[102]
One of them sent a swift messenger from the very scene of murder to Ameria, to his
partner and his tutor; so that if every one wished to conceal his knowledge of whom the
guilt belonged to, yet he himself placed his wickedness visibly before the eyes of all
men. The other (if the immortal gods will only let him) is going to give evidence also
against Sextus Roscius. As if the matter now in question were, whether what he said is
to be believed, or whether what he did is to be punished. Therefore it was established
by the custom of our ancestors, that even in the most insignificant matters, the most
honourable men should not be allowed to give evidence in their own cause.
This text is part of:
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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