The verse of _Dido, Queen of Carthage_ shows no signs of retrogression from the steady advance to a more natural and perfect style which we have traced in the progress from _Tamburlaine_ to _Edward the Second_. An exception to this improvement will be found in certain portions of Aeneas's long speech in the second act, of which it is probably not unjust to surmise that Nash was the author. There are in Dido's own speeches elements of wild extravagance, but they are natural to the intensity of her passion. Does not Shakespeare's Cleopatra rave in a manner no less fervid and hyperbolic? and in Enobarbus's description of her magnificence when she met Antony is there not a reminiscence of the oriental splendour of Dido's proposed fleet? We quote part of the farewell scene between Dido and Aeneas. _Dido._ But yet Aeneas will not leave his love. _Aeneas._ I am commanded by immortal Jove To leave this town and pass to Italy: And therefore must of force. _Dido._ These words proceed not from Aeneas' heart. _Aeneas._ Not from my heart, for I can hardly go; And yet I may not stay. Dido, farewell. _Dido._ Farewell! is this the 'mends for Dido's love? Do Trojans use to quit their lovers thus? Fare well may Dido, so Aeneas stay; I die, if my Aeneas say farewell. _Aeneas._ Then let me go, and never say farewell; Let me go: farewell: I must from hence. _Dido._ These words are poison to poor Dido's soul: O, speak like my Aeneas, like my love! Why look'st thou toward the sea? the time hath been When Dido's beauty chained thine eyes to her. Am I less fair than when thou saw'st me first? O, then, Aeneas, 'tis for grief of thee! Say thou wilt stay in Carthage with thy queen, And Dido's beauty will return again. Aeneas, say, how canst thou take thy leave? Wilt thou kiss Dido? O, thy lips have sworn To stay with Dido! Canst thou take her hand? Thy hand and mine have plighted mutual faith. Therefore, unkind Aeneas, must thou say, 'Then let me go, and never say farewell'? _Aeneas._ O queen of Carthage, wert thou ugly-black, Aeneas could not choose but hold thee dear! Yet must he not gainsay the gods' behest. _Dido._ The gods! what gods be those that seek my death? Wherein have I offended Jupiter, That he should take Aeneas from mine arms? O, no! the gods weigh not what lovers do: It is Aeneas calls Aeneas hence.