" But his
tongue faltering, and trembling, he could scarce end what he was
saying. The English, taking advantage of his weakness, cried, "Let
us take him alive by all means." He heard 'em; and, as if he had
revived from a fainting, or a dream, he cried out, "No, Gentlemen, you
are deceived; you will find no more Caesars to be whipped; no more
find a faith in me: feeble as you think me, I have strength yet left
to secure me from a second indignity." They swore all anew; and he
only shook his head, and beheld them with scorn. Then they cried out
"Who will venture on this single man? Will nobody?" They stood all
silent while Caesar replied, "Fatal will be the attempt to the first
adventurer, let him assure himself" (and, at that word, held up his
knife in a menacing posture). "Look ye, ye faithless crew," said he,
"'tis not life I seek, nor am I afraid of dying" (and at that word,
cut a piece of flesh from his own throat, and threw it at 'em), "yet
still I would live if I could, till I had perfected my revenge. But
oh! it cannot be; I feel life gliding from my eyes and heart; and if I
make not haste, I shall fall a victim to the shameful whip." At
that, he ripped up his own belly, and took his bowels and pulled 'em
out, with what strength he could; while some, on their knees
imploring, besought him to hold his hand. But when they saw him
tottering, they cried out, "Will none venture on him?" A bold
Englishman cried, "Yes, if he were the Devil" (taking courage when
he saw him almost dead), and swearing a horrid oath for his farewell
to the world, he rushed on him.
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