[26]
What is the next statement? What is the next step taken by this scoundrel? He
says that Deiotarus was so elated at this, that he drowned his joy in wine,
and danced naked at a banquet. What cross is there that could be a
sufficient punishment for this slave? Did any one ever see Deiotarus
dancing,—did any one ever see him drunk? All kingly virtues are
united in that man, and that I think yourself are well aware
of, O Caesar; but most especially is that singular and admirable economy of
his conspicuous. Although this is an attribute for which I know that it is
not usual to praise kings. To say that a man is economical is not much
praise for a king. To be brave, just, severe, dignified, magnanimous,
open-handed, beneficent liberal—these are the praises suited to a
king. Economy is a virtue for a private individual. Let every one take it as
he pleases: but I consider economy—that is to say, moderation and
temperance—the very greatest of virtues. And this existed in this
man from his earliest youth, and was experienced by, and known to, all Asia,
and by all our magistrates and ambassadors, and by all the Roman knights who
trafficked in Asia.
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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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