[144]
But if any one is
but little influenced by the injuries done to our allies,—if there be any
one who is not moved by the flight, the calamities, the banishment, and the suicides
of the cultivators of the soil; still I cannot doubt that the man who knows, both
from the documents of the cities and the letter of Lucius Metellus, that Sicily has been laid waste and the farms deserted,
must decide that it is quite impossible that any other than the severest judgment
should be passed on that man. Will there be any one who can conceal from himself, or
be indifferent to these facts? I have brought before you trials commenced respecting
the partnership in the tenths, but prevented by that man from being brought to a
decision. What is there that any one can possibly desire plainer than this? I have
no doubt that I have satisfied you, O judges. But I will go further; not, indeed, in
order that this may be proved more completely to your satisfaction than I feel sure
that it already is, but that he may at last give over his impudence,—may
cease at Last to believe that he can purchase these things which he himself was
always ready to sell his good faith, his oath, truth, duty, and
religion;—that his friends may cease to keep continually saying things
which may be injury, a stain, and odium, and infamy to all of us.
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