[120]
Moreover, the thing demanded of you was such that
it made no difference whether you refused it or confessed yourself guilty of the crime.
And as this is the case, I ask of you why you refused it? When Sextus Roscius was
murdered they were there. The slaves themselves, as far as I am concerned, I neither
accuse nor acquit; but the point which I see you contending for, namely, that they be
not submitted to the question, is full of suspicion. But the reason of their being held
in such horror by you, must be that they know something, which, if they were to tell,
will be pernicious to you. Oh, say you, it is unjust to put questions to slaves against
their masters. Is any such question meant to be put? For Sextus Roscius is the
defendant, and when inquiry is being made into his conduct, you do not say that you are
their masters. Oh, they are with Chrysogonus. I suppose so; Chrysogonus is so taken with
their learning and accomplishments, that be wishes these men—men little better
than labourers from the training of a rustic master of a family at Ameria, to mingle
with his elegant youths, masters of every art and every refinement—youths
picked out of many of the politest households.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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