Caesares: Single Verses IV. — Single Verses on the Death of Each of Them

Julius Caesar perished under the daggers of the Senate. Ripe old age added Augustus to the number of the gods. In his retreat at Capri old Nero (Tiberius) ended his life at last. Effeminate Chaerea wreaked vengeance on (Gaius) Caesar. Claudius met his end through poison in doubtful circumstances. Nero, his mother's slayer felt the point of his own sword. Old Galba died, o'erthrown by ruthless Otho. Soon ill-famed Otho perished, but won a glorious end. Then came the wasteful reign of Vitellius, doomed to be massacred. Vespasian's rule was praised, his death was easy. But Titus, the world's darling, was snatched away in the flower of life. Late but righteous vengeance destroyed his tyrannous brother.