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HANNIBAL to ALORCA.
YOu have beheld me sighing for Thomira; and you have also observed, that I have neglected the design I took up of extending my Conquests every where, to shut my selfe in one City of Spain, and therein to spend a life unworthy and unconformable to the birth and heart of Hannibal. But know Alorca, that by departing from Castulon, I have understood the weaknesse I committed there, and thereupon have inforced my selfe to become absolutely disingaged from a lowness, which without doubt all Posterity would have reproached me with. Wherefore being willing to reassume a glorious life, and continue my Conquests, I injoyn you, in order to that of Celtibe∣ria, to secure the person of Lucius. But this is not all, Alorca; I must car∣ry my effort yet further, and resolve to depend on no person alive. I will have no more obstacles to my Glory; and seeing Thomira alone is capable of ha∣ving dominion over Hannibal, and that she onely can break all my designs and enterprises, I appoint you to sacrifice her to my glory, and to my quiet▪ Wonder not, Alorca, at the order which I give you; for we oftentimes triumph not but with the losse of a hundred thousand men; consider that Hannibal may be well allowed to purchase with the losse of one Virgin, the most impor∣portant victory he can wish. But for that all the world judges not of things in their true value, and few mens minds are elevated above the sentiments of the vulgar, it is requisite that you act with prudence and fairness instead of imploying open force; and for these services you may hereafter expect all manner of recompence from Hannibal. For in removing the occasions of his weaknesse, you will confirm the foundations of his glory.
HANNIBAL▪