their attire
    And foreign language quicken’d my desire
    Of further knowledge, which I soon might gain. 
    My kind interpreter did all explain. 
    When both I knew, I boldly then drew near;
    He loved our country, though she made it fear. 
    “O Masinissa!  I adjure thee by
    Great Scipio, and her who from thine eye
    Drew manly tears,” said I; “let it not be
    A trouble, what I must demand of thee.” 
    He look’d, and said:  “I first desire to know
    Your name and quality; for well you show
    Y’ have heard the combat in my wounded soul,
    When Love did Friendship, Friendship Love control.” 
    “I am not worth your knowledge, my poor flame
    Gives little light,” said I:  “your royal fame
    Sets hearts on fire, that never see your face: 
    But, pray you, say; are you two led in peace
    By him?”—­(I show’d their guide)—­“Your history
    Deserves record:  it seemeth strange to me,
    That faith and cruelty should come so near.” 
    He said:  “Thine own expressions witness bear,
    Thou know’st enough, yet I will all relate
    To thee; ’t will somewhat ease my heavy state. 
    On that brave man my heart was fix’d so much,
    That Laelius’ love to him could be but such;
    Where’er his colours marched, I was nigh,
    And Fortune did attend with victory: 
    Yet still his merit call’d for more than she
    Could give, or any else deserve but he. 
    When to the West the Roman eagles came
    Myself was also there, and caught a flame,
    A purer never burnt in lover’s breast: 
    But such a joy could not be long possess’d! 
    Our nuptial knot, alas! he soon untied,
    Who had more power than all the world beside. 
    He cared not for our sighs; and though ’t be true
    That he divided us, his worth I knew: 
    He must be blind that cannot see the sun,
    But by strict justice Love is quite undone: 
    Counsel from such a friend gave such a stroke
    To love, it almost split, as on a rock: 
    For as my father I his wrath did fear,
    And as a son he in my love was dear;
    Brothers in age we were, him I obey’d,
    But with a troubled soul and look dismay’d: 
    Thus my dear half had an untimely death,
    She prized her freedom far above her breath;
    And I th’ unhappy instrument was made;
    Such force th’ intreaty and intreater had! 
    I rather chose myself than him t’ offend,
    And sent the poison brought her to her end: 
    With what sad thoughts I know, and she’ll confess
    And you, if you have sense of love, may guess;
    No heir she left me, but my tedious moan;
    And though in her my hopes and joys were gone,
    She was of lower value than my faith! 
    But now farewell, and try if this troop hath
    Another wonder; for the time is less
    Than is the task.”