So. Look thee—view this—show but one strain of force,
Bow but to seize this arm, and by myself,
Or more, by Massinissa, this good steel
Shall set my soul on wing. Thus, form’d gods, see,
And, men with gods’ worth, envy nought but me!
Sy. Do, strike thy breast; know, being dead, I’ll use,
With highest lust of sense, thy senseless flesh,
And even then thy vexèd soul shall see, 60
Without resistance, thy trunk prostitute
Unto our appetite.
So. I shame to make thee know
How vile thou speakest; corruption then as much
As thou shalt do; but frame unto thy lusts
Imagination’s utmost sin: Syphax,
I speak all frightless, know I live or die
To Massinissa; nor the force of fate
Shall make me leave his love, or slake thy hate.
I will speak no more.
Sy. Thou hast amazed us: woman’s forcèd use, 70
Like unripe fruits, no sooner got but waste;
They have proportion, colour, but no taste.—
[aside.] Think, Syphax.—Sophonisba, rest thine own.
Our guard!
Enter a guard.
Creature of most astonishing virtue,
If with fair usage, love, and passionate courtings,
We may obtain the heaven of thy bed,
We cease no suit; from other force be free:
We dote not on thy body, but love thee.
So. Wilt thou keep faith?
Sy. By thee, and by that power 80
By which thou art thus glorious, trust my vow.
Our guard convey the royal’st excellence
That ever was call’d woman to our palace:
Observe her with strict care.
So. Dread Syphax, speak!
As thou art worthy, is not Zanthia false?