Letter 30 — On Conquering the Conqueror (§18)

“But what I really ought to fear is that you will hate this long letter worse than death itself; so I shall stop. Do you, however, always think on death in order that you may never fear it. Farewell. ↑ i.e., exeas e vita, “depart from life.” ↑ The defeated gladiator is supposed to be on his back, his opponent standing over him and about to deliver the final blow. As the blade wavers at the throat, searching for the jugular vein, the victim directs the point. ↑ i.e., when on the home stretch. ↑ Frag. 503 Usener.”