¶ Sertorius had the preferable death, being taken by surprise by unexpected
traitors after he had eluded all open enemies; Eumenes lived for a time in
fear of betrayal, then lived in captivity, and, at last was dispatched at the convenience
of his captor.
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As to the manner of their deaths, it happened to one without the
least thought or surmise of it; but to the other when he
suspected it daily; which in the first, argues an equitable
temper, and a noble mind, not to distrust his friends; but in the
other, it showed some infirmity of spirit, for Eumenes intended to
fly and was taken. The death of Sertorius dishonored not his
life; he suffered that from his companions which none of his
enemies were ever able to perform. The other, not being able to
deliver himself before his imprisonment, being willing also to
live in captivity, did neither prevent nor expect his fate with
honor or bravery; for by meanly supplicating and petitioning, he
made his enemy, that pretended only to have power over his body,
to be lord and master of his body and mind.
Here Ends Plutarch's Comparison Sertorius with Eumenes.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Plutarch, Life of Eumenes.
__________, Life of Sertorius.
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