In my view, it seems only right to consider that we have more legitimacy over<hr>
the gifts given to us than over the things we have kindly granted. Things that are<hr>
not gifts may sometimes come back into our power without injustice, but<hr>
what we have once given should never be ours again. To give is to agree to<hr>
relinquish all rights we could claim over the object of the gift, and there is no<hr>
law that can restore us to possession of it with justice. That being said, I am assured<hr>
that you gave me your heart. It is by this thought that I can hope to live in my exile,<hr>
this alone can make life bearable to me, and this alone can ensure that I am not<hr>
completely unhappy. I hope that, with time, the Romans might<hr>
recognise that as the love you have for me is nothing unjust, I have inspired you with nothing but<hr>
benevolent feelings. I do not ask, Titus, that you lose yourself to preserve me. I do not<hr>
want you to oppose the emperor, to attract the hate of the Senate, to anger the people<hr>
against you, to try and rally the legions, to reject the fair Arricidia that is<hr>
destined for you. I do not wish for you to abandon the empire out of love for me. On the contrary, I urge<hr>
you and implore you to obey the emperor, to abide by the Senate's advice, to please the people,<hr>
to keep your legions for new conquests, to accept on the throne<hr>
the fortunate Arricidia, to preserve the empire that destiny promises you and that your birth gives you.<hr>
But after convincing everyone of my outrage, have the fairness to remember that I<hr>
should be your only passion.<hr>
       If I obtain this from you, I will leave with some sweetness in spite of all my bitterness.<hr>
Far from cursing my enemies, I will make wishes for their happiness, because I will do the same<hr>
for your preservation. Therefore, Titus, may you win as many victories as you engage in<hr>
battles. May you rule over your people with as much authority as mercy. May you<hr>
instill fear across the entire world. May you receive as much glory as you<hr>
deserve. May you make your rule as felicitous as I am indignant. Ultimately, may you<hr>
do so many beautiful things, both through your distinguished valor and your rare kindness, that with<hr>
the consent of all nations, you may inspire love and enjoy the delights of<hr>
humanity.<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
                                        Effect of the Speech<hr>
<hr>
       These wishes were so fervent that they were granted: Titus was as glorious and loved as<hr>
Berenice wished. And if the silence of history does not contradict me, she was his last<hr>
passion, as she desired it. Thus, it can be said that she got everything she asked for,<hr>
even though she left Rome and abandoned Titus.<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
                                                    63<hr>