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[7]
For in all other wars, and most especially in civil wars,
it was a difference as to the political state of the republic which gave rise to
the contest. Sulla contended against Sulpicius about the force of laws which
Sulla said had been passed by violence. Cinna warred against Octavius because of
the votes of the new citizens. Again, Sulla was at variance with Cinna and
Marius, in order to prevent unworthy men from attaining power, and to avenge the
cruel death of most illustrious men. The causes of all these wars arose from the
zeal of different parties, for what they considered the interest of the
republic. Of the last civil war I can not bear to speak: I do not understand the
cause of it; I detest the result.
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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