[16]
I
say that there never were so many resolutions of the senate passed about any
public work, monument or temple, as about my house, the only house since the
first foundation of the city which the senate has thought ought to be built
at the public expense, released from all religious obligation
by the pontiffs, defended by the magistrates, and put under the protection
of the judges who were to punish all who injured it. On account of his
immense services to the republic, a house at Velia was given by a public vote to Publius Valerius. But
my house was restored to me on the Palatine
Hill. He had a spot of ground given him. I had walls also
and a roof. He had a house given to him which he was to defend by his rights
as a private citizen; but I had one which all the magistrates were ordered
to protect with the public force of the city. And if I had all this owing to
my own exertions, or if I had received it from any other persons except you,
I would not mention it before you, lest I might appear to be boasting too
much. But as all these things have been given me by you, and as they are now
being attacked by the tongue of that man by whose hand they were formerly
overthrown, when you restored them with your own hands to me and to my
children, I am not speaking of my own actions but of yours; nor am I afraid
lest this public mention of all your kindness to me should appear to be not
so much grateful as arrogant.
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