Part 6 (1/2)

My joys grow burdensome, I sha'n'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. [_Exit._

_Syph._ Young men soon give, and soon forget, affronts; Old age is slow in both--A false old traitor!

These words, rash boy, may chance to cost thee dear.

My heart had still some foolish fondness for thee; But hence, 'tis gone! I give it to the winds: Caesar, I'm wholly thine.

_Enter_ SEMp.r.o.nIUS.

All hail, Semp.r.o.nius!

Well, Cato's senate is resolved to wait The fury of a siege, before it yields.

_Sem._ Syphax, we both were on the verge of fate; Lucius declared for peace, and terms were offer'd To Cato, by a messenger from Caesar.

Should they submit, ere our designs are ripe, We both must perish in the common wreck, Lost in the general, undistinguish'd ruin.

_Syph._ But how stands Cato?

_Sem._ Thou hast seen mount Atlas: Whilst storms and tempests thunder on its brows, And oceans break their billows at its feet, It stands unmoved, and glories in its height; Such is that haughty man; his tow'ring soul, 'Midst all the shocks and injuries of fortune, Rises superior, and looks down on Caesar.

_Syph._ But what's this messenger?

_Sem._ I've practised with him, And found a means to let the victor know That Syphax and Semp.r.o.nius are his friends.

But let me now examine in my turn; Is Juba fix'd?

_Syph._ Yes--but it is to Cato.

I've tried the force of every reason on him, Soothed and caress'd; been angry, soothed again; Laid safety, life, and interest in his sight; But all are vain, he scorns them all for Cato.

_Sem._ Come, 'tis no matter; we shall do without him.

He'll make a pretty figure in a triumph, And serve to trip before the victor's chariot.

Syphax, I now may hope thou hast forsook Thy Juba's cause, and wishest Marcia mine.

_Syph._ May she be thine as fast as thou wouldst have her.

_Sem._ Syphax, I love that woman; though I curse Her and myself, yet, spite of me, I love her.

_Syph._ Make Cato sure, and give up Utica, Caesar will ne'er refuse thee such a trifle.

But are thy troops prepared 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 Murmurs and discontents among the soldiers; They count their toilsome marches, long fatigues, Unusual fastings, and will hear no more This medley of philosophy and war.

Within an hour they'll storm the senate house.

_Syph._ Meanwhile 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 Will look aghast, while unforeseen destruction Pours in upon him thus from every side.

So, where our wide Numidian wastes extend, Sudden th' impetuous hurricanes descend, Wheel through the air, in circling eddies play, Tear up the sands, and sweep whole plains away.