University of Virginia Library

Scene III.

—The Carthaginian and Roman armies drawn out in order of battle.
Enter Hasdrubal and Carthalo, on horseback, to reconnoitre.
Hasd.
Now, by Astarte! do I dream, Carthalo?
Does it not seem, as thou dost look on them,
The enemy is much increased in numbers?

Carth.
Yea, truly, if mine eyes deceive me not,
'Tis even so—increased, both horse and foot.

Hasd.
Those horses, too—seest thou how thin they seem?
I cannot doubt but they have travelled far.
Something is brewing that I understand not.

Carth.
There's something strange here, truly—

Hasd.
Well, Carthalo,
I may not venture, if thus overmatched,
To give them battle now. I will withdraw,
And after send some horsemen to ride round
And read this riddle. Come, let us turn bridle.

[Exeunt Hasdrubal and Carthalo.