The victors or the vanquished at the last.

Be it as well our first and chief concern

To make to Jove a solemn sacrifice;

It well may be that thereby we shall earn

A boon still higher than the proffered price.

If by such aid supernal we shall learn

To staunch the wounds of our deep-rooted vice,

Then haply may our rugged fates relent,

And change to brighter fortune and content.

There never lacketh opportunity to die,