SOPHONISBA, OR HANNIBAL'S Overthrow. A TRAGEDY, Acted at the Theatre-Royall, By their MAJESTIES SERVANTS.
Written by Nathaniel Lee, Gent.
Praecipitandus est liber spiritus,
Petronius.
LONDON. Printed for I. Magnes and R. Bentley in Russel-street in Coven-Garden near the Piazza's, Anno Domini, MDCLXXVI.
To her GRACE the DUTCHESS OF PORTSMOUTH.
Madam,
IF Sophonisba receiv'd some applause upon the stage, I arrogate nothing from the merit of the Poem, but as I ought with the humblest acknowledgments and profoundest gratitude, impute it to the favourable aspects of the Court-Stars. But above all, I must pay my adorations to your Grace, who as you are the most Beautiful, as well in the bright appearances of body, as in the immortal splendors [Page] of an elevated soul; did shed mightier influence, and darted on me a largess of glory answerable to your stock of Beams. Hannibal himself whose hardie spirit never bowd but to the fair imperious Rosalinda: nay, he who in spite of beauties charms, durst gaze upon that sun with Eagle-eyes, and tax her with a blemish, now making his approaches to your Grace, seems awed with the source of so many rayes, and dazl'd with a presence so illustrious. He sees with new bleedings, eyes more attractive than those of Rosalinda, somthing more delicate in your shape, and lofty in your meen; an Air so charming sweet, that 'tis miraculous it shou'd be Majestick too: Smiles of more delightful Shine than April suns, such softnesses and languishings, as the almighty Poets hand cannot describe, nor Painter's Pencil ever draw. For my own part [Page] I am resolv'd to look up to you daily, and dedicate my Life and Labours to your Grace, to spend all the store of my yet unexhausted fancy in your unbounded Fame. For I declare to be wreath'd in Lawrel from head to foot, is not comparable honour to that of being Madam.
Your Graces most humble and devoted servant. Nat. Lee.
Dramatis personae.
| Hannibal, | General of Carthage. | Mr. Moon. | |
| Maherbal, | Lievftenant General. | Mr. Wats. | |
| Bomilcar, | Master of the Horse, and Elephants. | Mr. Haris. | |
| Scipio, | Consul of Rome. | Mr. King [...]ston. | |
| Lelius, | His Lievftenant. | Mr. Wintersel. | |
| Massinissa, Syphax, | Kings of Nudimia; both married to Sophonisba. | Mr. Harte. | |
| Massina, | Nephew of Massinissa. | Mr. Clarke. | |
| Menander, | The confident of Massinissa. | Mr. — | |
| Sophonisba, | A Carthaginian Lady daughter of Asdrubal. | Mrs. Cosh. | |
| Rosalinda, | A Roman Lady the Mistress of Hannibal. | Mrs. Damport. | |
| Rezamb [...], Merna, | Maids of honour, and confidents of Sophonisba. | Mrs.— | |
The SCENE Zama.
THE TRAGEDY OF SOPHONISBA; OR HANNIBALS OVERTHROW.
ACT. I. Scaen. I.
Enter Hannibal, Maherbal, Bomilcar. Guards and Attendants.
Han.
COnquest with Laurels has our arms adorn'd,
And Rome in Tears of blood our anger mourn'd.
Like Gods we past the rugged Alpine hills
Melted our way and drove our hissing wheels
Through Cloudy deluges, eternal Rills.
What after ages shall with pain believe
Through burning Quarries did our passage cleave.
Hurl'd dreadful Fire, and Vinegar infus'd,
Whose horrid force the Nerves of Flints unloos'd.
Made Nature start to see us root up Rocks,
And open all her Adamantine Locks.
[Page 2]Shake off her massy Barrs, or'e mountains go
Through Globes of Ice, and flakes of solid Snow.
On our last Elephant while we did sleep
In Arnus foggy Fenns and Marshes deep.
One light we lost, for Carthage underwent
Wars tedious toils, our Blood and spirits spent,
And all the stock of health which bounteous Nature lent.
Mah.
But what return has that slow City made?
Admir'd by foes you were by friends betray'd.
While you abroad fam'd Battles bravely fought.
The Traitor Hanno your destruction sought,
No succours were for your assistance meant,
For still to Rome Intelligence was sent
That did the Carthaginians strength declare
Which way they past, and what their numbers were.
Bom.
By his design your Brothers death was wrought,
When he apart from you with Nero fought.
Too well that Barb'rous States-man Hanno knew
If Gallant Asdrubal should joyn with you.
The Romans cou'd no hope of safety have,
No Power on Earth cou'd their lost Empire save.
With wicked policy' he therefore try'd
your two all conqu'ring armies to divide.
How fatally did his curst Plots succed?
When with your Brother all his Troops did bleed.
Han
Great Statesmen Kings shou'd watch while they employ
Least what they build, those underhand destroy,
Nor has his separating Chiefs been known
Only on Land, but on the Ocean shown.
Where Fleets divided by close practised Arts
Have melted Womens Eyes, and Souldiers Hearts.
Now all the Feinds those Traytors drag to Hell,
Who for Revenge or Gold; their Country sell.
Han.
How wou'd the Slaves have quak'd had they but seen
The flights of Trebia or Thrasimen?
Or Dreadful Cannae?
Where the dire Sisters bit the Roman Looms
As if their hands were tyr'd with cutting dooms.
Bom.
[Page 3]Where fourscore valiant Senators we kill'd,
The blood of seventy thousand Souldiers spill'd,
And great Emilius death our Conquest swell'd.
Han.
When all with crimson slaughter cover'd o're,
We urg'd our Horses through a flood of Gore;
Whilst from the battlements of Heavens high wall,
Each God look'd down, and shook his awful head,
Mourning to see so many thousands fall,
And then look'd pale, to see us look so red.
Mah.
That was a Time worthy severest Fate,
When victory on Hills of Heroes sat,
And turn'd her eyes all blood-shot on the fray,
And laugh'd, and clapp'd her wings, and blest the day.
Han.
And are we thus at last rewarded then?
Dare they review our dangers with disdain?
Dull Counsellors, who only talk of harm,
Sleep till high Noon, to costly Banquets swarm,
And with rich Wines drink their cold Spirits warm.
Instead of fighting, Scipio, let us haste
Set fire to Carthage, lay her glories waste;
Melt all their hoarded Treasures down, and pour
Into their thirsty Throats the scalding o're.
Bom.
Go on great Sir, their rusty Coffers burn,
Their Towring pride to desolation turn.
Mah.
How I shou'd laugh to see their Ermins smoak,
May sulph'rous flames their gorged vitals choak.
Han.
Maherbal stay, though Carthage us'd me ill,
Spight of my wrongs, she is my Country still:
My Father the great Master of our Arms,
(Who while he gave me life heard loud alarms)
Swore me Rome's foe, when in my ages bud,
Wean'd me from milk, and nurs'd up in blood,
And taught me to be obstinately good:
Rome, the Worlds Gyant Empress, to invade,
Till her bright fame should shrink into a shade,
And all her golden Spires in dust were laid.
Bom.
Carthage, and Rome, which did so long divide
The troubl'd World, to prop their weighty pride,
[Page 4]Will brook no more each others mighty sway,
The Gods to this or that must give the day;
Since such Majestick Power to both is given,
As each might take up all the care of Heaven.
Mah.
Besides the natural hate to Rome you bear,
With Scipio, love obliges you to War,
Since Rosalinda is a Pris'ner there.
Heavens! shall he dare to keep your Love in bands?
Beauty like hers, Swords, Hands, and Hearts commands.
Han.
O my, Maherbal, thou wert alwayes kind,
See'st all my good, but to my ills art blind:
Had I by thy advice my Souldiers led,
Hot with their Joyes, and striding o're the dead,
To Rome, to Rome, my Warriour—But 'tis lost.
That hour, that did so many last hours cost,
The Gods and opportunity ride post;
Melting at Capua I'm pleasures lay,
And for a Mistriss gave the World away.
Mah.
Grudge you the World? cou'd I such hearts subdue,
Were I great Iove himself I'd give Heaven too.
But I am rough, and not for Women made,
In Natures coursest mold by Fortune laid.
Han.
Hast to the Roman Camp, Bomilcar fly,
Take Scouts along, unseen as Spirits pry,
And learn the posture of the Enemy:
Learn if thy knowledge may so happy be,
Where Rosalinda mourns for Liberty;
Seek her as thou woud'st wreaths for glories toil,
As after Conquest thou woud'st seek for spoil.
The SCENE drawn, discovers a pleasant Grotto, King Massinissa, Massina, and Menander sitting upon a Bank: Soft Musick is heard.
K. Mas.
Since Love, the brighest Jewel of a Crown,
That fires Anbition, and adorns Renown;
That with sweet hopes do's our harsh pains beguil,
And, midst of Javelins makes the Souldier smile;
[Page 5]Since this great Trophies lost, quite lost to me,
What wretched things must fame, and Empire be?
Men.
Yet once your Soul was of another strain,
And still you talk'd how God-like 'twas to Reign;
In mystick Empire to be plac'd alone,
And your cheeks burn'd when you beheld a Throne,
Ev'n in your Nonage, haughty were, and bold;
And smiling wou'd your Fathers Scepter hold,
And talk'd when young, how you wou'd rule when old.
K. Mas.
Ambition then I lov'd, but now abhor.
Mass.
What is ambition, Sir?
K. Mas.
The lust of Power,
Like glory Boy, it licenses to kill,
A strong temptation, to do bravely ill;
Abait to draw the bold, and backward in,
The dear bought recompence of highest sin:
For when to death we make the conquer'd yield,
What are we, but the Murd'rers of the Field?
Men.
In gallant souls Ambition is no more,
The Bawd of Empire, or the lust of Pow'r,
Then lawful Mirth is lewdness in a Bride,
Or neatness in a Vestal Virgin Pride.
K. Mas.
Then be it so, yet I will out no more,
Since Love has wrack'd me on the long'd for shore;
Not, but I had a Soul cou'd storms outwear,
Durst against Rocks, or over Quick-sands steer:
For Love, if Venus had like Iuno bid,
I durst as much as e're Alcides did:
But I am lost; nothing Massina now,
With Love's each blast, I like a Bull-rush bow:
Am I not alter'd much of late?
Mass.
Alas!
You look like wither'd Flowers, or Mountain grass.
K. Mas.
O Sophonisba, oh!
Mass.
Why sighs my Lord?
Speak, for I will revenge you with my Sword,
What cruel Vulture's this, that tears your breast
Like fester'd wounds, it takes away your rest?
[Page 6]You will grow mad, I think; you watch all night,
And with your groans the croaking Ravens fright;
Who is it that these killing griefs has wrought,
That bends your brow, and turns you into thought?
K. Mas.
My sorrows load alass! thou canst not bear.
Mass.
Think you my Soul is capable of fear;
What is it, for your sake, I cou'd not bear.
K. Mas.
Massina, thou art all that I wou'd have;
There's nothing after thee, but a low grave:
Obdurate stubborn heart, still wilt thou hold?
Observe me, Boy, when thou shalt see me cold,
Grown by my Death a longer line of woe,
Pale as wrong'd Lovers Ghosts, that sighs below;
Then learn to curse the Author of my Fate.
Mass.
What horrid things are these, which you relate?
K. Mas.
Thee from thy Childhood I have train'd with care,
I'th' painful Discipline of tedious War:
In Mountains bred thee, and on barren sands,
And led the near the Moon, through high parch'd Lands;
Show'd thee to chace wild Bores upon the heath,
And taught thy Infant hands the Trade of death,
When I by Boccar hotly war pursu'd,
And forc'd to plunge into the rapid Flood,
Thou leap'st in after me.
Mass.
I did, my Lord:
But you forget the whirl-pool in the ford,
Where when I struggl'd, and my strength grew slack,
You dash'd my Fate, and bore me on your back;
So through the Hellespont Europa rod,
Half dead with fear, though mounted on a God.
K. Mas.
But my Massina, there's one danger more,
More dreadful then all those we past before.
Vile Women.
Mass.
Women, Sir, I oft have seen,
Dancing with Timbrels on the flowry Green,
Or like small Clouds upon the Mountains brow;
But never thought they thunder bore till now.
[Page 7]I know they are all black, have rowling eyes,
Thick lips, flat noses, breasts of mighty size.
K. Mas.
Thou never yet in shining Courts hast been,
Nor the fair part of Woman kind hast seen,
Who close in Affrick Palaces reside,
And from the injurious Sun their faces hide;
To whom compar'd these seem all hideous night,
But those like Cinthia's Silver Crescent, bright.
Mass.
Is it a sin to be acquainted, Sir,
With those white Maids, that are so fine, and fair?
K. Mas.
Shun'em Massina, as thou wou'dst thy Fate,
As things which by Antipathy we hate:
Not all the horrours of a bloody War,
Not Lyons, Tygers such hid sury bear;
Those appear Monsters, but these seem all mild;
None ever yet destroy'd, but still she smil'd;
They are all grief, when they appear all joy;
Like Lightning, while they glitter they destroy.
Lye down sweet youth, a fair white Woman was
Of what thou seest me now, the cruel cause;
Though clear her form appear'd, without one stain,
Bright as those Bodies which o're darkness reign,
Her Soul is blacker then the skin of Moores;
For fraud with Beauty do's his Lodging take.
Mass.
Then Beauties breast is like a bank of Flowers,
That fairly hides a foul, and ugly Snake.
K. Mas.
There not one safe, and fair—all Seas of sin,
Shou'dst thou be us'd alas! as I have bin,
'Twou'd make thee gray, hear not my Story told.
Mass.
Will Women, if they use me, make me old?
K. Mas.
I had a Mistriss once,
For her I fought, and did her cause maintain
Against the World upon the listed Plain:
The Gods too, know with what oblidging smiles,
And blushing joy, she prais'd my mighty toiles:
And when to kiss her hand I bended low,
She made it meet my lips, and prest 'em too,
[Page 8]All this in Publick; but from sight remov'd,
Fierce were our Joyes, and with a loose we lov'd:
Mass.
You may remember, Sir, that I was by,
Call'd as a witness to the secret tye:
Thrice we invok'd the God of Marriage there,
With rich Sabaean scents, perfum'd the Air
And utter'd sacred vows, and binding prayer.
K. Mas.
When you were gone,
And none but I left with that charming Maid,
What furious fires did my hot Nerves invade:
With open arms upon my Bliss I ran,
With pangs I grasp'd her like a dying man;
Like light and heat, incorporate we lay,
We blest the night, and curst the coming day.
Mass.
Now as I love bright Arms, the Story's fine;
Tell it all night, my Lord, the Stars will shine.
K. M.
Soon as the Birds did on the morning call,
Her brighter eyes a show'r of tears let fall.
Which in my panting bosom trickl'd down;
She prest me close, and cry'd must you be gone?
Then round my neck her snowy arms did twine,
She sigh'd; but will you for ever be mine?
Will you be true?— and then our lips did join.
Mass.
Kind pretty heart.
K. Mas.
Her last words were,
Hear me ye Gods, may I be never blest,
If Massinissa be not to this breast,
The sweetest, dearest, everlasting Guest.
Yet she, this fair, this soft deluding, she
Forgetting all her vows, forgetting me;
While I for Carthage follow'd Wars alarms,
Resign'd her self up to anothers arms.
Enter Lelius, and Varro.
Lel.
At length he's found: rise Massinissa, rise,
Shake off these Clouds that hang about your eyes:
Glorie's in view, and courts them with her call,
[Page 9]New storms of War like Hail around us fall.
Var.
Fury that sat at home, on massie Shields
Now heaves'em up, and ranges through the Fields;
With all her hundred whips of wire she comes,
And drives despairing Monarchs to their Tombes.
Lel.
Syphax and Asdrubal their forces join
With Armes the Mountains, and the Vallies shine:
Ha! what unwonted Charm your Soul enchains,
Is your high blood congealed with your veins,
That from the dusty Field you thus retire,
And seek cool shades, when all the World's on fire?
Var.
Kings cast their Silks, and Armour, make their Robe
Instead of Lutes, shrill Trumpets charm the Globe;
Yet you from this great Race of honour run,
Wave falling Palms, and courting Laurels shun:
Why shou'd you Sophonisba's loss bemoan,
When Syphax, who enjoyes her, cries come on?
K. Mas.
Ha! that the base Usurper did but dare
T'meet me alone, without his crowds of War.
Lel.
If you dye here so silently, you'l fall,
As if Fate knew not of your Funeral;
And cens'ring Fame will say, when you are gone,
His thred of life was by a Woman spun.
But, Varro, we mistake, this is not he,
This is some poarer on Morality;
Some studious Youth, who do's the Heav'ns survey,
And in dull science fools his life away.
K. Mas.
Awake! where hast thou been my drowsy Soul,
In Lethae steep'd, or freezing near the Pole?
I feel her now, my benum'd limbs inspire,
My Spirits shoot, and dart, and mount up higher,
Like sparks that scatter from a kindling fire;
The Plots of Love inglorious are, and dark,
Blindly he aimes, and night is all his mark;
Like day I'le dart him through, and through, I will
To cure my honour, I my Love will kill;
Kill her my self, cut piece-meal all her charms.
War, how it sounds away, to Arms, to Arms;
[Page 10]Let's go where the Illustrious Scipio calls,
I'le be the first shall scale proud Carthage Walls:
Wing'd with our Glory, Come my Friends, let's fly,
To conquer bravely, or as bravely dye.
Lel.
Spoke like your self, thus we our hommage pay;
So look'd Achilles when Troy lost the day.
Var.
Fierce and majestick as young Mars you stand:
'Tis fit that look, this Africk should command.
K. Mas.
As Lovers, big with expectation, burn
My Soul to Battle, do's all fiery turn,
Swift as the Gods, in hast out strip the wind,
And leave the Courses of the day behind.
Yet stay, methinks I am uneasie still;
What real pleasure can it be to kill?
Lel.
Frail Prince! how wavering all his actions be,
By passions toss'd in Love's tempestuous Sea?
War fires the brave.
K. Mas.
Yet War contracts a guilt,
And the brave grieve when many lives are spilt:
Love like a Monarch, merciful and young,
Shedding no blood, effeminates the strong.
But War do's like a Tyrant vex us more,
And breaks those hearts, which Love did melt before.
Exeunt.
The end of the First ACT.
ACT. II. Scen. I.
Enter Scipio, K. Massinissa, Massina, Menander, Lelius and Varro.
Scip.
THe Scouts of Hannibal, have they survey'd
The Camp?
Lel.
Your will exactly was obey'd.
Scip.
I hear my gallant Friend, and grieve to hear,
That you the Chaines of Sophonisba wear;
In Glorie's School you had the foremost name,
Skill'd in the dark misterious Book of Fame,
Did those worn Characters with pleasure read,
Which told the Stories of the mighty dead:
But by this act of softness, you will drown
Those Noble parts, and forfeit your renown;
Truant to all the Honour that you had,
Drunk with love's tears, with smiles of Beauty mad.
K. Mas.
I strove, Sir, by your great atchievments taught,
To drive this Beauty from my lab'ring thought;
But I as well to Heaven might carry Wars,
And quench the influence of our crosser Stars;
Like those with fatal fires, she gilds my way,
And leads me on, that I may further stray.
Scip.
Then I must angry grow, since you are frail,
And Corrosives apply where Cordials fail:
To me prove civil, for your self be wise,
You have my friendship, therefore I advise.
K. Mas.
Mean you, my Lord, not Sophonisba love?
Scip.
As she's the Foe of Rome, I disapprove
All Treaties with her, shake her off in time,
Or against Honour you commit a Crime.
K. Mas.
And wou'd you have me live?
Scip.
When she is dead:
[Page 12]Why shou'd you wish her life, that has betray'd
Both you and Rome? Syphax whom I had wrought,
Her cunning Tongue to side with Carthage brought:
By Heaven I swear, if she my Captive be,
I'll use her as the Romans Enemy.
K. Mas.
You'd have me shake her off, and live; I'de know,
Whether this flesh you wear you can forgo,
And be the same? Here through my bosom run
Your sword, and when the bloody deed is done,
When your steel smoaks with my hearts reeking Gore,
Bid me be well as e're I was before.
Scip.
You are resolv'd it seems to cross my will,
But from a Friend I'll construe nothing ill.
K. Mas.
O then endure yet more, and let me speak,
Without some vent my lab'ring heart will break;
'Tis as a Friend your life, your life I spare,
Not as you more then King Rome's Consul are,
The far fam'd Scipio, and God of War;
Can any Man that's brave,
His Mistriss injuries with patience hear?
Let any other in your cause appear,
And justify the words that you have said,
By the Immortal Powers I'll strike him dead.
Lel.
My Lord.
As the King moves forward, Lelius lays his hand on his sword.
Scip.
Your gen'rous temper Lelius hold,
He shall be hotter yet to be more cold,
My vertue all the storms of Passion knows,
Has try'd its calms, its wondrous Ebbs and flows.
Since a Request so small you can deny,
From greater proofs how wou'd your friendship fly?
K. Mas.
Try me, my Lord, but any other way,
Heavens! with what readiness would I obey;
While blood kind warmth does to these limbs afford,
While I can shake a Spear, or wield a Sword,
You shall be ever Massinissa's Lord:
Go on, and wander the wide Ocean o're,
Go sail to some unhospitable shore,
[Page 13]Where dreadful Monsters guard the horrid Land;
Though down to Hell I sink at your Command;
I'll throw my body on the untry'd sand:
Wou'd you have all the Carthaginians slain,
Or see their Cities levell'd with the Plain,
With cheerful toil the business shall be done,
Give me but Sophonisba for my Crown.
Scip.
To conquer Enemies abroad's no more,
Then every Tribune here has done before:
Search all the Army through, and find that one,
Who if I bid, the force of fire dares shun,
Or will not from a precipice leap down:
At my command Lelius would you refuse
To dye?
Lel.
My Fate for Empire I'd not loose,
At thy Command, Temples and Shrines shou'd blaze;
I'd spoil their Gods, their Statues, Altars raze,
And with my fury mak'em dread thee more,
Then I fear them when all their thunders roar.
Scip.
To Conquer Kingdoms, and on Scepters tread,
Is but to imitate great Heroes dead:
Shou'd you your Arms to the World's limits bear,
The mighty Alexander pierc'd as far:
But if ungovern'd passion you can bind,
And quench th'inglorious ardour of your mind,
Your Fame shall with that haughty victors vie,
Which all the Eastern Beauties cou'd defie:
If still you are resolv'd her Charmes to trust,
The World may truly term you rash, unjust;
And when you perish, say, he dy'd for lust.
K. Mas.
You tax me, Sir, with Crimes I do not know;
But urge me not too far, for I may grow
Beyond all limits, just revenge pursue,
And blinded by my rage let fly at you.
Scip.
Unhand him.— By the Gods your worst I dare,
A single arm Rome's Consul cannot fear:
I shine above thee like a Star fix'd higher,
Whom though you cannot reach, you may admire.
K. Mas.
[Page 14]Like Meteors rather you false glory take,
Whose short liv'd blaze, low Earthy vapours make:
Yet since with fancyed fires you fill the Skie,
Shall not one Prince at your dread aspect dye.
Scip.
How have I err'd? your Tryall's at an end,
Heaven! That I e're should call this man my Friend;
How cou'd my Soul so grosly be o'reseen,
From all mankind wert thou selected then?
O most ungrate! ill tempered barb'rous King,
No good did ever from this Africk spring.
Did I for this each Roman friendship shun,
And to those savage Arms for refuge run?
When with the weighty cares of War opprest,
Lean'd all my troubles on that sullen breast;
Took no Petition, granted no Command,
But what was giv'n by Massinissa's hand.
What Triumphs did I ever yet design,
Wherein your glory might not equal shine?
Yet for a Woman, and a false one too,
Your Fame, your Faith and Friendship you forego.
Still let the great of Favourites beware,
They most deceive us, who most trusted are.
The Consul turns away.
K. Mas.
Stay Consul, stay my Friend, my noble Lord;
Cou'd you then cast me off for one rash word?
Forsake me ever — O you never lov'd
Your Massinissa, who cou'd be thus mov'd?
Go if you please, leave this ungrateful King,
This salvage, barb'rous, indigested thing.
What e're my passion did, shou'd pardon'd be,
For I confess — you are a God to me,
Yet it had bin more friendly and more kind,
Not to have met the Tempest of my mind.
Scip.
But was it possible in this our strife?
That Massinissa should attempt my life.
K. Mas.
Pronounce my death, cut off these cursed hands,
Send me to Syphax, bound with shameful bands.
[Page 15]That I may all the subtlest torments bear,
And after death no more reproaches hear.
Scip.
By this return of virtue I am made,
For ever yours—say do I now upbraid?
Are these reproaches?
K. Mass.
O ye powers look down,
And hear me swear by your eternal Throne.
Whatever this your likeness shall command,
Though Sophonisba from my trembling hand,
I will obey—or curse me where I stand.
Scip.
As your first Trial strait to Crita fly,
And perjur'd Syphax at his Gates defie.
Our Troops must conquer when led on by you,
Chiefly his Wife endeavour to subdue.
Whose subtile working Wit wrought all this care,
And with her beautious griefs renew'd the War.
K. Mass.
This youth, my Kinsman, as a pledge I leave
My all, the darling of my Soul receive.
As I in War shall false or faithful be,
So may Just Heaven do both to him and me.
Mass.
Ah! if I am that darling of your Heart,
How can you leave me thus forlorn behind?
Take me along, or I shall think 'twas Art
That made you seem so pittiful and kind.
K. Mass.
Now all the Gods thy precious life defend,
Something that's fatal sure these Tears portend;
I was not us'd to weep.
Scip.
Nor must not now.
At your return we will to Zama go,
From thence to Bagrada our Forces draw,
To try our strength with dreadful Hannibal,
And keep that famous Conquerour in awe,
That talk'd of giving Laws i'th' Capitoll.
K. Mas.
My Blood boils in my Veins, and catchesfire;
Such words, such courage would the Dead inspire:
[Page 16]Yes we will fight, my Lord, with Hannibal.
To bloody 'count his boasted valour call.
Scip.
Like some vast ill built Tower, so high he grows;
He Marble-front nods with each blast that blows.
K. Mas.
Our Arms like Thunder levell'd at his Crown,
Shall all at once hurl'd by our rage, rush on,
And in a moment rowl his Glories down.
Manet Massina solus.
Was ever Youth unfortunate as I?
But I will be reveng'd on him, and dye.
Perhaps to loose me in the Wars he fears,
As if my Soul did not out-go my Years.
Enter Rosolinda.
Ros.
I've scap'd with much ado the Tribune's Hands;
But 'tis the Consul who must break my Bands,
And send me with a pass-port back. — Who's there?
What are you?
Mas.
First instruct me what you are.
And how you came to be thus Heavenly fair:
What is it makes your Cheeks so fresh and bright,
The Red of Roses, or the Lillies White.
Ros.
Were you ne're thus before?
Mas.
I never knew
Such Agues in my Blood, and Feavers too.
Ros.
I'le leave you, Sir.
Mas.
You cannot if you wou'd,
You may as easily forgo your Blood.
Like that I'le blushing creep about you still.
And my sick thoughts with silent pleasures fill.
Ros.
What is't you'd have?
Mas.
Alas, I do not know;
Something there is which Nature will not show:
When e're you speak, as at melodious strains;
There's something purles and trickles through my Veins,
Like Quick-silver it moves so cold and fast;
Then my Eyes twinkle as they'd look their last.
Ros.
[Page 17]It shews like Love, but in its birth destroy
A passion which scarce pitty can enjoy.
Mass.
Perhaps you think me born of Common Race;
But Royal Blood does my high Lineage grace:
Ah! do not then put out this harmless flame,
Since from your Eyes the tingling torment came.
Ros.
In vain your passion's ardour you alledge,
The Fort's impregnable, break up your Siege;
No force, nor art can the least Out-work win,
There's one for you too mighty entered in;
The haughtiest, bravest, foremost Man on Earth,
Who from the Blood of Gods derives his Birth.
Mass.
To his Immortal Kindred leave him then,
You may be better plac'd with blood of Men:
Besides, who knows, but his Divinity,
As Gods will sometimes very froward be,
May chance take pet as you in Love engage,
And thunder you to pieces in his rage.
Ros.
'Tis true, in War most dreadful he appears,
All Cruel, Glorious, dangers thick he wears:
Not to amuse you, when I have nam'd all
That's great, and lovely, think on Hannibal.
Mas.
Is't possible!
In Age can beauty ought that's lovely spy,
Can dreams of glory waking youth supply?
Ros.
Though his blood mov'd like freezing Currents slow;
Were his head whiter then the Alpine snow,
My youth his age into one piece should grow.
Mas.
All you have said, I know in jest was spoke;
What should you do with such a sapless Oak?
When a young pleasant Vine so near you stands,
And bows with all his Clusters to your hands.
Ros.
Honour to youth, and beauty I prefer,
I'm for the best and bravest Man in War;
And since the World knows none so great as he,
None else shall Lord of my affection be:
In shorter joyes let other Maids delight,
These transitory pleasures of a night;
[Page 18]But I more lasting happiness design:
In my Illustrious Warriour's heart to shine,
And have my name on his high Tomb engrav'd,
This, this is she who Hannibal enslav'd.
Mass.
Though I no dawn of comfort can descry,
Yet in this hopeless Love I will engage,
And every thought of Royalty cast by,
Through all the World attend you as your Page;
For all my pains I will not beg one kiss,
That were to wrong your mighty Man of War;
Give a kind look, and I will prize the bliss
Above those hopes which the Ambitious bear.
Ros.
Since then you are resolv'd a while to wait,
As your first task shew me the Consul strait:
My beauty like a Comet shall arise,
That temperate Lord of Nations to surprize,
I'll thunder in his ears, and light'n in his eyes.
Exeunt.
SCENE The Carthaginian Camp.
Hannibal is discover'd in his Tent, sitting at a Table with lights.
Han.
How great's the care, the toil and lingring pain,
That racks a General's breast, and breaks his brain:
Argus had a hundred lights, and I but one,
Yet all the Day 'tis buisie as the Sun;
And all the Night 'tis watchful as the Moon.
When shall I sleep from noise and business freed?
'Tis hush'd, but beauty business does succeed:
Beauty which Iove cou'd draw from Heav'ns high Tower;
When Nimphs in Groves his Godhead stoop'd t'adore,
So much he lov'd delight, above Almighty power:
In his deep blood the soft Contagion ran,
Staining his Son, that vast Immortal Man.
The great Alcides, who a distaf made
Of that huge Club, which Nations could invade,
[Page 19]Wou'd in his Mistress Glass kind looks devise,
Less'ning the Glories of his God-like eyes,
And tun'd his mighty voice to tender cryes.
Since Gods themselves, and God-like Men have lov'd,
Why should not I with beauty's Charms be mov'd?
The highest Power has love's blind Mazes trod,
Then Hannibal love on, and imitate a God.
Enter Bomilcar.
Bomilcar here? so suddenly return'd?
You look as if your journey you had mourn'd.
Bom.
My Lord, we were discover'd.
Han.
Ha! how then?
Was your lost freedom given you agen?
Bom.
The gen'rous Consul knowing who we were,
Commanded us to dissipate our fear:
Then to his Officers gave strict command,
To let us take a view of every Band;
But such brave Men, and such strict discipline!
Han.
You speak, Bomilcar, as you knew not mine.
Bom.
My Lord, your pardon if I say, these eyes
Ne're yet beheld such gallant Enemies.
When we had seen what might less Spirits damp,
He generously dismiss'd us from the Camp.
Han.
This Civil brav'ry has oblidg'd me so,
I shall to Battle with half fury go:
Doubts enter here, which yet my breast ne're felt:
Doubts beget fears, and fears my courage melt.
But of my Love, Cousen, you nothing said;
Is she alive? how I that answer dread!
Or is it possible she can be dead?
Bom.
Though in the search our utmost wit essay'd,
We nought cou'd hear of that Illustrious Maid.
Han.
Perhaps his heart for temp'rance so renown'd,
From her all conquering eyes might take a wound,
And now he keeps her close.— which should he dare,
With fire and sword we'l carry on the War.
[Page 20]Yes, we will instantly our bodies join,
The World's at stake, let it be his or mine.
Bom.
Throw boldly at the sum which the Gods set,
A hundred thousand lives at once are met,
That on your side will all their fortunes bet.
Enter Maherbal.
Mah.
Come forth my Lord, hast from your Tent, behold
Sights that may chill the fiery, dant the bold;
Shrill Trumpets Eccho through the Arch of Heaven,
Battles proclaim'd, and bloody signals given:
Two Suns their gawdy Charriots Curtains furl,
And at each other brandish'd lightning hurl,
Red bolts, rush flaming through a bloody sky,
Wounding the Air, vast pointed splinters fly,
Immortal Spirits drop down, and seem to dye;
A Host of Heavenly Warriours bright, and gay
Appointed, stand, and ready for the fray:
In golden Armes their shining Chiefs appear,
Helmets, and Shields of Diamonds they wear,
And Spears with Stars of value set, they bear.
Han.
The end of all things sure is drawing nigh.
Mah.
Through the void place swift Darts obliquely fly;
Black swarthy Demons hold a hollow Cloud,
And with long Thunder-bolts they drum aloud;
Their Trumpets all with Sun-beams are inlay'd,
Where dreadful sounds by fiery breath are made.
Mountains are buried in the womb of Earth,
A grave they find where first they had their birth.
Our houshold-Gods sweat as they stand, and all
Your Garlands from their Temples untouch'd fall.
A Wolf but now his jaws all bloodied o're,
And by his fide a Savage foaming Boar.
Your Out-gards fac'd, and slaughter there began,
Nor stopp'd they, but through all the Army ran,
Till satiated with blood the Monsters fled,
Vanish'd from sight, and in dark Forrests hid.
Han.
[Page 21]Lead to the place, from whence we may descry
These dreadful Prodigies that fill the sky.
Command our Priests a Sacrifice prepare,
T'appease the angry Doemons of the Air.
Exeunt.
The SCENE drawn, discovers a Heaven of blood, two Suns, Spirits in Battle, Arrows shot to and fro in the Air: Cryes of yielding Persons, &c. Cryes of Carthage is fal'n, Carthage, &c.
Re-enter Hannibal, Maherbal, Bomilcar.
Han.
What means the Gods by these phantastick forms?
And unprovok'd, why do they raise such storms?
Mah.
When dreadful Prodigies like these appear,
The sure destruction of some State is near.
Our General's mov'd, his angry looks dart fire,
And noble rage does his griev'd Soul inspire.
Han.
Can this be true? Answer ye Powers Divine,
Shall in our death the Roman glory shine?
Has Fate our ruin fix'd? Is it decreed,
That Carthage fall, and Hannibal must bleed?
Yet with unshaken Souls our doom we'll wait,
And perish bravely, though unfortunate:
Yes, ye malicious Powers, this Hannibal,
Whom you untimely to destruction call,
Still what he was, shall like a Souldier fall.
Let Hanno shiver in the arms of Death;
But loud reports shall wait our parting breath:
We'l drown the talking Gods with our last cry,
And Earth shall thunder back upon the sky.
Exeunt.
The end of the Second Act.
ACT. III. Scen. I.
A Roman Camp.
Enter Scipio, Lelius, Attendants, Varro, Guard.
Scip.
'TIs strange that we no News from Cirta hear;
No Souldier thence?
Lel.
None, Sir, does yet appear.
Scip.
'Twere fit some Tribune with our Horse should go,
And the intents of Massinissa know.
Enter Rosalinda, and Massina.
Ros.
Where is the General? By your Majesty,
And august Garb, you should the Consul be:
If such you are, I charge you set me free.
Scip.
Your strict Commands are told in such a way,
The Consul doubts, whether he should obey;
Nor know I Fair one, what or whose you are,
Wrongfully held, or Prisoner of War.
Ros.
By right or wrong, when Beauty pleads like mine,
'Tis fit you strait my liberty enjoyn;
To keep me here against my will is wrong,
Since I to Hannibal the Great belong:
Dare you detain what's his?
Scip.
We all things dare,
But would not willingly offend the Fair;
None shall presume your freedom to deny,
If with the gift we may your friendship buy.
Ros.
My friendship? No to death I hate you all,
All that bear Arms against my Hannibal;
A Man so great, I, though a Roman born,
Can for his sake, my Friends, and Countrey scorn;
[Page 23]Who drives the bravest of you from the Field,
As I in Cities make all Beauties yield.
Rome! she's not fit, though she her head lay down,
To be his Foot-stool, when he mounts a Throne.
Scip.
My yet unshaken Soul with vertue bound,
No force of War, or Love cou'd ever wound:
But Mars and Cupid now at once appear,
And strike me with an Object fierce and fair.
How her Eyes shine? what killing fires they dart?
And all within I feel the fatal smart.
Away with her, she is a Sorceress, go.
Mass.
Stay, stay, my Lord, remember she's your Foe;
Besides I love her, and if she depart,
Or suffer any wrong, 'twill break my heart.
By all those noble promises you made,
Kneels.
When Asdrubal in Spain before you fled,
And I your Prisoner was, you lov'd me, then
With Gold, and Jewels sent me home again,
And hung about my neck a Diamond Chain.
Scip.
At your Request, she shall not go, but stay
With me.
Mass.
With you? Dispatch her, Sir, away,
A Rival in my Love I cannot bear:
Love toyes, my Lord, below your greatness are,
They'l take you of the business off the War.
Scip.
Though War usurp the day, Love claims the night;
At least we'l try this Am'rous new delight.
Mass.
Yes, you may try, but ne're can please like me;
You'l still be dreaming, Sir, of Victory,
Of storming Forts, and digging Trenches deep,
And call for Arms, and break your Mistress's sleep.
Ros.
The serious trifles of your love adjourn,
For know I view you both with equal scorn.
O mighty Hannibal! thou all Divine,
This loyal heart shall never be but thine;
How little these compar'd to thee? how low!
Scip.
[Page 24]Trophees as great, and Conquests we can show,
Noble as those which his fam'd Arms adorn,
From as dire dangers Victory have torn.
Ros.
'Tis true, some Glory you atchiev'd in Spain,
And Carthagina by surprize did gain;
For your late Conquest poorly did conspire,
Pretending Peace you set the Camp on fire:
Yet you will loudly talk of Roman fame,
When all your Eagles Dove-like flew so tame:
But Hannibal with noise to War proceeds,
Makes the World start at his unequall'd deeds;
He like some rowling Whale, who as he laves,
With his bright Armory gilds all the waves;
Dashes the frighted Nations from his side,
That pale and foaming fury far off ride,
O're all the watry Region does Command;
The Ocean's Lord, and Tirant of the Land:
While your tame Legions, like the smaller fry,
Glide silent on, and only twinkle by.
Scip.
Take her Massina, bear her from my Tent,
To Freedom, Chains, to Death, or Banishment:
Bear her where I may never see her more.
Massina leads her off.
She's gone, and now I am as heretofore,
My panting heart with thirst of Glory burns;
Fame flyes before, and beck'ning Fortune turns,
Bevers and Bucklers, Swords and massie Shields,
And all the wonted Objects fancy yields,
Black Hills, and dusty Plains, and bloody Fields.
Enter Maherbal.
What art thou? 'Tis the Consul speaks.
Mah.
From Hannibal I come, with you to treat,
E're Fortune half the frighted World defeat:
The grace which for his Spies you did command,
He thanks you for: But with his Sword in hand,
[Page 25]He who ne're yet a parley wish'd with Rome,
Since War is to the dreadful upshot come,
Would hold discourse with you of the Earth's doom.
Scip.
'Tis granted; where's the place?
Mah.
On Zama's Plain,
Attended only with five hundred Men;
Soon as the Morn's first blushes shall appear,
Expect the terrour of your Armies there.
Exit.
Scip.
Wou'd it were done, the great decision made;
Rome crown'd, and in the dust great Carthage laid.
Enter Trebellius.
Treb.
Laurels, and all the Trophees conquest yields,
Colours and Standards, bought with blood in fields,
King Massinissa does to Scipio send,
His Godlike Master, and his Warlike Friend.
Scip.
Relate in brief the progress of his Arms.
Treb.
Soon as King Syphax heard our dread alarms,
He sent some Troops of Horse abroad to scout;
Which were by equal numbers put to rout:
Urg'd with despair, and by his charming Wife,
Whose beauty has been fatal to his life,
He came in person forth, to end the strife.
Our Battails joyn'd, and fiercly it was fought,
Till to the last extreams our Troops were brought,
When Massinissa more then Man appear'd,
And with his overflowing valour clear'd
Those mighty odds which first our Souldiers tear'd.
Scip.
Some wond'rous Act of fortitude was shown,
Which could re-settle Troops half overthrown.
Treb.
Where e're our General turn'd, death mark'd his look,
And whom he ey'd with his cold Arrow strook;
Like some vast flame he made his glorious way,
And all about him desolation lay.
Syphax whose name he made to Heaven resound,
With cryes of ecchoing Joyes at last he found,
Trembling though with his Guards encompass'd round;
[Page 26]Swift as revenge could dart he on him flew,
Whom from his Horse with his hands force he drew,
And pierc'd his heart in both the Armies view:
Which seen, with one consent the Souldiers fled,
As if all hopes were with their Monarch dead.
Scip.
Cirta should after such a loss in course,
Surrender to the Victor's dreaded force.
Treb.
It did, great Sir: To Massinissa now
The gravest Lords with willing homage bow;
Whereas I did amongst the formost ride,
'Twas wish'd the Queen might prove the Victor's Bride.
Scip.
I rather wish thou cou'dst not Conquest boast,
And that the King were with the Battail lost.
To Cirta Lelius instantly repair,
And make that subtle Queen our Prisoner:
If Massinissa should oppose you, say,
'Tis my Command; who swore you to obey.
Exeunt.
Maherbal, Enter Hannibal, and Bomilcar.
Han.
My Rosalinda freed, and in my Tent?
But wherefore was that Stranger with her sent?
Thou hast a Tempest rais'd within my mind;
Speak, was this Youth so fair, and she so kind?
Bom.
Your Rosalinda's beauty did appear,
Bright as Noon day all piercing, sprightly clear:
But he who lead her, seem'd so soft and young,
As if that pity handed Love along,
And tears his blushing Cheeks did so adorn,
Me thought the Sun came usher'd by the Morn.
Han.
Cease thy unwelcom praise; what did she say?
Bom.
That she would there for your appearance stay:
I bow'd, and went; but being curious grown,
I stopp'd a while, to mark that Fair unknown:
When she with languishing intreaties said,
Is this your Love? Shall I not be obey'd?
Be gone, be gone, if Hannibal should come,
And but suspect—death were your certain doom.
Han.
[Page 27]Peace, Harbenger of Fate, with Ravens dwell,
Thy tale at Midnight to the dying tell:
Oh! it has pierc'd me like a poyson'd dart,
Which by degrees infects the blood and heart;
And now it higher mounts, divides my head,
Where like a plague its pointed venoms spread.
My brain ten thousand various tortures turn,
Now Agues chill me, and now Feavers burn.
Oh Rosalinda! false ungrateful Maid,
Am I for loss of glory thus repaid.
But let's away to my Pavilion lead,
That Ravisher of all my hopes shall bleed.
Exeunt.
Enter Rosalinda, and Massina.
Ros.
Why will you stay? If you did ever love,
Let me conjure you, from this place remove.
Mass.
Permit me as your Menial Servant stay,
And near your Person sigh my life away:
Is that so much?
Ros.
It cannot, must not be,
That you should idly spend your hours with me:
You like the golden Planet of the day,
Should as you rise, all glorious set, all gay;
A generous pity does my heart subdue,
Which bids you now eternally Adieu.
Mass.
Say, your disdain.— Alas! how can I part?
Me thinks I go as if I had no heart:
But since you are resolv'd it must be so,
Near to some murmuring brook I'le lay me down;
Whose waters if they should too shallow flow,
My tears shall swell'em up that I will drown.
Enter Hannibal, Bomilcar, Asper.
Ros.
Massina stay; I strictly charge you live.
Han.
Not Heaven, nor Earth can grant him a reprieve,
[Page 28]Since Hannibal has vow'd that he shall die.
Bomilcar bind him, bind him instantly:
False Rosalinda! — Bear him from my sight,
And shade his beauties with Eternal night.
Is it for this at last we meet again?
Wou'd thou hadst still the Consul's Captive been.
Ros.
Oh Hannibal! can you resist my tears?
What change is this your stormy temper wears?
He shall not die: Bomilcar, Asper, stay,
'Tis I command you; dare you disobey?
Han.
Be gone, he dyes who listens to her pray'r;
Pull off his Bracelets, let him shackles wear,
With fetters fret his soft and supple skin,
Too light a pennance for so foul a sin.
Massina is taken away.
Ros.
If Rosalinda yet has any part
Kneels.
Left in that cruel, yet renowned heart,
This Stranger's freedom instantly enjoyn,
And you shall ever be the Lord of mine.
Han.
How darst thou plead for him, false as you are?
Falser, if possible, then thou art fair:
In his behalf no Intercession make,
His torments shall be doubled for thy sake.
Ros.
Henceforth wrong'd Innocence from Courts retreat,
Thou best, but rare Companion of the great:
Since thus abus'd, ah! visit them no more,
But rest thy sorrows at some Shepard's door.
Han.
Oh guilt! canst thou to Innocence appeal?
Who to this Youth such kindness did reveal?
Ros.
If pitty kindness be, I was most kind,
Who all my softness to his griefs resign'd;
And what, but Marble hearts cou'd see him mourn,
Yet so much sweetness with such sorrows scorn?
Han.
Pity like yours, that does so swiftly move,
Is the fore-runner of approaching Love.
Ros.
Unworthy of the honour you possess,
My passions great wou'd I cou'd make it less:
Know most unjust, and jealous, therefore vain,
For Jealousie's great weakness in great Men;
[Page 29]My constant Soul did for thy glory wave,
The Rich, the Young, the Beautiful, and Brave.
My charmes, the cold and temp'rate Consul felt,
Whilst beauties beams did fiercely on him play;
The frost, which long had bound his heart, did melt,
And Love like Sun-shine thaw'd his Ice away.
Han.
Your looks, me thinks, have quite another Air;
Nor doubt I but your Beauty has been try'd,
So faint loves Colours in your face appear,
Like Silks that loose their gloss with being dy'd.
Ros.
That Scipio, nor this Prince, whom cruel you
Have bound, cou'd nothing on my heart prevail,
Is as Heaven's high Decree most justly true;
And I am Innocent, as thou art frail.
Han.
Alas! 'twas Innocence, to say, begone,
If Hannibal should but suspect, you'r dead.
Ros.
Compassion, for a Love, I could not own,
Urg'd me to speak; what you have heard was said,
Therefore release him instantly from Bands,
And yield him safe into the Consul's hands,
Without delayes or murmuring free him straight;
Or may your Lawrels never more be green,
Nor may your Arms in War be fortunate,
Nor Rosalinda but with frowns be seen.
Han.
Stay, Madam.—Hast, the Captive Prince unbind;
My heart to others rough, the Souldiers crime,
As Rocks to Seas, or stubborn Oaks to wind,
Shall bow to you, as those must yield to time:
Forgive my temper, hard'ned with the steel,
In which I stood almost Immortal Man,
Till Love let fall a blow, that made me reel,
And pointed Beauty through my Armour ran;
Can you forgive the rudeness of my mind?
Ros.
Forgo your jealousie, and I'le be kind.
Enter Massina unbound.
Han.
May a rash Man, wrong'd Prince, your pardon crave?
Mass.
No, Sir, my pardon you shall never have;
[Page 30]For know I hate thee on a double score,
Much for thy Love, more for Tyrannick pow'r:
Princes who have like me dishonour'd bin,
Should blush to look abroad in flesh again.
Disgrac'd Massina!
Fall, dye, dispatch, to fortune's malice bow,
Thy Royal Uncle would not own thee now.
Life profer'd with the World, I wou'd not take;
Yet I could live for Rosalinda's sake:
Speak, Hannibal, wilt thou thy share resign?
Ros.
He may, but I can never part with mine.
Mass.
How never?
Ros.
Never.
Mass.
O unkind hard heart!
Love when he shot me, sure mistook his dart,
Or chang'd with death, whose quick destroying shaft;
Thus drinks my blood, thus with a full deep draught.
Stabs himself.
Ros.
Hold, cruel Prince; the Dagger from him wrest.
Han.
Too late, alas! I drew it from his breast.
Ros.
What have you done?
Mass.
Only my Body areyn'd
Of that sick blood, which Hannibal had stain'd:
What less then death could I to honour give?
And Love neglected, charg'd me not to live.
Now you may take him, take him to you all,
This cruel, haughty, happy Hannibal.
Han.
The bus'ness of our life's a senseless thing;
Why burns th'Ambitious Man to be a King?
Or to what purpose does the Warriour call
For Arms? Or Gown-men bustle in the Hall?
Sport for the Gods, they whirl us here and there,
As Boyes blow watry bubbles in the Air.
My help!—
Mass.
Ah let me not be touch'd by thee,
If Foes may capable of pity be.
[Page 31]Your Rosalinda seize, and with her fly
To Gold'n Beds, Embrace her fast while I
Within my dark and dusty Dungeon lye.
dies.
Han.
Crowds of ill boading thoughts my Soul dismay
His body to the Roman Campe convey.
Hears'd in a Mourning Chariot softly tread
And look so sad that they may think you dead.
They bear off the Body.
Ros.
This your suspition of my honour was:
See the effects where Jealousy's the cause.
Ah cruel Victor I could curse thee now,
With all thy Lawrels blasted on thy brow.
Love sick'ns with this deed my Transports fade,
Would we were both in Earths low Cavern laid.
Curtain'd with shady horrours where the Sun:
And Stars their fiery Courses never run.
But all the business of the World is done.
Exit.
Han.
Oh that my heart her future State cou'd find:
Know to what good or ill this lifes design'd.
Prudence against such knowledge may advise:
But who of all mankind was alwayes wise?
For the great secret to the Gods I'le go,
And if they faile me fathom for't below.
Though hid by fate under a thousand Rocks,
And drag it up by the dark Jetty locks.
Let it all gastly as a Gorgeon come,
Stiff with the view I will outgaze my Doom.
The SCENE the City of Cirta.
Enter King Massinissa and Menander.
Trumpets sound a lofty March.
K. Mas.
Was ever victory so swiftly won:
We scarce had leisure to demand the Town.
[Page 32]Their Gates they opened with such hast and fear,
As if our Conquering Swords Enchanted were.
Men.
Syphax the great Usurper of your Throne:
Is to revenging Furies downwards gone.
In hells low valleys grown the darkest Weed,
And feels the stings that make Ambition bleed.
K. Mas.
Straight to the Palace bid our Forces turn,
Where Sophonisba does her losses mourn.
We'll visit that forsworne Illustrious faire,
To let her see how unconcern'd we are.
Men,
Since you have promised that you would forsake:
Why should your vertue need less tryalls make.
Love though scarce warm within your bosom pent;
Fann'd with her kindling sighs may get a vent.
Like he at which stifled in some closer space,
If any Air gets in, fires all the place.
K. Mas.
Darst thou suspect? I say it cannot be:
Has Air or its wing'd ranger liberty.
Loose like the Wind as the wide Ocean free:
My enlarged soul rouls wantonly along,
Can hear unmov'd the warbling Syren's song;
Braving her Eyes, her falshood I'll upbraid.
For those rude wrongs she on my vertue layd.
Man.
Your Majesty best knows what's fit to chuse:
I humbly offer'd what you may refuse.
K. Mas.
Perhaps my present rage I may not keep;
For she has word would make the Cruel weep.
And Charms as powerful as Circes wiles;
As ravished Virgins sighs, or Infants smiles.
But I more blind with rage then she with tears:
Mauger the Cunning which her sorrow wears,
Her hopes will laugh at, and despise her feares.
Exeunt
[Page 33] SCENE, The Palace.
Enter Sephonisba Rezambe and Merna.
Seph.
Rome and the World against my life combine,
Methinks I'me still a Queen whilst this is mine.
Though Massinissa has the King or'ethrown:
And his Victorious Troops possess the Town.
Yet Sophonisba is, and shall be free,
Spight of the frighted Senators Decree.
They blush to see this life so glorious shine;
And fear their Eagle's eyes, should dazled be with mine.
Merna, if I have ought from thee deserv'd,
Be grateful thus, and thou hast nobly serv'd.
Mer.
Not for the World.
Soph.
Rezambe thou art brave,
Strike, and the Carthaginian glory save.
How will the Just, the Valiant, and the Wise;
Extol thy vertue and thy Courage prize?
Who durst the softness of thy Sex forgo;
And free thy Country with one desperate Blow.
A deed that will even Hannibal out do.
Rez.
Rather then I would live to see those hands:
Which Kings have kissed fetter'd with Roman Bands.
That body like a Pageant wretch adornd;
Graceing the victors Wheels, your greatness scorn'd.
Rather then this endure, by all that's good,
I'd bath this Dagger in your lives warm flood:
Till the haft reek'd with your hearts Royal blood.
Soph.
O thou most noble Martial worthy Maid,
If by thy eyes my soul could be survey'd.
Thou wouldst believe what cannot be exprest,
How dear thou art to Sophonisba's breast.
Thy voice like sad, but pleasing Musick flew;
Like dying Swans 'twas sweet and fatal too.
Now stricke, and bravely Act thy Tragick part:
Just here, strike through, and through this wretched heart.
Rez.
[Page 34]Deaths our last remedy as 'tis the worst.
'Tis fit you try the victor's mercy first.
Prince Massinissa lov'd you once, who knows,
But the same passion in his bosom glowes.
Blow it into a flame, try all your Charms:
Love laughs at Brandish'd swords and glitt'ring Arms.
Mer.
Never was man like Massinissa kind;
By nature mild, and amerously inclin'd.
Not vanquish'd Syphax dying fell so low,
As this Charm'd Prince will to your beauty bow.
Rez.
Imputed Trechery you ought to clear,
Let guilt shrink back, and Innocence appear,
I'll hide the Ponyard in my Robe, if he
Dooms you a slave, this gives you liberty.
Soph.
When breach of faith joyn'd hearts does disingage,
The Calmest temper turnes to wildest Rage.
He thinks me false, though I have been most true:
And thinking so what may his fury doe?
Rez.
His Trumpets Clangors make the Palace ring;
Here wait your fate, and this victorious King.
Enter King Massinissa Menander attendents.
K. Mass.
Madam I come to tell you that you are
No more a Queen, but Prisoner of War.
The King whose loss 'tis probable you grieve,
To whose lov'd memory those tears you give.
For Judgement is to Heaven's Tribunal gone;
And I now come to claim my Fathers Throne.
You in the War have bin unfortunate;
Not but your cause deserv'd a better fate.
Soph.
Of Empire's joyes to you a gift I make,
More willingly then I did ever take.
Freely as ever Syphax made it mine.
To Massinissa I my Crown resign.
K. Mas.
Not as your gift, Crowns I should then despise.
But as my right by Birth and valours prize.
[Page 35]My father Galla's Diadem i'le bear,
And all the Royalties of Circa wear.
Soph.
These springs of grief unkindness now supplies.
K. Mas.
Syphax deserv'd that tribute from your Eyes.
Soph.
There is a cause more worthy of these tears.
K. Mas.
More worthy? what then Syphax? for your sake:
Did he not fame and Empire victims make.
Gving love over measure, when at last,
He threw his life up for you as a Cast.
Soph.
If what I speak might kindly be receiv'd;
But misery can never be believ'd.
K. Mas.
Not you believ'd? O Gods is it clear day,
So manifest are all things that you say.
Not you believed? what hardned Infidel:
Shall dare to doubt the Oracles you tell?
Soph.
I will when sorrow shall permit me speak:
But sure my heart must with unkindness break,
K. Mas.
'Tis possible, yet Madam e're I go;
Express your will for I have much to do.
My men I have not plac'd, my father's Throne,
We have not fill'd, I must, I must begone.
Menander do we triumph.
Men.
Bravely Sir,
All like your self, and more then Conquerour.
Rez.
Merna we're lost with what a haughty scorn,
He turns away and smiles to see her mourn.
Soph.
Are you not Massinissa call'd?
K. Mas.
I am.
Soph.
Have you not heard of Sophinisba's name?
She who unmov'd your high disdain endures;
Yet Sophonisba who was always yours.
K. Mas.
Oh heavens!
Soph.
Whom wasting cares did all the day devour,
Who watch'd all night, counting each tedious hour:
And never found that there were joyes in power.
K. Mas.
Ha! Sophonisba! yes I knew her well;
That Angel fair, and lov'd her er'e she fell.
[Page 36]Oh Sophonisba, hadst thou but a mind
Half beauteous as the case where 'tis inshrin'd.
Thou wert but she is dangerous to name:
My reasons snatch'd by my tempestuous flame.
Menander help—
Or I shall sink in th' abiss of thought,
My vowes, my friendship, glory, all forgot.
As when we lanch into the Sea, the land
Goes backward with the trees, and all the neighbouring strand.
Men.
Be gone my Lord, you're rnined if you stay.
K. Mas.
What from the vanquish'd shall we run away.
Mern.
Still there's some hopes, since at her name he shook,
And now he eyes her with a kindling look.
Rez.
With that last Glance methought love shot him there.
K. Mas.
Yes Madam this is Massinissa here:
I am (to thy Confusion be it kuown.)
A walking Grave with sorrows overgrown,
With rooted cares and every baneful weed,
That nightly watchings and pale troubles breed.
Once I was free from these and flourish'd fair,
Like a tall tree I blossom'd in the air.
My cheerful friends like birds about me sung;
Free from the Charms of thy deceiptful tongue.
And ripening hopes blooming around me hung,
Till thou fair Murd'ress didst like lightning fall.
And blasted blossoms, branches, root, and all.
Soph.
O Massinissa hear I this from thee?
K. Mas.
'Tis equally a truth from him or me;
Or any here—why Madam not from me.
But if my presence should a trouble prove,
I will for ever from your sight remove.
Soph.
Stay, Massinissa, stay, my life, my soul;
Why do your eyes with such strange motion roul?
Your fury in this heart that loves you hide.
K. Mas.
Where does that searcher of the soul recide:
Who through blind tracks finds out a womans heart?
Loe here's a bar, a stop to all his Art,
Who wou'd not swear that such a love was true?
Soph.
[Page 37]Do I not love you? By the Gods I do.
K. Mas.
Oh thou dissembler! once this wou'd have done,
But all thy practis'd wiles at last are known.
Just so she talk'd, and so she wept before,
And with that beauteous honest look she swore:
Gods If I stay, I shall believe again,
Farewell thou greatest pleasure, greatest pain.
Soph.
By all our loves, this cannot, must not be;
Those cruel words could not be meant to me.
To me who love you with a heart entire,
A flame more lasting then the vestall's fire,
To me who am indeed all one desire.
Ah Prince thy love is all my light and health;
The treasure I would hoord, my only wealth:
Take not that from me.
K. Mas.
'Tis but vain delay.
Soph.
Unkindly urg'd why do you turn away?
kneels.
You shall not go till you have left me dead;
My tears till now were never vainly shed.
O hear my sighs, my vows, ye powers above,
If any power like me could ever love.
Let loose your fires and thaw this frozen heart,
And thou dread God of love trie every dart:
You shannot stir.
K. Mas.
What means this rising flood.
weeps.
Soph.
Nature will start at such ingratitude:
Revenge on after ages this disgrace,
And only Monsters make of humane race:
Inhumane thou.
K. Mas.
She shall not, yet she shall;
She grasps my heart, and cryes she'l have it all.
'Tis so, her eyes restless magick bear,
Angels I see, and Gods are dancing there.
Rise Madam, rise, each sigh, each softning glance;
Lulls my loud wrongs, I'm hush'd, and in a trance.
Men.
His sighs flow from him with so strong a Gale,
As if his soul would through his lipsexhale.
Soph.
[Page 38]Cou'd you be thus? on your poor Mistriss frown,
What was my fault, alas what have I done?
K. Mas.
Nothing, why nothing, only this thou art,
My life, my soul, my spirits blood and heart.
Whose hands least thirlling touch does please above;
The very act of any other love.
Gods how she Charms, none sure was e're like thee:
Nor wild as I, stormes borrow rage of me.
But thou art soft, and sweet, and silent all,
As births of Roses or as blossoms fall.
Soph.
This Rose that sticks so near your heart will fade,
When planted by your hand in death's cold shade.
K. Mas.
By mine? Not savages would harm thy breast;
On whose refreshing pillowes, Iove might rest:
And with Immortal sweets be ever blest.
So fair 'tis well thou art not faithful too;
I cou'd not bear my bliss if thou wert true.
Soph.
Think me not false though I did Syphax wed,
Who ever was a stranger to my bed.
Forc'd by my Father's positive command;
I must confess I suffer'd him my hand.
Heaven curse me if I ever granted more,
Cou'd I be his having bin yours before?
K. Mas.
Why do you stop? still as statue lo,
I stand, nor shall the wind presume to blow.
Speak, and it shall be night not one shall dare;
To sigh though on the Rack he tortured were,
Nor for his soul whisper a dying prayer.
Soph.
Make your love long, and let it burn less fast,
These sudden raptures are to hot to last.
K. Mas.
Right Madam long if we such joyes should feel:
The furious transports of delight would kill.
Menander to the Temple lead away,
By my clear fame this is our Marriage day.
Soph.
Your fame does far above all Censure sir,
Free from the taunts of low repining Wi't.
Kings though they err should never be arraign'd,
But if I yield, my glory will be stain'd.
[Page 39]What will the World report of such a Bride,
Who married the same day her Husband dy'd.
K. Mas.
Since Scipio is your mortal Enemy;
It must be so upon necessity.
Who yet will not molest you being mine.
Soph.
Then to the Gods let me my breath resigne.
K. Mas.
Can you consent rather then be my wife,
To hazard honour liberty and life.
Soph.
But sir.
K. Mas.
But Madam say what you can say;
You ought not, must not, and I cannot stay,
One minute more casts both our lives away.
Soph.
Know mighty Prince I was, and am the same,
And thongh the world this Act may justly blame,
I will be yours, and in that way you name.
But first by all the Gods and glory swear,
Rather then yield me up Rome's Prisoner.
That you some fatal token will present,
To free me from Inglorious punishment.
K. Mas.
I swear by Heaven, by Glory, and by Arms,
By somthing more, and by your own conquering Charms.
You shall be ever from the Romans free;
Or I by death will give you liberty.
Soph.
Now lead me where you please.
K. Mas.
A tast of bliss.
The God of marriage seal our vowes with this,
kisses her
Nectar, and flames the sweets of Hybla grow,
About her lips ambrosiall Odours flow.
Let melancholy Monarch Councel take,
Wed by advice and sullen Nuptials make.
But I prefer what thus my Arms infold,
To all the wealth that Earth or Seas can hold,
To Rocks of Diamonds, or to hills of Gold.
Spight of proud Rome and all her haughty men,
She was my Mistriss, and shall be my Queen.
The end of the Third ACT.
ACT. IV. Scen. I.
Bellona's Temple.
An Altar is shown, with a Souldier lying upon it, arm'd all but his head: Aglave, Cumana, standing each upon a Tripos, with Daggers in their right hands, and Cencers in their left.
Agla.
E'Re we our solemn rites begin,
The sacred Cavern purge from sin.
About the dreadful Alter go;
About it Inchantations blow.
Cum.
The dire oblation thus we drain,
And with his blood our Temples staine.
The Screech-Owl warns us with her Note,
Strike your dagger in his throat.
Gash him deep, and suck his blood,
Prepare his frighted ghost a shrowd.
Agla.
Rise ye sulphrous flames, arise,
Consume the baleful sacrifice.
That of his ashes we may take;
And clotted Cinders with 'em rake,
And Viands for Bellona make.
Cum.
Our Goddess smil'd, 'tis done, 'tis done,
The Romans have the Battle won.
From yonder batlement of heaven,
I saw the Carthaginians driven.
They fly they fly, the Consul there,
Pursues 'em through long tracks of Air.
He puts their General to rout;
And drives 'em like a storm about.
Agla.
Our Goddess shall have death enough,
Her shrine with fat of thousands stuff.
[Page 41]With goary heads her Altar fill,
And Tuns of blood upon 'em spill.
Enter Hannibal Maherbal, Bomiloar.
Cum.
But loe who comes, what, what are these,
That pry into our misteryes?
Speak, speak Aglave, I'le begone,
Their business know, I'le come anon:
The fit of prophecy's come on.
Our Goddess does the Tunnel wind,
And sacred horrours swell my mind.
Exit.
Agla.
What are you? and what is it you would know?
Han.
Men call me Hannibal, Rome's dreadful foe.
Who after many Battles lost and won,
Resolve to perish or my conquest Crown.
One day the world's great Empire must decide;
But what the Gods and that great day provide,
We wish to know who dare the worst abide.
Agla.
Cumana to the sacred Tunnel cleaves,
Her breast enlarg'd the Goddess now receives.
And now she rages like a Bacchinal,
With fury's acted rends the holy veile.
Ful of the deity about she roames,
Stares, gapes, and on the hallowed Curtain foames.
Cuts her hot flesh, grovels upon the ground,
Sings, Dances, kicks the golden Tripeds round.
Enter Cumana scratching her face, stabbing a Dagger into her Armes: Spirits following her.
Sings.
Beneath the Poplar's shaddow lay me,
No raging fires will there dismay me.
Near some silver current lying,
Vnder sleepy Poppies dying.
[Page 42]I swell, and am bigger then Typhon e're was,
With a strong band of Brass, O bind me about;
Least my bosome should burst for the secret to pass:
And a vent being given the fury get out.
I cannot, I will not be vext any longer,
While I rage I grow weak, and the Goddess grows stronger.
She speaks.
If Hannibal to Zama tend,
His valour Scipio shall Commend.
And near Nadagra on the Plain,
There shall be thousand Romans slain.
Thou with thy old Italian Band.
Shalt put the Consul to a stand.
Sings.
Hark, hark, the Drums rattle,
Dub a dub to the Battle.
Tararara, Tararara the Trumpets too tattle,
Now, now they come on, and pell mell they mingle.
What rusling and busling:
And splinters of lances with broken Arms jingle.
Gold trappings, bright Bevers, Swords, Bucklers and Daggers,
The stout man flies on, and the faint hearted staggers.
See the saddle girts burst,
And the Generall's unhorst.
But he rallies again,
And brings up his men.
Spight of fortune and fate:
And the Gods that oppose;
He hacks and he hews:
Through the hearts of his foes.
Cease Goddess, cease, thy servant to torment,
My lungs are with Prophetick fury spent.
[Page 43]The struggling fates within my bosom turn,
And heavenly fires my trembling heart strings burn.
When will thy Godhead let me rest,
Too mighty for a mortal breast.
Agla.
Cumana to a period hast:
You shall have ease when you have done;
And sweet refreshing slumbers tast.
Upon the Borders of the Moon.
A Dance of Spirits.
Cum.
Lo, afar off the curst Bythinian Band,
A poyson'd General rules upon the sand.
Gods, how he swells! how bloated is his look?
Death from the Pummel of his Sword he took.
Exit.
Han.
Shall Romans fall by Carthaginian Swords,
And Carthage sinke? what mean these mistick words?
A foolish Bard as much as this might tell;
Or a white Witch without the ayd of hell.
More I must know, speak Rosalinda's doom,
Let all the losses of a Battle come.
May Scipio in the dust our glory soyl,
Wee'l bear the frowns of Mars if Cupid smile,
Agla.
Too curious mortal, seek not what once known,
May snatch your sleep, and make you ever groan.
Your fate crowds back, and would not come in view,
Do not too far th' unwilling Gods pursue.
Like one who rashly dares give spirits chace,
They fly a while to some dark ruin'd place.
Through Caverns run, through Cloysters dodge him round,
Or dance before him over Fairy ground.
Till urg'd too far, a face all pale and sad,
Turns quick upon him, and the fool runs mad.
Bom.
Let's go my Lord, I am not us'd to fear,
And yet methinks I dread to tarry here.
Mah.
Heaps of the slain I often have beheld,
And with my Battle-ax, have hundreds fell'd.
Yet here I'm shaken the objects too funest,
I'd rather see a Javelin at my breast.
Han.
[Page 44]Aglave, by your Goddess Armes I swear,
We will not from the sacred Cavern stir.
Till you have cleard my doubts though every star:
At your dread call start from his flaming sphere.
Though from her or be close mantled in a Cloud;
The Moon slide down to wander in this Wood,
Though with your Charmes the Sun dissolve in blood.
Fathom the depth of desting below,
And all the terrours of your Magick showe.
Agla.
Beneath those burd'ned branches stand,
Safe from the spirit I command.
Arise, appear thou whom his soul does love,
His heart with visionary horrours move.
Rosalinda rises in a Chaire pale with a wound on her breast, two Cupids descend and hang weeping over her.
Han.
Shall Rosalinda then untimely dye,
'Tis false and all these damn'd deceivers lye.
Faceing thy fate with my Sword drawn I'le stand,
Back'd with my Conquering old Italian Band.
With the same haughty fierceness rushing on,
Which the Saguntines City thundred down.
Like Troy's young Hero:
Who while the World about him did admire,
His father bore through night death, blood and fire.
Spight of opposing hell and war's worst harmes,
So will I bear my love upon my Armes.
Bom.
To horse my Lord, and leave this cursed place,
Lets go and instantly the Consul face.
Mah.
No more in this damn'd sorceress confide,
Permit my Sword her body to divide.
Or from her Corps cut her enchanted Head,
And her black braines upon the Altar shed.
Han.
Wee'le go Maherbal with to morrow's dawn.
On the vast plain our squadrons shall be drawn.
Yet for some minutes, Battle shall decline,
Wee'le see this Consul e're our Bodies joyn.
[Page 45]And if on equal terms a peace may be,
For Carthage sake I'le court my Enemy.
Bom.
Tis just you should deliberation take,
With caution deal, and mannage the last stake.
Mah.
You Armies are the Cards which both must play,
At least come off a saver if you may.
Han.
But like Sols off-spring swell'd with dangerous fires,
He to the management of all as pires.
Alone the scepter of the world would sway,
Alone would rule the heaven and drive the day.
Like that indulgent God I'le first advise,
Show him the tracks through which ambition flies.
If deaf to all let him ascend the Throne,
Snatching at glories which must weigh him down,
Like Iove we'le toss him from his glistering Chair:
Sindging ye Clouds hissing through liquid Air,
And darting headlong like a falling Star.
Exeunt.
Trebellius, Enter Scipio, meeting Lelius disarmed, Varro.
Scip.
Lelius return'd and said tell the Event.
Lel.
Too late my Lord, I was to Cirta sent.
For e're some thousand paces got from hence,
I Massinissa met that wretched Prince.
Not as I us'd arm'd with a warriour's grace,
Like Mars when thundring on the plaines of Thrace.
But in a Chariot drawn by milk white Steeds,
Like soft Adonis driving through the meads.
And Sophonisba leaning on his breast,
Like Venus with her wanton Hunts man blest.
Scip.
Are these his vowes? some new way we must try,
Rather then live dishonour'd, he shall dye.
Lel.
Soon as the Tyrant Syphax was or'e thrown,
With Menaces he forc'd the frighted Town.
Which entered straight he to the Palace flew,
Forgetting all his vowes he lov'd anew;
The Conquer'd did the Conquerour subdue.
In short, her tears and beauty won so far,
In view of all the world he married her.
[Page 46]They are arriv'd and now upon the Plain,
In a Pavilion Royal both remain.
Scip.
Trebellius go, this subtile Charmer bring;
Take all our Guards to assist against the King.
And say that we'l attend him in his Tent,
But first expect the Queen be Prisoner sent.
Tell him she is the Romans fo, and shall,
A sacrifice for blood of thousands fall.
Exeunt severally.
Enter King Massinissa, Sophonisba:
K. Mas.
Let him Arm all his pow'r against this breast.
My heart unmov'd shall stand the mighty Test.
What I have sworn shall like thy vertue last,
I'le hold thee to me as my heart-strings fast.
Thou soul of love, all charming Excellence!
Whose every look drives stormy troubles hence,
Does all the blessings of the Gods Dispence.
Why dost thou tremble? let no sawoy fear,
Make thy heart pant, or cause thee shed a tear.
Soph.
Alas my Lord 'twere better I were dead,
In my cold grave safe from these troubles laid.
Rather ten thousand Racks let me endure,
Then once be brought under the Roman power.
'Tis true that you have deeply sworn you wou'd:
Defend me.
K. Mas.
To my hearts last drop of blood.
Or may I by some Coward mangled lie,
And dogs and vultures tear me as I die.
The Tygress will revenge her ravish'd young,
'Midst Darts, and Spears, and Javelins rush along.
The Clown so low and ignorant of fame,
Will venture life to save his swarthy dame.
And shall not I for thee wast all this blood,
Thou softest blessing, and the sweetest good.
Soph.
I know not what the Gods for you intend,
But 'tis most certan I am near my end.
Not that deaths darkest horrour I can fear.
But Bondage is a load I cannot bear.
K. Mas.
[Page 47]Quit all those fancies that disturb thy rest,
And cast thy Melancholly on this breast:
This heart is ever thine.
Soph.
O my lov'd Lord,
If you shou'd break — but you will keep your word.
Keep all your Oaths, yet Heaven and you know best,
Some surfeit with their love as on a feast.
And then they loath when once they 're satiated,
But you'le remember me when I am dead.
From these dear eyes to endless shades remov'd,
None e're will love you sure, as I have lov'd.
Enter Trebellius.
Treb.
Guards wait without—My Lord, you must resign,
The Queen whom I have order to confine.
K. Mas.
Touch her not for thy life, but straight retire,
Safer thou mayst with thunder play, kiss fire.
Grapple with death, a Pestilence invade,
With all his fatal Purple pomp array'd.
Trebellius goes to seize her, Massinissa kills him.
Treb.
Cut off in my full growth, curse on your strife,
To dye thus when I business had for life.
Just Scipio will revenge my death, beware,
I feel I'm going, though I know not where.
Dies.
K. Mas.
Nought but thy blood cou'd wash thy guilt away,
Who durst the rancour of thy heart display.
And sully with rude hands the fairest piece,
That the Gods ever drew, your troubles cease.
I'm in, and now no hope of safety's nigh,
Yet still a King we will attended dye.
Like a brave Merchant:
Who when his long toss'd loaded Vessel hits.
Against some Rock, and with loud horrour splits.
First grasps one Casket which does all contain,
Then fearless, shoots himself into the Main.
[Page 48]So I with thee, my only wealth, my all,
Amidst the numerous slaine at last must fall.
The noise comes near safe, retire from view,
Glory and love shall teach us what to do.
Exeunt.
Enter Scipio, Lelius, Varro, Guards.
Lel.
Trebellius slain, and in a woman's cause,
Shame to our Armes, disgrace to honour's Laws.
What flames of mischiefe from this sparke might rise,
'Tis just with rigour you his fault chastise.
Scip.
Yet Massinissa thou shalt dearly buy,
Thy ill got love and fatal Gallantry.
Curle on in wanton wayes, bask in her Charms,
By Mars she is a victim to our Arms.
K. Mass. meets him.
K. Mas.
Your high displeasure in your face I spy.
When the great Scipio frowns, great dangers nigh.
The fact I must confess done in defence,
Of beauty wrong'd, and helpless Innocence.
Scip.
Where is that fair incendiary fled,
Er'e to extreamest rigour we proceed.
I strictly charge thee bring her forth to bleed.
Or on thy person I will vengeance take,
And thou shalt perish for thy Mistriss's sake.
K. Mas.
With greedy joy I offer you my life,
If by the Go [...] you swear to free my wife.
Scip.
Yo [...] [...]all not for her sake have leave to dy,
Nor will I give her life or liberty.
For Rome, not for your sake this war was wag'd,
You only as a voluntier engag'd.
Therefore whatever Towns or Captives fall,
Into our hands, they are the Romans all.
K. Mas.
Then thus I draw, think it not insolence;
For it's not meant, Sir, in my own defence,
But to preserve a sacred Innocence.
[Page 49]From their bright Thrones perhaps the Gods will glide,
And range themselves in battle on my side.
Beneath a Cause so just I cannot fall,
I, and the Gods will fight it with you all.
Scip.
Thou deem'st thy lust an Action great and good,
Death ought to cool this feaver in thy blood.
With me contending against fate you strive,
Yet I will pity show, take him alive.
K. Mas.
Ingloriously you have a Conquest made,
That breast my tim'rous arm durst not invade.
My heart though prompted by her powerful charms,
Fainted before the Master of my Arms.
Nor shall you yet my souls lov'd treasure reach,
My body thus dams up the narrow breach.
And he who dares—
Rashly on this forbidden Earth to tread,
I'l Graspe his soul, I'l spurn him dead.
Trumpets within, enter Menander.
Scip.
What means this mournful noise, whose Tragick sound,
With solemn horrour does my thoughts confound?
Men.
O sacred Sir.
Scip.
What Souldier, all in tears?
Men.
Sorrow her self close mourner now appears;
The Prince Massina slain, see blasted there,
The hopes you lov'd the darling of the war.
That beauteous Captive who with you did treat,
He to the Carthaginian Camp did wait.
Where Hannibal of's beauty jealous grown,
Cast him in bands; but when his birth was known,
As soon unbound, but then despair did move,
Despair of glory, and despair of love.
Which when the Royal youth had rashly weigh'd,
And fate with murmuring thoughts a while delay'd.
A ponyard from his Robe unmark'd he took,
And to his heart the deadly weapon strook.
Scip.
Behold, of furious love the dire Event.
Yet Massinissa wilt thou not repent.
[Page 50]Behold the pledge you left for your default,
By heavens high Justice to perdition brought.
K. Mas.
Was ever man thus wretched and durst live,
Yet will I not one tear to nature give.
Least Bankrupt like I lavish what's not mine,
Since all my stock of sorrow love is thine.
Scip.
Remove the Princes body from his sight,
Least too much grief should to distraction fright.
Yet if thou'lt bring her forth we will forget,
This daring rashness which is passion's heat.
Thy glory with fresh laurells wee'l advance,
And with due praise thy valiant Acts inhance.
Thy pile of honour this right hand shall build:
Why dost thou weep?
K. Mas.
Because I dare not yield;
No Sir, my love I never can betray,
Though you have touch'd me in the noblest way.
Scip.
Can'st thou both promises and threats refuse?
K. Mas.
Death, and what's worse you only bid me chuse.
Scip.
Bring forth thy love and life, thou shalt enjoy,
K. Mas.
Is that a life your purpose act destroy.
Turn all your Javelins points against this breast,
But let it not of love be dispossest.
Scip.
Must I who can Command thus vainly sue.
K. Mas.
My stubborn heart death only can subdue.
Scip.
Then take that death which you so little dread.
Enter Sophonisba.
Soph.
Stay, Tirant hold, first thou shalt strike me dead;
Come on with thy brave sword rip up my brest,
And fix my panting heart upon thy proud crest.
There let it hang thy valours Trophy grown,
To all the wondring world let it be shown.
That none but fools the Conquest may deplore,
While all the brave admire the Conquerour.
A Conquerour so great with one sole blow,
He Cou'd even Hercules himself out-do.
[Page 51]O heavens! he durst attempt, what shall I say;
What words his hearts fierce grandeur can display,
In heat of blood he durst a woman slay.
Scip.
When Ladies rail, a Souldier should be mute:
Besides I have no leisure to dispute.
As Hellen did to Troy perdition bring,
Where e're you come your eyes destruction fling.
When will your thirsty Charms with blood be cloy'd,
Two Kings you have like that fair Greek destroy'd.
Spight of your pride you shall to Rome be led,
And there for all your Witchcrafts loose your head.
Soph.
On with thy threats thy violent course pursue,
Enjoy thy bloody wishes Tyger, do,
Barbarian, for in Rome thou wert not born,
By such a wretch her glories are not worn.
Unless when dress'd up to be sacrific'd
To thee the Moors and Goths are civiliz'd.
Gorge thy self, Saturn, make my flesh thy food,
And laugh when thou art drunk with a Queens blood.
K. Mas.
All will be well fair excellence retire,
Add not fresh fewel to the dying fire.
Soph.
To you and heaven my heart must ever bow,
Consul with thee I am not angry now.
Scip.
Observe ungovern'd Prince with how much ease,
This Royal foe we if we would might seize.
Yet on your promise that she shall not go,
Till we the fate of war at Zama know.
We will permit her in your Tent, t' remain,
But oh my friend break this inglorious Chain.
Contrive some means to keep your faith with me,
And set your heart from that curst Charmer free.
Exit.
K. Mas.
O rigid honour must we separate then!
Loose all the sweets of life to purchase pain.
Men.
If she were dead your glory were secure.
K. Mas.
But could I then this wretched life endure?
Without her live? it's fatal to refuse,
And glory ruines me if love I chuse.
What help Menander?
Men.
[Page 52]'Tis the sport of heaven,
When Ships on Rocks are in the Harbour driv'n.
Having through thousand stormy dangers past,
In prospect of your bliss you're wrack'd at last.
K. Mas.
Like one who having scap't the waves, arrives,
To some lone Rock, and there more wretched lives.
Halfe famish'd on the ragged flint he stands,
Viewing with watry Eyes the distant strands,
And past his call, men walking on the lands.
With sighs he swells the wind, and looking round,
Mourns his sad choice, or to be starv'd or drown'd.
Exeunt.
The end of the Fourth ACT.
ACT. V. Scen. I.
Hannibal and Scipio.
Han.
ARt thou the Chief whom men fam'd Scipio call?
Scip.
Art thou the much more famous Hannibal?
Han.
Since by our partial fate it is ordain'd;
That I who have such dreadful Battles gain'd.
That torrent like which from some Mountain falls,
Ran from the Cloudy Alps to Romes proud Walls.
Shou'd now at last for peace inglorious sue,
I thank the Gods that they have chosen you,
To reap that honour by this Interview.
Scip.
In civil praise, and from so brave a foe.
True courage may a sense of pleasure show.
Thy words inspire me with such vast delight,
'Twill scarce be more to vanquish thee in fight.
Han.
'Twas much the Gods to our fore-fathers gave,
That you should Italy, we Africk have.
Our Africk Arms much Roman blood have spilt,
And Carthage has the Roman fury felt.
What say'st thou Scipio, is it Peace or War?
Th' Invasion made by us we will repair.
Wee'l give you Cicily, Sardinia, Spain,
And all the Islands which our Arms did gain;
'Twixt Italy and Africk on the Main.
[Page 53]Thy boyling Courage does to war incline,
And glory more then profit you design;
Such fortune once did on our Genius shine.
But long experience and the chance of War,
Makes me at present certain peace prefer.
Grasp not at Scepters which may turh to rods,
To Day is yours, to morrow is the Gods.
Scip.
That your late landing upon Leptis Coast,
Restor'd those hopes which drooping Carthage lost.
All must confess, we know you are that man,
Whose glory to the utmost Thale ran.
Born in a Winters Camp, in Battles bread,
Whilst yet a Stripling durst an Army head.
Whose very name could make the Romans mourn,
And forc'd dread groans from every hollow urn.
The boldest Senators began to droop,
Yet when all fainted I alone stood up.
And fac'd that storm which threatned from a far,
Shot warmth, and rose upon 'em like a Star.
To Africk came and in few months retriev'd,
All that your Armes for many years atchiev'd:
Peace I refuse, unless you offer more,
You give naught yet but what was ours before.
Since all the neighbour Kings our actions eye,
It rests at last we should our fortune try;
Let one victorious be, the other dye.
Han.
Gods, that the glorious Hannibal should bow!
To be refus'd— It shall be battle now,
Forgetful Hero, couldst thou court the son
Twice, by whose force his father was or'ethrown.
Scipio thou mayst too late repent thy pride,
And vainly in thy death this fury chide.
On Fabius think, Rome shield, her Guard from harms,
Her sword Marcellus broken by my arms.
Remember great Emilius slain by me,
And then think last what may thy fortune be
Er'e yet the day be done:
With Seas of goar wee'l drown the neighbouring Wood,
And yonder sun shall set in Roman blood.
Scip.
[Page 54]Prepare to hear thy last, thy last alarms.
Han.
In Battle we shall meet, to arms, to arms.
Exeunt.
Enter Rosalinda in man's Apparel.
Ros.
Thus drest, and with this war-like weapon drawn,
What hinders but an Army, I lead on.
Oh cruel nature why didst thou disgrace,
So brave a Spirit with a Female face.
All women wou'd, but sure no woman can,
Be chang'd into the Lordly creature man.
However, with this Garb I fit my mind,
Whose high ambition has great things design'd.
I'le out and chase, if Hannibal succeeds;
And if he falls, then Rosalinda bleeds.
Alarms, enter Hannibal, Maherbal, Bomilcar.
Han.
Both wings are lost, the Carthaginians yield,
Fierce Caius Lelius drives 'em through the field.
The Gauls and the Ligurians quit their ground,
The Massisilian King does all confound.
With such swift force his Arms our Troops assayl,
As hurricans toss showers, and scatter hail.
Bom.
Wild as our Elephants about he raves,
And tramples on those mercenary slaves.
Who scouring through the field avoyd his strok,
And fly like flocks of Doves before a Hawke.
Mah.
Your valiant old Italian Troops stand fast,
Resolv'd to fight your Battle to the last.
The Conquering Consul riding or'e the Plain,
With all his Officers and bravest men.
The Hastati and Triarij this way comes,
With Trumpets sounding and with beat of Drums.
Han.
Auspicious Iuno, thou that didst e're while,
Favour our cause, and on our Carthage smile.
Prosper our Arms this bloody dreadful day,
And Hannibal shall the foundation lay
Of such a Temple sacred to thy name,
As n'ere was found in the records of fame.
Exeunt.
[Page 55] Enter K. Massinissa, Leluis.
K. Mas.
Their flight has wing'd the Cowards, let 'em fly,
Not worthy by such Conquering swords to die.
'Tis time we to the Consul should repair,
Rejoyne our forces and conclude the war.
SCENE of Hannibal and Scipio fighting, the Consul gives ground: Enter K. Mas. and Lel. and beat Han. off.
Scip.
Gods, what prodigious valour have you sent,
And what rewards are worthy to present!
O Massinissa.
With what impetuous swiftness fortunes wheel,
Turn'd with thy stroaks how did the valiant reel?
Lel.
As when some distant lab'rer hews an Oak,
We see his Arm rais'd for a second stroak,
Er'e the first blow's report can reach our ear,
So flagged our sense; nor could it reach him there.
Scip.
Th' Italian Troops shrunk from his Marshal fire,
But Hannibal himself did last retire.
All Lyon-like.
Whom a bold band of hunts-men having found;
And dar'd to rouse, he rowls his eyes around,
Lashing his sides, and tearing up the ground.
With trouble from th' unequal skirmish goes,
Majestick stalks, and turns upon his foes.
So from the fight went the great General,
Proud in his loss, and rising from his fall.
Exeunt.
Enter Souldiers skirmishing, Rosalinda falls.
Ros.
Heaven thou hast done thy worst there needs no more:
Bold with my overthrow, I brave thy power,
And shake the Glass that holds my latest hour.
O Hannibal; did I for this design,
This heart, this youth and beauty only thine.
Pride and neglect on every lover hurl'd,
Scorn'd him that Conquers thee, and all the world.
[Page 56]From me lost Hero, learn, be great, and die,
The brave should bleed for loss of victory.
Enter Hannibal, Maherbal, Bomilcar.
Han.
Carthage is lost, and Hannibal or'ethrown,
What is there left that we may call our own?
The bleeding world, Rome does by conquest claim,
And swells the prize with our revolted fame.
Yet spight of fate our length of earth we have,
Thus vanquish'd glory shrowd thee in a Grave,
Bom.
Hold General the Gods your deaths forbid,
Vengeance is due, first let false Hanno bleed,
Who cut the wings of Conquest till she fell,
Mah.
By me he shall be headlong sent to hell.
Where Fiends for Treason kindle double fire:
Then let the famous Hannibal expire.
Ros.
Sure I the name of Hannibal did hear,
Maherbal, tell me, is the General there?
Mah,
Approach my Lord, view well this wounded fair:
Sure in your Capuan Mistress I have seen,
The same Majestick Air, and charming meen.
Han.
Ha! thou hast rows'd a thought that wracks me more,
Then all the losses I in Battle bore.
Either I dream or in this closing eye,
My dazled sences Rosalinda spie.
Ros.
Where do th' ambitious rest? O Hannibal!
Han.
What art that, dost upon the wretched call?
Ros.
One that's more wretched and more rash then thou,
That wou'd to fate, and not to Scipio bow.
Disguis'd and dying Rosalinda see,
Who mourns in death thy loss of victory:
That last disgrace.
Han.
Dire Goddess of war,
Too true I find all thy presages are:
The Gods have given a double overthrow,
Wou'd I had bravely perrish'd by my fo.
Stretch'd in the field this loss I had not known,
Nor should my tortur'd soul thy ruin moan.
Ros.
[Page 57]Is it so hard our wishes to obtain?
Sad hearts with bleeding loose love's burning pain.
Han.
O dying fair look up, revive a while,
With one short joy eternal care beguile.
The setting sun all curtain'd round with night,
At his departure gives a larger light.
Ros.
Flow faster blood, It will not be I fear,
The wound's so small, death cannot enter here.
But shall I stay behind when honour's fled;
Han.
Live, and I'le raise that honour from the dead.
Ros.
Renown runson like time but nere turns back.
Han.
Then we that swift renown will overtake:
Wee'l hast where glory baits to every hold,
And mount new fame till we outstrip the old.
Ros.
Dear Hannibal, alas I wish I cou'd:
But 'twill not be, life trembling takes the flood,
Till well nigh swallowed in waves of blood.
The Roman glory shines too fatal bright,
And with it's gathering lustre dims my sight.
Eternally adieu my body take,
Chaste and entire I kept it for your sake;
'Tis the last present that I now can make.
dies.
Han.
For ever gone, all her sweet stock of breath,
Spent in one sigh, the riot of rich death.
Now by Arms the Gods too partial are,
Or else they envy'd my full trade of War.
Which cou'd so vast a state of beauty buy,
As far surpass'd the Mannors of their sky.
Dead Rosalinda. —
Bom.
Raise you from the ground,
And let not love your vertue's force confound,
Where is that heat and haughty courage gone,
Which against nature's lets your Troops led on?
Mah.
Think you for naught the Gods such valour gave,
You should prop Thrones, and falling Kingdoms save.
Buried in thought, and deaf to honour's call,
Your soul beneath her mighty pitch does fall.
Han.
Maherbal no, astonish'd thou shalt be,
We dare be brave in spight of destiny.
[Page 58]Though rob'd of all the riches love could give,
And stript of glory too yet we will live:
Courage is form'd of the Etherial mold,
And round it bands of Adamant are rowld.
To this still haughty breast such fire is given,
I could the summons meet of hell or Heaven.
Cou'd like the great eternal mover sway
The world in Arms, and teach it to obey.
'Twas noble grief that lately chang'd my form,
But I am ruffled now into a storm.
Bom.
Your Mistress body hence we will convey,
And in some hallowed Vault her relicks lay.
Mah.
Like Pilgrims once a year wee'l mourning go,
And on her Urne sad yiew with Cypress throw;
And all our stock of tears and sighs bestow.
Han.
Forever brightest of thy kind farewel,
Who wert too worthy, therefore early fell.
As the young Phoenix does in sacred myrhe,
His fathers dust to the sun's Temple bear.
So in fames houses shalt thou honour'd be,
And every God shall have a grain of thee.
Mah.
Since glory with her last breath she profest,
May wish'd Dominion widen all your breast.
Han.
Hast, hast Maherbal, and fresh levies make,
Honour that did but now calm slumbers take:
Shall like the Ocean in a Tempest wake.
Wee'l pass new Alpes, new Consuls overthrow,
To Rome with far more dreadful Armies go.
Forcing the Appian and Emilian way,
To the Suburra wee'l pursue the fray.
Nor stop till Rosalinda's statue crown'd,
Sits in the Capitol with Gods enthroan'd.
Exeunt.
Scipio, K. Massinissa, Lelius, &c.
Scip.
I grieve brave Prince so often to deny,
She must a Captive be, or she must die.
K. Mas.
I know she must, if you will have it so,
But pardon may be granted to a fo.
[Page 59]O spare her then as you wou'd be forgiven,
At your last hour, when you prepare for Heaven.
Scip.
Learn to ask blessings? those you shall not want,
This is a curse which I can never grant.
Like one who in a burning feaver lies,
And begs for water if he drinks, he dies.
I like a wise Physitian thwart your will,
And vanquish your distemper with my skill.
K. Mas.
For the God's sake, for friendship, glory, love,
By all that's good below, or blest above.
Let not at last my well taught Courage droop,
Break not the heart which you have foster'd up.
Oh Sophonisba— Give her to my prayers,
To these fast rising sighs, and falling tears.
No other crown I ask as valour's due,
For all that I have done, or all that I shall do.
Lo at your knees, behold a Monarch fall.
Yet more your friend, and then I have said all.
Scip.
Let not your passion Royalty degrade,
Rise valiant Prince, I've thought of what you said.
And as your friend my temper cannot keep,
Mourn your Misfortunes, and like you can weep.
Curse Roman Tyrany, and wish you were.
Forever Joyn'd with that unhappy fair.
K. Mas.
Oh you have blest me!
Scip.
Massinissa stay,
You only heard what friendship bid me say.
But as Rome's Consul and the Lord of power,
I now command you never see her more.
Unless the view to her may fatal be,
This is my last immutable decree.
K. Mas.
Is your feign'd pity come to this, your tears?
Falser then those which Egypts Monster wears.
Tyrannick Rome! Barbarous are all thy Laws,
Have I for this in thy accursed cause.
Starv'd life by lavishing her precious food,
My spirits lost, emptied my dearest blood,
[Page 60]Fought 'till I rampiers made of bodies round;
So mark'd with fate that I appear'd one wound,
Yet rais'd thy bleeding Eagles from the ground.
Scip.
Think no more on't her memory forget.
K. Mas.
Cut me to Atoms, tear my soul out, yet,
In every smallest particle of me,
You shall the form of Sophonisba see.
All like my soul, and all in every part;
Bath'd in my eyes, and bleeding in my heart.
Scip.
Lelius secure the Queen.
K. Mas.
Stay Lelius, stay;
I've done my Lord, and will your power obey.
The Queen shall die, on a Kings word she shall;
She must a victim for the Empire fall.
How am I now?
Scip.
For Sophonisba's loss,
Your Arms Numidia's Empire shall engross.
For your late Gallantry at Zama shown,
Kind Rome presents you an Imperial Crown.
Saluts you King, now all your griefs defy;
Thus we embrace thee as our brave allie.
Give your grief truce, thus prais'd, and thus adorn'd;
Let all the beauties of the Earth be scorn'd.
Exit.
K. Mas.
Scorn'd be your glory more, and Roman pride,
While I in winding-sheets embrace my Bride.
For 'tis decreed that we must never part,
Wee'l be one spirit as wee're now one heart.
Traverse the glittering Chambers of the Sky,
Born on a Cloud in view of fate I'le lie:
And press her soul while Gods stand wishing by.
Men.
My Lord, if you would hear.
K. Mas.
What canst thou say?
Men.
Reason's a Rebel when high passions sway.
K. Mas.
And such art thou, yet speak, what shall I do;
Instruct me to be greatly false or true.
Men.
The Queen must die.
K. Mas.
Ha must? no more.
Men.
She to the Gods: is given or Roman power.
K. Mas.
[Page 61]Neither, she shall not die, nor shall she live,
The Romans slave, I'le give her a reprieve.
Men.
But how?
K. Mas.
Why thus, I'le kill my self, kill thee,
Rome, Carthage, all the world, and then she shall live free.
Men.
Glory or beauty 'tis ordained you lose;
K. Mas.
O Rome! Oh Heaven! both equally my foes:
Was ever heart thus miserably torn,
Were ever woes like mine so calmly born.
From the Contagion of my troubles take,
As much as might the spring a winter make.
Freeze the hot blood of a Crown'd Conquerour;
Damp the wish'd joyes of a young Bridal pair,
Yet then I shall have more then man can bear.
Men.
When vertue thus oppress'd, mankind does see,
What fearful dreaming fool will pious be.
Martyrs no more shall Racks or Flames require,
Nor dying wit, life, but to on desire,
To murder Priests, and Temples set on fire.
K. Mas.
Why, why, ye Immortal Gods is all this care.
Why do you drive your Creatures to despair?
Had I upon my Throne sat King of fears,
The Orphan wrong'd, or drunk the Widows tears.
Had I brav'd Heaven by some outragious sin,
For these afflictions there had reason bin.
But 'tis all well, I no injustice have,
The Gods but take the being which they gave.
Menander hast two bowles with poyson fill,
And when I call, like fate come forth and kill.
Men.
'Tis a dread deed to which you urge my hand.
K. Mas.
It's glorious too: dispute not my command.
Men.
I'le not presume to fathom your deep thought,
But straight your will shall by your slave be wrought.
K. Mas.
Love and ambition have their utmost done,
'Twas love allur'd, ambition led me on.
Like a rash Boy, who a steep Mountain Climbs,
Big with brave thoughts of reaching Heaven betimes.
And puff's and blows, and mighty pains he takes,
Plyes all his strenth, and much ado he makes.
[Page 62]But having reach'd the top he veiws aloof,
The fancied Heaven, and all the painted roof.
So did ambition draw me with a wile,
And fleeting love my towering hopes beguile.
Exit.
Enter Sophonisba.
Soph.
The Consul is return'd with conquest Crown'd;
Triumphant voices rend the Eccahoing ground,
And to the heavens the Trumpets Clangors sound.
Yet I no news of Massinissa here,
Shou'd he be slain, which I with reason fear.
Most lost of women, desperate, undone,
What couldst thou do? what Gods would thou attone?
Abhorr'd thou must to angry Rome repair,
And all the cruelties of bondage bear.
No Sophonisba, think what thou hast bin,
The Mistriss of two Monarchs, twice a Queen.
If thou must fall bravely, resign thy breath,
And be above the Romans in thy death.
Enter King Massinissa.
Oh my lov'd Lord, are you then come at last?
Are you alive? and do I hold you fast?
K. Mas.
Best of thy sex, and dearer then my life,
The fairest Mistriss, and the Gentlest wife.
So great and Glorious Emperours envy thee,
And art so good, that the Gods envy me.
They sent thee here but as an Angel scout,
With a short lightning view, to gaze, and out.
Torments of hell, and Racks of destiny,
Thou must, oh that I live to speak it, die.
Soph.
Blest sound! we shall not then to Rome be led,
But solemn Triumphs have in honours bed.
This last alarm my drooping spirits cheers,
As when the warour his lov'd Trumpet hears.
His Martial blood begins to warm apace;
And boyles and flushes in his kindling face,
And much he longs to strive in Glories race.
[Page 63]Speak death again, my Guard and sure Defence,
It bears a mighty sound and mighty sense.
K. Mas.
O keep thee there now while thy vertues glow,
And dart divinity: I'le give the blow.
Come forth Menander with those fatal bowls,
Whose Juice though it the body's force Controlls,
Revives the mind, and slakes the thirst of souls.
Enter Menander with two Bowls.
Give me the draught.
Soph.
What means my Royal love?
K. Mas.
By your bright self, by all the powers above,
No Angels Eloquence my soul shall move.
To die with thee and thy dear honour save;
What greater glory cou'd th' ambitious have,
'Twill build a Palace for me in the Grave.
Not but that in the agonies of breath,
I tremble when I think upon thy death.
Soph.
Thon best of men whose fame where er'e it flyes,
Shall draw up bleeding hearts and weeping Eyes.
Let not your soul tremble for me, for I
Can fear no torment but to see you die,
K. Mas.
Then cheerfully let's go, here's to my love,
And to our meeting with the blest above.
drinks.
Soph.
Give me the bowl, mark if my hand does shake,
Or the fresh springing blood my Cheeks forsake.
Undanted to my lips, the draught I lift,
'Tis to my Lord, this is his Nuptial guift.
drinks.
K. Mas.
Menander, faithful, confident, farewell,
Hast, and our story to the Consul tell.
On thy allegiance go without reply,
Thou should'st rejoyce to see me bravely die.
Exit Men.
How fares my only love? My first last dear,
The sweets of thousand springs are blowing here.
All in thy sighs.
Soph.
Ah give your kindness o're,
Or we shall live and feel the Roman power.
[Page 64]Me thought death touch'd me with a Chilling pain,
But your warm kisses shot through every vein.
A kinder heat, and kindled life again.
K. Mas.
Thus let us launch into eternity.
Sink in death's Bottomless and boundless sea.
Like drowning friends link'd in Embraces fast,
Our Arms love's Nets about each other cast.
Soph.
What could long life or Empire give like this?
K. Mas.
Thy love is Empire and eternal bliss.
Soph.
I go, where shall we meet?
dies.
K. Mas.
The Gods can tell.
Heaven's peace, and golden slumbers with thee dwell.
dies
Enter Scipio, Lelius, and Menander.
Men.
See there great Sir, the effects of your rash Doom,
The victims you have offered up to Rome.
Lel.
What cruel eyes could pity here refrain,
Beholding two such Royal lovers slain.
Scip.
These unexpected objects so amaze,
My reason I could ever on 'em gaze.
Since thou most great and lovely Prince art dead,
War's marches Scipio shall no longer tread.
With Carthage peace wee'l instantly conclud,
Which hadst thou liv'd our Arms might have subdu'd.
To Rome our Drooping Eagles then shall steer,
Where after tiresome honours wee'l repair.
To some small village Lelius thou, and I,
And study not to live, but how to die.
FINIS.