Victim of the blow Thessalia dealt, refused in every land, He asks for help from ours not yet betrayed.
But none than Egypt with this chief from Rome Has juster quarrel; who has sought with arms To stain our Pharos, distant from the strife And peaceful ever, and to make our realm Suspected by his victor.

Why alone Should this our country please thee in thy fall?
Why bringst thou here the burden of thy fates, Pharsalia's curse?
In Caesar's eyes long since We have offence which by the sword alone Can find its condonation, in that we By thy persuasion from the Senate gained This our dominion.

By our prayers we helped If not by arms thy cause.

This sword, which fate Bids us make ready, not for thee I hold Prepared, but for the vanquished; and on thee (Would it had been on Caesar) falls the stroke; For we are borne.

as all things, to his side.
And dost thou doubt, since thou art in my power, Thou art my victim?
By what trust in us Cam'st thou, unhappy?
Scarce our people tills The fields, though softened by the refluent Nile: Know well our strength, and know we can no more.
Rome 'neath the ruin of Pompeius lies: Shalt thou, king, uphold him?
Shalt thou dare To stir Pharsalia's ashes and to call War to thy kingdom?
Ere the fight was fought We joined not either army -- shall we now Make Magnus friend whom all the world deserts?
And fling a challenge to the conquering chief And all his proud successes?
Fair is help Lent in disaster, yet reserved for those Whom fortune favours.