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[18]
But if any one is anxious
and inclined to struggle for the leadership—though struggle there
ought to be none—he acts very foolishly, if he proposes to combat
virtue with vices. For as speed is only outstripped by speed, so among brave men
virtue is only surpassed by virtue. Will you, if I am full of excellent
sentiments with respect to the republic, adopt the worst possible sentiments
yourself for the purpose of excelling me? Or if you see a race taking place for
the acquisition of honors, will you summon all the wicked men you can find to
your banner? I should be sorry for you to do so; first of all, for the sake of
the republic, and secondly, for that of your own dignity. But if the leadership
of the state were at stake, which I have never coveted, what could be more
desirable for me than such conduct on your part?
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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