[5]
But since his other counsel have spoken of each separate charge, I will
speak of the entire state of the case as affecting Publius Sestius of his
conduct throughout his life of his natural disposition, of his habits, of
his incredible affection for all good men, of his zeal for the preservation
of the general safety and tranquillity; and I will endeavour—if it
be only possible for me to succeed—to prevent anything, in all
this miscellaneous and general defence, from appearing omitted by me which
has any connection either with this investigation before you, or with the
defendant, or with the republic.
And since the tribuneship of Publius Sestius was placed by fortune itself in
the most critical period of the state, and amid the ruins of the overthrown
and prostrate republic, I will not approach those most important and serious
topics before I have first shown you by what beginnings, and on what
foundations, the great glory was built up which he gained under the most
trying circumstances.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. George Bell & Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1891.
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