[27]
But since the fortune and condition of those exploits which I have performed is not the
same with that of those men who have directed foreign wars—because I must live
among those whom I have defeated and subdued, they have left their enemies either slain or
crushed,—it is your business, O Romans, to take care, if their good deeds are a
benefit to others, that mine shall never be an injury to me. For that the wicked and
profligate designs of audacious men shall not be able to injure you, I have taken care; it is
your business to take care that they do not injure me. Although, O Romans, no injury can be
done to me by them,—for there is a great protection in the affection of all good
men, which is procured for me for ever; there is great dignity in the republic, which will
always silently defend me; there is great power in conscience, and those who neglect it when
they desire to attack me will destroy themselves.
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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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