Mounted on steeds unus'd to the restraint Hangs doubtful yet whose head it shall enclose, Of carbs or bits, and fleeter than the winds: Thou thus presum'st to treat thy prince with score? Give but the word, we'll snatch this dainsel up, SYPHAX. And bear her off.' Why will you rive my heart with such expresJUBA. Does not old Syphax follow you to war? (siwas? Can such dishonest thoughts What are his arms? why does he load with darts Rise up in man! wouldst thou seduce my youth His trembling hand, and crush beneath a casque To do an act that would destroy my honour? His wrinkled brows? what is it he aspires to? SYPHAI. : Is it not this? to shed the slow retains, Gods, I could tear my beard to hear you talk! His last poor ebb of blood, in your defence? Honour's a fine imaginary nction, JUBA., . , in That draws in raw and unexperienced men Syphax, no more! I would not hear you talk. To real mischiefs, wbile they hunt a shadow. SYPHAX. Not hear me talk! what, when my faith to Jeba, Would'st thou degrade thy prince into a ruffian? | My royal master's son, is call'd in question ? SYPHAX. My prince may strike me dead, and I'll be dub: But, whilst I live, I must not hold iny tongae, The boasted ancestors of these great men, And languish out old age in his displeasure. JUBA, asteroids : SYPHAX.run (These gods on Earth) are all the sparious brood . . Of violated maids, of ravish'd Sabines. What greater instance cay I give? Pre ofier'd To do an action which my soul abhors, • And gain you whom you love at any prioe. 1: Syphax, I fear that hoary head of thine JUBA. - Hispastir ,,* Abounds too much in our Numidian wiles. Was this thy motive: I lave been too hasty.. SYPJIAX. wor, SYPHAX. y Indeed, my prince, you want to know the world. You have not read mankind: your youth admires And 'tis for this my prince has call'd me traitor! The throes and swellings of a Roman soul, JUBA. Cato's bold flights, th’extravagance of virtue. I Sure thou mistak'st. I did Bot call tbee $0. JUBA. SYPHAX. W T If knowledge of the world makes man perfidious, You did indeed, my prince; you call'd me traiMay Juba ever live in ignorance! tar: SYPHAX. Nay, further, threaten'd you'd complain to Cato Of what, my prince, would you complain to Cate? Go, go, you're young. That Syphax loves you, and would sacrifice His life, nay more, his honour, in your service , on JUBA., 5411 . El This arrogance unanswer'd! thou’rt a traitor, Syphax, I know thou lov'st me, but indeed A false old traitor. Thy zeal for Juba carried the too far.. I Honour's a sacred tie, the law of kings, The noble mind's distinguishing perfection, her, a And imitates ber actions where she is not: ". Cato shall know the baseness of thy soul. It ought not to be sported with. am ..SYPAAX . 11!. . ! I must appease this storm, or perish in it. [Aside. By Heavens Young prince, bebold these locks, that are grown I'm ravish'd wben you talk thus, though you chide Beneath a beluiet in your father's battles. (white Alas, I've hitherto been us'd to think [me. JUBA. A blind ofticious zeal to serve my king The ruling principle, that ought to burn And quench all others in a subject's heart, Happy the people who preserve their "honour Must one rash word, the infirmity of age, By the same duties that oblige their prince! Throw down the merit of my better years? UBA. . La cui This the reward of a whole life of service! Syphax, thou now begim'st to speak thyself. Curse on the boy ! bow steadily he hears me! Numidia's grown a scorn among the nations (Aside. For breach of pablic sows., Our Pupic faith . . JUBA. Is infamous, and branded to a proverb. ide Is it because the throne of my forefathers Syphax, we'll join our cares, to purge away. Still stands anfilld, and that Numidia's crown. Our country's crimes, and clear her reputatiba SYPHA SYPHAX. SEMPRONIUS. Syphax, I now may hope thou hast forsook Toy Juba's cause, and wishest Marcia mine. SYPHAX. The warmth of youth, and frowardness of age: May she be thine as fast as thou wouldst have Thy prince esteems thy worth, and loves thy her! If e'er the sceptre comncs into my hand, (person. SEMPRONIUS. Syphax, I love that woman; though I curse Her and myself, yet spite of me, I love her. SYPHAX. Make Cato sure, and give up Utica : Cæsar will ne'er refuse thee such a trifle. But are thy troops prepar'd for a revolt? Some blest occasion that may set me right | Does the sedition catch from man to man, In Catu's thoughts. I'd rather have that man | And run among their ranks? Approve my deeds, than worlds for my admirers. [Erit. SEMPRONIUS. All, all is ready. The factious leaders are our friends, that spread Young men soon give, and soon forget affronts;' Murmurs and discontents among the soldiers. Oldage is slow in both-"Afalse old traitor!” | 'They count their toilsome marches, long fatigues, dear: Unusual fastings; and will bear no more Those words, rash boy, may chance to cost thee | This medley of philosophy and war. My heart had still some foolish fondness for thee: Within an hour they 'll storm the senate-house. SYPHAX. Mean-while I'll draw up my Numidian troops Within the square to exercise their arms, And, as I see occasion, favour thee, | I laugh to think how your upshaken Cato Well, Cato's sonate is resolv'd to wait Will look aghast, while unforeseen destruction Tbe fury of a siege, before it yields. Pours in upon him thus from every side, So, where our wide Numidian wastes extend, Syphax, we both were on the verge of fate: Sudden th’impetuous hurricanes descend, Wheel through the air, in circling eddies play, Lucius declar'd för peace, and terms were offer'd Tear up the sands, and sweep whole plains away. To Cato by a'inessenger from Cæsar. The helpless traveller, with wild surprise, Should they submit cre our designs are ripe, Sees the dry desert all around him rise, We both must perish in the common wreck, And, smother'd in the dusty whirlwind, dies. Lost in a general undistinguish'd ruin. SYPHAX. ACT III. SCENE I. MARCUS and PORTIUS. . MARCUS. THANKS to my stars, I have not rang'd about 'Midst all the shocks and injuries of fortune, The wilds of lite, ere I could find a friend; Rises superior, and looks down on Cæsar. Nature first pointed out my Portius to me, And early taught me, by her secret force, To love thy person, ere I knew thy merit; Till, what was instinct, grew up into friendship. PORTIUS. Marcus, the friendships of the world are oft And found a means to let the victor know Confederacies in vice, or leagues of pleasure; That Syphax and Seinpronius are his friends, Ours has severest virtue for its basis, But let ine now examine in my turn: And such a friendship ends not but with life. Is Juba fix'd ? ir per SYPHÁX. , . , MARCUS. 2018 . Yes, but it is to Cato. Portins, thou know'st my soul in all its weakI've try'd the force of every reason on him, ness; PORTIUS. PORTIUS When love's well-tim'd, 'tis not a fault to love. She sees us, and advances The strong, the brave, the virtuous, and the wise, MARCUS. Sink in the soft captivity together.. I'll withdras, I would not urge thee to disiniss thy passion, And leave you for a while. (1 kpow 'twere vain) but to suppress its force, Remember, Portius, Till better times may make it look more graceful. I' ofil | Thy brother's life depeads upon thy tongue. (Exit. MARCUS. Enter LUCIA LUCIA Did not I see your brother Marcus here? A lover does not live by vulgar time: Why did he fly the place, and shun my presence? Believe me, Portius, in my Lucia's absence PORTIUS. Oh, Lucia, language is too faint to show His rage of love; it preys upon his life; And grief, and rage, and love, rise up at once, He pines, he sickens, he despairs, he dies : And with variety of pain distract me. His passions and his virtu's lie confus'd, And mix'd together in so wild a tumult, Tbat the whole man is quite disfigur'd in him. What can thy Portius do to give thee help? Heavens! would one think 'twere possible for love MARCUS. To make such ravage in a noble soul! Oh, Lucia, I'm distress'd! my heart bleeds for him; Portius, thon oft enjoy'st the fair-one's presence. Ev'n now, while thus / stand blest in thy preserce, Then undertake my cause, and plead it to her A secret damp of grief comes o'er my thoughts, With all the strength and heat of eloquence And I'm unhappy, though thou smil'st upon me. Fraternal love and friendship can inspire, LUCIA. ' H lligent, Tell her thy brother languishes to death, And fades away, and withers in bis bloom; How wilt thou guard thy honour, in the sbock That he forgets his sleep, and loaths his food; Of love and friendship, think betimes, my Por. That youth, and health, and war, are joyless to tius, him: Think how the nuptial tie, that might ensure Describe his anxious days and restless nights, Our mutual bliss, would raise to such a height And all the torments that thou seest me suffer. - | Thy brother's griefs, as might perhaps destroy him. PORTIUS. PORTIUS. Marcus, I beg thee, give me not an office Alas, poor youth! what dost thou think, my That suits with me so ill. Thou know'st my His generous, open, uodesigning heart (Lucia? temper. Has begg'd his rival to solicit for him. I 1 . MARCUS. Then do not strike bien dead with a denial, i }, ; Wilt thou behold me sinking in my woes? But hold him up in life, and cheer bis soul And wilt thou not reach out a friendly arm, With the faint glimmering of a doubtful tope: ! Perhaps, when we have pass'd these gloomy bours, To raise me froin amidst this plunge of sorrows? And weather'd out the storm that beats upon usPORTIUS. LUCIA. Marcus, thou canst not ask what I'd refuse. No, Portius, no! I see thy sister's tears,... But here believe me I've a thousand reasons Thy father's anguish, and thy brother's death, MARCUS. In the pursuit of our ill-fated loves. And, Portius, here I swear, to Heaven I swear, I know thou'lt say, my passion's out of season, To Heaven, and all the powers that judge mankind, That Cato's great example and misfortunes Should both conspire to drive it from my thoughts. Never to mix my plighted bands with thine,. But what's all this to one who loves like me? While such a cloud of mischiefs hangs about us: Oh Portius, Portius, from my soul I wish But to forget our loves, and drive tliee, out in Thou didst but know thyself what 'tis to love! From all my thoughts, as far as I am able. Then would'st thou pity and assist thy brother. PORTIUs.' Hos olloniisil PORTIUS. What bast thou said! I'm thunder-struck !--Rex What should I do! If I disclose my passion, Those hasty words, or I am lost for ever. (cali Our friendship's at an end: if I conceat it, LUCIA. i [Aside. The gods have heard it, and 'cis seal à iu Kearea. MARCUS. | May all the vengeance, that was ever poura But see where Lucia, at her wonted hour, On perjur'd beads, o'erwhelm me, if I break it! Amid the cool of yon high‘marble arch, PORTIUS.. [After a prest, Enjoys the noon-lay breeze! observe her, Portius! Fix'd in astonishment, I gaze upon thee; That face, that shape, those eyes, that Heaven of Like one just blasted by a stroke from Heaven, beauty!, Who pants for breath, and stittens, yet alive, Observe her well, and blame me if thou canst. In dreadful looks : a monument of wrath! LUOIA. LUCIA At length i've acted my severest part: .. Portius, no more! thy words shoot through my I feel the woman breaking in upon me, heart, And melt about my heart! my tears will flow. Melt my resolves, and turn me all to love." But oh, l'll think no more! the hand of fate Why are those tears of fondness in thy eyes? Has torn thee from me, and I must forget thee. Why heaves thy heart? why swells thy soul with PORTIUS. sorrow? It softens me too much. Farewell, my Portius; Hard-hearted, cruel maid! Farewell, though death is in the word, for ever! PORTIUS. Stay, Lucia, stay! what dost thou say? for ever! me? LUCIA. My blood runs cold, my heart forgets to heave, Have I not sworn? if, Portius, thy success And life itself goes out at thy displeasure. Must throw thy brother on his fate, farewell, The gods forbid us to indulge our loves, Ob, how shall I repeat the word ! for ever! PORTIUS. Thus o'er the dying lamp th' unsteady flame Talk not of love, thou never knew'st its force. Hangs quivering on a point, leaps off by fits, I've been deluded, led into a dream And falls again, as loth to quit its bold. Of fancied bliss. (Lacia, crucl maid ! -Thou must not go, my soul still hovers o'er thee, Thy dreadful vow, loaden with death, still sounds | And can't get loose. In my stunn'd ears. What shall I say or do? LUCIA. If the firm Portius shake Wretch that I am! what has my rashness done! To hear of parting, think what Lucia suffers! Lucia, thou injur'd innocence! thou best PORTIUS. 'Tis true; unruffled and serene I've met Her imprecations reach not to the tomb, The common accidents of life: but here They shut not out society in death. Such an unlook'd-for storm of ills falls on me, But, ah! she moves! life wanders up and down l It beats down all my strength. I cannot bear it. Through all her face, and lights up every charm. arm | We must not part. LUCIA. LUCIA. O Portius, was this well !--to frown on her What dost thou say? not part? That lives upon thy smiles! to call in doubt Hast thou forgot the vow that I have made? [us? The faith of one expiring at thy feet, Are there pot Heavens, and gods, and thunder, o'er That loves thee more than ever woman lov'd! -But see, thy brother Marcus bends this way! -What do I say? my half-recover'd sense I sicken at the sight. Once more, farewell; Forgets the vow in which my soul is bound. Farewell, and know thou wrong'st me, if thou think'st Destruction stands betwixt us! we must part. Ever was love, or ever grief, like mine. - [Exit. PORTIUS. Enter MARCUS.. Name not the word: my frighted thoughts run MARCUS, Portius, what hopes? how stands she? am I [doom'd What would'st thou have me do? consider well PORTIUS. The train of ills our love would draw behind it. What would'st thou have me say? Think, Portius, tbink, thou seest thy dying brother Stabb'd at his heart, and all besmear'd evith blood, MARCOS. PORTIUS. I've reason. MARCUS. Thý down-cast looks, and thy disorder'd · thoughts, To my.confusion and eternal grief, Tell me my fate. I ask not the success PORTIUS. I'm griev'd I undertook it. More amiable, and risest in thy charms.' MARCUS. Luveliest of women! Heaven is in thy soul, What? does the barbarous maid insult my heart, Beauty and virtue shipe for ever round thee, My aching heart! and triumph in my pains? Brightening each other! tlıou art all divine ! That I could cast her from my thoughts for erer! [war? PORTIUS. CATO. Nor love of liberty, nor thirst of honour, Drew you thus far; but lopes to share the spoil With Cato's foes, and follow Cæsar's banners. To urge my cause! Compassionates my pains ! Why did I 'scape th' envenom'd aspic's rage, Proytbee, what art, what rhetoric, didst thou use And all the fiery monsters of the desert, To gain this mighty boon? She pities me! To see this day? why could not Cato fall To one that asks the warm returns of lore, Without your guilt? Behold, ungrateful men, Compassion's cruelty, 'tis scorn, 'tis death . Behold my bosom naked to your swords, PORTIUS. And let the man that's injur'd strike the blow. Which of you all suspects that he is wrong'd, Marcus, no more! have I deserv'd this treat Or thinks he suffers greater ills than Çato?, Am I distinguish'd from you but by toils, Superior toils, and heavier weight of cares! SEMPRONIUS. By Heavens, they droop? .' (Aside, What new alarms? " CATO. ". . . ,!!! PORTIUS. Have yon forgotten Libya's burning waste, A second, louder yet, Its barren rocks, parch'd earth, and hills of saod, 1 Swells in the winds, and comes more full upon us. Its tainted air, and all its broods of poison? MARCUS. Who was the first t explore th' antrodden'path, Oh, for some glorious cause to fall in battle! When life was hazarded in every step? si Lucia, thou hast undone me! thy disdain Or, fainting in the long laborious march, in Has broke my heart: 'tis death must give me ease When on the banks of an unlook'd-for stream in You sunk the river with repeated draughts, Who was the last in all your host that thirsted? : SEMPRONIUS. Leaps at the trumpet's voice, and burns for glory. If son:e penurious source by chance appear'd , [Ereunt. Scanty of waters, when you scoop'd it dry, And offer'd the full helmet up to Cato, Enter SEMPRONUS, with the LEADERS of the mutiny. Did not he dash th' untasted moisture froin him? SEMPRONIUS. Did not he lead you through the mid-day sun, And clouds of dust? did not his temples glow At length the winds are rais'd, the storm blows In the same sultry winds, and scorching beats? high. Be it your care, my friends, to keep it up . CATO. Hence, worthless men! hence! and complain Meanwhile I'll herd among his friends, and seem to Cæsar LUCIUS. See, Cato, see th' unhappy mep! they weep! But hark! he enters, Bear up boldly to him; | Pear and remorse, and sorrow for their crime, Be sure you beat him down, and bind him fast: Appear in every look, and plead for mercy. This day will end our toils, and give us rest; CATO. Fear nothing, for Sempronius is our friend. | Learn to be honest men ; give np your leaders, Enter CATO, SEMPRONIUS, LUCIUS, PORTIUS, and And pardon shall descend on all the rest. SEMPRONIUS. Cato, commit these wretches to my care. | First let them each be broken on the rack, That greatly turn their backs upon the foe, Then, with what life remains, impald, and left And to their general send a brave defiance? To writhe at leisure round the bloody stake. There let them lang, and taint the southern wird. SEMPRONIUS. The partners of their crime will learn obedieoce, Curse on their dastard souls, they stand asto- When they look up and see their fellow-traitors [ Aside. Stuck on a fork, and blackening in the sun. niba? dastard souls, they st |