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Where heretofore full many a Roman corse, With Parthian arrows pierced, have vultures fed, Twice thirty thousand archers in array, Each with his bow strain'd for the distant mark, Shall quickly stand, impatient for revenge. Not with impunity!

Nay, nay, Orceres! with such haughty words Thou'lt injure him thou plead'st for. Noble Cæsar! Permit an aged man, a faithful servant, To speak his thoughts. This brave deluded youth Is now, as I sincerely do believe, Beneath the power of strong and dire enchantment. Hear not his raving words, but spare his life; And when its power (for all delusion holds Its power but for a season) shall be spent, He will himself entreat your clemency, And be again the soldier of the state, Brave and obedient. Do not hear him now: Command him to retire.

I thank thee, good Sulpicius, but my life, For which thou plead'st, take no account of that; I yield it freely up to any death, Cruel or merciful, which the decree Of Cæsar shall inflict, for leave to speak