This letter, notwithstanding the poor butler's manner of writing it, gave us such an idea of our good old friend, that upon the reading of it there was not a dry eye in the club. Sir Andrew open5 ing the book, found it to be a collection of acts of parliament. There was in particular the Act of Uniformity, with some passages in it marked by Sir Roger's own hand. Sir Andrew found that they related to two or three points, which he had 10 disputed with Sir Roger the last time he appeared at the club. Sir Andrew, who would have been merry at such an incident on another occasion, at the sight of the old man's handwriting burst into tears, and put the book into his pocket. Cap15 tain Sentry informs me, that the knight has left rings and mourning for every one in the club. Cato (1713.) ACT V. SCENE I. CATO solus, sitting in a thoughtful posture: In his hand Plato's book on the Immortality of the Soul. A drawn sword on the table by him. It must be so-Plato, thou reason'st well! Else whence this pleasing hope, this fond desire, Or whence this secret dread, and inward horror, 'Tis heaven itself, that points out an hereafter, Eternity! thou pleasing, dreadful thought! 5 ΤΟ Through what new scenes and changes must we pass ! Through all her works) he must delight in virtue ; 15 But when or where !-This world was made for Cæsar. I'm weary of conjectures—This must end them. Thus am I doubly armed: my death and life, The wrecks of matter, and the crush of worlds. SCENE II. CATO, PORTIUS, САТО. But hah! how's this, my son ! why this intrusion ? What means this sword? this instrument of death? Let me convey it hence ! 20 25 30 35 40 CATO. Rash youth, forbear! PORTIUS. 45 O let the prayer, th' entreaties of your friends, Their tears, their common danger, wrest it from you. САТО. Would'st thou betray me? would'st thou give me up A slave, a captive, into Cæsar's hands? Retire, and learn obedience to a father, Or know, young man ! PORTIUS. Look1 not thus sternly on me; You know I'd rather die than disobey you. CATO. 50 'Tis well! again I'm master of myself. 55 PORTIUS. O Sir, forgive your son, Whose griefs hangs heavy on him! O my father! I e'er shall call you so! be not displeased, 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! 60 1 1713, does not contain this speech of Portius and the following one by Cato. САТО. 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, PORTIUS. Your words give comfort to my drooping heart. CATO. Portius, thou may'st rely upon my conduct. 65 70 My soul is quite weighed down with care, and asks 75 The soft refreshment of a moment's sleep.2 PORTIUS. My thoughts are more at ease, my heart revives. SCENE III. PORTIUS AND MARCIA, PORTIUS. 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. 80 He is retired to rest, and seems to cherish Thoughts full of peace. He has dispatched me hence Marcia, take care that none disturb his slumbers. 85 |