Diviciacus was brother to Dumnorix, both were powerful and influential persons of the Aedui in the first century BC. Diviciacus aligned himself with Rome, while Dumnorix was greatly opposed to even so much as diplomatic relations. The lyrics form a sort of letter to his brother, and reflect upon a possible inner conflict where Diviciacus believes he essentially sold out and betrayed his heritage, but did so to save himself and his countrymen, as the song says "lose your soul or lose your life." The spoils of being a "slave" to Rome only sweetened the pot. At the same time the song also reflects upon his distaste of Dumnorix's actions, who sought to migrate with his followers from Gaul to escape Roman control around 58 BC.
Diviciacus was brother to Dumnorix, both were powerful and influential persons of the Aedui in the first century BC. Diviciacus aligned himself with Rome, while Dumnorix was greatly opposed to even so much as diplomatic relations. The lyrics form a sort of letter to his brother, and reflect upon a possible inner conflict where Diviciacus believes he essentially sold out and betrayed his heritage, but did so to save himself and his countrymen, as the song says "lose your soul or lose your life." The spoils of being a "slave" to Rome only sweetened the pot. At the same time the song also reflects upon his distaste of Dumnorix's actions, who sought to migrate with his followers from Gaul to escape Roman control around 58 BC.