Act 1 Scene 2

Hamilcar’s residence, Carthage. Enter Hamilcar Barca, who paces restlessly up and down a room in his house, and then Stands by the window, sees rain and reflects.

Hamilcar: The rains fall down on the parched earth beneath but, ay, they can with all their splendour only douse the fire in the hearts of the tillers of the soil, but not inside us. No rain, no soothing wind nor bounteous and joyful sunshine can ever cause a stir or provoke feelings, which can bring delight to our souls. I had given it all;fought ‘gainst the feisty waves and threatening tides, against direst thunder and ship-wrecking storms, yet my country faced defeat. Rome is all o’these and more, muchmore than I thought my mortal hands could defeat. However, the fire of revenge burns in me, for it has always been mine sole belief that Rome should never have all the glory .To stop Rome now were to build an army of mine own.That job to be accomplished, I must flee from Carthage, because here the Government is withered and restless, here only idiocracy rules, so no laborious toil shall ever bear fruit. Nay,’twere better to leave home and venture into newly won Iberia, to find new for fortune, lest that too shall in time’s relentless course render a hand to Rome.

Enter Hasdrubal, the Fair

How does the troops now? What about our plans to sail to Iberia?

Hasdrubal, the Fair: Lord Hamilcar, I have given much thought to thy wishes, however to say sooth, our beloved Carthage is not supplied with fleets of sea-worthy vessels that adorn our enemy’s docks. So we must march inland unto the Pillars of Hercules, wherein we shall set sail across the the Gulf of Gibraltar and chase our fortune in the foreign land. But my Lord do you propose to bring along any of thy children along.

Hamilcar: I have given that much thought and, as much I want them to be able warriors, I still cannot
vouch say that they shall be safe thither in the foreign land. I believe these sturdy walls of
this robust fortress shall prevent them from trouble.

Enter Young Hannibal

Young Hannibal: Father I hear a rumble at the northern entry, are these noises made by thy troops.

Hamilcar: Ay, son for I am moving off to a newly conquered place, to renew my war effort and reclaim
our lost grace.

Young Hannibal: Wilt thou noble father, take me there too?

Hamilcar: Nay my son, for thou art too young to make enemies and wage war in uncharted territory.

Young Hannibal: I implore thee father, prithee, take me with thee and teach me all the necessities essential in a true warrior.

Hamilcar: What say you boy! Inside thine eyes I see a fire raging! Wherefore gotst thou this fiery vision, that should, like ornaments of a woman, glorify a man’s face and not be encountered in the innocence of childhood ?

Young Hannibal: From thee most noble father, by virtue and right of birth I do inherit this fire to cast at mine enemies, those that Carthage didst fight against. I know them that thou hatest withal; I feel thy passion and like any beloved son, I would like to assist thee wholeheartedly in thy every single task that thou undertake.

Hamilcar: Do you wish learn the art to crush an invincible Rome?

Young Hannibal: Yes, if thou shalt teach me father.

Hasdrubal, the Fair: Lord Hamilcar, his addition to our midst shall bolster our success not impede it. His desire shall fuel the flame of ambition to defeat Rome. I suggest he be incorporated in the army and taught the martial lessons from this tender age. I feel that from his brothers shall inspiration draw and then I shall teach them all that I have learnt from thee to groom them into feared warriors and cunning
generals.


Hamilcar: So methinks me will.

Enter a senior Captain

Captain: My Lord, the troops are in full readiness; they await your command.

Hamilcar: Go tell them good Captain that on the morrow, at first light, we shall march towards the Pillars of Hercules, and from their set sail. Hasdrubal, the Fair, also ready thy troops.

Hasdrubal, the Fair: I shall shortly.

Captain: I shall do as told.

[Exeunt Hasdrubal, the Fair along with the Captain

Hamilcar: Now son prepare to face thy fate that thou art so eager to put on thy young and immature shoulders.

Young Hannibal: I will father and do thy every bidding from now on.

Hamilcar: Then follow me, son.

[Exeunt