steadfast to hold both a scepter and a sword. I also studied the art of ruling and that of
combat. I have known how to conquer, and how to make use of victory. I have welcomed success with
moderation, and even at a time when my youth and the vulnerability of my sex could have easily made me vain for the little beauty that showed in me, I did not like to hear nor did I listen to all the court flatterers describing me in their verses with lilies and roses, saying that my teeth were oriental pearls, that my eyes, though they were black, shone brighter than the sun, and that Venus herself was not lovelier than I was.
I have told you all these things, my daughters, and I have expounded more than necessary to make you understand that for all the actions of my life, I have never shown weakness.
Do not think that I failed in the situation that demanded the most courage, that of admitting defeat. I mastered it just as I mastered all other such situations. No, my daughters, I have done nothing in my entire life that brings me greater satisfaction towards myself than being able to endure defeat while keeping my determination.
It is undeniably in these instances that one needs a great soul, and let no one tell me that despair is a virtue and determination a weakness. No, immorality can never be integrity, and integrity itself can never be immoral. Let no one 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 others must put it into practice. Sovereigns must be examples to their subjects, for they are watched by the entire world. It is therefore imperative that they show integrity, which is one of the most necessary qualities for princes, for it is the hardest to maintain. Despair, which drives some to take up the dagger to avoid servitude, is more often a weakness than a virtue. They can't face destiny when it turns hostile. This destiny attacks them, and they avoid the fight. It destroys them, and they cooperate with its will. To abandon victory to this ever-changing destiny is a weakness unworthy of them. Through hasty actions, without always knowing what they are doing, they rid themselves of their chains by ridding themselves of life, only knowing its sweetnesses without enduring its bitterness. As for me, my daughters, I think that anyone who has lived with glory should die as late as possible. Early death is often a sign of remorse, regret, and weakness rather than grandeur and courage. Some might say that I am of a lineage that should never bear chains, that, since Cleopatra did not want to accept Octavian's victory, I should never accept Aurelian's.
But there is a difference between this great queen and me: her entire glory lies in her death, while mine lies in my life. Her reputation wouldn't have been memorable if she hadn't died by her own hand, and mine wouldn't have been on par if I had relinquished the glory of bearing chains with as much courage and dignity as if I had defeated Aurelian.
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