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[32]
What
is the matter? Am I embarrassing you? For perhaps you do not quite understand
propositions which are stated disjunctively. Still this is the sum total of my
conclusion; that since they are acquitted by you of wickedness, they are at the
same time pronounced most worthy of the very most honourable rewards.
Therefore, I will now proceed again with my oration. I will write to them, if any
one by chance should ask whether what you have imputed to me be true, not to
deny it to any one. In truth, I am afraid that it must be considered either a
not very creditable thing to them, that they should have concealed the fact of
my being an accomplice; or else a most discreditable one to me that I was
invited to be one, and that I shirked it. For what greater exploit (I call you
to witness, O august Jupiter!) was ever
achieved not only in this city, but in all the earth? What more glorious action
was ever done? What deed was ever more deservedly recommended to the everlasting
recollection of men? Do you, then, shut me up with the other leaders in the
partnership in this design, as in the Trojan horse? I have no objection; I even
thank you for doing so, with whatever intent you do it.
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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