[19]
You have a leader mindful of you, forgetful of
himself—an opportunity which is not always given to men; you have all ranks, all
individuals, the whole Roman people, (a thing which in civil transactions we see this day for
the first time,) full of one and the same feeling. Think with what great labour this our
dominion was founded, by what virtue this our liberty was established, by what kind favour of
the gods our fortunes were aggrandized and ennobled, and how nearly one night destroyed them
all. That this may never hereafter be able not only to be done, but not even to be thought of
you must this day take care. And I have spoken thus, not in order to stir you up who almost
outrun me myself but that my voice, which ought to be the chief voice in the republic, may
appear to have fulfilled the duty which belongs to me as consul.
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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