Cato Part 5

It is not now a time to talk of aught But chains or conquest, liberty or death. [_Exit._

_Enter_ SYPHAX.

_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.

_Syph._ And so will all mankind.

_Jub._ I've open'd to him The weakness of my soul--my love for Marcia.

_Syph._ Cato's a proper person to intrust A love-tale with!

_Jub._ Oh, I could pierce my heart, My foolish heart!

_Syph._ Alas, my prince, how are you changed of late!

I've known young Juba rise before the sun, To beat the thicket where the tiger slept, Or seek the lion in his dreadful haunts.

I've seen you, Ev'n in the Lybian dog-days, hunt him down, Then charge him close, And, stooping from your horse, Rivet the panting savage to the ground.

_Jub._ Pr'ythee, no more.

_Syph._ How would the old king smile, To see you weigh the paws, when tipp'd with gold, And throw the s.h.a.ggy spoils about your shoulders!

_Jub._ Syphax, this old man's talk, though honey flow'd In ev'ry word, would now lose all its sweetness.

Cato's displeased, and Marcia lost for ever.

_Syph._ Young prince, I yet could give you good advice; Marcia might still be yours.

_Jub._ As how, dear Syphax?

_Syph._ Juba commands Numidia's hardy troops, Mounted on steeds unused to the restraint Of curbs or bits, and fleeter than the winds: Give but the word, we s.n.a.t.c.h this damsel up, And bear her off.

_Jub._ Can such dishonest thoughts Rise up in man? Wouldst thou seduce my youth To do an act that would destroy mine honour?

_Syph._ G.o.ds, I could tear my hair to hear you talk!

Honour's a fine imaginary notion, That draws in raw and inexperienced men To real mischiefs, while they hunt a shadow.

_Jub._ Wouldst thou degrade thy prince into a ruffian?

_Syph._ The boasted ancestors of these great men, Whose virtues you admire, were all such ruffians.

This dread of nations, this almighty Rome, That comprehends in her wide empire's bounds All under Heav'n, was founded on a rape; Your Scipios, Caesars, Pompeys, and your Catos (The G.o.ds on earth), are all the spurious blood Of violated maids, of ravish'd Sabines.

_Jub._ Syphax, I fear that h.o.a.ry head of thine Abounds too much in our Numidian wiles.

_Syph._ Indeed, my prince, you want to know the world.

_Jub._ If knowledge of the world makes men perfidious, May Juba ever live in ignorance!

_Syph._ Go, go; you're young.

_Jub._ G.o.ds, must I tamely bear This arrogance, unanswer'd! Thou'rt a traitor, A false old traitor.

_Syph._ I've gone too far. [_Aside._

_Jub._ Cato shall know the baseness of thy soul.

_Syph._ I must appease this storm, or perish in it. [_Aside._ Young prince, behold these locks, that are grown white Beneath a helmet in your father's battles.

_Jub._ Those locks shall ne'er protect thy insolence.

_Syph._ Must one rash word, the infirmity of age, Throw down the merit of my better years?

This the reward of a whole life of service!-- Curse on the boy! how steadily he hears me! [_Aside._

_Jub._ Syphax, no more! I would not hear you talk.

_Syph._ Not hear me talk! what, when my faith to Juba, My royal master's son, is call'd in question?

My prince may strike me dead, and I'll be dumb; But whilst I live I must not hold my tongue, And languish out old age in his displeasure.

_Jub._ Thou know'st the way too well into my heart.

I do believe thee loyal to thy prince.

_Syph._ What greater instance can I give? I've offer'd To do an action which my soul abhors, And gain you whom you love, at any price.

_Jub._ Was this thy motive? I have been too hasty.

_Syph._ And 'tis for this my prince has call'd me traitor.

_Jub._ Sure thou mistakest; I did not call thee so.

_Syph._ You did, indeed, my prince, you call'd me traitor.

Nay, further, threatened you'd complain to Cato.

Of what, my prince, would you complain to Cato?

That Syphax loves you, and would sacrifice His life, nay, more, his honour, in your service?

_Jub._ Syphax, I know thou lovest me; but indeed Thy zeal for Juba carried thee too far.

Honour's a sacred tie, the law of kings, The n.o.ble mind's distinguis.h.i.+ng perfection, That aids and strengthens Virtue where it meets her, And imitates her actions where she is not; It ought not to be sported with.

_Syph._ Believe me, prince, you make old Syphax weep To hear you talk--but 'tis with tears of joy.

If e'er your father's crown adorn your brows, Numidia will be blest by Cato's lectures.

_Jub._ Syphax, thy hand; we'll mutually forget The warmth of youth, and forwardness of age: Thy prince esteems thy worth, and loves thy person.

If e'er the sceptre come into my hand, Syphax shall stand the second in my kingdom.

_Syph._ Why will you overwhelm my age with kindness?