[82]
“But he did not countenance him by his presence at the other
trial, when the rest did.” If he himself had afterwards learnt something, of which
he had been ignorant when consul, still we must pardon those men who had heard nothing since
that time. But if the first accusation had weight, it ought not to have had more weight when
it was old than when it was fresh. But if your parent, even when he was not without suspicion
of danger to himself, was still induced by pity to do honour to the defence of a most
worthless man by his curule chair, by his own private dignity, and by that of his office as
consul, then what reason is there for reproaching the men of consular rank who gave Catiline
the countenance of their presence? “But the same men did not countenance those who
were tried for their accession to this conspiracy before Sulla.” Certainly not; they
resolved that no aid, no assistance, no support ought to be given by them to men implicated in
such wickedness. And that I may speak for a moment of their constancy and attachment to the
republic, whose silent virtue and loyalty bears witness in behalf of every one of them, and
needs no ornaments of language from any one,—can any one say that any time there
were men of consular rank more virtuous, more fearless, or more firm, than those who lived in
these critical and perilous times, in which the republic was nearly overwhelmed? Who of them
did not, with the greatest openness, and bravery, and earnestness, give his whole thoughts to
the common safety? Nor need I confine what I say to the men of consular rank. For this credit
is due to all those accomplished men who have been praetors, and indeed to the whole senate in
common; so that it is plain that never, in the memory of man, was there more virtue in that
order, greater attachment to the republic, or more consummate wisdom, But because the men of
consular rank were especially mentioned, I thought I ought to say thus much in their behalf;
and that that would be enough, as the recollection of all men would join me in bearing
witness, that there was not one man of that rank who did not labour with all his virtue, and
energy, and influence, to preserve the republic.
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