“My voice is still for war.
Gods! Can a Roman senate long debate
Which of the two to choose, slavery or death?”

—  Joseph Addison , book Cato

Act II, scene i.
Cato, A Tragedy (1713)
Context: My voice is still for war.
Gods! Can a Roman senate long debate
Which of the two to choose, slavery or death?
No, let us rise at once,
Gird on our swords, and,
At the head of our remaining troops, attack the foe,
Break through the thick array of his throng'd legions,
And charge home upon him.
Perhaps some arm, more lucky than the rest,
May reach his heart, and free the world from bondage.

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Joseph Addison photo
Joseph Addison 226
politician, writer and playwright 1672–1719

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