Scipio Africanus, also known as Scipio the Elder or the First African to distinguish him
from his adopted grandson, Scipio Aemilianus, was a Roman military and statesman. He was
the ally of Masinissa and provided him with considerable assistance to triumph in the Battle of
the Great Plains.
Masinissa, born around 238 BC and died in January 148 BC, was a Berber Numidian king
He was the unifier and the first king of Numidia.
Lelius, Caius Lælius, or Caius Lelius, born around 235 BC and died around 170 BC,
was a Roman general and statesman, friend of Scipio Africanus whom he accompanied during
the Iberian campaign. His command of the Roman fleet in the attack on Carthage and
of the Roman and Numidian cavalry at Zama contributed to the victory of Scipio and Masinissa.
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 by different ways. I mean that Sophonisbe prefers to die,
while the courageous Zenobia wants to live. Both of them wish to live and to die by honorable
sentiments. One considers freedom as the greatest good, while the other
believes that the true good lies in sovereign wisdom. One cannot bear the idea of a
humiliation linked to flight, while the other accepts this flight almost painlessly, because she
considers nothing else than crime as shameful. One looks upon the domination of a
conqueror with despair, while the other accepts it with scorn, as a whim of fate.
One dies and the other lives; one seeks glory, while the other thinks of dishonor.
However, both aim for merit and integrity. It is true that all things
have different aspects depending on the point of view from which one observes them. You have heard
the reasons of one, now listen to those of the other and combine the two.
Zenobia to Her Daughters
Dear and unfortunate princesses, it has been a long time since I vainly see your
tears flowing. Despite my temerity showing you that great souls can bear
great sorrows without despair, the image of the throne you lost and the chains that
you received continuously comes back in your memory, rendering my example useless. Each
day of your life brings you a new pain. You still carry in your hearts the
chains you had on your hands, that unfortunate day when you were led to Rome. Without
losing that pride which your distinguished birth inspires in those born with this advantage,
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