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[32]
But I consider you men born for your country; you whose very name is derived
from Mars, so that the same god who begot this city for the advantage of the
nations, appears to have begotten you for the advantage of this city. Death in
flight is infamous; in victory glorious. In truth, Mars himself seems to select
all the bravest men from the battle array. Those impious men whom you slew,
shall even in the shades below pay the penalty of their parricidal treason. But
you, who have poured forth your latest breath in victory, have earned an abode
and place among the pious. A brief life has been allotted to us by nature; but
the memory of a well-spent life is imperishable. And if that memory were no
longer than this life, who would be so senseless as to strive to attain even the
highest praise and glory by the most enormous labors and dangers?
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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