[5]
But I both did at that time what I ought to have done, and I shall do now
what I am forced to do. For when it was a dispute about money matters, because we said that
Marcus Tullius had sustained damage, it appeared foreign to my character to say anything of
the reputation of Quintus Fabius; not because the case did not open the door to such
statements. What is my conduct then? Although the cause does require it, still, unless when he
absolutely compels me against my will, I am not inclined to condescend to speak ill of him.
Now that I am speaking under compulsion, if I say anything strong, still I will do even that
with decency and moderation, and only in such a way that, as he could not consider me hostile
to him at the former trial, so he may now know that I am a faithful and trustworthy friend to
Marcus Tullius.
This text is part of:
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. Henry G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden. 1856.
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