_Asd._ Know me the spirit of great Asdrubal, Father to Sophonisba, whose bad heart Made justly most unfortunate; for know, I turn'd unfaithful, after that[372] the field Chanced to our loss, when of thy men there fell 50 Six thousand souls, next fight of Libyans ten. After which loss we unto Carthage flying, Th' enragèd people cried their army fell Through my base treason. Straight my revengeful Furies[373] Makes them pursue me; I with resolute haste Made to the grave of all our ancestors, Where poisoned, hoped my bones should have long rest: But see, the violent multitude arrives, Tear down our monument, and me now dead Deny a grave; hurl us among the rocks 60 To staunch beasts' hunger; therefore thus ungraved I seek slow rest. Now dost thou know more woes, And more must feel. Mortals, O fear to slight Your gods and vows. Jove's arm is of dread might. _Sy._ Yet speak: shall I o'ercome approaching foes? _Asd._ Spirits of wrath know nothing but their woes. [_Exit._ _Enter_ NUNTIUS. _Nun._ My liege, my liege, The scouts of Cirta bring intelligence Of sudden danger; full ten thousand horse, Fresh and well-rid, strong Massinissa leads, 70 As wings to Roman legions that march swift, Led by that man of conquest, Scipio. _Sy._ Scipio? _Nun._ Direct to Cirta. [_A march far off is heard._ Hark! their march is heard even to the city. _Sy._ Help! our guard! my arms! Bid all our leaders march! beat thick alarms! I have seen things which thou wouldst quake to hear. Boldness and strength! the shame of slaves be fear. Up, heart, hold sword! though waves roll thee on shelf, Though fortune leave thee, leave not thou thyself! 81 [_Exit, arming._ [368] In old eds. is the direction--"_A Base Lute and a Treble Violl play for the Act_." [369] "Mere ignorant"--utterly ignorant. Old eds. "_more_ ignorant." [370] Old eds. "dam'd." [371] Old eds. "beings." [372] Old eds. "which." [373] Old eds. "fury." SCENE II. _Neighbourhood of Cirta._ _Enter two Pages, with targets and javelins_; LÆLIUS _and_ JUGURTH, _with halberds_; SCIPIO _and_ MASSINISSA _armed; cornets sounding a march_. _Sci._ Stand! _Mass._ Give the word--Stand! _Sci._ Part the file!