[162]
When, in pursuance of
this design, the people of Centuripa had publicly destroyed his statues, Metellus
hears of it. He is very indignant; he summons before him the magistrates of
Centuripa and the ten principal citizens. He threatens them with measures of great
severity, if they do not replace the statues. They report the matter to the senate.
The statues, which could do no good to his cause, are replaced; the decrees of the
people of Centuripa, which had been passed concerning the statues, are not taken
away. Here I can excuse some of the actors. I cannot at all excuse Metellus, a wise
man, if he acts foolishly. What? did he think it would look like a crime in Verres,
if his statues were thrown down, a thing which is often done by the wind, or by some
accident? There could be in such a fact as that no charge against the man, no
reproof of him Whence, then, does the charge and accusation arise? From the
intention and will of the people by whom it was caused.
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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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