Is it not for an ordinary man

Audacious to complain how short his span,

When, Ancus, with his royal work to do,

Closed his eyes on light, younger than are you?

Other kings, and lords many, in the pride

Of life, who ruled great nations since have died.

By a sudden treason He breathed his last

Who paved a road by which his legions passed

O’er the sea’s salt pools, scornful of the roar

As foot and horsemen crossed from shore to shore.