_Marcia._ See, Lucia, see! here's blood! here's blood and murder! Ha! a Numidian! Heav'n preserve the prince! The face lies muffled up within the garment, But ah! death to my sight! a diadem, And royal robes! O gods! 'tis he, 'tis he! Juba lies dead before us! _Lucia._ Now, Marcia, now, call up to thy assistance Thy wonted strength and constancy of mind; Thou canst not put it to a greater trial. _Marcia._ Lucia, look there, and wonder at my patience; Have I not cause to rave, and beat my breast, To rend my heart with grief, and run distracted? _Lucia._ What can I think, or say, to give thee comfort? _Marcia._ Talk not of comfort, 'tis for lighter ills: Behold a sight that strikes all comfort dead. _Enter_ JUBA, _listening_. I will indulge my sorrows, and give way To all the pangs and fury of despair; That man, that best of men, deserved it from me. _Jub._ What do I hear? and was the false Sempronius That best of men? Oh, had I fall'n like him, And could have been thus mourn'd, I had been happy. _Marcia._ 'Tis not in fate to ease my tortured breast. Oh, he was all made up of love and charms! Whatever maid could wish, or man admire: Delight of every eye; when he appear'd, A secret pleasure gladden'd all that saw him; But when he talk'd, the proudest Roman blush'd To hear his virtues, and old age grew wise. Oh, Juba! Juba! _Jub._ What means that voice? Did she not call on Juba? _Marcia._ Why do I think on what he was? he's dead! He's dead, and never knew how much I loved him! Lucia, who knows but his poor, bleeding heart, Amidst its agonies, remember'd Marcia, And the last words he utter'd call'd me cruel! Alas! he knew not, hapless youth, he knew not Marcia's whole soul was full of love and Juba! _Jub._ Where am I? Do I live? or am indeed What Marcia thinks? All is Elysium round me! _Marcia._ Ye dear remains of the most loved of men, Nor modesty nor virtue here forbid A last embrace, while thus---- _Jub._ See, Marcia, see, [_Throwing himself before her._ The happy Juba lives! he lives to catch That dear embrace, and to return it too, With mutual warmth, and eagerness of love. _Marcia._ With pleasure and amaze I stand transported! If thou art Juba, who lies there? _Jub._ A wretch, Disguised like Juba on a cursed design. I could not bear To leave thee in the neighbourhood of death, But flew, in all the haste of love, to find thee; I found thee weeping, and confess this once, Am rapt with joy, to see my Marcia's tears. _Marcia._ I've been surprised in an unguarded hour, But must not go back; the love, that lay Half smother'd in my breast, has broke through all Its weak restraints, and burns in its full lustre. I cannot, if I would, conceal it from thee. _Jub._ My joy, my best beloved, my only wish! How shall I speak the transport of my soul!