[106]
See now another instance of madness; see how, in trying to acquit himself; he
entangles himself still more. He assigns an advocate to Sthenius.—Whom?
Any relation or intimate friend? No.—Any citizen, any honourable and noble
man of Florence? Not even
that.—At least it was some Sicilian, in whom there was some credit and
dignity? Far from it.—Whom then did he assign to him? A Roman citizen. Who
can approve of this? When Sthenius was the man of the highest rank in his city, a
man of most extensive connections, with numberless friends; when, besides, he was of
the greatest influence all over Sicily, by
his own personal character and popularity; could he find no Sicilian who was willing
to be appointed his advocate? Will you approve of this? Did he himself prefer a
Roman citizen? Tell me what Sicilian, when he was defendant in any action, ever had
a Roman citizen assigned to him as his advocate? Produce the records of all the
praetors who preceded Verres; open them. If you find one such instance, I will then
admit to you that this was done as you have entered it in your public documents.
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