[222]
What, therefore, O Hortensius, are you about?
You are the consul elect, you have had a province allotted to you. When you speak on
the subject of the valuation of corn, we shall listen to you as if you were avowing
that you will do what you defend as having been legitimately done by Verres; and as
if you were very eager that that should be lawful for you which you say was lawful
for him. But if that is to be lawful, there is nothing which you can imagine any one
likely to do hereafter, in consequence of which he can possibly be condemned for
extortion. For whatever sum of money any one covets, that amount it will be lawful
for him to acquire, under the plea of the granary, and by means of the highness of
the valuation.
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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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