Roman Nursery Rhymes: The Reluctant Dictator, Hannibal's Animals & Cato's Fury

If you are reading this, you must already know this is part of a series about Poems I created that are meant for kids to learn about Roman history. In this post I am going to include more than one poem so that those interested can read more easily. The idea is to teach kids about roman history in a digestible way so that they have a foundation of which to learn more history about the world. Because of the negative attitude I hold for typical nursery rhymes I believed it a fun writing exercise to create my own. The other benefit of these poems is in expanding vocabulary terms in a way that breeds discussion.

The first poem is about Cincinnatus, a Statesman and senator who was disgraced by his son's actions before being called upon by the people to save them from themselves.

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The Reluctant Dictator
2022

What of a man who has long played the game

Of speaking for others: yet retired in shame.

His troublesome child, that he spoiled rotten

Sawt his progress undone and his good deeds forgotten.

To a farm he fled, forced into retreat,

Cincinnatus endured his bitter defeat.

While he was away the Romans in-fought more and more.

Until enough was enough, and so began civil war.

A war between brothers, fathers and sons

All the good men were dying except for the one

Who lived on a farm, amidst cabbages he toiled,

A true Roman spirit, as history is coiled.

A message was sent to him with riders on horses

They barely escaped the enemy forces.

"Are you well? Riders, what do you say?"

"Sir, we beseech thee, become king for a day."

“King for a day? But I don’t wish to be hated”

“You may be, but this crisis cannot be over-stated.”

Headlong he charged, mending what had been torn,

Reviving the systems, the army reborn.

The civil war was over and the good side had won,

But what it had him cost was the death of his son.

Then senate did worry, “He could stay king forever!”

Cincinnatus told them off, “Stay king? I could never.”

Cincinnatus retired, it was the end of his ride,

and he would live very simply until the day that he died.

Honorable, hardy, honest and humble,

A proud figure he was, and never once did he stumble.

***

Cincinnatus was called upon to lead the Roman Republic during a time of crisis and emerged from it as a symbol of civic virtue and humility. Notably, he left his cabbage farm to take up the reins of power, resolving a conflict started by his son and safeguarding the Republic's interests. After accomplishing his tasks, he voluntarily relinquished his power back to the people and returned to his life as a cabbage farmer, he would embody the ideals of a citizen-soldier and serve as an enduring inspiration for his commitment to the greater good.

Second is a poem about Hannibal Barca during the second half of the second Punic war. Specifically, about his crossing the alps and the aftermath of his attack on the Roman Republic.

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Hannibles Animals
2023

A tale steeped in history's annals,

Lay the epic saga of Hannibal's animals.

Of the Punic War, and of his travels,

Of the African elephants and its fearsome mandibles.

His army was a sight to behold,

The might of sly Hannibal at only 28 years old.

The daunting force, caused Rome's morale to dwindle,

Such was the power of Hannibal's brindle.

The Romans would quiver, their courage would crumble,

At the sight of Hannibal's force, in a rumble.

His trusted his animals, as fierce as the sea,

They brought mighty Rome, down to its knee.

But Rome was not finished, Hannibal had not yet won

At Zama's battle, Rome emerged as the one.

Scipio for the Reds had taken the day,

The war was finished to Hannibal’s dismay.

After the war was finished the Romans would burn,

Hannibal’s hometown so that he would learn,

That Rome was eternal, worth more than her foes

even if it meant stepping on to some toes.

***

Once again, we cover a wide topic with an micro lens. Hannibal's life was filled with warfare as he named himself Rome's nemesis. He was so good at being the villain that even Roman historians could not help but respect his tenacity. His plan to cross the Apls is often talked about to this day, but it was much less successful than most people think. It was surprising yes, and he did claim many victories because of the crossing but he had lost the majority of his Elephants to the snowy mountains as you would expect. The last estimate I saw was 70% of his forces were literally dead on arrival. Ultimately an epic feud between Scipio, another young leader, and Hannibal would see him defeated in north Africa during the battle of Zama. Hannibal was eventually exiled by his home nation of Carthage. Disgraced he would continue his one-sided rivalry with the Roman republic as a military advisor for any civilization that dared to strike at them. However, this would all end when he tempted fate one too many times and found himself nearly captured by the Romans. Hannibal would kill himself rather than be taken alive and imprisoned by his most hated enemy. Despite being a bit of a drama queen, Hannibal left a lasting impression on Rome's history and is remembered fondly to this day.

The last Poem is very specific but was super fun to create. After the defeat of Hannibal, it was clear to the world that Carthage and the Phoenicians had been soundly bested by Rome and was no longer a threat. However, there were many who felt differently for either personal or manic reasons. Cato the Elder was Rome's most vocal advocate for a final showdown with Carthage that would literally see them removed from exitance. This poem is refencing the humous fact that Cato would end every speech he gave in the senate, no matter what the subject matter was, with "Carthago delenda est." (Carthage must be destroyed)

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Cato's Fury

2023

From Hannibal's campaigns to Naval designs,

Carthage's influence spreads through nefarious minds.

We should not rest until their power is depleted,

And therefore, I say Carthage must be defeated.

Their deceitful trades place them clearly at fault

and with such terrible food, we must give them our salt.

we need to stand firm, their schemes must be unemployed,

For that reason alone, Carthage must be destroyed.

The Phoenicians' hearts conceal a darkened shroud,

Carthage's treachery spreads like a venomous cloud,

Their deceitful ways must be unseated,

Have I told yet Carthage must be defeated?

Their existence is a stain on the land,

Carthage's evil is one that we cannot withstand!

No mercy shown, no solace to be greeted,

With unwavering resolve, Carthage must be deleted!

So, Romans, unite, with strength and with pride,

Against Carthage's sway, we will firmly stride,

With justice prevailing, our cause be addressed,

For the eternal reign of Rome, “Carthago delenda est.”

***

I love this poem. It makes me smile. I do not harbor a real hatred for the Carthaginians mind you, but damn I can't help but love someone feeling this strongly about something so unnecessary and stupid. The salt line might feel like a strange addition if you do not already know that the Romans would eventually burn the city down and salt the earth so that nothing would ever grow there again, thus completely ruining the Carthaginians once and for all.  

It was joy to channel the unhinged mind of Cato for an hour to bring this poem to fruition. I also feel slightly convinced that maybe these Carthaginians are a shifty folk who cannot be trusted. Maybe it's for the best if, Carthago was delenda est.

A terrible meme, by Anonymous 

If you have not read my other Roman Poems but are interested in them look here,
they are all listed in historical order at the bottom of the page.
Roman Nursery Rhymes: The Wolf Mother & Poem Catalog (bpe-c.blogspot.com)