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But since it is not only courage but wisdom also which is expected from this
order (although these qualities appear scarcely possible to be separated, still
let us separate them here), courage bids us fight, inflames our just hatred,
urges us to the conflict, summons us to danger. What says wisdom? She uses more
cautious counsels, she is provident for the future, she is in every respect more
on the defensive. What then does she think? for we must obey her, and we are
bound to consider that the best thing which is arranged in the most prudent
manner. If she enjoins me to think nothing of more consequence than my life, not
to fight at the risk of my life, but to avoid all danger, I will then ask her
whether I am also to become a slave when I have obeyed all these injunction? If
she says, yes; I for one will not listen to that Wisdom, however learned she may
be; but if the answer is, Preserve your life and your safety, Preserve your
fortune, “Preserve your estate, still, however, considering all these
things of less value than liberty; therefore enjoy these things if you can do so
consistently with the freedom of the republic, and do not abandon liberty for
them, but sacrifice them for liberty, as proofs of the injury you have
sustained;”—then I shall think that I really am listening to
the voice of Wisdom, and I will obey her as a god.
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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