TO STEFANO COLONNA, EXHORING HIM TO PURSUE HIS VICTORY OVER THE ORSINI (ORSA — SHE-BEAR)

Hannibal conquered often, yet he knew
Never the fruits of victory to obtain:
Wherefore, dear lord, be wise, lest any gain
A like advantage over yours and you.
Still in their cave the she-bear and her crew,
Having in May rough pasture found again,
With frenzy gnash their teeth and nails of pain
And the hot scent of vengeance fast pursue.
While this new wrath disheartens and appalls,
Sheathe not your honoured and so recent sword,
But fiercely answering where your fortune calls,
Up to the hilt let glory's path be scored,
Which fame may offer and the golden breath
That centuries after will survive your death!