University of Virginia Library

Scene XIV.

—The rear of Hannibal's army. Enter Lælius and Masanissa with cavalry and fall upon it from opposite sides, whilst the front ranks are engaged with Scipio.
Enter Hannibal and Adherbal from different directions.
Adh.
By all the fates! a battle lost.

Han.
Not yet.
I'll wrench the victory back from fate itself.
[Exit Adherbal.
Ha! there's a body of Numidian horse
Flying, but still unbroken. They shall yet
Turn back with me.
[His horse is killed by an arrow. Fugitives from the front begin to press upon him.]
My fourth to-day! Indeed,
I think my last.

Enter Zeba, forcing his way through the press.
Zeba.
Where is he? I will pass!
[Dismounts.]
Mount, mount, my lord, and rally to the charge
The last of my brave tribe ... Maharbal's slain ...
I bring thee his farewell ... O Hannibal,
I have ridden my last for thee! Ah, my sweet charger,
Bear my lord safe this day!

Han.
Dear and brave youth,
Thou diest as Hannibal would wish to die.

Zeba.
Then I die happy.

[Dies.]
Han.
[Mounts and rides up to the Numidians.]
Come, revenge your chief,
My desert warriors! Come, then, charge with me!
Oh, charge but once again with me, my children,
And win me back the victory!

Num.
Ay, or die!

[They charge.]
Enter Masanissa, galloping to meet Hannibal.
Mas.
Now, thou world troubler, fallen from thy proud heaven!
I have a word for thee.

Han.
And I an answer.

[They fling their javelins. Masanissa falls from his horse wounded, and is carried off by his followers. Scipio hastens up with troops.]