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THE SIXTH ORATION OF M. T. CICERO AGAINST MARCUS ANTONIUS. CALLED ALSO THE SIXTH PHILIPPIC. ADDRESSED TO THE PEOPLE.
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While therefore we are admiring his singular prudence, can we at the same
time fear his folly? For what can be more foolish than to prefer useless power,
such influence as brings envy in its train, and a rash and slippery ambition of
reigning, to real, dignified, solid glory? Has he seen this truth as a boy, and
when he has advanced in age will he cease to see it? “But he is an
enemy to some most illustrious and excellent citizens.” That
circumstance ought not to cause any fear. Caesar has sacrificed all those
enmities to the republic; he had made the republic his judge; he has made her
the directress of all his counsels and actions. For he is come to the service of
the republic in order to strengthen her, not to overturn her. I am well
acquainted with all the feelings of the young man: there is nothing dearer to
him than the republic, nothing which he considers of more weight than your
authority; nothing which he desires more than the approbation of virtuous men;
nothing which he accounts sweeter than genuine glory.
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