University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Sophonisba, Phoenissa.
[After a Pause.]
Sophonisba.
And wherefore not? When liberty is lost,
Let slaves and cowards live; but in the brave
It were a treachery to themselves, enough
To merit chains. And is it fit for me,
Who in my veins, from Asdrubal deriv'd,
Hold Carthaginian enmity to Rome;
On whom I've lavish'd all my burning soul,
In everlasting hate; for whose destruction
I sold my joyless youth to Syphax' arms,
And turn'd him fierce upon them; fit for such
A native, restless, unrelenting foe,
To sit down softly-pensive, and await
Th'approaching victor's rage; reserv'd in chains
To grace his triumph, and become the scorn
Of every Roman dame—Gods! how my soul
Disdains the thought! and this shall set it free:

[Offers to stab her self.]
Phoenissa.
Hold, Sophonisba, hold! my friend! my queen!
For whom alone I live! hold your rash point,
Nor thro' your guardian bosom stab your country.
That is our last resort, and always sure.
The gracious gods are liberal of death;
To that last blessing lend a thousand ways.
Think not I'd have you live to drag a chain,
And walk the triumph of insulting Rome.
No, by these tears of loyalty and love!
Ere I beheld so vile a sight, this hand
Should urge the faithful poynard to your heart,
And glory in the deed. But, while hope lives,
Let not the generous die. 'Tis late before
The brave despair.

Sophonisba.
Thou copy of my soul!
And now my friend indeed! Shew me but hope,
One glimpse of hope, and I'll renew my toils,
Call patience, labour, fortitude again,
The vext unjoyous day, and sleepless night;
Nor shrink at danger, any shape of death,
Shew me the smallest hope! Alas, Phœnissa,
Too kindly confident! Hope lives not here,
Fled with her sister Liberty beyond
The Garamantian hills, to some steep wild,
Some undiscover'd country, where the foot
Of Roman cannot come.

Phoenissa.
Yes, there she liv'd.
With Massinissa, wounded, and forlorn,
Amidst the serpents, hiss, and tygers, yell.—

Sophonisba.
Why nam'st thou him?

Phoenissa.
Madam, in this forgive
My forward zeal; from him proceeds our hope.
He lov'd you once; nor is your form impair'd,
Warm'd, and unfolded into stronger charms:
Ask his protection from the Roman power,
You must prevail; for Sophonisba sure
From Masinissa cannot ask in vain.

Sophonisba.
[kneels.