[98]
Our fathers by their decision delivered Marcus Aquillius, who had been
convicted of many charges of avarice, proved by abundant evidence, because he had behaved
gallantly in the Servile war. I, when consul, lately defended Cnaeus Piso; who, because he had
been a gallant and fearless consul, was preserved to the republic uninjured. I, when consul,
defended also Lucius Murena, the consul elect. Not one of the judges in that
case—though they were most eminent men who were the prosecutors—thought
that they ought to entertain for one moment the accusation of bribery, because, while Catiline
was still waging war against the republic, they agreed with me that it was necessary for them
to have two consuls on the first of January. Aulus Thermius, an innocent and virtuous man, and
one adorned with every sort of distinction, has been twice acquitted this year, when I have
defended him. How great was the joy, how great were the congratulations of the Roman people at
that event, for the sake of the republic! Wise and grave judges have always, when deciding in
criminal trials, considered what the interests of the state, and the general safety, and the
present necessities of the republic required.
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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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