Read "Vinse Annibal, E Non Seppe Usar Poi" by Francesco Petrarca online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
TO STEFANO COLONNA, COUNSELLING HIM TO FOLLOW UP HIS VICTORY OVER THE / ORSINI.
Hannibal conquer'd oft, but never knew / The fruits and gain of victory to get, / Wherefore, dear lord, be wise, take care that yet / A like misfortune happen not to you.
Still in their lair the cubs and she-bear,[Q] who / Rough pasturage and sour in May have met, / With mad rage gnash their teeth and talons whet, / And vengeance of past loss on us pursue: / While this new grief disheartens and appalls, / Replace not in its sheath your honour'd sword, / But, boldly following where your fortune calls, / E'en to its goal be glory's path explored, / Which fame and honour to the world may give / That e'en for centuries after death will live.
MACGREGOR.
[Footnote Q: _Orsa_. A play on the word _Orsim_.]