23.
So that even if you have any one who may appear able to cope in terms of advantage with the
king's armies, still, unless he be also a man who can keep his hands, and eyes, and desires
from the treasures of the allies, from their wives and children, from the ornaments of their
temples and cities, from the gold and jewels of the king, he will not be a fit person to be
sent to this Asiatic and royal war. Do you think that there is any city there peacefully
inclined towards us which is rich?
[67]
Do you think that there
is any rich city there, which will appear to those men to be peacefully inclined towards us?
The sea-coast, O Romans, begged for Cnaeus Pompeius, not only on account of his renown for
military achievements, but also because of the moderation of his disposition. For it saw that
it was not the Roman people that was enriched every year by the public money, but only a few
individuals, and that we did nothing more by the name of our fleets beyond sustaining losses,
and so covering ourselves with additional disgrace. But now, are these men, who think that all
these honours and offices are not to be conferred on one person, ignorant with what desires,
with what hope of retrieving past losses, and on what conditions, these men go to the
provinces? As if Cnaeus Pompeius did not appear great in our eyes, not only on account of his
own positive virtues, but by a comparison with the vices of others.
[68]
And, therefore, do not you doubt to entrust everything to him alone, when he
has been found to be the only man for many years whom the allies are glad to see come to their
cities with an army. And if you think that our side of the argument, O Romans, should be
confirmed by authorities, you have the authority of Publius Servilius, a man of the greatest
skill in all wars, and in affairs of the greatest importance, who has performed such mighty
achievements by land and sea, that, when you are deliberating about war, no one's authority
ought to have more weight with you. You have the authority of Caius Curio, a man who has
received great kindnesses from you, who has performed great exploits, who is endued with the
highest abilities and wisdom; and of Cnaeus Lentulus, in whom all of you know there is (as,
indeed, there ought to be from the ample honours which you have heaped upon him) the most
eminent wisdom, and the greatest dignity of character; and of Caius Cassius, a man of
extraordinary integrity, and valour, and virtue. Consider, therefore, whether we do not seem
by the authority of these men to give a sufficient answer to the speeches of those men who
differ from us.
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