Hannibal and Katharna
203
description
A drama in 5 ActsJ.C. Fife - Cookson
Transcript of Hannibal and Katharna
Tt\"^"cs'"COPYRIGHT, 1893BYJ.C. FIFE-COOKSONEntered at Stationers'Hall,Londo7iByJ.C. Fife-CooksonPrinted and Boundbyrbe 1??nfcl?erbocF?erprcfis,Iftewl^oihG. P. Putnam's SonsPREFACEIn offeringthe accompanying dramatothepublic,Idesiretomention thatalthoughI have adheredto someof theprincipal facts of history,yetthatIdidnotfeel bound,orthink itdesirable,tobealwaystrammelled by them.Imayadd that Katharnaisdoubly allegorical.J.C. FIFE-COOKSON.Lee Hall, Wark,North Tyne.CONTENTSvinCONTEXTSAct IV. Scenei,,2M3",4,,5,,6Act V. Scenei,,2Yahwa's'*SongAct V. Scene3,,4,,5of the Cacred Bird'PAGE1151201281351441481521631641771821S6DRAMATIS PERSONSHamilcar.Hannibal.HasdrubalMago. .MagdassanCisco. .MaharbalBasilio. .Katharna.Alalia. .Hercta..Hanno. .Malchus.AbdalonimmuthumbalYahwa. .SciPio. .Elissa. .sophonisbaThefamous CarthaginianGeneral andSuffete.His Sons:allCarthaginianGenerals.\ACarthaginianGeneral: Second-in-CommandofIHamilcar*sarmyinSpain.Chief oftheStaff ofHannibaVsarmies.A General in commandofHannibaVs Cavalry.A NoblemanofancientSpain.'HisDaughters.Their Attendant.]ACarthaginian Suffete:leaderofthefaction\ opposedto Hamilcar and hisfamily.Hisconfidential Agent.AnAgent ofMalchus.ACarthaginianScribe.IHamilcar*sMinstrel:afterwardsin the service'of Kings Sphaxand Massinissa.The Roman General^surnamed'''Africanus.''\ Widowof a Carthaginian General,ofthe\faction opposedto Hanno.Heryoungandbeautiful Daughter.DRAMATIS PERSONSKing Sphax. .) RivalAfricanPrincesrulingmaritime states toKing Massinissa\the Westof Carthage.Parihu^ Chief Officer ofthe Palaceto King Sphax,and*(afterguards to KingMassinissa.The Hunchback\^P^ter atthe Courtof King Sphax,andafter-(wards at thatojKingMassinissa,The High PriestofTupiter.AULUS. .!Gavius'^Roman Soldiers.SenatorSyAmbassadors^ Courtiers, Officers, Augurs,Magicians,Messengers, Soldiers, Civilians, Truftipeters, Insurgents,Slaves, 6^c.HANNIBALAND KATHARNAACT I.Scene I.TheCarthaginian campinSpain during foot-racesandgames.Thecoursetraversesthefront ofthestage,and behind it stand crowdsofsoldierslooking on;in thecentre,amongthespectators,isa tent,atthedoorofwhichastandard isplanted.First Soldier.What distance dotheygothis time ?Second Soldier.A mile:And therethey sally nowaround thebend,Theirracing legs resemblingwheels !First Soldier.Hah !hah !Astrangeidea ofyours,torun onwheels,Asone mightrideahorse;but therethey come.Who,thinkyou,wins therace?2 HANNIBAL AND KATHARNASecond Soldier.The swiftestman :No demon sits astrideuponhis neckTo hold him back and rob him of theprize!(Therufinerspass,amidst excited shoutsfromthecroiud.)Wellrun!wellrun!Already now theystartThe secondrace :there falls thesignalflag.{EnterMuthumbal. ITe isstotitish,panting fromtheheat,and holds his hel?net in -/lishatid,while7noppinghisfacewithahandkerchief!)Wellmet,Muthumbal:Aoyourunto-day?Muthumbal.Why, only asyousee :'tisveryhot !Second Soldier.Come,tellus now :howmanyRoman headsWeregatheredafteryester's skirmishing?Muthumbal[aside).He isinquisitive,andgreatlylacksThat keenrespectwhich should be dueto me;I'llputhim off wnthquipsand tellnothing.Until the list ispublishedin thecamp ;{K?w7vingly.)Letusbamboozle theinquisitive!{Aloud.)Well, answerthen anotherquestionfirst:HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA3TellmehowmanyRoman soldiers' helmsWereemptied byit?Second Soldier(aside).True,Iam no scribe,AndyetI'llshow that I'mas sharp ashe !{Aloud.)Many a goodRomanpartedwith hishelm,Butbeingdead had littlewantof it;AlthoughI knowa mannotfar fromhere,Withouta helmet,who has lost his head:And, beingstillalive,he needs them much.(MUTHUMBALMovesuwaymutteringandputting onhis helmet. Therunnersin the secondracepass,amid cheers. Enter two Soldiers whoranin thesecondrace^andnow disputetheprize^First Runner(angrily).Come to thejudgeand hear whatjusticesays!(^Addressingan Officerwho isstanding neartheflag?)IprayMagdassanmaydecideour cause.(TheOfficerentersthetent^andreturfis^pre- cededbyMagdassan.)First Runner(toMagdassan).Most honouredChief,he crossedmeattheturn.Or I hadwon!4HANNIBAL AND KATHARNASECOND Runner.My Lord,his wordsarefalse;Infact,heslippeduponthescorched-up ground,And almost threwmedown !{Tothe FirstRunner.)Let'sfightitout.Likemen,to-morrow morningat the dawn !Magdassan.Havepatience both, nor idlywastegoodblood:Fight onlywith thefoe,and then strive well.Yousay youarethe fastest ?First Runner.Aye,myLord.Magdassan.Andyouclaimgreater speed?Second Runner.Yes,noble sir.Magdassan.Then it would beaboon to both ofyouTorun againand betterprove yourworth.So I decide. Thiseveninglet itbe.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA5(Exeuntthe Runners. Aflourish oftrumpetsisheard, Magdassanco?itinues^ addressingthesoldiers.)Mysons,our mightyleader willarrive,Tojoinyour sports,ashe has sharedyourtoils;I need not ask thatyoushouldgreetthe ChiefMostreverently :andnowHamilcarcomes!{JEnterHamilcar, preceded bytru7npetersandanarmed escort.He is attendedby Hannibal,Hasdrubal, Gisco, Yahwa,"c. The soldiersbow the headasHamilcar/^^i-^^j-them: they thenremainerect andfacingtoward him. Hamilcartakes hisplaceinfront ofthe standard:thetrum- petersandescortdrawitponhisright^and thestaffonhisleft.Thetrumpeterssou?ida flourish^atthe endofwhich the"wholeconcourse ofsoldierssalute Hamilcar^^bowingthe head andbendi7igthe knee:heacknowledgesthe salutebyextendiiighisrighthand towardsthem,firstto therighta?idthentotheleftjthestaffthen breaksupits ranks^the soldiersresumetheiroccupations,thetrumpetersandescort marchtothe backofthesce?ie,zvherctheyre^nain drawnup, awaitingorders. Enteratone extremity ofthescene,behind the linesofsoldier-spectators, Basilic,leaningon astick: next,onhisfurther side,andslightly behind, coniesKatharna, leading bythe handAlalia,whoappearstoshrinktimidlyback: Hannibal ob- servesthe?n andapproaches,thenstops.)6HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAHannibal[aside).Whatbeauty, youth,and innocencearehere !I willapproachawhiletosun myselfIn theirbrightpresence ;and indeed I feelTheremightbemoreto charm inSpainatpeaceThan I had fancied.[Addressingthe Soldiers infront (^/Basilic.)Soldiers,clearaspaceFor welcome visitors.(The Soldiersobey,)Basilic.I thankyou,sir.WhatCathaginianleader honoursme.Withcourtesytoone soold andworn?Hannibal.My nameis Hannibal.MayIinquireYour noble house ofSpain?Basilic.Alas,myLord,Althoughmygarbclaimsrank,myfortunes ebb;Our lands and wealthwerelost in civilwars.ThecurseofSpain.Iown a longdescentFrom the bold ruler of the Westerncoast.Whotriumphedin Iberia's sacredcauseAgainstinvasions of thefiery Gaul,DespoilerofourlandupontheEast.Myname's Basilic:atyourservice,sir.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA7Hannibal.And I atyours, myLord,with allmyheart !{Helooks atKatharna,wholowei^shereyes?)Butprayexcuse mefora moment,sir.(Hannibalreturns toHamilcar andaddresseshim})Hannibal.Now thereareeasyopportunitiesTo flatter nobleSpain through oneofrank,Basilio,who ispresentwith hisfriends.Prayshow him favour.Hamilcar.Certainly,myson :The chancemayserve uswell. I wishtolearnThehopesand fears ofSpaniardsfor thewar.Conduct him hitherpresently.Hannibal.I will.(Hannibalretur7is to Basilic atidaddresseshim.)Hannibal.My father,sir,requestsyour company.Whereyou maybest observe the soldiers'games ;Ipray youfollow where Hamilcar waits.8 HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA(Basilio,Katharna,and AlaliafollowHanni- bal/"?thestandard^where Hamilcargreetsthemmostcourteously^andconverseswith Basilio;while Hannibal talks withKatharna,who stillholds Alalia'shand.)Hamilcar[toBasilio).My Lord,youare by rightourhost inSpain,Andweyour guests.Thrice welcometomy camp!Ihopeyou mayreturn tovisitmeWhene'eryouwishto treatofpolitics:Learningmylatestnewsfrom Africa,Orfavouring mewithyoursonhome affairs:Topassa pleasanthour.Basilic.Acceptmythanks:YourExcellencyhonoursmeindeed IHamilcar.See, Yahwa,there'sanorioleonthe tree:Nowtuneyourlaytomatch hiscarolling.(Yahwa stepsforward,looksupatthebird,and strikesa fewchordsonhisguitar :he thensingsto itsac-cojnpaniment,smilingandplayfullyaddressingthebird,)HANNIBAL AND KATHARNASongof theOriole.I.An oriole flutterson a bough,Singinginpraiseof the cherries:"They'renotyetripe,butare ripeningnow,Thoselovely, luscious berries !II.*'Ifought throughwinter with thecold.Famine, rain, wind,and the thunder:ButnowI'mhere,andmytale istold,Myframenighriven asunder !III."Thestormyseasonpast,I'vecomeHome tomyhaunts in thevalley:Wherewarmlyshines therevivingsun.Andwhispering zephyrstarry.IV."Here will I warble notesoflove,Flute-like,resonant,and mellow;Nest in the branch ofa pine-woodgrove,Withamate all black andyellow.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA IIWhile others in broadbargesferried o'erWhere itwas deep;thenoppositethe isleSomehardyhorsemenplungedinto thewaves,Andgallantlyattained thesandywharfThat liesmidway: theyrested thereawhile,Thensafelyswam acrossthe furtherarm.Butastheshepherdhastened downagain,Drivinghisflocks, as ordered, tothefold,Still othertroopsapproachedthecrossing-points,While scatteredonthe further river-bankThere streamedgreattoilingcrowdsupontheslopes;Enteringthe thickest forestsonthebrows,Towards therockypassesin thehills,As iftocross,orhaltupontherangeWithin the woodlands.Alalia.Mostimportant news:ThosetroopsmaynowbeontheirwayfromSpain,To leaveus once againingratefulpeace ;And whenthey gaintheir homes inItaly,Whatjoymust kindle in the anxious breastsOf wives and children for their safereturn !AndCarthagewill feelequal happinessAt thehome-comingof her well-lovedsons.Hercta{hastily).But willtheyleaveustoo ?12 HANNIBALAND KATHARNAAlalia.Ofcourse!Whynot?Hercta{thoicghtftdly),Onlythattheyare gallantmen indeed,Andtheirprotection givessecurity.Alalia.But when thedangerhas allpassedaway,What need for shield andweapons?Hercta[coquettishly).None,'tistrue:Unlessworn as anornamentalbadge,Topleasethefancyinourleisure hours.Alalia.Butwomenneedno trophyof the kind !Hercta{archly).Theremaybeno necessity;andyetSomeprizeit all themorefor that.Alalia{smilifig).Indeed ?Well, Hercta,ifthehighly-temperedbladejMustnowbe stored in distantarmouries,I trustitsglittermaynot drawyouhence;Butrather,if itbe ofsterling worth.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA 13Thatyouwillstayandkeepitbyyourside:Ihopethat allmay prosper.Hercta{dubiously).Ah,madam !'Tis sadtopartfrom suchafaithful friend.Alalia.Whomayhe be ?Hercta{simply).Muthumbal is hisname :A scribeon dutywith the Punic host.Alalia{hesitating),Ithoughtyousaid hewas awarrior:Or fromyourwords Imightinferasmuch ?Hercta{pettishly).His heart beatshighwith martialenergy,Yetsomebodymustdo thewritingpart!{Apauseyduringwhich Hercta/retswithevidentannoyance^Indeed,hispostismostresponsible :Your fathersaysonescribe who wieldsapenCan domoreharm thanfiftymenwith swords !{Anothersifnilarpause.)Besides,he ranksas captainofatroop!{Asi7nilarpause.)14HANNIBAL ANDKATHARNAAlalia.Whatarehis functions ?Hercta{proudly).Registeringthe headsStruck from the fallen foesthroughoutthewar.Alalia{aside).Most barbarous work !{Aloud,)How didyouchanceto meet ?Hercta{?taively).Onedayhepassedwhen Iwasat thegate,And, pausing,asked mostcourteouslyofmeThe homestead'sname,for noteuponhismaps:{A pause.)Since then he takes hiseveningwalks thisway.Alalia.WherecanI view fromsomeconvenientpointThe Romanhost,andverifythe taleToldbytheshepherd?Hercta.Madam,followmeTo wherearecentclearingin thewood.Uponthesteepest slopesbelowus here.Pierces thewovenleafycurtainthrough :And thereyoucanobserve the Romantroops.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA 15Alalia.Leadon,goodHercta,I willfollowyou.{Exeunt.)Enter Hannibal and Katharna.Hannibal.Katharna,youcontrolmyhappiness:Somoveyourfather mostjudiciouslyTogainhis fullconsent,and without fail.Discreetlymention that I valuehighHis nobleblood,that tellsofgloriousdeeds.Which ornament acountry'shistory:And, tinglingin his bold descendant'sveins,Willgivesure promiseofsuccess to come.So whenwe meet atmiddayIshalllearnWith how much favour heregardsmysuit.Myheart is inyourtenderkeeping,love.Katharna.Believeme,dear,nokeen ambassadorHad e'erapolicythat touched himmore.In hisown tenderness andinterests.Thanours moves me.{ExitHannibal:then enter Basilicfro7nthe housedKatharna.Dearfather,I'llconfessA secret knownasyettoonlytwo.t1 6HAXXIBAL AND KATHARXABasilio{laughing).*Twillsoonbespreadabroadbyoneofus!This ismy wayoflooking onthecase :I holda secret,as a sword, alone,Graspingtheeasyhilt tobalance it,So Icanturn the sabreasI will;Anotheraiding me mustseize theblade,And,themorepungentis thebitingedgeThe louder will he howlthe circumstance;But ifbychance tojoin us comes a third,Of needs he takes thepoint,which tickleshim.Till,laughing,he discloses all he knows.Katharxa.Itmatterslittle whether itbe told,Ifyou approve.Basilic.'Tissomethingserious;IthoughtitwasthepurchaseofagownThatwas desired,and Iwaswished topay:Orpromised comingofsomewelcomeguest ;ButnowIfancyitissomethingmore.What is the kernelof themysteryOn whichyouwishmyjudgment?Katharna.It is this:Duringsomelittlewhile, asyouhaveseen,Lord Hannibal hassoughtmy company;1HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA1/Untilto-dayhe toldmeof hislove,Andprayed me quicklytoprepare you,sir:As heproposedto waitupon youhere,Seekingyoursanction toourunion.Basilic.Yet,howcanHannibal find time to wedAmidstcampaignsof wilduncertainty.Allseemingendless ?Katharna.Then,he bademesay:That from the latest informationgained.The dawn ofpeaceinSpainisclose at hand.Basilic.To sealyourhappiness,I willconsentTo it.Katharna.I thankyou,father, heartily.{Shekisses/n??i.)AndnowIgoto meet LordHannibal,Who will be full ofjoytohearyourwords.(Basilicre-entersthe house. Exit Katharna.)HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA19Sea-borderedprovinceofEmporia,Which stillis tornbyfierce civilwar,SinceSpendiusand Matho raised the bands"Inparricidalstrifeagainstourpower"Of mercenaries who hadfoughtforus :Stirringthe bile ofseethingdiscontentAmongstthe nativetribes,whichroseinarms,And stillragein rebellionunsubdued,Threateningtojointhereadyfoeswithin.Andbyinvasionoverrunyourrealm;While the wild Eastern hordes which haveengulfedThe richEgyptian valleyof theNile,Withappetitesaroused butunappeased,Preparethemselvesbeyond our territoryTo firstassailusatyournewcommand.Nor is itsgovernmentlessweightyworkThanto leadonthe forceinvading Rome,ThatmightbevanquishedwithoutjeopardyToCarthage,which would rest secure at home;But ifEmporia,closebeyond our walls.Successfullydefiedourutmostpower.Andgainedherliberty throughthisrevolt.Then far andnearthesubjectstates wouldrise.WhilevauntingRomemight playthedeadlygameThatweaimat herself inItaly,And sendinvadinghosts toAfrica,Menacing Carthage onher native soil.Hasdrubal[inclhiinghis headrespectfully).Yourwish, sir,rules both Hannibal andme.{^ExitHamilcar.)20HANNIBAL AND KATHARNATo-morrowisthedayourfather holdsThemysticceremony,which wull bindMybrother'slife,perhapsforevermore;Such bonds wouldgall melittle:for in heartI'm free tofightand wonder allmydays;ButHannibal,who lovesso desperately.Longingforhappiness, now Spainissaved,Couldscarcelybear thetortureof the blow.But then to balkHamilcar,if resolved:{A pause,){Apause.){Apause,)FarsoonerwouldIseize,with nakedarms,A lioness in her accustomedcave.Anddragher, roaring,fromamongsther cubs !{Apause.)I'llsavehim !{A pause,)Thoughfatesurelymarked himoutForopenwarfare, needing generalshipMore than thepostourfathergivestome.Bybreathingin his mind the artofwar :Whichmakes him farexcel, althougha youth,Ourcaptainsmostexperiencedin the field.Hisnameisnow apotenttalismanThatrousessoldiers totheir utmost deed,Till valour and endurancewin theday.{E7iterHannibal.)Hasdrubal.OHannibal ! I fear thenewsI bearWillgrieveyoumuch, thoughI mustmakeitknown:HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA 21Our fatherplansto sendyouonatonce,The master of hishosts, toItaly.Hannibal.Atonce!Hasdrubal.Yes,dedicatedby a vow "To-morrowpledgedbefore thegatheredtroops"To Moloch'sconstant service,tillthedayWhen Rome isconquered, Italysubdued.Hannibal.Alas !the knell that sounds the certain doomOf allmyearthlyhappiness,which seemedVisionstoobrightfor sternreality!I feltas one who, dreaming,graspsa prize.Yet, being partlyconscious that hesleeps,Dreads the dull hour when hemust wakeagain,And itwillfade, cheatinghiseagerview;Thoughtreasuredas a soothingmemory,Asweet remembrancejoinedwithdeepregret.Indelible forever!Hasdrubal.I conceivedAhastilyformedplanto meet theneed.Ifweenlistourfather'ssympathy :That I should take thevowat Moloch's shrineInstead ofyouto-morrow,andyourpartWould be tosave Emporiafrom thegrip22 HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAOfdeadlyfoes and demon anarchists"Thedutywhichourfather wills tome.A lull wouldcome,Emporia'speacerestored,Whenyoumight gaindomestichappiness.Somuch desired.Hannibal{gloomily).Brother,mythankstoyou:Alas ! itcannotbe:the fatesarestern.For how couldHannibalplaceselfish aimsBefore hisdutytohis nativeland.Hisfather,and thegods? Ifa mishapShould meetthearmyin the snow-cladAlps,Or in itsconflicts with thehardyfoesWho dwell in countriesonthe destinedroute,Or in thedeadlyshock ofarmswithRome,Carthage might cursemyrecreant nameandsay:The blame isHannibal's,who in the hourOfurgentneed has failed hiscountry'scause!Hasdrubal.Then,brother, asyouwill,solet itbe.{^ExitHasdrubal:then enterKatharna.)Hannibal[aside).Shecomes : howcanI breakthe mournfulnews?Katharna.Ah,Hannibal !it isnotyetthe hourWe fixedupon ;norwould thelaggingsandsHANNIBAL AND KATHARNA23Run faster formychiding : soIthoughtTo be the firsttocome,butyouarehere !I fearedyoumighthavegoneonurgentwork,Causedbythemovementsof the Roman forceWhich crossed thestream:forsothepeasants say.I heard themasIcame discussingit.(Hannibalkisses her hand with tenderrespect.She observes hisgloomylooks?)Oh,saywhatnews?Hannibal.My love,thesunnylightOfyourbrightface would cheer the darkestday!But I desireto tellyouofafactConcerningboth ofus,and seekadvice.Whichyouwillgive so astoguidemystepsWith honour in thepathof rectitude.The Romantroopsare nowin fullretreat:Andonthe concentration ofour force.Myfather bids that I should lead his hostToItaly,and thusourunionOf needs must bepostponeduntil thedayWhen I return here.Katharna{coaxingly).Not tillyoureturn.Come,come, youjest;or,nowIguessthecause :{Pettishly.)Some fairerface,withbrightereyesthan mine.24HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAHannibal.Iaminearnest,andmywordsaretrue:Alas,mylove,I would 'twere otherwise !And ofyourcharmsnorivals could befound.ThroughoutbroadSpain,or onmynativecoastsOfCarthage.Katharna.Hannibal,IprayforgiveMyfoolishjealousy ;but tellme,dear.Howcan weshun thisgreatcatastrophe?Hannibal{hesitating).The destined ruler ofEmporia,My brother,hasalreadyofferedmeTochangeourposts : ourfather's sanctiongiven.Themarriagethenmightstillbepossible,And wedded life amid thecaresof ruleWouldsolace, soothe,andstrengthenKatharna.ThenacceptPraydothis, Hannibal,andrescueme,Ereyettoolate,from terribledespair!Nowreasonwithme,love,uponthecause :Say,does the dove thatpleads,and notinvain.Forgethiswooinginsomedistantflight,Or tastethejoyshismelodyhaswon?Howwouldyoubear the absencewithout wordsHANNIBAL AND KATHARNA2$Of tenderness: or mightyousoonforget?AndthoughI feel thattonoother voiceMyheart could beatresponsivelywithlove,Wouldyoustillholdmytrothfirm-pledged as now!{Apause.)Or death's autumnalblightdelaytostrikeFrom off theparent bough neglectedfruitWhich lacked toolongthegardener's fosteringcare?True instinctwhispersme,ifonceyou goOn suchadistant arduousenterprise,Thatweshallneverchance to meet again.Whileyetthewarmly flowingtide ofyouthInvitestopresenthappiness.Hannibal.My love,Then Imust yield;for I havenotthepowerTo striveagainstyourwish, nortodenyThepleadingsofmyheart.Now, dearest, wearTheringIgiveyouas aconstantpledgeOfmyunchanging love,untilyouleadInto"a closer, willingservitudeYourfirm,devoted slave.i^Heplacesa ringonherfinger :shesmiles.)Katharna.AlovelygemWhich I shallever prize.I thankyoumuch.Thoughlittle needsmyburningheartabreezeTo fan its ardent flame.MymemoryHANNIBAL AND KATHARNA2^Hannibal.Father,I wouldconversewithyouawhile,If ofyourgoodnessyouwill hearme.Hamilcar.Yes:Speakon, myson : nobetter chanceappearsFor conversation.Hannibal.Then I askaboon.Since childhood I have served ineverywar :Andasyouhavecommanded,Iobeyed.ButnowI wouldrequestmyfirst reward:Hasdrubal has unfoldedyourdesignsFor bothourfutureenterprises,sir.Permit thatwe exchange,for heconsents;Eachwarbearsequal promiseofrenown :Thoughfrom thenatureof theservices.Hisbeing a more sedentary command,I fain would choose itforayearortwo.That Imight woo a ladyin thespace ;But when that time ispastcommandagainAnd sendmewhereyouwill.Hamilcar.Igrant yourwish:Though fieryMoloch in hisangrymood,Arousedby losingthus hisvotary,Mayhinder allyourplanswhate'ertheybe.28HANXIBAL AND KATHARXAE'en atyourbirth Ipromisedyoushould liveFor hishighfavour:and I namedyouthen.In token ofmywish,^'The Grace of Baal."Hannibal.The risk is mine.Acceptmywarmestthanks:Your words haveopenedHeaven'sgatesto me!I would consultyoufurtheronthis themeOf utmost moment:and entreatnolessThan foryourweightysanction to begivenThat Imaywed.Hamilcar.With whom ?Hannibal.Katharna,sir:Aladyof the noblest blood inSpain,Althoughherfamily,impoverishedThroughclannishfeuds,lives ina homelyway.Yousawher with her father atthesportsAndracesofourtroops,butrecently :Then,whileyouquestionedhimtolearn the driftOfSpanishnativefeelingonthewar,I held communion with her close athand;AndnowI feelmyhappiness dependsUponanearlyunion with her,sir.Hamilcar.I markedyouwell I Acharming girl,nodoubt.'Tisourhot blood that leads tosuddenlove,Withgreatcapacityforsuffering;HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA29Yet I would notexchange a singledropFor all thewateryfluidsfilteringThroughthe ascetic's cold and fish-like frame !{Aside.)Whatanswershall Igivetohisrequest,Withoutoffence,yetchargedwithworldlylore ?If I forbidhim,he'll considermeThe harshestparentin the universe;Yet if Igrantit,soon a daymaycomeWhen he will wish I had denied ithim.Preservinghimunfettered from thebond.And abletopursuehisdestiny.{Aloud.)Myson,itisaseriousstepindeedThat endsyourfreedom. Youth lovesliberty.Soponder onitwell:then ifyourwishRemainsunchanged,I will consider it;But I hadhopedyourchoicemightfallathome.And thatyouwould havesoughttowed,atleast,Witha princessofAfrica, orelseThedaughterofsome powerful familyInCarthage.Hannibal.I haveweigheditthoroughly;Nor do Ihesitate,sir.Hamilcar.Well,my son,Katharna hasconsented,Ipresume:And doyou sayBasilio hasapprovedHisdaughter's marriage?30HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAHannibal.Yes. Shepromised me.And has disclosed alltoherfather,sir,Thismorning, sayingI wouldcome ere longTo seek hisblessingifyou gavemeyours ;Basilio seemed wellpleasedand satisfied.{Aside.){AlONd.)I know whatargumentwillmovehimmost !Bycharms ofdisposition, face,and formShe has enslavedmyheart andjudgment,too;Beingofamould wherenaturepromisesTogenerously presentawarrior sireWithsturdy offspringsuitable forwar!Hamilcar.Then Iconsent,and trustyourunionMay bringthehappinessyouhave well earnedBy longand arduous service in the field.So,ifyouhave thepromised lustyson,Teachhim, asItaughtyou,tovanquishRome.Instruct him in theartsofgovernment,Thathaplyhemaylivetorule the world !Hannibal.Iowemuchgratitudeforyour assent,Andhighly prizeyourliberalpraiseofme.Howeverpoor mymerits.(^.a:// Hamilcar.)HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA31Haste the hourThat leadsmeback todear Katharna's charms:Whatjoywill then be hers tohear thenews,That I havegainedmyfather's fullconsent![A pause.)How she is altered sinceat firstwemet:Abuddingflowerthen,andnowfull-blown;A tendergirlchangedtoa statelydame.Love is thesunthatripenswomanhood !Well,I will hastenonthemarriage-day :At leasttwoyearsofhappiness are ours;Then if I leave her for the distantwars,TheirmemorywillproveatalismanAmid the darkness ofadversity;And,likeabeaconshining throughthenight.Willguideand cheerme tosuccessat last.{"xtr)Scene IV.Basilio's homestead. Herctadustingatable underatree.EnterMuthumbal, passing along aroadatthe backofthescene :he looks round and nods toHercta,butmoves on doubtfully.Hercta.There'sno one here,Muthumbal:don't beshy!(Muthumbal,who had almostpassedoutof sight^turnssmiling^andapproaches Hercta.)32HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAMUTHUMBAL.My love,youseeI havenot failed tocome,Aspromised.Hercta.Iamveryglad,indeed:Welcome,mydear ! I saidwe arealone.{Looks overhershoulder^MUTHUMBAL.Then Imayventure to[Heputhisar7)iroiuid Hercta's luaista?id,draw-i?igherge?iilytowards him^kisses hercheek!)Hercta[coyl}^.Imeant " notthat.MUTHUMBAL.'Tisnonetheworseforcomingwithoutthought :AndsoI find it.Hercta[poutifig).Oh,younaughty boy!Ihope naughtelsemayhappen unawares "Muthumbal.Did timepermitandopportunity "Hercta{avertingherfacefor a7no?nent).Muthumbal,tellmewhyyoulookedsosadWhen firstyoupassedthegable?HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA33MuTHUMBAL{seriously).Well,mydear:Because thegloomy thoughtoccurred tome,That Imightne*eragainbehold thisscene,Renderedso happy by our meetings.Hercta.MUTHUMBAL.Why?The Romanarmyhas abandonedSpain;Ourtroopswill notpursuetill gathered here.As lions crouch beforetheymake theirspringTo dealadistant blow. But Ireturn,Startingto-morrowin theevening.Chargedwith thesecretarchives'custodyOf the latewarinSpain, now haply o'er.Tolodgethem safe inCarthage.Then I thinkMy militarywork is done atlast;Unless the Elder's Council should decreeThat I mustjoin someother armament:[Draiving himselfup.^Valuingmyservicesalready given.Which, asyouknow, areneither smallnorfew;But otherwise Imustpursue mytrade.Asacivilianscribe,inCarthagefixed:Nor wouldmyhumblemeansenablemeTo seeknew wanderingsround the Punic world.Now, dear,1prayexcusemyhurriedness.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA35And not a privatesoldier in theranks,Ofequalgradewithus,butgreater age ;Who, chancingto be somewhatsoonerborn(Throughneither skillnormerit of hisown).HasconsequentlyservedalongertimeThan mostofuswhogoalongwithhim,And sois placedinchargeof thepatrol.Merelya jack-in-office!(Gavius returnssulkilyto hisplacein the ranks,)AULUS.Listen,men :Our mission isaccomplished :to observeThe cross-roadsnearthishomestead,and to noteIf there beanysignofmarchingtroops.SentbyourcraftyCarthaginian foe.Tointerceptourforces at the ford;There isno trace ofanymovement here.Sonowthe orders bidus start inhaste.To follow allourarmyinretreat.Gavius{sneering ly).Thenmay we,Aulus, ere returninghome,Since winesaregeneroushere andwomen fair.Provide ourselves withsomethingsuitableOrpretty,as apresentforourfriends ?{Speakingmoreearnestly?^We soldiersgrumblenot to leave thespoil.Tojoinin swift attacks anddeadlystrife;Yet,as we nowmarch back toItaly,36HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA{Speakhtgwithwarmth,)Would itnotbea pleasing thingtotakeSomecharming dark-eyed Spanishmaid ? To showHow the Iberiansun can tingethepeachWithblushing bloom,andripen ruddyfruitFit for therosygod!AuLUS{aside).Pernicious words:Breathedbya readyrecklessmutineer,iVcunningleader in the devil'scause,Intoyoungearswheretheymight fructify.Now,after suchabid ofbribery,Themen might disobey a plaincommandTo turnand leave theplunderoffered them;rU win theirreason by goodarguments.And makeasemblance ofconsultingthem:At leastonevoteissure.{Aloud,)Soldiers,attend !'Tistrue werethissomehostileforeignland"Notfriendly,neutralSpain,which stillwe hopeSomedaytorescuefrom the Punicgrasp"Then customwouldpermittotake thespoil;But hereweshould refrainthough holdingpower,Ouronly dutyistogathernews.Nottodisturb thepeacefulSpaniard'shome.Further,I holdourhonour andgoodnameInsomesortpledged;althoughwe nowretireBeyondthe reach ofan avengingarm.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA37Thepeasantselsemightraisetopunish us :Guerillawarfare, profitlessand dread.Iputittothevote.Howsay you, men,Thatweshouldspareortake !First Soldier.Isay:*^Wespare."Second Soldier.I hold that Gavius has said well:'^We take."Aulus.Thentwowish eithercourse;so asthechief,Imustdecide itby a castingvote:**Wespare."Andnowletusaway.Gavius{aside).A fraud !{Exeunt^ marching.Thenenterfromthe houseK\.k.\AKfollowed byHercta;theypreparethetable tenderatreefortherepast^Herctabring- ingout dishes andplates^while Alaliaarrangesthem. Enterfromthe house Basil10.)Basilic{peevishly).Alreadyitispastthe dinnerliour,To-day,38HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAAlalia.Pray,father,toexcuse us still,Because Katharna has notyetreturnedFrommeetingmyLord Hannibal atnoon,Itrust, indeed,she will notbedelayed;Itgivesme causefor serious doubt and dreadWhen she isabsent in such troublesome times:Thoughnowthe Romantroopshave crossed thestream,Apparentlyintenton marching north,Ihopepeaceisrestored and she issafe.Basilic{absently).A husbandworthyof thepurestbloodOf ancientSpain,which flows withinourveins:ThoughFortune bidsuslive mostfrugally.Nor dwell in castles suited tothe rich.Andyet. Alalia,I tellyoutrue:All thehighlineageof the Suffete'sson.With hisgreatpowerandwealth,werenaughttome,Did I notknow his suit isborn oflove.And that Katharna'shappinessdependsUpontheirunion,whichmayheaven bless !Butmyold limbsalreadyare fatigued.So I will restwithin until shecomes.(Basilicentersthehouse.){EnterGavius, throughsome shrubbery^withoutseeingAlalia andHercta.)"HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA39Gavius[^soliloquises).Hah,mygoodAulus ! Soyouthought, indeed,To haveyour wayand trickmebythevote.Rather than riska downright mutiny.ItseemsYou failedto turnmefrommyfixed resolve;For ifbychancesome mendecline their shareOf what thegracious godsbestowas spoilUponthe toilers inahardcampaign,Themoreremains forothers,that is all.Hadyounotpicked a quarrelwithme first.Forslouching, asyoudaredto termmygait,I would have doneyourbidding readily;But that ispast,and Iamfreed fromyou.Which ofusis mostindependent now?Alone,Iguidemy partyatmywill.Butyoumustjointhehost,andyieldcommandOf the smallguardo'er whichyoulorded it.Should I beguided by a pedant'swish ?No.First I willenjoyeachluxury.Then findmyownwayback toItaly,Asmilitaryrulesare so severe.(^He^^^i* Alalia, tvho^observingthefreedom ofhis look andmanner^shrinksback.)Yegods! Ispoke prophetically,too:Phrasingofripened beauty'scoloured cheek:For,if the treacherous wine deceivesmenot.Behold thedaintydame I dreamed about !{Hereelsslightly.)Yes,she shall bemylovelyprizeofwar.40HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA{To Alalia.)Come, dear, alongwithme toRome !Alalia.Help! help!(Alaliaendeavourstoescape.Gavius seizes and isdraggingheraway:she sh?'ieks andfaints.Basilio, fromthehouse,andHercta,rushforiuardtorescueher. Basilio raises his stickill both ha?idstostrike Gaviusonthe head.Gavius draws his sword andrunsBasilicthrough, killi7ighi?n. Herctaflies,GaviusbearsawayAlalia.After a longpause,enterKatharna.)Katharxa.Ibring good newsfor those whoever joinInsympathywithme.{^Sheshrieksonseei?igherfather s body :at thesamemoment Herctarunsoutfrombehind thehouse.)Myfather !Help!O heaven !Say, Hercta,whatmeansthis ?(Katharnahurriestoherfather :kneels beside him:exami?ies hisface,hiseyes,and lookstosee7uhether he breathes: feelshisforehead,hand,andpulseatthe wrist^Hercta.Alas !Therecame aRoman soldier flushed withwine.And seizedyoursister whopreparedthe meal:HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA4IShestruggled hard, shriekingaloud for aid;Your fatherquicklyissued from the houseAndstrove tosaveher;but theman,enraged,Clutched at his sword and struck Basiliodead,Then boreawayAlalia ina swoon.I fled infear,but followedonthehillUntil Isawhim wadeacrossthe ford;Thenhaving safelygainedthe furtherbank.Hemingledwith the crowd ofbaggagemenAndmotleyfollowers.Katharna.Oh,alas theday!Myfather dead:Alalia lost ! Then I{Shedrawsa dagger,raises italoft,and isonthepointof killingherself :then lowersit.)Notso :foolsplungetheweaponsin theirbreasts,The wisekeepfor their foes.{She replacesthedaggerin her dress. Stillonherknees she bendsoverherfathe7'''s face ^I mustbe calm.Speaktome,father,butawordagain!Hemoves!Ah, no;itwasthespiritshadeHovering aninstant o'er its late abode !Markingitspresencebythequiveringnerve,As the softzephyrtouchestranquil pools.Stirringthe surface from its lifelessness.{Sheweeps.)HowcanI e'errepay youforyourlove,HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA43{Sheraisesher voice^So the balked lion in hisagonyWill wreakonRome dreadvengeancefor thisdeed !{ExitKatharna.)Hercta.Alas !mymasterdead,under whose roofI ever wasretained with kindliness;Here I havepassedapeacefulhappylife,Since leftanorphanbythe civilwars.Ofmydear mistressesyetoneremains.And sohasgreater claimsupon mylove.Obedience,and devotion to hercause,Bywhich ImightrepayatriflingshareOf thegreatdebt of endlessgratitudeIoweherself and allherfamily.Were it not better that Lord HannibalShould know the truth atonce,and rescue herFromgloomyunprotectedwanderings:Meetingus at thefane,it wouldappearAs if kind fate had sent him to her aid !Itmightbeso,andyetnochoice remains:I mustobey;it ismy onlycourseTo follow out her wishes for the time;For it would beacruel shameon meTo take her orders andbetraythe trust;But I willpleadto her while not toolate,To turn her mind from allhermisery.Seekingher solace inahusband's loveAndhappiness.{EnterHannibal.)44HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAHannibal{aside).Some evil fate is here !(Aloud.)Whathorror,Hercta ! Is Basiliodead,Ormerelyswooning?Hercta.Dead,Ifear,mylord;Alas ! ifyouhadonlychanced to comeJustoneshort hourago,all had been well:Butnow{SAe weeps^Hannibal.How did thistragedyoccur?Hercta.A Romansoldier,ofabrutalmien.Rushed from the wood and seizedmymistress,firstAlalia,who cried aloud forhelp,At whichmymasterhurried toher aid;But the fierce Roman slew him with hissword,Anddraggedhisprizetowards the river-bank.Mymistress,dearKatharna,thenarrived.Andspeedingafter them mostrecklessly.She overtook the robber atthe ford;(Apause.)Turning,he stabbed and hurledher in thestream!(Hercta weeps?)HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA45\\Hannibal.Oheaven, help me!Hercta.Shewasswept away,Till, sinking,she called loud to mewhowatched,Topray youberevengedfor heronRome !(Hercta weeps.)Hannibal.Yegods! there isnoneed to ask ofmeTo seek thevengeancefurybidsmehave !From this hour forth Igivemylife to it.To-morrowmorning, asmyfatherwished.At Moloch's altar I will take thevowThat bindsme to his serviceevermore!{HespeakshurriedlytoHercta.)Now haste and leadmeto thevery spotNear whichyousawthelady disappear;For often currents castupontheshores.Or strand amid the shallows of thestream.One fallen in the river far above;And ifbychance thiswasthecasewithher.Wemaynot findher, evennow,too late:Thespirityetmightbe recalled to life;As chancestaysbutaninstant and isgoneForeverfromourgrasp.Haste, haste,leadon!{Exeunt.)46HANNIBALAND KATHARNAScene V.BeforeaRuinedTemple.Enter KatharnaandHercta, meeting.Hercta.Madam,the mules stand tethered at thegate,Withpreparations,asyouorderedme.Completed.Katharna.Hercta,itiswell,sofar:But I havewaitedlongandanxiouslyTo learn theprogressof thedesperate planWith which Ichargedyou.Hercta.Madam,itproceedsBy leapsand bounds.{Aside)Indeed,Ifear,toowell !{Aloud.)Althoughyoubademedoa painfuldeed,E'en ifnecessitydemandedit.Yet I have done allyouinstructedme.Withinmy power.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA47Katharna.How did he bear thenews?Hercta.Lord Hannibalwasseizedby afierce calm:His mienwas terrible,his wordswerefew.Katharna.Alas ! Sostrongmensuffermorethan thoseWho,weak infibre,shriek and teartheir hair.What did he do andsay?Hercta.My storyheard,He hurriedtotheriver,searched the banksFor milesbelow,inhopesoffindingyou.Castby some friendlycurrentonthe shore:Then,indespair,gave upthehopelesstask;But,beforeleaving,he declared tomeThatatthe dawn to-morrow he wouldvowSealinghis lifeto Moloch's services.He leads thearmysoon toItaly.Katharna.War isahero's trade and suits him well;Andyet,alas,that he should suffer thus:He isso noble, kind,andgenerous![Apause.)"48HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAHercta{aside).Now isthe moment;Imayrescue her !{Aloud.)Ipray you,madam,pausewhile not too lateTo end his crueltortures andyourown.Permitme to return tohimatonce,Sayingthatgriefforyourdear father's deathHad causedyourflight,butyouhavenow returned,And wishto seehimerethesunbe set.As to the tale I told him"He shallthink.That, beinganxious to concealyourflight,I had invented it;then,if enraged,He seeks topunishmefortriflingthus "I'm swift andcanelude him.Katharna.Hercta,no.Iam mostgratefulforyoursympathy;But whatyouhaveproposedin kindlinessCannot be carriedout.I must notchange,And will not evenpauseorhesitate.I know fullwell,asyour reporthasshown,He lovesmetrulyasIworshiphim:That isafurnace fittoforgethe blade !Though miserymust await both him andme,Yet from thedepthof allour suffering{Apause.)HANNIBALAND KATHARNA49Willrise,high-tempered, strong,a fierysword,Which he shall wieldtoberevengedonRome.{Apause^in the midstofwhich Katharna burstsintotears^and, coveringherfacewithone hand,extends the other to Hercta,who takesit.)Yourplan'simpossible,mydear:let'sgo.{Exeunt.)Scene VI.Infront oftheCarthaginian camp.Thearmyformedin orderofbattle;in the centreisastonealtar,decked withgarlands offlowers.On theright ofthe altar stands Hamilcar;andonhisrightthestaffaredrawnup,includingGisco, Maharbal,andMuTHUMBAL, holdingarollofpapyrusandareedpen,andhavingablack ink-bottlesuspendedtothefront ofhisgirdle.Infront ofthe altar standsMagdassan. At the backofthesceneHamilcar'sescortandtrumpeters formaline.Magdassan {toHamilcar).My lord,it isavaluedprivilege.Devolvingupon me,tospeak to-dayAs second in command. Ihumbly bear,From thisgreatCarthaginianhostarrayed.Toyouits chief andSuffete,world-renowned:HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA51For all their words ofdutyand of love.They arethe valianttroopswhomCarthage thanks,Withglowing pride,forbravely-rescued Spain,A brilliantjewelin herdiadem.Andnowtoformabase from whichtostrikeAdeadlyblowagainstthe flank of Rome.Butanold lion must atlengthrepose.And dieatlast ofage,though spared by death.Encounteredlong onhard-contested fields;Thenmustthe lion's broodassumehisplace.For which I dedicatea son to-day :Would that itweremyfirst-born,asthe riteDemands whenofferingtoourchosengods;But I have felt constrainedtogranthisprayer,Bearingin mind his arduousservices,And named him ruler ofEmporiaToserve anurgentmatter of theheart,Which binds withstrongestbondsa warrior.When honour andsterndutysethim free.Fornot less arduous is his chosenpost :Andyetits nature will enable himTosipthehoneyand cull the flowersOf married bliss.(Hamilcar makesa signtoHasdrubal,a7idtheydrawnearerto thealtar?)Bearwitness,Oyegods!Thatnowinpresenceof thismighty host,I dedicateto Moloch'sservices.My son52hannibal'^andkatharnaMuTHUMBAL(aside).Who's this in hasteapproaching us?{AddressingHamilcar.)Hold,sir ! Nor deemmyconductimpious,That I shouldinterruptthe sacred rite !See, yonder comesLord Hannibal himself !{Aside.)Though scarce himself,Ifear,tojudgehis look.{Enter Hannibal, paleanddishevelled.)Hannibal.I,Hannibal,youreldestson,havecomeTo claimmydestinedvowin hate of Rome.Itwas not fitting,when IthoughttoplaceMyselfish aims before thecountry's cause;Theaugustgod,whose service Idenied,Reached forth hismighty armand crushedmyhopes.{Hepresseshis handstohisfacei?ianguish^thenrecovers composure^Prayasknomore,(HasdrubalmakeswayforHannibalbeside the altar.)Toconquerfate !Hasdrubal.OHannibal,youcomeHANNIBAL AND KATHARNA53Hamilcar.Let it beso, mysons :Thegodsdecree inspiteof human will![Asunbeamfallsonthegroundbeforethe altar^Magdassan.Auspicioussign! Look how the sun burstsforth,Which hid tillnowhis burnished faceclose-wrappedBehindasable cloak ofthunder-clouds,Embroidered with afringeofgoldenlight,A token of theglorytheyconcealed.(The sunbeammoves to the altar^envelops it,and then remainsstationary^Theraymoves tothe altar ! See thelightOf Baal'scountenance,which viewsourgift,And smilesacceptanceof theoffering!{^All presentraise their hands towards thealtar inpiousadoration,^[Curtain!)iACT II.Scene I.Hannibal's tent inf^^ontoftheCarthagi?iiancamp^on highgrou7id overlookifigtheTrebia,whichflows diagonallyacrossthe distantscenery jbeyo7idthe riveYappearstheRomancamp.Hannibal and Giscoare standingbeforethetent.Hannibal.Gisco, nowthataleisure hour hascome,Pray signalthat theprisonersmayattend,Andmakemypresentorders knownto them.First,those who wishmayfreelyjoin ourranksTo share theplunderingofItaly.The restinsinglecombat, man toman.As chosenbytheplanofcasting lots.May fight,iftheyshould wishtotrytheir fate.To the brave warriorsgranttheseworthyterms;Theconquerorswin both freedom and theirarms.Thevanquishedwill be savedbycertain deathFrompining longerincaptivity.To thistheywill mostreadilyagree ;Thencry:*'Ye soldiers of the Punichost,As we are now invading Italy,54HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA55Your fate is what theprisoners gladly sought :Death freesyouifyoufail,while ifyouwin,Yougainlife,triumphs,andmore spoilthanthey!*'So,Gisco,letstout combats suchastheseBefoughtbefore thecampofeverycolumn,Forbright examples.Gisco.Certainly,mylord.It shall be done.Hannibal.Then since the RomantroopsHave reached the fordsto-night,asiftheywishedTocrossthestream at dawn and seize the roadOfourretreat toSpain, bywhichwe came :Though we might nowfall back andsavethe lineWhichour positionhere mustjeopardise,Yet I would rather stand andtemptthemon,To crush themas theycross,orhurl them backInto theseethingflood toperishthere;But- ifdefeated,thenourhost islost,Having no refugeleftto shelterin.Afterabandoningall certainwaysBywhichwe mightescapeincaseofrout.What leaderevertemptedProvidenceWith rashness suchasthis ? For here itrests:Ihold,two armiesstrivingin the fieldResemble swordsmenfightingon a plankWhichbridges an abyssbetween twocliffs:For eitherforce advancesor retires,56 HANNIBAL AND KATHARNABut neithermayremovetorightor left,Which Iattempt bythismanoeuvring :Yet I willponder deeply overit.Return,Ipray you,longbefore thedawn.And I will then decideanentthis strokeBywhich I winorlose.Gtsco.Iwill,mylord.{ExitGisco. Entera CarthaginianOfficer?^Officer.Most noblemaster,as our guards patrolled.Searching a lonelytrack which leads fromSpain,Theyseizedastragglerwhowas journeyingthence"A Roman soldier witha lovelydameWhom he termedwife,thoughshe denied thebond.And craved the favour ofan audience.Sayingyouknew Alalia inSpain,And that Katharna's sisternowentreatsYoumayaccord the boon.Hannibal(aside).Alalia found !To whattumultuousthoughtshername givesrise.{TotheOfficer.)'Tis well ! conduct theladyhere at once.{ExitOfficer^whopresentlyreturnswith Alalia;she throwsherselfatHannibal's/"?"?/yhe takesher hand andgentlyraisesher.)HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA57Alalia.Saveme,Osaveme,Hannibal,Ipray,From thedegradedlot in which Ilive.Thedrudgeand mistress ofa manIscorn.Who beatsme cruellywhen in hiscups"The base deserterGavius,whoprefersToplunderhomesteads andoppresstheweak,Sooner thanjoinhislegionin thewar;He killedmyfather and dishonouredme.Tearing mefrommyhappy peacefulhome.(Alalia weeps,)Hannibal.SisterAlalia,remain inpeace,Foryouaresafe from further cruelwrongs.{TotheOfficer.)BringGavius here in fetters.Officer.Yes,mylord.{Exit Officer.)Hannibal{hesitating).Ipray youto describe Katharna'sfate.Althoughto hear itmaybe terrible.Alalia{surprised).Thegodsbepraised,shewasabsent withyou,Whenwe werecrushedbyfortune'sheavyblow;It isnotprobableshecame toharm.HANNIBALAND KATHARNA$9Alalia.Alas,I do notknow herresidence,Since Iwasledaway.IhopedindeedYou wouldhavebroughtthe welcomenewstomeThat shewassafe.Hannibal{mournfully).Katharnadisappeared :I havenot seenher since thetragedy"Basilio's death andyourcaptivity:Nor have Igatheredanynewsof her;And suchaccounts asHercta renderedme.Whatever be thecause,werenot thetruth,Asproved byyourdescriptions.Alalia.Very strange!For I have known and trusted Herctalong,Asonewhoalways provedherself to beOfsure veracityand faithfulness.Icanbut deem itmostimprobableThat she should have misledyoupurposely.Withoutsome weighty motive, orthe wish{She pauses.)Hannibal{quickly).Whose wish ? Katharna's ?6oHANNIBAL AND KATHARNAAlalia{aftera pause).Yes.Hannibal.Thenwhy?Alalia.Perhaps "{^Shepauses?)Hannibal.I hold she should have trustedme at least,Telling plain truth,and how herduty urgedForsome delay,orbade her break withme,And not have doomedmeinmyignoranceTo suffer endlessmisery.Alalia.PerhapsShe could not trust herself,ifyoushouldpleadIn thewarminfluence ofaninterview:Havingalliesstrong,numerous,subtle,bold,Within her heart and mind togiveyouaidAgainstthecoursethat filialpietyAppearedtoindicate.Hannibal.Thatmaybeso;Shemighthave bidden Hercta tell thetruth.Andyethave fled.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA61Alalia.You would havesoughtfor herWith allyourgreatresourceandenergy,Renderingescapealmostimpossible;Oncefound,how could she have withstoodyourwill ?Surelyher resolution would have failed.{Re-entertheOfficerpreceding Gavius,who is escortedby a Carthaginian soldier^armed withaspearin his hand andadaggerin his beltja Corporalfollows thon^in commandoftheprisonerandescort. Gavius is bare-headed and unarmedjhis wristsarechainedtogetherinfront ofhim.)Hannibal{toAlalia).Is this themanwho scatteredmisery,Inwantonglee,midst innocence andpeace?Alalia.Gavius itis,who hasdestroyed ourhouse !Hannibal{totheOfficer),Then let him die:awaywith himatonce !Gavius.She hasbetrayed me :let herperish too !T62 HANMBAL AND KATHARNA{7m sf^ ofhis hommdwrists^Gattus snatches tkidagger fromIke beltoftheCarthagimam sol"er^amd^mahhigarefidstepforward^stabsAlaua,whofaUsbaeh imto Haxxibal'sanms.Gaitiusis seisedhjtheCorporalamdSoldier,disarmud,amddraggedoatfor cxcci^fwiC)Haxxibal{totheOJUer).Quick!Br.ng^ : :_:.:rom yondertent.At4TTA.Idle;OHannibal,itwill beoversoon.And for the best.(77 thetemt^amd'AulliaHaxxibal.The coward leftnohope.IgreatlygrieveI didnotcautionyouIn timeto saveyoufromapproachinghim.\^lio would harethought,ifnot the fiendhimself,Aprisonerguarded,bound,andquiteunarmed.Could strike the treacherous blow !{Apaase'SHANNIBAL AND KATHARNA 63Alalia, dear,Nowpausing onthe threshold of theworld,Erepassingtothemysticland ofshades,Withyourpropheticvision clear andbright.Say whyKatharna hid her fate fromme?Alalia.PerhapstoguideyouontoconquerRome,Andsoavengeher father's death andme;But(apause)neverdoubt(apause)Katharna's love foryou.So,when atlastyoumeet herhappily.As much Ihopeyouwill,and all iswell.Whilea brightfuture shines beforeyouboth.Thenspeakto her ofpoorAlalia'sdeath.Andsayaffection boundmeto the lastIn the fondmemoryofoursisterhood.(Alalia dies?){^Afterapause^Hannibalmovesawaya little^and beckons:re-enter theOfficer^ Corporal^andSoldier?)Hannibal.Hergentlesoul has fled: nowbear her forth.We'llburyher at dawn where violets bloom.{^ExeunttheOfficer^Corporal^andSoldier^ carryingthe couchonwhich lies thebody^/Alalia.Thelighthasgradually failed^and itnowbecomesdusk?)64 HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAHannibal{soliloquises).See,thelightfades,andkindlynature shroudsThe victim ofacrueltragedy.Now Iowedutytomygallanttroops,My country,Carthage,and thefierygod :So I mustsleepifthat bepossible,Andgain new vigourfor to-morrow's strife.I will lie downat oncewithin thetent,Perhapstorest,but howtosleepindeed,Wheneverychord of tenderpassion thrills,RousedbyKatharna'smemoryinmysoul.AndsweetAlalia's death ? But I musttry.(Hannibalejitersthe tent and liesupona coiich^wit/ii?ivieii\wrappedinacloak. It becomesdark:Hannibalsleepsand dreams.Enteravisionof Katharna,paleandcalni^and thefnoonlightfallsonher.)VisionofKatharna.O Hannibal ! I knowyourtroubledthoughts :Behold thesesignsand read.{ThevisionofKatahrna makesa zuave oftheha?id, a?id, asthrough atransparency^thereappearsa town in rui?ison oneside^and theforestcast doiunonthe otherjagiganticserpent7novesbetween them with its head raisedhighintheair^the remainderofitsbodybeing composedofthelong7uindi?igcolumnformed byanarmyonthe7?iarch.)HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA 65Thisscene portendsThe devastation of fairItaly,Whichyoushallsoonachievebyforce ofarms :Goboldlyonwards;neverlookagainUponthe road to Spain.(Theallegoricalviewvanishes^and the visionofKatharnApartly fades?)Farewell ! Farewell !{^ThevisionofKatharnadisappears altogether:Hannibalawakes^rises^andpacesbackwardsandforwards?)Hannibal{^anxiously),A dream which Molochsent tome,perhaps.Toguidemycourse aright;orelse the trickOfsomefell demonluring onto doom.i^Apause?)As tomylife Iamindifferent:The heavensmaythreattofall;thetawnyearth.Openingitsjaws,maymenacetoengulf.Yet I remain unmoved and without dread;But formycountryitisdifferent,Since her dear fate isgiventomycharge;And I mustscaneachmovemostcautiously,However fairpretencemaydeck the lure.{^ApausedShepromisedI shouldconquerItaly:Atrapwas never setwithoutabait;{^Apause?)HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA6/GiSCO.I understand:Thearmywill begladtogreetthenewsThat tells ofcomingconflict with the foe.{^ExitGisco.)Hannibal.Whatpunytrifles sometimeschangeourfate!A Gaviuslived,notevenbraveortrue"Vile, worthless,he hadyetthepowerto marKatharna's life andmine, sending meherePerhapsto overthrow hiscountry'spower,When shemighthaveescapedin wholeorpart.Thensee,the chain willdraganotherway:Gavius bears off Alalia from her home;I meet herhere,and view hertragicdeath,Andhaving spokenof her sister'sfate.Which fillsmythoughtswith her before Isleep,Iseemyloved Katharna inadream:She solves theproblem hatchinginmybrain.Turningthe scales which seemedso nicelypoisedThat I had almost chosenotherwise.Instead offixingonmypresentcourse.Decisions suchasthismayshake the world:Greatin theirfailure,brilliant insuccess!Which will itbe ? Thisdawning daywilltell.(//bccoincsligJiicf\)But ifthisprovetobea warning dream,Guiding me ontogloriousvictory,68HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAThen IamchosenbythegodsindeedToextirpatethe Romans and theirsway![Apause.)'Tis said in wine the mindperceivesthe truth:So before battle when thenerves arestrung.(^Exit.)Scene II.BeforeHannibal'stentonthefieldof Canjice,afterthebattle:his thirdgreat victory^eachofwhich resultedin the total destructionofaRomanarniy^the twopreviousvictoriesbeingthoseofthe Trebia andThrasimene. EfiterHannibal, acco7?ipaniedbyGisco,a7ida Carthaginian Officermeetingthem.Officer.My lord,there have arrived fromCapua,AmbassadorsseekingyourpowerfulaidAgainstthe Romans.Hannibal.Prayadmitthem,sir.(Hannibalstandsbeforethe doorofhis tent. ExittheOfficer^luho,presently retur?ii7ig,ushers inthreeEnvoys, followed byPortersbearing presentsofwine inamphoras^withflowersandf?'uitingildedbaskets. TheEiivoysmake obeisancebeforeHannibal:theOfficerstandsaside.)HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA 6gFirst Envoy.Hail, mighty leader,who has crushed thepower,Tillnow invincible,of Romanarms!Wepray youtoacceptfromCapuaThesegiftsin token of herfealtyAndprofferedservices.i^HemotionstothePorters^whopassbeforeHannibal,exhibitingthe contentsoftheirjarsand baskets;theythen drawupatone side?)Hannibal.I welcomeyou.Ambassadors from"Capuathe Fair!"Andammostgratefulfor thegiftsyoubring,Withgreetingsto mein her honouredname.{^Ata sign from Hannibal,exeimt thePorters^conductedbytheOfficer^First Envoy.Mylord, weviewedyour progresshopefully,Since firstyourconqueringtroopsintriumphsweptDownonthe fertileplains,aseaglesswoopFromAlpine peaks.Soon afterwardsyouhurledThe Romanlegionsinto Trebia'sstream:Next drew Flaminius in the fatalsnare.Where calm Lake Thrasimene laves the strand:There sankaRoman hosttoriseno more;70HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAAndnow agreatervictoryiswonByyoursmall forceagainst a giantfoe,Whothoughttocrushyouin theriver-loop,Spread bythe Aufidus behindyourranks;On Cannae'sfield,thegraveof Romanpower.Fell the thirdarmyofyourenemies.So does thehawk,withgreaternerveandskill,Defeat the cumbrous vulture's fierceattack.Andmeet, by rapidmoves,unwieldy strength.This latesttriumphmaydecide thewar;Yetcomewhatmaycommandour city'said;Butstrengthenustoward thedesperatestrokesOfRome,whomwe defy;if stillitbe,She has the will andpowerto turn on usForvengeance.Hannibal.Sirs,I thankyoufrommyheart,For wordssocourteousandso flattering;Ihope ere longtomakeyournoble townUnrivalledcapitalofItaly.Igratefullyacceptthepowerful help.And shouldourfoes assailyourcitywalls,Myveteransshall assistyournative forceTo hurl themheadlongfrom it.Second Envoy.Noblysaid.Byonewhose deedsare weightierthan words !Now, gracious lord,we cravethatyou maydeign,HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA71Onsome auspicious day,to favourusBy a triumphantvisittoourtown,Whenbanquets,circusgames,and festivalsWill mark thegladnessof thecitizens,And theirwarmwelcometothe honouredguest ;While ifyoutarrythroughthe winter monthsWe all will vie inhospitality.Strivingtomakeyourgallanttroops forgetThe toils andhardshipsof theirlong campaigns.Hannibal.The honour will bemine,thepleasureours.Ofcoming asyoucourteouslyinvite;Tillthen,myfriends,farewell!Envoys.My lord,farewell !{^ExeuntEnvoys^conductedby Gisco,who thenre- turns.EnterMaharbal, followed by Mago.)Hannibal.Whatnews?Maharbal.Mylord,I hastentoreportThecaptureof the various Romancamps.Wheretwentythousand of their soldiers fledAfteryourvictoryofyesterday,Andnow surrender, begging clemency.72HANNIBAL AND KATHARNABut let the earliest fruits ofvictoryNotcloyyourappetitefor richer fare:Uponthe field of Cannaewehave foundAkeywhichcanunlock thegatesof Rome !Permitmeto lead forwardinstantlyMybold victoriouscavalry,wholongTolightabonfireonold Tiber's banks:That all the nationsmay espytheflames,AndrecognisetheCarthaginian'shand !The foemustsee mefirstapproachthe wallsBefore he hears that Iam onthe road;Ifyouwill follow with theinfantry :Then in fourdaysatmost,Ipromiseyou,Thatweshallsupwithin theCapitol!Hannibal.Stay,goodMaharbal:didsuccess dependUponyourvalour,energy,andskill.Oryettheprowessofyourcavalry.We should besuretowin thedesperategame;But how could horsemenstormthe battlements ?Theymustawait thecoming infantry,And thussurprisewould fail;nordoesa siegeAfford muchhopeforhalf-disciplinedtroops.Whichscatter with theirbootyattheir will:To leaveus weak, recoilingfrom thewalls.With foesto crushus ere we gather strengthTo combat themanew;thenweshould loseThe fruits of allour hard-gainedvictories;One such defeat wouldsurelyendourpower:HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA73Abandonedbyallies,lackingaroadBywhichwecouldretreat,ourfateweresealed.But, Mago,hasten back toCarthage, now,Andclearlyshow the Senate allourneeds;Entreatthem tosendme a powerfulforceOfsteady,seasoned, gallantSpanishtroops:Ledby Hasdrubal, who,Iam advised.HavingrestoredpeacetoEmporia,Hasnowbeen summoned to commandinSpain,Uponourvenerable father'sdeath.Of which the sadnews camebutyesterday.And will await the word tojoin ushere.On the arrival of suchpowerfulaid.We should beequalto thesiegeof Rome;Nor needwe quither tillshe falls tous;Ifnot,her life wouldmean our country'sdeath.Mago.Brother,mymission shall beasyouwish;Igoatonce.{Exeuntall butHannibal.)Hannibal.Anothervictory!Suchtriumphs overleap myhighest hopes;Great is thepromisedvengeanceI have wreakedIn the fierce battles of theselong campaigns ;Offering bydeath whole hosts ofwarriors.From the accursedraceIsworeto hate,HANNIBAL ANDKATHARNA75MUTHUMBAL.WhattemptedyoutoCarthage?Hercta.Bymere chance,I travelled witha wealthydame fromSpain,Camilla is hername,who settled hereNotlongago.MUTHUMBAL.Thankgoodnessyouhavecome;Maywe meet often,is Muthumbal'sprayer.Hercta.Ifyoustillcare,I'll doso willingly.MUTHUMBAL.Care,Hercta ?Hercta{^pouting).Well,'tislongsince lastwemetAndpassed somanypleasanthours inSpain.MUTHUMBAL.If thiswerenota public place,mydear.Wheregravemen'seyeswould marka levity.And sombre mindsmight deeplycensureme,Then I would offeryoua gentlesign^6HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAThatmyaffection lasts forevertrue.Ilongtoadd fresh memories totheold,Ofhappy daysthat I havespentwithyou ;Nor do Icareforpleasing novelty,Whichmighthavetemptedmen morefrivolousTowaverinyourabsence,andforgetThefadingforms ofcharmingscenes long past.Hercta.Tellme,Muthumbal,howyou prosperhere ?MuTHUMBAL [lookingproudlyaround).Nomore awarrior in the Punichost,Where,Imaymentionconfidentially,I aided much the difficultsuccessAndglorioustriumphofour armsinSpain!Iamthe trusted scribe of Malchusnow,Able lieutenant ofourgovernor.The SuffeteHanno,whosewisepolicyControlsourstatewithundisputedsway,SincegreatHamilcar's recentdeath inSpain,And while bold Hannibalremains abroad;But often when the SuffeteisoppressedBydifficultmattersandcaresofstate.He will consult withMalchus,who asksmeToprompthisready judgmentof thecase!{Proudly.)'Tis thensome happystrokeofgeniusshines,In Punicpolicy,tolightthe world:HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAT"]And allmenmarvelat itsbrilliancy,Givingtheglorytothe Suffete'sskill,{^Mournfully})While itstrue author isMuthumbal,here:{Dismally^Doomed likearoot tolie beneath theground,{^yauntily^But able to forceupthevigorous stemWhich bears sweet flowers and fruitto bless mankind !Hercta.Is Malchusa goodmaster toyounow?Muthumbal (afterapause).He'skindly.Hercta.How:notkind withoutbeing good?Muthumbal.Hegives melittle rank and smallerpay ;{^Apause.)Yetoncehe savedmylife.Hercta{claspingherhands).Oh,howwasthat ?78HAXNIBAL AND KATHARXAMUTHUMBAL.Onedaywhen hewas acting onmyhint,Aweightybusiness failed;had he buttold.Inexplanation,that theplan was mine.TheragingHanno would have hadmeslainToeasehis bile !Hercta.Bat Malchus didnottell ?MUTHUMBAL.Good Malchuskepthiscounsel,and I live !Hercta.Togive nocredit whenyouguidethemright.Yet killyouifyourbest adviceprove wrong.Is neitherjusticenor humanity.MuTHXJMBAL{bitUrly),Andyetitisaworldlyway,I fear:Thestrongtoseizeuponthe betterprize.Andcastthe burdensonthehelpless crew\Miose backsmustbear them.Hercta{j^rrsuasively).Come, Muthumbal, come :Youareembitteredbyyourgrievances,And takeamuchtoogloomyview of life;HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA79Ungenerousto thewise,thekind,andjust.Tothose whofreely give aliberal shareOf wealth toaid thecauseofcharity,And find theirhappinessindoing good;As wellasthosewho, havinglions'strength,Hold back theirpowersin nobleequity,Supportingwhat isrightand for the best.Considerthis,and do notyetdespairOf humannature.{A pause.)Malchus took the blame:Did Hanno threaten him with death ?MUTHUMBAL.Oh, no :He could notsparehim. Therearemanyscribes.So inmycaseitwould be different.[Apause.)'Twasno mean dangerthat Malchusincurred.BravingtheopenorthesecretforceOf Hanno'swrath,toshieldahumble scribe.His kindness touchedme,for he took the blame.Hercta.Did Hannopunishhim in lesserways?MUTHUMBAL.Notso,for Malchusmighthavesoughtrevenge,Usingfor mischiefanycasualpower.80 HANNIBALAND KATHARNAGivenbytheknowledgeof his master'splans,Orthe darkworkingsof hispolicy;Deepsecretswhicharehidden fromevenme,Andmightnotbearinspection.Hercta.To livethus,Whenanydayyourworkmight earnthecross,Is terrible IMUTHUMBAL.Indeed,itwould beso;But since luck savedmeandmylifeescaped,Throughmygoodmaster'skindly clemency.Havingin view torun nosecond risk,I haveadopteda more prudent course.PersuadingMalchus,wuthsomeshare ofskill,ThethoughtsIsuggestarehisownideas;Thus heacceptsthebantlings readily.Andfathers themintriumphordefeat.Hercta{dubiously).Theplansucceeds,then ?Muthumbal.Yes,itdoes,mydear.Hercta[laughing).Welldone,Muthumbal ! Yourarewiseenough.Andmaybe trusted toprotectyourself.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA81But I must hastentomymistressnow :So, fare-you-well!MUTHUMBAL.Say,willyoumeetme here.At thesamehourto-morrow evening?(Hercta runs backwards^ smilingandkissingthetipsofherfingerstohim.)Aye,ifall's well !Hercta.MUTHUMBAL.Good-bye,mylove,tillthen !{^Exeunt.)Scene IV.AstreetinCarthage^outside the Senate-House,Enter theSuffeteHanno inastatelitter^escortedby soldiers^and attendedbyMalchus.Hannoalightsfromthelitter^andturns tothe bearers a?idescort.Hanno.Wait forme overtherealittle while.{They obey.)Now, Malchus, we approachtheSenate-House,HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA83'Tis better not togranttheSpanishtroops ;But would thepopulaceapprove?Malchus.No doubt:Ithoughtof thatmatterwhencominghere;And holdyou maydivert thepeople's thoughtsFrom Hannibalremainingwithouthelp;Fortheywill thankyoufora holiday,Norpaynewtaxesforadistantwar.Declare inopenSenate thattoaidOurrighteous causeofarms throughouttheworld,*Tis best topraytothe immortalgods,Andname a dayfor human sacrificeAt Moloch's shrine. Thepriestswillpraiseyourplan,Strengtheningyour powerwith all their influence;They longhavesoughtan opportunityTopunishsinners whodespisethegods.Holdingthe flamensasof little worth;For which offencestheywouldlevyfines,Or seize the children of suchimpious menAsafit sacrifice for Moloch's fire:Andmightitnotbe useful tomyLord,In contumaciouscasesofdissent.Fromyourbenign, enlightened policy,Ifyoucouldcause ahinttobeconveyed,That if theparents'conduct should accordMore with the obvious wishes of thegods "Whichare,ofcourse,interpreted byyou"Togivesupportto allyour arguments.84HANNIBAL AND KATHARNATheir childrenmightbe safer from the flames ?Think whatamightystimulus is hereToflaggingzeal,and whata straightener-outOf crooked consciences !Haxno.Allverytrue:It shall bemanaged asyouhaveproposed.(Haxxoenterst/ie Seriate'House.ExitMalchus.)Scene V.Reception-roomin the mansionofKatharna, atCarthage^where she isnow dwellingunder thename ofCx^ni.\.A.Katharnaseated^ engagedwith crochet-work incoloured luorsteds. EnteraSlave.Slave.Madam,the Suffete Hanno has arrived:Waitingyourgracious pleasure,herequestsThe favour ofaninterview.Katharna.Indeed ?Admit hisExcellency.HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA8$(^ExttSlave,whopresentlyreturnsconducting Hanno,and then withdraws. Katharnarises,smilifig,and bows to Hanno;then motions himtobeseated,andresumesherseat!)Katharna.Good,mylord,Whatluckychance has turnedyourbusy thoughtsFromsternaffairs of state tome?Hanno.Ipray,Fairlady,tellmefirst: whydoes theflower,Afternight'sdarkness,turn towards thesunAndwatch, entranced,hiscourse " imbibinglife?For then I willexplainthe simile.{^Apause ^As thebright sun eclipses moonandstars.So doyouevershinepre-eminentAmongstthe Punic dames;byeveryrightOfbeauty, charm,and worth.(Hanno bows!)Katharna.Butsurely,sir.No cloud obscures the Punic firmament;Therisingfortunes ofyourmightystateAre mostauspicious,sinceproudRome lies crushedBeneath thedeadlyblow of Cannae !86HANNIBAL AND KATHARNAHanno(drily).Yes;May theyremainsoismy prayer,andyetI feartheywillnotalways triumph thus,In warfare carriedon beyondtheseas;Although a public holidayisfixed,For human sacrificeat Moloch'sshrine,Toprayhim aidourforces.Katharna.Is thatall,WhenMagohas arrivedtoask forhelp.Toreapthe harvestreadyfor the blade?Hanno.'Tistrue,but neithercan wesparethecost,On accountofour heavytaxeshere;NoryetHasdrubal from the strife inSpain,Where his bravetroopsstillcarryonthewarWith the lastarmysentby seafrom RomeAgainsthim.Katharna.SurelyyouwillnotrelyEntirely,nobleSuffete, onyour prayers ;For would thegodsbelieveyouaresincere ?Now send Hasdrubal and his force fromSpain,As Hannibalentreats,who knows the need;Do this inplaceof human sacrifice.{^Apause!)HANNIBAL AND KATHARNA8/Hanno(dubiously).Madam,thematter seems to moveyoumuch.Katharna.Itdoes,mylord,because ofgratitudeForCarthaginian hospitality;And also that I have inheritedAdeadlyfeud with Rome;then knowbesides,Iam anative ofadistantland.Wherewebelieve that human sacrificeIsonly gratefultothegodsaboveWhen offeredboldly onthebattle-field.Inopenwarfare.Hanno.'Twould be difficultTo alternowthe well-consideredplans,Approved already bythe SenatorsAtmysuggestion.Katharna.Difficulttosome :Nottomylord,whoselightestwish is law.Hanno{smiling),Iwould,dearmadam,itwere sowithyou!Katharna{coyly).Why?88 HANNIBALAND KATHARNAHanno^passionately^Inspired bymyardentlove,I'd dare toclaim the fruitsKatharna(avertingherface).The fruits of love ?(A pause^duringwhich sheappearsto hesitatejshe then continues with downcasteyes.)Who knowswhatconquestsyou maynotachieveIfyouwill send the force ?(A pause^afterwhich she raises hereyes,and meetshisgaze.)YetnotrueknightBarters brave deedsagainst a lady'ssmiles,But strikesa gallantblow inhopesofthem,Foundinghis claim forthe desired rewardsUponhergratitude.Hanno[aside),I'llhazardit
