"But Caesar's greatness and his strength were more Than past renown and antiquated power; 'Twas not the fame of what he once had been, Or tales in old records and annals seen; But 'twas a valour restless, unconfined, Which no success could sate nor limits bind; 'Twas shame, a soldier's shame untaught to yield, That blushed for nothing but an ill-fought field; Fierce in his hopes he was, nor knew to stay Where vengeance or ambition led the way; Still prodigal of war whene'er withstood, Nor spared to stain the guilty sword with blood; Urging advantage he improved all odds, And made the most of fortune and the gods; Pleased to o'erturn whate'er withheld his prize, And saw the ruin with rejoicing eyes."
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Pharsalia (Nicholas Rowe)
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