Sem. Cato, my resentments Are sacrific'd to Rome I stand reprov'd. Cato. Father's, 'tis time you come to a resolve. Cæsar's behaviour has convinc'd the senate Sem. We ought to hold it out till death; but, Cato, Cato. Then let us rise, my friends, and strive to fill (While yet our liberty and fates are doubtful) Enter JUBA. [Exeunt Senators. Juba, the Roman senate has resolv❜d, Till time give better prospects, still to keep The sword unsheath'd, and turn its edge on Cæsar. But, Cato, lend me for a while thy patience, (Alas! I thought not then his death so near!) 1 Whatever fortune shall befall thy father, Be Cato's friend; he'll train thee up to great And virtuous deeds; do but observe him well, Thou'lt shun misfortunes, or thou'lt learn to bear 'em. In spite of all the fortitude that shines Subdues my soul, and fills my eyes with tears. Cato. It is an honest sorrow, and becomes thee. Jub. My father drew respect from foreign climes: The kings of Afric sought him for their friend; "Kings far remote, that rule, as fame reports, "Behind the hidden sources of the Nile, "In distant worlds, on t'other side the sun;" Oft have their black ambassadors appear'd, Loaden with gifts, and fill'd the courts of Zama. Cato. I am no stranger to thy father's greatness. Jub. I would not boast the greatness of my father, But point out new alliances to Cato. Had we not better leave this Utica, To arm Numidia in our cause, and court And making death more grim. E Cato. And canst thou think Cato will fly before the sword of Cæsar! From court to court, and wander up and down Jub. Cato, perhaps I'm too officious; but my forward cares Cato. Thy nobleness of soul obliges me. Their hidden strength, and throw out into practice In the smooth seasons and the calms of life. Jub. I'm charm'd whene'er thou talk'st; I pant for virtue ; And all my soul endeavours at perfection. Cato. Dost thou love watchings, abstinence, and toil, Laborious virtues all? Learn them from Cato; Success and fortune must thou learn from Cæsar. Jub. The best good fortune that can fall on Juba, The whole success at which my heart aspires Depends on Cato. Cato. What does Juba say? The words confound me. Jub. I would fain retract them, Give 'em me back again: they aim'd at nothing. Cato. Tell me thy wish, young prince; make not my ear A stranger to thy thoughts. Jub. Oh! they're extravagant; Still let me hide them. Cato. What can Juba ask That Cato will refuse? Jub. I fear to name it. Marcia-inherits all her father's virtues. Jub. Cato, thou hast a daughter. Cato. Adieu, young prince; I would not hear a word Should lessen thee in my esteem. Remember Enter SYPHAX. [Exit. Syph. How's this, my prince! What, cover'd with confusion? You look as if yon stern philosopher Had just now chid you. Jub. Syphax, I'm undone! Syph. I know it well. Jub. Cato thinks meanly of me. The weakness of my soul, my love for Marcia. A love-tale with. Jub. Oh, I could pierce my heart, My foolish heart. Was ever wretch like Juba! Or seek the lion in his dreadful haunts: you, Ev'n in the Lybian dog-days, hunt him down, Jub. Pr'ythee no more. Syph. How would the old king smile To see you weigh the paws, when tipp'd with gold, In ev'ry word) wou'd now lose all its sweetness. Syph. Young prince, I yet could give you good advice, Marcia might still be yours. |