Classic Poem

A Philosopher, included in the same sentence of condemnation with
several guilty persons among whom he had been apprehended, sent
the following lines, composed suddenly in the moment when he was
going to death, to a certain King whom had ignorantly condemned
him.

Know this, O King! that if thou shalt destroy
Me, no man's enemy and who have liv'd
Obedient to the Laws, thou may'st with ease
Strike off a wise man's head, but, taught the truth
Hereafter, shalt with vain regret deplore
Thy city's loss of One, her chief support.