Part 44 (1/2)

ATTENDANT (_aside_).

My lord, the men!

SINNATUS (_aside_).

Our anti-Roman faction?

ATTENDANT (_aside_).

Ay, my lord.

SYNORIX (_overhearing_).

(_Aside_.) I have enough--their anti-Roman faction.

SINNATUS (_aloud_).

Some friends of mine would speak with me without.

You, Strato, make good cheer till I return.

[_Exit_.

SYNORIX.

I have much to say, no time to say it in.

First, lady, know myself am that Galatian Who sent the cup.

CAMMA.

I thank you from my heart.

SYNORIX.

Then that I serve with Rome to serve Galatia.

That is my secret: keep it, or you sell me To torment and to death. [_Coming closer_.

For your ear only-- I love you--for your love to the great G.o.ddess.

The Romans sent me here a spy upon you, To draw you and your husband to your doom.

I'd sooner die than do it.

[_Takes out paper given him by Antonius_.

This paper sign'd Antonius--will you take it, read it? there!

CAMMA.

(_Reads_.) 'You are to seize on Sinnatus,--if----'

SYNORIX. (_s.n.a.t.c.hes paper_.) No more.

What follows is for no wife's eyes. O Camma, Rome has a glimpse of this conspiracy; Rome never yet hath spar'd conspirator.

Horrible! flaying, scourging, crucifying------

CAMMA.

I am tender enough. Why do you practise on me?

SYNORIX.

Why should I practise on you? How you wrong me!

I am sure of being every way malign'd.

And if you should betray me to your husband------

CAMMA.