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[9]
For what can be less like, I do not say an orator, but a man, than to reproach an
adversary with a thing which if be denies by one single word, he who has
reproached him cannot advance one step further? But I do not deny it; and in
this very point I convict you not only of inhumanity but also of madness. For
what expression is there in those letters which is not full of humanity and
service and benevolence? and the whole of your charge amounts to this, that I do
not express a bad opinion of you in those letters; that in them I wrote as to a
citizen, and as to a virtuous man, not as to a wicked man and a robber. But your
letters I will not produce, although I fairly might, now that I am thus
challenged by you; letters in which you beg of me that you may be enabled by my
consent to procure the recall of some one from exile; and you will not attempt
it if I have any objection, and you prevail on me by your entreaties. For why
should I put myself in the way of your audacity? when neither the authority of
this body, nor the opinion of the Roman people, nor any laws are able to
restrain you.
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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