The man that managed to talk himself out of execution with the choice of his final words

In 43 AD, the Roman Emperor Claudius ordered an invasion of Britain. Although the Romans quickly won the first field battles and occupied most of the south, the Britons led by Caractacus continued to fight a vicious guerrilla war.

After nine years, Caractacus was eventually captured, and as per Roman custom was sent to Rome to be paraded in a triumph and then executed. Before his execution, he was permitted to address the Emperor and Senate:

Had my moderation in prosperity been equal to my noble birth and fortune, I should have entered this city as your friend rather than as your captive; and you would not have disdained to receive, under a treaty of peace, a king descended from illustrious ancestors and ruling many nations. My present lot is as glorious to you as it is degrading to myself. I had men and horses, arms and wealth. What wonder if I parted with them reluctantly? If you Romans choose to lord it over the world, does it follow that the world is to accept slavery? Were I to have been at once delivered up as a prisoner, neither my fall nor your triumph would have become famous. My punishment would be followed by oblivion, whereas, if you save my life, I shall be an everlasting memorial of your clemency.

Claudius, struck by the truth of these words, immediately pardoned Caractacus and freed him to live in peace in Rome.