'Tis thus to suffering Rome, For arms seditious and for civil strife Ye mighty make atonement with your blood.
Happy were Rome and all her sons indeed, Did but the gods as rigidly protect As they avenge, her violated laws! There Curio lies; untombed his noble corpse, Torn by the vultures of the Libyan wastes.
Yet shall we, since such merit, though unsung, Lives by its own imperishable fame, Give thee thy meed of praise.

Rome never bore Another son, who, had he right pursued, Had so adorned her laws; but soon the times, Their luxury, corruption, and the curse Of too abundant wealth, in transverse stream Swept o'er his wavering mind: and Curio changed, Turned with his change the scale of human things.
True, mighty Sulla, cruel Marius, And bloody Cinna, and the long descent Of Caesar and of Caesar's house became Lords of our lives.

But who had power like him?
All others bought the state: he sold alone.

(27) ENDNOTES: (1) Both of these generals were able and distinguished officers.
Afranius was slain by Caesar's soldiers after the battle of Thapsus.

Petreius, after the same battle, escaped along with Juba; and failing to find a refuge, they challenged each other to fight.