For this proud foe I hold so firmly now
I have more terror of the friend, I vow.
Enter Quintus Fabius, with sword unsheathed.
Quintus Fabius.
Calm, prudent general, thine angry mood,
For this my blade doth know the cause right well,
Which now hath cost thee many a soldier good,
Of those who most in manliness excel.
Two Numantines, with pride and daring rude,
Whose deeds of courage my applause compel,