These, thus enter’d, stand still, whilst the Prologue, resting between both troops, speaks.
The scene is Libya, and the subject thus:
Whilst Carthage stood the only awe of Rome,
As most imperial seat of Libya,
Govern’d by statesmen, each as great as kings
(For seventeen kings were Carthage feodars);
Whilst thus she flourish’d, whilst her Hannibal
Made Rome to tremble, and the walls yet pale:
Then in this Carthage Sophonisba lived,
The far-famed daughter of great Asdrubal:
For whom (’mongst others) potent Syphax sues, 10
And well-graced Massinissa rivals him,
Both princes of proud sceptres: but the lot
Of doubtful favour Massinissa graced,
At which Syphax grows black: for now the night
Yields loud resoundings of the nuptial pomp:
Apollo strikes his harp, Hymen his torch;
Whilst louring Juno, with ill-boding eye,
Sits envious at too forward Venus. Lo,
The instant night: and now ye worthier minds,
To whom we shall present a female glory 20
(The wonder of a constancy so fix’d,
That fate itself might well grow envious):
Be pleased to sit,[296] such as may merit oil,
And holy dew, still’d from diviner heat.
For rest thus knowing: what of this you hear,
The author lowly hopes, but must not fear:
For just worth never rests on popular frown,
To have done well is fair deeds’ only crown.
Nec se quæsiverit extra.
Cornets sound a march.
The Prologue leads Massinissa’s troops over the stage, and departs: Syphax’ troops only stay.
[296] Quy. “see’t.”