[22]
If any of this class of men have by chance
thrust themselves into this trial, shut out, O judges, their covetous zeal
from the consideration of your wisdom, so as to appear to provide at the
same time for this man's safety and for the religious discharge of your own
obligations, and for the general welfare of all the citizens against the
perilous influence of unscrupulous men.
In truth, I will lead you away from the witnesses. I will not permit the
truth of this trial, which cannot by any means be altered, to depend on the
inclination of the witnesses, which may so easily be modeled any way, and be
bent and twisted in every direction without the slightest trouble. We will
conduct our case by arguments. We will refute the charges brought against us
by proofs clearer than daylight. Facts shall combat with facts, cause with
cause, reason with reason.
This text is part of:
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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