[Exit Zanthia.
Of those that know not pride or lust of city!
There’s no man bless’d but those that most men pity.
O fortunate poor maids, that are not forced
To wed for state, nor are for state divorced!
Whom policy of kingdoms doth not marry,
But pure affection makes to love or vary;
You feel no love which you dare not to show, 40
Nor show a love which doth not truly grow!
O you are surely blessèd of the sky!
You live, that know not death before you die.
[Through the vaut’s[358] mouth, in his nightgown, torch in his hand, Syphax Enters just behind Sophonisba.
You are——
Sy. In Syphax’ arms. Thing of false lip,
What god shall now release thee?
So. Art a man?
Sy. Thy limbs shall feel. Despite thy virtue, know
I’ll thread thy richest pearl. This forest’s deaf
As is my lust. Night and the god of silence
Swells my full pleasures; no more shalt thou delude
My easy credence. Virgin of fair brow, 50
Well-featured creature, and our utmost wonder,
Queen of our youthful bed, be proud.
[Syphax setteth away his light, and prepareth to embrace Sophonisba.
I’ll use thee.
[Sophonisba snatcheth out her knife.