Part 5 (2/2)

_Syph._ Go, go; you're young.

_Jub._ G.o.ds, must I tamely bear This arrogance, unanswer'd! Thou'rt a traitor, A false old traitor.

_Syph._ I've gone too far. [_Aside._

_Jub._ Cato shall know the baseness of thy soul.

_Syph._ I must appease this storm, or perish in it. [_Aside._ Young prince, behold these locks, that are grown white Beneath a helmet in your father's battles.

_Jub._ Those locks shall ne'er protect thy insolence.

_Syph._ Must one rash word, the infirmity of age, Throw down the merit of my better years?

This the reward of a whole life of service!-- Curse on the boy! how steadily he hears me! [_Aside._

_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; But whilst I live I must not hold my tongue, And languish out old age in his displeasure.

_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 mistakest; I did not call thee so.

_Syph._ You did, indeed, my prince, you call'd me traitor.

Nay, further, threatened you'd complain to Cato.

Of what, my prince, would you complain to Cato?

That Syphax loves you, and would sacrifice His life, nay, more, his honour, in your service?

_Jub._ Syphax, I know thou lovest me; but indeed Thy zeal for Juba carried thee too far.

Honour's a sacred tie, the law of kings, The n.o.ble mind's distinguis.h.i.+ng perfection, 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._ Believe me, prince, you make old Syphax weep To hear you talk--but 'tis with tears of joy.

If e'er your father's crown adorn your brows, Numidia will be blest by Cato's lectures.

_Jub._ Syphax, thy hand; we'll mutually forget The warmth of youth, and forwardness of age: Thy prince esteems thy worth, and loves thy person.

If e'er the sceptre come into my hand, Syphax shall stand the second in my kingdom.

_Syph._ Why will you overwhelm my age with kindness?

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