The Roman General Germanicus
addressed the rebellious army in Gaul.
Sent by Tiberius to talk sense to them.
They wanted their holiday pay and were going to march on Rome!

The speech was stirring,
about glory and destiny.
Would have made great TV.

At the climax, Germanicus drew his sword,
pointed it at his heart and said:
“If I lie, I’ll kill myself for Caesar.”

A young soldier walked through the crowd,
pulled his sword and said:
“Use mine. It’s sharper.”