Gaulish Chieftain. Hear me; O Hannibal!
Hannibal. What! when Marcellus lies before me? when his life may perhaps be recalled? when I may lead him in triumph to Carthage? when Italy, Sicily, Greece, Asia, wait to obey me? Content thee! I will give thee mine own bridle, worth ten such.
Gaulish Chieftain. For myself?
Hannibal. For thyself.
Gaulish Chieftain. And these rubies and emeralds, and that scarlet——?
Hannibal. Yes, yes.
Gaulish Chieftain. O glorious Hannibal! unconquerable hero! O my happy country! to have such an ally and defender. I swear eternal gratitude—yes, gratitude, love, devotion, beyond eternity.
Hannibal. In all treaties we fix the time: I could hardly ask a longer. Go back to thy station. I would see what the surgeon is about, and hear what he thinks. The life of Marcellus! the triumph of Hannibal! what else has the world in it? Only Rome and Carthage: these follow.
Marcellus. I must die then? The gods be praised! The commander of a Roman army is no captive.
Hannibal. [To the Surgeon.] Could not he bear a sea voyage? Extract the arrow.