[111]
In private affairs if any
one had managed a business entrusted to him, I will not say maliciously for the sake of
his own gain and advantage, but even carelessly, our ancestors thought that he had
incurred the greatest disgrace. Therefore, legal proceedings for betrayal of a
commission are established, involving penalties no less disgraceful than those for
theft. I suppose because, in cases where we ourselves cannot be present, the vicarious
faith of friends is substituted; and he who impairs that confidence, attacks the common
bulwark of all men, and as far as depends on him, disturbs the bonds of society. For we
cannot do everything ourselves; different people are more capable in different matters.
On that account friendships are formed, that the common advantage of all may be secured
by mutual good offices.
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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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