[65]
In truth, when the very
law itself about extortion is the protectress of the allies and friends of the Roman
people, it is an iniquitous thing that he should not, above all others, he thought the
fittest advocate of the law and conductor of the trial, whom the allies wish, above all
men, to be the pleader of their cause, and the defender of their fortunes. Or ought not
that which is the more honourable to mention, to appear also far the most reasonable to
approve of? Which then is the more splendid, which is the more honourable
allegation—“I have prosecuted this man to whom I had acted as
quaestor, with whom the lot cast for the provinces, and the custom of our ancestors, and
the judgment of gods and men had connected me,” or, “I have
prosecuted this man at the request of the allies and friends of the Roman people, I have
been selected by the whole province to defend its rights and fortunes?” Can
any one doubt that it is more honourable to act as prosecutor in behalf of those men
among whom you have been quaestor, than as prosecutor of him whose quaestor you have
been?
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