[124]
But if the statement which has been made in
their notes ought to carry weight with it because it is true, then let us inquire whether it
be true or false; let the authority of the censor be put out of the question —let
that consideration be taken out of the cause which has no connection with it. Tell me what
money Cluentius gave, where he got it, how he gave it; show me, in short, one trace of any
money having proceeded from Cluentius. After that, prove that Oppianicus was a virtuous
citizen, or an honest man; that no one had ever had a bad opinion of him; that no unfavourable
decision had ever been come to respecting him. Then take in the authority of the censors; then
argue that their decision has any connection whatever with this case.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. Henry G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden. 1856.
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