TO THE GENERAL READER. K NOW, that I have not laboured in this thing as an historian, but to inlarge every thing as a poet. To transcribe authors, quote authorities, and translate Latine prose Orations into English blank verse, hath, in this subject, been the least ayme of my studies. Then (equall Reader) peruse me with no prepared dislike; and, if ought shall displease thee, thanke thy selfe; if ought shall please thee, thanke not me: for I confesse in this it was not my onely end. TARGUMENTUM. GRATEFULL hearts just height: ingratitude; AGRATEFULL And vowes base breach with worthy shame pursude; A womans constant love as firme as fate: A blamelesse counsellor well borne for state; MASSINISSA, SYPHAX, INTERLOCUTORES. } Kings of Lybia, rivalls for SOPHONISBA. ASDRUBALL, Father to SOPHONISBA, GELOSSO, a Senator of Carthage. HANNO MAGNUS, Captaine for Carthage. SCIPIO, LELIUS, THE TRAGEDIE OF SOPHONISBA. PROLOGUS. Cornets sound a march. Enter at one doore the PROLOGUE, two Pages with torches, ASDRUBall and Jugurth, two Pages with lights, MASSINISSA leading SOPHONISBA, ZANTHIA bearing SOPHONISBAS traine, ARCATHIA and NICEA, HANNO and BYTHEAS: at the other doore two Pages with targets and javelins, two Pages with lights, SYPHAX arm'd from top to toe, VANGUE followes. ¶ These, thus entred, stand still, whilst the Prologue, resting betweene both troupes, speakes. T HE sceane is Lybia, and the subject thus : Govern'd by statesmen, each as great as kings (For seventeene kings were Carthage feodars); Whilst thus shee flourisht, whilst her Hanniball Made Rome to tremble, and the walles yet pale: The farre fam'd daughter of great Asdruball: At which Syphax growes blacke: for now the night : The instant night and now yee worthier minds, Nec se quæsiverit extra. Cornets sound a march. The Prologue leades Massinissas troupes over the stage, and departs Syphax troups onely stay. ACTUS PRIMUS. Sy. S SCENA PRIMA. TSYPHAX and VANGUE. YPHAX, Syphax! why wast thou curst a king? What angry god made thee so great, so Contemn'd, disgraced; think, wert thou a slave, Thy shame unrumour'd, and thy suite unscoft, Might yet rest quiet. Reputation, Thou awe of fooles and great men: thou that choakst Blood and cold drops in feare to lose, or hope To gaine thy never certaine seldome worthy gracings. Wert not for thee, Syphax could beare this scorne, |