The Second Punick War Between Hannibal, and the Romanes The whole Seventeen Books, Englished from the Latine of Silius Italicus: with A Continuation from the Triumph of Scipio, To the Death of Hannibal. By Tho: Ross |
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The Second Book.
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 | The Second Punick War Between Hannibal, and the Romanes |  |
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The Second Book.
The Argument.
To Hannibal Isalces doth relateKing Masanissa's Love, and the sad Fate
Of Sophonisba. Rome dreads the Report
Of a new War. In the Ephesian Court
Scipio, and Hannibal are entertain'd,
And meet, as Friends. The City, Temple, and
Its Wealth describ'd. Great Alexander's Deeds
Eumolpus sings. Whence a Discourse proceeds,
Who the best Captains were. Past Actions are
Revolv'd. The King resolves upon a War.
While thus pretended Piety beguiles
The Vulgar, and the glad Deceiver smiles
At the Success; Secure, that none could bear
The Tidings of his Flight, before the Fear
Of being stop'd was past, to Sea again
He hastens, hoises Sail, while yet the Reign
Of Night continu'd, and the Tyrian Star
Lent faithful Beams to guide the Mariner,
And as, well pleas'd with what had past, his Friends
Discours'd, how much their Mirth had made Amends
For all Delays, his sure Numidian Guide
(Who once attended on great Syphax Bride)
Began. But He inspir'd above the Rest
To Me appear'd, who did so much detest,
And scorn their Names, who, through a shameful Dread
Of Dying, had submitted to be led
In Triumph, and, in Chains, before they Dy'd,
Had tamely Sacrific'd unto the Pride
Of Roman Conqu'rours. How He did declame,
For this, 'gainst Syphax! how adore the Name
Of Noble Sophonisba! who did bear
A Face'as Chearful, as I carry here,
(Said He) and, to avoid that Shame, was seen
To drink her Death, and fall a Glorious Queen.
I well observ'd his Zeal, and, I confess,
(Reply'd Great Hannibal) could little less
Then weep, at Mention of so dear a Name.
But since we onely have, by Common Fame,
Her Story heard, and You a Witness wore
Of all that past, to Us her Fate declare.
The Vulgar, and the glad Deceiver smiles
At the Success; Secure, that none could bear
The Tidings of his Flight, before the Fear
Of being stop'd was past, to Sea again
He hastens, hoises Sail, while yet the Reign
26
Lent faithful Beams to guide the Mariner,
And as, well pleas'd with what had past, his Friends
Discours'd, how much their Mirth had made Amends
For all Delays, his sure Numidian Guide
(Who once attended on great Syphax Bride)
Began. But He inspir'd above the Rest
To Me appear'd, who did so much detest,
And scorn their Names, who, through a shameful Dread
Of Dying, had submitted to be led
In Triumph, and, in Chains, before they Dy'd,
Had tamely Sacrific'd unto the Pride
Of Roman Conqu'rours. How He did declame,
For this, 'gainst Syphax! how adore the Name
Of Noble Sophonisba! who did bear
A Face'as Chearful, as I carry here,
(Said He) and, to avoid that Shame, was seen
To drink her Death, and fall a Glorious Queen.
I well observ'd his Zeal, and, I confess,
(Reply'd Great Hannibal) could little less
Then weep, at Mention of so dear a Name.
But since we onely have, by Common Fame,
Her Story heard, and You a Witness wore
Of all that past, to Us her Fate declare.
Then He. When Syphax was o'rethrown, and all
Numidia lost, through his Unhappy Fall,
False Masanissa less ambitiously
Aspir'd unto his Empire, then to be
Successour in his Bed, and when h' had gain'd
The Queen into his Pow'r (the King enchain'd,
And kept a Trophy to Young Scipio's Pride)
Impatient till h' enjoy'd so fair a Bride,
His Minde he thus discovers: If the Throne
Of Syphax, or Numidia's Wealth, alone,
Had been the Object of mine Arms, I now
Whate're the Gods, or Fortune could allow
To my Desires, possess'd: but know my Aim
(Fair Queen) is Higher, and a Nobler Flame
Reigns in my Breast, the Romane General
May this (perchance) an Happy Conquest call,
Because his Eagles, now, securely fly
O're the Numidian Plains. But nothing I
Have gain'd, though this late Victory restore
Whatever Syphax did, from Me, before
Usurp; though Hammon, and Tarpeian Jove
Conspire to make Me great, unless your Love
This Happiness confirm. For this did I
From Libya's to the Romane Ensigns fly,
Knowing no other Means to win You from
My Rival's Arms, and since He is by Rome
Thrown from that glorious Height, and can no more
Be Worthy held of what He did before
In You enjoy (since none, but He, that wears
A Crown, and in his Hand a Scepter bears,
Can Merit such a Bliss) that You may live
A Queen, and (what lost Carthage cannot give,
Nor Sophonisba take, but from my Hand)
Be still ador'd through the Numidian Land.
Accept my Love, by which, You can alone
Shun Romane Chains, and still possess a Throne.
Numidia lost, through his Unhappy Fall,
False Masanissa less ambitiously
Aspir'd unto his Empire, then to be
Successour in his Bed, and when h' had gain'd
The Queen into his Pow'r (the King enchain'd,
And kept a Trophy to Young Scipio's Pride)
Impatient till h' enjoy'd so fair a Bride,
His Minde he thus discovers: If the Throne
Of Syphax, or Numidia's Wealth, alone,
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Whate're the Gods, or Fortune could allow
To my Desires, possess'd: but know my Aim
(Fair Queen) is Higher, and a Nobler Flame
Reigns in my Breast, the Romane General
May this (perchance) an Happy Conquest call,
Because his Eagles, now, securely fly
O're the Numidian Plains. But nothing I
Have gain'd, though this late Victory restore
Whatever Syphax did, from Me, before
Usurp; though Hammon, and Tarpeian Jove
Conspire to make Me great, unless your Love
This Happiness confirm. For this did I
From Libya's to the Romane Ensigns fly,
Knowing no other Means to win You from
My Rival's Arms, and since He is by Rome
Thrown from that glorious Height, and can no more
Be Worthy held of what He did before
In You enjoy (since none, but He, that wears
A Crown, and in his Hand a Scepter bears,
Can Merit such a Bliss) that You may live
A Queen, and (what lost Carthage cannot give,
Nor Sophonisba take, but from my Hand)
Be still ador'd through the Numidian Land.
Accept my Love, by which, You can alone
Shun Romane Chains, and still possess a Throne.
To this the Queen (though an extream Disdain
Of what He oster'd in Her Soul did Reign)
Fearing to be a Spectacle at Rome,
More then to Dy, replies. 'Tis to presume
Too much upon your Victory, if You
Imagine it as Easy, to Subdue
This Heart, as late our Arms: and though, by Force,
You have already made a sad Divorce,
Yet know the Memory of Syphax Name
Will, in this Breast, admit no other Flame,
While He survives. But, rather then be led
To Rome in Triumph, I confess the Bed
Of any born of Libyan Blood may be
Prefer'd: yet, if the adverse Fates decree,
That, to avoid that Shame, I must the Crime
Of hasty Nuptials add, a little Time
(Me thinks) you ought, in Justice, to allow,
To expiate, with Tears, my former Vow.
Of what He oster'd in Her Soul did Reign)
Fearing to be a Spectacle at Rome,
More then to Dy, replies. 'Tis to presume
Too much upon your Victory, if You
Imagine it as Easy, to Subdue
This Heart, as late our Arms: and though, by Force,
You have already made a sad Divorce,
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Will, in this Breast, admit no other Flame,
While He survives. But, rather then be led
To Rome in Triumph, I confess the Bed
Of any born of Libyan Blood may be
Prefer'd: yet, if the adverse Fates decree,
That, to avoid that Shame, I must the Crime
Of hasty Nuptials add, a little Time
(Me thinks) you ought, in Justice, to allow,
To expiate, with Tears, my former Vow.
With this Reply, which neither gave Assent
To his Demand, nor yet deny'd, Her Tent
He quits, advising Her to shun Delays,
In her Resolve; for that, e're many Days
Should pass, the Captives must be sent to Rome,
And Her Consent would, then, too Tardy come.
To his Demand, nor yet deny'd, Her Tent
He quits, advising Her to shun Delays,
In her Resolve; for that, e're many Days
Should pass, the Captives must be sent to Rome,
And Her Consent would, then, too Tardy come.
At these last Words, as when our Libyan Darts
A Tygress strike, at first, amaz'd, She starts,
And growling stands, but when the wounding Steel
Is deeply fix'd, and She begins to feel
The Anguish of a Wound, She rends the Air
With Cries, and, lab'ring with her Teeth to tare
The Weapons forth, augments her Pain, then flies
To some known Covert, and there, Raving, dies.
Struck to the Heart (as if She then had seen
The Gorgon's Head, or, like Amphîon's Queen,
Congeal'd to Marble) Statue-like She stands,
A while, and Silent weeps. At length, her Hands
Invade her Head, from which She, frantick, tears
The lovely Hair, and, furiously, impairs
The Beauty of that Face, which by two Kings
Had been ador'd. At last, Her self She flings
Upon her Bed, and, with a mournful Cry,
On her dear Syphax calls. Which hearing, I
Stept in, and found her turning to and fro,
Her Eyes: now dry, and fir'd with Anger, so,
When Pentheus scorn'd the Trieterick Feast,
Agave's Looks Her inward Rage exprest.
Amaz'd, a while, I Silent stood: till She,
Sighs making Way for Words, at length to Me
Her Speech directs. 'Tis not, because Uncrown'd,
(Isalces) that I grieve; a deeper Wound
My Soul afflicts, and I am wrack'd between
Two dire Extreams. Oh! had I never seen
Numidia's Court, or had I ne're been led,
By Hymen's Tapers, to my Syphax Bed,
The World, perhaps, had never heard that one,
Born of Great Hasdrubal, was from a Throne
To Rome a Captive led, but I must now
(Oh cruel Fate!) renounce my Nuptial Vow,
To yield up (what my Lord esteem'd above
Numidia's Throne) the Treasure of my Love
To Masanissa, and in his Embrace
Those Sacred Ties dissolve, or in the Face
Of Rome, the greatest Trophy of the War,
Exposed be, and the Triumphal Car
Of the proud Conquerour, in Chains attend.
Ye Gods! what greater Mischief can Ye send
Upon this Head? Your Thunder cannot give
A Blow so Fatal, if you let Me live
To see that Day. As thus She spake, her Eyes,
With sudden Streams of Tears, her Tongue surprize.
A Tygress strike, at first, amaz'd, She starts,
And growling stands, but when the wounding Steel
Is deeply fix'd, and She begins to feel
The Anguish of a Wound, She rends the Air
With Cries, and, lab'ring with her Teeth to tare
The Weapons forth, augments her Pain, then flies
To some known Covert, and there, Raving, dies.
Struck to the Heart (as if She then had seen
The Gorgon's Head, or, like Amphîon's Queen,
Congeal'd to Marble) Statue-like She stands,
A while, and Silent weeps. At length, her Hands
Invade her Head, from which She, frantick, tears
The lovely Hair, and, furiously, impairs
The Beauty of that Face, which by two Kings
Had been ador'd. At last, Her self She flings
Upon her Bed, and, with a mournful Cry,
On her dear Syphax calls. Which hearing, I
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Her Eyes: now dry, and fir'd with Anger, so,
When Pentheus scorn'd the Trieterick Feast,
Agave's Looks Her inward Rage exprest.
Amaz'd, a while, I Silent stood: till She,
Sighs making Way for Words, at length to Me
Her Speech directs. 'Tis not, because Uncrown'd,
(Isalces) that I grieve; a deeper Wound
My Soul afflicts, and I am wrack'd between
Two dire Extreams. Oh! had I never seen
Numidia's Court, or had I ne're been led,
By Hymen's Tapers, to my Syphax Bed,
The World, perhaps, had never heard that one,
Born of Great Hasdrubal, was from a Throne
To Rome a Captive led, but I must now
(Oh cruel Fate!) renounce my Nuptial Vow,
To yield up (what my Lord esteem'd above
Numidia's Throne) the Treasure of my Love
To Masanissa, and in his Embrace
Those Sacred Ties dissolve, or in the Face
Of Rome, the greatest Trophy of the War,
Exposed be, and the Triumphal Car
Of the proud Conquerour, in Chains attend.
Ye Gods! what greater Mischief can Ye send
Upon this Head? Your Thunder cannot give
A Blow so Fatal, if you let Me live
To see that Day. As thus She spake, her Eyes,
With sudden Streams of Tears, her Tongue surprize.
When I perceiv'd, that Masanissa's Flame
(Though yet an Enemy) was still the same,
He had before profess'd; hoping the Charms
Of such a Beauty might regain his Arms
To Carthage, as they Syphax had withdrawn
From Romane Leagues, after a Solemn Pawn
Of Faith, before the Gods: I thus begun.
(Though yet an Enemy) was still the same,
He had before profess'd; hoping the Charms
Of such a Beauty might regain his Arms
To Carthage, as they Syphax had withdrawn
From Romane Leagues, after a Solemn Pawn
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Had Heav'n left any other Means to shun
The Pow'r of Rome, and that prodigious Shame,
Which proudly they on all of Tyrian Name
Inflict, I should resolve, whate're it be,
To share Your Fortune. But since, now, You see
The Conquerour your Captive is, You may
Redeem your Self, and give a better Day
To Your lost Country. 'Twas for this alone,
Hasdrubal plac'd you on Numidia's Throne,
The Cause is still the Same, nor is't a Crime,
Which Fate Necessitates, and which in Time
You may a Signal Piety avow
To all the World. Ev'n Syphax will allow
It such, and dy Content, if You restore
Entire to Libya what She lost before.
The Pow'r of Rome, and that prodigious Shame,
Which proudly they on all of Tyrian Name
Inflict, I should resolve, whate're it be,
To share Your Fortune. But since, now, You see
The Conquerour your Captive is, You may
Redeem your Self, and give a better Day
To Your lost Country. 'Twas for this alone,
Hasdrubal plac'd you on Numidia's Throne,
The Cause is still the Same, nor is't a Crime,
Which Fate Necessitates, and which in Time
You may a Signal Piety avow
To all the World. Ev'n Syphax will allow
It such, and dy Content, if You restore
Entire to Libya what She lost before.
Perswaded thus; as when a Sea-man findes
Nothing, but certain Ruin from the Windes,
Which on the Ocean storm, resolv'd no more
To trust their Fury, for some Neighb'ring Shore
He steers, and, to secure Himself, doth choose,
Upon a Sand, the lab'ring Bark to loose:
So, from Rome's Rage, the Queen resolves to throw
Her self, for Safety, on a gentler Fo;
Who now approach'd, while She puts on a Face
Might move his Pity, and a God's Embrace.
So, when her Memnon dy'd, Aurora threw
Over her Rosy Cheeks a Veil of Dew,
Through which dissolving Chrystal, from Her Eyes
Day did more sadly, yet more Fragrant rise.
Soon as He entred, Prostrate at his Feet
She falls, and thus now sues his Love to meet.
Nothing, but certain Ruin from the Windes,
Which on the Ocean storm, resolv'd no more
To trust their Fury, for some Neighb'ring Shore
He steers, and, to secure Himself, doth choose,
Upon a Sand, the lab'ring Bark to loose:
So, from Rome's Rage, the Queen resolves to throw
Her self, for Safety, on a gentler Fo;
Who now approach'd, while She puts on a Face
Might move his Pity, and a God's Embrace.
So, when her Memnon dy'd, Aurora threw
Over her Rosy Cheeks a Veil of Dew,
Through which dissolving Chrystal, from Her Eyes
Day did more sadly, yet more Fragrant rise.
Soon as He entred, Prostrate at his Feet
She falls, and thus now sues his Love to meet.
If my distracted Piety did swell
Too High, if what I utter'd did not well
Beseem a Captive (mighty Prince) I here
Beseech You pardon Me, not wont to bear
So weighty Griefs, and, since th'Immortal Gods,
Above my Syphax Fate, on You these Odds
(Due to your Valour, and good Fortune) have
Bestow'd, whatever be my Doom, I crave
It may proceed from You. And as you are
A King, and with my Lord did lately share
In the Numidian Name, let Me not be
Expos'd to any Roman's proud Decree.
As I am onely Wife to Syphax, I
Would rather any Libyan's Mercy try,
Then trust a Stranger. But withall you know
What I, a Carthaginîan, Daughter to
Great Hasdrubal, may from a Roman fear.
If then no other Remedy appear
Within your Pow'r, I here beseech you still,
By Death to free Me from the Romans Will.
Too High, if what I utter'd did not well
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Beseech You pardon Me, not wont to bear
So weighty Griefs, and, since th'Immortal Gods,
Above my Syphax Fate, on You these Odds
(Due to your Valour, and good Fortune) have
Bestow'd, whatever be my Doom, I crave
It may proceed from You. And as you are
A King, and with my Lord did lately share
In the Numidian Name, let Me not be
Expos'd to any Roman's proud Decree.
As I am onely Wife to Syphax, I
Would rather any Libyan's Mercy try,
Then trust a Stranger. But withall you know
What I, a Carthaginîan, Daughter to
Great Hasdrubal, may from a Roman fear.
If then no other Remedy appear
Within your Pow'r, I here beseech you still,
By Death to free Me from the Romans Will.
Scarce this (with all Allurements, that could move
At once the Conqu'rour's Pity, and his Love)
She had declar'd, when He wipes off her Tears
With fervent Kisses, and her future Fears
Allays, with Promise to preserve her Free
From Roman Hands. But pleads Necessity
(To be Secure) that Night to Consummate
Their Nuptial Rites. Unwillingly, to Fate,
And his Desires She yields, and at the Time
Her doubtful Heart, as Conscious of a Crime,
Calls back her Blood, then sends it forth again
Into her Cheeks (so shines a Scarlet Stain
On Ivory) asham'd to have it said,
One Day a Captive her, and Bride had made.
And now the Weary Horses of the Sun
To the Tartessiack Shore their Course had run;
When Masanissa, with all Sacred Rites,
The Presence of the Marriage God invites.
But no good Omen shew'd him to be there;
The Fire the Incense flies; the Altars are
Smooth'rd in Stygian Smoak; a dreadful Sound
Through all the Temple runs, and shakes the Ground.
And, as from thence into their Chamber they
Retire, the Holy Tapers, all the Way,
With Sputt'ring Flames (as if Alecto shed
Sulphure upon them) lead them to their Bed.
All this, intent upon his Mistress Eyes,
He either did not see, or did Despise.
Concluding what He should enjoy would all
Those Miseries out-weigh, that could befal
Before this Fatal Night was spent. The Fame
Of Masanissa's hasty Nuptials came
To Scipio's Ear; He, fearing to give Way
To such a growing Mischief, soon as Day
Had chas'd away the Stars, by Lælius sends
A Summons, and, thus sharply reprehends
His Levity. 'Tis my Belief, (said He)
That when We first contracted Amity
In Spain, and then in Africa, when Thou
Didst both thy Self, and all those Hopes, which now
Thou callst thine Own, to Me commit, that then
Something in Me thou did'st 'bove other Men
Worthy that Trust conceive. But I in none
Of all these Virtues, that did prompt Thee on
To seek my Friendship, more of Glory plac't,
Then in my Temperance: That with a Chast,
And Sober Minde, I could suppress the Flame
Of hottest Lust; and this, I then did aim,
To other thy rare Virtues might be joyn'd.
For trust Me, Noble Prince, We cannot finde
So much of Danger from our Armed Foes,
As from those stronger Pleasures, that enclose
Us round: and whotsoer'e repells their dire
Assaults, and can by Temp'rance his Desire
Within Himself Subdue, a Victory
Of greater Honour gains, then that, which We
O're Syphax have obtain'd. Those Noble Things,
Which Thou, with Valour worthy greatest Kings,
Hast in my Absence done, I did, of late,
To all of Name in Arms commemorate
With all due Praise, and still shall keep in Minde.
But I had rather Thou on what's behinde
Would'st with thy Self reflect, then Blush to hear
Me give't a Name. It plainly doth appear
To all the World, that Syphax was or'ethrown,
And Captiv'd by the Auspicies alone
O'th' Roman People. Whatsoever He
Possess'd: his Kingdom, Wife, and People, We
May challenge as our Prize, and none a Share
Of Right, can claim. Though Sophonisba were
No Carthaginian born; or did not We
Her Father Gen'ral of their Armies see:
Yet must She (who a King, that was our Friend,
An Enemy hath made, and in the End
Against Us drawn to Arms) be sent to Rome,
And there the Senate's, and the People's Doom
Attend. Strive therefore to subdue thy Minde,
Shake this lewd Passion off, so much inclin'd
To draw Thee into Ruin; nor the Grace
Of all thy Virtues, with one Vice, Deface;
Nor by one Crime deprive thy Self of all
Those Thanks, at Rome, for which thy Merits call.
At once the Conqu'rour's Pity, and his Love)
She had declar'd, when He wipes off her Tears
With fervent Kisses, and her future Fears
Allays, with Promise to preserve her Free
From Roman Hands. But pleads Necessity
(To be Secure) that Night to Consummate
Their Nuptial Rites. Unwillingly, to Fate,
And his Desires She yields, and at the Time
Her doubtful Heart, as Conscious of a Crime,
Calls back her Blood, then sends it forth again
Into her Cheeks (so shines a Scarlet Stain
On Ivory) asham'd to have it said,
One Day a Captive her, and Bride had made.
And now the Weary Horses of the Sun
To the Tartessiack Shore their Course had run;
32
The Presence of the Marriage God invites.
But no good Omen shew'd him to be there;
The Fire the Incense flies; the Altars are
Smooth'rd in Stygian Smoak; a dreadful Sound
Through all the Temple runs, and shakes the Ground.
And, as from thence into their Chamber they
Retire, the Holy Tapers, all the Way,
With Sputt'ring Flames (as if Alecto shed
Sulphure upon them) lead them to their Bed.
All this, intent upon his Mistress Eyes,
He either did not see, or did Despise.
Concluding what He should enjoy would all
Those Miseries out-weigh, that could befal
Before this Fatal Night was spent. The Fame
Of Masanissa's hasty Nuptials came
To Scipio's Ear; He, fearing to give Way
To such a growing Mischief, soon as Day
Had chas'd away the Stars, by Lælius sends
A Summons, and, thus sharply reprehends
His Levity. 'Tis my Belief, (said He)
That when We first contracted Amity
In Spain, and then in Africa, when Thou
Didst both thy Self, and all those Hopes, which now
Thou callst thine Own, to Me commit, that then
Something in Me thou did'st 'bove other Men
Worthy that Trust conceive. But I in none
Of all these Virtues, that did prompt Thee on
To seek my Friendship, more of Glory plac't,
Then in my Temperance: That with a Chast,
And Sober Minde, I could suppress the Flame
Of hottest Lust; and this, I then did aim,
To other thy rare Virtues might be joyn'd.
For trust Me, Noble Prince, We cannot finde
33
As from those stronger Pleasures, that enclose
Us round: and whotsoer'e repells their dire
Assaults, and can by Temp'rance his Desire
Within Himself Subdue, a Victory
Of greater Honour gains, then that, which We
O're Syphax have obtain'd. Those Noble Things,
Which Thou, with Valour worthy greatest Kings,
Hast in my Absence done, I did, of late,
To all of Name in Arms commemorate
With all due Praise, and still shall keep in Minde.
But I had rather Thou on what's behinde
Would'st with thy Self reflect, then Blush to hear
Me give't a Name. It plainly doth appear
To all the World, that Syphax was or'ethrown,
And Captiv'd by the Auspicies alone
O'th' Roman People. Whatsoever He
Possess'd: his Kingdom, Wife, and People, We
May challenge as our Prize, and none a Share
Of Right, can claim. Though Sophonisba were
No Carthaginian born; or did not We
Her Father Gen'ral of their Armies see:
Yet must She (who a King, that was our Friend,
An Enemy hath made, and in the End
Against Us drawn to Arms) be sent to Rome,
And there the Senate's, and the People's Doom
Attend. Strive therefore to subdue thy Minde,
Shake this lewd Passion off, so much inclin'd
To draw Thee into Ruin; nor the Grace
Of all thy Virtues, with one Vice, Deface;
Nor by one Crime deprive thy Self of all
Those Thanks, at Rome, for which thy Merits call.
Struck to the Heart (as if some sudden Flame
Were darted through his Blood) the Fire of Shame
Flies to his Face: Yet nothing He replies,
But strait retires with Sighs, and swelling Eyes;
And, knowing, that what Scipio had decreed
Must stand Irrevocable, sends, with Speed,
For Me, and with a Box, into my Hand
A fatal Poison puts, with this Command:
Bear this to my Dear Sophonisba, say,
That Masanissa was resolv'd to pay
That Faith to Her, which kindest Husbands ow
To their Dear Wives. But, since the Fates have so
Decreed, that They now countermand his Will,
To whom it is subjected; He is still
Resolv'd his second Promise firm shall stand:
And, that, Alive, into a Roman's Hand
She may not fall, advise, that with her Drink
She intermix this Poison. Bid Her think
Upon the General (her Father) and
Her Country: think how, once, She did command
The Hearts of two great Kings, to whom Sh'hath been
In Marriage joyn'd, and let Her Dy a Queen.
The baneful Drug to my Dear Mistress I,
With this harsh Message, brought. Prepar'd to Dy,
And with Undaunted Minde the Worst to bear,
That Fate could add, She, with Attentive Ear,
Listn'd to what I said, and, as She took
In her fair Hand the Poison, with a Look
Moor Chearful, then when She a Bride was made
To Masanissa, I accept (She said)
His Nuptial Present: nor is it to Me
At all Unwelcome, since (my Husband) He
Can nothing Greater on his Wife bestow:
But yet, withall, I pri'thee let Him know,
That Sophonisba would more pleas'd have Dy'd,
If, at her Death, She had not been his Bride:
For then my Country might upon my Tomb
Have writ, that, thus, I Triumph'd over Rome.
No sooner spoke, but to her Lips She joyn'd
The deadly Cup, and, Greedy there to finde
A speedy Death, swallows it; all and, while
We, Trembling, stand about Her, with a Smile,
Which made her Lovely ev'n in Death (her Heart
Recalling now the Blood, from ev'ry Part,
To its Relief) She sinks, and, as She lies
Upon her Couch, gives one Great Sigh, and dies.
Were darted through his Blood) the Fire of Shame
34
But strait retires with Sighs, and swelling Eyes;
And, knowing, that what Scipio had decreed
Must stand Irrevocable, sends, with Speed,
For Me, and with a Box, into my Hand
A fatal Poison puts, with this Command:
Bear this to my Dear Sophonisba, say,
That Masanissa was resolv'd to pay
That Faith to Her, which kindest Husbands ow
To their Dear Wives. But, since the Fates have so
Decreed, that They now countermand his Will,
To whom it is subjected; He is still
Resolv'd his second Promise firm shall stand:
And, that, Alive, into a Roman's Hand
She may not fall, advise, that with her Drink
She intermix this Poison. Bid Her think
Upon the General (her Father) and
Her Country: think how, once, She did command
The Hearts of two great Kings, to whom Sh'hath been
In Marriage joyn'd, and let Her Dy a Queen.
The baneful Drug to my Dear Mistress I,
With this harsh Message, brought. Prepar'd to Dy,
And with Undaunted Minde the Worst to bear,
That Fate could add, She, with Attentive Ear,
Listn'd to what I said, and, as She took
In her fair Hand the Poison, with a Look
Moor Chearful, then when She a Bride was made
To Masanissa, I accept (She said)
His Nuptial Present: nor is it to Me
At all Unwelcome, since (my Husband) He
Can nothing Greater on his Wife bestow:
But yet, withall, I pri'thee let Him know,
That Sophonisba would more pleas'd have Dy'd,
If, at her Death, She had not been his Bride:
35
Have writ, that, thus, I Triumph'd over Rome.
No sooner spoke, but to her Lips She joyn'd
The deadly Cup, and, Greedy there to finde
A speedy Death, swallows it; all and, while
We, Trembling, stand about Her, with a Smile,
Which made her Lovely ev'n in Death (her Heart
Recalling now the Blood, from ev'ry Part,
To its Relief) She sinks, and, as She lies
Upon her Couch, gives one Great Sigh, and dies.
As the Numidian this sad Story told,
The Day began to rise. They now behold
The Tyrian Coast, by which they Steer unto
That City, whence the Carthaginians drew
Their fam'd Original, when Dido from
Her Brother fled. Receiv'd, as if at Home,
With all the Joy, that could express the Pride
They had conceiv'd, in being near ally'd
To that Great Hannibal, who late the Fear
Of all the World had been; when he had there
Himself refresh'd, again He hoists his Sails
For Antioch: from thence, with prosp'rous Gales,
At Ephesus arriv'd; where, glad to finde
The Syrian King, who, with a dubious Minde,
His Hate, conceiv'd against the Roman Name,
Pursu'd, at length he fix'd, and by his Fame
In Arms, appearing like a Martial Star,
Guided his wand'ring Thoughts into a War.
The Day began to rise. They now behold
The Tyrian Coast, by which they Steer unto
That City, whence the Carthaginians drew
Their fam'd Original, when Dido from
Her Brother fled. Receiv'd, as if at Home,
With all the Joy, that could express the Pride
They had conceiv'd, in being near ally'd
To that Great Hannibal, who late the Fear
Of all the World had been; when he had there
Himself refresh'd, again He hoists his Sails
For Antioch: from thence, with prosp'rous Gales,
At Ephesus arriv'd; where, glad to finde
The Syrian King, who, with a dubious Minde,
His Hate, conceiv'd against the Roman Name,
Pursu'd, at length he fix'd, and by his Fame
In Arms, appearing like a Martial Star,
Guided his wand'ring Thoughts into a War.
And now, o're all the Syrian Cities, Fame
Her lofty Head had rais'd, and with the Name
Of Hannibal awak'd the God of War:
When strait the sev'ral Nations, which from far
Their Tribute to the Syrian Crown did bring,
And gave the Title, Great, unto their King,
Fly into Arms, and to th'Ephesian Court
The Princes, and Embassadours resort.
All promise Aid; secure, that He was come,
To stand a Bulwark 'gainst the Force of Rome,
And Asian Tow'rs defend with greater Odds,
Then all their Arms, or Tutelary Gods.
All his great Merits plead, and, fondly, raise
The Value of his Virtues with their Praise.
No Errours are allow'd in all, that He
Hath done. So little do the Vulgar see
A Fault, where they affect, or know to State
The Reasons of their sudden Love, or Hate.
Carthage (though now in Chains) Unpiti'd stands:
The Gods are prais'd, that her Ingrateful Hands
He had escap'd. For his late Overthrow,
And Fight, they cast not on the Publick Fo,
But Home-bred Treachery; as not the Crime
Of Fortune, but the Envy of the Time.
Envy, which still detracts from greatest Deeds,
And on the Ruins of the Virtuous feeds;
Which first, against the God's rebellious Wars
Had rais'd, and made the Giants storm the Stars.
She Honour still pursues wheree're it goes:
Wheree're it treads, She Stygian Poison throws;
That its fair Foot-steps quickly doth Deface,
And raiseth her own Trophies in its Place.
Her lofty Head had rais'd, and with the Name
Of Hannibal awak'd the God of War:
When strait the sev'ral Nations, which from far
Their Tribute to the Syrian Crown did bring,
And gave the Title, Great, unto their King,
36
The Princes, and Embassadours resort.
All promise Aid; secure, that He was come,
To stand a Bulwark 'gainst the Force of Rome,
And Asian Tow'rs defend with greater Odds,
Then all their Arms, or Tutelary Gods.
All his great Merits plead, and, fondly, raise
The Value of his Virtues with their Praise.
No Errours are allow'd in all, that He
Hath done. So little do the Vulgar see
A Fault, where they affect, or know to State
The Reasons of their sudden Love, or Hate.
Carthage (though now in Chains) Unpiti'd stands:
The Gods are prais'd, that her Ingrateful Hands
He had escap'd. For his late Overthrow,
And Fight, they cast not on the Publick Fo,
But Home-bred Treachery; as not the Crime
Of Fortune, but the Envy of the Time.
Envy, which still detracts from greatest Deeds,
And on the Ruins of the Virtuous feeds;
Which first, against the God's rebellious Wars
Had rais'd, and made the Giants storm the Stars.
She Honour still pursues wheree're it goes:
Wheree're it treads, She Stygian Poison throws;
That its fair Foot-steps quickly doth Deface,
And raiseth her own Trophies in its Place.
With this Applause the Court, and City, ring.
Some invocate the Gods, others the King
Importune to the War. Then strait their Bands
They List, and levy Troops in sev'ral Lands.
Nor were those Aids to Syrian Bounds confin'd:
But Names, and Nations to their Arms were joyn'd,
Who, when the Strength of Rome was greater far,
The Fates decreed, should in a future War
Her Pow'r, though back'd by all the World, restrain,
And with a Consul's Blood her Eagles stain.
With those the Medes, who ev'n on Conqu'ring Foes
Their Manners, and their Habit did impose,
From whom the Persians first Tiaras wore,
And, falling Prostrate, did their Kings adore:
Whose mighty Monarchs their Imperial Throne
Had fix'd upon the Walls of Babylon,
Till, weak'ned with Delights, that Empire, which
A Woman rais'd to so admir'd a Pitch,
By Men less Valiant lost, the Prize became
Of the Pellæan Youth, and crown'd his Name.
Some invocate the Gods, others the King
Importune to the War. Then strait their Bands
They List, and levy Troops in sev'ral Lands.
Nor were those Aids to Syrian Bounds confin'd:
But Names, and Nations to their Arms were joyn'd,
Who, when the Strength of Rome was greater far,
The Fates decreed, should in a future War
37
And with a Consul's Blood her Eagles stain.
With those the Medes, who ev'n on Conqu'ring Foes
Their Manners, and their Habit did impose,
From whom the Persians first Tiaras wore,
And, falling Prostrate, did their Kings adore:
Whose mighty Monarchs their Imperial Throne
Had fix'd upon the Walls of Babylon,
Till, weak'ned with Delights, that Empire, which
A Woman rais'd to so admir'd a Pitch,
By Men less Valiant lost, the Prize became
Of the Pellæan Youth, and crown'd his Name.
And, as if all, that Asia could prepare,
Where Hannibal appear'd, too little were
T'attend his Fate; as if the Earth alone
Too Narrow were, for Him, to Fight upon.
Though Europe gave her Aids, and Warlike Thrace,
Must'ring her Chariots, did the War Embrace,
Cilician, and Phœnician Ports are throng'd
With Ships for War, and those where Hero long'd
So oft to see Læander from the Seas
Rising (like Hesp'rus, when he sought to please
The Paphian Queen) untill returning Day
Reviv'd her Fears, and call'd her Love away.
Where Hannibal appear'd, too little were
T'attend his Fate; as if the Earth alone
Too Narrow were, for Him, to Fight upon.
Though Europe gave her Aids, and Warlike Thrace,
Must'ring her Chariots, did the War Embrace,
Cilician, and Phœnician Ports are throng'd
With Ships for War, and those where Hero long'd
So oft to see Læander from the Seas
Rising (like Hesp'rus, when he sought to please
The Paphian Queen) untill returning Day
Reviv'd her Fears, and call'd her Love away.
But when the Rumour of so great a War,
So many Nations joyn'd, though distant far,
Touch'd the Italian Coast: as swift, as Thought,
To Rome it flies, and, soon as thither brought,
Fear through all Quarters runs, in sev'ral Shapes
Affrights their Mindes, commits a thousand Rapes
Upon their Sense, and greater Prodigies,
Then all before, abused Fancy sees,
What ever did Portend their former Ills,
Seems now again to fright the World, and fills
The People's Ears. Sometimes the Alps are said
To tremble, while Trinacrian Flames invade
Th'Italian Shore: as if, from Ætna's Womb,
Th'Infernal Gods, themselves, had threatned Rome.
Etrurian Augurs, strait, consulted are,
And, from these vain Reports, divine a War;
While Nature, sporting, to confirm their Fears,
Makes Lions bring forth Lambs, and Wolves teem Bears.
Then, as if Carthage had her Chains again
Thrown off, and arming her Revenge with Spain,
The Boii, Celtæ, and those Nations all,
That Rome had reason still her Foes to call,
Did Italy Invade: the Roman Dames
Run to the Temples, and with Holy Flames
The Altars Crown, and thus to Heav'n complain.
So many Nations joyn'd, though distant far,
Touch'd the Italian Coast: as swift, as Thought,
To Rome it flies, and, soon as thither brought,
Fear through all Quarters runs, in sev'ral Shapes
Affrights their Mindes, commits a thousand Rapes
Upon their Sense, and greater Prodigies,
Then all before, abused Fancy sees,
What ever did Portend their former Ills,
Seems now again to fright the World, and fills
38
To tremble, while Trinacrian Flames invade
Th'Italian Shore: as if, from Ætna's Womb,
Th'Infernal Gods, themselves, had threatned Rome.
Etrurian Augurs, strait, consulted are,
And, from these vain Reports, divine a War;
While Nature, sporting, to confirm their Fears,
Makes Lions bring forth Lambs, and Wolves teem Bears.
Then, as if Carthage had her Chains again
Thrown off, and arming her Revenge with Spain,
The Boii, Celtæ, and those Nations all,
That Rome had reason still her Foes to call,
Did Italy Invade: the Roman Dames
Run to the Temples, and with Holy Flames
The Altars Crown, and thus to Heav'n complain.
If these our Walls yet merit to remain
(Great Father Jove) if Sybil's Prophecies
Shall be confirm'd, and thou dost not despise
Tarpeian Tow'rs,: Ah! then, why should not We,
After so many Wounds, and Toils, be Free?
Was Rome exalted to so High a State,
Through so much Blood, that She might be to Fate
A richer Sacrifice? and must She fall
By None, but by the Hand of Hannibal?
Rather to those her Walls her Pow'r confine,
And with the Tarquins let Porsenna joyn:
Or to the Rage of Senones, or Flames
Of Brennus give Us up. Let not those Names,
That with such Valour have your Temples, here,
So oft preserv'd, and were esteem'd so Dear
To Heav'n, be now made Victims to the Hate
Of One proud Man; who, to accelerate
Our Ruin, hath disturb'd the Peace of all
The World. If Fates Decree, that Rome must fall,
Give Her a Fo, whose Virtues may exceed
Her Own, and let our Crimes, and Vices bleed
By a more Pious Hand, such, as from Blame
May free your Justice, with a better Name.
He, Perjur'd, from those Holy Altars flies,
Where Peace was sworn, and doth that League despise,
Which in the Name of all the Gods was sign'd,
And now his Arms hath with a People joyn'd,
Where We that Fate, which He at Capua found,
Shall undergo; where Vices will abound,
As Victories encrease, and We shall be
Lost, by our Triumphs, in their Luxury.
Thus will perfidious Carthage, not by Arms,
See her Revenge on Us, but Asia's Charms.
(Great Father Jove) if Sybil's Prophecies
Shall be confirm'd, and thou dost not despise
Tarpeian Tow'rs,: Ah! then, why should not We,
After so many Wounds, and Toils, be Free?
Was Rome exalted to so High a State,
Through so much Blood, that She might be to Fate
A richer Sacrifice? and must She fall
By None, but by the Hand of Hannibal?
Rather to those her Walls her Pow'r confine,
And with the Tarquins let Porsenna joyn:
Or to the Rage of Senones, or Flames
Of Brennus give Us up. Let not those Names,
That with such Valour have your Temples, here,
So oft preserv'd, and were esteem'd so Dear
To Heav'n, be now made Victims to the Hate
Of One proud Man; who, to accelerate
Our Ruin, hath disturb'd the Peace of all
The World. If Fates Decree, that Rome must fall,
39
Her Own, and let our Crimes, and Vices bleed
By a more Pious Hand, such, as from Blame
May free your Justice, with a better Name.
He, Perjur'd, from those Holy Altars flies,
Where Peace was sworn, and doth that League despise,
Which in the Name of all the Gods was sign'd,
And now his Arms hath with a People joyn'd,
Where We that Fate, which He at Capua found,
Shall undergo; where Vices will abound,
As Victories encrease, and We shall be
Lost, by our Triumphs, in their Luxury.
Thus will perfidious Carthage, not by Arms,
See her Revenge on Us, but Asia's Charms.
Mean while great Scipio, who their former Fears
Had drown'd in Carthaginian Mothers Tears,
(Whom Heav'n, to balance Hannibal, to Rome
Had lent, and in his Hand had plac'd the Doom
Of all the World) with gently-breathing Gales,
From the Italian Shore, to Asia Sails,
T'explore the King's Intent. At length, He came
To that fam'd City, where Diana's Name
In a fair Temple more Devotion moves,
With gentile Rites, the Thoantéan Groves.
No weeping Mother here to Heav'n complains,
While her Son's Blood the Cruel Altar stains.
But the bright Goddess, under Silver Shrines,
As Pleas'd appears, as when Her Brother joyns,
With full reflected Beams, her radiant Horns,
And, more then all the Stars, the Night adorns.
Had drown'd in Carthaginian Mothers Tears,
(Whom Heav'n, to balance Hannibal, to Rome
Had lent, and in his Hand had plac'd the Doom
Of all the World) with gently-breathing Gales,
From the Italian Shore, to Asia Sails,
T'explore the King's Intent. At length, He came
To that fam'd City, where Diana's Name
In a fair Temple more Devotion moves,
With gentile Rites, the Thoantéan Groves.
No weeping Mother here to Heav'n complains,
While her Son's Blood the Cruel Altar stains.
But the bright Goddess, under Silver Shrines,
As Pleas'd appears, as when Her Brother joyns,
With full reflected Beams, her radiant Horns,
And, more then all the Stars, the Night adorns.
In a large Plain, through which Mæander brings
His Winding Waters, in a thousand Rings,
To the Myrtôan Main, the City stands;
First built (they say) by Amazonian Bands,
That from Thermodöon, with Moon-like Shields,
Victorious march'd, through the Trachéan Fields,
Commanded by an Oracle before,
To build a City, where a Fish, and Boar
Should, Dying, shew the Place; Fate was their Guide
This Way: where, sitting on the Ground, they spy'd
Some busily employ'd their Living Prey
To broil, late taken from th'adjoyning Sea.
When strait a Fish throws, with a sudden Leap,
A burning Coal, upon a Neighb'ring Heap
Of Straw; which turn'd to Flame, a sleeping Boar
Beneath it they beheld. Earth None before
More Terrible had bred; as Big, as that,
Which both Diana's, and Althæa's Hate
On Meleager drew. But this was there
With better Omen found, t'Instruct them, where,
The Goddess would on Earth most Pleas'd abide,
And make fam'd Ephesus great Asia's Pride.
They all, amaz'd, his weighty Bulk admire:
And, as He, Grunting, starteth from the Fire,
A ready Hand a well-aim'd Jav'lin throws,
Which in his Shoulder fix'd (as He arose)
A Deadly Wound. But yet awhile He fled,
And they with Shouts pursu'd, till, falling Dead,
The Oracle was by his Death fulfill'd,
And they their City there resolv'd to build.
His Winding Waters, in a thousand Rings,
To the Myrtôan Main, the City stands;
First built (they say) by Amazonian Bands,
38
Victorious march'd, through the Trachéan Fields,
Commanded by an Oracle before,
To build a City, where a Fish, and Boar
Should, Dying, shew the Place; Fate was their Guide
This Way: where, sitting on the Ground, they spy'd
Some busily employ'd their Living Prey
To broil, late taken from th'adjoyning Sea.
When strait a Fish throws, with a sudden Leap,
A burning Coal, upon a Neighb'ring Heap
Of Straw; which turn'd to Flame, a sleeping Boar
Beneath it they beheld. Earth None before
More Terrible had bred; as Big, as that,
Which both Diana's, and Althæa's Hate
On Meleager drew. But this was there
With better Omen found, t'Instruct them, where,
The Goddess would on Earth most Pleas'd abide,
And make fam'd Ephesus great Asia's Pride.
They all, amaz'd, his weighty Bulk admire:
And, as He, Grunting, starteth from the Fire,
A ready Hand a well-aim'd Jav'lin throws,
Which in his Shoulder fix'd (as He arose)
A Deadly Wound. But yet awhile He fled,
And they with Shouts pursu'd, till, falling Dead,
The Oracle was by his Death fulfill'd,
And they their City there resolv'd to build.
Now do the Sacred Ploughs the Walls design,
And to the Stars the lofty Turrets joyn
Their shining Tops. The Goddess to renown,
And to Immortalize their Labours, down
From Heav'n her Image sent, which with it more
Of Riches brought, then if another Show'r
(Like that of Danäe's) Jove powr'd again
Upon the Place: or, if to Silver Rain
The very Stars dissolv'd. For soon as Fame
The Presence of the Goddess, and her Name
Through Asia had divulg'd: Devotion brings
From Ganges, and Hydaspes greatest Kings,
Who sweetest Spices, which their Fields adorn,
Cull'd from the Bosom of the Rising Morn,
With Gold, and Ivory, devoutly lay
Upon her Shrine, and as their Tribute pay
All Treasures, that the Womb of Asian Earth
Enrich: all, that the Seres, at the Birth
Of Day, could gather from their silken Trees:
What the Sabæan, or Arabian sees,
Dropping from fragrant Boughs: with whatsoe're
From shining Rocks, or Shells the Indians bare
To Eastern Kings, into the Sacred Fane
Are heap'd: which now no longer can contain
Its Wealth. And therefore they a Work begun,
Then which the Rising, nor the falling Sun,
None greater view'd; whose Structure did excell,
What ever Fame of Babylon doth tell,
Or Pharian Pyramids; which by one Age
Could not accomplish'd be, but did engage
Succeeding Kings, who in that Work alone
Employ'd the Riches of the Syrian Throne,
And puzzled Art, to finde out Waies, to show
Their Pious Bounty. There, as White as Snow,
Tall, polish'd Alablaster Pillars shine
(As purest Emblems of that Pow'r Divine,
Was there ador'd) upon whose carved Heads
An Ebon Roof the curious Builder spreads.
This, like black Night, hung or'e the Place, untill
Myriads of Silver Stars the Frame did fill;
And, to express her Empire in the Skies,
With a full Orb, a Crystal Moon did rise.
Through this, as Mother to Succeeding Day,
Clear Light flow'd in, and did at large display
The Temple's Glory. There you might behold
High Altars, not adorn'd, but built with Gold.
The Hearths were of the bright Pyropus made,
Whose Flames the Sacrifices on them lay'd,
Seem'd of themselves to burn: all other Fire
As vanquish'd by their Lustre, to retire;
All Gems thus were, or beautiful, or Rare
(As if their Native Quarries had been there)
In greatest Plenty shine, in ev'ry part
So plac'd, their Value is encreas'd by Art,
Their lively Figures as exactly stand,
Compos'd of sev'ral Stones, as if the Hand
Of some rare Painter, to express his Skill
In Colours, did the Walls, and Pavement fill.
Through a large Plain of Em'rads, with her Crue
Of Cretan Nymphs, Diana doth pursue
The flying Game: their Arms, and Shoulders bare;
Their Tyrian Vests tuck'd to their Knees, their Hair
In lovely Tresses, yet neglected flows
Upon their Backs: some arm'd with golden Bows;
Some carry Darts, some Spears, whose points, insteed
Of Steel, with Diamonds, make the Beasts to bleed.
This wounds a Panther, that a Tyger, this
A Lion kills, not any Hand doth miss
The Beast at which it aims, and thus with Chase
Of various kindes, they beautify the Place.
And to the Stars the lofty Turrets joyn
Their shining Tops. The Goddess to renown,
And to Immortalize their Labours, down
From Heav'n her Image sent, which with it more
Of Riches brought, then if another Show'r
(Like that of Danäe's) Jove powr'd again
Upon the Place: or, if to Silver Rain
41
The Presence of the Goddess, and her Name
Through Asia had divulg'd: Devotion brings
From Ganges, and Hydaspes greatest Kings,
Who sweetest Spices, which their Fields adorn,
Cull'd from the Bosom of the Rising Morn,
With Gold, and Ivory, devoutly lay
Upon her Shrine, and as their Tribute pay
All Treasures, that the Womb of Asian Earth
Enrich: all, that the Seres, at the Birth
Of Day, could gather from their silken Trees:
What the Sabæan, or Arabian sees,
Dropping from fragrant Boughs: with whatsoe're
From shining Rocks, or Shells the Indians bare
To Eastern Kings, into the Sacred Fane
Are heap'd: which now no longer can contain
Its Wealth. And therefore they a Work begun,
Then which the Rising, nor the falling Sun,
None greater view'd; whose Structure did excell,
What ever Fame of Babylon doth tell,
Or Pharian Pyramids; which by one Age
Could not accomplish'd be, but did engage
Succeeding Kings, who in that Work alone
Employ'd the Riches of the Syrian Throne,
And puzzled Art, to finde out Waies, to show
Their Pious Bounty. There, as White as Snow,
Tall, polish'd Alablaster Pillars shine
(As purest Emblems of that Pow'r Divine,
Was there ador'd) upon whose carved Heads
An Ebon Roof the curious Builder spreads.
This, like black Night, hung or'e the Place, untill
Myriads of Silver Stars the Frame did fill;
And, to express her Empire in the Skies,
With a full Orb, a Crystal Moon did rise.
42
Clear Light flow'd in, and did at large display
The Temple's Glory. There you might behold
High Altars, not adorn'd, but built with Gold.
The Hearths were of the bright Pyropus made,
Whose Flames the Sacrifices on them lay'd,
Seem'd of themselves to burn: all other Fire
As vanquish'd by their Lustre, to retire;
All Gems thus were, or beautiful, or Rare
(As if their Native Quarries had been there)
In greatest Plenty shine, in ev'ry part
So plac'd, their Value is encreas'd by Art,
Their lively Figures as exactly stand,
Compos'd of sev'ral Stones, as if the Hand
Of some rare Painter, to express his Skill
In Colours, did the Walls, and Pavement fill.
Through a large Plain of Em'rads, with her Crue
Of Cretan Nymphs, Diana doth pursue
The flying Game: their Arms, and Shoulders bare;
Their Tyrian Vests tuck'd to their Knees, their Hair
In lovely Tresses, yet neglected flows
Upon their Backs: some arm'd with golden Bows;
Some carry Darts, some Spears, whose points, insteed
Of Steel, with Diamonds, make the Beasts to bleed.
This wounds a Panther, that a Tyger, this
A Lion kills, not any Hand doth miss
The Beast at which it aims, and thus with Chase
Of various kindes, they beautify the Place.
Above the rest a secret Chappel (where
The Eunuch-Priests alone permitted were
To enter) did delight, and Terrour move.
In a fair Fountain shadow'd by a Grove
Of varied Agats made, encompast round
With naked Nymphs, the Hart, Actæon, found
Bright Cynthia bathing; 'bout her Snow-white Thighs
The purling Waters play: with fixed Eyes
At first, He peeping stands behinde a Tree,
But Curious, anon, more near to see,
He farther steps, and stepping is betrai'd
By rusling Leaves. Startling, the Delian Maid
Looks back, and spying him, Anger, and Shame
To be so seen, at once her Face enflame.
As Red She looks, as when her Brother's Light
Deni'd, She doth Thessalian Dames affright.
And now her Rage no longer will delay
His Fate, but strait his Form she takes away:
Longer his Head, and Ears, upon his Brow
Large Horns, his Arms, and Thighs more slender grow;
No more Erect, but prone t'wards Earth he goes:
In all a Beast, but yet, alass, he knows
He is not what he was; when strait the Cry
Of his Molossian Hounds perswades to fly.
The Nymphs, all laughing, urge them to pursue
The Chase: He flies, they follow, and in View,
Pinch'd in the Haunch, (to shew Diana's Power)
He falls, and they their Master chang'd devour.
The Eunuch-Priests alone permitted were
To enter) did delight, and Terrour move.
In a fair Fountain shadow'd by a Grove
Of varied Agats made, encompast round
With naked Nymphs, the Hart, Actæon, found
43
The purling Waters play: with fixed Eyes
At first, He peeping stands behinde a Tree,
But Curious, anon, more near to see,
He farther steps, and stepping is betrai'd
By rusling Leaves. Startling, the Delian Maid
Looks back, and spying him, Anger, and Shame
To be so seen, at once her Face enflame.
As Red She looks, as when her Brother's Light
Deni'd, She doth Thessalian Dames affright.
And now her Rage no longer will delay
His Fate, but strait his Form she takes away:
Longer his Head, and Ears, upon his Brow
Large Horns, his Arms, and Thighs more slender grow;
No more Erect, but prone t'wards Earth he goes:
In all a Beast, but yet, alass, he knows
He is not what he was; when strait the Cry
Of his Molossian Hounds perswades to fly.
The Nymphs, all laughing, urge them to pursue
The Chase: He flies, they follow, and in View,
Pinch'd in the Haunch, (to shew Diana's Power)
He falls, and they their Master chang'd devour.
Here his two Guests, then which the World had none
Then Greater seen, whose Presence more his Throne
Renown'd, then all the Trophies he had gain'd,
The King with Chearful Welcom entertain'd,
And to their Eyes, as to invite his Foes
To a new Conquest, prodigally shews
His Empire's Riches, For no King before
That had the Syrian Scepter sway'd, did more
Possess: He was of all the Richest Heir,
That did Great Alexander's Trophies share,
And that vast Wealth not onely kept Entire,
But greater, which his Conquests did acquire,
Heap'd on his Throne. As if, to entertain
Those famous Heroes, Fortune did ordain,
That past, and present Ages should combine
To yield their Spoils, and in that Honour joyn.
Then Greater seen, whose Presence more his Throne
Renown'd, then all the Trophies he had gain'd,
The King with Chearful Welcom entertain'd,
And to their Eyes, as to invite his Foes
To a new Conquest, prodigally shews
His Empire's Riches, For no King before
That had the Syrian Scepter sway'd, did more
Possess: He was of all the Richest Heir,
That did Great Alexander's Trophies share,
And that vast Wealth not onely kept Entire,
But greater, which his Conquests did acquire,
44
Those famous Heroes, Fortune did ordain,
That past, and present Ages should combine
To yield their Spoils, and in that Honour joyn.
It was a Day, when to commemorate
The King's Nativity, th'Ephesian State
With annual Rites their Loyal Joys exprest.
The King (as Custom was) a Stately Feast
Prepares: the Nobles all, invited, come,
And there the Fates of Carthage, and of Rome
(Scipio, and Hannibal) the Banquet grace,
And now meet, not to Fight, but to Embrace.
So when Ænéas fled from Ruin'd Troy,
And sought a fore in Conquest to enjoy,
Met by Tydîdes on th'Oenotrian Shore,
They laid aside that Fury, which before
Reign'd in their Breasts, which Xanthus Yellow Flood,
And the Dardanian Plains had stain'd with Blood,
And, with new Friendship, what they both had done
In Arms, repeat, since that sad War begun.
They now are glad each others Face to know:
Each counts the other Worthy such a Fo:
Whose constant Courage nothing of Success
In War could heighten, nor of Loss depress.
Whose Virtue in all Fortunes was the same,
And ow'd its Titles to no other Name.
Who, in pursuit of Honour, sought not to
Destroy a Noble Fo, but to subdue.
And, when in Arms, would do what Man could dare
T'attempt, and after Victory would spare
The Conquer'd Blood: nor vainly sought to praise
His own brave Deeds, and blast another's Bays.
Such in th'Ephesian Court these Heroes shin'd,
And with as free, and strict Embraces, joyn'd
Their Valiant hands, as if nor Trebia's Flood,
Nor Cannæ had been stain'd with Roman Blood
By Carthaginian Swords; Nor Hannibal
So lately had beheld his Countrie's Fall
In Zama's Wounds. Nor Scipio his Fate
Deprest upbraids: nor Hannibal his Hate,
At Stygian Altars sworn, discovers now.
But Sacred Concord on each Heroe's Brow
Sits, as Enthron'd, and over all the rest
Her Wings display's, t'inaugurate the Feast.
The King's Nativity, th'Ephesian State
With annual Rites their Loyal Joys exprest.
The King (as Custom was) a Stately Feast
Prepares: the Nobles all, invited, come,
And there the Fates of Carthage, and of Rome
(Scipio, and Hannibal) the Banquet grace,
And now meet, not to Fight, but to Embrace.
So when Ænéas fled from Ruin'd Troy,
And sought a fore in Conquest to enjoy,
Met by Tydîdes on th'Oenotrian Shore,
They laid aside that Fury, which before
Reign'd in their Breasts, which Xanthus Yellow Flood,
And the Dardanian Plains had stain'd with Blood,
And, with new Friendship, what they both had done
In Arms, repeat, since that sad War begun.
They now are glad each others Face to know:
Each counts the other Worthy such a Fo:
Whose constant Courage nothing of Success
In War could heighten, nor of Loss depress.
Whose Virtue in all Fortunes was the same,
And ow'd its Titles to no other Name.
Who, in pursuit of Honour, sought not to
Destroy a Noble Fo, but to subdue.
And, when in Arms, would do what Man could dare
T'attempt, and after Victory would spare
The Conquer'd Blood: nor vainly sought to praise
His own brave Deeds, and blast another's Bays.
Such in th'Ephesian Court these Heroes shin'd,
And with as free, and strict Embraces, joyn'd
45
Nor Cannæ had been stain'd with Roman Blood
By Carthaginian Swords; Nor Hannibal
So lately had beheld his Countrie's Fall
In Zama's Wounds. Nor Scipio his Fate
Deprest upbraids: nor Hannibal his Hate,
At Stygian Altars sworn, discovers now.
But Sacred Concord on each Heroe's Brow
Sits, as Enthron'd, and over all the rest
Her Wings display's, t'inaugurate the Feast.
And now the Face of Mirth appears through all
The Court. Th'invited in a spacious Hall
At Iv'ry Tables sit, and richly there
Their Senses feed, with whatsoever Rare
The Asian World affords. The Seas, the Earth,
And Air, to gratulate so high a Birth,
Their choicest Tribute send, and all, that Art
To heighten Nature's Bounty could impart,
Was liberally employ'd. Amaz'd to see
The strange Excess of Syrian Luxury,
Soon cloy'd with diff'rent Thoughts, the Heroes are
Affected, and perpend the future War.
The Romans, pleas'd to think how weak in Fight
Those Arms will prove, which softned with Delight,
All Virtue so disarm'd: How easily
The Roman Swords, their Way to Victory
Would finde, where Honour led them on, and Spoils
So wealthy, were the Trophies of their Toils.
The Court. Th'invited in a spacious Hall
At Iv'ry Tables sit, and richly there
Their Senses feed, with whatsoever Rare
The Asian World affords. The Seas, the Earth,
And Air, to gratulate so high a Birth,
Their choicest Tribute send, and all, that Art
To heighten Nature's Bounty could impart,
Was liberally employ'd. Amaz'd to see
The strange Excess of Syrian Luxury,
Soon cloy'd with diff'rent Thoughts, the Heroes are
Affected, and perpend the future War.
The Romans, pleas'd to think how weak in Fight
Those Arms will prove, which softned with Delight,
All Virtue so disarm'd: How easily
The Roman Swords, their Way to Victory
Would finde, where Honour led them on, and Spoils
So wealthy, were the Trophies of their Toils.
But Hannibal, more sadly thoughtful, calls
To Minde the Fate of Capua, and the falls
Of those brave Libyan Bands, that had so far
Advanc'd his Name, till a more cruel War
Of Ease, and Riot, at effeminate Boards,
Un-nerv'd their Valour, dull'd their Conqu'ring Swords,
Blasted those Laurels, that before had crown'd
Their warlike Brows, and, as in Lethé, drown'd
All Mem'ry of themselves, in these soft Charms
So lost, they quite forgot the Use of Arms.
To Minde the Fate of Capua, and the falls
Of those brave Libyan Bands, that had so far
Advanc'd his Name, till a more cruel War
Of Ease, and Riot, at effeminate Boards,
Un-nerv'd their Valour, dull'd their Conqu'ring Swords,
46
Their warlike Brows, and, as in Lethé, drown'd
All Mem'ry of themselves, in these soft Charms
So lost, they quite forgot the Use of Arms.
As thus they ruminate, Eumolpus brings
His Iv'ry Lute, and to the warbling Strings
Accords his Voice, and chants, in smoothest Lays,
The King's Descent, and Alexander's Praise.
How first the Horned God his Libyan Grove,
And Sacred Springs, for fair Olympia's Love,
Forsook, and how, from that Divine Embrace,
Small Pella was by a Celestial Race
Renown'd, and while descending to the Earth
'Mong other Pow'rs Divine, t'assist his Birth,
Th'Ephesian Goddess, busyed wholly there,
Kept not her Famous Temple in her Care,
An Impious Hand, to build it self a Name,
With Sacrilegious Flames th'admired Frame
Destroy'd. But, when Lucina's Care had giv'n
To Earth a mighty Conquerour, to Heav'n
A future Deity, and he began
To shew the World, that he was more then Man,
By his great Deeds, to his Immortal Name
As humbly prostrate, as to the bright Flame
Of rising Day, th'admiring Persian bow'd.
To him Sabæans, and Arabians vow'd
Their richest Gums: to him the Parthians brought
Their Bowes un-bent, and conque'rd Quivers, fraught
With fatal Shafts: him all, from Ganges Shore,
To those, that Nile's mysterious Streams adore,
Their Lord obey'd, and, next the God of Wine,
For Wonders done acknowlegd'd as Divine.
His Iv'ry Lute, and to the warbling Strings
Accords his Voice, and chants, in smoothest Lays,
The King's Descent, and Alexander's Praise.
How first the Horned God his Libyan Grove,
And Sacred Springs, for fair Olympia's Love,
Forsook, and how, from that Divine Embrace,
Small Pella was by a Celestial Race
Renown'd, and while descending to the Earth
'Mong other Pow'rs Divine, t'assist his Birth,
Th'Ephesian Goddess, busyed wholly there,
Kept not her Famous Temple in her Care,
An Impious Hand, to build it self a Name,
With Sacrilegious Flames th'admired Frame
Destroy'd. But, when Lucina's Care had giv'n
To Earth a mighty Conquerour, to Heav'n
A future Deity, and he began
To shew the World, that he was more then Man,
By his great Deeds, to his Immortal Name
As humbly prostrate, as to the bright Flame
Of rising Day, th'admiring Persian bow'd.
To him Sabæans, and Arabians vow'd
Their richest Gums: to him the Parthians brought
Their Bowes un-bent, and conque'rd Quivers, fraught
With fatal Shafts: him all, from Ganges Shore,
To those, that Nile's mysterious Streams adore,
Their Lord obey'd, and, next the God of Wine,
For Wonders done acknowlegd'd as Divine.
But when he was for Earth too mighty grown,
And summon'd hence to a Celestial Throne,
Heav'n, that the Syrian Monarchy might stand
For ever firm, into Seleucus Hand
The sacred Scepter gave. Since none, but he
Was worthy to succeed a Deity,
Who could Himself subdue. An act that far
Transcends whatever can be done in War,
And Man Immortal makes. For, who the Force
Of Beauty can withstand, or can divorce
Love from his wounded Breast, may justly more
Of Conquest boast, then Gods have done before.
Yet He, when by expiring Sighs he found
Those very Eyes his Pious Son did wound,
That his own Souls surpriz'd, and that the Name
Of Stratonîca had the hidden Flame
Reveal'd (to shew how much a Noble Minde
'Bove Cupidinean Shafts prevails) resign'd
Into his Arms his Love, and rescu'd from
The hand of Fate, a Race of Kings to come.
Hence to our Royal Line this solemn Day
We consecrate, and grateful Honours pay.
And summon'd hence to a Celestial Throne,
47
For ever firm, into Seleucus Hand
The sacred Scepter gave. Since none, but he
Was worthy to succeed a Deity,
Who could Himself subdue. An act that far
Transcends whatever can be done in War,
And Man Immortal makes. For, who the Force
Of Beauty can withstand, or can divorce
Love from his wounded Breast, may justly more
Of Conquest boast, then Gods have done before.
Yet He, when by expiring Sighs he found
Those very Eyes his Pious Son did wound,
That his own Souls surpriz'd, and that the Name
Of Stratonîca had the hidden Flame
Reveal'd (to shew how much a Noble Minde
'Bove Cupidinean Shafts prevails) resign'd
Into his Arms his Love, and rescu'd from
The hand of Fate, a Race of Kings to come.
Hence to our Royal Line this solemn Day
We consecrate, and grateful Honours pay.
Thus the Iönian sung; and as among
The rest, the lofty Subject of His Song
The Libyan applauds: the Romane thus
To him began. Though 'twixt the Gods, and Us,
Great is the difference, yet Virtue may
Raise Men, to those Felicities, which they
In Heav'n enjoy, and none so worthy are
Of that high Bliss, as those whose Name in War
Hath plac'd them here, on Earth, above the rest
Of Humane Race. Fate cannot such devest
Of Immortality. For, with Applause,
The World adores them, and obeys their Laws.
From these all Arts, and Virtues, that the Minde
Of Man enrich, at first took Birth, and finde
Their just Rewards. For when Immortal Jove
Had fram'd the World, though all the Stars above
In Order plac'd, and strugling Nature saw
All things created here, her certain Law,
And Times obey; yet, guided by their Will,
Mankinde among themselves a Chaos still
Retain'd. No Bounds of Justice to repress
The Hand of Rapine: Vices in, Excess,
Reign'd in all Mindes, the Names of Right, and Wrong
Unknown to all; the Virtuous were the Strong.
Nor then did Man to greater Good aspire,
Then what seem'd such, suggested by Desire.
But, lest a Custom, in Licencious Deeds,
The use of Reason, and Celestial Seeds
Should quite deprave; that true Promethean Fire,
The Breasts of some Brave Heroes did inspire
Those Monsters to subdue, and to compel
The too Licencious under Laws to dwell:
The Ill to punish, and the Good to Crown
With due Rewards. Hence Honour, and Renown
The Mindes of Mortals, first, from baser Earth
Rais'd towards Heav'n, from whence they took their Birth.
But since Lyæus, and Alcides Wars
The World with Trophies, and the Heav'n with Stars
Adorn'd, who (tell me) hath the greatest Name
In Arms deserv'd, and an Immortal Fame.
The rest, the lofty Subject of His Song
The Libyan applauds: the Romane thus
To him began. Though 'twixt the Gods, and Us,
Great is the difference, yet Virtue may
Raise Men, to those Felicities, which they
In Heav'n enjoy, and none so worthy are
Of that high Bliss, as those whose Name in War
Hath plac'd them here, on Earth, above the rest
Of Humane Race. Fate cannot such devest
Of Immortality. For, with Applause,
The World adores them, and obeys their Laws.
From these all Arts, and Virtues, that the Minde
Of Man enrich, at first took Birth, and finde
48
Had fram'd the World, though all the Stars above
In Order plac'd, and strugling Nature saw
All things created here, her certain Law,
And Times obey; yet, guided by their Will,
Mankinde among themselves a Chaos still
Retain'd. No Bounds of Justice to repress
The Hand of Rapine: Vices in, Excess,
Reign'd in all Mindes, the Names of Right, and Wrong
Unknown to all; the Virtuous were the Strong.
Nor then did Man to greater Good aspire,
Then what seem'd such, suggested by Desire.
But, lest a Custom, in Licencious Deeds,
The use of Reason, and Celestial Seeds
Should quite deprave; that true Promethean Fire,
The Breasts of some Brave Heroes did inspire
Those Monsters to subdue, and to compel
The too Licencious under Laws to dwell:
The Ill to punish, and the Good to Crown
With due Rewards. Hence Honour, and Renown
The Mindes of Mortals, first, from baser Earth
Rais'd towards Heav'n, from whence they took their Birth.
But since Lyæus, and Alcides Wars
The World with Trophies, and the Heav'n with Stars
Adorn'd, who (tell me) hath the greatest Name
In Arms deserv'd, and an Immortal Fame.
If such their Praise, if such their Merits are,
The Libyan replies: No Hand in War,
So worthy Fame, so mighty things hath done,
As the Peltæan Youth: whose Valour won
More Victories, then Time had Years to Crown
His Life allow'd: The Force of whose Renown
His Laws on farthest Nations did obtrude,
And Kingdoms, which he never saw, subdu'd.
For who, that heard, how great his Conquests were,
How small his Force, would not, with Reason, fear
Those Arms, which Persia's Monarch (compast round
With Troops, so numerous, that all the Ground
'Twixt Tigris, and Euphrates, scarce could yield
Them room to stand) subdu'd in open Field.
Scorning to Fortune, or to Night to ow
A Victory, He, in full Day, the Fo
Assails, while God, and Men together stand
Spectatours of the Wonders of his Hand,
And see each Macedonian Souldiers bring
A Nation captivated to their King.
But, not to speak of Battels, where his Skill,
And Conduct, all subjected to his Will,
No Town, no City (though the Sea, and Land
Conspir'd against his Force) could Him withstand;
Our Tyrian Walls alone the Glory have
To have resisted well: and that They gave
A longer Stand to th'Torrent of his Rage,
Then all the Persian Pow'rs, that did engage
Against his Arms. No Object was above
His Courage; whose Example would remove
All Obstacles, that others might deterr:
And though in great Designs he would confer,
The Best, he follow'd his own Thoughts alone,
And so made all his Victories his Own.
And may He have the Praise: for none hath more
In Arms deserv'd, perhaps no God before.
The Libyan replies: No Hand in War,
So worthy Fame, so mighty things hath done,
As the Peltæan Youth: whose Valour won
More Victories, then Time had Years to Crown
His Life allow'd: The Force of whose Renown
His Laws on farthest Nations did obtrude,
And Kingdoms, which he never saw, subdu'd.
49
How small his Force, would not, with Reason, fear
Those Arms, which Persia's Monarch (compast round
With Troops, so numerous, that all the Ground
'Twixt Tigris, and Euphrates, scarce could yield
Them room to stand) subdu'd in open Field.
Scorning to Fortune, or to Night to ow
A Victory, He, in full Day, the Fo
Assails, while God, and Men together stand
Spectatours of the Wonders of his Hand,
And see each Macedonian Souldiers bring
A Nation captivated to their King.
But, not to speak of Battels, where his Skill,
And Conduct, all subjected to his Will,
No Town, no City (though the Sea, and Land
Conspir'd against his Force) could Him withstand;
Our Tyrian Walls alone the Glory have
To have resisted well: and that They gave
A longer Stand to th'Torrent of his Rage,
Then all the Persian Pow'rs, that did engage
Against his Arms. No Object was above
His Courage; whose Example would remove
All Obstacles, that others might deterr:
And though in great Designs he would confer,
The Best, he follow'd his own Thoughts alone,
And so made all his Victories his Own.
And may He have the Praise: for none hath more
In Arms deserv'd, perhaps no God before.
Next him that Noble Epirote, that came
To the Tarentines Aid, the Crown may claim.
His Courage, when a Youth, Pantauchus found
Above his Strength, though for his Strength renown'd.
While in two Armies View (as once before
His mighty Ancestour, on Xanthus Shore,
Great Hector slew) He, his proud Fo subdu'd,
And, to the wondring Macedonians, shew'd
All things, that they had seen in former Times
In their so glorious Prince, except his Crimes.
Nor were his Victories by Arms alone,
Where Fortune more, then Virtue oft is known
To give the Bays. His Wisdom Conquest findes,
Where his Sword could not reach, and or'e the Mindes
Of Men his Triumph gains; and thus he drew
From Romane Leagues Italian People to
His side. They thought themselves more Safe within
His Camp, then they in fenced Towns had bin
Under the Romane Laws. For he first taught
That Art, and Camps to their Perfection brought.
To the Tarentines Aid, the Crown may claim.
His Courage, when a Youth, Pantauchus found
Above his Strength, though for his Strength renown'd.
While in two Armies View (as once before
His mighty Ancestour, on Xanthus Shore,
50
And, to the wondring Macedonians, shew'd
All things, that they had seen in former Times
In their so glorious Prince, except his Crimes.
Nor were his Victories by Arms alone,
Where Fortune more, then Virtue oft is known
To give the Bays. His Wisdom Conquest findes,
Where his Sword could not reach, and or'e the Mindes
Of Men his Triumph gains; and thus he drew
From Romane Leagues Italian People to
His side. They thought themselves more Safe within
His Camp, then they in fenced Towns had bin
Under the Romane Laws. For he first taught
That Art, and Camps to their Perfection brought.
But if a Third you Seek, who hath no less,
Then these deserv'd (though Envious Gods Success
Deny'd) Me here, Me Hannibal behold,
Who with as early Courage, and as bold
Attempts, a War against the Romane Name
Pursu'd, and from the farthest Gades came,
To seek a Fo, which future Times might call
Most Worthy, to contend with Hannibal.
Not soft Sabæans, or Arabians, or
A People, that the Rites, and Toils of War
So little knew, that charg'd with rich Perfume,
More then with Sweat, or Dust, did more presume
On Numbers, then their Arms; or such, whose Ease
And Lusts, must prove the Conquerour's Disease,
And future Ruin. I through Nations born
In War, and nurtur'd in it, with a Scorn
Of Fate, and Fortune, or'e Pyrene, o're
The dreadful Alps, Victorious Ensigns bore.
And found that Fo, with whom I might contend
With greater Fame, who boast, that they descend
From Mars himself, and to the World no less
Appear, by their great Valour, and Success.
Nor was it, when some other Citie's Pride
With Rome for Empire strove, and did divide
Their scatter'd Force: but when all Italy
Her Strength united to encounter Me.
I shall not open those deep Wounds again,
Which then (an Enemy) I gave, or stain
Our Sacred Mirth with mention of each Flood,
Whose Streams ennobled were with Latian Blood,
Shed there by Me (and still perhaps, when I
Am nam'd, affrighted to their Fountains fly)
I'le onely say, more then three Lustra there
(In spite of all the Arts, and Arms, that were
Employ'd against Me) I Victorious stai'd,
And, (after many Towns, and Cities made
My Vassals, and three Valiant Consuls Fall)
Shook Jove Himself within the Capitol
With Terrour of my Arms, and, had not Rome,
By a base Envy of my Deeds at Home,
More then by her Own Valour, been reliev'd,
Our Carthaginian Mothers had not griev'd,
To see their Sons in Chains, but had by Me
Been made, what Romans are, at least, been Free.
Then these deserv'd (though Envious Gods Success
Deny'd) Me here, Me Hannibal behold,
Who with as early Courage, and as bold
Attempts, a War against the Romane Name
Pursu'd, and from the farthest Gades came,
To seek a Fo, which future Times might call
Most Worthy, to contend with Hannibal.
Not soft Sabæans, or Arabians, or
A People, that the Rites, and Toils of War
So little knew, that charg'd with rich Perfume,
More then with Sweat, or Dust, did more presume
On Numbers, then their Arms; or such, whose Ease
And Lusts, must prove the Conquerour's Disease,
And future Ruin. I through Nations born
In War, and nurtur'd in it, with a Scorn
Of Fate, and Fortune, or'e Pyrene, o're
The dreadful Alps, Victorious Ensigns bore.
And found that Fo, with whom I might contend
With greater Fame, who boast, that they descend
51
Appear, by their great Valour, and Success.
Nor was it, when some other Citie's Pride
With Rome for Empire strove, and did divide
Their scatter'd Force: but when all Italy
Her Strength united to encounter Me.
I shall not open those deep Wounds again,
Which then (an Enemy) I gave, or stain
Our Sacred Mirth with mention of each Flood,
Whose Streams ennobled were with Latian Blood,
Shed there by Me (and still perhaps, when I
Am nam'd, affrighted to their Fountains fly)
I'le onely say, more then three Lustra there
(In spite of all the Arts, and Arms, that were
Employ'd against Me) I Victorious stai'd,
And, (after many Towns, and Cities made
My Vassals, and three Valiant Consuls Fall)
Shook Jove Himself within the Capitol
With Terrour of my Arms, and, had not Rome,
By a base Envy of my Deeds at Home,
More then by her Own Valour, been reliev'd,
Our Carthaginian Mothers had not griev'd,
To see their Sons in Chains, but had by Me
Been made, what Romans are, at least, been Free.
To this the Roman, with a Smile, replies.
If Thee the Glory of thy Victories,
With these Immortal Heroes, thus hath joyn'd,
I pri'thee say: what Place shall be assign'd
To Me, who after I through Spain had fought
My Way, and, Conqu'ring, into Libya brought
The War, the Greatest of Numidian Kings
Subdu'd, and Captive made, and, on the Wings
Of that fresh Victory, tow'rds Carthage (where
But by thy Hand alone they did Despair
To be secur'd) march'd on, and, in one Day,
Took all thy former Laurels quite away.
If Thee the Glory of thy Victories,
With these Immortal Heroes, thus hath joyn'd,
I pri'thee say: what Place shall be assign'd
To Me, who after I through Spain had fought
My Way, and, Conqu'ring, into Libya brought
The War, the Greatest of Numidian Kings
Subdu'd, and Captive made, and, on the Wings
Of that fresh Victory, tow'rds Carthage (where
But by thy Hand alone they did Despair
52
Took all thy former Laurels quite away.
'Tis true (said Hannibal) but, since the Fate
Of Virtue is, to want an Advocate,
If once Deprest, think me not Vain, when I
Those Merits plead, that are transcended by
Thy Fortune onely. Had I conquer'd Thee,
The World no other Conquerour, but me,
Had known, ev'n Those I nam'd their Place had lost
In Fame, and Rome the Triumphs She doth boast.
Of Virtue is, to want an Advocate,
If once Deprest, think me not Vain, when I
Those Merits plead, that are transcended by
Thy Fortune onely. Had I conquer'd Thee,
The World no other Conquerour, but me,
Had known, ev'n Those I nam'd their Place had lost
In Fame, and Rome the Triumphs She doth boast.
As thus they mutually their Merits plead,
The Sun began to hide his Flaming Head
In the Hesperian Main, and the opprest
With Mirth and Wine, the Night invites to Rest.
To which, when all retir'd, the King (whose Heart
Was fix'd on War) to Hannibal, apart,
Thus breaks his last Resolve. I should forget
My Honour (Hannibal) if what, as yet,
I have consulted onely, I should now
Delay. The Prosecution of thy Vow
Is with my State involv'd, and Rome shall see,
'Tis not thy Fortune We Embrace, but Thee.
That, which, through Servile Fear, hath been deni'd
By thine own Carthage, shall be here supply'd
By Me, and since we know how Various are
The Chances, and Events of Dubious War,
Why should we think the Fates will Favour more
The Romans now, then they have Thee before?
Fortune assists the Bold, and whosoer'e
Attempteth Coldly, loseth by his Fear.
'Tis therefore now decreed no more shall Rome
On Zama's Field, and Nabis Fall presume,
We Nations, great as any She hath known,
The Parthians, Medes, admired Babylon
Already have subdu'd and Warlike Thrace
(Where Mars inhabits) doth our Laws embrace.
My better Fortune, what thy Fate hath crost,
Shall give thee, and redeem what Thou hast lost.
The Sun began to hide his Flaming Head
In the Hesperian Main, and the opprest
With Mirth and Wine, the Night invites to Rest.
To which, when all retir'd, the King (whose Heart
Was fix'd on War) to Hannibal, apart,
Thus breaks his last Resolve. I should forget
My Honour (Hannibal) if what, as yet,
I have consulted onely, I should now
Delay. The Prosecution of thy Vow
Is with my State involv'd, and Rome shall see,
'Tis not thy Fortune We Embrace, but Thee.
That, which, through Servile Fear, hath been deni'd
By thine own Carthage, shall be here supply'd
By Me, and since we know how Various are
The Chances, and Events of Dubious War,
Why should we think the Fates will Favour more
The Romans now, then they have Thee before?
Fortune assists the Bold, and whosoer'e
Attempteth Coldly, loseth by his Fear.
'Tis therefore now decreed no more shall Rome
On Zama's Field, and Nabis Fall presume,
We Nations, great as any She hath known,
The Parthians, Medes, admired Babylon
53
(Where Mars inhabits) doth our Laws embrace.
My better Fortune, what thy Fate hath crost,
Shall give thee, and redeem what Thou hast lost.
This said; t'enjoy the Benefits of Night
They both withdrew: but nothing could invite
The Libyan Prince to rest. His thoughts pursue
His hop'd Revenge, and in themselves renew
The promis'd War. Impatient of Delay
He counts the Minutes, and desired Day
Implores. As promis'd Nuptials waking keep
A longing Lover, and quite banish Sleep,
Untill Enjoyment satiates his Desire,
And both gives Fuel, and abates the Fire.
They both withdrew: but nothing could invite
The Libyan Prince to rest. His thoughts pursue
His hop'd Revenge, and in themselves renew
The promis'd War. Impatient of Delay
He counts the Minutes, and desired Day
Implores. As promis'd Nuptials waking keep
A longing Lover, and quite banish Sleep,
Untill Enjoyment satiates his Desire,
And both gives Fuel, and abates the Fire.
The End of the Second Book of the Continuation.
| The Second Punick War Between Hannibal, and the Romanes | |