THe emulous contest of Rome and Carthage had now brought the expectations of all the world to an equall ballance . These two proud Republicks were fighting for the Empire of the Universe , whil'st all the Nations of the same awaiting the decision of the important war , suspended their homages in the mean time , to render them afterwards to that of these two powers , with whom Victory should side . During this stand of affairs , the event hanging in the hands of Fortune , it happened that the Courts of Africa about Lephi were heard to Eccho with Exclamations of joy , and there appeared between 10 and 12000 men approaching in haste and disorder towards the Sea-shore , and expressing the greatnesse of their jollity and impatience by such gestures as seemed at the same time very rude , and yet sufficiently becoming . They stretched forth their arms towards the Sea , and being driven by the impetuousnesse of their precipitant passions in this posture , seemed as if they endeavoured to embrace a Fleet of Ships , which neverthelesse was at that time near four Leagues distant from them . But the winde and their Oars in a few moments overcame that way , and rendred them into the Rode , where they presently cast anchor ; which while they were doing , a person of a very high and martiall aspect shewed himself upon the prow of a stately Vessell , and this sight did not more quiet the impatience of the Africans , then it augmented their rejoycings . For they lift up their eyes and hands to heaven , and beholding that source of their happinesse , they shouted out with one voice ( rather by instinct then knowledge ) That the Romans were no longer to be dreaded , nor their Scipio esteemed invincible . After which words they resounded forth the famous name of Hannibal , every one pressing forward to do reverence to this grand Personage as soon as ever he was disbark'd , ( for he it was that occasioned this agreeable confusion ; ) The eagernesse of their great passions , which is alwaies an enemy to order , confounded all such as was requisite to be observed in the reception of this Prince Bomilcar , who commanded the Africans , at length spake to him ; and after the first civilities which he could not perform but in tumult , endeavoured to expresse such respect to Prince Hannibal , as is patible to so considerable a person in the like occasions . The great Hannibal shewed many tokens of friendship to Bomilcar , and having embraced him with a tendernesse , whereof his ferocity was not oftentimes very capable , he advised with him concerning what was necessary to be done in order to the peace and glory of Carthage . My Lord ( answered Bomilcar ) I beseech you to afford me a more private audience , and it is possible ( continued he with a lower tone ) you will understand that we have been more unhappy then Fame hath given out of us , as accustomed as she is to amplifie the things she reports . Upon this unpleasing Preface , Hannibal signified that his pleasure was to confer apart , and every one retired out of respect : When the Prince turning to Bomilcar , proceed ( saith he ) I beseech you , and being out of the reach of any other ears , unfold to me without any reservation the present estate of our Republicks affairs . These words enforced a sigh from Bomilcar , who after a beginning which seemed to promise a sad Discourse , told him , that he was too good a Carthaginian to be able to describe the great Conquests of Scipio . I shall content my self ( continued he ) with informing you into how deplorable a condition they have reduced us , and struck such an astonishment into the spirits of the Africans , that all our Neighbours fled for Sanctuary to Carthage in such multitudes as represented that City rather a Rendezvous of all the whole affrighted world , then a secure refuge to distressed persons . Their multitude from which we might have expected some advantage by the encrease of our Forces , in this occasion afforded us nothing but more trouble and perplexity , insomuch that even the presence of those , which was at other times wont to contribute to the publick joy , had in the present conjunction somewhat of so dolefull semblance , as serv'd rather to redouble our consternation and fears . You may judge , My Lord , if these passions , which are but too contagious of themselves , did not receive new vigours by the concourse of persons already in●ected therewith . In a few words , I can averr , that they caused so profound a silence to reign in Carthage , that the poor City did in a manner appear as solitary and desert , as it was really populous . Moreover , these fatall passions had so strange and confused influences , that they caused us even to fear that which ought to have calm'd our disquiets , and represented unto us the clemency of Scipio more dangerous , ●hen his valour formidable . For the generall voice was , that this Roman had indeed approved him a most valiant man in the defeat of Hanno , Siphax , and Asdrubal ; but they added , that his gentleness , moderation , and other virtues were such as raised him above the rank of men , and made the gods our Adversaries so long as Scipio was our Enemy ▪ This is not all , My Lord ( continued Bomilcar ) the Ghost of King Siphax added new terrours to our forlorn estate , and that dolefull spectre caused such fright and astonishment in the spirits of the Carthaginians , that we at length apprehended his design was to destroy us , either by the decree of the Gods , or to have associats in his misery . But My Lord ( added he , beholding Prince Hannibal with a somewhat less sad countenance ) I have not without reason presented you this ample description ; and although it may seem I ought rather to have conceal'd our weaknesses and defects , yet I have been induced to use this opportunity to unfold them , and discover the greatnesse of our evils , to the end I might afterwards manifest the proportion of the remedy we have provided for them . This remedy is no other then the news of your return , which hath been published in our City , during the generall dejectednesse , as a means to reduce it to some order ; and all our people terming your arrivall the return of their happinesse and glory , have enforced themselves to solemnise the day with sports and feastings . Yes , my Lord , your only reputation hath wrought this change ; nothing hath been heard since some dayes , in the mouth of the whole world but your name ; and by a kinde of transport , sutable to such conjectures , our women cryed about the City , That now the whole Universe should be resolved whether the Romans were able to resist the renowned Hannibal of Tresbia , Thrasymene and Cannae . Behold , My Lord , the power of our reputation ( added Bomilcar ) and observe so great a change proceeding lesse from the ordinary levity of popular mindes , then from the great assurance which our Citizens have in the valour of their illustrious Prince . Whereupon I am come hither by order of the Senate , who receiving certain intelligence of your affairs , and being informed that you would shortly arrive at Leptis , commanded me to take these Troops to augment yours , and assist you in landing , in case the Romans should take the opportunity to oppose it . But now as if Fortune were weary of persecuting us , we shall without obstacle recover the great prop of Africa , and with justice hope that Scipio as valiant as he is , will appear no more invincible before the illustrious Hannibal , then those known Captains his Predecessors , Flaminius , Aemilius and Marcellus have already done . Your Language is too obliging ( answered Prince Hannibal ) and the people attribute too much to my arm , Neverthelesse , since pre-conception acts so strongly in their spirits : I shall leave them to their opinion ; and I will either perish ( added he with a tone somewhat more strong and savouring of his noble fiercenesse ) but I will make good some part of their hopes by my actions . I am determined therefore to march against Scipio ( continued he with the same air ) as I have formerly marched against the gallantest Chiefs of his Nation , and it is possible it may appear that this Roman , whose name carries so much terrour with it to the hearts of our people and Armies , will not alwaies fight with favourable successe , nor harrasse Africa so furiously , since the Sea is no longer between us . Scarce had Hannibal uttered these few words , but he dispatched Magar to Carthage , both to confirm the peoples joy there , and to provide such things as were necessary to the accomplishment of the designes he had resolved on ; And turning himself again towards Bomilcar , in the mean time that his Army unshipt , he continued conferring with Bomilcar to inform himself more exactly of the forces of Carthage , and those of the Enemy , and having learnt from him all that could be known , he determined to encamp , the better to keep his army from being separated by quartering in severall Villages ; to which purpose he made choice of an advantagious place for the line and other conveniences , and began himself to remove the turf . This example was of so powerfull incitement , that the works were suddenly advanced , and a large entrenchment being finished within a few dayes , afforded the Troops of Hannibal all the security which could be wish'd for in Towns , and restrained such Souldiers as he had brought out of Italy , from forsaking their colours , and withdrawing after the service of divers Campagnes . As soon as the circumvallations were completed , Hannibal was desirous to take a little repose in one of those Tents which were prepared for him ; But when he earnestly inclined himself thereto , he was assaulted by so many violent inquietudes , that he was driven at length to bemoan the impetuous incursions of his anxious and pensive thoughts ; and this grand personage , as fierce and haughty as he was , found himself capable of sighing in the presence of his beloved Aspar , whom he had retained alone with him in his Tent. Sometimes he expressed very tender and sensible regrets ; and soon after following the notion of his insolent spirit , he thundred forth reproaches against a Princesse of too great rigour ; and endeavoured , as it were , to break those fetters which he felt so burdensome upon him ; but within a small while love prevailed upon him to esteem and term them glorious ; and he was even driven to calm his fiercenesse , and make it comply with that imperious passion which useth not to yield to any other . Alas ! Aspar ( said the Prince , as soon as his agitations permitted him ) Thomira is in Africa ; but do you beleeve she hath changed her former humour by being removed into another climate , and that those weak considerations you speak of can effect any thing upon a minde that hath resisted the rudest assaults of Fortune ? No , No , Aspar , it is not possible : I shall meet with the same unmovable severity , which I attempted ineffectually both in Spain , and at Capua ; My Princesse will never suffer her self to become flexible , and I know but too well , that she will alwaies continue to be disdainfull , and thy Master be for ever miserable : Ah! Hannibal ( proceeded the Prince ) behold the worthy fruit of thy passion ! Thou seest thy self constrained to come to be the defence of thy Countrey , after thou hast fallen short of becoming Master of the Universe : Thou oughtst to have marcht to Rome after the battle of Cannae , instead of retiring to Capua ; and rather have gone to give Laws in the Capitol , then to receive those of a woman , when Fortune had put the opportunity into thy hands of shewing all the world , that it 's intire conquest was destin'd to Hannibal . But how speakest thou , O Hannibal ( said the Prince , checking himself the next moment ) Is this the respect thou owest to the Princesse Thomira ? Knowest thou not well , that thy servitude is worthy to be preferred before that absolute Empire whereunto thy ambition caused thee to pretend , and that thy chains are of greater value then the most glorious Scepters ? Yes , divine Thomera , ( proceeded he ) I have done that which I ought to do , when I went to Capua , to adore you there ; my affection was worthy of you , when it admitted no other consideration but you ; and I could not give a fairer Testimony of the esteem which I have of the incomparable Thomira , then by preferring her above the Empire of the Universe : But further , Most excellent Princess , consider I beseech you , the greatnesse of my respects ; I believed my self more glorious , when prostrate at your feet , then commanding in the head of a triumphant Army : I have never yeelded to any but to you , O Thomira ; and if I have given bounds to the extent of my glory , I have not done it but at your feet , my adorable Princesse . But too severe Thomira ( resumed this passionate Prince ) I have brought my glory at your feet , without laying my Conquests there ; I have sighed a thousand times without being able to mollifie you , and having as often found you averse from compassion , obtained for recompence of all my pains , only the satisfaction of having suffered them for you . These and more were the complaints of this high-spirited Prince ; in which he was sometimes gentle and submisse , and anon hurried by the impetuo●ity of his temper to reproaches and renuntiation of his bonds : Sometimes he accused and exclaimed against the Princesse Thomira , but oftner protested himself her adorer , and it may be beleeved , that the minde of this great person wavering by so many divers motions , did not appear strong in this encounter but by the violence of its agitations . At length it became seasonable for Aspar to employ his tongue and endeavours in order to the calming of his Masters disquiets : My Lord , ( said this faithfull Attendant to the Prince of Carthage ) I have had much difficulty to restrain my self from interrupting the course of your Speech : You have not yet seen the Princesse Thomira in Africa , and neverthelesse conclude with assured beleef that she is still incompassionate . I confesse I cannot in this occasion but dissent from you , and I crave your permission to tell you , that I am in no small admiration , that a great personage should be afflicted with evils , which he frames to himself to be persecuted by them . Ah Aspar ( answered the Prince Hannibal ) how little am I capable of this kinde of weaknesse wherewith you charge me ? My unhappinesses have a more reall foundation , being the true effects of the obdurate , immovable humour of Thomira ; I undergo them , because Thomira is insensible , or because perhaps she is only sensible for some other ; and I beleeve her chains , which I will alwaies wear ( after all I have said of them ) will be no other then my perpetuall punishment . Under the allowance of your favour ( replyed Aspar ) I am bold to assure you , that I expect some alteration in their fortune : A strong conceit , which I know not well how to express hath possest me , that the Princesse Thomira will render her self plyable , and recompence the greatnesse of your services , and to perswade me to this more effectually , it presents it self to my minde as a certain presage the Gods have sent me for the consolation of my Master . I forgive all to your zeal ( answered the Prince ) but you know well that I am an enemy to the lightnesse which induces to give credit to presages : Otherwise I beleeve the Gods would inspire them to the person concerned : And since you say it is for my consolation , do you conceive they are destitute of other means to give me enjoyment thereof intire ? And this perhaps ( interposed Aspar ) is the reason that the Gods have not revealed the secret to you , because you would have been altogether incredulous ; and therefore have judged your soul not capable of this sort of impressions : and if the Gods cause advertisements to be given you , instead of effecting your absolute satisfaction , it is for that they would have you addresse to them , and bring you to confesse , that all your grandeurs are too short to afford you contentment of themselves . In the mean time ( added he ) if it be your pleasure to be further lightned in the matter , we will go and consult at the Temple of the Sun , a few furlongs distant from our Camp , and perhaps you will see that their answer will confirm my good beleef : The Prince Hannibal had no great inclination to trouble himself with superstitions , although he was otherwise no contemner of the worship which is due to the Independent powers ; and if he gave not credit to certain divinations , which finde admittance only in vulgar souls , yet ( notwithstanding the misreport of Fame ) he bore a veneration towards Oracles , and the admonitions delivered by them : Wherefore he determined to go to the Temple where Apollo rendred answers every day ; and having spoken to Maharbal and Bomilcar , he went forth of the Camp , accompanied only with his Attendant , and took the way leading to the Temple , though he expected not much redresse to his affairs . The Prince by the way mused upon the several accidents of his life , he recalled to memory some part of his Conquests : he saw himself victorious over the Olcadians , the Oretanians , Carpentanians , Illergetes , Bargusians , and Ausetanes , of Aquitane , and the Gaules upon the banks of the River Rhosne ; he remembred his Umpirage between the Kings of the Allobroges , and considered his passage over the Alpes , till at length he found himself victorious over the Romans neer the Po at Tretia , at the Lake of Thrasymene , Cannae and Herdon . He farther seemed to behold his Army encamped before the proud Rome , and contemplated in his fancy , his being at the head of two thousand horse against the Gate Capena . But after having repassed over all these happy successes , he beheld all his affairs overturned at a blow , he durst not so much as think of the winning of Cities , but endeavoured to deface that of Saguntum out of his memory , contenting himself with considering this great revolution , to the end he might better judge of the greatnesse of the passion which hath caused it . This last thought was enough to have confounded a spirit lesse couragious ; but ere it had no other effect then the rendring that of the haughty Carthaginian more stern and resolute , whose great heart invigorating it self to repell this semblance of reproach , promised him more by the winning one simple field in Africa then by all those battels he had gained in Italy . Whereupon he employed his fancy wholly upon the Idea of his Princesse till he arrived at the gate of this proud Temple , whose magnificent Architecture deserved some moments from his eyes , had he not had a designe which took him off from all other ; Insomuch that he entred without taking any regard to the rich portall of the Temple , and going directly to the Altar , he prostrated himself before it with this prayer ; Great Gods ! I need not declare the occasion that brings me hither , since the profoundest secrets of my soul are open unto you . I am not come to supplicate any favours from you , being of beleef that I ought not to beseech any from a Justice , which without expecting the discernment and prayer of mortals bestows them on such as merit to receive them . Nevertheless if the curiosity we have in those things which concern us be any wise pardonable , be pleased to let me know , whether the Princesse which I serve , will ever become compassionate and sensible of my misery , and if I may at length hope to be happy after so long suffering for her . Hannibal having uttered this prayer aloud , held his peace , and a few moments after a dreadfull voice delivered this obscure Oracle ; Thy happiness shall bear its date , From the declining of thy fate . Prince Hannibal was strangely surprised with this answer , and although he was no more knowing of his destiny then before , he nevertheless rendred thanks to the Sun , and went forth of the Temple , musing on the obscurity of his Oracle . But he had not proceeded many paces , when turning towards his attendant , he required his opinion concerning the interpretation of what they had heard ; Aspar ( said the Prince ) do you observe , that instead of the ordinary obscurities there use to be in Oracles ; Apollo hath delivered me one with a contradiction in it ? The God hath well signified that I was unworthy of the favours I demanded , in that he hath rather perplexed my minde , then enlightned it by his answer . How do you expound it ? Thy happiness shall bear its date , From the declining of thy fate . Do's he mean that the beginning and the end , which are two contraries , are the same thing in my happiness ? or would he shew , that I am to finde my satisfactions at the same time that I shall lose them . This impossibility would put my minde upon the rack , did I consider it with that attentiveness and anxiety which is requisite to unfold it , or rather did I not remit the care of that life to Heaven , whereof it reserves the conduct to it self when it speaks so obscurely . It is very difficult , My Lord ( answered Aspar ) to consider unpassionately those things which concern our selves ; and it is so hard to see clear through those inquietudes which excite the passions , that I do not wonder you apprehend obscurity in this Oracle , being you judge of it , taking in the consideration of your own interest , and that we seldome are upright esteemers of those things wherein our particular concernments are included . Nevertheless ( proceeded he ) if you please to follow me to dilate a little upon its interpretation , you shall see that the intricacy of it is not so great as you believe , that it is far more advantagious to you , then it promises at the first thought : You know , My Lord ( continued Aspar , perceiving his Master to favour him with audience ) that we never taste happiness in its purity , that all things in the world have their mixture and allay ; and we too much experience that Fortune , which is believed to preside over Events , bestows and takes back her benefits with the same perpetuall levity ; So that we never enjoy an intire and secure contentment . I shall pass yet further , and presume to affirm , That if we were arrived at the compleatest attainment of all those goods which compose that felicity men so much talk of , and never finde ; I say , I shall dare to affirm , That we should have such solicitous apprehensions of falling from that happy estate , as would make us capable of sighing in the midst of our delights ; since the greatness of our satisfactions , would be in some sort , the measure of that fear we should have to lose them . But , My Lord , the revolutions which you fear are of a quality to afford you satisfaction , and make you pass for the least unhappy of men . Yes , My Lord , this Oracle is the most advantagious that could fall within your wishes ; since it gives you assurance that the end of one happiness , shall be the beginning of another ; whereas usually one misfortune is but the introduction to a greater , till we become at last precipitated into an abyss of miseries . You know also , My Lord ( added he ) that happiness hath different kinds of appearances , therefore why should you think it strange to gain one sort with the loss of another . Hannibal was either satisfied , or seemed to be so with this interpretation , but being as little instructed of the nature of the happiness he was to lose , as able to conjecture of what kinde that was the fates had designed him , he resolved to await the explication from the event with patience ; and being of an humour which did not permit him to fear much the assaults of fortune , he also was not very capable of expecting her favours with very eager inclinations . Having his minde possessed with this thought , there appeared to his sight something of a glittering brightness ; Upon which turning his eye toward the way which crossed his , he beheld a Cavalier followed by four others , and advancing toward the place where the wayes crossed ; the first of these unknown persons did by a nobler aire evidence himself the Master of the rest , rather then by the disparity of his Arms ; which although of silver , enriched with scales of burnish'd gold , and beset with many jewels , did less draw the eyes of Hannibal by these ornaments , then by the fierceness of his countenance , and the gracefulness of his port . The Carthaginian Prince would have passed on after he had a little considered this stranger , but he was surprised when he saw himself accosted , and heard these words , I know by your Armes ( said the stranger ) that you are a Carthaginian ; therefore inform me if it be true that Hannibal is encamped within a few furlongs of Leptis . The Carthaginian Prince who was accoutred with a very plain suit of Arms , the better to pass unknown in his short journey , ought not reasonably to have been surprised with this discourse of the stranger ; but he was so notwithstanding in a great measure , and as he had not quitted the heart of Hannibal by laying aside his arms and harness , he could not suffer these words , which he esteemed not civill , and fiercely answered thereunto ; If you are of the friends of that Prince , and would serve him , I will soon accord your demands in giving you the news of him : I will not receive them on those terms ( replyed the stranger ) and I am — Shew then ( interrupted the impatient Carthaginian ) if your valour be sufficient to merit this advantage , and know that a Prince that hath such friends as my self , would perhaps take little care to gain persons of your account . He said no more , but drawing his sword assailed the stranger , who had soon drawn his , and being not able to prevent him , contented himself to receive him with a very gallant and heroick firmness . The other four Cavaliers , knowing the generosity of their Master , were constrained to be spectators of the combat , and obliged Aspar to be so by their example . These two valiant warriours dealt great blows to one another ; which they warded with their shields for a long time with much dexterity ; till at length the stranger was wounded in the right arm , and having drawn bloud from Hannibal by a hurt he gave him in the left , he received at the same time a stroke that proved the weakness of his curasse . Whereupon the stranger , who was one of the bravest persons in the world , and had never been treated in this manner in his combats , perceiving his flux of bloud , changed all his fiercenesse into fury , and flew upon his enemy with so impetuous a Violence , that the great Hannibal stood in need of his whole force and skill . But at length this haughty Prince being incensed to finde a resistance he used not to meet with in his encounters , discharged from that arm ( so dreadfull to many Nations ) such a heavy blow upon the head of the stranger , that it made him reel , and would without doubt have born him from his horse , had not two of his Cavaliers speeded to his succour , while the other two run to revenge him ; Of which the first that lifted up his sword to strike the Prince Hannibal , soon received his death as a punishment of his temerity in presuming to attaque this great man ; and the other , whom Aspar engaged , would have perhaps followed the fate of his companion by a lesse honourable hand , had he not suddenly cryed out for sparing his life , to go and provide with his companions for the preservation of that of his Master . The Prince Hannibal caused Aspar to retire , and went himself to see in what condition his enemy was , and to offer the strangers all manner of assistance . He found that they had taken off his Helmet , and perceived an aspect composed of fierce and comely with severall marks of greatness . The stranger was not in so bad estate as was supposed , and seeing his Enemy approach , he endeavoured to re-enforce himself to go against him , but was restrained by his attendants , and arrested himself when he understood the intention of the generous Hannibal . He was surprised with the good meene of this Prince , when he saw him lift up the Visour of his Casque , and remarked in his Visage so noble and great an air , that he was as much astonished therewith , as he had been ill-treated by his valour . Valiant Sir , ( said the unknown person ) I wonder not that you are friend to Hannibal , since there is so much resemblance between you in the most heroick of all qualities ; but I beleeve that Prince loves little of the world , if he love not such persons as you ▪ and I think if he had more friends of the like valour , he might promise himself success in Africa , more advantagious then those his arms have had in Italy . Hannibal is not so happy in friends as you imagine him ( answered the Prince of Carthage ) since you have refused to be of their number ; but however , if you please to go to his Camp , you shall there receive such treatment as shall restrain you from hating a man who perhaps never offended you ? Hate ( said the stranger ) I honour his person , and admire his high reputation too much to be guilty of such sentiments ; but I told you before , I could not serve him , because I was engaged on the contrary side . Neverthelesse , upon your word , I will go to the Camp of Hannibal , provided you promise me I shall leave it at my pleasure , and that neither the knowledge of my condition , nor that of my engagement for the Romans , shall be any cause to retain me in the Carthaginian Army , when it shall be fit for me to go serve against it . Hannibal accorded the stranger his desires , and having seen him mounted on his horse with one of his Attendants behinde him to hold him up , they took the way to the Camp together . These great Persons had an extreme desire to know one the other , and view'd each other many times , to learn that which they durst not enquire of : but after they had marched some time without any speech at all , the stranger at length ended the silence to render thanks to his Conquerour , and to desire the knowledge of his Name , who had so generously obliged him . Scarce had he began to speak , when he spyed a Body of Horse making toward them with a large trot , which he perceived were Carthaginians . Wherefore , to prevent being known by any of this Troop , he pul'd down the visour of his helmet ; but he no sooner understood that these Carthaginians came to attend their Prince as his guard , and that the person with whom he had encountred was the great Hannibal , but he approached with a very submiss action , and told him obligingly that his ignorance had made him guilty of a great mistake ; and my Lord ( said he ) you could not have made your self known in a more heroick manner ; your great strokes sufficiently spoke you the famous Hannibal , and if your arms and hab●liments caused you to be taken for a Carthaginian , yet I might have better known by your actions , that you were the illustrious Prince of Carthage . But , my Lord ( added he ) to take away a part of the regret which you may possibly have for drawing your sword against me , and to testifie to you that I was not altogether unworthy to be treated favourably , I will decla●● to you that I am King of a Realm sufficiently large ; and as soon as I shall have taken a little repose , I shall let you see by the story of my life , that the quality of King possibly is not the thing which will most affect you . Upon this Declaration Hannibal redoubled his civilities , and craved pardon of the stranger for that he had not treated him as he should have done , had he understood his true condition : My Lord ( continued the Prince of Carthage ) your self only ought to have regreat for measuring the sword against a man that appear'd no more then a simple Carthaginian ; and if Fortune hath given me some advantage , she hath only plaid a new prank of her old game ; and by a Caprichio ordinary with her inclined to be your enemy , because she delights to overturn the powerfull , and to favour me , beleeving she should raise a man whom she took for an ordinary Native of Carthage . Your Victories ( replyed the stranger ) have no dependance on her , and your valour does alwaies so assuredly produce its effects , that it is easie to judge it holds nothing from the Empire of that inconstant Goddess . These two Princes continued on their conversation in very obliging terms , and ended not till they arrived at the Carthaginian Camp . There Hannibal took all possible care for the King whom he had wounded ; he lodg'd him in one of his own Tents ; and caused him to be presently dress'd by his best Chirurgions ; by whom he was informed to his great joy of the curableness of the Kings wounds : insomuch that he would go in person to give him assurance of the contentment he received thereby . Being there , he heard a noise in his Tent , which obliged him to turn his eye about to discover the cause ; whereupon he saw Adherbal entring , who was a Carthaginian of quality , and in no mean esteem with him . The Prince had not time to demand the cause which had so much moved him ; for Adherbal immediatly as he entred testified his surprise and joy , and following the force of his impetuous humour : My Lord ( cryed he ) To horse , Laelius is ours , with a thousand Talents , Hannibal could not contain from smiling at this strange introduction , and by and by looking seriously upon Adherbal , Recollect your self ( said the Prince ) and speak more clearly if you would be understood . Although Adherbal was in favour enough with his Prince , yet he was sensible he had committed a miscarriage in not delivering himself but by a transport ; and after having made a low reverence as to crave pardon for his fault , he offered a more particular discovery . Hannibal commanded him to speak aloud , not seeing any person in his Tent whom he might suspect . Whereupon Adherbal presented a Numidian , who came from the parts of Vermina , to advertise that Laelius was to passe within a hundred furlongs of Capsa , with onely four thousand men ; that with those few Forces he convey'd a magnificent Present , worth above two thousand Talents , which the Republick of Rome sent to Masinissa , and that this Numidian , very well knew where there was a convenient place to surprise the passage of the Romans : Hereupon the Carthaginian Prince discoursed with the Numidian and having received his advice , caused his Attendant Aspar to be called , and whispering something in his ear , he commanded him to go forth and use extreme diligence . This order being given , he turned himself towards this illustrious stranger , and protested that he could not resolve to leave him , were it not convenient to permit him to his quiet , and necessary for himself from time to time to take care for the affairs of his charge . After this complement , he went forth of his Tent , and betook himself to choose out the best Horse which Bomilcar had brought , to whom he gave the command of them , and of severall other Troops he added to form a body , being not willing to go himself in this expedition , either by reason of his hurt , or out of some other consideration . The Prince having given such orders as were necessary , retired to his Tent by the counsell of the Chirurgions to take his rest . He passed the Evening , and almost the whole night with devising means to see his Princesse , so that he could not sleep till about the break of day , and waked not till very late . Which he no sooner did , but he remembred the promise of the wounded ●ing , and deeming that he might take this occasion to learn his name and adventures , he sent to know in what condition he was . The messenger which went to that purpose returned presently with News that the King had passed the night with very great unquietnesse , that he had not fallen asleep but two or three hours since , and that the Chirurgions thought it not fit he should be visited so soon . This answer obliged the Carthaginian Prince , to entertain himself a part of the day with Maharbal , and some eminent Officers who were present at his rising ; and as he was telling them of the news he had received of Antiochus King of Syria , he saw Bomilcar enter accompanied by Adherbal , and the Numidian Courtier . Hannibal perceived a deep sadnesse in the countenance of Bomilcar , and being desirous to know the occasion , What ( said he obligingly ) can Bomilcar be sad when he comes from fighting ? I come not from fighting , My Lord , answered Bomilcar , Laelius is retired to a fortress , which the Romans have possessed for about a moneth , and being not in a condition to go force it , I am returned , but less troubled for his retreat , then at the news which the Courtier of Vermina hath given me . But , My Lord ( added Bomilcar ) I most humbly beseech you to dispense with me for relating it to you this day ▪ and to permit me to acquaint you as late as I can with a misfortune , whose greatness surpasses your power to redresse it . These last words of Bomilcar amused Hannibal extremely , and as the Prince deliberated what resolution he should take , whether to be better informed , or to expect yet some time , there came one to tell him that the King requested him to take the pains to come to his Tent. Hannibal was glad of this means to break off his irresolution , and although he had inward sentiments of sorrow , yet he promised himself a kinde of consolation from this visit , beleeving that the conversation of a sick person would be melancholick and sutable to the humour that had seised him . The wounded King was aware of the alteration of Hannibal , and interesting himself in that which afflicted this great man , he demanded of him with much civility the cause of his sadnesse . 'T is not My Lord ( continued he ) the retreat of Laelius , I have been told , which afflicts you , if it were , I should be perhaps against my self , and partake in the ill success you have had , although I am extremely concerned in that affair ▪ as you shall know more at large by and by . No , No , My Lord ( answered Hannibal ) 't is not the retreat of Laelius that afflicts me , and since you deal so generously , and none else is privy to our discourse , I shall not scruple to tell you that Laelius is not in security but by my means ; and to lay my thoughts open to you freely , I beleeve it is never fit to seek to fight with advantage in a single combat ; also I conceive that slights and artifices cannot passe in such occasions but for props of weakness , and that generosity ought to esteem them either as a pitifull sort of assistance , or a means to steal a victory . But I reason after another manner ( proceeded he ) when it is requisite to preserve my Troups in a day of battell ; and it suffices to tell you , that I have in a manner caused the retirement of Laelius , to shew you that I have employ'd the sole means that was left me to preserve the most effective Troops of my Army . For in a word ( added he ) I should have infallibly lost those which I used in this service , and lost them even in gaining this small Victory , which in appearance I ought to have expected : for my souldiers being become rich by the booty of this great prize ▪ would without doubt have deserted me , and being almost all of this Countrey , they are so well acquainted with the by-waies , that it would have been impossible for me to have pursued after them ; and perhaps I should also have lost those I had sent to recover the others . Neverthelesse , I confesse , I should have weakened the forces of the Romans , but at the same time I averre , that it was not expedient to hazard my Troops to attaque some of theirs which were divided , and that it is better to preserve my strength intire , to the end I may be able to fight the grand Army of the Romans , and one single Victory render me Master of all the rest . This is , in few words , the reason which induced me to act after a fashion not ordinary , and which may make me passe either for a subtle Captain or a humorous contriver , according to the diversity of judgements which may reason upon my conduct . Your conduct My Lord ( answered the wounded Prince ) is not an ordinary conduct , and all the world knows , that your prudence hath caused you to be regarded in battels as the Father of your souldiers ; so effectual hath it been to their preservation . In reality every one hath believed that your wit did not lesse triumph in Italy , then your courage , since it hath produced you many a Victory , and sometimes furnished you with means wholly extraordinary to avoid dangers , the eyes of all other mortals would have considered as inevitable . But , my Lord , when you acted like the Generall of an Army , it hath been in a gallant manner : for that is truly to overcome like a man , when prudence beareth a part in the victory , as it is to overcome after the manner of brutes , when force alone gives all the advantage . This prudence notwithstanding , hath acted less then your courage in particular engagements , wherein you have alwaies behaved your self with an ardour so noble , that the world hath oftentimes been induced to beleeve , that you designed no other end of your pains but the conservation of others . For , in short , to omit those actions whose glory dazles the sight of the beholders , I will only mention your exploits of yesterday , and shew you that the retreat of Laelius affords evidence that you know how to preserve an Army , as the combat you had with a Cavalier who might have been seconded by four others , shews that you go not with very great precaution at such time as only the safety of your own life is concerned : and nevertheless , the condition which I am in , manifests that you know how to overcome in all fashions . Ah! 't is too much My Lord ( interposed the Prince of Carthage ) how do you treat Hannibal ? Do you serve your self of some preoccupation of sadness appearing upon his countenance , to continue a discourse which he ought not to permit ? and would you have him render himself unworthy of your obliging expressions , if he should shew himself capable of hearing them ? If your actions had lesse splendor ( replyed the King ) you would have reason to interrupt my discourse , and your modesty might with justice be offended : But My Lord in the estate wherein you are ( continued he with an obliging smile ) you would have more difficulty to silence those tongues that are employed in your praises , then you have had to perform those fair actions which make them speak . The King proceeded no further , because he saw Aspar was entred into the Tent , and drawing towards his Master to speak to him . This person judging that he ought to lose no time , My Lord ( said he presently to the Prince Hannibal ) I shall not render you account of what I have done , since the success hath manifested that I have fortunately discharged my commission which you gave me ; but it is fit that I present you with news that will afford you joy , and tell you that our Re-publick hath made alliance with Syria , Macedonia , Bithynia , that levies have been made for us in these three Kingdomes , that King Antiochus the Great , with the Prince Persius , and the young Prince Nicomedas , have dis-engaged themselves from their Troops to be rather with you , and to lose no opportunity of fighting . I have met Magar , who came with all speed to give you this advertisement , but being his horse began to be no longer able to serve him , and mine was yet fresh , he charged me to come with diligence to assure you that those Princes would be here within two or three hours , and that their Troops which compose between sixty and eighty thousand men , and are commanded by the Kings , Philip and Prusia's , will reach Carthage within five or six daies . The Prince Hannibal was extremely satisfied with this News , and having made his complement to the sick King , took horse notwithstanding his wound , and went to meet Antiochus , Nicomedes and Perseus , being accompanied by Maharbal ▪ Bomilcar , and the most considerable Officers of his Army . He met the Princes about seven or eight furlongs from his intrenchments , and first embraced the King of Syria with great protestations , and then also carried the Prince of Macedonia , and the young Prince of Bithynia , Maharbal and Bomilcar took their turn to make their complements , and the Officers of each part saluted one another very civilly , but with addresse , out of the respect which they owed to the presence of so great Princes , Hannibal , the King of Syria , Nicomedes , Perseus , Maharbal and Bomilcar remounted their horses , and putting themselves at the head of above a thousand Officers , took the way towards the Camp . They had scarce marcht a few moments , but Antiochus told the illustrious Hannibal , that Asia would not lesse interest it self in the important warre of Carthage and Rome , then Europe and Africa ; and the desire which I have had to be concerned in a quarrell of so great extent , hath brought me to the famous Hannibal , under whom I shall venture my fortune and receive his orders . Hannibal will receive yours , My Lord , ( answered the Carthaginian Prince ) and the great conquests you have made , and the name of Great , the world hath given you , teach me sufficiently that I ought to follow the King of Syria to be conducted to victory ; and if all that you have done in Asia ( continued he ) should not evince you a transcendent Martialist , yet that which you do in this conjuncture is so glorious to you , and advantagious for me , that I am to seek for terms to expresse my resentment of it . For , My Lord , you take arms , without that the necessity of your affairs obliges you to do so ; you passe the sea to seek warre , and chuse a side that is weak , and seems to have been abandoned by Fortune . How therefore shall I stile these actions ? Our enemies themselves , what can they say of them ? Will not they be constrained to acknowledge , that the Vertues are not alwaies Romans , and that the Nations , whom they call barbarous , know how to practise the most heroick ? What I do My Lord ( modestly replyed Antiochus ) may be very differently interpreted , and not only our enemies , but the most disinterested people from both parties may say , that my proceeding is more politique then generous . 'T is not unknown ( pursued he ) that your Republique , and that of Rome are the two greatest powers upon earth , and that the greatest part of Kings cannot subsist but by protection of one of them , and consequently that it is necessary to contribute to the rendring their strength equall ; since by that means Carthage will alwaies bound the ambition of Rome , and Rome ballance the arms of Carthage . If one of these Republiques ( proceeded Antiochus ) were not a powerfull obstacle to the other , who would be able to withstand that which were Victorious ? Who could bear up against the force of Rome , if Carthage were overcome , or oppose Carthage , if Rome were subdued ? Should this happen , I believe few Princes could preserve their States . Wherefore it is requisite that they league with one of the sides as soon as it grows weak , and contribute to that mutuall resistance wherein consists all their security . You see My Lord ( added the King of Syria ) what judgement may be made of my proceedings by those which do not know Antiochus ; but I am satisfied that I come to serve 〈◊〉 Prince who will judge more favourably of things , and have the generosity to believe it 's no fear that makes me act in this conjuncture , and that the breast of Antiochus is not very capable of giving entrance to that passion : Rather ( replyed the Prince Hannibal ) 't is your own generosity that convinces him ; and the King of Syria acts in a manner so noble , that that conduct , which divers may term a Maxime of state , cannot passe in his esteem for a sentiment unworthy the greatnesse of his courage . Hannibal ending these words turned himself towards Perseus , and gave him many Testimonies of his acknowledgement , and protested to him that the obligation which Carthage had to the King his Father was double , since he had broken the alliance wherewith he stood engaged to the people of Rome , and enter into confederacy with the Republick of Carthage . My Lord ( answered Prince Perseus ) the Romans are so puft up by the Victories of Scipio , that their pride seems to be insupportable . The King my Father hath thereupon conceived an aversion from them , and being unwilling to partake as an Allie in the tyrannicall design of a people which affects a universall Empire , he hath forsaken the league he had with them , and contracted one with Carthage . Neverthelesse he could not satisfie himself with this naked confederation , unlesse he raised auxiliaries to his confederates , and the esteem he bears of the great Hannibal hath induced him to come into Africa , to joyn himself in the war , and serve him with his person . The Prince of Carthage rendred thanks to him of Macedonia by bowing of his body , when the Prince of Bithynia , who all this while view'd the great Hannibal with attention , began to speak to him as soon as he saw he might do it without interruption . My Lord , said the young Nicomedes , I do not so well understand the design of the King of Bithynia , as the Prince Perseus doth the thoughts of the King of Macedonia : but if I m●ght presume to declare mine , after such discourses as persons of my age are not capable of , I could protest to you that I have so much admired the high renown of Hannibal , that the esteem I have for that illustrious Prince hath brought me to his side and Army to learn the Rudiments therein of a profession , of which he is so excellent a Master . But My Lord ( continued the young Nicomedes ) I am come only by inclination , and without other reasoning then what I have drawn from an internall motion : I have believed that I ought to esteem the Prince Hannibal , without conceiving a hatred against the Romans , which might be suspected , and my heart one day reproach me as an effect of my fear . The young Nicomedes pronounced these words with so pleasing ferocity , that the Prince Hannibal was charmed therewith , and instantly felt that inclination towards the Prince of Bithynia spring up in his breast , which he preserved and cherished there all the rest of his life . Was it not generous enough Nicomedes ( answered the Prince of the Carthaginians ) to have benevolence for me , without ratifying it to me by so fair effects , in forsaking the pleasures o● Cities , to expose your youth to the travels and dangers of war ? How do you treat me , My Lord ! ( interrupted Nicomedes ) would you have me be of a party , and do as they , which daring not declare themselves , are contented to assist the persons whom they love only by secret vows and wishes ? No , No , My Lord , Nicomedes is none of those word-friends , he will make his actions speak the sense of his minde ; and if he leaves Bithynia in his fifteenth year , 't is for that he believes the residence in Towns not honourable , when all the world is in the field : besides the age I am of ( continued Nicomedes ) being apt to receive impressions , hath caused me to come to the great Hannibal to receive good ones from him . Scarce had the Prince of Bithynia ended these words , but they were just at the out-guards of the Camp . Into which being entred , Hannibal received these generous confederates in the most magnificent of his Tents , where he made them be served with a very noble collation ; During which they entertained themselves with variety of discourse , which at length insensibly came to be concerning the wounded King . Antiochus , Perseus , and Nicomedes signified their desire to go visit him , and the Prince of Carthage being informed that they might do it without incommoding him , himself conducted them towards the generous stranger . The first complements were very short and conformable to the nature of the place , and the profession of the persons that made them : After which the wounded King addressing to the King of Syria : You may judge ( said he ) My Lord , of the treatment which the friends of the Prince Hannibal may hope , since his enemies receive so good . Yes , My Lord , I am an enemy of the Prince Hannibal , because I am engaged with his enemies ; nor am I much troubled to make an avowance thereof unto you , which may speak my ingratitude , So that at the same time I advantage the glory of my Benefactour . Enemies of your quality ( answered Antiochus ) will without question be alwaies well treated by such persons as Hannibal ; and this Prince is so great a lover of virtue , that he testifies his esteem of it , whereever he meets it ! I know not what Hannibal hath done ( interposed the Prince of Carthage ) to be treated in this manner , and as little whether you — He hath done such brave things ( interrupted the Syrian King instantly without suffering Hannibal to continue ) that we should be ravished to know all he hath done : Ah! my Lord ( added the wounded King ) I should be more particularly obliged to you then these Princes , if you would do us the grace to cause the History of your life to be recounted unto us ; since having been so frequent a Victor , I should have the consolation to observe some occurrence , semblable to my late one , in that recitall . Oh , my Lord ( cryed Nicomedes with a pleasing transport ) make me know fully , that which I have so often admired . And if I might be permitted , said the Prince of Macedon , to adde my prayers to those which ought to be more prevalent , I should request the same favour , My Lords , ( answered the Prince Hannibal , you demand so small a thing that I wonder you should ask it with so much instance : Neverthelesse you shall be satisfied , and Aspar shall relate you what he knows of my life . After these words the Prince of Carthage commanded his Attendant to be called , and in the mean while continuing the conversation with the Princes , he told them , that in a little time they would perceive that that Hannibal , who was so much talk'd of , was perhaps but little known ; and soon know the difference there is between the Hannibal of Carthage and the Hannibal of the Princess Thomira : O beleeve notwithstanding , answered Antiochus , that the first , which is he you speak of , is sufficiently known : and since few persons know what is that renders him different from the other , I conceive the impatience is reasonable which I have to know it . Yet I would not ( replyed Hannibal ) that the particularities of my life should come to the knowledge of the people : there is a certain stupidity reigning amongst them , which hinders them from judging truly of things , and makes them condemn all they understand not ; and therefore it is not fit to discover that to them which they cannot know but imperfectly ; and since the losse of our libertie passes with them for a weakness , and it is not necessary to encounter their Sentiments , how unjust soever , I conceive it not within the rule of prudence to let the multitude know what passes in the breasts of great men who are separated from the crowd : Let them therefore only understand , if a man hath Ambition , since that passion is not noble when it is not known , and ought to produce effects of gallantry to be commendable . But the case of Love is far different ; this passion pleasing it self with making a secret of every thing ; and it would be to commit a prophanation to divulge its secrets to persons who are incapable to gust them in their purity . So that there is I know not what of mysterious in it , which looses its value as soon as it becomes too much discovered ; besides that this fair passion not acting but according to the disposition of the persons it subdues , it is difficult for vulgar souls to believe that it can inspire others with noble sentiments , at the same time that it inspires them with low , and oftentimes criminall conceptions . In which regard as I am very well pleased that Hannibal passes in the apprehension of the people for only an Inamorato of glory ; so I am glad on the contrary that amongst you , My Lords , he is known to be the slave of the most excellent Thomira . Yes , My Lords , I am not unwilling to let you know all the particularities of my engagement , and although it renders me unhappy , yet I so much esteem the fair cause of that unhappiness , that I account it my glory to have it known to such persons as you ; and I shall even finde consolation , if you measure by what I suffer , the greatness of the respects I have for a Princess who ought infinitely to be honoured . The Princess of Castulon is so reasonable , answered Perseus , and I have heard speak so advantagiously of the beauties of her soul , that it is past my comprehension how she could refuse her esteem to the Prince of Carthage : and I comprehend less ( interrupted the young Nicomedes ) how she hath been able to retain that esteem without proceeding to something more tender . You are too obliging , answered Hannibal to the Prince of Bithynia , and I believe it not difficult to comprehend , for what cause the Princess Thomira could never resolve to render Hannibal happy ; since the first impression she received of me was an impression of hatred ; and when I have endeavoured by my services to root out of her breast the aversion she had against me , I have perceived in this fair Princess so profound a sadness , that I believed her own grief would employ her enough to divert her from taking care for that of another . But , My Lord , said the wounded King , this profound sadness ought not to discourage you ; for certainly the Princess of Castulon could not appear sad before you , if she had only hatred for you ; and the presence of an enemy , of whom she might revenge her self by making him suffer , would not only not render her sad , but be a means to moderate all her disturbances . Yet I proceed further , and believe that Thomira is not sad , but for that she feels in her breast something for you very contrary to hatred , and is not afflicted but by the combat which is in her spirit between a kinde of seemliness which acts against you , and certain inclinations which are favourable unto you . Besides I have heard from the mouth of this fair Princess ( by an adventure which I shall recount to you hereafter ) some complaints which had something of so sweet , something of so tender , and something so sensible and touching , that I could not but accompany the tears I saw fall from the fair eyes of this amiable mourner with my own . But My Lord , continued he , seeing Aspar enter , you may please to permit me to make that rehearsall , after we have heard that which we expect from your attendant : And for the present , no more to misdoubt the sadness of Thomira , you may believe , that since the heart of this fair Princess gives entry to troublesome passions , it will not refuse it to those which enter with sweetness and pleasingness , and even without any ones taking heed unto them . I shall do all that pleases you , answered Hannibal with an air wholly changed , and a countenance which the Idea of Thomira afflicted had rendred extremely sad : Yes , I shall do whatever pleases you , and cause all the particularities of my life to be related to you , and will learn no more then what you please to let me know , whenever you think it seasonable to inform me . Aspar ( continued he , turning to his Attendant ) relate to the Princes all you know of my life ; but remember , that it is not fit your zeal should transport you in speaking of your Master , and I forbid you all exaggerations whereinto you are sometimes carried . The Prince of Carthage went forth at these words making a low reverence to the four Princes . After which Aspar approached his illustrious Auditors , and having observed their silence , himself also continued a few moments without speaking to recollect his Idea's , and put a kinde of order into his memory according to the diversity of times and the importance of the principall evincements he was to relate , and then began his story in these words .