Pen. That again!
Oh, how it heightens me! again, Petillius!

Pet. Most excellent commander—

Pen. Those were mine!
Mine, only mine!

Pet. They are still.

Pen. Then, to keep ’em
For ever falling more, have at ye!—Heavens,
Ye everlasting powers, I am yours:
The work is done,

[Falls upon his sword.

That neither fire, nor age, nor melting envy,
Shall ever conquer. Carry my last words
To the great general: Kiss his hands, and say,
My soul I give to Heaven, my fault to justice,
Which I have done upon myself; my virtue,
If ever there was any in poor Penius,
Made more, and happier, light on him!—I faint—
And where there is a foe, I wish him fortune.
I die: Lie lightly on my ashes, gentle earth!

[Dies.

Pet. And on my sin! Farewell, great Penius!—
The soldier is in fury; now I am glad

[Noise within.

’Tis done before he comes. This way for me,
The way of toil;—for thee, the way of honour!

[Exit.

Drusius, Regulus and Soldiers, are heard without.

Sold. Kill him, kill him, kill him!

Drus. What will ye do?

Reg. Good soldiers, honest soldiers—

Sold. Kill him, kill him, kill him!

Drus. Kill us first: we command too.

Reg. Valiant soldiers,
Consider but whose life ye seek.—Oh, Drusius,
Bid him be gone; he dies else.—

[Drusius enters.]—

Drus. Oh, let ’em in; all’s done, all’s ended, Regulus;
Penius has found his last eclipse. Come, soldiers,
Come and behold your miseries; come bravely,
Full of your mutinous and bloody angers,
And here bestow your darts.—Oh, only Roman,
Oh, father of the wars!

Reg. Why stand ye stupid?
Where be your killing furies? whose sword now
Shall first be sheathed in Penius? Do ye weep?
Howl out, ye wretches, ye have cause; howl ever!
Who shall now lead ye fortunate? whose valour
Preserve ye to the glory of your country?
Who shall march out before ye, coyed and courted,
By all the mistresses of war, care, counsel,
Quick-eyed experience, and victory twined to him?
Who shall beget ye deeds beyond inheritance
To speak your names, and keep your honours living,
When children fail, and Time, that takes all with him,
Build houses for ye to oblivion?