[150]
However, be it so;
another time we will consider of the disposition of the agriculturists and of their
injuries. For the present I assume, what you grant me, that they are most hostile to
you. You say, forsooth, on account of the tenths. I grant that; I do not inquire
whether they are enemies with or without reason. What then is the meaning of those
gilt equestrian statues which greatly offend the feelings and eyes of the Roman
people, near the temple of Vulcan? For I
see an inscription on them stating that the agriculturists had presented one of
them. If they gave this statue to do you honour, they are not your enemies. Let us
believe the witnesses; for then they were consulting your honour, now they are
regarding their own consciences. But if they presented the statues under the
compulsion of fear, you must confess that you exacted money in the province on
account of statues by violence and fear. Choose whichever alternative you like.
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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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