[109]
I come now to the comitia, whether those for
electing magistrates or for enacting laws. We often see many laws passed. I
say nothing of those which are passed in such a manner that scarcely five
men, and those only of the lowest class, can be found to give a vote for
them. He says that at the time of that ruin of the republic he carried a law
respecting me, whom he called a tyrant and the destroyer of liberty. Who is
there who will confess that he gave a vote when this law was passed against
me? But when, in compliance with the same resolution of the senate, a law
was passed about me in the comitia centuriata
who is there who does not profess that then he was present, and that he gave
a vote in favour of my safety? Which cause then, is the one which only to
appear popular? that in which everything that is honourable in the city, and
every age, and every rank of men agree? or that to the carrying of which
some excited enemies fly as if hastening to banquet on the funeral of the
republic?
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. George Bell & Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1891.
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