Caesar ... and the Republic perishes,
If you are victor.... That one fact ends all.
Rome will be better ruled? There’s something more
Than better rule, something for which men die.
May I have grace to die so at the end,
Grace to pursue my vision to the last,
Though all my body is one sweat of blood;
Grace to reach up and touch her garment’s hem
And see her smile down in that last, black place
Where the swords fall. I shall be happy then.