Caius Marius monologue (Act 4) — Numantia

In vain, illustrious, prudent General, Have we expended all our strength and might; In vain hast thou been diligent withal; Thy hopes of victory, that seemed so bright, Assured thee by thy martial skill and lore, Have changed to smoke, and vanished out of sight! The mournful story, and the end full sore Of proud Numantia's unconquered town, Deserve to be remembered evermore. Their loss and fall have gained them good renown; Their dying, which displayed their firmness most, Hath snatched from thee the triumph and the crown. Our schemes are vain, and all our labour lost; Their death with honour better issue shews That all the power the Roman arms can boast. This people, wearied with their countless woes, Have snatched themselves from life and misery, And given their long account a sudden close. Numantia now is changed into a sea Of ruby blood, encumbered with the slain, Who fell by self-inflicted cruelty. Escaped have they from slav'ry's grinding chain, Whose load unequalled they declined to bear, With swift audacity that feared no pain. I saw within the middle of the square,[13] Exposed to view, a fiercely blazing fire, Fed with their corpses and their riches rare. And as I gazed, there came with kindling ire Theogenes, that valiant Numantine, Intent on death with an insane desire; And as he cursed his fate and luckless sign, He sprang into the middle of the flame, With fury suited to his mad design; And as he sprang, he cried: "O brilliant Fame, Come hither with thy countless tongues and eyes, Behold a deed it fits thee to proclaim! Approach, ye Romans, and receive the prize Of this rich town, to dust and ashes changed, Its fruits and flowers to thistles turned likewise!" I went away, with steps and thoughts deranged, And paced the chief part of the city round. Through all the ruined streets and lanes I ranged, But not one single Numantine I found, Whom I could seize alive and bear away, To bring thee tidings with a certain sound, For what grave reason, in what fearful way, They hurried on to ruin utterly, With such a grand and terrible display.