University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Enter Iarbas, under the name of Arbaces, with Araspes. A train of Moors; various attendants bringing tigers, lions, and other presents to the Queen. Dido ascends the throne, Osmidas on her right hand: two Carthaginians bring the cushions for the African Ambassador and place them at a distance fronting the throne.
Aras.
Behold, my king— [aside to him, entering.


Iar.
Be silent—while I wear
[aside to Aras.
A subject's semblance, call me still Arbaces,
And be the king forgot—Dido, to thee,
The sovereign of the Moors deputes Arbaces,
His faithful nunciate. At thy choice I bring
Thy kingdom's safety or thy kingdom's ruin.
The presents here display'd, gems, treasure, captives,
And savage beasts, the wealth of subject Afric,
He sends, O queen, as pledges of his greatness:
Then learn the giver from the gift.

Did.
Should Dido
Accept his gift, the giver's well rewarded;
But let him heed, or what he means a gift
May prove a tribute—Insolence like this
The soul of Dido scorns.— [aside.]
Sit then and speak.

Aras.
What thinks my sovereign?

[aside to Iar.
Iar.
Lovely in her pride!
[to him—sits.
Remember, Dido, what thou cam'st from Tyre,
What desperate fortune drove thee to these shores;
'Twas Afric only gave thee rest and safety
From thy inhuman brother's impious thirst
Of wealth and blood: this ample space, where now
Aspiring Carthage rises, was the gift
Of my great master's hand: Iarbas—

Did.
Hold!
Thou dost confound a purchase with a gift.

Iar.
First let me speak and then reply.

Did.
What boldness!

[to Osm.
Osm.
Let him proceed.

[to Did.
Iar.
My courteous king, Iarbas,
Sought thee in marriage, and refus'd, endur'd
The unworthy slight, because thy widow's vows
Were then devoted to Sichæus' ashes,
All Afric now has heard that from the ruins
Of Asia's kingdom here Æneas found
From thee a welcome, that thy heart is given
To him; nor will the sovereign of the Moors
Permit a wandering exile, 'scap'd from Troy,
To rival him in love.

Did.
His love and hate
To me are equal.

Iar.
Let me first conclude,
Then may'st thou answer. Know my generous king
Instead of war has sent to offer peace.
Act as thou wilt—forgetful of the past,
He seeks thy love, demands to share thy nuptials,
And asks with these Æneas' forfeit head.

Did.
Hast thou yet finish'd?

Iar.
I have finish'd.

Did.
Know
To Lybian sands I came from regal Tyre
For freedom not for bondage. Carthage stands
My treasure's purchase, not thy monarch's gift.
When to Iarbas I refus'd my hand,
And widow'd heart, I meant to keep my faith
To dead Sichæus—Dido now is chang'd—
Far other thoughts—

Iar.
Since Dido now has chang'd—

Did.
First let me answer, then Arbaces, speak.
Yes, Dido now is chang'd—'tis wisdom oft
To vary thoughts with time—Æneas' worth
Has touch'd my heart; his valour shall support
My rising throne, and marriage make us one.

Iar.
But first his head—

Did.
His head will prove a conquest
Not lightly gain'd—this exile scap'd from Troy
May give the sovereign of the Moors such toil,
He yet but little fears.

Iar.
Should'st thou provoke
My king's resentment, soon expect to see
Against thee Afric pour her numerous sons,
From Garamantia and Getulia's plains,
And hot Numidia's confines.

Did.
Let Æneas
But own my cause, and Afric pour her sons
From Garamantia and Getulia's plains,
From hot Numidia's clime, and all the world
Conspire against my empire.

Iar.
Shall I then
Report this answer?

Did.
Thou mayst say that Dido
Heeds not the soothing of Iarbas' love,
Nor fears his indignation.

Iar.
Still reflect—
Think better, Dido.

Did.
I have thought enough.
[both rise.

[Exit attended.