Boudica, Queen of the Ecini -- her assembled army facing the Roman legions. Wheeling her chariot to face her army, she exhorts them... "This is not the first time that the Britons have been led to battle by a woman. But now she did not come to boast the pride of a long line of ancestry, nor even to recover her kingdom and the plundered wealth of her family. She took the field, like the meanest among them, to assert the cause of public liberty, and to seek revenge for her body seamed with ignominious stripes, and her two daughters infamously ravished. From the pride and arrogance of the Romans nothing is sacred. All are subject to violation. The old endure the scourge. The virgins are deflowered. But vindictive gods are now at hand. A Roman legion dared to face the warlike Britons! With their lives they paid for their rashness. And now, those who survived the carnage of that day lie exposed behind their entrenchments, considering how to save themselves by an ignominious flight. From the din of preparation, and the shouts of the army, the Romans cower in terror. What will be their strength when the assault begins? See your hosts! Behold the proud display of warlike spirits, and consider the motives for which we draw the avenging sword. On this spot we must either conquer or die with glory. There is no alternative! Though a woman, my resolution is fixed. The men may choose to save themselves, with infamy, and live in bondage." |
