Æn. Why, what is it that Dido may desire And not obtain, be it in human power?
Dido. The thing that I will die before I ask, And yet desire to have before I die.10
Æn. It is not aught Æneas may achieve?
Dido. Æneas! no; although his eyes do pierce.
Æn. What, hath Iarbas anger'd her in aught? And will she be avengèd on his life?
Dido. Not anger'd me, except in angering thee.
Æn. Who, then, of all so cruel may he be That should detain thy eye in his defects?
Dido. The man that I do eye where'er I am; Whose amorous face, like Pæan, sparkles fire, Whenas he butts his beams on Flora's bed.20 Prometheus hath put on Cupid's shape, And I must perish in his burning arms: Æneas, O Æneas, quench these flames!
Æn. What ails my queen? is she faln sick of late?
Dido. Not sick, my love; but sick I must conceal The torment that it boots me not reveal: And yet I'll speak,—and yet I'll hold my peace. Do shame her worst, I will disclose my grief: Æneas, thou art he—what did I say? Something it was that now I have forgot.30