The Wife of Asdrubal- Felicia Hemans

"This governor, who had braved death when it was at a distance, and protested that the sun should never see him survive Carthage, this fierce Asdrubal, was so mean-spirited, as to come alone, and privately throw himself at the conqueror's feet. " (406)

I see this story as one of betrayal and revenge. Asdrubal was well respected by his army of men and by his wife. He had lead many triumphant wars and to the people, this was just one more battle to fight. After recognizing their defeat, Asdrubal, maybe fearing his impending death, selfishly and secretly, went to the Roman ruler to spare his own life. When I read this, I thought of a movie I saw once. The father was a local community leader and banker who had what looked like the American dream...beautiful wife, 2 great kids, and a home in a great neighborhood. But in his private time he was under great stress and stealing money from work to make ends met. When Federal Agents started asking questions and coming to his home, he knew it wouldn't be long before he would be arrested. Instead of standing with his family in the face of adversity, he took what money they had and left town, changing his name and starting over. His wife had to deal with police, who thought she was in on it, and the nagging bill collectors. The man she once held in high regard, had abandoned her when their worlds were falling apart.

"...there the proconsul attacked them; ...finding there was no way to escape, set fire to the temple." Sometimes the people in our lives, family or friends, count on us for strength and encouragement during the tough times of our lives. When we fail to endure the hardest of times, I believe those around us lose a bit of hope. My parents are thrill that I have finally returned to college and they are part of the reason that I did. But more importantly, I have to show my kids and nieces and nephews that in spite of the set backs that I have faced in life, I'm determined to make it through. If I give up, they may lose their desire to fight obstacles that come their way.

"and having uttered the most bitter imprecations against her husband, whom she saw standing below with Emilianus,-'Base coward!' said she, 'the mean things thou hast done to save thy life shall not avail thee; thou shalt die this instant, at least in thy two children.' Having thus spoken, she drew out a dagger, stabbed them both, and while they were yet struggling for life, threw them from the top of the temple, and leaped down after them into the flames."

This is the most heart wrenching part of the story. Can you imaging dying a physical, emotional, or financial death, while the one who escaped it all, is standing by watching? Asdrubal's wife was so driven by anger and revenge, she did the only thing she could to "get him back". But by doing this dreadful deed, she made her children's inevitable death worst than it would have been, if she had cuddled them till the end.