Hear these sounds that come from the soldiers in their camp and fear their animosity. They are both soldiers, strangers, our enemies, and the defenders of the Tarquins. Finally, my companions, reflect that here where you are, you can lose your honor, and where I intend to lead you, you can only lose your life."
       Behold, Porsenna, a part of the arguments I used to persuade these brave young girls to follow me. And in their honor and that of my homeland, I would say that I succeeded in convincing them to assimilate my sentiments. None of them opposed my opinion. They contemplated death with coolness and left the shore with joy, even though they surely thought of their demise. But as our intentions were very innocent, the gods took care to guide us. They bolstered our weakness, helped us cross the waters of the Tiber and led us to the other side. But we did not find all the peace we hoped for, as this austere law applied by all Romans ensured our parents did not rejoice at our return. They admired our audacity, even praised our action, but to honor the public commitment they had given you, they wished for us to be returned to your camp. They provided us an escort to lead us there. Behold, Porsenna, after this adventure, who the daughters of Rome are, who prefer to risk their lives and break their word rather than renounce their honor. And also see who the Roman men are, who prefer to risk the life and dignity of their daughters rather than break their word.
       Yes, Porsenna, these two actions are praiseworthy. And to be fair, we render the same honor to our parents as they have bestowed upon us. They praised our flight, even as they handed us back into your hands, and we likewise admire their integrity, even though it deprives us of the freedom we had acquired. Our intent to preserve our honor motivated our flight, and their intent not to tarnish their reputation motivated our return. You might perhaps say it is difficult to understand how the same action can be both praiseworthy and condemnable, and that our return is irrefutable proof that our flight was criminal. No, Porsenna, this issue must not be viewed in this light. It must be examined more closely to judge it fairly. I am convinced that if looked at with an unbiased eye, one will recognize that our flight was glorious for us, and our return is for our parents. I admit that in a way, it seems we have breached our public pledge. But before we are condemned for this fault, allow me to defend our cause. One cannot deny that honor should be the reason for all men's actions. It is for honor that one risks life at war, sometimes renounces all natural feelings, devotes oneself to the salvation of the country, strictly respects public commitments and motivates one to take any initiative. So, do not be surprised if, to save our honor, we exposed our lives and failed at our public commitment. As we wanted to keep the honor itself, we were allowed to-
      
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