Page:Statius (Mozley 1928) v1.djvu/287

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SILVAE, IV. vi. 63–90

away, and had ruined mighty cities. From it he sought courage for to-morrow’s battle, to it he related, triumphant, the glorious fight, whether he had despoiled Bromius of fettered Indians,[1] or with his strong spear had burst the enclosing walls of Babylon, or overwhelmed in war the lands of Pelops and Pelasgian freedom; and of all that tale of mighty deeds he is said to have asked pardon only for his Theban triumph.[2] He too, when the Fates cut short his prowess, and he drank the deadly draught, in the very gloom and heaviness of death, was afraid at the altered face of his favourite deity, and at the bronzes that dripped sweat at that last banquet.

Next its marvellous beauty was possessed by the Nasamonian[3] chief; and Hannibal, that ruthless warrior, haughty and treacherous in fight, paid honours to the valiant god. Yet the god hated him, drenched in Italian blood and threatening Roman homes with terrible flame, ay, even when he set feasting and gifts of wine before him; in sorrow did the god go forth with that cursed troop, especially when his own shrines were impiously fired, when the homes and temples of innocent Saguntum were outraged, and its people filled with righteous frenzy.

And after the death of the Sidonian leader ’twas no plebeian house obtained the peerless bronze. Ever wont to enter famous houses and blest in the lineage of its lords it adorned the feasts of Sulla.

Now too, if deities care to know the hearts and souls of men, no palace, no royal pomp surrounds thee, O Tirynthian, but thy master’s soul is pure and

  1. ↑ Bacchus also was supposed to have conducted successful campaigns in India, see note on iv. 2. 49.
  2. ↑ Alexander captured and destroyed Thebes, which revolted against him. Thebes was the birthplace of Hercules.
  3. ↑ = African, i.e. Hannibal.

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