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[36]
There is nothing more detestable than
disgrace; nothing more shameful than slavery. We have been born to glory and to
liberty; let us either preserve them or die with dignity. Too long have we
concealed what we have felt: now at length it is revealed: every one has plainly
shown what are his feelings to both sides, and what are his inclinations. There
are impious citizens, measured by the love I bear my country, too many; but in
proportion to the multitude of well-affected ones, very few; and the immortal
gods have given the republic an incredible opportunity and chance for destroying
them. For, in addition to the defenses which we already have, there will soon be
added consuls of consummate prudence, and virtue, and concord, who have already
deliberated and pondered for many months on the freedom of the Roman people.
With these men for our advisers and leaders, with the gods assisting us, with
ourselves using all vigilance and taking great precautions for the future, and
with the Roman people acting with unanimity, we shall indeed be free in a short
time, and the recollection of our present slavery will make liberty sweeter.
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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