 | Sophonisba |  |
195
SCENE THE FOURTH.
Scipio.Sci.
Unhappy king! His words excite in me
Equal compassion and surprise.—But grieved
Am I at heart at that which he has told me.
By Masinissa, in beleaguer'd Cirta,
Will Sophonisba doubtlessly be seen:
And should he fall into the snares of love?
And should he waver in his faith to Rome? ...
Oh valiant warrior, by myself beloved,
No less than indispensable to Rome,
For thee I tremble.—What unwelcome cares
Remain for thee, oh Scipio! How much grief
Does it cost generous hearts to practise force
Even on vanquish'd foes! Should I be then
Constrain'd to practise it against a friend? ...
Ah, this indeed, this is the only duty
Of a commander, that my soul abhors.
| Sophonisba | |