Act 4 Scene 3

Roman camp, near lake Trasimene. There Gaius Flaminius’ camp. Enter Gaius Flaminius.

Gaius Flaminius: All around me I see, wreckage of burnt mutilation, stretching as far as the horizon. Carnage of the lands, brought about by Carthage, of which I was the sole protector, irritates my living soul, which seeks vengeance. The venom that has defiled the lands seemeth spread like contagion into the minds of my men. This disease must be stopped lest it gathers the strength of an epidemic. We by some clever trickery and deceit have been cutoff from Rome by Hannibal’s men, who continue to ravage these agrarian fields. The strategists mind speaks not to pursue; but diplomacy demands this pursuit for him I must subdue.
Time to stop him is imminent.

Enter a Roman Commander

Commander: Our scouts have reported seeing massive charred lands in Etruria and say that his army are dragging themselves through this land.

Gaius Flaminius: There we shallst follow him and catching them unawares, shallst gleefully put them to the sword. No time to lose; no moment to waste; for haste we make must. Commander givest thou the orders to strike.

Commander: As per thy wish noble Flaminius.

[Exeunt

Lake Trasimene, Hannibal’s camp overlooking the defile.

Enter Hannibal, Mago, Maharbal and Hano.

Hannibal: Maharbal, what do thy scouts report?

Maharbal: Pursuing us they we as thou sayst they would. They shallst soon be here.

Mago: Then let the battle begin; soldiers take thou up thy positions in ambush and await the Romans, as the wolf pack awaits a flock of sheep.

Hano: So we all shallst.

[Exeunt

Desolate defile. Enter the Roman army under the command of Gaius Flaminius.

Gaius Flaminius: This place near the lake is a defile; ay, and ‘tis aptly named. Hannibal thy genius is praiseworthy for thou hast chosen the battleground well, but worry not Carthaginian, seek thee out I shallst. But this place, silence hither rules like a tyrannical lord, who is strong enough to unnerve the bravest of men; but not us, Romans.

Sound of soldiers rushing from all directions.

Enter Carthaginian troops who begin the slaughter.

What noise is that, hark! Ahh; me believes not me eyes, for I see we art caught up in ambush. Dastardly one at that; fight countrymen fight to stop this rabble.

The soldiers begin to fight and full-fledged battle ensues, where the Carthaginians quickly gain the upper hand.

Amidst the carnage; Enter Hannibal

Hannibal: Look, Flaminius, look how these mighty Roman troops, on swollen and unsure land seem astounded and bewildered to face the Carthaginian onslaught.

Gaius Flaminius: So we finally meet; and ay whilst ye hath the vantage, Romans, who are born warriors, shallst be the victors in the long run. Now, face me thou shallst, for let us see who the better champion is in mortal combat.

The two men fight vigorously, and then Flaminius falls to the blade of Hannibal. The battle rages on furiously with both sides locked in mortal combat. Hannibal soon moves on to fight others. Sounds of war, off stage.

Enter Mago.

Mago: Keep fighting men victory is almost reached.

The Romans drop dead one by one till all are killed, generating a heap of bodies in the defile.

Hannibal: The battle is ours.

Mago: Another battle-another victory, we must move on towards Rome.

Hannibal: Ay, brother, we must bury these fallen men hither; and march on the morrow to full fill our destiny.

Soldiers: All hail! Hannibal, all hail!!

[Exeunt

Act 4 Scene 2

Arno, Hannibal’s camp, near the swamps. Hannibal’s tent. Enter Hannibal.

Hannibal: Mosquitoes hum their somber songs, near the weary traveller’s ears; and then take each drop of precious blood flowing in his veins, thus leaving him in dark despair. Rains fall, on this land, again and again, like a million arrows fired in tandem, from the sulky and swollen sky, ay, which in turn looks on, ominously upon the slimy earth. This place seemeth alive and awake; teeming which hideous monstrosities hidden to the mortal eye. Ague, malady and disease hither are rampant, and carrion birds circle above, as the stench of the dead and the dying defile the very air that we breathe. These harbingers of chaos hither do enjoy a perpetual gory feast. This place canst not be charred nor drenched, nor beaten nor broken; but only admired for its archaic ferocity. We have dealt with all that’s to us thrown; and yet have not fully known, the extent o’th’ anarchy of this land, which hath swallowed much of my forlorn force.
[Sighs] But why do I fill my mind with such despondent thoughts, perhaps as my best efforts to lure Rome into open war seemeth not worthy to do so. Yet the time beckons when some telling moves must be produced, and unheard-of strategies deduced, to lay my hands upon the Romans, who seem unmoved by the devastation that we have brought upon those beautiful and bounteous Roman fields, and tried to incite a general rebellion ‘gainst their power and authority. Well, certainly powerful but utterly foolish, they are to think to be able to stop me by placing armies in the proper routes, and not calculating my undying tenacity for conquest. But ah, this filthy land on where we have taken refuge has indeed lead to half my minds decay, which shallst be to no advantage of Rome’s! Nay, neither Cnaeus Servilius nor Gaius Flaminius shallst stop me nor prevent the destruction of the very land that is for them to protect. Ay, so I shallst wait, for my troops return and unveil the cunning plan to them, which for the time to come shall remain etched forever in the minds of my men.

Sound of horses and the chatter of men, off stage.

Ay, thither they come; I must be ready.

Enter Mago, Maharbal and Hano.

Mago: Good brother, the devastations of the lands near are complete, where to now!

Maharbal: The men shall be glad to leave this hell.

Hano: And so would the beasts.

Hannibal: Yes, gentlemen, look yonder the map is laid out. Thither as I point observe as to the next movement of our troops. By this motion, as I have foreseen, we shallst be able to cut him off from Rome by covering his entire left flank Thus he no longer shallst be able to ignore us, partly for fear of popular reproach, ay, but mostly upon his own irritation shallst without much thought hastily take to our heels. ‘Tis then to him shall we deliver this most fatal blow that shallst destroy the largest field force to prevent our passage to Rome, by an ambush in the swamps near lake Trasimene. So have faith my men, as Flaminius shallst surely fall, to the extreme malice of our gall.

Mago: I see a marvel of a stratagem that is laid before us, which shallst indeed be put to use from the dawn that shallst come after this deathly night is over. Ye hath done it again noble brother, and this hath invigorated our downcast sprites. Yes this excitement maketh me rather restless but we must save us the plights and wish, kindly tell to all, the most kind good night.

Maharbal& Hano: Ay we too sayst this which fills our mind with vigour and charm; that to Rome we shallst nonchalantly bring harm! But ay ‘tis too late; time to be abed. Good night to all.

Hannibal: Ayes, gentlemen I see thy pains and wish thee a sound nights rest and also to the troops who are our most valuable assets. Good night.

[Exeunt all but Hannibal

Hannibal: So the night hums its breathtaking lore; which shallst heal the greatest sore that may scorch a man’s heart. But ay, things have fallen into place that which is most likely to bring the greatest disgrace upon Rome.

[Exit

Act 4 Scene 1

Battlefield, near river Trebia.

Alarum. Enter Hannibal, Maharbal and Hano.

Hannibal: Trebia is near, wherein, we have to fight the combined forces of Sempronius Longus and Publius Scipio. Ay, we were watchful, and yet ‘tis true that he did slip our ranks when we were pilling our stocks with plentiful and much needed supplies. So we must face a larger foe but hold, ague not thy hearts gentlemen for strategy alone shallst triumph over sheer numerical advantage.

Maharbal: ‘Tis well said that strategy makes an army win more often, yet I see not how with these few troops thou shallst defeat Roman infantry? Shouldn’t thou take thy brother’s help? Whither is he gone? I see not his flag fluttering anywhere hither!

Hannibal: Peace, get thou not so agitated. ‘Tis all a part of my plan. First, vouch thou to me; and thee to Hano, that our cavalry shallst not face defeat.

Maharbal: I give thee my solemn word, that my cavalry are hell bent on pouncing upon their Roman counterparts to hack them to pieces.

Hano: Thou canst trust us home to trample over the Roman equestrians as angry elephants would the fallen branches. But sayst thou that how shallst thee beat the strong Roman front lines that appear in the distance.

Hannibal: Brother Mago made conspicuous by his absence has surprised thee; this shallst work for Rome too! I shallst lure their infantry in to my vantage point to cut them to pieces later by an ambush. Mago stays with his men, ready to launch at my verbal command. To the naïve Roman infantry, this would be too much and all shallst fall like broken toys. So hence men we must take on our respected posts and prepare to dance to tune and rhythm of war.

[Exeunt

Battlefield, another part, The Roman Camp.

Enter Sempronius Longus, Publius Scipio, and Scipio the younger along with troops.

Sempronius Longus: Time has come to end this Carthaginian upstart once and for all; Noble Scipio lead thou the charge.

Publius Scipio: Ay, for with my valiant son and thy unfailing assistance, Rome shallst prevail; the drummers now shallst play a different tune; which shallst make our armies immune; to all the tricks he has to play, and thus our troops will carry the day! Hence ho to the fields.

Scipio the younger: Hence, countrymen hence! For I see a shaken demeanour amongst their weakened ranks which must be exploited. Soon, victory we shall achieve.

Sempronius Longus: So, Forward!

[Exeunt

The Battle begins, with troops of both sides fighting tooth and nail to maintain position. 

Sounds of men falling in bitter agony, swords string against sword, horses neighing from within.

Another part of the battlefield, Enter Hannibal and an officer.

Hannibal: Officer I now sense the moment to summon Mago; tell him to get ready for the impending attack that he shallst unleash, for Publius Scipio’s troops lay near him, as vulnerable as a deer is to the tiger.

Officer: Ay, I shallst deliver him this order.

[Exeunt

Another part of the battlefield. Enter Publius Scipio and his troops chasing a group of fleeing Carthaginians.

Publius Scipio: Look how these mercenaries run; Ha! Ay, for these fight only for money and not for a cause as we proud Romans do!

Officer: Sir, thy noble son has made his way too; yet I hear he is wounded but that ain’t much as he still intends to fight..

Publius Scipio: He has done his duty rather well; gods ye look after him; for he is as valiant as the Argus; even so, the day is won for Sempronius too has made considerable inroads, as I hear.

Officer: Ay, he has so we must now look to a time of peace and rejoice at our triumph.

Alarum. Enter Mago

Mago: Surrender or fall to my blade!

Publius Scipio: What? We shallst see which warrior bites the dust!

Enter Mago’s contingent of Carthaginian troops.

Whoa? We art surrounded!.

Officer: ’Tis an ambush! We are doomed.

Publius Scipio: Brave Romans fight! Fight ‘gainst this villainy that hides itself like cowardice!

The Romans fight valiantly till every man falls reeling under the pressure of ambush, including Publius Scipio, to the blade of Mago and his men.

Mago: This done, towards Hannibal and the rest we now make our march! Hence Ho!

[Exeunt

Another part of the battlefield where Sempronius Longus is still holding sway but at a huge cost. Enter Sempronius Longus fighting along with his troops

Sempronius Longus: These nimble footed Carthaginians catch us off guard at every turn we make, and slaughter us. I hear that the senior Scipio fell to an ambush whilst the junior didst only escape with his life. We have been worn down by an adversary so unpredictable that victory over him shallst be a matter of honour and glory!

Alarum Enter Hannibal, Mago and their troops.

Hannibal: Surrounded thou art, so yield or fall.

Sempronius Longus: I choose to fall but never to yield.

They fight and Sempronius Longus falls to the blade of Hannibal, whilst Romans flee from the relentless onslaught of the Carthaginians.

Hannibal: Victory is ours; so on to our camps to make merry and celebrate this first major triumph!

Mago: Ay, so do us all! Hurrah!

[Exeunt

Act 3 Scene 6

Po valley, Northern Italia, Hannibal’s camp.

Hannibal, Mago, Maharbal, Hano and remnants of his erstwhile army, bolstered after a small victory over Scipio’s army arrive their an camp for the night.

In Hannibal’s tent, Enter Hannibal and Mago.

Mago: Brother we art hither; to meet the tribals, ay, but these natives look not friendly in their wild attire. Shallst they be to us any use if they canst mingle with our troops? And if that fear be sooth; then engage we must the brunt of the Roman forces with our beleaguered and tired troops?

Hannibal: These soldiers are tired because their muscles ache from fatigue and stomachs grumble for want of fresh meat. Mentally they can still take on Rome; for they now have tasted victory which alone shallst fuel their half-empty bowels to march and defeat Rome. Soldiers they are and need only a good victory to get their act together. So worry not dear brother, for these are highly motivated men and to them fighting is only second nature. As for the lack of troops; seasoned mercenaries I hope to gather from the chieftains with whom we did hold parley and counseled them for the need of joining the Carthaginian cause. This shallst beef up our shrunken ranks, which shallst full well suffice for ambush and surprise attacks shallst be my principle modes of warfare to stifle and sniff out Rome, the seemingly almighty Rome! So we must at this hour await their support and good Gallic horses.

Alarum, and then Flourish, with hautboys. Enter Gallic tribal chief, and his guards followed by attendants

Chief: Hannibal, we and other war-chiefs have thought deeply over thy words which seemed to charged with passionate fervour. Thy arguments gainst Roman’s make us realize that thy hatred for Rome far exceeds ours. Thou sayst Rome hath killed thy father with tricks and felony, and duped people in to accept their lordship for the promise of stability and prosperity. Hannibal, we are no strangers to this fact either and many of us have suffered the same fate, and yet we do not feel that rising ‘gainst Rome would do us any good. Roman’s are far superior with their highly trained and heavily armoured soldiers. Our warriors with all their ferocity, art no match to them. Yet I do tellest thee and that too wholeheartedly; that we as warriors are brutal, savage, ruthless and eager to draw Roman blood, yet for want of discipline we falter each time we rise ‘gainst Rome. Shallst thee teach us the ways to beat Rome if we join thy side?

Hannibal: Noble chieftain, thy worries of defeating Rome art baseless, for to think about the cunning tricks I am hither. All I need is thy unfailing support.

Chief: Sayst thou that shrewd warfare shallst clinch the victory ‘gainst Rome? Ay art thou that much sure that Rome’s mighty troops shallst bow down to our combined yet still lesser force? Is success that much closer to thee?

Hannibal: I was; now more than ever I am. If givest me thou thine best bred horses and thy fiercest warriors then our war machine shallst mow down Rome. As for success, ay I believe that I shallst gain it, I really do

Chief: Very well but freedom thou sayst is thy cause, then we shallst be free to rule us after ye have gone?

Hannibal: Indeed, so do we have thy solemn and unbending support?

Chief: Ye do; for I see a fire that shines in thine eyes like a true warrior. This omen is good for it foretells we art on the right track. So from this our let us be friends and whatever thou wishest thou shallst get from us thou shallst and let us unite to plot the demise of Rome.

Hannibal: I thankest thee from the bottom of my heart!

Chief: Join our feast on the morrow in our camp. Thither we will fill thy ranks with our most veteran troops and finest horses. Then hence, we disperse to our huts, tomorrow we plan to encounter Rome.

Hannibal & Mago: So do we; amen, and goodnight.

[Exeunt

Act 3 Scene 5

Ticinus, Roman military camp under Publius Cornelius Scipio, in Po valley. Enter Publius Scipio, his son, Scipio the younger.

Publius Scipio: How do our scouting legions report on Hannibal’s progress?

Scipio the younger: My liege Hannibal seems to have done the impossible. When our scouts did reach his alleged camp, they did report that in front of them lay desolate ruins. Quickly from they tracked his traces and to their and our combined astonishment found that Hannibal, has with his entire force crossed over the Alps. ‘Tis known he had elephants.

Publius Scipio: What sayst thou son? [Aside] First he evades us by marching onto Italia, this time round, we find him right at our doorstep! Hush, hush, no more surprises can he ever pull off, for if here we do face his exhausted army, we shallst lay them to their rest.

Meanest thou that his troops mayst be on us at any instant? Aye from thy face I conjure that ‘tis true! Troops must at this hour be hastened to meet this hostile enemy.

Enter Flavius, a messenger

Scipio the younger: Ay, good Flavius, tellest us the newest state o’th’war.

Flavius: General Scipio and thou his right noble son; slay me not for hearing this, but this is sooth. Yond there in the horizon dark clouds of dust amass, as Hannibal’s men charge upon our humble camp craving for Roman blood.

Publius Scipio: Thou fantasisest thou boy, their army is fatigued with travel and are in no way in fighting condition.

Scipio the younger: Noble father, if that be sooth then why does he charge us? Nay, me fears he senses our lack of numbers hither and wishes to gain a swift and telling victory.

Publius Scipio: Yet if that be the case, even then we must go forth to ward him of. Flavius, go tell thou the drummers to produce their rhythmic chant, whilst we arm ourselves to defend this humble camp.

Flavius: As per thy orders; My Lord!

Scipio the younger: Away we all to the theatre of war.

[Exeunt

The scene is now shifted to a battlefield where some troops lay dead. Sounds of war from within.

Re- Enter Publius Scipio fighting with Hano on horseback, and then Scipio falls, and the Carthaginians leave him whilst chasing away other Roman troops.

Publius Scipio: Flee, flee thou cowards who wishest not to fight. Watch as thy valiant commander falls like a true champion.

Soldiers rush by and some try to kill him. Publius Scipio tries his best and remains alive. Sound of approaching hooves from within.

Publius Scipio: Is that the sound of friend or foe! Alas only time shallst let me know!

Re-Enter Scipio the younger, on horse back with troops who manage to kill off the Carthaginians.

Scipio the younger: Here liest thou valiant father, and still drawing breath? Ay, fortune hath favoured us and our lives are saved, but shame to those bastards who run in the face of adversity and calamity. Come; on my horse thou shallst keep thy state whilst I ride back from whence I came to rescue thee after slaying the Carthaginians thither. But regretful this day is; for we are beaten and these few honorable troops shallst for their and Rome’s dignity shallst save us whilst we flee to our stronger allies.

Publius Scipio: Son by this act thou hast not only showed the duty of a noble son, but ay of a noble and able Roman soldier. Camaraderie, self sacrifice are the virtues that maketh a true Roman and these I have taught thee well, as seemeth by thy bold action on this day. So on and away!

[Exeunt Publius Scipio and Scipio the younger on horse back

Rest of the troops die.

Enter Hannibal, Mago, Maharbal and Hano.

Maharbal: The cavalry has achieved as thou hath planned.

Hano: Ay, I agree.

Mago: All is sound; yet the need for more troops grows ever profound.

Hannibal: Fear not, gentlemen, as thou hast seen the power of strategy over brute strength. As for new soldiers to bolster our beleaguered ranks come let us make our mission known to the tribals who oppose Rome. I shallst send missives to them and in times due course we shallst get their much valued support. At this instant let us feast for this is the 1st of many more victories.

[Exeunt

Act 3 Scene 4

Northern Italia, Hannibal’s camp, near the foothills of the Alps.

Enter Hannibal, Mago, Maharbal and Hano.

Hannibal: Yond there we must plan our next move, to catch the Romans off guard.

Mago: [Aside] Hasdrubal is entrusted with Hispania, and I hither to accompany my beloved brother in this perilous trek, know not which is better.

So, I feel we need to traverse those mountains to land into Italia and surprise our enemies. Ay, but is it necessary?

Hannibal: Ay, ‘tis so dear brother for we must not Rome fight the war on their terms. Into Italia we’ll reach, much to Rome’s dismay and then expose their flanks and rear to strike upon them that fatal and lethal blow.

Maharbal: Hannibal, I see the logic in thy arguments and feel the same urge to overthrow the Romans, shouldst we not use safer routes to attain our goal?

Hano: ‘Tis not wise to risk our troops across these alps, where smoother terrain greets us yond there, where marching shallst not be tedious, and so the soldiers shallst not be withered and be ready to fight their way through into Rome.

Hannibal: Precisely this is what we must avoid, for I hear on the other side there are tribes hostile towards Rome and Rome itself has not that many troops whom we can’t beat, by use of cunning. Then after I have vigour-tongued, persuaded them to join our worthy cause, ay, and after a short and shrewd victory in the battlefield, they shallst bolster our ranks with the men we may lose in this vicious trek. The easier and less hostile route is the most expected route, which our enemy shallst secure and slaughter us all, using their vast reserves of legions.

Mago: Ay, but brother to risk our beasts, in the cold unforgiving weather is not advisable. To be afraid of Rome’s military might is cowardice, brother didst we not march out of Hispania answering to thy call of war and victory ‘gainst Rome? To hear that same general speak of not wanting an out and out war ‘gainst Rome is nothing but cowardice. Our troops with surprise and cunning shallst equally beat Roman armies, both big and small. Prithee rethink thy decision.

Maharbal: Ay, Hannibal doest as thy brother tellest thee, for thy elephants do not like the bitterness of the cruel cold climate yonder.

Hannibal: Gentlemen peace; and judge not me so fast dear Mago. Bent on fighting Rome I am, ay, but not the way, which is most obviously feasible to them. Comrades, mark this, that Rome isn’t the usual foe, which can be seeked and slayed like a hunter would a lion. It is more like a rock or a huge pile’o’that, which with careful planning and skillful scheming must be slowly and yet steadily, dismantled. No malicious design and plans must be too harsh when used ‘gainst Rome, for those can only prevent it from soaring upwards. One victory ‘gainst Rome shallst not be enough. At each moment of our quest we must remain a step ahead our bitter rivals. Rome at our slightest hint of aloofness and a small sense of self-satisfaction; shallst to us inflict terrible blows. Then when the tide turns to their favour, and winds change directions, they shallst catch them and then ride the elephant of victory. Nay, by crossing the Alps, which is perilous in every possible way, we’ll snatch from them their illusion of safety and show what feats this Carthaginian army can. Debarred from the warring tribal groups, whom I shallst with rhetoric, persuade them to join our cause, then they shallst fuel our dwindled rank and file to wage a war ‘gainst Rome. Quickly the initiatives we shallst seize and then, when the hapless Roman troops do prepare to confront us, traps galore shallst be set give them a warm greeting. Mental toughness is an art that must with patience be cultivated, to defeat a formidable foe of the stature of Rome. So for that I calculate, that through, yonder if we cross the alps, on the other side lies Po valley, which is our intended point, as these men do not seek Roman superiority over their lands. Their help to us is essential as planned in advance by our beloved brother Hasdrubal the Fair. So meet we with any hindrance we shallst overcome them as if they didst not exist, for either a way we shallst by our hard work find, else with equal industry and unconquered hearts; a way we’ll make and grind.

Others: So we shallst all.

[Exeunt

The Alps, cold, frigid landscape and there a place where a rockfall is in the way of the advancing army. Enter Hannibal, Mago, Maharbal, and Hano, along with travel weary troops.

1st soldier:[To 2nd soldier] Hark stop, brother spottest thou those rocks that prevent our escape from this treacherous mountains?
2nd soldier:[To 1st soldier] Ay, I do brother and wish that some miracle may chance. Already many of our fellow troops have been way laid in these vicious mountains through which our leader tirelessly leads us on. May he know the answer? Ay probably so!

Hannibal: What do thee speak about? Tellest us what bothers thee apart from the torments of the journey.

1st soldier: Sir, a rockfall blocks our way down this pass which by far is the smoothest there is in these mountains. We must remove them, and yet by bare hands the task is near impossible.

Hannibal: It needst not be done like that; fetch firewood from the nearby bushes and shrubs in the small forest yond there, and then bring thou vinegar. Put thou those sticks in the places whither the rock seemeth lose, and then, pour over these the vinegar. This job requires a lot o’th’things so be not a niggard in fetching them. Then, when all is done put fire to all those sticks soaked in vinegar in fire, and await the result.

2nd soldier: As thy orders general!

The soldiers bring the required items, and do as per orders. Then miniature explosions are triggered which removes the rockfall and clears the way.


All the troops: All Hail Hannibal! All Hail!

Mago: When said thou that a way thou shallst for us make I did believe thee yet hadn’t expected such an event to occur. Brother thou art a genius and ay the most capable leader of any Carthaginian army!

Others: All Hail Hannibal! Victory ‘gainst Rome is almost hither!

Hannibal: I heartily thank thee; prithee now let us move on.

[Exeunt

Act 3 Scene 3

Carthage, the Council Hall. Meeting between the 30 Councillors.

Enter all councillors, lead by Hanno the great; guards, officials, and attendants.

Hanno the great: I did meet the son of Hamilcar, who keeps his merry state in the new land north of our beloved Carthage. To say sooth, he is much like his father, in looks and in actions he resembles his father to an extraordinary degree.

[Aside] That I did side with Rome to prevent his father’s victories ‘gainst them are true, but ay, I acted only in my interested, well that may have been to his detriment. But ay, that was to my gains so to Carthage’s; for it has everything to gain from trade rather than from war.

To talk about his achievements in Hispania, well they are outstanding, for he hath united them for Carthage’s cause. Having secured his place there he points out that aggressive moves ‘gainst Rome be made, for he believes that he with his sole mortal arms, can with a few troops snatch away the soul of Rome! Vociferous he was towards our policies of piece, and dismissed them as near treasonous acts deserving of no pity but would he have grown so had we not made piece?

A Councillor: Nay, noble Hanno, thou who art great, and ay thou art true too!

Hanno the great: Great or not for gods it is to decide. But I am indeed humbled by thee. Ay, and besides these he menacingly reported soon there shallst be war and that he would mobilize his forces and strike Rome in Italia itself! Such thoughts give me grim vision, of the fatal mistake this general commits, at this very tender age, makes me fear he may fall like Bellerophon, whilst climbing Olympus itself! Ay, yet I fear ‘tis difficult to stop such a rough and headstrong youth. When I did put forth the council’s views in front of him, sooner rather than later he did turn into a raging storm and proclaimed war. Diplomacy he liked not. Yet we must support the Barcid in war ‘gainst Rome.

A Senior Councillor: We all agree with thee Hanno and would do our best to resolve mortal conflict. But if damages sustained by Rome in Carthage be irreparable, then, abatement of war shallst not chance. I hear Roman envoys are here and they shallst convey the their decisions.
[Aside] ‘Tis most likely a war shall be sparked.

Hanno the great: Lets us hope for the best for we know not how to control him there.

Alarum. Enter Roman envoys Gaius Flaminius and Publius Scipio, followed by Roman guards

Publius Scipio: Hither we are to show ourselves and make our grievances known; and hearing them thou mayst become forlorn. But duties are duties which must perform, according to the given customs and norms. So, thus said in merry delight, for we may be in for a long drawn fight. War is inevitable, unless thou give up thy lands in Iberia.

Gaius Flaminius: What my noble colleague means is that yield lands of amounts what ever we demand; else face war.

Hanno the great: Gentlemen, I hear both thy points entirely, and forsee that yielding without a good cause is not worth the effort.

Publius Scipio: But when our protectorate is besieged it is nothing but war ‘gainst Rome.

Hanno the great: We canst not reign in our troops their, and not the general who is a Barcid!

Publius Scipio: What wantest thou: hither I hold the sides of my toga, tell shallst there be peace or war?

Hanno the great: Let Rome decide!

Publius Scipio: War!

Hanno the great: Then ‘tis settled the 2nd Punic War beckons and countrymen, we all must unite

Gaius Flaminius: So shallst Rome. Good morrow to all

[Exeunt the Romans

Hanno the great: That done and dusted communicate this decision to our troops in Hispania. [Aside] Ay, however Hannibal, if thou be victorious, then thou shallst achieve it entirely thy own!

[Exeunt

Act 3 Scene 2

Saguntum, inside the city gates. Alarum and Flourish, Enter Hannibal victorious, followed by Hasdrubal and Mago, and two promising generals Maharbal and Hano; and Carthaginian soldiers and citizens.

Hannibal: Citizens of Saguntum, though many of thee were tricked by Rome into fighting ’gainst us, thy liberators, but, ay; putting that behind; those of thee that still art drawing breath; here, listen, that from this day on, thou art free men. The abolishment of the shackles of Roman servitude, and the yoke of slavery that Rome does impose on its allies, is the sole purpose of the people of Carthage, thereby now, all we ask is thy moral support, for this shall be a base from which we shall rid the world of Rome. Citizens! What is still in thy minds? After Rome’s blatant betrayal is it meet that thou shouldst stab our backs? Nay, for even if thou were’t lifeless objects, like this sword that I now draw forth, or like the walls and pillars of thy great city, even they wouldst not think twice before joining our noble cause. But thou art of flesh and blood, brain and brawn, and intelligence. Using thy logic, with which thou art bestowed, think, that shallst thee keep confiding with back-stabbing and double dealing Rome or shallst thou associate with plain-speaking Carthage? Saguntines the choice is thine to make, whilst I wait to hear it.

1st citizen: Hannibal, we shallst do as thou pleasest, as of now thee holds all the cards. Rome shallst not be be ever trusted. However, we demand a few things from thee.

Hannibal: Prithee, name them.

2nd citizen: In return for our support as a Carthaginian military base, and supply of horses, which are the minions of their breed, and tributes we demand a permanent garrison of 20000 men.

Hannibal: Granted and what amount of support shallst we get from thee?

1st citizen: 9000 o’th’ best horses that money can buy and able people can chance upon in this world; noble ally to the Carthaginian cause and handsome tributes some of which we now have at hand from our villages.

The citizens give Hannibal the tributes.

Hannibal: It is most gratifying to see such acts of affection from one’s erstwhile foe, which today we receive not from friends. Well and truly we are allies.

All citizens: All hail noble Hannibal! All Hail!

[Exeunt the citizens and troops

Hannibal: This meeting done, none more to worry about here in Hispania. Hence to Italia to liberate the others like these men that reel under the accursed Roman rule. This city gives us the vantage from where we will assault Roman heartland and slaughter their troops that outnumber us many times, by use of cunning. Noble Hasdrubal, I fear that thou shallst have to stay on here, for I feel with thy presence, Hispania is secured and safely invested to serve the purpose of Carthage. Maharbal, tell us about thy thoughts on cavalry that we hope to gain and so to, when he is done I shallst seek audience from noble Hano.

Hasdrubal: What ever is thy wish Hannibal, and I shall see to it that it does not fall, if it does then believe brother so do I.

Maharbal: These people are true to their words and the horses shallst give us the edge over these clumsy Roman equestrians. Besides it is of great honour to support thee and a matter of dignity to fight alongside thee. The challenges of open battles are immense, ay but I am bent up to do it against the Romans.

Hano: And so shallst I follow suit; my gallic heavy cavalry and Maharbal’s numidian light cavalry shallst mow down the Roman counterparts.

Hannibal: Brother Mago, I will need thy valiant support, to accompany me into Rome and then communicate with the others for help if and when we may needst it.
Mago: Ay, thy vision I shallst hope to fulfill and try to bring my generous support from the home government.

Hannibal: So, we with little rest must march up country and thither, set up camp to summon the demise and the decadence of Rome.

Others: Carthage shallst be victorious!

[Exeunt

Act 3 Scene 1

A village in Hispania, near Saguntum. Enter three villagers.

1st villager: Yonder I see many noxious fumes, which blacken the sky above; this black smoke carries the scent of war.

2nd villager: Brother, thou art right, for these tried nostrils of mine speaks that this familiar smell foretells of more devastation to follow, mefears that tranquil village life may again be left in turbulence and turmoil.

3rd villager: Why so? Why do ye assume that war will ravage our lands; when, that city is taken; and all these lands that fall lie within that city’s administration, if that city be razed only then we need to fear, else all our anxieties shallst be fallow.

2nd villager: Armies canst not be trusted home, fullwell they may seem harmless, but ay, by getting a slightest hint they may fool the likes of us. Our ripened grains, which for long have fed us well, may now fall in their hands, who knows, if that will satiate their voracious appetite!

1st villager: A cause for concern that certainly is. Still simple villagers may be spared if we are careful and cautious. Win we their leaders to our sides then some leniency may be received, this shallst be our only hope, but ay, diversion of food remains a problem. Lord, is it meet that simple villagers like us should yearn and think hard about matters of diplomacy?

3rd villager: We the tillers o’th’land, sons of the soil, needst not strain our smooth and naïve brains to discuss over the matters of the state. Prudent obedience we must give to who ever remains the rulers of that war ravaged city yonder.

2nd villager: Then hence ho, as soon as the war tires itself out, we will keep an eye on the activities of the troops that occupy the city, then when the time is ripe to act , act we shall and ay, that too decisively, for with the generals deals we must strike, ay be ready if from next season they demand from us a hike.

1st villager: Ay, brother and hope that the plan succeeds.

3rd villager: [Aside] Ay, thy plans are laudable, but my years of sweat and labour have taught me not to think one battle ends as it ends, for the battle is only a precursor to a war, with far reaching consequences. One war fuels another and that another till both sides are done and dusted, till both have no more to give or get from meaningless and dire conflict. Places of previous battles are in turn revisited by the losers and yet more deaths are caused due to vengeance. Wretched kerns like us with simple souls are left to bear the brutal brunt. Yet to prevent meaningless torture at this very moment, prepare we must for peaceful surrender.

[To the other villagers] Ahem, well my aged years makes me relive the mystical moments of my youth. The sun is at its zenith, so hie home to attend to my cattle I must. Goodbye and good luck to thee, my brethren.

1st villager: Goodbye and adieu to all. Now to our daily tasks we must put heed to.

[Exeunt

Act 2 Scene 7

Saguntum, the battle field. Enter Hannibal, Hasdrubal, Mago, Carthaginian captains and troops

Senior Captain: Our scouts report of huge defences along the erect and robust city walls.

Hannibal: These Saguntines are determined for a long siege. But we are determined more to break and wear them down.

Hasdrubal: Saguntines shallst feel the cost of withholding the Roman cause. We shall, with our forces storm their city and meet force with force and then brutal arm’d, force them onto surrender.

Mago: Our battalions we must spread out; to strike both left and right; front and rear. Rest we shallst give them not.

Hannibal: Worry not dear Mago, wear them down we will; and give no respite to the hapless Saguntines. Rome, as arrogant as it is, didst not furbish arms nor men to its new ally. Overconfidence lulls them to a false sense of security, which we must break. To sustain the Saguntines cause, ay, they have failed. So do my spies report. Grossly do they underestimate the powers of our troops. They show no aggressive intent in protecting their newly formed Protectorate. Thus we will now to the world and to Rome reveal; what hideous powers we do conceal. Soldiers, march we fearlessly on to the lion’s den, wherein we shall slaughter the foes like a falcon would a wren.

Hasdrubal: Vigilance is the need o’th’hour; soon on enemy soil we will set foot, and valour arm’d, sever of their heads.

Mago: And thence countrymen and thence, like brave martyrs we call upon thee to avenge our fallen braves; and answer back Rome in its same coin to end their fiendish ways.

Hannibal: So now men, with firm and unbending resolve, let us and our siege battery strike this city; and dig deep for long haul. Hence ho and we march, Forward!

Soldiers and others: We will follow you and die for you. All Hail!! Noble Hannibal, all Hail!! He shallst lead us to the glory of freedom and nectar of victory!! All Hail!

[Exeunt

Act 2 Scene 6

Hannibal’s headquarters, Hispania Enter Hannibal

Hannibal: Spring, summer, autumn, winter; ay, these are seasons, which, provide different moods upon the minds of simple men. My mind, they affect not. Seasons pass by, in their steady annual march; whilst I, melancholically brood over dried and dusty thoughts. Rain, which does quench the summer traveller’s thirst, the healer of heated earth, the harbinger of blossom; even on arid lands, the provider of hope; that providence is at hand; cannot remove the perennial drought that does enflame my aggrieved heart. Sleep the curer of many ills and infirmities, comes not to me. Only blooded dreams and aghast silhouettes appear in my sleep, appalling me from within. Woe is the accursed time, for this sickly hour, that mars many meticulous generals, is forever permanent on Hispania, whilst the sun of imperial glory and gay abandon shines, brighter than ever on the Roman state. Thou Lord! Doth thee want us to be bereft of victory? My mind concludes that every thought and action put forth to oust Rome has come to naught, disasters have stuck to near and dear, high and low, and kith and kin, and yet rome have prospered, gaining from the constant eastern glow. The last to fall to treason’s fitful axe was none other than my well beloved brother.Noble and fair thou were’t fair brother; and so I heartily fare thee well; may I be thy able pupil and serve Carthage till I fell.

Alarum outside

Hark! What noise rings out? The soldiers, yesterday did with joyous greeting and childish admiration, all hailed me as my noble father’s embodiment; then later did proclaim me as the supreme commander Carthage in Hispania and Iberia. Now I wait, with restless temper, for a false move by Rome, and then shallst I and all my nation and soldiers embark upon our rightful and justified cause, to validate and uplift Carthaginian goodwill and unmask Roman felony.

Enter a Servant

How do report of the commotion without?

Servant: Sir, the Roman ambassador to Hispania seeks thy audience over some important matters of the state.

Hannibal: Bring him to me.

[Exit servant

Tricks of Rome do seem plentiful and endless. Rome, triest thou thy worst means and worst to win me to thy side but all those shallst be in vain. I shallst not budge or be moved by spiteful talk and deceitful smiles. For I have noted that thou art famous for thy myriad if guiles. Restless peace, thunderous tranquil and calamitous calm; ay, to heal these I shall not use Roman balm. Such pernicious problems with warfare shall be solved.

Alarum. Enter Roman ambassador to Hispania, Gaius Terentius Varro; followed by Roman flag bearers and troops, they followed by Carthaginian troops.

Gaius Terentius Varro: I come from the Roman senate, as an ambassador of harmony, to thy office to hereby inform thee of certain Roman plans in these lands.

Hannibal: Pray proceed.

Gaius Terentius Varro: Hereafter Saguntum, this Hispanic city, is to become a Roman protectorate, and that Rome shall interfere if that city be harmed.

Hannibal: Blasted deal! Thou rogue, Saguntum is south if the river Ebro, this city is firmly within Carthaginian gripe, nay this intervention shall lead untimely conflict if it be true for it is a clear breach of the treaty as signed by my brother.

Gaius Terentius Varro: It is the truth, and it is final; actest thou as thou likest. Yet for my part there is not much reason to tempt us to conflict, we mean no harm by this slight breach of pact.

Hannibal: Silence thou Roman villain!! As per the facts any breach leads to outright battle, which must shortly ensue. It is a pity that Rome is so inconsiderate!

Gaius Terentius Varro: Then war it shall be! With the Saguntines, yet it is my solemn duty to warn thee of a long struggle. [Aside] A short one if thou surrender quickly.

[Exeunt all others except Hannibal

Hannibal: Hmm, the drums of war ring out, we must prepare for this quest with full fervour.

Enter Hasdrubal and Mago

Hasdrubal: Brother, do we hear of some discontent between thee and Rome?

Hannibal: Thou hearsest sooth, my brother

Mago: Then must we believe that war is imminent?

Hannibal: Ay, it is and thus let us put ourselves to the test.On the morrow ring out the alarum of war in our compound. Go to and get thou a good night’s sleep, then on the morrow our generals do we meet. So to that; let us put forward our military might. Since, the best warriors are those that can claim victory in a fight.

[Exeunt

Act 2 Scene 5

Rome, the Capitol, at night, special meeting of consuls and their deputy, convened by Consul Publius Cornelius Scipio.

Enter Publius Cornelius Scipio, Fabius Maximus, Lucius Aemilius Paullus, Sempronius Longus, Gaius Terentius Varro and Gaius Flaminius.

Publius Scipio: Gentlemen, we meet at this most untimely hour, to discuss matters that concern our state withal.

Fabius Maximus: I hear some rumour, that some great power lay in wait; in far and distant Hispania. Is it true that our dear Carthaginian friends-those Barcids attempt a kind of invasion of Rome?

Lucius Aemilius Paullus: This is grave news; for now to counter this threat we must act with prudence.

Publius Scipio: Senators please maintain thy peace; anxiety has no place when our military is there to put off Carthaginian rabble. In Po valley we have as Sempronius brings news; we have our forces ready to attack There we shall out maneuver the Spanish and then overrun their establishments.

Fabius Maximus: Ay, would that not be too hasty, the Carthaginians, shrewd as they are, may make some attempt to aid the Spanish.

Sempronius Longus: Such an upheaval can be prevented if Hasdrubal the Fair can be taken care of. My faithful servant, Marcenidorus, who would do the will of Rome, shallst find a way to do so. I doth have bestowed him ample authority. Assassination of their leader will put them on the defensive.

Gaius Terentius Varro: Shall that be just as well that Marcenidorus says, Consul?

Sempronius Longus: Yes, Marcenidorus is skilled in doing what would otherwise be sacrilege. The job will be done as if ‘twere a chance occurring.

Publius Scipio: Ay, this sounds better then shall we, with a single blow fell two birds. The young Barca, too naïve to cause us harm and challenge Rome’s imperial sway.

Gaius Flaminius: Noble Scipio, perhaps ‘tis not the time to belittle a Barca, a son of Hamilcar should always be dealt with caution. No half measure is a good one.

Sempronius Longus: Noble Flaminius, thy knowledge of the enemy too little. This fits not a general of thy calibre. The Carthaginians have owe their loyalty to Hasdrubal the Fair, ‘twill take time to make Hannibal the chief. This is what we shall exploit.

Gaius Flaminius: Hannibal may evolve into a deadly serpent; for venomous kind shallst not change his fangs, but in times relentless march, redouble its shape and increase its gall.

Publius Scipio: Grant that, but due to absence of support from their internal Governance, he shall remain crippled, and thereby writhe in the agony of despair. Nay, the plan to send out hardened troops shallst be persisted with, which shall in due course ensure our outright victory.

Fabius Maximus: [Aside] Confidence, put forth in the right path is a virtue; deposited in the wrong in becomes a menacing vice that spoils and mars many a champion.

Gentlemen I do believe that, our strategy of limited war shallst win us more friends than foes.

Publius Scipio: Then that is settled but now focus we must on the savage butchery of the rioters. Noble
Gaius Flaminius, heardst thou of any news of the unrest in the Illyrian region? If so prithee bring it out to us in this special meeting.

Gaius Flaminius: I doth have heard reports from our messengers their that the Illyrian people have openly revolted ‘gainst Rome.

Lucius Aemilius Paullus: What ho! I must need to hie their and put to rest this serious debacle. My legions are mostly around that place.

Fabius Maximus: Prithee school thy self; thou and Flaminius shallst crush this revolt, whilst Scipio and Sempronius shallst deal with the Spanish. I here will keep state and aid in both the war efforts by financial and military support.
Gaius Terentius Varro, thou shallst be our ambassador to Spain when the war there is done and thou shallst to the city of Saguntum, which shall be made our protectorate. It is a very strategic place, and once the smoke of war dies out it shall yield us good fortune if it sides with us. Then we can march into Hispania and Iberia and drive the Carthaginians from their new homes.

The rest: We shall perform, as our sovereign republic is ours to protect.

Publius Scipio: At that note let us disperse to our myriad of tasks that we have at hand. For now, the vile fumes of war does strangle our beloved land. Towards a better future our fight shall be fought. Later in peacetime this effort, will fortunes many shall have bought. Greetings galore thou shallst find if we act as men at this hour with crystal clear minds.

[Exeunt

Act 2 Scene 4

Carthaginian military camp, south of river Ebro, near Roman military installments. Ten years after the death of Hamilcar Barca.

Enter Hasdrubal the Fair, Hannibal, Hasdrubal, Mago

Hasdrubal the Fair: How now? What says our Roman counterparts; it is peacetime; and ‘twould not be wise to strain our forces in open aggressive battle.

Hannibal: We must know our enemy’s mind; on that we must act.
[Aside] Our troops need more training before we go up against Rome.

Hasdrubal: If they want conflict do we have the means to prevent that!

Mago: Dear brother be not so intimidated by Roman forces. They shall face their match ‘gainst us.

Hasdrubal: Ay, methinks Rome; being pleasurable, would rather proclaim peace than provoke war.

Hannibal: Those shall be known for sure shortly. Look ho! The Roman Flag.

Alarum. Enter Roman messenger Marcenidorus, with two guards

Marcenidorus: I come from Rome; to negotiate between our two of the greatest nations, which shall for our future be apt. I believe that Carthaginian power in this country. We do not propose to disrupt peace; Rome just wants a treaty; which states that thou keepst thy state south of this river, and we shall keep ours in in the north.

Hasdrubal the Fair: We understand the need of peace; we are happy to accept thy terms. Gentlemen- what about it?

Other Generals: So do we!

Hannibal: [Aside] Yet, my sworn heart hopes only for war!

Hasdrubal the Fair: Bring thou the pact papers; and official Roman seal, we have ink and our seal ready. Come here put them on the table and lets finalize this formal treaty. Ay, but any breach of this shallst be deemed unfair intervention; which may even lead to war. Art thou sure that Rome wants not any battle?

Marcenidorus: Noble Hasdrubal; we intend not of any quarrel between our nations. I give thy my solemn word.

Hasdrubal the Fair: Then lets us do the needful; and with that ink; ‘tis done!

Marcenidorus: Long live the harmony between our nations. [Aside] My Roman masters orders are on which I act; any change, ay thou shallst feel the necessary impact.

[Exeunt the Romans

Hasdrubal the fair: That done; now onto the other peace agreement must we venture forth; yonder look the flag of the Hispanic warlords who rule over the south. We have asked them to join our cause and they I feel shallst not disappoint us!

Hasdrubal: Hope that is so.

Enter Hispanic warlord Horifice, along with his troops and daughter Imilce.

Horifice: Hasdrubal the Fair we have heard of thy wishes we will gladly assist the in unifying Hispania if thou shall take the hand of my daughter Imilce. Thou shall also get the support of our allied tribes and their fierce horsemen.

Hasdrubal the Fair: Happy is the hour when I hear of this proposal; but ay, thy daughter will be best given to my brother-in-law Hannibal for he and she are of the right age. What sayst thou Hannibal?

Hannibal: Thy wish is my command; we must unify Iberia at all costs.

Horifice: My dear girl, what thinkst thou?

Imilce: I shall comply with thy wishes father.

Hasdrubal the Fair: So it is settled; noble Horifice; wilt thou help us.

Horifice: I most certainly will; come let us enjoy and celebrate this matrimonial alliance and feast and banquet like kinsmen.

All: So all.

[Exeunt

Act 2 Scene 3

A battlefield, Hispania, area north of new Carthage. Enter Hamilcar with troops and two generals, fighting against the tribesmen.

Hamilcar: Go to; Go to; flee from our sights!
[To the generals] Look how easily the day is won, and victory for Carthage secured.

1st General: Ay, fly naked savages, fly out to thy blasted caves.

[Exeunt tribesmen, fleeing

2nd General: Behold how these wretched fools turn their backs to our superior forces!
[Aside] Our own tribes are more cultured than these barbarians.

Hamilcar: So gentlemen stand thou hither whilst me and my right noble soldiers do bury these fallen foes. Without thine generous support our quest would have met a dismal end. These dead that seem like scattered storm debris must now be returned to their peaceful abode in mother earth’s tomb, so that they never shall have the good fortune of tormenting us as sprites!

Both Generals: Hurrah to our great victory, noble Hamilcar!

Hamilcar: No, but ‘tis not the end, we still must march on and like these tribe crush more’o’them who hath pledged their allegiance to Rome.

2nd General: [To 1st General] Does this mean our tribe? If that is so then me shall never let the peace of our tribe get disrupted. Rome has given them harmony and this shall not br disturbed again!

Hamilcar: [To the soldiers] Then let us bury these corpses and scout the area for a good camping sight.

Soldiers: [To Hamilcar] As per thy wish Lord Hamilcar.

[Exeunt soldiers carrying corpses followed by Hamilcar

1st General: This our Lord has marched his troops northward; at this rate I fear we may have to cut the throats of our fellow men! Surely we must convince him not to do so.

2nd General: Ay, well thought of, however he is hell bent on defeating Rome, and all its allies shall also suffer the same terrible fate. ‘Tis possible he march on the morrow against our tribe. I must make assurance that he shall ‘gainst our tribe not wage unneeded conflict; yet if that be his wish he will feel our wrath.

1st General: What noble brother, meanest thou murder? Must we lift aloft our instruments to strike it down upon the man who had given us hope of survival? That is sacrilegious!

2nd General: When our motherland is threatened, our source of birth right under siege it is not meet to think narrowly of one’s goodwill. Our noble Lord, for whom, I have the most unflinching support, would strike him down first without much thought, if perchance, our beloved country be marched on.

Re-enter Hamilcar Barca

Hamilcar: Well Gentlemen are we prepared to plan our next course of campaigning northward wherein we must face the more advanced and powerful tribes who are as intelligence seemeth to report have allied themselves towards the Roman cause.

1st General: But Lord Hamilcar, thou didst promise us that in return for our expertise in battle and knowledge of the lay of the land that we should not be forced to cross swords with our fellow men.


Hamilcar: Perhaps then thou couldst negotiate our stand as to the Romans, they may pay heed to the words of their kinsmen.

2nd General: For centuries our people had to suffer in the hands of the savages; then came the Romans; who drove out the barbaric hordes with our success, but we doubted the Romans and fled hither to protect our independence. Off late however we here of peace and have noted that Romans have not caused the fall of our autonomy. Nay, we shall not negotiate to break their peace for thy flimsy hatred of Rome.

Hamilcar: This is treason, no short of it! Nay when I didst recruit men in my army I asked of them supreme hatred towards Rome, shall be their only cause of joining in the army.

2nd General: To break their peace and tranquility would mean tyranny, nay we shallst not support thy cause

Hamilcar: Liars and slaves, all Roman spies, thou hast betrayed us to thy blood enemies!

2nd General: So thou likest not our proposal. Then prepare for thy impending gloomy fate. Here I draw this sword and I charge thee; thou shall fall and so, as martyrs shall we!

1st General: Me too shall strike thee down for our motherland.

Hamilcar: What? Treachery, treason; soldiers! To me!! O! O! ‘Tis too late now!

Hamilcar falls to the sword blows of his generals

2nd General: The deed is done!

Enter Hasdrubal the Fair with the troops and Young Hannibal

Hasdrubal the Fair: Hark! what noise comes from here? Who lies there? What? No it can’t be! Our beloved Hamilcar is dead and I see two of his most trusted men with bloody sabers drawn!! O Tyrannical Time! O Murderous Mayhem! O Barbaric Butchery! O Villainous Vandalism! Thou bloody rascals why didst thou do this most ignoble deed?

2nd General: We had to do it to safeguard our homeland where our people support Rome.

Soldiers: This is betrayal; we will avenge thee Hamilcar!

The soldiers fight and kill the two generals

A senior soldier: That ends all the traitors for any one else who may want to betray us shall be rendered the same fate as that has befallen these foes. Lord Hasdrubal, we now make thee our supreme commander and want thee to pursue the same policies as thy predecessor.

Hasdrubal the Fair: Ay I shall fulfill thy wish most noble Hamilcar who were’t a father to me.
Soldiers: Hail Hasdrubal the Fair! Hail!

Hasdrubal the Fair: Comrades, come let us bury these butchers in a place of secrecy and give our departed Lord a honourable state funeral.

[Exeunt soldiers carrying the dead along with Hasdrubal the Fair

Young Hannibal: Time runs out and day fades away; but is it really true; noble father, didst thou begin thy solitary march for thy heavenly abode so soon? Thou hast indeed fallen like a brave champion to the butcher’s blade. Give me strength most noble father that I may keep mine promises and emulate thy valour against Rome. Now I feel the true meaning of the oath that I did take in Carthage. My pledge is fully solemnized. I shall from this day grow tactful, alert and fearless. To avenge thy death Rome shall burn. From this day to me the world grows fallow; for I have a feeling that is empty and hollow. Nothing but victory over Rome is my only desire, without getting that; it shall burn like a raging fire. Justice, peace and harmony remain thou all far away; this world, as I see, only has a treacherous say. Tricks, felony and thoughts abhorrent which does my mind besiege; Thou world, who ever uses them, thou maketh him thy liege. Enough talk I must hush and hie, for I must not be left high and dry. Rome thou tremble in hellish fear, for thy eternal demon, Hannibal is here.

[Exit