smil'st upon me. Luc. How wilt thou guard thy honour, in the shock Of love and friendship? Think betimes, my Portius, Think how the nuptial tie, that might ensure Our mutual bliss, would raise to such height Thy brother's griefs, as might perhaps destroy him. Por. Alas, poor youth! What dost thou think, my Lucia? His gen'rous, open, undesigning heart Then do not strike him dead with a denial; But hold him up in life, and cheer his soul Luc. No, Portius, no; I see thy sister's tears, Por. What hast thou said! I'm thunderstruck recall Those hasty words, or I am lost for ever. Luc. Has not the vow already pass'd my lips? "Luc. At length I've acted my severest part, "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 fancy'd bliss. Oh, Lucia, cruel maid! "Thy dreadful vow, loaden with death, still sounds "In my stunn'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 innocence! thou best "And loveliest of thy 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 ah! she moves, life wanders up and down "Through all her face, and lights up ev'ry charm. "Luc. Oh, 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, "That loves thee more than ever woman lov'd? "-What do I say? My half-recover'd sense "Forgets the vow in which my soul was bound. " Destruction stands betwixt us; we must part. |