The Wonder of Women, or Sophonisba Marston, John This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A07083 of text S112294 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 17488). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. Martin Mueller Incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by Nayoon Ahn Heejin Ro This text has not been fully proofread EarlyPrint Project Evanston IL, Notre Dame IN, St.Louis, Washington MO 2017 Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License A07083.xml The vvonder of vvomen or The tragedie of Sophonisba as it hath beene sundry times acted at the Blacke Friers. Written by Iohn Marston. Marston, John, 1575?-1634. 28 600dpi TIFF G4 page images University of Michigan, Digital Library Production Service Ann Arbor, Michigan 2003 November (TCP phase 1) 99847549 STC (2nd ed.) 17488. Greg, I, 231(aI). 12586 A07083 2240944191

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 The vvonder of vvomen or The tragedie of Sophonisba as it hath beene sundry times acted at the Blacke Friers. Written by Iohn Marston. Wonder of women Tragedie of Sophonisba. Wonder of women or The tragedie of Sophonisba. Marston, John, 1575?-1634. [56] p. Printed by Iohn Windet and are to be sold [by W. Cotton] neere Ludgate, London : 1606. 1605

In verse.

Bookseller's name from STC.

Signatures: A-G4.

The last leaf is blank.

Reproduction of the original in the Folger Shakespeare Library.

 A07083 shc The Wonder of Women, or Sophonisba Marston, John Nayoon Ahn Heejin Ro 1605 play tragedy shc no A07083 S112294 (STC 17488). 56 17220 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 A This text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. Incorporated ~ 10,000 textual changes made to the SHC corpus by Hannah Bredar, Kate Needham, and Lydia Zoells between April and July 2015 during visits, separately or together, to the Bodleian, Folger and Houghton Libraries as well as the Rare Book Libraries at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago Boston Public Library, BRLL

THE WONDER of Women Or The Tragedie of Sophonisba , as it hath beene sundry times Acted at the Blacke Friers .

Written by IOHN MARSTON .

LONDON . Printed by Iohn Windet and are to be sold neere Ludgate , 1606 .

To the generall Reader .

KNow , that I haue not labored in this poeme , to tie my selfe to relate any thing as an historian but to inlarge euery thing as a Poet , To transcribe Authors , quote authorities , & translate Latin prose orations into English black-verse , hath in this subiect beene the least aime of my studies . Then ( equall Reader ) peruse me with no prepared dislike , and if ought shall displease thee thanke thy selfe , if ought shall please thee thanke not me , for I confesse in this it was not my onely end .

Io. Marston .
Argumentum . A gratefull harts iust haight : Ingratitude . And vowes base breach with worthy shame persu'd A womans constant loue as firm as fate A blamelesse Counsellor well borne for state The folly to inforce free loue , These know This subject with full light doth amply show . Interlocutores . Kings in Lybia riuals for Sophonisba . Massinissa . Syphax , Asdruball . Father to Sophonisba . Gelosso . A Senator of Carthage . Bytheas . A Senator of Carthage . Hanno Magnus . Captaine for Carthage . Iugurth . Massinissas Nephew . Generals of Rome . Scipio . Laelius . Vangue . An Ethiopian slaue . Carthalon . A Senator of Carthage . Gisco . A Surgean of Carthage . Nuntius . Sophonisba . Daughter to Asdruball of Carthage . Zanthia . Her maide . Erictho . An Inchantres . Waiting women to Sophonisba . Arcathia . Nycea .
Prologus . Cornets sound a march . Enter at one dore the Prologue : too Pages with torches : Asdrubal and Iugurth too Pages with lights : Massinissa leading Sophonisba : Zanthia bearing Sophonisbas traine Arcathia and Nicea : Hano and Bytheas At the other dore too Pages with targets and Iauelines , too Pages with lights , Syphax armd from top to toe , Vangue followes . These thus entred , stand still , whilst the Prologue resting betweene both troups speakes . THe Sceane is Lybia , and the subiect thus . Whilst Carthage stoode the onely awe of Rome , As most imperiall seate of Lybia , Gouernd 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 Wals yet pale : Then in this Carthage Sophonisba liu'd The farre fam'd daughter of great Asdruball ! For whom ( mongst others ) potent Syphax sues And well grac'd Massinissa riuals him Both Princes of proud Scepters : but the lot Of doubtfull fauour Massinissa grac'd At which Syphax grows blacke : For now the night Yeelds loud resoundings of the nuptiall pompe : Apollo strikes his Harpe : Hymen his Torch Whilst lowring Iuno with ill-boding eye Sits enuious at too forward Venus : Loe The instant night : And now ye worthier minds To whom we shall present a female glory ( The wonder of a constancie so fixt That Fate it selfe might well grow enuious ) Be pleasd to sit such as may merrit oile And holy dew stil'd from diuiner heat , For rest thus knowing , what of this you heare , The Author lowly hopes , but must not feare . For iust worth neuer rests on popular frowne , To haue done well is faire deeds onely crowne . Nee se quisiuerit extra . Cornets sound a March , the Prologue leads Massinissas troupes ouer the Stage , and departs : Syphax troupes 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 , thinke , wert thou a slaue Though Sophonisba did reiect thy loue Thy low neglected head vnpointed at Thy shame vnrumord and thy sute vnskoffd Might yet rest quiet : Reputation Thou awe of fooles and greatmen : thou that choakst Freest addictions , and makst mortals sweat Bloud and cold drops in feare to loose , or hope To gaine thy neuer certaine seldome worthy gracings . Reputation ! Wert not for thee Syphax could beare this skorne Not spouting vp his gall among his bloud In blacke vexations : Massinissa might Inioy the sweets of his preferred graces Without my dangerous Enuy or Reuenge Wert not for thy affliction all might sleepe In sweete obliuion : But ( O greatnes skourge ! ) We cannot without Enuie keepe high name Nor yet disgrac'd can haue a quiet shame . Va.

Scipio : —

Sy.

Some light in depth of hell : Vangue what hope ?

Va. I haue receaud assur'd intelligence That Scipio Romes sole hope hath raisd vp men Drawne troupes together for inuasion — Sy.

Of this same Carthage .

Va. With this pollicie To force wild Hannibal from Italy — Sy.

And draw the war to Affricke .

Va.

Right .

Sy. And strik This secure countrey with vnthought of armes Va. My letters beare he is departed Rome Directly setting course and sayling vp . — Sy. To Carthage , Carthage , O thou eternall youth Man of large fame great and abounding glory Renounefull Scipio , spread thy too-necked Eagles , Fill full thy sailes with a reuenging wind , Strike through obedient Neptune , till thy prows Dash vp our Lybian ouse , and thy iust armes Shine with amazfull terror on these wals , O now record thy Fathers honord bloud Which Carthage drunke , thy Vncle Publius bloud Which Carthage drunke , 30000. soules Of choice Italians Carthage set on wing : Remember Hannibal , yet Hannibal The consul-queller : O then inlarge thy hart Be thousand soules in one , let all the breath The spirit of thy name and nation be mixt strong In thy great hart : O fall like thunder shaft The winged vengeance of incensed Ioue Vpon this Carthage : for Syphax here flies off From all allegeance , from all loue or seruice His ( now freed ) scepter once did yeeld this Cittie Yee vniuersall Gods , Light , Heate , and Ayre Proue all vnblessing Syphax if his hands Once reare them selues for Carthage but to curse it . It had beene better they had changd their faith , Denide their Gods , then sleighted Syphax loue So fearefully will I take vengeance . I 'le interleague with Scipio . Vangue . Deere Ethiopian Negro , goe wing a vessell And fly to Scipio . say his confederate Vowd and confirmd is Syphax : bidd him hast To mix our palmes and armes : will him make vp Whilst we are in the strength of discontent Our vnsuspected forces well in armes For Sophonisba , Carthage , Asdruball Shall feele their weaknes in preferring weaknes And one lesse great then we , to our deere wishes Haste gentle Negro , that this heape may knowe stronge Me , and their wronge : Ua:

Wronge ?

Sy. I , tho t were not , yet knowe while Kings are What thei 'le but thinke and not what is , is wrong I am disgrac'd in , and by that which hath No reason , Loue , and Woman , my reuenge Shall therefore beare no argument of right Passion is Reason when it speakes from Might I tell thee , man , nor Kings , nor Gods exempt But they grow pale if once they find Contempt : haste . Exeunt .
Scena Secunda . Enter , Arcathia , Nycea with Tapers Sophonisba in her night attyre followed by Zanthia . So.

Watch at the dors: and till we be repos'd

Let no one enter : Zanthia vndoe me .

Za.

With this motto vnder your girdle

You had bin vndone if you had not bin vndone humblest seruice .

So. I wonder Zanthia why the custome is To vse such Ceremonie such strict shape About vs women : forsooth the Bride must steale Before her Lord to bed : and then delaies Long expectations all against knowne wishes I hate these figures in locution These about phrases forc'd by ceremonie We must still seeme to flie what we most seeke And hide our selues from that we faine would find vs Let those that thinke and speake and doe iust actes Know forme can giue no vertue to their actes Nor detract vice . Za. 'las faire Princes , those that are strongly form'd And truely shapt may naked walke , but we We things cal'd women , onely made for show And pleasure , created to beare children And play at shuttle-coke , we imperfect mixtures without respectiue ceremonie vs'd And euer complement , alas what are we ? Take from vs formall custome and the curtesies Which ciuill fashion hath still vs'd to vs We fall to all contempt , O women how much How much are you beholding to Ceremony , So.

You are familiar . Zanthia my shooe ,

Za.

T i's wonder Madam you treade not awry .

So.

Your reason Zanthia .

Za.

You goe very high .

So.

Harke , Musicke , Musicke .

The Ladies lay the Princes in a faire bed , and close the curtaines whil'st Massinissa Enters . Ni.

The Bridgrome .

Arca.

The Bridgrome

So.

Hast good Zanthia , helpe , keepe yet the dores

Za.

Faire fall you Lady , so , admit admit .

Enter Foure boyes antiquely attiered with bows and quiuers dauncing to the Cornets , a phantastique measure , Massinissa in his night gowne led by Asdruball and Hanno followed by Bytheas and Iugurth , the boyes draw the Curtaines discouering Sophonisba to whom Massinissa speakes . Ma. You powers of ioy : Gods of a happie bed Show you are pleas'd , sister and wife of Ioue High fronted Iuno and thou Carthage Patron Smoth chind Appollo , both giue modest heat And temperat graces . Mass. drawes a white ribbon forth of the bed as from the waste of Sopho . Mas. Loe I vnloose thy waste She that is iust in loue is Godlike chaste : Io to Hymen . Chorus with cornets , Organ , and voices . Io to Hymen . So. A modest silence tho' te be thought A virgins beautie and hir highest honor Though bashfull fainings nicely wrought Grace hir that vertue takes not in , but on hir What I dare thinke I boldly speake After my word my well bold action rusheth In open flame then passion breake Where Vertue prompts , thought word , act neuer blusheth . Reuenging Gods whose Marble hands Crush faithlesse men with a confounding terror Giue me no mercy if these bands I couet not with an vnfained feruor Which zealous vow when ought can force me t'lame Load with that plague Atlas would groane at , shame . Io to Himen . Chorus . Io to Hymen . Asdru. Liue both high parents of so happy birth Your stemms may touch the skies and shaddow earth Most great in fame more great in vertue shining Prosper O powers a iust , a strong diuining . Io to Hymen . Chorus . Io to Hymen . Enter Carthalo his sword drawne , his body wounded , his shield strucke full of darts : Massin . being reddy for bedde . Car. To bold harts Fortune , be not you amazd Carthage O Carthage : be not you amazd . Ma. Ioue made vs not to feare , resolue , speake out The highest misery of man is doubt : Speake Carthalo . Car. The stooping Sun like to some weaker Prince Let his shads spread to an vnnaturall hugenesse When we the campe that lay at Vtica From Carthage distant but fiue easie leagues Discride from of the watch three hundred saile Vpon whose tops the Roman Eagles streachd Their large spread winges , which fan'd the euening ayre To vs cold breath , for well we might discerne Rome swam to Carthage . Asd. Hanniball our ancor is come backe , thy slight Thy Stratagem to lead warre vnto Rome To quite our selues , hath taught now desperat Rome T' assaile our Carthage , Now the warre is here . Ma.

He is nor blessd nor honest that can feare .

Ha.

I but to cast the worst of our distresse . - -

Ma. To doubt of what shall be is wretchednesse Desier , Feare , and Hope , receaue no bond By whom , we in our selues are neuer but beyond . On . Car. Th' allarum beates necessitie of fight Th' vnsober euening drawes out reeling forces Souldiers halfe men , who to their colors troupe With fury , not with valor : whilst our ships Vnrigd , vnusd , fitter for fier then water We saue in our bard hauen from surprise . By this our army marcheth toward the shore , Vndisciplind young men most bold to doe If they knew how , or what , when we discrie A mightie dust beate vp with horses houes Straight Roman ensignes glitter : Scipio . Asd.

Scipio .

Car. Scipio aduaunced like the God of blood Leads vp grim war , that father of foule wounds Whose sinowy feete are steepd in gore , whose hideous voice Makes turrets tremble , and whole Citties shake Before whose browes flight and disorder hurry With whom March Burnings , murder , wrong , waste , rapes Behind whom a sad traine is seene , Woe , Feares Tortures , Leane , Neede , Famine , and helplesse teares Now make we equall stand in mutuall vew We iudg'd the Romans 18. thousand foote 5000 . Horse , we almost doubled them In number not in vertue : yet in heate Of youth and wine iolly and full of bloud . We gaue the signe of battle : shouts are raisd That shooke the heauens : Pell Mell our armys ioyne Horse , targets , pikes all against each apposd They giue fierce shoke , arms thundred as they closd Men couer earth which straight are couered With men and earth : yet doubtfull stood the fight More faire to Carthage ; when loe as oft you see In mines of gold , when laboring slaues delue out The richest ore , being in suddaine hope With some vnlookt for vaine to full their buckets And send huge treasure vp , a suddaine damp Stifles them all , their hands yet stuffd with gold So fell our fortunes for looke as yee stood proud As hopefull victors , thinking to returne With spoiles worth triumph , wrathfull Syphax lands With full ten thousand strong Numidian horse And ions to Scipio , then loe we all were damp't We fall in glusters and our wearied troups Quit all : slaughter ran throw vs straight , we flie Romans pursue , but Scipio sounds retraite As fearing traines and night : we make amaine For Carthage most , and some for Vtica All for our liues : new force , fresh armes with speed You haue said truth of all : no more . I bleede . By.

O wretched fortune .

Mas. Old Lord spare thy haynes What dost thou thinke baldnesse will cure thy greefe What decree the Senate ? Enter Gelosso with Commissions in his hand seald . Gelo. Aske old Gelosso who returnes from them Informd with fullest charge strong Asdruball Great Massinissa Carthage Generall So speakes the Senate : Counsell for this warre In Hanno magnus , Bytheas , Carthalon . And vs Gelosso rests : Imbrace this charge You neuer yet dishonord . Asdruball High Massinissa by your vowes to Carthage By God of great-men Glory , fight for Carthage Ten thousand strong Massulians readie troupt Expect their King , double that number waites The leading of loud Asdruball ; beate lowde Our Affrike drummes , and whil'st our o're-toild foe Snores on his vnlacd cask , all faint though proud Through his succesfull fight strike fresh allarmes Gods are not if they grace not bold iust armes . Mass. Carthage thou straight shalt know Thy fauoures haue beene done vnto a king . Exit with Asdruball and the Page . Soph. My Lords t , is most vnusuall such sad haps Of suddeine horror , should intrude mong beds Of soft and priuate loues ; but strange euents Excuse strange form's . O you that know our bloud Reuenge if I doe faine : I here protest Though my Lord leaue his wife a very mayde , Euen this night instead of my soft armes Clasping his well strong lims with glossfull steele , What s safe to Carthage shall be sweete to me . I must not , nor I am once ignorant My choyse of loue hath giuen this suddein danger To yet strong Carthage : t' was I lost the fight , My choice vext Syphax inrag'd Syphax struk Armes fate : yet Sophonisba not repents , O we were Gods if that we knew euents . But let me Lord leaue Carthage , quit his virtue I will not loue him , yet must honor him , As still good Subjects must badd Princes : Lords From the most ill-grac'd Hymeneall bedde That euer Iuno frown'd at , I intreat That you 'le collect from our loose form'd speach This firme resolue : that no loe Appetite Of my sex weaknes , can or shall orecome Due gratefull seruice vnto you , or virtue . Witnesse ye Gods I neuer vntill now Repin'd at my creation ; now I wish I were no woman , that my armes might speake My hart to Carthage : but in vaine , my tongue Sweares I am woman still : I talke to long . Cornets a march . Enter two Pages with targets and Iauelins two Pages with torches . Massinissa arm'd a cape a pee . Asdruball arm'd . Ma. Ye Carthage Lords : know Massinissa knowes Not only terms of honor : but his actions Nor must I now inlarge how much my cause Hath dangerd Carthage but how I may show My selfe most prest to satisfaction The loathsome staine of Kings Ingratitude From me O much be farre , and since this torrent Warres rage admits no Ancor : since the billow Is risen so high we may not hull but yeelde This ample state to stroke of speedy swords What you with sober hast hath well decreed Wee le put to suddaine armes : no not this night These dainties this first fruits of nuptials That well might giue excuse for feeble lingrings Shall hinder Massiuissa . Appetite Kisses , loues , dalliance and what softer ioyes The Venus of the pleasingst ease can minister I quit you all : Vertue perforce is Vice But he that may , yet holds , is manly wise Loe then ye Lords of Carthage , to your trust I leaue all Massinissas treasure by the oath Of right good men stand to my fortune iust . Most hard it is for great harts to mistrust . Car.

We vow by all high powers .

Ma. No doe not sweare . I was not borne so small to doubt or feare . So.

Worthy my Lord .

Ma. Peace my eares are steele I must not heare thy much inticing voice . So. By Massinissa , Sophonisba speakes Worthy his wife : goe with as high a hand As worth can reare , I will not stay my Lord Fight for our country , vent thy youthfull heate In field not beds , the fruite of honor Fame Be rather gotten then the oft disgrace Of haplesse parents , children , goe best man And make me proud to be a soldiers wife That valews his renoune aboue faint pleasures Thinke euery honor that doth grace thy sword Trebbles my loue : by thee I haue no lust But of thy glory : best lights of heauen with thee Like wonder stand , or fall , so though thou die My fortunes may be wretched , but not I . Mas. Wondrous creature , euen fit for Gods not men Nature made all the rest of thy faire sex As weake essaies , to make thee a patterne Of what can be in woman . Long Farewell . Hee s sure vnconquer'd in whom thou dost dwell Carthage Palladium . See that glorious lampe Whose lifefull presence giueth suddaine flight To phansies , fogs , feares , sleepe , and slothfull night Spreads day vpon the world : march swift amaine Fame got with losse of breath is godlike gaine . The Ladies draw the curtaines about Sophonisba , the rest accompany Massinissa forth , the Cornets and Organs playing loud full Musicke for the Act.
Actus Primi . FINIS .
Actus Secundi .
Scena Prima . Whil'st the Musicke for the first Act soundes Hanno , Carthalo , Bytheas , Gelosso enter : They place themselues to Counsell , Gisco th' impoisner waiting on them , Hanno , Carthalo , and Bytheas , setting their hands to a writing , which being offer'd to Gelosso , he denies his hand , and as much offended impatiently starts vp and speakes . Gelasso . Hanno . Bytheas . Carthalo . GEl.

My hand ? my hand ? rotte first , wither in aged shame

Han.

Wil you be so vnseasonably wood ?

Byt. Hold such preposterous zeale as stand against the full decree of Senate ? all think fitte . Car. Nay most vneuitable necessarie For Carthage safty , and the now sole good Of present state , that wee must breake all faith With Massinissa : whilst he fights abroad Let s gaine backe Syphax , making him our owne By giuing Sophonisba to his bed . Han. Syphax is Massinissas greater , and his force Shall giue more side to Carthage ; as fo rs queene And her wise father , they loue Carthage fate , Profit , and Honesty , are one in state . Gel. And what decrees our very vertuous senate Of worthy Massinissa that now fightes and ( leauing wife and bed ) bleeds in good armes For right old Carthage ? Car. Thus t is thought fit Hir father Asdruball on sudeine shall take in Reuolted Siphax ; so with doubled strength Before that Massinissa shall suspect , Slaughter boeth Massinissa and his troupes , And likewise strike with his deepe stratagem A suddeine weaknes into Scipios armes , By drawing such a lim from the maine body Of his yet powerfull armie : which being don Dead Massinissas kingdom we decree To Sophonisba and great Asdruball For their consent , so this swift plot shall bring Two crowns to hir , make Asdruball a king . Gel.

So first faithes breach , adultery , murder , theft ,

Car.

What els ? Gel. Nay all is don no mischeif left

Car. Pish prosperous successe giues blackest actions glory , The means are vnremembred in most story . Gel.

Let me not say Gods are not .

Car. This is fit Conquest by bloud is not so sweet as wit , For how so ere nice vertue censures of it , He hath the grace of warre , that hath wars profit . But Carthage well aduisde , that states comes on , With slow aduice , quicke execution , Haue here an Engineere long bred for plots , Cal'd an impoisner , who knows this sound excuse , The onely dew that makes men sprout in Courtes , is vse , Be 't well or ill , his thrift is to be mute , Such slaues must act commands , and not dispute . Knowing foule deedes with danger do begin But with rewardes do end : Sin is no sin But in respects — Gel. Politique Lord , speake low tho heauen beares A face far from vs , Gods haue most long eares , Ioue has a hundred marble marble hands Car.

O I , in Poetry or Tragique sceane .

Gel.

I feare Gods onely know what Poets mean .

Car. Yet heare me : I will speake close truth and cease , Nothing in Nature is vnseruisable , No , not euen Inutility it selse , Is then for nought dishonesty in beeing , And if it be sometimes of forced vse , Wherein more vrgent then in sauing nations State shapes are sodderd vp , with base , nay faulty Yet necessary functions ; some must lie , Some must betray , some murder , and some all , Each hath strong vse , as poyson in all purges Yet when some violent chance shall force a state , To breake giuen faith , or plot some stratagems , Princes ascribe that vile necessity Vnto Heauens wrath : and sure tho 't be no vice , Yet t' is bad chance : states must not stick to nice For Massinissas death sence bids forgiue Beware to offend greate men and let them liue For t is of empires body the mayne arme , He that will do no good shall doe no harme : yow haue my mind Gel. Although a stagelike passion & weake heate Full of an empty wording might sute age Know I le speake strongly truth : Lordes neere mistrust That he who 'le not betray a priuate man For his country , will neer betray his country For priuate men ; then giue Gelosso faith If treachery in state be seruiceable , Let hangmen doe it : I am bound to loose My life but not my honour for my country ; Our vow , our faith , our oath , why th' are our selues And he that s faithlesse to his proper selfe , May be excusd if he breake faith with princes : The Gods assist just hearts , & states that trust , Plots before Prouidence are tost like dust . For Massinissa : ( O let me slake a little Austere discourse and feele Humanitie ) Me thinkes I heare him cry . O fight for Carthage , Charge home , wounds smart not , for that so just so great So good a Citty : me thinks I see him yet Leaue his faire bride euen on his nuptiall night To buckle on his armes for Carthage : Harke - Yet , yet , I heare him cry — Ingratitude Vile staine of man . O ouer be most far From Massinissas breast : vp , march amaine , Fame got with losse of breath , is godlike gaine . And see by this he bleedes in doubtfull fight : And cries for Carthage , whilst Carthage — Memory Forsake Gelosso , would I could not think : Nor heare , nor bee , When Carthage is So infinitely vile : see see looke here , Cornets . Enter two Vshers . Sophonisba . Zanthia . Arcathia . Hanno Bytheas and Carthalo present Sophonisba with a paper , which shee hauing perused , after a short silence speakes Who speakes ? what mute ? fair plot : what ? blush to breake it ? How lewd to act when so sham'd but to speake it . So.

Is this the Senates firme decrees

Car.

It is .

Sopho.

Is this the Senates firme decree ?

Car.

It is

Sopho.

Hath Syphax entertaind the stratagem ?

Car.

No doubt he hath , or will .

So. My answers thus , What s safe to Carthage , shall be sweet to me Car.

Right worthy

Ha.

Roialest Ge. O very woman !

So. But t is not safe for Carthage to destroy , Be most vniust , cunninglie politique , Your heads still vnder Heauen , O trust to fate , Gods prosper more a iust then crafty state . T is lesse disgrace to haue a pitied losse Then shamefull victory . Ge.

O very Angel !

So. We all haue sworne good Massinissa faith , Speach makes vs men , and ther s no other bond Twixt man and man , but words : O equall Gods Make vs once know the consequence of vowes — Ge.

And wee shall hate faith-breakers worse then man-eaters

So.

Ha! good Gelosso is thy breath not here ?

Ge. You doe me wrong as long as I can die , Doubt you that old Gelasso can be vile ? States may afflict , tax , torture , but our mindes Are only sworne to Ioue : I greiue and yet am proud That I alone am honest : high powers you know Virtue is seldom seene with troupes to goe . So. Excellent man Carthage & Rome shall fall Before thy fame : our Lords know I the worst . Car.

The Gods foresaw , t is fate we thus are forc'd .

So. Gods naught foresee , but see , for to their eyes Naught is to come , or past , Nor are you vile Because the Gods foresee : for Gods and We See as thinges are things are not , for we see But since affected wisdom in vs Women Is our sex highest folly : I am silent , I cannot speake lesse well , vnlesse I were More void of goodnesse : Lordes of Carthage , thus The ayre and earth of Carthage owes my body , It is their seruant ; what decree they of it ? Car. That you remoue to Cirta , to the pallace Of well form'd Syphax , who with longing eyes Meetes you : he that giues way to Fate is wise . So. I goe : what power can make me wretched ? what euill Is there in life to him , that knowes lifes losse To be no euill : show , show thy vgliest brow O most blacke chaunce : make me a wretched story Without misfortune Vertue hath no glorie Opposed trees makes tempests show their power And waues forc'd back by rocks maks Neptune tower Tearelesse O see a miracle of life A maide , a widdow , yet a haplesse wife . Cornets . Sopho. accompanied with the Senators depart , onely Gelosso staies . Ge. A prodegy ! let nature run crosse legd Ops goe vpon thy head , let Neptune burne Cold Saturne cracke with heate for now the world Hath seene a Woman : Leape nimble lightning from Ioues ample shield And make at length , an end , the proud hot breath Of thee contemning Greatnesse , the huge drought Of sole selfe louing vast Ambition . Th' vnnaturall scorching heate of all those lamps Thou reard'st to yeeld a temperate fruitfull heat Relentlesse rage whose hart hath no one drop Of humane pittie : all all loudly cry Thy brand O Ioue , for know the world is dry O let A generall end saue Carthage fame When worlds doe burne vnseen s a Citties flame . Phoebus in me is great : Carthage must fall Ioue hats all vice but vows breach worst of all . Exit .
Scena Secunda . Cornets sound a charge : Enter Massinissa in his gorget and shert , shield , sword , his arme transfixt with a dart Iugurth followes with his curaes and caske . Mas.

Mount vs againe , giue vs another horse

Iug.

Vncle your bloud flows fast , pray ye withdraw

Mas. O Iugurth I cannot bleed too fast . too much For that so great , so iust so royall Carthage My wound smarts not , blouds losse maks me not faint For that lou'de Citty , O Nephew let me tell thee , How good that Carthage is : it nourishde me , And when full time gaue me fit strength for loue , The most adored creature of the citty . To vs before great Syphax did they yeeld , Faire , noble , modest , and boue all , my , My Sophonisba , O Iugurth my strength doubles I know not how to turne a coward , drop In feeble basenes , I cannot : giue me horse , Know I am Carthage very creature , and I am gracde , That I may bleed for them : giue me fresh horse . Iug. He that doth publike good for multitude , Findes few are truely gratefull . Mas. O Iugurth , fie you must not say so , Iugurth , Some common weales may let a noble hart , Too forward bleeds abroad and bleed bemond , But not reuengd at home , but Carthage , fie It cannot be vngrate , faithles through feare , It cannot Iugurth : Sophonisba's there , Beat a fresh charge . Enter Asdrubal his sword drawne reading a letter Gisco follows him Asd. Sound the retraite , respect your health braue Prince , The waste of blood throw's palenes on your face , Ma. By light , my harts not pale : O my lou'd father , We bleed for Carthage Balsum to my woundes , We bleede for Carthage : shal s restore the fight ? My squadron of Massulians yet stands firme . Asd. The day lookes off from Carthage cease all arms A modest temperance is the life of armes , Take our best surgeon Gisco , he is sent From Carthage to attend your chance of warre , Gis.

We promise sudden ease .

Ma.

Thy conforts good

Asd. That nothing can secure vs but thy blood : Infuse it in his wound , t' will worke amaine , Gis.

O Ioue ,

Asd. What Ioue ? 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 olde soldier , deliuering to Massinissa ( as he preparing to be dressed by Gisco ) letter which Massinissa reading , starts and speakes to Gisco . Ma.

Forbeare , how art thou cald ?

Gi.

Gisco my Lord .

Mas. Vm , Gisco , ha , touch not mine arme , most onely man , to Gelasso . Sirrha , sirrha , art poore ? Gi.

not poore .

Ma. Nephew command Massinissa begins to drane . Our troupes of horse make indisgraced retraite , Trot easie off : not poore : Iugurth giue charge , My souldiers stand in square battalia , Exit Iugurth . Intirely of themselues : Gisco th' art old , T is time to leaue off murder , thy faint breath . Scarce heaues thy ribs , thy gummy bloud-shut eyes , Are sunke a great way in thee , thy lanke skinne , Slides from thy fleshlesh veines : be good to men , Iudge him yee Gods , I had not life to kill So base a Creature , hold Gisco ( ) liue , The God-like part of Kings is to forgiue , Gis.

Command astonishd Gisco .

Mas. No returne . Haste vnto Carthage : quit thy abiect feares , Massinissa knowes no vse of murderers . Enter Iugurth amazde , his sword drawne . Speake , speake , let terror strike slaues mute . Much danger makes great hartes most resolute , Iug. Vnkle I feare foule armes , my selfe beheld , Syphax on high speed run his well breathde horse , Direct to Cirta that most beauteous Citty , Of all his kingdome : whilst his troupes of horse With careles trot pace gently toward our campe , As friendes to Carthage , stand on guard deere vnckle For Asdrubal with yet his well rankt armie , Bends a deepe threatning brow to vs as if , He waited but to ioyne with Syphax horse And hew vs all to peeces : O my King My Vncle , Father , Captaine O ouer All Stand like thy selfe or like thy selfe now fall Thy troups yet hold good ground : Vnworthy wounds Betray not Massinissa . Ma. Iugurth pluck Pluck , so , good cuz . Iug.

O God doe you not feele ?

Mas.

Not Iugurth no , now all my flesh is steele .

Gela. Of base disguise : High lights scorne not to vew A true old man : vp Massinissa throw The lot of battle vpon Syphax troups Before he ioyne with Carthage : then amaine Make through to Scipio , he yeelds safe abods Spare treacherie , and strike the very Gods . Mas. Why wast thou borne at Carthage , O my fate Diuinest 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 Vp vnmaimd hart spend all thy greefe and rage Vpon thy foe : the fields a soldiers stage On which his action shows : If you are iust And hate those that contemne you , O you Gods Reuenge worthy your anger , your anger , O , Downe man , vp hart , stoup Ioue and bend thy chin To thy large brest , giue signe th' art pleasd , and iust Sweare , good mens for heads must not print the dust Exeunt .
Scena Tertia . Enter Asdruball , Hanno , Bytheas . As. What Carthage hath decreed , Hanno is done Aduauncd and borne was Asdruball for state Onely with it his faith , his loue , his hate Are of one peece : were it my daughters life That fate hath song to Carthage safetie brings What deed so red but hath beene done by Kings ? Ephiginia , he that s a man for men , Ambitious as a God , must like a God Liue cleare from passions , his full aimde attend Immence to others , sole selfe to comprehend Round in 's own globe , not to bee claps'd but holds Within him all , his hart being of more foldes Then sheeld of Telamon not to be peirced tho struck The God of wisemen is themselues , not lucke . Enter Gisco . See him by whom now Massiuissa is not Gisco i' st done ? Gis. Your pardon worthy Lord , It is not don , my heart sunke in my breast , His virtue mazd me , faintnes seasd me all , Some Gods in Kinges that will not let them fall . As. His virtue mazde thee , ( vm ) why now I see Th art that iust man that hath true touch of blood , Of pitty and soft piety : Forgiue ? Yes honour thee , wee did it but to trye What sense thou hadst of blood : goe Bytheas Take him into our priuate treasurie And cut his throate , the slaue hath all betraide . By. Are you assured ? As. A feard for this I know Who thinketh to buy villany with golde , Shall euer find such faith so bought so solde . Reward him thorowly . A shoute the Cornets giuing a florish . Han.

What meanes this shoute ?

Asd. Hanno t is don : Scyphax reuolt by this Hath securd Carthage : and now his force come in And ioynde with vs giue Massinissa charge , And assured slaughter : O ye powers forgiue , Through rottenst dung best plants both sprout & liue By blood vines grow . Ha. But yet thinke Asdruball T is fit at least you beare greefes outward showe , It is your kinsman bleedes : what neede men knowe . Your hand is in his wounds , t is well in state , To doe close ill ; but voide a publique hate . Asd. Tush Hanno let me prosper let routs prate , My power shall force their silence or my hate . Shall skorne their idle malice : men of waight Know , he that feares enuy let him cease to raigne , The peoples hate to some hath bin their gaine . For how so ere a Monarke faines his partes , Steale anie thing from Kinges but subiects hartes . Enter Carthalo leading in bound Gelosso . Ca.

Gard , gard the campe , make to the trench stand firme

As.

The Gods of boldnes with vs , how runs chance ?

Ca. Think , think how wretched thou canst be , thou art , Short wordes shall speake long woes : Ge.

marke Asdruball .

Ca. Our bloody plot to Massinissas eare Vntimely by this Lord was all betraide . Ge. By me , it was , by mee vile Asdruball , I to spea kt. As.

Downe slaue .

Ge.

I cannot fall .

Car. Our traines disclosd , straight to his well vsde armes He tooke himselfe , rose vp with all his force , On Syphax careles troupes ( Syphax beeing hurried Before to Cirta feareles of successe impatient Sophonisba to inioy . ) Gelosso rides to head of all our squadrons Commandes make stand in thy name Asdruball , In mine , in his , in all : dull rest our men , Whilst Massinissa now with more then fury , Chargeth the loose and much amazed rankes , Of absent Syphax : who with broken shoute , ( In vaine expecting Carthage secondings ) Giue faint repulse : a second charge is giuen Then looke as when a Fawcon towrs aloft Whole shoales of foule and flocks of lesser birdes , Crouch fearefully and diue some among sedge , Some creepe in brakes : so Massinissas sword Brandisht aloft , tossd 'bout his shining cask , Made stoope whole squadrons , quick as thought he strikes , Here hurles he dartes ? and there his rage strong arme , Fights foote to foote : heere cryes he strike : they sinke And then grim slaughter followes , for by this As men betraide , they curse vs , dye , or flye , or both Often sixe thousand fell : Now was I come And straight perceaud all Bled by his vile plot . Ge.

Vile ? good plot , my good plot Asdruball .

Ca. I forcd our army beat a running march , But Massinissa strooke his spurs apace Vpon his speedy horse , leaues slaughtering All flye to Scipio who with open rankes In view receaues them : Al I could effect Was but to gaine him . As.

Dye .

Ge. Do what thou can , Thou canst but kill a weake old honest man . Car. scipio and Massinissas by this strike Gelosso departes guarded Their clasped palmes , then vow an endles loue , straight a ioynt shoute they raise , then turne they breastes Direct on vs march strongly toward our campe As if they darde vs fight , O Asdruball . I feare thei le force our campe . As. Breake vp and flye , This was your plot . Ha.

But t' was thy shame to choose it .

Car.

He that forbids not offence he dos it .

As. The curse of womens wordes go with you : fly , You are no villaines , Gods and men , which way ? Aduise vile thinges . Ha.

Vile ?

As.

I .

Ca.

Not ?

By.

you did al

As.

Did you not plot ?

Car.

Yeelded not Asdruball ?

As.

But you intic'd me .

Ha.

How ?

As

With hope of place .

Car.

He that for wealth leaues faith is abiect .

Ha.

base

As.

Do not prouoke my sword , I liue .

Ca. More shame . T' outliue thy virtue and thy once great name . As.

Vpbraide yee me ?

Ha.

Hold .

Car. Know that only thou Art treacherous : thou shouldst haue had a crowne . Ha. Thou didst all , all he for whome mischiefes don He dos it . Asd. : — Brode skorne oppen faind powers Make good the campe , no , fly , yes , what ? wild rage , To be a prosperous villane yet some heate some hold , But to burne temples and yet freese , O cold , Giue me some health , now your bloud sinkes : thus deedes Ill nourisht rot , without loue naught succeedes . Exeunt . Actus Secundi . Finis .
Actus Tertii
Scena Prima . Organ mixt with Recorders for this Act. Syphax his dagger twon about her haire drags in Sophonisba in hir night gowne petticoate and Zantbia & Vaugue following . Sy. Must wee intreat ? sue to such squeamish eares , Know Syphax has no knees , his eyes no teares , Inraged loue is senseles of remorce , Thou shalt , thou must . Kings glory is their force . Thou art in Cirta , in my Pallace Foole Dost thinke he pittieth teares , that knowes to rule . For all thy scornefull eyes thy proud disdaine , And late contempt of vs now wee le reuenge , Breake stubborne scilence : looke I le tack thy head To the low earth , whilst strength of too black knaues , Thy limbes all wide shall straine : praier fitteth slaues . Our courtship bee our force : rest calme as sleepe , Els at this quake , harke , harke , wee cannot weepe . So.

Can Sophonisba bee inforc'd ?

Sy.

Can ? see .

So.

Thou maiest inforce my body but not mee .

Sy.

Not ?

So.

No .

Sy.

No ?

So. No off with thy loathed armes That lye more heauy on me then the chaines , That weare deepe wrinckles in the captiues limbes 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 : yeelde to him To whome fate yeeldes : Know Massinissas dead , So.

dead ?

Sy.

dead .

So.

To Gods of goodmen shame

Sy.

Help vangue my strong blood boiles .

So. O saue thine owne ( yet ) fame . Sy. All appetite is deafe , I will I must . Achilles armour could not beare out lust . So. Hold thy strong arme and heare my Syphax know , I am thy seruant now : I needes must loue thee For ( O my sex forgiue ) I must confesse , Wee not affect protesting feeblenes . Intreats faint blushings , timerous modesty , We thinke our louer is but little man , Who is so full of woman : Know faire Prince Loues strongest armes not rude : for we still proue Without some fury ther s no ardent loue . We loue our loues impatience of delay , Our noble sex was onely borne t' obay To him that dares commaund . Sy. Why this is well . Th' excuse is good : wipe thy faire eyes our Queene , Make proud thy head now feele : more frendly strength Of thy Lordes arme : come touch my rougher skin . With thy soft lip Zanthia dresse our bed , Forget ould loues and clip him that through blood , And hell acquir's his Wish thinke not but kisse , The florish fore loues fight is Venus blisse . So. Great dreadfull Lord by thy affection Grant mee one boone , know I haue made a vow , Sy.

Vow ? what vow ? speake .

So. Nay if you take offence Let my soule suffer first and yet . Sy. offence ? Not Sophonisba , hold , thy vow is free , As : — come thy lips . So. Alas crosse misery As I do wish to liue I long to inioy , Your warme imbrace , but O my vow t is thus , If euer my Lord died I vowed to him , A most , most priuate sacrifice , before I touched a second spouse : all I implore . Is but this liberty : Sy. This goe obtaine What time So.

One hower .

Sy. sweet good speed speed adew Yet Syphax trust no more then thou maist view . Vangue shall stay So.

He stayes .

Enter a Page deliuering a letter to Sopho. which shee priuately reads . Sy. Zanthia , Zanthia Thou art not foule , go to , some Lords are oft So much in loue with their knowne Ladyes bodies , That they oft loue their vails , hold , hold thou 'st find , To faithfull care Kinges bounty hath no shore , Za.

You may do much .

Sy.

But let my gold do more .

Za.

I am your creature .

Sy. Bee , get , t is no staine The God of seruice is howeuer gaine . Exit . So. Zanthia , where are we now ? speak worth my seruice Ha wee don well ? Za. Nay in haight of best . I feard a superstitious virtue woulde spoile all , But now I finde you aboue woemen rare , Shee that can time her goodnesse hath true care Of hir best good . Nature at home beginnes She whose integritye her selfe hurts sinnes . For Massinissa , hee was good and so , But hee is dead , or worse , distressed , or more Then dead , or much distressed , O sad , poore Who euer held such friendes : no let him goe Such faith is praisd , then laught at , for still knowe , Those are the liuing woemen that reduce , All that they touch vnto their ease and vse . Knowing that wedlock , virtue or good names , Are courses and varietyes of reason To vse or leaue as they aduantage them And absolute within themselues reposde , Onely to Greatnes Ope , to all els closde . Weake sanguine fooles , are to their owne good nice Before I held you vertuous but now wise . So. Zanthia victorious Massinissa liu's . My Massinissa liues : O steddye powers Keepe him as safe as heauen keepes the earth . Which lookes vpon it with a thousand eyes , That honest valiant man and Zanthia , Doe but recorde the iustice of his loue , And my for euer vowes , for euer vowes . Za. I true Madam : nay thinke of his great minde His most iust heart his all of excellence And such a virtue as the Gods might enuy Againe this Syphax is but ; — and you know . Fame lost what can be got that s good : for : So. hence Take nay with one hand . Za.

My seruice .

So. Prepare Our sacrifice . Za.

But yeeld you , I or no ?

So.

When thou dost know .

Za.

what then ?

So. then thou wilt know Let him that would haue counsell voide th' aduice Exit Zanthia Of friendes made his with waighty benefites Whose much dependance onely striues to fit Humor not reason , and so still deuise In any thought to make their friend seeme wise But aboue all O feare a seruants toung , Like such as onely for their gaine to serue Within the vaste capacitye of place I know no vilenes so most truly base . Their Lordes , their gaine : and he that most will giue , With him ( they will not dye : but ) they will liue . Traitors and these are one : such slaues once trust Whet swords to make thine own blood lick the dust . Cornets and Organs playing full musick . Enters the solemnity of a sacrifice , which beeing entred whilst the attendance furnish the Altar Sopho. Songe : which don shee speakes . Withdraw , withdraw All but Zanthia & Vangue depart I not invoake thy arme thou God of sound Nor thine , nor thine , although in all abound . High powers immense : But Iouiall Mercury And thou O brightest femall of the sky Thrice modest Phoebe , you that iointly fit A worthy chastity and a most chast witte To you corruptles Hunny , and pure dewe Vpbreathes our holy fier . Words iust and few O daine to heare if in poore wretches cryes You glory not : if drops of withered eyes Bee not your sport , bee iust : all that I crane Is but chast life or an vntainted graue . I can no more : yet hath my constant toung Let fall no weakenes , tho' my heart were wrung With panges worth hell : whilst great thoghts stop our tears Sorrowe vnseene , vnpittied in ward wears . You see now where I rest , come is my end . Cannot heauen , virtue , against weake chance defend ? When weakenes hath outborne what weakenes can , What should I say t is Ioues , not sinne of man . Some stratagem now let wits God be showne , Celestiall powers by miracles are knowne . I hau 't t is don . Zanthia prepare our bed Vangue Va.

Your seruant .

So. Vangue we haue performd Due rites vnto the dead . Sopho : presents a carous to Vangue & & & . Now to thy Lord great Syphax healthfull cups : which don , The King is right much welcome . Va.

Were it as deep as thoght off it should thus — he drinks

So.

My safety with that draught .

Va.

Close the vaults mouth least we do slip in drinke ,

So. To what vse gentle Negro serues this caue Whose mouth thus opens so familliarly , Euen in the Kings bedchamber ? Va. O my Queene This vault with hideous darkenes and much length stretcheth beneath the earth into a groue One league from Cirta ( I am very sleepy ) Through this when Cirta hath beene strong begirt With hostile siedge the King hath safely scaped To , to , So.

The wine is strong .

Va.

strong ?

So.

Zanthia

Za.

What meanes my princes ?

So. Zanthia rest firme And scilent , helpe vs : Nay do not dare refuse . Za.

The Negros dead .

So.

No drunke .

Za.

Alas .

So. Too late , Her hand is fearefull whose mindes desperate . It is but sleepie Opium he hath drunke , Helpe Zanthia , They lay Vangue in Syphax bed & draw the curtaines , there lye Syphax bride , a naked man is soone vndrest ; There bide dishonoured passion they knock within , forthwith Syphax comes . Sy.

Way for the King .

So. Straight for the King : I flye Where misery shall see nought but it selfe . 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 : Harke Gods , my breath Scornes to craue life graunt but a well famde death she descends Enter Syphax ready for bedd . Sy. Each man withdraw , let not a creature stay Within large distance . Za.

Sir ?

Sy. hence Zanthia , Not thou shalt heare , all stand without eare-reach Of the soft cries nice shrinking brides do yeeld When — Za.

But Sir —

Sy. Hence — stay , take thy delight by steps , Thinke of thy joyes , and make long thy pleasures , O silence thou dost swallow pleasure right , Wordes take away some sense from our delight ; Musique : be proud my Uenus , Mercury thy tong , Cupid thy flame , boue all O Hercules Let not thy backe be wanting : for now I leape To catch the fruite none but the Gods should reap Offering to leape into bed , he discouers Vangue . Hah ! can any woman turne to such a Diuell ? Or : or : Vangue , Vangue — Van.

Yes , yes .

Sy. speake slaue , How camst thou here ? Van.

Here ?

Sy. Zanthia , Zanthia , Wher 's Sophonisba ? speake at full , at ful , Giue me particular faith , or know thou art not — Za.

Your pardon just mou'd prince & priuat eare

Sy.

Ill actions have some grace , that they can feare

Va. How cam I laid ? which way was I made drunk ? Where am I ? think , or is my state aduanc'd ? O Ioue how pleasant is it but to sleepe In a kings bed ! Sy. Sleepe there thy lasting sleep Improuident , base , o're-thirsty slaue . Sy. killes Va . Dy pleas'd a kings couch is thy too proud graue . Through this vault sayst thou ? Za. As you giue me grace To liue , t is true . Sy. We will be good to Zanthia ; Go cheare thy Ladie , and be priuate to vs . She descends after Sophonisba . Za.

As to my life .

Sy. I 'le vse this Zanthia , And trust her as our dogs drink dangerous Nile , only for thirst , the Flie the Crocodile : Wise Sophonisba knowes loues trickes of art , Without much hindrance , pleasure hath no hart ; Dispight all vertue or weake plots I must Seauen waled Babell cannot bear out lust Descends through the vault .
Scena Secunda . Cornets sound Marches . Enter Scipio and Lelius with the complements of a Roman Generall before them , At the other dore , Massinissa and Iugurth . Ma. Let not the virtue of the world suspect Sad Massinissas faith : nor once condemne Our just reuolt : Carthage first gaue me life , Hir ground gaue food , hir aire first lent me breath The Earth was made for men , not men for Earth . Scipio I do not thanke the Gods for life , Much lesse vile men , or earth : know best of Lords , It is a happy being breath well fam'd , For which Ioue sees these thus ; Men be not foold With piety to place : traditions feare , A iust mans contry Ioue makes euery where . Sci. Well vrgeth Massinissa , but to leaue A Citie so ingrate , so faithlesse , so more vile Then ciuill speach may name , fear not , such vice To scourge is heauens most gratefull sacrifice . Thus all confesse first they haue broke a faith To the most due , so just to be obseru'd That barborousnes it selfe may well blush at them Where is thy passion ? they haue shar'd thy crowne Thy proper right of birth ; contriu'd thy death . Where is thy passion ? giuen thy beauteous spouse . To thy most hated riuall : statue , not man , And last thy freind Gelosso ( man worth Gods ) With tortures haue they rent to death . Ma. O Gel. For thee full eyes Sci.

No passion for the rest .

Ma. O Scipio my greefe for him may be expressd by teares But for the rest silence & secret anguish Shall wast : shall wast : — Scipio he that can weepe , Greeues not like me priuate deepe inward drops Of bloud : my heart — for Gods rights giue me leaue To be a short time Man . Sci.

stay prince .

Ma. I cease ; Forgiue if I forget thy presence : Scipio Thy face makes Massinissa more then man , And here before your steddy power a vow As firme as fate I make : when I desist To be commaunded by thy virtue , ( Scipio ) Or fall from frend of Romes , reuenging Gods Aflict me worth your torture : I haue giuen Of passion and of faith my heart . Sci. To counsel then Greefe fits weake hearts , reuenging virtue men . Thus I thinke fit , before that Syphax know How deepely Carthage sinkes , let s beat swift march Vp euen to Cirta , and whilst Syphax snores With his , late thine — Ma. With mine ? no Scipio , Libea hath poyson , aspes , kniues , & to much earth To make one graue , with mine ? not , she can dye , Scipio , with mine ? Ioue say it thou dost lie . 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 prayse Gods goodnes but adore . Gods cannot fall , and for their constant goodnesse ( Which is necessited ) they haue a crowne Of neuer ending pleasures : but faint man ( Framd to haue his weaknes made the heauens glory If he with steddy vertue holdes all seidge That power , that speach , that pleasure , that full sweets A world of greatnes can assaile him with , Hauing no pay but selfe wept miserie , And beggars treasure heapt , that man I le prayse Aboue the Gods . Sc.

The Libean speakes bold sense

Ma. By that by which all is , Proportion , I speake with thought . Sci.

No more .

Ma. Forgiue my admiration You toucht a string to which my sense was quick , Can you but thinke ? doe , do ; my greefe ! my greefe Would make a Saint blaspheme : giue some releefe , As thou art Scipio forgiue that I forget , I am a Soldier ; such woes Ioues ribs would burst , Few speake lesse ill that feele so much of worst . My eare attends Sci. Beefore then Syphax ioine With new strength'd Carthage , or can once vnwind His tangled sense from out so vilde amaze Fall we like suddeine lightning fore his eyes ; Boldnesse and spead are all of victories . Ma. Scipio , let Massinissa clip thy knees ; May once these eyes vew Syphax ? shall this arme Once make him feele his sinue ? O yee Gods My cause , my cause ! Iustice is so huge odds That he who with it feares , Heauen must renounce In his creation . Sci. Beat then a close quicke march Before the morne shall shake cold dewes through skyes , Syphax shall tremble at Romes thicke allarmes . Ma. Yee powres I challenge conquest to just armes . With a full florish of Cornettes they depart .
Actus Tertii FINIS .
Actus Quarti
Scena Prima . Organs Violls and Voices play for this Act. Enter Sophonisba and Zanthia as out of a caues mouth So.

Where are wee Zanthia ?

Za. Vangue said the caue Op'ned in Belos forrest . So. Lord how sweete I sent the ayre ? the huge longe vaultes close vaine , What dumps it breathd ? In Belos forrest sayst ? Be valiant Zanthia ; how farr 's Vtica From these most heauy shades ? Zan.

Ten easy leages .

So. Ther s Massinissa , my true Zanthia Shal s venture nobly to escape , and touch My Lordes just armes : Loues winges so justly heaue The body vp , that as our toes shall trip Ouer the tender and obedient grasse , Scarse any drop of dew is dasht to ground . And see the willing shade of friendly night Makes safe our instant haste : Boldnesse and speede Make actions most impossible succeede . Za. But Madam know the forrest hath no way But one to passe the which holds strictest gard . So.

Doe 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 benumd 's my sense Chaunce hath so often struck I scarce can feele : I should now curse the Gods Call on the furies : stampe the patient earth cleaue my streachd cheeks with sound speake from all sense But loud and full of players eloquence No , no , What shall we eate . Za. Madam i le search For some ripe Nuts which Autumn hath shook down From the vnleau'd Hasel , then some cooler ayre Shall lead me to a spring : Or I will try The courteous pale of some poore forrestres , For milke . So. Exit Zanthia . Do Zanthia , O happinesse , Of those that know not pride or lust of citty , Ther 's no man bless'd but those that most men pitty . O fortunate poore maides , that are not forc'd , To wed for state nor are for state diuorc'd ! Whome policy of kingdoms doth not marry , But pure affection makes to loue or vary , You feele no loue , which you dare not to shew , Nor show a loue which doth not truely grow : O you are surely blessed of the skie , You liue , that know not death before you die , Through the vautes mouth in his night gowne , torch in his hand , Syphax enters iust behind Sophon . You are : Sy. In Syphax armes , thing of false lip , What God shall now release thee , So.

Art a man ?

Sy. Thy limbs shall feele , despight thy vertue know I 'le thredd thy richest pearle : this forrests deafe , As is my lust : Night and the God of scilence , Swels my full pleasures , no more shalt thou delude , My easie credence Virgin of faire brow , Well featurde creature , and our vtmost wonder , Queene of our youthfull bed be proud , Syphax setteth away his light , & prepareth t in'brace Soph. I le vse thee , Sopho snatcheth out her knife . So. Look thee , view this , show but one strain of force Bow but to sease this arme , and by my selfe , Or more by Massinissa this good steele , Shall set my soule on wing , thus formde Gods see , And men with Gods worth enuy nought but me . Sy. Doe strike thy breast , know being dead , I le vse , With highest lust of sense thy senselesse flesh , And euen then thy vexed soule shall see , Without resistance , thy trunke prostitute , Vnto our appetite . So. I shame to make thee know , How vile thou speakest : Corruption then as much , As thou shalt doe : but frame vnto thy lusts , Imaginations vtmost sin : Syphax , I speake all frightles , know I liue or die To Massinissa , nor the force of fate Shall make me leaue his loue , or slake thy hate . I will speake no more , Sy. Thou hast amazde vs , Womans forced vse , Like vnripe fruites , no sooner got but waste , They haue proportion , colour but no taste , Thinke Syphax — Sophonisba rest thine owne , Our Guard , Enter a Guard . Creature of most astonishing vertue , If with faire vsage , loue and passionate courtings , We may obtaine , the heauen of thy bed , We cease , no sute from other force be free . We dote not on thy body , but loue thee , So. .

Wilt thou keep faith ?

Sy. By thee & by that power By which thou art thus glorious , trust my vow , Our guard , conuay the roialst excellence That euer was cald Woman , to our Pallace , Obserue her with strict care : So. Dread Syphax speak As thou art worthy : is not Zanthia false ? Sy.

To thee shee is .

So. As thou art then thy selfe Let hir not bee . Sy.

Shee is not .

The gaurd seizeth Zanthia . Za. Thus most speed when two foes are growne friends Partakers bleed . Sy. When Plants must florish Their manure must rot . So. Syphax bee recompenced . I hate thee not . Sopho. Exit . Sy , A wasting flame feedes on my amorous bloud Which wee must coole or dye ? what way all power , All speech full Opportunity can make , We haue made fruitles trial . Infernall Ioue , You resolute Angels that delight in flames , To you all wonder working spirites I flie Since heauen helpes not , deepest hell wee le trie . Here in this desart the great soule of Charmes , Dreadfull Erictho liues whose dismall brow , Contemnes all roofes or ciuill couerture . Forsaken graues and tombes the Ghosts forcd out Shee ioyes to inhabit . Infernall Musicke plaies softly whilst Erichtho enters and & when she speakes ceaseth . A loathsome yellowe leannesse spreades hir face A heauy hell-like palenes loades hir cheekes Vnknowne to a cleare heauen : but if darke windes . Or thick black cloudes driue back the blinded stars When her deepe magique makes forc'd heuen quake And thunder spite of Ioue . Erichtho then From naked graues stalkes out , heaues proud hir head With long vnkende haire loaden , and striues to snatch The Nights quick sulphar : then she bursts vp tombes From half rot searcloaths then she scrapes dry gums For hir black rites : but when she findes a corse New graud whose entrailes yet not turne To fly my filth with greedy hauock then she makes fierce spoile : & swels with wicked triumph To bury hir leane knuckles in his eyes Then doeth she knaw 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 sticking her blacke tongue in his drie throat , She breathes dire murmurs , which inforce him beare Her banefull secrets to the spirits of horror . To her first sound , the Gods yeeld any harme , As trembling once to heare a second charme , 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 Ioue , T is done , t is done , to vs heaue earth , sea , aire , And Fate it selfe obayes , the beastes of death , And all the terrors angry Gods inuented , ( T' afflict th' ignorance of patient man ) , Tremble at vs : the roulde vp snake vncurlde , His twisted knots at our affrighting voice , Are we incensd ? the King of flames grows pale , Least he be choakde with blacke and earthy fumes , Which our charms raise : Be ioi'd , make proud thy lust I doe not pray you Gods , my breathes : You must . Sy. Deepe knowing spirit , mother of all high Misterious science , what may Syphax yeeld , Worthy thy art , by which my soule 's thus easde , The Gods first made me liue , but thou liue pleasde . Eri. Know then our loue , hard by the reuerent ruines Of a once glorious temple rearde to Ioue , Whose very rubbish ( like the pittied fall , Of Vertue much vnfortunate ) yet beares , A deathlesse Maiesty though now quite rac'd , Hurld downe by wrath , and lust of impious Kings So that where holy Flamins wont to sing , Sweet Hyms to heauen , there the daw and crow , The ill voic'de Rauen , and still chattering Pie : Send out vngratefull sound , and loathsome filth , Where statues and Ioues acts were viuely lim'd Boyes with blacke coales , draw the vaild parts of nature , And leacherous actions of imaginde lust , Where tombes and beauteous vrns of well dead men . Stoode in assured rest , the shepheard now , Vnloads his belly : Corruption most abhord Mingling it selfe with their renowned ashees , Our selfe quakes at it . There once a Charnel house , now a vast caue , Ouer whose brow a pale and vntrod groue Throwes out her heauy shade , the mouth thick armes Of darksom Ewe , ( Sun proofe ) for euer choake Within rests barren darknesse , fruitlesse drough Pines in eternal Night : The steame of Hell Yeeldes not so lasie ayre : there that 's my cell From thence a charme which Ioue dare not here twice Shall force her to thy bed : but Syphax know Loue is the highest rebell to our art . Therfore I charge thee by the feare of all Which thou knowest dreadfull , or more , by our selfe ; As with swift hast she passeth to thy bed , And easie to thy wishes yeelds : speake not one word , Nor dare as thou dost feare thy losse of joyes T' admit one light , one light , Sy. As to my Fates I yeeld my guidance . Eri. Then when I shall force The ayre to musicke and the shads of night To forme sweete sounds : make proud thy rais'd delight . Meane time behold I go a charme to reare Whose potent sound will force our selfe to feare . Sy. Whither is Syphax heau'd ? at length shall s joy Hopes more desired then Heauen ? Sweet laboring Earth Let Heauen be vnform'd with mighty charmes , Let Sophonisba only fill these armes . Ione wee le not enuie thee : Blouds appetite Is Syphax God : My wisedome is my sense , Without a man I hold no excellence . Giue me long breath yong beds and sicklesse ease For we hold firme that s lawfull which doeth please Infernall Musique softly . Harke , harke , now rise jnfernall tones The depe fetch'd grones Of laboring spirits that attend Erichtho . Eri.

Erichtho .

within . Sy. Now cracke the trembling earth and send Shreekes that portend Affrightment to the Gods which heare Erichtho . Eri.

Erichtho

within A treble Uioll and a base Lute play softly within the Canopy . Harke harke , now softer melody strikes mute Disquiet nature : O thou power of sound How thou dost melt me . Harke , now euen Heauen Giues vp his soule amongst vs : Now 's the time When gready expectation strains mine eyes For their lou'd object : now Erichtho will'd Prepare my appetite for loues strict gripes O you dear founts of pleasure Bloud and Beauty Rayse actiue venus worth fruition Of such prouoking sweetnesse . Harke : shee coms , A short song to soft Musique aboue . Now nuptiall Hymes inforced Spirits sing Harke , ( Syphax ) harke : Cantant . Now Hell and Heauen ringes With Musique spigh of Phoebus : Peace : Enter Erichtho in the shape of Sophonisba , her face vailed and hasteth in the bed of Syphax . Shee coms : Fury of blouds impatient : Erichtho Boue thunder sit ; to thee egregious soule Let all flesh bend . Sophonisba thy flame But equall mine , and wee le ioy such delight That Gods shall not admire , but euen spight . Syphax hasteneth within the Canopy as to Sophonisbas bed
Actus Quarti . FINIS .
Actus Quinti
Scena Prima . A Base Lute and a Treble Violl play for the Act. Syphax drawes the curtaines and discouers 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 loath'd delusion ! They leape out of the bed Syphax takes him to his sword Eri. Why foole of kings , could thy weake soule imagin That t' is within the graspe of Heauen or Hell To inforce loue ? why know Loue doates the Fates Ioue groanes beneath his waight : more ignorant thing , Know we Erichtho , with a thirsty womb Haue coueted full threescore Suns for bloud of kings , We that can make inraged Neptune tosse His huge curld lockes without one breath of wind : We that can make Heauen slide from Atlas shoulder : We in the pride and haight of couetous lust Haue wisht with wo mans gredines to fill Our longing armes with Syphax well strong lims : And dost thou think if Philters or Hels charmes Could haue inforc'd thy vse , we would hau' damn'd Braine sleightes ? no , no , Now are we full Of our deare wishes : thy proud heat well wasted Hath made our lims grow young : our loue farwell , Know he that would force loue , thus seekes 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 ? let s thinke : O now contempt , my hate To the , thy thunder , sulphure and scorn'd name . He whose life s loath'd , and he who breathes to curse His very being ; let him thus with me Syphax kneeles at the Aultar Fall fore an Aultar sacred to black powers , And thus dare Heauens : O thou whose blasting flames Hurle barren droughes vpon the patient earth , And thou gay God of riddles and strange tales Hot-brained Phebus , all adde if you can Something vnto my misery ; if ought Of plagues lurk in your deepe trench'd browes Which yet I know not : let them fall like boltes Which wrathfull Ioue driues strong in into o my bosom , If any chance of war , or newes ill voyc'd , Mischeife vnthought of lurke , come gift vs all , Heape curse on curse , we can no lower fall . Out of the Aultar the ghost of Asdruball ariseth . Asd.

Lower , lower ,

Sy. What damn'd ayre is form'd Into that shape ? speake , speake , we cannot quake , Our flesh knowes not ignoble tremblinges , speake , We dare thy terror : me thinkes Hell and fate Should dread a soule with woes made desperate . As. Know me the spirit of great Asdruball Father to Sophonisba , whose bad heart Made justly most vnfortunate : for know I turn'd vnfaithfull , after which the feeld Chanc'd to our losse , when of thy men there fell 6000 soules next fight of Lybeans ten . After which losse we vnto Carthage flying , Th' inraged people cride their army fell Through my base treason : straight my reuengefull fury Makes them persue me , I with resolute hast , Made to the graue of all our Auncestors Where poyson'd , hop'd my bones should haue long rest . But see the violent multitude arriues Teare downe our monument , and mee now dead Deny a graue : hurle vs among the rockes To stanch beasts hunger ; therefore thus vngrau'd I seeke slow rest : now doest thou know more woes And more must feele : Mortals O feare to sleight Your Gods and vowes : Ioues arme is of dread might . Sy.

Yet speake shall I orecome approaching foes .

As.

Spirits of wrath know nothing but their woes .

Exit . Enter Nuntius . Nuu. My liedge , my liedge , the scouts of Cirta bring intelligence Of suddaine danger , full ten thousand horse Fresh and well rid strong Massinissa leades As wings to Roman legions that march swift Led by that man of conquest , Scipio , Sy.

Scipio

Nu. Direct to Cirta . A march far off is heard . Harke their march is heard euen to the cittye . Sy. Helpe , our guard , my armes , bid all our leaders march . Beate thicke allarms , I haue seene things which thou Wouldst quake to heare , Boldnes and strength the shame of slaues bee feare . Vp heart , hold sword : though waues roule thee on shelfe , Though fortune leaue thee leaue not thou thy selfe . Exit arming
Scena Secunda . Enter 2. Pages with targets & Iauelins Lelius & Iugurth with holberds . Scipio & Massinissa armed Cornets sounding a march . Sc.

Stand .

Ma.

Giue the word stand .

So.

Part the fyle .

Ma. giue way Scipio by thy great name , but greater vertue , By our eternall loue giue me the chance Of this dayes battle : Let not thy enuied fame Vouchsafe t' appose the Roman legions Against one weakened Prince of Lybea This quarrels mine : mine bee the stroke of fight Let vs and Syphax hurle our well forcd dartes Each vnto others breast , O ( what should I say ) Thou beyonde epithete thou whom proude Lords of fortune May euen enuye : ( alas my ioyes so vaste Makes me seeme lost let vs thunder and lightning Strike from our braue armes , looke , looke , sease that hill . Harke he comes neare : From thence discerne vs strike Fyer worth Ioue , mount vp , and not repute Mee very proud tho wondrous resolute . My cause : my cause , is my bold hartning ods , That seuen fold shield , just armes should fright the Gods Sci.

Thy words are full of honour take thy fate ,

Mas. Which wee do scorne to feare , to Scipio state Worthy his heart . Now let the forced brasse Sound on . Cornets sound a march Scipio leades his traine vp to the mount . Iugurth claspe sure our caske Arme vs with care , and Iugurth if I fall Through this dayes malice , or our fathers sinnes If it in thy sword lye , breake vp my breast And saue my heart that neuer fell nor 's adue To ought but Ioue and Sophonisba . Sound Sterne hartners vnto woundes and blood , sound loude For wee haue named Sophonisba . Cornets a florish Cornets a march far of . So . Harke harke , hee comes , stand bloud , now multiply Force more then fury , sound high , sound high , wee strike For Sophonisba . Enter Syphax armd his pages with shields & darts before Cornets sounding marches . Sy.

For Sophonisba .

Ma.

Syphax .

Sy.

Massinissa .

Ma. Be twixt vs too Let single fight try all . Sy

Well vrgd ,

Ma. Well graunted Of you my stars as I am worthy you I implore aide , and O if angels waite Vpon good harts my Genius bee as strong As I am iust . Sy. Kinges glory is their wrong . Hee that may onely do iust act's a slaue My Gods my arme , my life , my heauen , my graue To mee all end . Ma. Giue day Gods , life and death To him that onely feares blaspheming breath For Sophonisba . Sy.

For Sophonisba .

Cornets sound a charge Massinissa & Syphax combate , Syphax falles Massinissa vnclasps Syphax caske & as reddy to kil him speakes Syphax . Sy.

Vnto thy fortune not to thee wee yeeld

Ma. Liues Sophonisba yet vnstaind , speake iust Yet ours vnforcd ? Sy Let my heart fall more low Then is my body , if onely to thy glory She liues not yet all thine . Ma. Rise , rise , cease strife . Heare a most deepe reuenge , from vs take life . Cornets sounded a march Scipio & Lelius Enter , Scipio passeth to his thron Massinissa presents Syphax to Scipios feet Cornets sounding a florish . To you all power of strength : and next to thee Thou spirit of triumph borne for victory . I heaue these handes : March wee to Cirta straight , My Sophonisba with swift hast to winne In honor & in loue all meane is sinne . Ex. Ma. & Iug . Sc. As we are Romes great Generall thus wee press Thy Captiue neck , but as still Scipio And sensible of iust humanitie We weepe thy bondage : speake thou ill chanc'd man What spirit tooke thee when thou wert our friend ( Thy right hand giuen both to Gods and vs With such most passionate vowes and solemne faith ) Thou fledst with such most foule disloyalty To now weak Carthage strengthning their bad arms Who lately scornd thee with all lothd abuse Who neuer intertaine for loue but vse Sy. Scipio my fortune is captiud not I Therefore I le speake bold truth : nor once mistrust What I shall say , for now beeing wholy yours I must not faine , Sophomsba t' was shee T' was Sophonisba that solicited My forc'd reuolt , t' was hir resistles sute Hir loue to hir deare Carthage 'tic'd mee breake All faith with men : t' was shee made Syphax false Shee that lou's Carthage with such violence And hath such mouing graces to allure That shee will turne a man that once hath sworne Himselfe on 's fathers bones hir Carthage foe To bee that citties Champion and high friend Hir Himeneall torch burnt downe my house Then was I captiud when hir wanton armes There mouing claspt about my neck , O charmes Able to turne euen fate : but this in my true griefe Is some iust ioy , that my loue sotted foe Shall sease that plague , that Massinissas breast Hir handes shall arme , and that ere long you le 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 pallace crowne , spoile citties sack Be free to him but if our new laughd friend Possesse that woman of so mouing art Charge him with no lesse waight then his deare vow Our loue , all faith , that hee resigne her thee As hee shall aunswere Rome will him giue vp A Roman prisoner to the Senates doome Shee is a Carthaginian , now our lawes Wise men preuent not actions , but euer cause Sy. Good malice , so , as liberty so deere Proue my reuenge : what I cannot possesse Another shall not : that s some happines . Exeunt the Cornets flourishing .
Scena tertia , The Cornets afar off sounding a charge , A Souldier wounded at one dore , Enters at the other Sophonisba , two Pages before her with lightes , two women bearing vppe her traine . Sol. Princes O flie , Syphax hath lost the day , And captiu'de lies , the Roman Legeons Haue seisde the towne , and with inueterate hate , Make slaues or murder all : Fier and steele , Fury and night hold all : faire Queene O flie , We bleede for Carthage , all of Carthage die . Exit . The Cornets sounding a March , Enter Pages with iauelings and Targets , Massinissa and Iugurth , Massinissas beauer shut . Ma. March to the Pallace . So . What ere man thou art Of Libea , thy faire armes speake : giue hart , To amazde weakenes , heare her , that for long time , Hath seene no wished light . Sophonisba , A name for misery much knowne , t is she , Intreates of thy gracd sword , this onely boone , Let me not kneele to Rome , for though no cause , Of mine deserues their hate , though Massinissa , Be ours to hart , yet Roman Generals Make proud their triumphs , with what euer captiues O t is a Nation which from soule I feare , As one well knowing the much grounded hate , They beare to Asdrubal and Carthage bloud , Therefore with teares that wash thy feet , with hands Vnusde to beg I claspe thy manlie knees , O saue 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 freedome , giue me long wishd death , For t is not much loathde life , that now we craue , Onely an vnshamd death , and silent graue We will now daine to bend for . Ma. Rarity Mas. disarmes his head . By thee and this right hand thou shalt liue free . So.

We cannot now be wretched .

Ma. Stay the sword . Let slaughter cease , Soundes soft as Ledas breast , Soft Musique . Slide through all eares , this night be loues high feast , So. O're whelme me not with sweetes , let me not drinke , Till my breast burst , O loue thy Nectar , thinke She sinkes into Massi . armes . Ma.

She is orecome with ioy .

So. Helpe , helpe to beare Some happinesse yee powers , I haue ioy to spare , Inough to make a God , O Massinissa . Ma. Peace , A silent thinking makes full ioyes increase . Enter Lelius . Le.

Massinissa .

Ma.

Lelius .

Le.

Thine eare .

Ma.

Stand off

Le. From Scipio thus : by thy late vow of faith , And mutuall league of endles amity , As thou respects his vertue or Romes force , Deliuer Sophonisba to our hand , Ma.

Sophonisba ?

Le.

Sophonisba .

So. My Lord , Lookes pale , and from his halfe burst eyes a flame , Of deepe disquiet breakes , the Gods turne false , My sad presage . Ma.

Sophonisba ?

Le.

Euen she ,

Ma. Shee kilde not Scipios father nor his vnkle , Great Cneius . Le.

Carthage did .

Mas.

to her what s Carthage ?

Le. Know t was her father Asdrubal strooke off His fathers head , giue place to faith and fate , Ma.

T is crosse to honor .

Le. But t is iust to state , So speaketh Scipio , doe not thou detaine , A Roman prisoner , due to this great triumph , As thou shalt answere 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 keepe , Looke Lelius looke , see Massinissa weepe , Know I haue made a vow more deere to me , Then my soules endles being : she shall rest , Free from Romes bondage . Le. But dost thou forget , Thy vow yet fresh thus breathd : When I desist : To be commaunded by thy vertue : Scipio , Or fall from friend of Rome , Reuenging Gods , Afflict me with your torture . Ma. Lelius enough : Salute the Roman , tell him wee will act What shall amaze him . Le.

Wilt thou yeeld her then ?

Ma.

Shee shall ariue there straight .

Le. Best fate of men , To thee . Ma. and Scipio : Haue I liude O Heauens , To be inforcedly perfidious ? So.

What vniust griefe afflicts my worthy Lord ,

Ma Thanke me yee Gods , with much beholdingnes , For marke , I doe not curse you : So. Tell mee sweet The cause of thy much anguish . Ma. Ha , the cause ? Lett 's see , wreath backe thine armes , bend down thy necke , Practise base Praiers , make fit thy selfe 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 Runne mad impossible distraction , So. Deere Lord thy patience ; let it maze all power , And list to her in whose sole heart it rests , To keepe thy faith vpright . Ma.

Wilt thou be slau'd ,

So.

No free .

Ma.

How then keepe I my faith ?

So. My death Giu's helpe 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 darst not die , some wine , thou darst not die .

So. How neere was I vnto the curse of man , Ioye , How like was I yet once to haue beene glad : He that neere laught may with a constant face , Contemne Ioues frowne . Happinesse makes vs base . She takes a bole into which Mas. puts poison . Behold me Massinissa , like thy selfe , A king and souldier , and I pree thee keepe , My last command , Ma.

Speake sweet .

So. Deere doe not weepe And now with vndismaid resolue behold , To saue You , you , ( for honor and iust faith . Are most true Gods , which we should much adore ) With euen disdainefull vigour I giue vp , An abhord life . She drinks . You haue beene good to me , And I doe thanke thee heauen , O my stars , I blesse your goodnes , 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 seruile harmes , But more most happy in my husbands armes . she sinks Iug.

Massinissa , Massinissa ,

Ma. Couetous Fame greedy Lady , could no scope of glory , No reasonable proportion of goodnes Fill thy great breast , but thou must proue immense Incomprehence in vertue , what wouldst thou , Not onely be admirde , but euen adorde ? O glory ripe for heauen ? Sirs helpe , helpe , helpe , Let vs to Scipio with what speed you can . For piety make haste , whilst yet we are man . Exeunt bearing Soph. in a chaire , Cornets , A March , Enter Scipio in full state triumphal ornamentes carried before him and Sy. bound at the other dore Lelius . Sc. What answers Massinissa will he send , That Sophonisba of so mouing tongs Le. Full of dismaid vnsteddines he stood , His right hand lookt in hers , which hand he gaue As pledge from Rome , she euer should liue free But when I entred , and well vrg'd this vow And thy command his great hart sunke with shame : His eyes lost spirite , and his heat of life , Sanke from his face , as one that stood benumbde , All mazde , t' effect , impossibilities , For eyther vnto her or Scipio , He must breake vow , long time he tossd his thoughts And as you see a snow ball being rolde At first a handfull , yet long bould about , Insensible acquires a mighty globe , So his cold griefe through agitation growes , And more he thinkes , the more of griefe he knowes At last hee seemde to yeeld her . Sy. Marke Scipio , Trust him that breaks a vow ? Sci.

How then trust thee ?

Sy

O misdoubt him not , when hee 's thy slaue like me

Enter Massinissa all in black , Mas.

Scipio ,

Sc.

Massinissa ,

Ma.

Generall .

Sc.

King .

Mas. Liu's there no mercy for one soule of Carthage But must see basenes ? Sc. Wouldst thou ioy thy peace , Deliuer Sophonisba straight and cease , Do not graspe that which is too hote to hold , We grace thy griefe , and hold it with soft sense . Inioy good courage , but voide insolence . I tell thee Rome and Scipio daine to beare , So low a breast as for her say , we feare . Ma. Do not , doe notilet not the fright of Nations Know so vile termes . Shee rests at thy dispose Sy. To my soule ioy , shall Sophonisba then With me go bound and waite on Scipios wheele ? When th' whole world 's giddy one man cannot reele , Ma. Starue thy leane hopes , and Romans now behold A sight would sad the Gods ? make Phaebus cold . Orgaine and Recorders play to a single voice : Enter in the mean time the mournful solemnity of Massinissas presenting Sophon . body : Looke Scipio , see what hard shift we make To keepe our vowes ; here , take I yeeld her thee , And Sophonisba I keepe vow thou art still free . Sy. Burst my vext heart , the torture that most rackes An enimie , is his foes royall actes . Sc. The glory of thy vertue liue for euer , Braue heartes may be obscur'd , but extinct neuer . Scipio adornes Massinissa . Take from the Generall of Rome this crowne , This roabe of triumph , and this conquests wreath This scepter , and this hand for euer breath , Romes very minion : Liue worth thy fame As far from faintings as from now base name . Ma. Thou whom like sparkling steele the strokes of Chance Made hard and firme ; and like wild fier turnd The more cold fate , more bright thy vertue burnd , And in whole seas of miseries didst flame . On thee lou'd creature of a deathlesse fame Massinissa adornes Sophonisba . Rest all my honour : O thou for whom I drinke So deepe of greefe , that he must onely thinke , Not dare to speake ) that would expresse my woe , Small riuers murmur , deepe gulfes silent flow , My griefe is here , not here , heaue gently then , Womens right wonder , and iust shame of men . Cornets a short florish . Exeuntque , manet Ma.
EPILOGVS . And now with lighter passion , though with most iust feare I change my person , and do hether beare Anothers voyce , who with a phrase as weak As his deserts now will'd me , ( thus form'd ) speake , If wordes well senc'd , best suting subiect graue , Noble true story may once boldly craue , Acceptance gratious , if he whose fiers , Enuy not others nor him selfe admires . If sceans exempt from ribaldrie or rage , Of taxinges indiscreet , may please the stage , If such may hope applause , he not commandes Yet craues as due , the iustice of your hands But freely he protests how ere it is , Or well or ill , or much , not much amisse , With constant modesty he doth submit , To all , saue those , that haue more tongue then wit .

After all , let me intreat my Reader not to taxe me , for the fashion of the Entrances and Musique of this Tragidy , for know it is printed onely as it was presented by youths , & after the fashion of the priuate stage . Nor let some easily amended errors in the Printing afflict thee since thy owne discourse will easily set vpright any svch vneuennes .

FINIS vneuennes
Machine-generated castlist A07083-massinissa 76 A07083-soldier 75 A07083-syphax 66 A07083-zanthia 27 A07083-asdruball 25 A07083-carthage 24 A07083-scipio 19 A07083-gelosso 18 A07083-vangue 14 A07083-lelius 14 A07083-hanno 12 A07083-erictho 8 A07083-gisco 6 A07083-captain 6 A07083-jugurtha 4 A07083-bytheas 4 A07083-sophonisba 3 A07083-nuntius 2 A07083-arcathia 1 A07083-unassigned 1 A07083-senator 1 A07083-asdrubal 1 A07083-nicea 1 A07083-missing 1
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Iugu●●h Asdruball and Hanno followed by Bytheas and Iugurth , the boyes draw the Curtaines discouering finowy grim war , that father of foule wounds Whose sinowy feete are steepd in gore , whose hideous hay●●s Old Lord spare thy haynes What dost thou thinke baldnesse will cure togs presence giueth suddaine flight To phansies , fogs , feares , sleepe , and slothfull night Cartthage greater , and his force Shall giue more side to Carthage ; as fors queene And her wise father , they alim weaknes into Scipios armes , By drawing such a lim from the maine body Of his yet powerfull mischeifleft What els ? Gel. Nay all is don no mischeif left somtines nought dishonesty in beeing , And if it be sometimes of forced vse , Wherein more vrgent then Aust●● For Massinissa : ( O let me slake a little Austere discourse and feele Humanitie ) Me thinkes wo man Roialest Ge . O very woman ! Statesmay Doubt you that old Gelasso can be vile ? States may afflict , tax , torture , but our mindes orture can be vile ? States may afflict , tax , torture , but our mindes Are ōly sworne to Ioue ourmindes States may afflict , tax , torture , but our mindes Are ōly sworne to Ioue : I greiue indisgracde Our troupes of horse make indisgraced retraite , Trot easie off : not poore : ●phiginia deed so red but hath beene done by Kings ? Ephiginia , he thats a man for men , Ambitious as alo ft is giuen Then looke as when a Fawcon towrs aloft Whole shoales of foule and flocks of lesser crepein fearefully and diue some among sedge , Some creepe in brakes : so Massinissas sword Brandisht tossd'bout : so Massinissas sword Brandisht aloft , tossd 'bout his shining cask , Made stoope whole I oue : thus deedes Ill nourisht rot , without loue naught succeedes . she● Page deliuering a letter to Sopho. which shee priuately reads . Zauthia Withdraw , withdraw All but Zanthia & Vangue depart I not invoake thy arme thou pangus weakenes , tho'my heart were wrung VVith panges worth hell : whilst great thoghts stop our beeue very sleepy ) Through this when Cirta hath beene strong begirt VVith hostile siedge the King wost haste : Boldnesse and speede Make actions most impossible succeede . Imaginatious thou shalt doe : but frame vnto thy lusts , Imaginations vtmost sin : Syphax , I speake all frightles Atreble A treble Uioll and a base Lute play softly softlyd A treble Uioll and a base Lute play softly within the Canopy . athirsty ignorant thing , Know we Erichtho , with a thirsty womb Haue coueted full threescore hau'dam'd charmes Could haue inforc'd thy vse , we would hau' damn'd Braine sleightes ? no , no , Now Ianelins Enter 2. Pages with targets & Iauelins Lelius & Iugurth with holberds . Scipio seeuen my cause , is my bold hartning ods , That seuen fold shield , just armes should fright the Carthage'tic'd hir resistles sute Hir loue to hir deare Carthage 'tic'd mee breake All faith with men : t'was iustioy fate : but this in my true griefe Is some iust ioy , that my loue sotted foe Shall sease Pa ges dore , Enters at the other Sophonisba , two Pages before her with lightes , two women bearing Mas●inissa hart did keepe , Looke Lelius looke , see Massinissa weepe , Know I haue made a vow more deere Infensibly first a handfull , yet long bould about , insensible acquires a mighty globe , So his cold griefe theelou'd in whole seas of miseries didst flame . On thee lou'd creature of a deathlesse fame En●●ances Reader not to taxe me , for the fashion of the Entrances and Musique of this Tragidy , for know it 〈◊〉 priuate stage . Nor let some easily amended errors in the Printing afflict thee since thy owne