Leoncio monologue (Act 3) — Numantia

Morandro, 'tis a fearful sacrifice To make for her; and well dost thou declare That lover's breast hath nought of cowardice. Though from thy manliness and valour rare Still more we hope to gain, yet much I fear That Fate unkind will prove a miser there. To Lyra's tale I gave a listening ear, And know her dire extreme and dismal plight, So foreign to the worth we all revere. I heard thee pledge thine honour and thy might To free her from her present strait, and brave The cruel Roman spears in reckless fight. In such an urgent case, dear friend, I crave To be thy comrade, for it is my due, And aid thee with the little strength I have.