What guerdon must be paid, what thanks offered, to him who lacks the prize of courage?
Who has ever garlanded with ivy the weakling in War, or decked him with a conqueror's wage?
Valour wins the prize, not sloth, and failure lacks renown.

For one is followed by triumph and honour, the other by an unsightly life or by a stagnant end.

I, who know not which way the issue of this duel inclines, dare not boldly anticipate that as a reward, of which I know not whether it be rightly mine.

For one whose victory is doubtful may not seize the assured reward of the victor.

I forbear, while I am not sure of the day, to claim firmly the title to the wreath.
I refuse the gain, which may be the wages of my death as much as of my life.