Scipio monologue (Act 4) — Numantia

O matchless action, worthy of the meed Which old and valiant soldiers love to gain! Thou hast achieved a glory by thy deed Not only for Numantia, but for Spain! Thy valour strange, heroical indeed, Hath robbed me of my rights, and made them vain, For with thy fall thou hast upraised thy fame, And levelled down my victories to shame! O could Numantia gain what she hath lost, I would rejoice, if but to see thee there! For thou hast reaped the gain and honour most Of this long siege, illustrious and rare! Bear then, O stripling, bear away the boast, Enjoy the glory which the Heavens prepare, For thou hast conquered, by thy very fall, Him who in rising falleth worst of all!