to compel you to do the same. Loyalty obligates them, the interest of the Republic demands it, the honor of the homeland requires it, their self-interest binds them, and in the end, nothing can excuse them from this. For they are well aware that these very daughters, who have dismissed the fury of the Tiber merely out of fear of harm to their persons, would again scorn their lives rather than commit anything unworthy of Roman pride. Thus, they keep their word without compromising their honor or that of their nation. 
       There, Porsenna, are our parents' sentiments and ours as well. It is then for you to consider whether you wish to treat us as runaways, as enemies, or as Romans. Nevertheless, I trust that you will choose the most just and beneficial path. For know this: if you outrageously violate the law of nations and break the peace pact that you have made, your ambitions would not go any further. What Mucius and Coclès dared to do against you, a thousand Romans would again dare. All of them born to achieve great things, all carry a audacious will that shrinks from nothing, despair only reinforces their bravery, they are strangers to the fear of death, they seek to live with honor rather than live long, their self-interest is nothing against their spirit, they do everything for honor and never do anything that could tarnish it. There, Porsenna, are the Romans, these are the sentiments they have taught us, and finally the motivation behind our escape and our return.
       True, at first I had a great reluctance to return to the power of a prince whom I had until then regarded as the protector of the Tarquins and the enemy of Rome. But after reflecting on it with a calmer spirit, this last quality began to give me a better impression of you, Porsenna.
       Yes, I realized it required great audacity and daring to declare war on Rome. I then understood that you are worthy of the rank you hold, for the Romans wouldn't have concluded peace with you nor accepted your alliance if you were not. Thus, after convincing my companions to leave your camp, I also persuaded them to return. "Come on," I told them, "let us fulfill the promise made by our parents, confirm the peace they've concluded, and no longer regard Porsenna as the protector of the Tarquins, but as their greatest enemy since they've been abandoned by him. My companions must believe that if this prince were not worthy, the Romans would not have handed us over to him. And even if he lacks enough merit to treat us as he should, we always have enough to choose death rather than preserving a life unworthy of our rank. Come on then, my companions, let us go and ask this prince for the reward of our flight. He has been on Roman territory long enough to have learned that it's necessary to appreciate and reward virtue, even in one's enemies. He even forgave Mucius who attempted his life. It will therefore be even easier for him to overlook our escape and grant us the favor of sending us back to our parents."

130