University of Virginia Library

SCENE THE THIRD.

Sophonisba, Masinissa.
So.
I expected
No more to see thee; and in truth I ought not;
But (when thou hear'st it, canst thou trust my words?)
Syphax himself enjoin'd it ...

Ma.
Influenced
By scorn or pity?

So.
'Twas magnanimous;
And 'tis sufficient to awake in us
A noble emulation. He himself
Would fain converse with thee: but he commands
That I precede him. And that ...

Ma.
Can I bear
A sight like this? ...

So.
Art thou less great than he?
Fears he thy presence?

Ma.
Nor can I tell thee first? ...

So.
What canst thou tell me that I ought to hear?

Ma.
In vain dost thou inflict on me new torments:
I would inform thee that I here enticed thee,
And that I would, at all events, myself
Drag thee from hence.

So.
I gave myself to thee,
Thou knowest it; from thee I take myself.
A lofty duty, fatal to myself,
Demands this sacrifice. I feel assured,
By following Syphax, to withdraw myself
From every ill. Do thou then now from me
Learn to be strong. This is the camp of Rome:
Scipio is station'd here; a monarch, thou
Art station'd here: and I am station'd here
Asdrubal's daughter: tell me, would'st thou now
That we be govern'd by a vulgar love?

Ma.
Ah! with a flame far different to thine
My bosom is consumed ... In thee alone
I place my fame, my glory, and my greatness ...
Thou should'st be mine; although my kingdom perish,
The whole world perish, ... mine thou shalt be. I
Perils and losses neither know nor fear.
I am prepared for all, except to lose thee;
And sooner ...

So.
Thou with having all my heart,
Ah be thou satisfied ... Prove not thyself
Of this unworthy ... But, what do I say?
The sight, the sight alone of Syphax, powerless,
Vanquish'd, and captive, yet serene and firm,
Will of itself restore to thee thy reason.

Ma.
... Ah wretched me! ... Could I at least alone! ...
But I am not less generous than you;
I am indeed far different as a lover:
And I prepare to yield to you of this
A memorable proof ...

So.
See, here is Syphax.

Ma.
He too may hear me; nor will you have then
Courage to scorn me.