|
Saturday, August 14, 2010 - 9:21 PM
There is seldom safety for the unfortunate, and Caractacus, seeking
the protection of Cartismandua, queen of the Brigantes, was put in chains
and delivered up to the conquerors, nine years after the beginning of the
war in Britain. His fame had spread thence, and travelled to the neighbouring
islands and provinces, and was actually celebrated in Italy. All were eager
to see the great man, who for so many years had defied our power. Even
at Rome the name of Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire was no obscure one; and the emperor, while
he exalted his own glory, enhanced the renown of the vanquished. The people
were summoned as to a grand spectacle; the praetorian cohorts were drawn
up under arms in the plain in front of their camp; then came a procession
of the royal vassals, and the ornaments and neck-chains and the spoils
which the king had won in wars with other tribes, were displayed. Next
were to be seen his brothers, his wife and daughter; last of all, Caractacus
himself. All the rest stooped in their fear to abject supplication; not
so the king, who neither by humble look nor speech sought
compassion.
When he was set before the emperor's tribunal, he spoke as follows:
"Had my moderation in prosperity been equal to my noble birth and fortune,
I should have entered this city as your friend rather than as your captive;
and you would not have disdained to receive, under a treaty of peace, a
king descended from illustrious ancestors and ruling many nations. My present
lot is as glorious to you as it is degrading to myself. I had men and horses,
arms and wealth. What wonder if I parted with them reluctantly? If you
Romans choose to lord it over the world, does it follow that the world
is to accept slavery? Were I to have been at once delivered up as a prisoner,
neither my fall nor your triumph would have become famous. My punishment
would be followed by oblivion, whereas, if you save my life, I shall be
an everlasting memorial of your clemency."
|
|
| << Navigate to Saturday, August 14, 2010 |
Add New Comment |