[177]
None, I think, can be graver. What will Hortensius say in defence? Will he demand
that I produce the letters of Canuleius? Will he say that a charge of this sort is
worthless unless it be supported by letters? I shall cry out that the letters have
been put out of the way; that by a resolution of the shareholders the proofs and
evidences of his thefts have been taken from me. He must either contend that this
has not been done, or he must bear the brunt of all my weapons. Do you deny that
this was done? I am glad to hear that defence. I descend into the arena; for equal
terms and an equal contest are before us. I will produce witnesses, and I will
produce many at the same time; since they were together when this took place, they
shall be together now also. When they are examined, let them be bound not only by
the obligation of their oath and regard for their character, but also by a common
consciousness of the truth.
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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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