Finding his end approaching, he addressed his friends, who stood around his bed, to the following effect: "Had my death been natural, I might have reason to complain of being thus snatched away from all the endearments of life, at so early an age; but my complaints are aggravated, in falling the victim of Pi'so's and Planci'na's treachery.

Let the emperor, therefore, I conjure you, know the manner of my death, and the tortures I suffer.

Those who loved me when living--those who even envied my fortune--will feel some regret, when they hear of a soldier, who had so often escaped the rage of the enemy, falling a sacrifice to the treachery of a woman.

Plead then my cause before the people--you will be heard with pity--and if my murderers should pretend to have acted by command, they will either receive no credit or no pardon." 19.

As he spoke these words, he stretched forth his hand, which his weeping friends tenderly pressing, most earnestly vowed that they would lose their lives rather than their revenge.