Massinissa, born around 238 BC and deceased in January 148 BC, is a Numidian
Berber king. He is the unifier and first king of Numidia.
Lelius, Caius Lælius, or Caius Lelius, born around 235 BC and died around 170 BC,
is a Roman general and statesman, friend of Scipio Africanus whom he accompanies during the
Iberian campaign. His command of the Roman fleet in the assault on Carthage and
of the Roman and Numidian cavalry at Zama contributes to the victory of Scipio and Massinissa.
Sixth Speech - Zenobia to her daughters
Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra
Context
This speech clearly shows that all things have two sides, that one can
arrive at merit through different paths. I mean, Sophonisbe prefers to die,
while the robust Zenobia wants to live. Both wish to live and die with
honorable sentiments. One sees freedom as the highest good, while the other
believes that real good lies in sovereign wisdom. One cannot bear the idea of a
humiliation linked to escape, while the other accepts this flight almost painlessly, because she
considers nothing but crime as shameful. One looks at a
conqueror's domination with despair, while the other accepts it disdainfully, as a whim of fate.
One dies and the other lives; one seeks glory, while the other thinks of disgrace.
Nevertheless, both aim for merit and integrity. It is true that all things
have different aspects depending on the viewpoint from which they are observed. You have heard
the reasons of one, now listen to the other's and combine the two.
Zenobia to her daughters
Dearest and unfortunate princesses, for a long time I have futilely watched your
tears flow. Despite my daring that has shown you that great souls can endure
great pain without despair, the image of the throne you lost and the chains you
received repeatedly come back to you, making my example void. Each
day of your life brings new sorrow. You still carry in your heart the
chains that you had on your hands, that unfortunate day when you were taken to Rome. Without
losing that pride that your distinguished birth inspires in those born with this advantage,
Aurelian still triumphs over you with every memory of his victory. I am genuinely sorry,
my daughters, for not being able to pass on to you the resolve needed to bear the
misfortunes that I have bequeathed to you.
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