[139]
But they who desire the good report of
good men, which is the only thing which is really entitled to be called
glory, ought to seek ease and pleasures for others and not for themselves.
They must toil for the common advantage; they must incur enmities, and often
encounter tempests, for the sake of the republic; they must combat with many
audacious and wicked men,—sometimes even with men of
great influence. This is what we have heard of the sentiments and actions of
the most illustrious men; this is what tradition reports of them, and what
we have read nor do we ever see those men loaded with praise who from time
to time have stirred up the minds of men to sedition or who by bribery have
corrupted the rich nations of the ignorant or who have brought brave and
illustrious men, who have deserved well of the republic into odium and
unpopularity. Our countrymen have always thought such men as those
contemptible and audacious and wicked and mischievous citizens. But they who
have checked the violence and the attempts of those men, they who by their
authority, by their integrity, by their firmness and by their magnanimity
have resisted the designs of audacious men, have been at all times
considered wise and good men, the chiefs, and leaders and advisers of this
order of this dignified body, and of the empire.
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