SCENE II.
Enter Sempronius, dress'd like Juba, with Numidian guards.
Semp.The deer is lodg'd, I have trac'd her to her cover.
Be sure you mind the word, and when I give it,
Rush in at once, and seize upon your prey.
Let not her cries or tears have force to move you.
———How will the young Numidian rave to see
His mistress lost? If ought could glad my soul,
Beyond th'enjoyment of so bright a prize,
'Twould be to torture that young gay barbarian.
———But hark, what noise! Death to my hopes! 'tis he
'Tis Juba's self! there is but one way left———
He must be murder'd, and a passage cut
Thro' those his guards———Hah, daftards, do you tremble
Or act like men, or by yon azure heav'n—
Enter Juba.
Jub.What do I see? who's this that dares usurp
The guards and habit of Numidia's Prince?
Semp.One that was born to scourge thy arrogance,
Presumptuous youth!
Juba.What can this mean! Sempronius!
Semp.My sword shall answer thee. Have at thy heart.
Jub.Nay, then beware thy own, proud barb'rous man.
[Semp falls. His guards surrender.
Semp.Curse on my stars! am I then doom'd to fall
By a boy's hand, disfigur'd in a vile
Numidian dress, and for a worthless woman?
Gods, I'm distracted! this my close of life!
O for a peal of thunder that would make
Earth, sea, and air, and heav'n and Cato tremble!
Jub.With what a spring his furious soul broke loose.[Dies.
And left the limbs still quiv'ring on the ground!
Hence let us carry off those slaves to Cato,
That we may there at length unravel all
This dark design, this mystery of fate.
[Exit Juba with Prisoners, &c.
