Enmity and amity govern the comportment of the opposite parties in the Numancia and contribute to its tragic end. Contrary to what some critics have suggested, Scipio does not conduct himself as an astute Machiavellian leader. The enmity, arrogance, and misguided cunning he displays towards the Numantians betray Machiavelli's sense of prudence, judiciousness, and governing. His vindictive behavior provokes a mutual enmity in the Numantians, which intensifies their resolve to deny the Roman general the victory he seeks. The Numantians' unanimity in consenting to and carrying out their mass suicide could not be realized without the existence of an unconditional duty of friendship among themselves similar to the Greek cult of fraternity-in-arms. Their sacrifice is both an act of patriotism and a call for vengeance to be realized by their future Spanish compatriots. In question is whether the latter are suitable avengers.