Cato Part 6

My joys grow burdensome, I sha'n't support it.

_Jub._ Syphax, farewell. I'll hence, and try to find Some blest occasion, that may set me right In Cato's thoughts. I'd rather have that man Approve my deeds, than worlds for my admirers. [_Exit._

_Syph._ Young men soon give, and soon forget, affronts; Old age is slow in both--A false old traitor!

These words, rash boy, may chance to cost thee dear.

My heart had still some foolish fondness for thee; But hence, 'tis gone! I give it to the winds: Caesar, I'm wholly thine.

_Enter_ SEMp.r.o.nIUS.

All hail, Semp.r.o.nius!

Well, Cato's senate is resolved to wait The fury of a siege, before it yields.

_Sem._ Syphax, we both were on the verge of fate; Lucius declared for peace, and terms were offer'd To Cato, by a messenger from Caesar.

Should they submit, ere our designs are ripe, We both must perish in the common wreck, Lost in the general, undistinguish'd ruin.

_Syph._ But how stands Cato?

_Sem._ Thou hast seen mount Atlas: Whilst storms and tempests thunder on its brows, And oceans break their billows at its feet, It stands unmoved, and glories in its height; Such is that haughty man; his tow'ring soul, 'Midst all the shocks and injuries of fortune, Rises superior, and looks down on Caesar.

_Syph._ But what's this messenger?

_Sem._ I've practised with him, And found a means to let the victor know That Syphax and Semp.r.o.nius are his friends.

But let me now examine in my turn; Is Juba fix'd?

_Syph._ Yes--but it is to Cato.

I've tried the force of every reason on him, Soothed and caress'd; been angry, soothed again; Laid safety, life, and interest in his sight; But all are vain, he scorns them all for Cato.

_Sem._ Come, 'tis no matter; we shall do without him.

He'll make a pretty figure in a triumph, And serve to trip before the victor's chariot.

Syphax, I now may hope thou hast forsook Thy Juba's cause, and wishest Marcia mine.

_Syph._ May she be thine as fast as thou wouldst have her.

_Sem._ Syphax, I love that woman; though I curse Her and myself, yet, spite of me, I love her.

_Syph._ Make Cato sure, and give up Utica, Caesar will ne'er refuse thee such a trifle.

But are thy troops prepared for a revolt?

Does the sedition catch from man to man, And run among the ranks?

_Sem._ All, all is ready; The factious leaders are our friends, that spread Murmurs and discontents among the soldiers; They count their toilsome marches, long fatigues, Unusual fastings, and will hear no more This medley of philosophy and war.

Within an hour they'll storm the senate house.

_Syph._ Meanwhile I'll draw up my Numidian troops Within the square, to exercise their arms, And, as I see occasion, favour thee.

I laugh, to see how your unshaken Cato Will look aghast, while unforeseen destruction Pours in upon him thus from every side.

So, where our wide Numidian wastes extend, Sudden th' impetuous hurricanes descend, Wheel through the air, in circling eddies play, Tear up the sands, and sweep whole plains away.

The helpless traveller, with wild surprise, Sees the dry desert all around him rise, And, smother'd in the dusty whirlwind, dies. [_Exeunt._

ACT THE THIRD.

SCENE I.

_A Chamber._

_Enter_ MARCUS _and_ PORTIUS.

_Marc._ Thanks to my stars, I have not ranged about The wilds of life, ere I could find a friend; Nature first pointed out my Portius to me, And early taught me, by her secret force, To love thy person, ere I knew thy merit, Till what was instinct, grew up into friends.h.i.+p.

_Por._ Marcus, the friends.h.i.+ps of the world are oft Confed'racies in vice, or leagues of pleasure; Ours has severest virtue for its basis, And such a friends.h.i.+p ends not but with life.

_Marc._ Portius, thou know'st my soul in all its weakness; Then, pr'ythee, spare me on its tender side; Indulge me but in love, my other pa.s.sions Shall rise and fall by virtue's nicest rules.

_Por._ When love's well-timed, 'tis not a fault to love.

The strong, the brave, the virtuous, and the wise, Sink in the soft captivity together.

_Marc._ Alas, thou talk'st like one that never felt Th' impatient throbs and longings of a soul, That pants and reaches after distant good!

A lover does not live by vulgar time; Believe me, Portius, in my Lucia's absence Life hangs upon me, and becomes a burden; And yet, when I behold the charming maid, I'm ten times more undone; while hope and fear, And grief and rage, and love, rise up at once, And with variety of pain distract me.

_Por._ What can thy Portius do to give thee help?

_Marc._ Portius, thou oft enjoy'st the fair one's presence; Then undertake my cause, and plead it to her With all the strength and heat of eloquence Fraternal love and friends.h.i.+p can inspire.

Tell her thy brother languishes to death, And fades away, and withers in his bloom; That he forgets his sleep, and loathes his food; That youth, and health, and war, are joyless to him; Describe his anxious days, and restless nights, And all the torments that thou see'st me suffer.

_Por._ Marcus, I beg thee give me not an office, That suits with me so ill. Thou know'st my temper.

_Marc._ Wilt thou behold me sinking in my woes, And wilt thou not reach out a friendly arm, To raise me from amidst this plunge of sorrows?

_Por._ Marcus, thou canst not ask what I'd refuse; But here, believe me, I've a thousand reasons----

_Marc._ I know thou'lt say my pa.s.sion's out of season, That Cato's great example and misfortunes Should both conspire to drive it from my thoughts.

But what's all this to one that loves like me?

O Portius, Portius, from my soul I wish Thou did'st but know thyself what 'tis to love!

Then wouldst thou pity and a.s.sist thy brother.

_Por._ What should I do? If I disclose my pa.s.sion, Our friends.h.i.+p's at an end: if I conceal it, The world will call me false to a friend and brother. [_Aside._

_Marc._ But see, where Lucia, at her wonted hour, Amid the cool of yon high marble arch, Enjoys the noon-day breeze! Observe her, Portius; That face, that shape, those eyes, that heav'n of beauty!

Observe her well, and blame me if thou canst.

_Por._ She sees us, and advances----

_Marc._ I'll withdraw, And leave you for a while. Remember, Portius, Thy brother's life depends upon thy tongue. [_Exit._

_Enter_ LUCIA.

_Lucia._ Did not I see your brother Marcus here?