[68]
How do you suppose
that foreign nations will take this? How do you suppose the news of this exploit of
yours will be received in the dominions of other kings, and in the most distant
countries of the world, when they hear that a king has been insulted by a praetor of
the Roman people in his province? that a guest of the Roman people has been
plundered? a friend and ally of the Roman people insultingly driven out? Know that
your name and that of the Roman people will be an object of hatred and detestation
to foreign nations. If this unheard-of insolence of Verres is to pass unpunished,
all men will think, especially as the reputation of our men for avarice and
covetousness has been very extensively spread, that this is not his crime only, but
that of those who have approved of it. Many kings, many free cities, many opulent
and powerful private men, cherish intentions of ornamenting the Capitol in such a
way as the dignity of the temple and the reputation of our empire requires. And if
they understand that you show a proper indignation at this kingly present being
intercepted, they will then think that their zeal and their presents will be
acceptable to you and to the Roman people. But if they hear that you have been
indifferent to the complaint of so great a king, in so remarkable a case, in one of
such bitter injustice, they will not be so crazy as to spend their time, and labour,
and expense on things which they do not think will be acceptable to you.
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