[1. b.]
[But still it can be proved by examples. Lucretia having been ravished by force by the
king's son, having invoked the citizens to revenge her, slew herself. And this indignation of
hers was the cause of liberty to the state. And even the bravest men have not sought death of
their own accord, except in the most extreme necessity, for the purpose of avoiding some
disgrace. As Publius Crassus Mucianus, when waging war against Aristonicus, in Asia, being
intercepted between Elaea and Smyrna, by the Thracians, of whom Aristonicus had a great number
in his different garrisons, and fearing to fall into his power, escaped disgrace by provoking
death intentionally. For he is said to have run the stick which he had been using to manage
his horse, into the eye of one of the barbarians, who, being infiltrated by the pain, stabbed
Crassus with his dagger, and so, while avenging himself, delivered the Roman general from the
disgrace of captivity. And by this means Crassus showed to Fortune how little the man whom she
was loading with such bitter insult deserved it, since with equal prudence and courage he
burst the chains which she was throwing over his liberty, and restored himself to his own
dignity, though she had almost given him to Aristonicus.]
**** This, indeed, we know from hearsay; but this we ourselves can recollect and have almost seen, namely, how Publius Crassus, of the same family and name, slew himself that he might not fall into the hands of the enemy.
*** But Marcus Aquillius, who had behaved like a thoroughly brave man in war, and who had attained the same honours as the elder Crassus, could not imitate his action
**** This, indeed, we know from hearsay; but this we ourselves can recollect and have almost seen, namely, how Publius Crassus, of the same family and name, slew himself that he might not fall into the hands of the enemy.
*** But Marcus Aquillius, who had behaved like a thoroughly brave man in war, and who had attained the same honours as the elder Crassus, could not imitate his action
