[27]
You mistake if you think that the senate approves of what is said by me,
but that the inclinations of the people are different. All men, who wish to be safe
themselves, will follow the authority of the consul, a man uninfluenced by evil passion; free
from all suspicion of guilt; cautious in danger; not fearful in contest. But if any one of
you cherishes a hope that he may be able in a turbulent state of affairs to promote his own
interests, first of all, let him give up hoping any such thing as long as I am consul. In the
next place, let him take me myself as a proof—(me whom he sees now consul, though
born only in the equestrian rank)—of what course of life most easily conducts
virtuous men to honour and dignity. But if you, O conscript father, assist me with your zeal
and energy in defending our common dignity, then, in truth, I shall accomplish that of which
our republic is at present in the greatest possible need. I shall make the authority of this
order, which existed so long among our ancestors, appear after a long interval to be again
restored to the republic.
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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