[9]
If, indeed, I may rest from my labours,—if you advise me that I can do
so,—if no reproach of indolence, none of unworthy arrogance, none of inhumanity is
incurred by so doing, in good truth I will willingly rest. But if flying from toil convicts me
of laziness,—if rejection of suppliants convicts me of arrogance,—if
neglect of my friends is a proof of worthlessness, then, above all others, this cause is such
an one as no industrious, or merciful, or obliging man can abandon. And you may easily form
your opinion of this matter, O Servius, from your own pursuits. For if you think it necessary
to give answers to even the adversaries of your friends when they consult you about law, and
if you think it shameful, when you have been retained as an advocate for him in whose cause
you have come forward, to fail; be not so unjust; as, when your springs are open even to your
enemies, to think it right that our small streams should be closed even against our friends.
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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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