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As a young man he was taken prisoner by pirates for 40 days at their seaside stronghold. He soon became their friend and tutor, joined in their sports, read them his poems and speeches, and when they were noisy at night he sent them a message through his servant to hold their tongues.
But he often "smilingly swore" that once his ransom had been paid and he regained his freedom, he would have all of them crucified.
Being Caesar, he kept his word. Suentonius adds, however, that "even in avenging wrongs he was most merciful"; and before the pirates were hoisted up on their crosses, he ordered that their throats should be cut.
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