Had Cleopatra followed Octavian's chariot, she would have seen many unpleasant faces<hr> 
crossing Rome, those who would have reproached her for her past reckless actions. The people would undoubtedly express their discontent by murmuring about her faults and the causes of her missteps. But I knew with certainty that the chariot I was following would only be surrounded by men I had once vanquished, witnesses to my courage and power. I was assured to hear nothing dishonourable, only talk of my current misfortune and past triumphs. "Look there," the people said, "the valiant Zenobia, the woman who has won so many victories. Admire her firmness in this situation, do her diamond chains not seem to adorn her more than they constrain her, doesn't she appear to lead the chariot she follows?" Lastly, my daughters, as I was adorned with chains, albeit ones of gold and precious stones, like a distinguished slave, throughout the grandeur of the parade day –arguably the most laborious day in servitude– I was unfettered at heart. I was serene enough to derive pleasure from seeing that my forbearance brought tears to some of my enemies' eyes. Yes, my daughters, virtue holds such potent allure that even Roman harshness cannot resist it. I witnessed some of them weeping at Aurelian's victory and my own misfortune. Let not your spirit be sensitive to things that cannot truly touch it when you have amassed enough wisdom. The ostentation displayed during the triumphs should not frighten a rational mind. The gold chariots, diamond chains, trophies of arms, and the crowd gathering to witness the ceremony should not strike fear into noble hearts. My chains were indeed heavy, but when they cannot incarcerate the spirit, they do not encumber the arms that carry them. Despite my deplorable condition, I have often thought that if destiny has chosen me to follow a chariot that I had once had made to celebrate my victory, perhaps one day sceptres could be forged with the same chains I bore. But if that does not happen, do not grieve. Strive more to be worthy of the throne than to ascend it. In my current state of mind, I value a humble, loyal slave more than the most powerful ruler in the world, if he lacks generosity. So, my daughters, endeavour to endure your servitude with greater patience. Firmly believe that if I was defeated by Aurelian, it goes to show that my resistance outdid fate.<hr>
Throughout my life, it has been apparent that I do not fear death as long as it's gezhr>
glorious. I've seen it many times with a more gruesome face than any desperate soul has<hr>
ever seen. The dagger of Cato, the sword of Brutus, the glowing coals of Portia, the poison<hr>
of Mithridates, and even the asp of Cleopatra hold no fright for me. I've seen a rain of arrows and javelins falling around me, I've seen hundreds of spears aimed at my heart, all without a shred of fear. Do not think that if I believed death could have been glorious for me, I wouldn't have found it by my own hand. It was accustomed to conquering others; it could have shattered my chains if it so wished.<hr>
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                                                     47<hr>