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I see nothing either in my life, or in my influence in the city, or in my
exploits, or even in the moderate abilities with which I am endowed, which
Antonius can despise. Did he think that it was easiest to disparage me in the
senate? a body which has borne its testimony in favour of many most illustrious
Citizens that they governed the republic well, but in favour of me alone, of all
men, that I preserved it. Or did he wish to contend with me in a rivalry of
eloquence? This, indeed, is an act of generosity; for what could be a more
fertile or richer subject for me, than to have to speak in defence of myself and
against Antonius? This, in fact, is the truth. He thought it impossible to prove
to the satisfaction of those men who resembled himself, that he was an enemy to
his country, if he was not also an enemy to me.
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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