Cato, (his spirit flaming high, as e’er
From Ammon’s fane burst forth in prophecy)—
Spoke from his heart,—the sacred shrine of truth!—
“What wouldst thou, Labienus?—should I ask,
If being free, that freedom I’d resign?
If I would die,—before I’d be a slave?
If life is nought,—when measur’d but by years?
If evil can affect the good;—or whether
The threat of Fortune’s lost upon the brave?
If to deserve well is enough?—or if,