[87]
But still you saw that
Lurco was angry with Flaccus, although out of regard to his own dignity he was guided by some
moderation in giving his evidence. For he did not conceal, or think it at all necessary to be
silent about the cause of his anger. He complained that his freedman had been condemned by
Flaccus when he was praetor. O how miserable is the condition of those who have the government
of provinces! in which diligence is sure to bring enmity; carelessness is sure to incur
reproach; severity is dangerous; liberality meets only with ingratitude. The conversation
addressed to one is insidious; the flattery with which one is courted is mischievous; the
countenance which every one wears towards you is friendly; the disposition of numbers is
hostile; dislikes are secret; caresses are open; they wait with eagerness for the coming
praetors, they fawn on those who are present, they abandon and betray those who are departing.
But let us give over complaining, lest we should seem to be extolling our own wisdom in
declining all provinces.
This text is part of:
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. Henry G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden. 1856.
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