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THE SIXTH ORATION OF M. T. CICERO AGAINST MARCUS ANTONIUS. CALLED ALSO THE SIXTH PHILIPPIC. ADDRESSED TO THE PEOPLE.
[12]
But I want to know what you mean, O
Calenus? Do you call slavery peace? Our ancestors used to take up arms not
merely to secure their freedom, but also to acquire empire; you think that we
ought to throw away our arms, in order to become slaves. What juster cause is
there for waging war than the wish to repel slavery? in which, even if one's
master be not tyrannical, yet it is a most miserable thing that he should be
able to be so if he chooses. In truth, other causes are just, this is a
necessary one. Unless, perhaps, you think that this does not apply to you,
because you expect that you will be a partner in the dominion of Antonius. And
there you make a twofold mistake: first of all, in preferring your own to the
general interest; and in the next place, in thinking that there is any thing
either stable or pleasant in kingly power. Even if it has before now been
advantageous to you, it will not always be so.
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