University of Virginia Library

Scene the sixth.

To him Bomilcar.
Bom.
I must then
Deliver a relation of ingratitude
Beyond example. Those whom you have made
Masters of wealth and honour, and releas'd
Their palsied age from many a coward feare,
Not minding the rich benefits you have done them,
Deny your need reliefe. If you want ayde,
They say your conquest's but a lying rumour:
Nor will they credit doubtfull testimonies
Of any presents. They not stick to call
The ground of this your warre in Italy
Your owne ambition, not their safety: malice
Of Hannos faction having fram'd pretences
To cloude the glory of your actions.
Which to confirme the more, see their command
That you should instantly withdraw your forces,
And so returne to Carthage.

Han.
Not till now?
When in my tallons I had almost seiz'd
Romes Eagle, and prepar'd my sharpned beake
To prey upon her heare?

Bom.
Tis likewise fear'd
That Massanissa hath forsaken Carthage.
So that unlesse some policy can winne
Syphax unto us, we must never more
Expect Numidian ayde. His Counsailours
Seeme to desire it; for they wish your presence:
And that you'l put th'instructions here contein'd
Into a sudden act.

Han.
Must I then leave
Rome unsubverted? So a man that strives
To make himselfe eternall by erecting
Of some stupendious monument, is forc't
To his last quiet e're the worke be perfect.
Leaving it but a lame and halfe designe
Of his ambition.

Him.
Hath not Hanniball
His forces here? Let's forward with that strength
Which yet is left us; nor regard the tyes
Their doting policies would chaine us with.
Valour consists in hearts more than in number.
Let's on to Rome.

Han.
No: passion shall submit
Vnto my best part. Conquest of my selfe
Shall speake me more in this, then if my power
Had level'd her seven hills. I leave her onely
To grow more worthy of my victory.
I will obey, though each unwilling step
Wounds me beyond the cure of common patience.
Commands of power must not be withstood.
Great actions make men great; good actions good.

Exeunt.