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[8]
Need
I say more? Are we not by these proceedings cutting the sinews of our own
legions; for what man can engage with ardor in a war, when the hope of peace is
suggested to him? Even that godlike and divine Martial legion will grow languid
at and be cowed by the receipt of this news, and will lose that most noble title
of Martial; their swords will fall to the ground; their weapons will drop from
their hands. For, following the senate, it will not consider itself bound to
feel more bitter hatred against Antonius than the senate.
I am ashamed for this legion, I am ashamed for the fourth legion, which,
approving of our authority with equal virtue, abandoned Antonius, not looking
upon him as their consul and general, but as an enemy and attacker of their
country. I am ashamed for that admirable army which is made up of two armies;
which has now been reviewed, and which has started for Mutina, and which, if it hears a word of
peace, that is to say, of our fear, even if it does not return, will at all
events halt. For who, when the senate recalls him and sounds a retreat, will be
eager to engage in battle?1
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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