University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Enter Dido attended.
Did.
Æneas, Asia's glory,
The care of Venus and of Dido; see
How proud, exulting in thy presence here,
Our infant Carthage lifts her towering head.
Those arches, temples, walls, are all the fruit
Of Dido's toils; but thou, Æneas, thou
Art their first boast and noblest ornament.
Thou dost not answer—shunn'st me—Is it thus
Æneas meets me with repulsive silence?
Perchance some other passion from thy heart
Has driven my once-lov'd form.

Æn.
The Gods can witness
Dido is ever present to my mind:
Nor time, nor distance e'er shall shed oblivion
(Those Gods alike can witness) o'er my passion.

Did.
Wherefore these protestations! Dido seeks
No vows to bind thy faith—a look, a sigh,
Ensures from me belief.

Osm.
She trusts too far.

[aside.
Sel.
I dare not yet complain.

[aside.
Æn.
If thou regard'st
Thy own repose, think of thyself, thy greatness,
And think of me no more.

Did.
Not think of thee!
I that but live for thee! I that enjoy
No moment's peace when thou art absent from me?

Æn.
O Heaven! what hast thou said? Is this a time
For such effusive tenderness? Alas!
Too generous for ingratitude like mine!

Did.
Ingratitude, Æneas! Is my love
Then hateful to thee?

Æn.
Never has my soul
Confess'd a purer flame—but—

Did.
Speak—

Æn.
My country—
Heaven's high command—

Did.
Go on.

Æn.
I cannot speak it.
[Exit.