[8]
They were not ignorant that you were offended with king Deiotarus. They
recollected that he had been already exposed to some inconvenience and loss
on account of the displeasure with which you regarded him; and while they
knew that you were angry with him, they had had proofs also that you were
friendly to them. And as they would be speaking before you of a matter
involving personal danger to yourself, they reckoned that a fictitious
charge would easily lodge in your mind, which was already sore. Wherefore, O
Caius Caesar, first of all by your good faith, and wisdom and firmness, and
clemency deliver us from this fear, and prevent our suspecting that there is
any ill-temper lurking in you. I entreat you by that right hand of yours
which you pledged in token of everlasting friendship to king Deiotarus; by
that right hand, I say, which is not more trustworthy in wars or in battles
than in promises and pledges of good faith. You have chosen to enter his
house, you have chosen to renew with him the ancient ties of friendship and
hospitality. His household gods have received you under their protection;
the altars and hearths of king Deiotarus have beheld you at peace with and
friendly towards him.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. George Bell & Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1891.
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