Scipio monologue (Act 1) — Numantia

Vain boasting, Fabius, is beneath the caste Of valiant men, with honour at their call; So calm thy threats, to good persuasion yield, And keep thy courage for the battle-field. Though, sooth, I do not mean that this proud foe Should meet us hand to hand in very deed. Some other way to conquest will I go, Which promises to bring me better speed. I mean to curb their pride, their wits o'erthrow, And on itself to let their fury feed; For with a deep wide ditch I'll gird them round, And hunger fierce will bear them to the ground. No longer shall this soil be coloured red With Roman blood. Sufficient for the State Is what these Spaniards have already shed In this long brutal war, and obstinate. Now bare your arms for other work instead,-- This hard-bound earth to break and excavate; They serve us better, foul with dust and mud, Than when bedabbled with the foeman's blood. Let no one in the ranks this duty shun, But join in strife his neighbour to surpass. Let officer and private work as one, Without distinction, or respect of class. Myself will seize the spade, and when begun Will break the ground as deftly as the mass. Do all as I, and let what will befall, This scheme of mine will satisfy you all.