Woe to the conquered Woe to the conquered : The following was the origin of this expression. When the Romans capitulated to the Gauls under Brennus, a thousand pounds weight of gold were to be their ransom. When it was about to be weighed out, the Gauls brought false weights. On this the Roman officer refused to use them, whereupon Brennus threw his sword into the scale, and exclaimed Vae victis! Woe to the conquered! The expression afterwards became proverbial, as signifying that no mercy was to be expected. : turn your back, then. (Turns him round.) SIMO Oh! oh!