20.
[44]
But the Gauls are attacking Fonteius with hostile standards as it were; they pursue him, and
press upon him with the most extreme eagerness, with the most extreme audacity. I see it. But
we, O judges, you being our helpers, with many and strong defences, will resist that savage
and intolerable band of barbarians. Our first bulwark against their attacks is Macedonia, a province loyal and well affected to the Roman
people, which says, that itself and its cities were preserved, not only by the wisdom, but
even by the hand of Fonteius, and which now repels the attacks and dangers of the Gauls from
his head, as it was defended itself from the invasion and desolation of the Thracians.
[45]
On the opposite side stands the further Spain, which is able in this case not only to withstand the
eagerness of the accusers by its own honest disposition, but which can even refute the
perjuries of wicked men by its testimonies and by its panegyrics. And even from Gaul itself most faithful and most important assistance is
derived. As an assistance to this unhappy and innocent man, the city of the Massilians has
come forward, which is labouring now, not only in order to appear to requite with proper
gratitude the exertions of the man by whom it has been preserved, but which also believes that
it has been placed in those districts for that very object, and with that express destiny, to
prevent those nations from being able to injure our countrymen.
[46]
The colony of Narbonne fights
equally on behalf of the safety of Marcus Fonteius, which, having been lately delivered from
the blockade of the enemy by this man, is now moved at his misery and danger. Lastly, as is
right in a Gallic war—as the principles and customs of our ancestors
enjoin—there is not one Roman citizen who thinks he requires any excuse for being
eager in this man's behalf. All the publicans of that province, all the farmers, all the
graziers, all the traders, with one heart and one voice, defended Marcus Fonteius.
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