This was said as a reproof to his flatterers, and in spirit is not unlike the rebuke administered by Canute to his retinue.—Suet. Vespas. Vit. c. 23.

“I am become a Divinity, I suppose.”

“If it be for the advantage of the Roman people, strike.”—Tac. Hist. i. 41.

“If aught remains to be done by me, dispatch.”—Dio Cass. 76, ad fin.