Martial. Book I, xlii
Reading edition
When the sad tale, how Brutus fell, was brought, And slaves refused the weapon Portia sought; "Know ye not yet," she said, with towering pride, "Death is a boon that cannot be denied? I thought my father amply had imprest This simple truth upon each Roman breast." Dauntless she gulph'd the embers as they flamed And, while their heat within her raged, exclaim'd "Now, troublous guardians of a life abhorr'd, Still urge your caution, and refuse the sword." —George Lamb