In vain he was entreated on every side to visit once more his little dwelling, and share in that joy which his return had inspired.

He persisted in saying that he was now a slave belonging to the Carthagin'ians, and unfit to partake in the liberal honours of his country.5.The senate assembling without the walls, as usual, to give audience to the ambassadors, Reg'ulus opened his commission as he had been directed by the Carthagin'ian council, and their ambassadors seconded his proposals.6.The senate themselves, who were weary of a war which had been protracted above fourteen years, were no way disinclinable to a peace.

It only remained for Reg'ulus himself to give his opinion.7.When it came to his turn to speak, to the surprise of the whole, he gave his voice for continuing the war.8.

So unexpected an advice not a little disturbed the senate: they pitied as well as admired a man who had used such eloquence against his private interest, and could conclude upon a measure which was to terminate in his own ruin.9.But he soon relieved their embarrassment by breaking off the treaty, and by rising, in order to return to his bonds and his confinement.10.In vain did the senate and his dearest friends entreat his stay; he still repressed their solicitations.
Marcia, his wife, with her children, vainly entreated to be permitted to see him: he still obstinately persisted in keeping his promise; and though sufficiently apprised of the tortures that awaited his return, without embracing his family, or taking leave of his friends, he departed with the ambassadors for Carthage.
11.

Nothing could equal the fury and the disappointment of the Carthagin'ians, when they, were informed by their ambassadors that Regulus, instead of hastening a peace, had given his opinion for continuing the war.12.They accordingly prepared to punish his conduct with the most studied tortures.