So. How near was I unto the curse of man. Joy!
How like was I yet once to have been glad! 90
He that ne’er laugh’d may with a constant face
Contemn Jove’s frown: happiness makes us base.
[She takes the bowl, into which Massinissa puts poison.
Behold me, Massinissa, like thyself,
A king and soldier; and I prithee keep
My last command.
Mass. Speak, sweet.
So. Dear, do not weep.
And now with undismay’d resolve behold,
To save you—you (for honour and just faith
Are most true gods, which we should much adore),
With even disdainful vigour I give up
An abhorr’d life. You have been good to me, 100
[She drinks.
And I do thank thee, heaven! O my stars,
I bless your goodness, that with breast unstain’d,
Faith pure, a virgin wife, tried to my glory,
I die, of female faith the long-lived story;
Secure from bondage and all servile harms,
But more—most happy in my husband’s arms.
[She sinks.
Ju. Massinissa, Massinissa!
Mass. Covetous,
Fame-greedy lady, could no scope of glory,
No reasonable proportion of goodness,
Fill thy great breast, but thou must prove immense 110