Corabino monologue (Act 3) — Numantia

Then listen thou. Numantia asks thee, prudent general, To ponder well how many years have flown Since war hath raged, with its commanding thrall, Between thy Roman people and our own; And haply to prevent that worse befall, When once this warfare to a plague hath grown, She much desires, if thou shouldst deem it right, To end it with a short and single fight. One soldier of her own she offers thee, To combat in the lists in open fray With one of yours, as stout and brave as he, To show their prowess with a full display. And if the evil Fates should so decree, That one shall perish in this glorious way, If it be ours, we shall resign our land; If it be yours; the war is at a stand. To make this solemn compact more secure, We offer thee of hostages the best. I know thou wilt consent; for thou art sure Of all the soldiers under thy behest, And knowest that the least thou canst procure Will cause to sweat, in face and loins and breast, Numantia's bravest, most determined son, And thus thy crowning triumph shall be won. Make answer now, my lord, if thou agree, And presently to work we shall proceed.