I see, O judges, that it is not doubtful to any one of you that Caius Verres most
openly plundered everything in Sicily,
whether sacred or profane, whether private or public property; and that, not only
without the slightest scruple, but without even the very least disguise, he
practiced every possible description of robbery and plunder. But a very heightened
and pompous defence of him is put forward in reply to me, which I must consider very
carefully beforehand, O judges, how I am to resist. For his cause is stated in this
way; that by his valour, and by his singular vigilance exerted at a critical and
perilous time, the province of Sicily was
preserved in safety from fugitive slaves, and from the dangers of war.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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