belong to you, and it would be unjust to take it from you without reason. And if these powerful reasons do not<hr>
persuade him, plead with him sincerely. But if you can't soothe him, remember your word and don't forget to uphold it towards me. I can see in your eyes, Massinissa, that you<hr>
will find it hard to render me this service. I understand that it will be hard for you to give poison to the person you have offered a crown, your heart and freedom to. I know that this is a sorrowful thought and it will be heart-wrenching to see the same torches that illuminated my wedding also illuminate my funeral, and the hand you gave me as a pledge of your fidelity will be the one to seal my grave. But ultimately, all these things will be more bearable for you than to see me enslaved. Those who claim that true wisdom consists of showing fortitude in the face of unfortunate events and that suicide to avoid misfortune amounts to surrendering to fate do not understand the true magnitude of royalty. This idea may suit philosophers, but not kings whose actions must serve as examples of bravery. If it is possible to take one's own life, this should be reserved for avoiding the humiliation of being stripped of freedom. It is a great tragedy for a king 
when his subjects revolt, but if he considers suicide at that time, I would consider him a coward, for he can still fight them and punish them. Losing a battle is a great calamity for a prince, but as we often see, those who are defeated today may become victorious tomorrow. You must remain strong and not yield to despair.<hr>
       In the end, in the face of adversities that can be overcome with dignity, one must not turn to death, but when everything is lost and only chains or death remain, one must choose to sever the links that tie us to life to avoid servitude. So, Massinissa, that's all I had to say to you. Remember this and do not pay so much attention to what Scipion will tell you. Remember your promise and the words I have just uttered. These words are just and reasonable, and you cannot dispute this. Then go forth, my beloved Massinissa, go and fight for my freedom and your glory against the unfeeling Scipio. I beg you, ask him if he wishes to see a woman enchained whose gaze has managed to conquer Massinissa, even after he refused to look at the beautiful prisoners captured in his conquests. Let him fear his defeat in his claim and his pretended severity prevent him from wanting to triumph over me. As you can see, Massinissa, my soul is not troubled and I speak to you with great calm. I can assure you that in my current state, I regret nothing other than the fact that I am forced to move so quickly away from you. This is undoubtedly the only thing that can still affect my mind, because after seeing my country laid waste, Syphax made prisoner, the crown fall from my head, and worse yet, I am on the brink of being Scipio's captive, after all these things, the grave would be a refuge and a place of rest, if I could enter it without abandoning you. But in my misfortune, I have this consolation, having always harbored an irreconcilable hatred for the tyranny of the Romans, I at least have the small comfort of being the captive of a Numidian and not a Roman. In addition to being my husband and my<hr>
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