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[19]
Lastly (let me at last say one true word, one word worthy of
myself!)—if the inclinations of this order are governed by the nod of
the veterans, and if all our words and actions are to be referred to their will,
death is what we should wish for, which has always, in the minds of Roman
citizens, been preferable to slavery. All slavery is miserable; but some may
have been unavoidable. Do you think, then, that there is never to be a beginning
of our endeavors to recover our freedom? Or, when we would not bear that fortune
which was unavoidable, and which seemed almost as if appointed by destiny, shall
we tolerate the voluntary bondage! All Italy is burning with a desire for
freedom. The city can not endure slavery any longer We have given this warlike
attire and these arms to the Roman people much later than they have been
demanded of us by them.
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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