I know it is a painful thought and it will be distressing to see the same torches that<hr>
lit my wedding illuminate my funeral, the hand that you pledged to me in faith will be the one<hr>
that will close my grave. But in the end, all these things will be even more bearable for you than to see me chained. Those who say that true wisdom is about being brave in the face of misfortune and that choosing suicide to avoid misfortune is like surrendering to fate do not understand the true greatness of royalty. This notion may suit philosophers, but not kings whose actions should be brave examples. If it is possible to take one's own life, it should be reserved for avoiding the humiliation of loss of freedom. For a king, it's a great tragedy when his subjects revolt, but if he considers suicide at that time, I would deem him a coward, for he can still fight and punish them. To lose a battle is a great calamity for a prince, but as often seen, those who are defeated today can become victors tomorrow. One must stay strong and not give in to despair.<hr>
        Finally, when faced with hardships that can be overcome with dignity, death should not be sought. But when all is lost and only chains or death remain, one should opt to sever the ties that bind us to life in order to avoid servitude. So, Massinissa, this is all I had to say to you. Remember it and don't pay too much heed to Scipion's words. Remember your promise and the words I've just spoken. These words are just and sensible and you cannot dispute them. Now go, my beloved Massinissa, go fight for my freedom and your glory against the indifferent Scipio. I beseech you, ask him if he wishes to see a woman chained, a woman whose gaze could conquer Massinissa after he refused to look at the beautiful prisoners captured in his conquests. He should fear his defeat in his claim and may his alleged rigor deter him from wanting to triumph over me. As you can see, Massinissa, my soul is not disturbed and I speak with great calmness. I can assure you that in the state I am in, I regret nothing more than having to leave you so soon. This is without a doubt the only thing that can still touch my mind, for after seeing my country ravaged, Syphax made prisoner, the crown fall from my head, and worse yet, I am on the verge of being a captive of Scipio, after all these things, the grave would be a refuge and a resting place if I could enter it without leaving you. But I have this consolation in my misfortune, having always voiced an irreconcilable hatred for the tyranny of the Romans, I have at least the advantage of being a captive of a Numidian and not a Roman. Along with being my husband and liberator, this Numidian has conquered my heart as soon as I was free from slavery. Now, I am the only one holding a key place in his soul. So go, Massinissa, and do not forget to keep your promise to the unfortunate Sophonisbe who is impatiently waiting for either her freedom or the poison.<hr>
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