THE tragedy OF SOPHONISBA. WRITTEN BY John MARSTON. LONDON. Printed by John Windet and are to be sold near Luagate. 1606. Adv. 〈◇〉 Argumentum. A grateful harts just height: Ingtatitude. And vows base breach with worthy shane pursued A womans constant love as firm as fate A blameless counselor well born for state The folly to enforce free love, These know This subject with full light doth amply show. Interlocutores. Massinissa. Kings in Lybia riuals for Sophonisba. Syphax. Kings in Lybia riuals for Sophonisba. asdrubal. Father to Sophonisba. Gelosso. A Senator of Carthage. Bytheas. A Senator of Carthage. Hanno Magnus. captain for Carthage. jugurth. Massinissas Nephew. Scipio. Generals of Rome. Laelius. Generals of Rome. Vangue. An Ethiopian slave. Carthalon. A Senator of Carthage. Gisco. A Surgean of Carthage. Nuntius. Sophonisba. Daughter to asdrubal of Carthage. Zanthia. Her maid. Erictho. An Inchantres. Arcathia. Waiting women to Sophonisba. Nycea. Waiting women to Sophonisba. Prologus. Cornets sound a march. Enter at one door the Prologue: too Pages with torches: Asdrubal and jugurth too Pages with lights: Massinissa leading Sophonisba: Zanthia bearing Sophonisbas train Arcathia and nicaea: Hano and Bytheas At the other door too Pages with targets and Iauelines, too Pages with lights, Syphax armed from top to to, Vangue follows. These thus entred, stand still, whilst the Prologue resting between both troops speaks. THe scene is Lybia, and the subject thus. Whilst Carthage stood the onely awe of Rome, As most imperial seat of Lybia, governed by Statsmen each as great as Kings ( For 17. Kings were Carthage feodars) Whilst thus she florishd, whilst hir Hannibal Made Rome to tremble, and the walls yet pale: Then in this Carthage Sophinisba lived The far famed daughter of great asdrubal? For whom( 'mongst others) potent Syphax sues And well graced Massinissa riuals him Both Princes of proud sceptres: but the lot Of doubtful favour Massinissa graced At which Syphax grows black: For now the night yields loud resoundings of the nuptial pomp: Apello strikes his harp: Hymen his Torch Whilst lowering juno with ill-boding eye Sits envious at too forward Venus: lo The instant night: And now ye worthier minds To whom we shall present a female glory ( The wonder of a constancy so fixed That Fate itself might well grow envious) 〈…〉 asd to sit such as may merit oil And holy due styled from diviner heat, For rest thus knowing, what of this you hear, The Author lowly hopes, but must not fear. For just worth never rests on popular frown, To haue done well is faire deeds onely crown. Nee se quisiuerit extra. Cornets sound a March, the Prologue leads Massinissas troops over the Stage, and departs: Syphax troops onely stay. Actus Primi. Scena prima. Syphax and Vangue. SY: Syphax, Syphax, why wast thou cursd a King? What angry God made thee so great, so vile? Contemd, disgraced, think, wert thou aslaue Though Sophonisba did reject thy love Thy low neglected head vnpointed at Thy shane vnrumord and thy suit vnskoffd Might yet rest quiet: Reputation Thou awe of fools and greatmen: thou that choakst? Freest addictions, and makst mortals sweat blood and could drops in fear to loose, or hope To gain thy never certain seldom worthy gracings. Reputation! Wert not for thee Syphax could bear this scorn Not spouting up his gull among his blood In black vexations: Massinissa might enjoy the sweets of his preferred graces Without my dangerous envy or Reuenge Wert not for thy affliction all might sleep In sweet oblivion: But( O greatness skourge!) We cannot without envy keep high name Nor yet disgraced can haue a quiet shane. Va. Scipio:— Sy. Some light in depth of hell: Vangue what hope? Va. I haue receaud assured intelligence That Scipio Romes sole hope hath raised up men drawn troops together for invasion— Sy. Of this same Carthage. VA. With this policy To force wild Hannibal from Italy— Sy. And draw the war to afric. Va. Right. Sy. And strike This secure country with unthought of arms Va. My letters bear he is departed Rome Directly setting course and sailing up.— Sy. To Carthage, Carthage, O thou eternal youth Man of large famed great and abounding glory Renounefull Scipio, spread thy too-necked Eagles, Fill full thy sails with a revenging wind, Strike through obedient Neptune, till thy prows Dash up our Lybian ouse, and thy just arms Shine with amazfull terror on these walls, O now record thy Fathers honoured blood Which Carthage drunk, thy uncle Publius blood Which Carthage drunk, 30000. souls Of choice Italians Carthage set on wing: Remember Hannibal, yet Hannibal The consul-queller: O then enlarge thy hart Be thousand souls in one, let all the breath The spirit of thy name and nation be mixed strong In thy great hart: O fall like thunder shaft The winged vengeance of incensed jove Vpon this Carthage: for Syphax here flies off From all allegiance, from all love or service His( now freed) sceptre once did yield this city ye universal Gods, Light, heat, and air prove all vnblessing Syphax if his hands Once rear themselves for Carthage but to curse it. It had been better they had changed their faith, denied their Gods, then slighted Syphax love So fearfully will I take vengeance. I'll interleague with Scipio. Vangue. Deere Ethiopian Negro, go wing a vessel And fly to Scipio: say his confederate vowed and confirmed is Syphax: bid him hast To mix our palms and arms: will him make up Whilst we are in the strength of discontent Our unsuspected forces well in arms For Sophonisba, Carthage, asdrubal Shall feel their weakness in preferring weakness And one less great then we, to our deere wishes hast gentle Negro, that this heap may know strong Me, and their wrong: Va: wrong? Sy. I, tho twere not, yet know while Kings are What they'll but think and not what is, is wrong I am disgraced in, and by that which hath No reason, love, and Woman, my reuenge Shall therefore bear no argument of right Passion is Reason when it speaks from Might I tell thee, man, nor Kings, nor Gods exempt But they grow pale if once they find Contempt: hast. Exeunt. Scena Secunda. Enter, Arcathia, Nycea with Tapers Sophonisba in her night attire followed by Zanthia. So. Watch at the dors: and till we be reposed Let no one enter: Zanthia undo me. Za. With this motto under your girdle You had been undone if you had not been undone 〈…〉 So. I wonder Zanthia why the custom is To use such ceremony such strict shape About us women: forsooth the Bride must steal Before her Lord to bed: and then delays Long expectations all against known wishes I hate these figures in locution These about phrases forced by ceremony We must still seem to fly what we most seek And hid ourselves from that we fain would find us Let those that think and speak and do just acts Know form can give no virtue to their acts Nor detract 'vice. Za. alas faire Princes, those that are strongly formed And truly shapt may naked walk, but we We things called women, onely made for show And pleasure, created to bear children And play at shuttle-coke, we imperfect mixtures without respective ceremony used And ever compliment, alas what are we? Take from us formal custom and the curtefies Which civil fashion hath still used to us We fall to all contempt, O women how much How much are you beholding to Ceremony. So. You are familiar. Zanthia my shoe, Za. Tis wonder Madam you tread not awry. So. Your reason Zanthia. Za. You go very high. So. hark, music, music. The Ladies lay the Princes in a faire bed, and close the curtains whilst Massinissa Enters. Ni. The Bridgrome. Arca. The Bridgrome So. Hast good Zanthia, help, keep yet the doors Za. Faire fall you Lady, so, admit admit. Enter four boyes antiquely attiered with bows and quiuers dancing to the Cornets, a fantastic measure, Massinissa in his night gown lead by asdrubal and Hanno followed by Bytheas and jugurth, the boyes draw the curtains discovering Sophonisba to whom Massinissa speaks. Ma. You powers of ioy: Gods of a happy bed Show you are pleased, sister and wife of jove High fronted juno and thou Carthage Patron smooth chind apollo, both give modest heat And temperat graces. Mass. draws a white ribbon forth of the bed as from the waste of Sopho. Mas. lo I unloose thy waste She that is just in love is Godlike chased: jo to Hymen. Chorus with cornets, Organ, and voices. jo to Hymen. So. A modest silence tho'te be thought A virgins beauty and hir highest honor Though bashful fainings nicely wrought Grace hir that virtue takes not in, but on hir What I dare think I boldly speak After my word my well bold action rusheth In open flamme then passion break Where virtue prompts, thought word, act never blusheth. revenging Gods whose Marble hands Crush faithless men with a confounding terror give meno mercy if these bands I covet not with an unfeigned fervour Which zealous vow when ought can force me t'lame Load with that plague Atlas would groan at, shane. jo to Himē. Chorus. jo to Hymen. Asdru. live both high parents of so happy birth Your stemms may touch the skies and shadow earth Most great in famed more great in virtue shining Prosper O powers a just, a strong divining. jo to Hymen. Chorus. jo to Hymen. Enter carthalon his sword drawn, his body wounded, his shield struck full of darts: Massin. being ready for bed. Car. To bold harts Fortune, be not you amazed Carthage O Carthage: be not you amazed. Ma. jove made us not to fear, resolve, speak out The highest misery of man is doubt: speak carthalon. Car. The stooping Sun like to some weaker Prince Let his shades spread to an unnatural hugeness When we the camp that lay at utica From Carthage distant but five easy leagues Discride from of the watch three hundred sail Vpon whose tops the Roman Eagles streachd Their large spread wings, which fan'd the evening air To us could breath, for well we might discern Rome swam to Carthage. Asd. Hanniball our anchor is come back, thy slight Thy Stratagem to led war unto Rome To quiter ourselves, hath taught now desperat Rome T'assail our Carthage, Now the war is here. Ma. He is nor blessd nor honest that can fear. Ma. I but to cast the worst of our distress. Ma. To doubt of what shall be is wretchedness Defier, fear, and Hope, receive no bond By whom, we in ourselves are never but beyond. On. Car. Th'alarum beats necessity of fight Th'vnsober evening draws out reeling forces Souldiers half men, who to their colours troupe With fury, not with valor: whilst our ships Vnrigd, vnusd, fitter for fire then water We save in our bard haven from surprise. By this our army marcheth toward the shore, Vndisciplind young men most bold to do If they knew how, or what, when we descry A mighty dust beate up with horses houes strait Roman ensigns glitter: Scipio. Asd. Scipio. Car. Scipio advanced like the God of blood Leads up grim war, that father of foul wounds Whose sinowy feet are steepd in gore, whose hideous voice Makes turrets tremble, and whole cities shake Before whose brows flight and disorder hurry With whom March Burnings, murder, wrong, waste, rapes Behind whom a sad train is seen, Woe, fears Tortures, lean, need, Famine, and helpless tears Now make we equal stand in mutual view We judged the Romans 18. thousand foot 5000 Horse, we almost doubled them In number not in virtue: yet in heat Of youth and wine jolly and full of blood. We gave the sign of battle: shouts are raised That shooke the heauens: Pell Mell our armys join Horse, targets, pikes all against each apposd They give fierce shoke, arms thundered as they closd Men cover earth which strait are covered With men and earth: yet doubtful stood the fight More faire to Carthage; when lo as oft you see In mines of gold, when labouring slaves delve out The richest ore, being in sudden hope With some unlooked for vain to full their buckets And sand huge treasure up, a sudden damp Stifles them all, their hands yet stuffd with gold So fell our fortunes for look as ye stood proud As hopeful victors, thinking to return With spoils worth triumph, wrathful Syphax lands With full ten thousand strong Numidian horse And jons to Scipio, then lo we all were damp't We fall in glusters and our wearied troops Quit all: slaughter ran throw us strait, we fly Romans pursue, but Scipio sounds retreat As fearing trains and night: we make amain For Carthage most, and some for utica All for our lives: new force, fresh arms with speed You haue said truth of all: no more. I bleed. By. O wretched fortune. Mas. Old Lord spare thy haynes What dost thou think baldness will cure thy grief What decree the Senate? Enter Gelosso with Commissions in his hand scald. Gelo. ask old Gelosso who returns from them Informd with fullest charge strong asdrubal Great Massinissa Carthage general So speaks the Senate: counsel for this war In Hanno magnus, Bytheas, Carthalon. And us Gelosso rests: embrace this charge You never yet dishonord. asdrubal High Massinissa by your vows to Carthage By God of great-men Glory, fight for Carthage Ten thousand strong Massulians ready troupt Expect their King, double that number waits The leading of loud asdrubal; beate loud Our Affrike drums, and whilst our o're-toild foe Snores on his vnlacd cask, all faint though proud Through his successful fight strike fresh allarmes Gods are not if they grace not bold just arms. Mass. Carthage thou strait shalt know Thy favours haue been done unto a king. Exit with asdrubal and the page.. Soph. My Lordst, is most unusual such sad 'haps Of sudden horror, should intrude 'mong beds Of soft and private loues; but strange events Excuse strange forms. O you that know our blood Reuenge if I do fain: I here protest Though my Lord leave his wife a very maid, even this night instead of my soft arms Clasping his well strong lims with glossfull steel, Whats safe to Carthage shall be sweet to me. I must not, nor I am once ignorant My choice of love hath given this suddein danger To yet strong Carthage: t'was I lost the fight, My choice vexed Syphax enraged Syphax struk arms fate: yet Sophonisba not repents, O we were Gods if that we knew events. But let me Lord leave Carthage, quit his virtue I will not love him, yet must honor him, As still good Subjects must bad Princes: Lords From the most ill-grac'd Hymeneall bed That ever juno frowned at, I entreat That you'll collect from our loose formed speech This firm resolve: that no lo Appetite Of my sex weakness, can or shall o'ercome Due grateful service unto you, or virtue. witness ye Gods I never until now repined at my creation; now I wish I were no woman, that my arms might speak My hart to Carthage: but in vain, my tongue swears I am woman still: I talk to long. Cornets a march. Enter two Pages with targets and Iauelins two Pages with torches. Massinissa armed a scape a pee. asdrubal armed. Ma. Ye Carthage Lords: know Massinissa knows Not only terms of honor: but his actions Nor must I now enlarge how much my cause Hath dangerd Carthage but how I may show myself most prest to satisfaction The loathsome stain of Kings Ingratitude From me O much be far, and since this torrent Warres rage admits no anchor: since the billow Is risen so high we may not hull but yield This ample state to stroke of speedy swords What you with sober hast hath well decreed Weele put to sudden arms: no not this night These dainties this first fruits of nuptials That well might give excuse for feeble lingrings Shall hinder Massinissa. Appetite Kisses, loues, dalliance and what softer joys The Venus of the pleasingst ease can minister I quit you all: virtue perforce is 'vice But he that may, yet holds, is manly wise lo then ye Lords of Carthage, to your trust I leave all Massinissas treasure by the oath Of right good men stand to my fortune just. Most hard it is for great harts to mistrust. Car. We vow by all high powers. Ma. No do not swear. I was not born so small to doubt or fear. So. Worthy my Lord. Ma. Peace my ears are steel I must not hear thy much enticing voice. So. By Massinissa, Sophonisba speaks Worthy his wife: go with as high a hand As worth can rear, I will not stay my Lord Fight for our country, vent thy youthful heat In field not beds, the fruit of honor famed Be rather gotten then the oft disgrace Of hapless parents, children, go best man And make me proud to be a soldiers wife That valews his renown above faint pleasures think every honor that doth grace thy sword Trebbles my love: by thee I haue no lust But of thy glory: best lights of heaven with thee Like wonder stand, or fall, so though thou die My fortunes may be wretched, but not I. Mas. Wondrous creature, even fit for Gods not men Nature made all the rest of thy faire sex As weak essays, to make thee a pattern Of what can be in woman. Long Farewell. hes sure vnconquer'd in whom thou dost dwell Carthage Palladium. See that glorious lamp Whose lifefull presence giveth sudden flight To fancies, fogs, fears, sleep, and slothful night Spreads day vpon the world: march swift amain famed got with loss of breath is godlike gain. The Ladies draw the curtains about Sophonisba, the rest accompany Massinissa forth, the Cornets and Organs playing loud full music for the Act. Actus Primi. FINIS. Actus Secundi. Scena Prima. whilst the music for the first Act sounds Hanno, carthalon, Bytheas, Gelosso enter: They place themselves to counsel, Gisco th'impoisner waiting on them, Hanno, carthalon, and Bytheas, setting their hands to a writing, which being offered to Gelosso, he denies his hand, and as much offended impatiently starts up and speaks. GEl. My hand? my hand? rot first, whither in aged shane hang. will you be so unseasonably wood? Byt. Hold such preposterous zeal as stand against the full decree of Senate? all think fit. Car. Nay most vneuitable necessary For Carthage safety, and the now sole good Of present state, that wee must break all faith With Massinissa: whilst he fights abroad Lets gain back Syphax, making him our own By giuing Sophonisba to his bed. hang. Syphax is Massinissas greater, and his force Shall give more side to Cartthage; as force queen And her wise father, they love Carthage fate, Profit, and Honesty, are one in state. Gel. And what decrees our very virtuous senate Of worthy Massinissa that now fights and( leaving wife and bed) bleeds in good arms For right old Carthage? Car. Thus tis thought fit Hir father asdrubal on sudeine shall take in revolted syphax; so with doubled strength Before that Massinissa shall suspect, Slaughter both Massinissa and his troops, And likewise strike with his deep stratagem A sudden weakness into Scipios arms, By drawing such alim from the main body Of his yet powerful army: which being don Dead Massinissas kingdom we decree To Sophonisba and great asdrubal For their consent, so this swift plot shall bring Two crowns to hir, make asdrubal a king. Gel. So first faiths breach, adultery, murder, theft, Car. What else? Gel. Nay all is don no mischief left Car. Pish prosperous success gives blackest actions glory, The means are vnremembred in most story. Gel. Let me not say Gods are not. Car. This is fit Conquest by blood is not so sweet as wit, For how soere nice virtue censures of it, He hath the grace of war, that hath wars profit. But Carthage well aduisde, that states comes on, With slow advice, quick execution, Haue here an Engineere long bread for plots, called an impoisner, who knows this sound excuse, The onely due that makes men sprout in courts, is use, Be't well or ill, his thrift is to be mute, Such slaves must act commands, and not dispute. Knowing foul deeds with danger do begin But with rewards do end: Sin is no sin But in respects— Gel. politic Lord, speak low tho heaven bears A face far from us, Gods haue most long ears, jove has a hundred marble marble hands Car. O I, in Poetry or tragic scene. Gel. I fear Gods onely know what Poets mean. Car. Yet hear me: I will speak close truth and cease, Nothing in Nature is vnseruisable, No, not even Inutility itself, Is then for nought dishonesty in being, And if it be sometimes of forced use, Wherein more urgent then in saving nations State shapes are soderd up, with base, nay faulty Yet necessary functions; some must lye, Some must betray, some murder, and some all, Each hath strong use, as poison in all purges Yet when some violent chance shall force a state, To break given faith, or plot some stratagems, Princes ascribe that vile necessity unto Heauens wrath: and sure tho't be no 'vice, Yet t'is bad chance: states must not stick to nice For Massinissas death sense bids forgive Beware to offend great men and let them live For tis of empires body the main arm, He that will do no good shall do no harm: you haue my mind. Gel. Although a stagelike passion & weak heat Full of an empty wording might suit age Know Ile speak strongly truth: lords near mistrust That he who'll not betray a private man For his country, will near betray his country For private men; then give Gelosso faith If treachery in state be serviceable, Let hangmen do it: I am bound to loose My life but not my honour for my country; Our vow, our faith, our oath, why th'are ourselves And he thatis faithless to his proper self, May be excusd if he break faith with princes: The Gods assist just hearts, & states that trust, Plots before providence are tost like dust. For Massinissa:( O let me slake a little Austere discourse and cell humanity) Me thinks I hear him cry. O fight for Carthage, Charge home, wounds smart not, for that so just so great So good a city: me thinks I see him yet leave his faire bride even on his nuptial night To buckle on his arms for Carthage: hark- Yet, yet, I hear him cry— Ingratitude Vile stain of man. O over be most far From Massinissas breast: up, march amain, famed got with loss of breath, is godlike gain. And see by this he bleeds in doubtful fight: And cries for Carthage, whilst Carthage— Memory Forsake Gelosso, would I could not think: Nor hear, nor bee, When Carthage is So infinitely vile: see see look here, Cornets. Enter two ushers. Sophonisba. Zanthia. Arcathia. Hanno Bytheas and carthalon present Sophonisba with a paper, which shee having perused, after a short silence speaks Who speaks? what mute? fair plot: what? blushy to break it? How lewd to act when so shamed but to speak it. So. Is this the Senates firm decrees Car. It is. Sopho. Is this the Senates firm decree? Car. It is Sopho. Hath Syphax entertained the stratagem? Car. No doubt he hath, or will. So. My answers thus, Whats safe to Carthage, shall be sweet to me Car. Right worthy Ha. Roialest Ge. O very woman! So. But tis not safe for Carthage to destroy, Be most unjust, cunningly politic, Your heads still under heaven, O trust to fate, Gods prosper more a just then crafty state. Tis less disgrace to haue a pitied loss Then shameful victory. Ge. O very Angel! So. We all haue sworn good Massinissa faith, speech makes us men, and thers no other bond Twixt man and man, but words: O equal Gods Make us once know the consequence of vows— Ge. And wee shall hate faith-breakers worse then man-eaters So. Ha! good Gelosso is thy breath not here? Ge. You do me wrong as long as I can die, Doubt you that old Gelasso can be vile? States may afflict, tax, orture, but our mindes Are only sworn to jove: I grieve and yet am proud That I alone am honest: high powers you know Virtue is seldom seen with troops to go. So. Excellent man Carthage & Rome shall fall Before thy famed: our Lords know I the worst. Car. The Gods foresaw, tis fate we thus are forced So. Gods nought foresee, but see, for to their eyes nought is to come, or past, Nor are you vile Because the Gods foresee: for Gods and We See as things are things are not, for we see But since affencted wisdom in us Women Is our sex highest folly: I am silent, I cannot speak less well, unless I were More voided of goodness: lords of Carthage, thus The air and earth of Carthage owes my body, It is their seruant; what decree they of it? Car. That you remove to Cirta, to the palace Of well formed Syphax, who with longing eyes meets you: he that gives way to Fate is wise. So. I go: what power can make me wretched? what evil Is there in life to him, that knows lifes loss To be no evil: show, show thy vgliest brow O most black chance: make me a wretched story Without misfortune virtue hath no glory Opposed trees makes tempests show their power And waves forced back by rocks makes Neptune tower Tearelesse O see a miracle of life A maid, a widow, yet a hapless wife. Cornets. Sopho. accompanied with the Senators depart, onely Gelosso stays. Ge. A prodegy! let nature run cross legd Ops go vpon thy head, let Neptune burn could Saturne crack with heat for now the world Hath seen a Woman: leap nimbled lightning from Ioues ample shield And make at length, an end, the proud hot breath Of thee contemning greatness, the huge drought Of sole self loving vast Ambition. Th'unnatural scorching heat of all those lamps Thou reard'st to yield a temperate fruitful heat Relentlesse rage whose hart hath no one drop Of human pity: all all loudly cry Thy brand O jove, for know the world is dry O let A general end save Carthage famed When worlds do burn vnseens a cities flamme. Phoebus in me is great: Carthage must fall jove hats all 'vice but vows breach worst of all. Exit. Scena Secunda. Cornets sound a charge: Enter Massinissa in his gorget and shirt, shield, sword, his arm transfixed with a dart jugurth follows with his curaes and cask. Mas. Mount us again, give us another horse Iug. uncle your blood flows fast, pray ye withdraw Mas. O jugurth I cannot bleed too fast. too much For that so great, so just so royal Carthage My wound smarts not, bloods loss makes me not faint For that lou'de city, O Nephew let me tell thee, How good that Carthage is: it nourishde me, And when full time gave me fit strength for love, The most adored creature of the city. To us before great Syphax did they yield, Faire, noble, modest, and boue all, my, My Sophonisba, O jugurth my strength doubles I know not how to turn a coward, drop In feeble baseness, I cannot: give me horse, Know I am Carthage very creature, and I am graced, That I may bleed for them: give me fresh horse, Iug. He that doth public good for multitude, finds few are truly grateful, Mas. O jugurth, fie you must not say so, jugurth, Some common weals melt at a noble hart, Too forward bleeds abroad and bleed bemond, But not reuengd at home, but Carthage, fie It cannot be vngrate, faithless through fear, It cannot jugurth: Sophonisba's there, Beat a fresh charge. Enter Asdrubal his sword drawn reading a letter Gisco follows him Asd. Sound the retreat, respect your health brave Prince, The waste of blood throw's paleness on your face, Ma. By light, my harts not pale: O my loved father, We bleed for Carthage balsam to my wounds, We bleed for Carthage: shals restore the fight? My squadron of Massulians yet stands firm. Asd. The day looks off from Carthage cease alarms A modest temperance is the life of arms, Take our best surgeon Gisco, he is sent From Carthage to attend your chance of war, Gis. We promise sudden ease. Ma. Thy comforts good Asd. That nothing can secure us but thy blood: Infuse it in his wound, t'will work amain, Gis. O jove, Asd. What jove? thy God must be thy gain And as for me. Apollo Pythean Thou know'st, a statist must not be a man. Exit Adru. Enter Gelosso disguised like an old soldier, delivering to Massinissa( as he preparing to be dressed by Gisco) a letter which Massinissa reading, starts and speaks to Gisco. Ma. forbear, how art thou called? Gi. Gisco my Lord. Mas. Vm, Gisco, ha, touch not mine arm, most onely man, to Gelosso. Sirrha, firrha, art poor? Gi. not poor. Ma. Nephew command Massinissa begins to draw. Our troops of horse make indisgracde retreat, Trot easy off: not poor: jugurth give charge, Exit jugurth. My souldiers stand in square battalia, entirely of themselves: Gisco th'art old, Tis time to leave off murder, thy faint breath. Scarce heaves thy ribs, thy gummy bloud-shut eyes, Are sunk a great way in thee, thy lank skin, Slides from thy fleshlesh veins: be good to men, judge him ye Gods, I had not life to kill So base a Creature, hold Gisco() live, The God-like part of Kings is to forgive, Gis. Command astonishd Gisco. Mas. No return. hast unto Carthage: quit thy abject fears, Massinissa knows no use of murderers. Enter jugurth amazed, his sword drawn. speak, speak, let terror strike slaves mute. Much danger makes great hartes most resolute, Iug. uncle I fear foul arms, myself beholded, Syphax on high speed run his well breathde horse, Direct to Cirta that most beauteous city, Of all his kingdom: whilst his troops of horse With careless trot place gently toward our camp, As friends to Carthage, stand on guard deere uncle▪ For Asdrubal with yet his well ranked army, Bends a deep threatening brow to us as if, He waited but to join with Syphax horse And hue us all to pieces: O my King My Vnele, Father, captain O over All Stand like thyself or like thyself now fall Thy troops yet hold good ground: unworthy wounds Betray not Massinissa Ma. jugurth pluck Pluck, so, good cuz. Iug. O God do you not feel? Mas. Not jugurth no, now all my flesh is steel. Gela. Of base disguise: High lights scorn not to view A true old man: L up Massinissa throw The lot of battle vpon Syphax troops Before he join with Carthage: then amain Make through to Scipio, he yields safe abods Spare treachery, and strike the very Gods. Mas. Why wast thou born at Carthage, O my fate divinest Sophonisba! I am full Of much complaint, and many passions, The least of which expresd would sad the Gods And strike compassion in most ruthlesse hell up vnmaimd hart spend all thy grief and rage Vpon thy foe: the fields a soldiers stage On which his action shows: If you are just And hate those that contemn you, O you Gods Reuenge worthy your anger, your anger, O, Downeman, up hart, stoop jove and bend thy chin To thy large breast, give sign th'art pleased, and just swear, good mens foreheads must not print the dust Exeunt. Scena Tertia. Enter asdrubal, Hanno, Bytheas. As. What Carthage hath decreed, Hanno is done Aduauncd and born was asdrubal for state Onely with it his faith, his love, his hate Are of one piece: were it my daughters life That fate hath song to Carthage safety brings What dead so read but hath been done by Kings? Ephiginia, he thatis a man for men, Ambitious as a God, must like a God live clear from passions, his full aimdeat end immense to others, sole self to comprehend Round in's own globe, not to bee claps'd but holds Within him all, his hart being of more folds Then shield of Telamon not to be pierced tho struck The God of wisemen is themselves, not lucke. Enter Gisco. See him by whom now Massiuissa is not Gisco ist done? Gis. Your pardon worthy Lord, It is not don, my heart sunk in my breast, His virtue mazd me, faintness seasd me all, Some Gods in kings that will not let them fall. As. His virtue mazde thee,( vm) why now I see Thart that just man that hath true touch of blood, Of pitty and soft piety: forgive? Yes honour thee, wee did it but to try What sense thou hadst of blood: go Bytheas Take him into our private treasury And cut his throat, the slave hath all betrayed. By. Are you assured? As. A feared for this I know Who thinketh to buy villainy with gold, Shall ever find such faith so bought so sold. Reward him thoroughly. A shoute the Cornets giuing a flourish. hang. What means this shoute? Asd. Hanno tis don: Scyphax revolt by this Hath securd Carthage: and now his force come in And joined with us give Massinissa charge, And assured slaughter: O ye powers for give, Through rottenst dung best plants both sprout & live By blood vines grow. Ha. But yet think asdrubal Tis fit at least you bear griefs outward show, It is your kinsman bleeds: what need men know. Your hand is in his wounds, tis well in state, To do close ill; but void a public hate. Asd. Tush Hanno let me prosper let routs prate, My power shall force their silence or my hate, Shall scorn their idle malice: men of weight Know, he that fears envy let him cease to reign, The peoples hate to some hath been their gain. For howso ere a monarch fames his partes, steal any thing from kings but subiects hartes. Enter carthalon leading in bound Gelosso. Ca. Gard, gard the camp, make to the trench stand firm As. The Gods of boldness with us, how runs chance? Ca. Think, think how wretched thou canst be, thou art, Short words shall speak long woes: Ge. mark asdrubal. Ca. Our bloody plot to Massinissas ear untimely by this Lord was all betrayed. Ge. By me, it was, by me vile asdrubal, Iioy to speakt. As. down slave. Ge. I cannot fall. Car. Our trains disclosd, strait to his well used arms He took himself, rose up with all his force, On Syphax careless troops( Syphax being hurried Before to Cirta feareles of success impatient Sophonisba to enjoy.) Gelosso rides to head of all our squadrons. commands make stand in thy name asdrubal, In mine, in his, in all: dull rest our men, Whilst Massinissa now with more then fury, Chargeth the loose and much amazed ranks, Of absent Syphax: who with broken shoute, ( In vain expecting Carthage secondings) give faint repulse: a second charge is given Then look as when a Fawcon towers aloft Whole shoals of foul and flocks of lesser birds, Crouch fearfully and dive some among sedge, Some creep in brakes: so Massinissas sword brandished aloft, tossdabout his shining cask, Made stoop wholeso adrons, quick as thought he strikes, Here hurls he darts? and there his rage strong arm, Fights foot to foot: here cries he strike: they sink And then grim slaughter follows, for by this As men betrayed, they curse us, die, or sly, or both Of ten six thousand fell: Now was I come And strait perceaud all Bled by his vile plot. Ge. Vile? good plot, my good plot asdrubal. Ca. I forced our army beat a running march, But Massinissa strooke his spurs apace Vpon his speedy horse, leaves slaugh tering All fly to Scipio who with open ranks In view receives them: All could effect Was but to gain him. As. die. Ge. Do what thou can, Thou canst but kill a weak old honest man. Car. scipio and Massinissas by this strike Their clasped palms, then vow an endless love, Gelosso departs guarded strait a joint shoute they raise, then turn they breasts Direct on us march strongly toward our camp As if they darde us fight, O asdrubal. I fear theyle force our camp. As. break up and fly, This was your plot. Ha. But t'was thy shane to choose it. Car. He that forbids not offence he does it. As. The curse of womens words go with you: fly, You are no villains, Gods and men, which way? Aduise vile things. Ha. Vile? As I. Ca. Not? By. you did al As. Did you not plot? Car. yielded not asdrubal? As. But you enticed me. Ha. How? As With hope of place. Car. He that for wealth leaves faith is abject. Ha. base As. Do not provoke my sword, I live. Ca. More shane. T'out live thy virtue and thy once great name. As. upbraid ye me? Ha. Hold. Car. Know that only thou Art treacherous: thou shouldst haue had a crown. Ha. Thou didst all, all he for whom mischiefs don He does it. Asd.— broad scorn oppen feigned answers Make good the camp, no, fly, yes, what? wild rage, To be a prosperous villain yet some heat some hold, But to burn temples and yet freeze, O could. give me some health, now your blood sinks: thus deeds Ill nourished rot, without jove nought succeeds. Exeunt. Actus Secunds. Finis. Organ mixed with Recorders for this Act. Actus Tertii, Scena Prima. Syphax his dagger twon about her hair drags in Sophonisba in hir night gown petticoat and Zanthia & Vaugue following. Sy. Must wee entreat? sue to such squeamish ears, Know Syphax has no knees, his eyes no tears, enraged love is senseless of remorse, Thou shalt, thou must. Kings glory is their force. Thou art in Cirta, in my palace fool Dost think he pitieth tears, that knows to rule. For all thy scornful eyes thy proud disdain, And late contempt of us now weele reuenge, break stubborn silence: look Ile tack thy head To the low earth, whilst strength of too black knaves, Thy limbs all wide shall strain: prayer fitteth slaves. Our courtship bee our force: rest calm as sleep, else at this quake, hark, hark, wee cannot weep. So. Can Sophonisba bee enforced? Sy. Can? see. So. Thou maiest enforce my body but not me. Sy. Not? So. No. Sy. No? So. No off with thy loathed arms That lie more heavy on me then the chains, That wear deep wrinkles in the captives limbs I do beseech thee. Sy. What? So. Be but a beast, Be but a beast. Sy Do not offend a power Can make thee more then wretched: yield to him To whom fate yields: Know Massinissas dead, So. dead? Sy. dead. So. To Gods of goodmen shane Sy. Help vangue my strong blood boiles. So. O save thine own( yet) famed. Sy. All appetite is deaf, I will I must. Achilles armor could not bear out lust. So. Hold thy strong arm and hear my Syphax know, I am thy seruant now: I needs must love thee For( O my sex forgive) I must confess, Wee not affect protesting feebleness. entreats faint blushings, timorous modesty, We think our lover is but little man, Who is so full of woman: Know faire Prince Loues strongest arms not rude: for we still prove Without some fury thers no ardent love. We love our loues impatience of delay, Our noble sex was onely born t'obey To him that dares command. Sy. Why this is well. Th'excuse is good: wipe thy faire eyes our queen, Make proud thy head now feel: more friendly strength Of thy lords arm: come touch my rougher skin. With thy soft lip Zanthia dress our bed Forget old loues and clip him that through blood, And hell acquir's his Wish think not but kiss, The flourish fore loues fight is Venus bliss. So. Great dreadful Lord by thy affection Grant me one boon, know I haue made a vow, Sy. Vow? what vow? speak. So. Nay if you take offence Let my soul suffer first and yet. Sy. offence? Not Sophonisba, hold, thy vow is free, As:— come thy lips. So. Alas cross misery As I do wish to live I long to enjoy, Your warm embrace, but O my vow tis thus, If ever my Lord died I vowed to him, A most, most private sacrifice, before I touched a second spouse: all I implore. Is but this liberty: Sy. This? go obtain What time? So. One hour. Sy. sweet, good speed speed adieu Yet Syphax trust no more then thou mayst view. Vangue shall stay So. He stays. Enter a page. delivering a letter to Sopho. which shee privately reads. Sy. Zanthia, Zanthia Thou art not soul, go to, some Lords are oft So much in love with their known ladies bodies, That they oft love their vails, hold, hold thou'st find, To faithful care kings bounty hath no shore, Za. You may do much. Sy. But let my god do more. Za. I am your creature. Sy. Bee, get, tis no stain The God of service is however gain. Exit. So. Zanthia, where are we now? speak worth my service Ha wee don well? Za. Nay in height of best. I feared a superstitious virtue would spoil all, But now I find you above women rare, Shee that can time her goodness hath true care Of hir best good. Nature at home begins She whose integritye herself hurts sins. For Massinissa, he was good and so, But he is dead, or worse, distressed, or more Then dead, or much distressed, O sad, poor Who ever held such friends: no let him go Such faith is praised, then laughed at, for still know, Those are the living women that reduce, All that they touch unto their ease and use. Knowing that wedlock, virtue or good names, Are courses and varietyes of reason. To use or leave as they advantage them And absolute within themselves reposde, Onely to greatness Ope, to all else closde. weak sanguine fools, are to their own goodnice Before I held you virtuous but now wise. So. Zanthia victorious Massinissa liu's. My Massinissa lives: O steady powers keep him as safe as heaven keeps the earth. Which looks vpon it with a thousand eyes, That honest valiant man and Zanthia, do but record the iustice of his love, And my for ever vows, for ever vows. Za. I true Madam: nay think of his great mind His most just heart his all of excellence And such a virtue as the Gods might envy again this Syphax is but:— and you know. famed lost what can be got thatis good: for: So. hence Take nay with one hand. Za. My service. So. Prepare Our sacrifice. Za. But yield you, I or no? So. When thou dost know. Za. what thē? So. then thou wilt know Let him that would haue counsel void th'advice Exit Zanthia Of friends made his with weighty benefits Whose much dependence onely strives to fit humour not reason, and so still devise In any thought to make their frieud seem wise But above all O fear a seruants tongue, Like such as onely for their gain to serve Within the vaste capacitye of place I known no vileness so most truly base. Their lords, their gain: and he that most will give, With him( they will not die: but) they will live. Traitors and these are one: such slaves once trust Whet swords to make thine own blood lick the dust. Cornets and Organs playing full music. Enters the solemnity of a sacrifice, which being entred whilst the attendance furnish the Altar Sopho. song: which don shee speaks. Withdraw, withdraw All but Zanthia & Vangue depart I not invoake thy arm thou God of sound Nor thine, nor thine, although in all abound. High powers immense: But jovial Mercury And thou O brightest female of the sky Thrice modest Phoebe, you that jointly fit A worthy chastity and a most chast wit To you corruptles Hunny, and pure dew Vphreathes our holy fire. Words just and few O deign to hear if in poor wretches cries You glory not: if drops of withered eyes Bee not your sport, bee just: all that I crave Is but chast life or an untainted grave. I can no more: yet hath my constant tongue Let fall no weakness, tho'my heart were wrung With pangus worth hell: whilst great thoughts stop our tears sorrow unseen, vnpittied inward wears. You see now where I rest, come is my end. Cannot heaven, virtue, against weak chance defend? When weakness hath outborne what weakness can, What should I say tis Ioues, not sin of man. Some stratagem now let wits God be shown, celestial powers by miracles are known. I hau't tis don. Zanthia prepare our bed Vangue Va. Your seruant. So. Vangue we haue performed Duerites unto the dead. Sopho: presents a carous to Vangue & & &. Now to thy Lord great Syphax healthful cups: which dou, The King is right much welcome. Va. Were it as deep as thought off it should thus— he drinks So. Close the vaults mouth least we do slip in drink, So. To what use gentle Negro serves this cave Whose mouth thus opens so familliarly, even in the Kings bedchamber? Va. O my queen This vault with hideous darkness and much length stretcheth beneath the earth into a grove One league from Cirta( I am very sleepy) Through this when Cirta hath beeue strong begird With hostile siege the King hath safely scaped To, to, So. The wine is strong. Va. strong? So. Zanthia Za. What means my princes? So. Zanthia rest firm And scilent, help us: Nay do not dare refuse. Za. The Negros dead. So. No drunk. Za. Alas. So. Too late, Her hand is fearful whose mindes desperate. It is but sleepy Opium he hath drunk, help Zanthia. They lay Vangue in Syphax bed & draw the curtains, there lie Syphax bride, a naked man is soon vndrest; There bide dishonoured passion they knock within, forthwith Syphax comes. Sy. Way for the King. So. strait for the King: I fly Where misery shall see nought but itself. Deere Zanthia close the vault when I am sunk And whilst he slips to bed escape be true I can no more, come to me: hark Gods, my breath scorns to crave life grant but a well famde death shee descendes Sy. Each man withdraw, let not a creature stay Within large distance. Za. Sir? Sy. hence Zanthia, Not thou shalt hear, all stand without eare-reach Of the soft cries nice shrinking brides do yield When— Za. But Sir— Sy. Hence— stay, take thy delight by steps, think of thy joys, and make long thy pleasures, O silence thou dost swallow pleasure right, words take away some sense from our delight; music: be proud my Venus, Mercury thy tongue, Cupid thy flamme, boue all O Hercules Let not thy back be wanting: for now I leap To catch the fruit none but the Gods should reap Offering to leap into bed, he discovers Vangue. ha! can any woman turn to such a divell? Or: or: Vangue, Vangue— Van. Yes, yes. Sy. speak slave, How camest thou here? Van. Here? Sy. Zanthia, Zanthia, where's Sophonisba? speak at full, at full, give me particular faith, or know thou art not— Za. Your pardon just moved prince & private ear Sy. Ill actions have some grace, that they can fear Va. How cam I laid? which way was I made drunk? Where am I? think, or is my state advanced? O jove how pleasant is it but to sleep In a kings bed! Sy. sleep there thy lasting sleep improvident, base, o're-thirsty slave. Sy. kills Va. Dy pleased a kings couch is thy too proud grave. Through this vault sayest thou? Za. As you give me grace To live, tis true. Sy. We will be good to Zanthia; Go cheer thy lady, and be private to vs. She descends after Sophonisba. Za. As to my life. Sy. I'll use this Zanthia, And trust her as our dogs drink dangerous Nile, only for thirst, the fly the Crocodile: Wise Sophonisba knows loues tricks of art, Without much hindrance, pleasure hath no hart; despite all virtue or weak plots I must seven waled babel cannot be: rout lust Descends through the vault. Scena Secunda. Cornets sound Marches. Enter Scipio and Lelius with the compliments of a Roman general before them, At the other door, Massinissa and jugurth. Ma. Let not the virtue of the world suspect Sad Massinissas faith: nor once comdemne Our just reuoult: Carthage first gave me life, Hir ground gave food, hir air first lent me breath The Earth was made for men, not men for Earth. Scipio I do not thank the Gods for life, Much less vile men, or earth: know best of Lords, It is a happy being breath well famed, For which jove sees these thus; Men be not fold With piety to place: traditions fear, Aiust mans country jove makes every where. Sci. Well urgeth Massinissa, but to leave A city so in grace, so faithless, so more vile Then civil speech may name, fear not, such 'vice To scourge is heauens most grateful sacrifice. Thus all confess first they haue broken a faith To the most due, so just to be observed That barborousnes itself may well blushy at them Where is thy passion? they haue shared thy crown Thy proper right of birth; contrin'd thy death. Where is thy passion? given thy beauteous spouse To thy most hated rival: statue, not man, And last thy friend Gelosso( man worth Gods) With tortures haue they rentto death. Ma. O Gel. For thee full eyes Sci. No passion for the rest. Ma. O Scipio my grief for him may be expressd But for the rest silence & secret anguish Shall wast: shall wast:— Scipio he that can weep, by tears grieves not like me private deep inward dromps Of blood: my heart— for Gods rights give me leave To be a short time Man. Sci. stay prince. Ma. I cease; forgive if I forget thy presence: Scipio Thy face makes Massinissa more then man, And here before your steady power a vow As firm as fate I make: when I defist To be commanded by thy virtue,( Scipio) Or fall from friend of Romes, revenging Gods Aflict me worth your torture: I haue given Of passion and offaith my heart. Sci. To counsel then grief fits weak hearts, revenging virtue men. Thus I think fit, before that Syphax know How deeply Carthage sinks, lets beat swift march up even to Cirta, and whilst Syphax snores With his, late think— Ma. With mine? no Scipio, Libea hath poison, asps, knives, & to much earth To make one grave, with mine? not, she can die, Scipio, with mine? jove say it thou dost lye. Sci. Temperance be Scipios honor. Le. Cease your strife She is a woman. Ma. But she is my wife. Le. And yet she is no god. Ma. And yet she's more I do not praise Gods goodness but adore. Gods cannot fall, and for their constant goodness ( Which is necessited) they haue a crown Of never ending pleasures: but faint man ( framed to haue his weakness made the heauens glory) If he with steady virtue holds all siege That power, that speech, that pleasure, that full sweets A world of greatness can assail him with, having no pay but self wept misery, And beggars treasure heaped, that man Ile praise above the Gods. Sc. The Libean speaks bold sense Ma. By that by which all is, Proportion, I speak with thought. Sci. No more. Ma. forgive my admiration You touched a string to which my sense was quick, Can you but think? do, do; my grief! my grief Would make a Saixt blaspheme: give some relief, As thou art Scipio forgive that I forget, I am a Soldier; such woes Ioues ribs would burst, Few speak less ill that feel so much of worst. my ear attends Sci. before then Syphax join With new strength'd Carthage, or can once vnwind His tangled sense from out so vilde amaze Fall we like sudden lightning fore his eyes; boldness and spead are all of victories. Ma. Scipio, let Massinissa clip thy knees; May once these eyes view Syphax? shall this arm Once make him feel his sin? O ye Gods My cause, my cause! Iustice is so huge odds That he who with it fears, heaven must renounce In his creation. Sci. Beat then a close quick march Before the morn shall shake could dews through skies, Syphax shall tremble at Romes thick allarmes. Ma. ye powers I challenge conquest to just arms. With a full flourish of Cornettes they depart. Actus Tertii FINIS. Organs viols and Voices play for this Act. Actus Quarti Scena Prima. Enter Sophonisba and Zanthia as out of à caues mouth So. Where are wee Zanthia? Za. Vangue said the cave opened in Belos forest. So. Lord how sweet I sent the air? the huge long vaults close vain, What dumps it breathd? In Belos forest sayest? Be valiant Zanthia; how far's utica From these most heavy shades? Zan. Ten easy leagues. So. Thers Massinissa, my true Zanthia Shals venture nobly to escape, and touch My lords just arms: Loues wings so justly heau● The body up, that as our toes shall trip over the tender and obedient grass, scarce any drop of due is dashed to ground. And see the willing shade of friendly night Makes safe our instant hast: boldness and speed Make actions wost impossible succeed. Za. But Madam know the forest hath no way But one to pass the which holds strictest gard. So. do not betray me Zanthia. Za. I Madam. So. No I not mistrust thee, yet, but, Za. Here you may Delay your time. So. I Zanthia delay By which we may yet hope, yet hope, Alas How all be numd's my sense chance hath so often struck I scarce can feel: I should now curse the Gods Call on the furies: stamp the patient earth cleave my streachd cheeks with sound speak from all sense But loud and full of players eloquence No, no, What shall we eat. Za. Madamile fearch For some ripe Nuts which Autumn hath shook down From the vnleau'd hazel, then some cooler air Shall led me to a spring: Or I will try The courteous pale of some poor forrestres, For milk. So. Exit Zanthia. Do Zanthia, O happiness, Of those that know not pride or lust of city, Ther's no man blessed but those that most men pitty. O fortunate poor maides, that are not forced, To wed for state nor are for state diuorc'd! whom policy of kingdoms doth not mary, But pure affection makes to love or vary, You feel no love, which you dare not to show, Nor show a love which doth not truly grow: O you are surely blessed of the sky, You live, that know not death before you die, Through the vautes mouth in his night gown, torch in his hand, Syphax enters just behind Sophon. You are: Sy. In Syphax arms, thing of false lip, What God shall now release thee, So. Art a man? Sy. Thy limbs shall feel, despite thy virtue know I'll thredd thy richest pearl: this forrests deaf, As is my lust: Night and the God of silence, swells my full pleasures, no more shalt thou delude, My easy credence Virgin of faire brow, Well featurde creature, and our utmost wonder, queen of our youthful bed be proud, Syphax setteth away his light, & prepareth ●in'brace Soph. Ile use thee, Sopho. snatcheth out her knife. So. Look thee, view this, show but one strain of force Bow but to seize this arm, and by myself, Or more by Massinissa this good steel, Shall set my soul on wing thus formde Gods see, And men with Gods worth envy nought but me. Sy. do strike thy breast, know being dead, Ile use, With highest lust of sense thy senseless flesh, And even then thy vexed soul shall see, Without resistance, thy trunk prostitute, unto our appetite. So. I shane to make thee know, How vile thou speakest: Corruption then as much, As thou shalt do: but frame unto thy lusts, Imagiuatious utmost sin: Syphax, I speak all frightles, know I live or die To Massinissa, nor the force of fate Shall make me leave his love, or slake thy hate, I will speak no more, Sy. Thou hast amazed us, Womans forced use, Like unripe fruits, no sooner got but waste, They haue proportion, colour but no taste, think Syphax— Sophonisba rest thine own, Our Guard, Enter a Guard. Creature of most astonishing virtue, If with faire usage, love and passionate courtings, We may obtain, the heaven of thy bed, We cease, no suit from other force be free. We dote not on thy body, but love thee, So Wilt thou keep faith? Sy. By thee & by that power By which thou art thus glorious, trust my vow, Our guard, convey the roialst excellence That ever was called Woman, to our palace, observe her with strict care: So. Dread Syphax speak As thou art worthy: is not Zanthia false? Sy. To thee shee is. So. As thou 〈◇〉 then thyself Let hir not bee. Sy. Shee is not. The guard seizeth Zanthia. Za. Thus most speed when two foes are grown friends Partakers bleed. Sy. When Plants must flourish Their manure must rot. So. Syphax bee recompensed. I hate thee not. Sopho. Exit. Sy, A wasting flamme feeds on my amorous blood Which wee must cool or die? what way all power, All speech full Opportunity can make, We haue made fruitless trial. infernal jove, You resolute Angels that delight in flames, To you all wonder working spirites I fly Since heaven helps not, deepest hell weele try. Here in this desert the great soul of charms, dreadful Erictho lives whose dismal brow, contemns all roofs or civil coverture. Forsaken graues and tombs the Ghosts forced out Shee joys to inhabit. infernal music plays softly whilst Erichtho enters and & when she speaks ceaseth. A loathsome yellow leanness spreades hir face A heavy hell-like paleness loads hir cheeks unknown to a clear heaven: but if dark winds. Or thick black clouds drive back the blinded stars When her deep magic makes forced heaven quake And thunder spite of jove. Erichtho then From naked graues stalks out, heaves proud hir head With long vnkende hair loaden, and strives to snatch The Nights quick sulphar: then she bursts up tombs From half rot sear clothes then she scrapes dry gums For hir black rites: but when she finds a corpse New graud whose entrails yet not turn To sly my filth with greedy havoc then she makes fierce spoil: & swells with wicked triumph To bury hir lean knuckles in his eyes Then doth she know the pale and or'egrowne nailes From his dry hand: but if she find some life Yet lurking close she bites his gelled lips, And 〈…〉 black tongue in his dry throat, 〈…〉 es dire murmurs, which enforce him bear 〈…〉 full secrets to the spirits of horror. To her first sound, the Gods yield any harm, As trembling once to hear a second charm, She is: Eri. Here Syphax here, quake not, for know I know thy thoughts, thou wouldst entreat our power, Nice Sophonisba's passion to enforce To thy affection be al full of jove, Tis done, tis done, to us heave earth, sea, air, And Fate itself obeys, the beasts of death, And all the terrors angry Gods invented, ( I afflict th' ignorance of patient man), Tremble at us: the roulde up snake vncurlde, His twisted knots at our affrighting voice, Are we incensd? the King of flames grows pale, Least he be choakde with black and earthy fumes, Which our charms raise: Be ioi'd, make proud thy lust I do not pray you Gods, my breaths: You must. Sy. deep knowing spirit, mother of all high mysterious science, what may Syphax yield, Worthy thy art, by which my soul's thus easde, The Gods first made me live, but thou live pleased. Er. Know then our love, hard by the reverent ruins Of a once glorious temple rearde to jove, Whose very rubbish( like the pitied fall, Of virtue much unfortunate) yet bears, A deathless majesty though now quiter rac'd, hurled down by wrath, and lust of impious Kings So that where holy flamens wont to sing, Sweet Hyms to heaven, there the daw and crow, The ill voic'de raven, and still chattering Pie: sand out ungrateful sound, and loathsome filth, Where statues and Ioues acts were vively lim'd Boyes with black coals, draw the veiled parts of nature, And lecherous actions of imaginde lust, Where tombs and beauteous vrns of well dead men. stood in assured rest, the shepherd now, Vnloads his belly: Corruption most abhorred Mingling itself with their renowned ashees, ourself quakes at it. There once a Charnel house, now a vast cave, over whose brow a pale and vnt rod grove throws out her heavy shade, the mouth thick arms Of darksome Ewe,( Sun proof) for ever choke Within rests barren darkness, fruitless drough Pines in eternal Night: The steam of Hell yields not so lazy air: there that's my cell From thence a charm which jove dare not here twice Shall force her to thy bed: but Syphax know love is the highest rebel to our art. Therfore I charge thee by the fear of all Which thou knowest dreadful, or more, by ourself; As with swift hast she passeth to thy bed, And easy to thy wishes yields: speak not one word, Nor dare as thou dost fear thy loss of joys T'admit one light, one light, Sy. As to my Fate I yield my guidance. Eri. Then when I shall force The air to music and the shades of night To form sweet sounds: make proud thy raised delight. mean time behold I go a charm to rear Whose potent sound will force ourself to fear. Sy. Whether is Syphax heau'd? at length shalls joy Hopes more desired then heaven? Sweet labouring Earth Let heaven be vnform'd with mighty charms, Let Sophonisba only fill these arms. jove weele not envy thee: bloods appetite Is Syphax God: My wisdom is my sense, Without a man I hold no excellence. give me long breath young beds and sicklesse ease For we hold firm thatis lawful which doth please infernal music softly. hark, hark, now rise jnfernall tones The deep fetched groans Of labouring spirits that attend Erichtho. Eri. Erichtho. within. Sy. Now crack the trembling earth and sand shrieks that portend off rightment to the Gods which hear Erichtho. Eri. Erichtho. within. Atreble Violland a base Lute play softlyd within the Canopy. hark hark, now softer melody strikes mute Disquiet nature: O thou power of sound How thou dost melt me. hark, now even heaven gives up his soul amongst us: Now's the time When gready expectation strains mine eyes For their loved object: now Erichtho willed Prepare my appetite for loues strict gripes O you dear founts of pleasure blood and Beauty raise active venus worth fruition Of such provoking sweetness. hark: shee comes, A short song to soft music above. Now nuptial Hymes enforced Spirits sing hark,( Syphax) hark: Cantant. Now Hell and heaven rings With music spigh of Phoebus: Peace: Enter Erichtho in the shape of Sophonisba, her face veiled and hasteth in the bed of Syphax. Shee comes: Fury of bloods impatient: Erichtho Boue thunder sit; to thee egregious soul Let all flesh bend. Sophonisba thy flamme But equal mine; and weele ioy such delight That Gods shall not admire, but even spite. Syphax hasteneth within the Campy as to Sophonisbas bed Actus Quarti. FINIS. A Base Luteand a triple viol play for the Act: Actus Quinti Scena Prima. Syphax draws the curtains and discovers Erichtho lying with him. Eri. Ha, ha, ha, Se. Light, light, Eri. Ha, ha, Sy. Thou rotten scum of Hell— O my abhorred heat! O loathed delusion! They leap out of the bed Syphax takes him to his sword Eri. Why fool of kings, could thy weak soul imagine That t'is within the grasp of heaven or Hell To enforce love? why know love doates the Fates Ione groans beneath his weight: more ignorant thing, Know we Erichtho, with athirsty womb Haue coveted full threescore Suns for blood of kings, We that can make enraged Neptune toss His huge curled locks without one breath of wind: We that can make heaven slide from Atlas shoulder: We in the pride and height of covetous lust Haue wished with womans greediness to fill Our longing arms with Syphax well strong lims: And dolt thou think if Philters or Hels charms Could haue enforced thy use, we would hau ' damned brain sleights? no, no, Now are we full Of our dear wishes: thy proud heat well wasted Hath made our lims grow young: our love farewell, Know he that would force love, thus seeks his Hell. Erichtho slips into the ground as Syphax offers his sword to hir. Sy. Can we yet breath? is any plagued like me? Are we? lets think: O now contempt, my hate To the, thy thunder, sulphur and scorned name. He whose lifes loathed, and he who breaths to curse His very beings let him thus with me Syphax kneels at the altar Fall fore an Anltar sacred to black powers, And thus dare Heauens: O thou whose blasting flames hurl barren droughes vpon the patient earth, And thou gay God of riddles and strange tales Hot-brained Phebus, all add if you can Something unto my misery; if ought Of plagues lurk in your deep trenched brows Which yet I know not: let them fall like bolts Which wrathful jove drives strong into my bosom, If any chance of war, or news ill voyc'd, mischief unthought of lurk, come gift us all, heap curse on curse, we can no lower fall. Out of the altar the ghost of asdrubal ariseth. Asd. Lower, lower. Sy. What damned air is formed Into that shape? speak, speak, we cannot quake, Our flesh knows not ignoble tremblinges, speak, We dare thy terror: me thinks Hell and fate Should dread a soul with woes made desperate. As. Know me the spirit of great asdrubal Father to Sophonisba, whose bad heart Made justly most unfortunately for know I turned unfaithful, after which the field Chane'd to our loss, when of thy men there fell 6000 souls next fight of Lybeans ten. After which loss we unto Carthage flying, Th'enraged people cried their army fell Through my base treason: strait my reuenge full fury Makes them pursue me, I with resolute hast Mad to the grave of all our ancestors Where poisoned, hoped my bones should haue long rest. But see the violent multitude arrives tear down our monument, and me now dead Deny a grave: hurl us among the rocks To staunch beasts hunger; therefore thus vngrau'd I seek slow rest: now dost thou know more woes And more must feel: Mortals O fear to slight Your Gods and vows: Ioues arm is of dread might. Sy. Yet speak shall I o'ercome approaching foes. As. Spirits of wrath know nothing but their woes. Exit Enter Nuntius. Nun. my liedge, my liedge, the scouts of Cirta bring intelligence Of sudden danger, full ten thousand horse Fresh and well rid strong Massinissa leads As wings to Roman legions that march swift lead by that man of conquest, Scipio, Sy. Scipio Nu. Direct to Cirta. A march far off is heard. hark their march is heard even to the city. Sy. help, our guard, my arms, bid all our leaders march. Beate thick alarms, I haue seen things which thou Wouldst quake to hear, boldness and strength the shane of slaves bee fear. up heart, hold sword: though waves roll thee on shelf, Though fortune leave thee leave not thou thyself. Exit arming Scena Secunda. Enter 2. Pages with targets & Ianelius Lelius & jugurth with holberds. Seipio & Massinissa armed Cornets sounding a march. So. Stand. Ma. give the word stand. So. Part the file. Ma. give way Scipio by thy great name, but greater virtue, By our eternal love give me the chance Of this dayes battle: Let not thy envied famed Vouchsafe t'oppose the Roman legious Against one weakened Prince of Lybea This quarrels mine: mine bee the stroke of fight Let us and Syphax hurl our well forced dattes Each unto others breast, O( what should I say) Thou beyond epithet thou whom proud Lords of fortune May even envy:( alas my joys so vaste Makes me seem lost let us thunder and lightning Strike from our brave arms, look, look, seize that hill, hark he comes near: From thence discern us strike fire worth jove, mount up, and not repute me very proud tho woundrous resolute. My cause: my cause, is my bold hartning odds, That seeuen fold shield, just arms should fright the Gods Sci. Thy words are full of honour take thy fate, Mas. Which wee do scorn to fear, to Scipio state Worthy his heart. Now let the forced brass Sound on. Coruets sound a march Scipio leads his train up to the mount. jugurth clasp sure our cask arm us with care, and jugurth if I fall Through this dayes malice, or our fathers sins If it in thy sword lie, break up my breast And save my heart that never fell nor's adue To ought but jove and Sophonisba. Sound stern hartners unto wounds and blood, sound loud For wee haue name Sophonisba. Cornets a flourish So. Cornets a march far of. hark hark, he comes, stand blood, now multiply Force more then fury, sound high, sound high, wee strike For Sophinisba. Enter Syphax armed his pages with shields & darts before Cornets sounding marches. Sy. For Sophonisba. Ma. Syphax. Sy. Massinissa. Ma. Betwixt us too Let single fight try all. Sy Well vrgd, Ma. Well granted Of you my stars as I am worthy you I implore aid, and O if angels wait Vpon good harts my Genius bee as strong As I am 〈…〉 kings glory is their wrong. he that may onely do just act's a slave My Gods my arm, my life, my heaven, my grave To me all end. Ma. give day Gods, life and death To him that onely fears blaspheming breath For Sophonisba. Sy. For Sophonisba. Cornets sound a charge Massinissa & Syphax combat, Syphax falls Massinissa vnclasps Syphax cask & as ready to kill him speaks Syphax. Sy. unto thy fortune not to thee wee yield Ma. lives Sophonisba yet vnstaind, speak just Yet ours vnforcd? Sy Let my heart fall more low Then is my body, if onely to thy glory She lives not yet all thine. Ma. Rise, rise, cease strife. hear a most deep reuenge, from us take life. Cornets sounded a march Scipio & Lelius Enter, Scipio passeth to his throne Massinissa presents Syphax to Scipios feet Cornets sounding a flourish. To you all power of strength: and next to thee Thou spirit of triumph born for victory. I heave these hands: March wee to Cirta strait, My Sophonisba with swift hast to wine In honor & in love all mean is sin. Ex. Ma. & Iug. Sc. As we are Romes great general thus wee press Thy captive neck, but as 〈◇〉 Scipio And sensible of just humanity We weep thy bondage: speak thou ill chanced man What spirit took thee when thou wert our friend ( Thy right hand given both to Gods and us With such most passionate vows and solemn faith) Thou fledst with such most foul dissoyalty To now weak Carthage strengthening their bad arms Who lately scorned thee with all lothd abuse Who never entertain for love but use Sy. Scipto my fortund is captiud not I Therefore Ile speak bold truth: nor once mistrust What I shall say, for now being wholly yours I must not fain, Sophonisba t' was shee T'was Sophonisba that solicited My forced revolt, t'was hir resistles suit Hir love to hir dear Carthage ' tic'd me break All faith with men: t'was shee wade Syphax false Shee that lous Carthage with such violence And hath such moving graces to 'allure That shee will turn a man that one hath sworn himself on's fathers bones hir Carthage foe To bee that cities Champion and high friend Hir Himeneall torch burnt down my house Then was I captiud when hir wanton arms Threw moving clasped about my neck, O charms Able to turn even fate: but this in my true grief Is some just ioy, that my love sotted foe Shall seize that plagtie, that Massinissas breast Hir hands shall arm, and that ere long youle try Shee can force him your foe as well as I, Sci. Lelius, Lelius, take a choice troupe of horse And spur to Cirta. To Massinissa thus Syphax palace▪ crown, spoil cities sack Be free to him but if our new laughd friend possess that woman of so moving art Charge him with no less weight then his dear vow Our love, all faith, that he resign her thee As he shall answer Rome will him give up A Roman prisoner to the Senates doom Shee is a Carthaginian, now our laws Wise men prevent not actions, but ever cause Sy. Good malice, so, as liberty so deere prove my reuenge: what I cannot possess Another shall not: thatis some happiness. Exeunt the Cornets flourishing. Scena tertia, The Cornets afar off sounding a charge, A 〈…〉 wounded at one door, Enters at the other Sophonisba, two Pages before her with lights, two women bearing vppo her train. Sol. Princes O fly, Syphax hath lost the day, And captiu'de lies, the Roman Legeons Haue seisde the town, and with inveterate hate, Make slaves or murder all: fire and steel, Fury and night hold all: faire queen O fly, We bleed for Carthage, all of Carthage die. Exit. The Cornets sounding a March, Enter Pages with iauelings and Targets, Massinissa and jugurth, Massinissas beaver shut. Ma. March to the palace. So. What ere man thou art Of Libea, thy faire arms speak: give hart, To amazed weakness, hear her, that for long time, Hath seen no wished light. Sophonisba, A name for misery much known, tis she, entreats of thy gracd sword, this onely boon, Let me not kneel to Rome, for though no cause, Of mine deserves their hate, though Massinissa, Be ours to hart, yet Roman Generals Make proud their triumphs, with what ever captives O tis a Nation which from soul I fearc, As one well knowing the much grounded hate, They bear to Asdrubal and Carthage blood, Therefore with tears that wash thy feet, with hands Vnusde to beg I clasp thy manly knees, O save me from their fetters and contempt, Their proud insultes, and more then insolence, Or if it rest not in thy grace of breath, To grant such freedom, give me long wishd death, For tis not much loathde life, that now we crave, Onely an vnshamd death, and silent grave We will now deign to bend for. Ma. Rarity Mas. disarms his head. By thee and this right hand thou shalt live free. So. We cannot now be wretched. Ma. Stay the sword. Let slaughter cease, sounds soft as Ledas breast, Soft music. Slide through all cares, this night be loues high feast, So. o'er whelme me not with sweets, let me not drink, Till my breast burst, O jove thy Nectar, think She sinks into Massi. arms. Ma. She is o'ercome with ioy. So. help, help to bear Some happiness ye powers, I haue ioy to spare, enough to make a God, O Massinissa. Ma. Peace, A silent thinking makes full joys increase. Enter Lelius. Le. Massinissa. Ma. Lelius. Le. Thine ear. Ma. Stand off Le. From Scipio thus: by thy late vow offaith, And mutual league of endless amity, As thou respects his virtue or Romes force, deliver Sophonisba to our hand, Ma. Sophonisba? Le. Sophonisba. So. My Lord, looks pale, and from his half burst eyes a flamme, Of deep disquiet breaks, the Gods turn false, My sad presage. Ma. Sophonisba? Le. even she, Ma. Shee killed not Scipios father nor his uncle, Great Cneius. Le. Carthage did. Mas. to her whats Carthage? Le. Know twas her father Asdrubal strooke off His fathers head, give place to faith and fate, Ma. Tis cross to honor. Le. But tis just to state, So speaketh Scipio, do not thou detain, A Roman prisoner, due to this great triumph, As thou shalt answer Rome and him. Ma. Lelius. We now are in Romes power, Lelius, View Massinissa do, a loathed act, Most sinking from that state his hart did keep, look Lelius look, see Massinissa weep, Know I haue made a vow more deere to me, Then my souls endless being: she shall rest, Free from Romes bondage. Le. But dost thou forget, Thy vow yet fresh thus breathd: When I desist: To be commanded by thy virtue: Scipio, Or fall from friend of Rome, revenging Gods, Afflict me with your torture. Ma. Lelius enough: Salute the Roman, tell him wee will act What shall amaze him. Le. Wilt thou yield her then? Ma. Shee shall arrive there strait. Le. Best fate of men, To thee. Ma. and Scipio: Haue I lived O Heauens, To be inforcedly perfidious? So. What unjust grief afflicts my worthy Lord, Ma thank me ye Gods, with much beholdingnes▪ For mark, I do not curse you: So. Tell me sweet The cause of thy much anguish. Ma. Ha, the cause? let's see, wreathe back thine arms, bend down thy neck, Practise base prayers, make fit thyself for bondage, So. Bondage. Ma. Bondage, Roman bondage. So. No, No. Ma. How then haue I vowde well to Scipio? So. How then to Sophonisba? Ma. Right which way run mad impossible distraction, So. Deere Lord thy patience; let it maze all power, And list to her in whose sole heart it rests, To keep thy faith upright. Ma. Wilt thou be slau'd, So. No free. Ma. How then keep I my faith? So. My death▪ Giu's help to all: From Rome so rest we free, So brought to Scipio, faith is kept in thee. Enter a page. with a bole of wine. Ma. Thou worst not die, some wine, thou worst not die. So. How near was I unto the curse of man, joy, How like was I yet once to haue been glad; He that near laughed may with a constant face, contemn Ioues frown. happiness makes us base. She takes a bold into which Mas. puts poison. Behold me Massinissa, like thyself, A king and soldier, and I pree thee keep, 〈…〉 command, Ma. speak sweet. So. Deere do not weep 〈◇〉 now with vndismaid resolve behold, To save You, you,( for honor and just faith. Are most true Gods, which we should much adore) With even disdainful vigour I give up, A●●●●hord life. She drinks. You haue been good to me, And I do thank thee heaven, O my stars, 〈…〉 your goodness, that with breast vnstaind, Faith pure: a Virgin wife, try'de to my glory, I die of female faith, the long liu'de story, Secure from bondage, and all servile harms, But more most happy in my husbands arms. she sinks Iug. Massinissa, Massinissa, Ma. covetous famed greedy Lady, could no scope of glory, No reasonable proportion of goodness Fill thy great breast, but thou must prove immense Incomprehence in virtue, what wouldst thou, Not onely be admirde, but even adorde? O glory ripe for heaven? Sirs help, help, help, Let us to Scipio with what speed you can. For piety make hast, whilst yet we are man. Exeunt bearing Soph. in a chair, Cornets, A March, Enter Scipio in full state triumphal ornaments carried before him and Sy. bound at the other d●r● Lelius. So. What answers Massinissa will he sand, That Sophonisba of so moving tongs Le. Full of dismayed vnsteddines he stood, His right hand looked in hers, which hand he gave As pledge from Rome, she ever should live free But when I entred, and well urged this vow And thy command his great hart sunk with shane: His eyes lost spirit, and his heat of life, 〈◇〉 from his face, as one that stood benumbde, 〈…〉 t'effect, impossibilities, 〈…〉 her or Scipio, Hemust break vow, long time he tossd his thoughts And as you see a snow ball being rolde At first a handful, yet long bold about, Infensibly acquires a mighty globe, So his could grief through agitation grows, And more he thinks, the more of grief he knows At last he seemde to yield her. Sy. mark Scipio, Trust him that breaks a vow? Sci. How thē trust thee? Sy O misdoubt him not, when he's thy slave like me Enter Massinissa all in black, Mas. Scipio, Sc. Massinissa, Ma. general. Sc. King: Mas. Liu's there no mercy for one soul of Carthage But must see baseness? Sc. Wouldst thou ioy thy peace, deliver Sophonisba strait and cease, Do nor grasp that which is too hote to hold, We grace thy grief, and hold it with soft sense. enjoy good courage, but void insolence. I tell thee Rome and Scipio deign to bear, So low a breast as for her say, we fear. Ma. Do not, do notilet not the fright of Nations Know so vile terms. Shee rests at thy dispose Sy. To my soul ioy, shall Sophonisba then With me go bound and wait on Scipios wheel? When th'whole worlds giddy one man cannot reel, Ma. starve thy lean hopes, and Romans now behold A sight would sad the Gods? make Phaebus could. Orgaine and Recorders play to a single voice: Enter in the mean time the mournful solemnity of Massinissas presenting Sophon. body: look Scipio, see what hard shift we make To keep our vows; here, take I yield her thee, And Sophonisba I keep vow thou art still free. Sy. Burst my vexed heart, the torture that most racks An enemy, is his foes royal acts. Sc. The glory of thy virtue live for ever; brave heartes may be obscured, but extinct never. Scipio adorns Massinisssa Take from the general of Rome this crown, This robe of triumph, and this conquests wreathe This 〈…〉 this hand for ever breath, 〈…〉: live worth thy famed As far from faintings as from now base name. Ma. 〈◇〉 whom like sparkling steal the stroke of Chance Made hard and firm; and like wild fire turned The more could fate, more bright thy virtue burnt, And in whole seas of miseries didst flamme. On thee loved creature of a deathless famed Massinissa adorns Sophonisba. 〈◇〉 all my honour: O thou for whom I drink 〈◇〉 deep of grief, that he must onely think, Not dare to speak) that would express my woe, Small riuers murmur, deep gulfs silent flow, My grief is here, not here, heave gently then, Womens right wonder, and just shane of men. Cornets a short flourish. Exeunt queen, manet Ma. EPILOGVS. And now with lighter passion, though with most just fear I change my person, and do hither bear Anothers voice, who with a phrase as weak As his deserts now willed me,( thus formed) speak, If words well senc'd, best suiting subject grave, Noble true story may once boldly crave, Acceptance gracious, if he whose fiers, E●●y not others nor himself admires, If sceans exempt from ribaldry or rage, Of taxinges indiscreet, may please the stage, If such may hope applause, he not commands Yet craves as due, the iustice of your hands But freely he protests how ere it is, Or well or ill, or much, not much amiss, With constant modesty he doth submit, To all, save those, that haue more tongue then wit. After all, let me entreat my Reader not to tax me, for the fashion of the Entrances and music of this Tragidy, for know it is printed onely as it was presented by youths, & after the fashion of the private stage. Nor let some easily amended errors in the Printing afflict thee since thy own discourse will easily 〈…〉 such vneuennes.