[64]
If you did this at random, and had but little regard for the interests of
the republic, then they are right to endeavour to guide your party spirit by their wisdom; but
if you at that time showed more foresight in the affairs of the state than they did; if you,
in spite of their resistance, by yourselves conferred dignity on the empire, safety on the
whole world; then at last let those noble men confess that both they and all other men must
obey the authority of the universal Roman people. And in this Asiatic and royal war, not only
is that military valour required, which exists in a singular degree in Cnaeus Pompeius, but
many other great virtues of mind are also demanded. It is difficult for your
commander-in-chief in Asia, Cilicia, Syria, and
all the kingdoms of the inland nations, to behave in such a manner as to think of nothing else
but the enemy and glory. Then, even if there be some men moderate and addicted to the practice
of modesty and self-government, still, such is the multitude of covetous and licentious men,
that no one thinks that these are such men. It is difficult to tell you, O Romans, how great
our unpopularity is among foreign nations, on account of the injurious and licentious
behaviour of those whom we have of late years sent among them with military command.
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