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THE SIXTH ORATION OF M. T. CICERO AGAINST MARCUS ANTONIUS. CALLED ALSO THE SIXTH PHILIPPIC. ADDRESSED TO THE PEOPLE.
14.
The republic, O conscript fathers, has a general ready against Dolabella, in
Caius Cassius, and not ready only, but also skillful and brave. He performed
great exploits before the arrival of Bibulus, a most illustrious man, when he
defeated the most eminent generals of the Parthians and their innumerable
armies, and delivered Syria from their
most formidable invasion. I pass over his greatest and most extraordinary glory;
for as the mention of it is not yet acceptable to every one, we had better
preserve it in our recollection than by hearing testimony to it with our voice.
[36]
I have noticed, O conscript fathers, that
some people have said before now, that even Brutus is too much extolled by me,
that Cassius is too much extolled; and that by this proposition of mine absolute
power and quite a principality is conferred upon Cassius. Whom do I extol? Those
who are themselves the glory of the republic. What? have I not at all times
extolled Decimus Brutus whenever I have delivered my opinion at all? Do you then
find fault with me? or should I rather praise the Antonii, the disgrace and
infamy not only of their own families, but of the Roman name? or should I speak
in favor of Censorinus, an enemy in time of war, an assassin in time of peace?
or should I collect all the other ruined men of that band of robbers? But I am
so far from extolling those enemies of tranquillity, of concord, of the laws, of
the courts of justice, and of liberty, that I cannot avoid hating them as much
as I love the republic.
[37]
“Beware,
says one, “how you offend the veterans. For this is what I am most
constantly told. But I certainly ought to protect the rights of the veterans; of
those at least who are well disposed; but surely I ought not to fear them. And
those veterans who have taken up arms in the cause of the republic, and have
followed Caius Caesar, remembering the kindnesses which they received from his
father, and who at this day are defending the republic to their own great
personal danger,—those I ought not only to defend, but to seek to
procure additional advantages for them. But those also who remain quiet, such as
the sixth and eighth legion, I consider worthy of great glory and praise. But as
for those companions of Antonius, who after they have devoured the benefits of
Caesar, besiege the consul elect, threaten this city with fire and sword, and
have given themselves up to Saxa and Capho, men born for crime and plunder, who
is there who thinks that those men ought to be defended? Therefore the veterans
are either good men, whom we ought to load with distinctions; or quiet men, whom
we ought to preserve; or impious ones, against whose frenzy we have declared war
and taken up legitimate arms.
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