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[9]
For what can be more unreasonable than for us to pass resolutions about peace
without the knowledge of those men who wage the war! And not only without their
knowledge, but even against their will? Do you think that Aulus Hirtius, that
most illustrious consul, and that Caius Caesar, a man born by the especial
kindness of the gods for this especial crisis, whose letters, announcing their
hope of victory, I hold in my hand, are desirous of peace? They are anxious to
conquer; and they wish to obtain that most delightful and beautiful condition of
peace, as the consequence of victory, not of some agreement. What more? With
what feelings do you think that Gaul
will hear of this proceeding? For that province performs the chief part in
repelling, and managing, and supporting this war. Gaul, following the mere nod, for I need not say the command of
Decimus Brutus, has strengthened the beginning of the war with her arms, her
men, and her treasures: she has exposed the whole of her body to the cruelty of
Marcus Antonius: she is drained, laid waste, attacked with fire and sword. She
is enduring all the injuries of war with equanimity, contented as long as she
can ward off the danger of slavery.
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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