I should have been very glad, O judges, if Publius Sulla had been able formerly to retain
the honour of the dignity to which he was appointed, and had been allowed, after the
misfortune which befell him, to derive some reward from his moderation in adversity. But since
his unfriendly fortune has brought it about that he has been damaged, even at a time of his
greatest honour, by the unpopularity ensuing not only from the common envy which pursues
ambitious men, but also by the singular hatred in which Autronius is held, and that even in
this sad and deplorable wreck of his former fortunes, he has still some enemies whose
hostility he is unable to appease by the punishment which has fallen upon him; although I am
very greatly concerned at his distresses, yet in his other misfortunes I can easily endure
that an opportunity should be offered to me of causing virtuous men to recognise my lenity and
merciful disposition, which was formerly known to every one, but which has of late been
interrupted as it were; and of forcing wicked and profligate citizens, being again defeated
and vanquished, to confess that, when the republic was in danger, I was energetic and
fearless; now that it is said, I am lenient and merciful.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. Henry G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden. 1856.
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