SYNORIX. My good Lord Sinnatus, I once was at the hunting of a lion. Roused by the clamour of the chase he woke, Came to the front of the wood--his monarch mane Bristled about his quick ears--he stood there Staring upon the hunter. A score of dogs Gnaw'd at his ankles: at the last he felt The trouble of his feet, put forth one paw, Slew four, and knew it not, and so remain'd Staring upon the hunter: and this Rome Will crush you if you wrestle with her; then Save for some slight report in her own Senate Scarce know what she has done. (_Aside_.) Would I could move him, Provoke him any way! (_Aloud_.) The Lady Camma, Wise I am sure as she is beautiful, Will close with me that to submit at once Is better than a wholly-hopeless war, Our gallant citizens murder'd all in vain, Son, husband, brother gash'd to death in vain, And the small state more cruelly trampled on Than had she never moved. CAMMA. Sir, I had once A boy who died a babe; but were he living And grown to man and Sinnatus will'd it, I Would set him in the front rank of the fight With scarce a pang. (_Rises_.) Sir, if a state submit At once, she may be blotted out at once And swallow'd in the conqueror's chronicle. Whereas in wars of freedom and defence The glory and grief of battle won or lost Solders a race together--yea--tho' they fail, The names of those who fought and fell are like A bank'd-up fire that flashes out again From century to century, and at last May lead them on to victory--I hope so-- Like phantoms of the Gods. SINNATUS. Well spoken, wife. SYNORIX (_bowing_). Madam, so well I yield. SINNATUS. I should not wonder If Synorix, who has dwelt three years in Rome And wrought his worst against his native land. Returns with this Antonius. SYNORIX. What is Synorix? SINNATUS. Galatian, and not know? This Synorix Was Tetrarch here, and tyrant also--did Dishonour to our wives. SYNORIX. Perhaps you judge him With feeble charity: being as you tell me Tetrarch, there might be willing wives enough To feel dishonour, honour. CAMMA. Do not say so. I know of no such wives in all Galatia. There may be courtesans for aught I know Whose life is one dishonour. _Enter_ ATTENDANT. ATTENDANT (_aside_). My lord, the men! SINNATUS (_aside_). Our anti-Roman faction? ATTENDANT (_aside_). Ay, my lord. SYNORIX (_overhearing_). (_Aside_.) I have enough--their anti-Roman faction. SINNATUS (_aloud_). Some friends of mine would speak with me without. You, Strato, make good cheer till I return. [_Exit_. SYNORIX. I have much to say, no time to say it in. First, lady, know myself am that Galatian Who sent the cup. CAMMA. I thank you from my heart.