[12]
But now you are openly attacking the entire republic.
You are summoning to destruction and devastation the temples of the immortal gods, the
houses of the city, the lives of all the citizens; in short, all Italy. Wherefore, since I do not yet venture to do that which is the best
thing, and which belongs to my office and to the discipline of our ancestors, I will do that
which is more merciful if we regard its rigour, and more expedient for the state. For if I
order you to be put to death, the rest of the conspirators will still remain in the republic;
if as I have long been exhorting you, you depart, your companions, those worthless dregs of
the republic, will be drawn off from the city too.
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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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