University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Sophonisba, Masinissa.
Sophonisba.
Was not that Roman Lælius, as I enter'd,
Who parted gloomy hence?

Masinissa.
Madam, the fame.

Sophonisba.

Masinissa.
Oh say not so, thou rapture of my soul!
For while I see thee, meditate thy charms,
I smile as cordial as the sun in may;
Deep from the heart, in every sense of joy
I fondly smile.

Sophonisba.
Nay, tell me, Masinissa;
How feels their tyranny, when 'tis brought home?
When, lawless grown, it touches what is dear?
Pomp for a while may dazle thoughtless man,
False glory blind him; but there is a time,
When ev'n the slave in heart will spurn his chains,
Nor know submission more.—What said his pride?

Masinissa.
His disappointment for a moment only
Burst in vain passion, and—

Sophonisba.
You stood abash'd;
You bore his threats, and tamely-silent heard him,
Heard the fierce Roman mark me for his triumph.
Oh bitter!

Masinissa.
Banish that unkind suspicion.
The thought enflam'd my soul. I vow'd my life,
My last Massylian to the sword, ere he
Shou'd touch thy freedom with the least dishonour.
But that from Scipio—

Sophonisba.
Scipio!

Masinissa.
That from him—

Sophonisba.
I tell thee, Masinissa, if from him
I gain my freedom, from my self conceal it.
I shall disdain such freedom.

Masinissa.
Sophonisba!
Thou all my heart holds precious! doubt no more.
Nor Rome, nor Scipio, nor a world combin'd
Shall tear thee from me; till outstretch'd I lie,
A nameless wretch!

Sophonisba.
If thy protection fails,
Of this at least be sure, be very sure,
To give me timely death.

Masinissa.
Cease thus to talk,
Of death of Romans, of unkind Ambition.
My softer thoughts those rugged themes refuse,
Can turn alone to love.—All, all, but thee,
All nature is a passing dream to me.
Fix'd in my view, thou dost for ever shine,
Thy form forth-beaming from the soul divine.
A spirit thine, which mortals might adore;
Despising love, and thence creating more.
Thou the high passions, I the tender prove,
Thy heart was form'd for glory, mine for love.