[142]
But I am not at all vexed at those things having been
read. For they were not unsuited to the state of the times which then existed, nor to the
cause in which they were spoken. Nor did I take any obligation on myself when I spoke them, to
prevent my defending this cause with honour and freedom. But suppose I were now to confess,
that I had now become acquainted with the real merits of Cluentius's case, but that I was
previously influenced by popular opinion concerning it, who could blame me especially when, O
judges, it is most reasonable that this also should be granted me by you, which I begged at
the beginning, and which I request now, that if you have brought with you into court a
somewhat unfavourable opinion of this cause, you will lay it aside now that you have
thoroughly investigated the case and learnt the whole truth.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. Henry G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden. 1856.
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