Classic Poem

Though death had gripped his throat he knew not fear
When the black venom crept into his cheek,
But stayed awhile his sorrowing friends to cheer,
Then tearless turned the nether world to seek;
Dark poison's numbing draught he put aside
And would not brook slow famine's long delay:
Stainless he lived and as a Roman died,
And since he dared to tread the nobler way,
More glorious than Cato's was his end
Who chose to die though Caesar was his friend.