University of Virginia Library

SCENE the Third.

Lucilius
solus.
It must be so, since Scipio has refus'd
Semanthe to my Arms, and she herself
Hath with the proud Trebellius plighted Faith;
My injur'd Honour and my Love require
A speedy Remedy and just Revenge.
Well, thus it is resolv'd, I'll try once more
What soft and mild Persuasions can avail;
But if she still persists, Force then must be
My next and surest Refuge—See, she comes.
Enter Semanthe starting back.
Why, Madam, should you shun me with Disdain,
As if my Aspect spoke some ill Intent,
Some purpos'd Mischief brooding in my Heart,
That drives you from my Sight? Why are your Looks
Chang'd to that Frown? Your Brow thus sternly bent,
The Marks of Indignation aim'd to me?
Nor aim'd in vain, they pierce through ev'ry Part.
Would you but prove propitious to my Love?

Sem.
Urge not a thing so hateful to my Thoughts,
A Subject which I dare not understand.
Can you suppose my Female Mind so weak?
My Resolution wavering so soon,
So easily, since last you were refus'd?

Luc.
Since last I was refus'd? Can I suppose
Or term th'Effect of Modesty a Proof,
A binding, certain Resolution?—No.
Why should your Beauties, like the blooming Rose,
Decay unpluck'd, and wither on the Stalk?

Sem.
'Tis needless to employ these idle Words,
To tempt a Virgin fix'd in her Resolves.
Perhaps, from my Captivity you claim
A Priviledge and Title to my Love—
I grant I am a Captive to your Arms;
But must my Love be guided by the Fate
Of War, a Bribe for a precarious Life?
My Person is your Pris'ner, but my Heart
Is free, and wo' not be constrain'd .

Luc.
Nor need.
What Force have I exerted yet, to cause
This Accusation?

Sem.
I accuse you not,
But beg you to desist from naming Love,
So odious in its Sound.

Luc.
From me it may,
But from Trebellius 'tis as soft and sweet,
As welcome as the Lark's delightful Tune
At the bright Dawn of Day.

Sem.
Trebellius, Sir?

Luc.
Yes he, your lov'd Trebellius is the Man;
But long he shall not glory in his Prize,
Or yield to Love, or by yon' Heaven I swear—

Sem.
What, to destroy thy Friend, and vilely wrong
A Woman's Weakness? Could'st thou so debase
Thy Soul with such a foul ungen'rous Act?

Luc.
Perdition seize that Friend, rather that Foe,
Who drives me thus by Force to right my self!
But you by your Consent may yet restrain
My purpos'd Vengeance.

Sem.
Oh impossible!
Shall I prove faithless to Trebellius? No.

Luc.
Then you're resolv'd—

Sem.
Yes, to be bravely true,
And just to him I love—

Luc.
Yet think again.

Sem.
What would you, Sir? your fiery Eye-balls shoot
Forth Lightning with your Words: Alas—

Luc.
I mean
To make my Rival and your self repent
The Injuries you've offered to a Roman,
Unus'd to brook the slightest of Affronts
Without Revenge; and thus like angry Jove
I'll seize my Prey—
[Seizes her, she cries out.
These Outcries are in vain,
Your Lover absent and the Guards secur'd.

[Carries her off by Violence.