[11]
Lastly, the most noble men and the chief
men of the whole province have come forward both publicly and privately; every city
of the greatest authority—every city of the highest
reputation—have come forward with the greatest earnestness to prosecute
its oppressor for its injuries.
But how, O judges, have they come? It seems to me that I ought to speak before you
now on behalf of the Sicilians with more freedom than perhaps they themselves wish.
For I shall consult their safety rather than their inclination. Do you think that
there was ever any criminal in any province defended in his absence against the
inquiry into his conduct urged by his accuser, with such influence, and with such
zeal? The quaestors of both provinces, 1 who were so while he was
praetor, stood close to me with their forces.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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