[21]
Let Scipio be thought illustrious, he by whose wisdom
and valour Hannibal was compelled to return into Africa, and to depart from Italy. Let the
second Africanus be extolled with conspicuous praise, who destroyed two cities most hostile
to this empire, Carthage and Numantia. Let Lucius Paullus be thought a great man, he whose
triumphal car was graced by Perses, previously a most powerful and noble
monarch. Let Marius be held in eternal honour, who twice delivered Italy from siege, and from
the fear of slavery. Let Pompey be preferred to them all—Pompey, whose exploits and
whose virtues are bounded by the same districts and limits as the course of the sun. There
will be, forsooth, among the praises of these men, some room for my glory, unless haply it be
a greater deed to open to us provinces whither we may fly, than to take care that those who
are at a distance may, when conquerors; have a home to return to.
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