His trembling hand, and crush beneath a casque His last poor ebb of blood in your defence? Jub. Syphax, no more! I would not hear you talk. Syph. Not hear me talk! what, when my faith to Juba, My royal master's son, is call'd in question? My prince may strike me dead, and I'll be dumb; Jub. Thou know'st the way too well into my heart, I do believe thee loyal to thy prince. Syph. What greater instance can I give? I've offer'd To do an action which my soul abhors, And gain you whom you love, at any price. Jub. Was this thy motive? I have been too hasty. Syph. And 'tis for this my prince has call'd me traitor. Jub. Sure thou mistak'st; I did not call thee so. Syph. You did, indeed, my prince, you call'd me traitor, Nay, further, threaten'd you'd complain to Cato. Jub. Syphax, I know thou lov'st me; but indeed That aids and strengthens virtue where it meets her, And imitates her actions where she is not: It ought not to be sported with. Syph. By Heav'ns, I'm ravish'd when you talk thus, though you chide me! weep, To hear you talk-but 'tis with tears of joy. Jub. Syphax, thy hand; we'll mutually forget Syphax shall stand the second in my kingdom. Syph. Why will you overwhelm my age with kind ness? My joys grow burdensome, I shan't support it. Jub. Syphax, farewell. I'll hence, and try to find Some blest occasion that may set me right In Cato's thoughts. I'd rather have that man Approve my deeds, than worlds for my admirers. [Ex. Syph. Young men soon give, and soon forget af fronts ; Old age is slow in both-A false old traitor!- Enter SEMPRONIUS. All hail, Sempronius! Well, Cato's senate is resolv'd to wait The fury of a siege before it yields. Sem. Syphax, we both were on the verge of fate: Lucius declar'd for peace, and terms were offer'd To Cato, by a messenger from Cæsar. Shou'd they submit ere our designs are ripe, Sem. Thou hast seen mount Atlas: Syph. But what's this messenger? Sem. I've practis'd with him, And found a means to let the victor know That Syphax and Sempronius are his friends. Syph. Yes-but it is to Cato. I've try'd the force of ev'ry reason on him, But all are vain, he scorns them all for Cato. him. He'll make a pretty figure in a triumph, And serve to trip before the victor's chariot. her. Sem. Syphax, I love that woman; though I cui se Her and myself, yet, spite of me, I love her. Syph. Make Cato sure, and give up Utica, Cæsar will ne'er refuse thee such a trifle. But are thy troops prepar'd for a revolt? Does the sedition catch from man to man, And run among the ranks ? Sem. All, all is ready, The factious leaders are our friends, that spread Unusual fastings, and will bear no more Within an hour they'll storm the senate-house. Syph. Mean while I'll draw up my Numidian troops Within the square to exercise their arms, And as I see occasion, favour thee. I laugh to see how your unshaken Cato Sees the dry desart all around him rise, And, smother'd in the dusty whirlwind, dies. [Exeunt. ACT III. Scene 1. Enter MARCUS and PORTIUS. Marcus, THANKS to my stars I have not rang'd about |