[104]
There have been also many cases within our own recollection, which I pass
over on purpose, in which the desire of the people has been at variance with
the wisdom of the nobles. At present there is no subject on which the people
need disagree with its chosen magistrates and with the nobles; it is not
demanding anything, nor is it eager for a revolution, and it is fond of its
own tranquillity, and pleased with the dignity and worth of every eminent
man, and with the glory of the whole republic. Therefore seditious and
turbulent men, because they cannot at present stir up the Roman people by
any bribery, since the common people, having gone through some most violent
seditious and discords, appear for the most for ease and tranquillity, now
hold packed assemblies, and do not concern themselves about saying or
proposing what those men who are present in the assembly may like to hear,
but they contrive by bribery and corruption that whatever they say may
appear to be what those men wish to hear.
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