I have also practiced the art of ruling and of fighting. I have known how to conquer, and how to make use of victory. I have embraced success with restraint, and even during a time where my youth and the vulnerability of my gender could have made me boastful about the little beauty manifesting in me, I have not liked to hear, nor have I listened to all the court flatterers describe me in their poems with lilies and roses, saying that my teeth were oriental pearls, that my eyes, though they are black, shone more brightly than the sun, and that Venus herself was not more beautiful than me. I have told you all these things, my daughters, and I have poured out myself more than necessary in order to make you understand that in all the actions of my life, I have never shown any weakness. Do not imagine that I failed in the situation where the most courage was required, that of admitting defeat. I overcame that just as I have overcome all similar situations. No, my daughters, there is nothing in my life that has given me more satisfaction than having accepted defeat with determination. It is indeed in these moments that one needs to have a great soul, and do not tell me that despair is a virtue and determination a weakness. No, immorality can never be upright, and integrity itself can never be immoral. Don't tell me either that this kind of perseverance is more suitable for philosophers than for kings. Know, my daughters, that there is no difference between philosophers and kings, except that the former teach true wisdom and the latter must practice it. Rulers must be examples to their subjects, for they are watched by the whole world. Therefore, it is essential for them to show integrity, which is one of the most necessary qualities for princes, as it is the hardest to maintain. Despair, which prompts some people to take up the dagger to avoid servility, is often more of a weakness than a virtue. They cannot face destiny when it is hostile. This destiny attacks them, and they avoid the fight. It destroys them, and they cooperate with its will. Surrendering victory to this changing fate is a weakness unfitting for them. With rash actions, without always knowing what they're doing, they free themselves from their chains by freeing themselves from life, only knowing its sweetness without bearing its bitterness. As for me, my daughters, I think that whoever has lived gloriously must die as late as possible. Hastened death often indicates remorse, regret, and weakness rather than greatness and courage. Some may argue that I come from a bloodline that should never bear chains, that as Cleopatra did not accept Octavian's victory, I should never accept Aurelian's victory.
But there is a difference between this great queen and myself: all her glory lies in her death, whereas mine lies in my life. Her reputation would not have been memorable if she had not died by her own hand, and mine would not be as it is if I had renounced the glory of bearing chains with as much courage and dignity as if I had defeated Aurelian as he has defeated me.

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