He seized upon the sword, Knew when to sheath it; war did he prefer To arts of peace, yet armed loved peace the more.
Pleased took he power, pleased he laid it down: Chaste was his home and simple, by his wealth Untarnished.

Mid the peoples great his name And venerated: to his native Rome He wrought much good.

True faith in liberty Long since with Marius and Sulla fled: Now when Pompeius has been reft away Its counterfeit has perished.

Now unshamed Shall seize the despot on Imperial power, Unshamed shall cringe the Senate.

Happy he Who with disaster found his latest breath And met the Pharian sword prepared to slay.
Life might have been his lot, in despot rule, Prone at his kinsman's throne.