Pharsalia; Dramatic Episodes of the Civil Wars. Lucan

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       And lo! the traitor troops, foul crime in war,

       Yield up their leader. Him they place before

      His proud compatriot; yet with upright form,

       And scornful features and with noble mien,

       He asks his death. But Caesar knew his wish

       Was punishment, and pardon was his fear:

       "Live though thou would'st not," so the chieftain spake,

       "And by my gift, unwilling, see the day:

       Be to my conquered foes the cause of hope,

       Proof of my clemency — or if thou wilt

       Take arms again — and should'st thou conquer, count

       This pardon nothing." Thus he spake, and bade

       Let loose the bands and set the captive free.

       Ah! better had he died, and fortune spared

       The Roman's last dishonour, whose worse doom

       It is, that he who joined his country's camp

       And fought with Magnus for the Senate's cause

       Should gain for this — a pardon! Yet he curbed

       His anger, thinking, "Wilt thou then to Rome

       And peaceful scenes, degenerate? Rather war,

       The furious battle and the certain end!

       Break with life's ties: be Caesar's gift in vain."