24.
[69]
And as this is the case, O Caius Manilius, in the first place, I exceedingly praise and
approve of that law of yours, and of your purpose, and of your sentiments. And in the second
place, I exhort you, having the approbation of the Roman people, to persevere in those
sentiments, and not to fear the violence or threats of any one. And, first of all, I think you
have the requisite courage and perseverance; and, secondly, when we see such a multitude
present displaying such zeal in our cause as we now see displayed for the second time, in
appointing the same man to the supreme command how can we doubt in the matter, or question our
power of carrying our point? As for me, all the zeal, and wisdom, and industry, and ability of
which I am possessed, all the influence which I have through the kindness shown for me by the
Roman people, and through my power as praetor, as also, through my reputation for authority,
good faith, and virtue, all of it I pledge to you and the Roman people, and devote to the
object of carrying this resolution.
[70]
And I call all the
gods, to witness, and especially those who preside over this place and temple, who see into
the minds of all those who apply themselves to affairs of state, that I am not doing this at
the request of any one, nor because I think to conciliate the favour of Cnaeus Pompeius by
taking this side, nor in order, through the greatness of any one else, to seek for myself
protection against dangers, or aids in the acquirement of honours; because, as for dangers, we
shall easily repel them, as a man ought to do, protected by our own innocence; and as for
honours, we shall not gain them by the favour of any men, nor by anything that happens in this
place, but by the same laborious course of life which I have hitherto adopted, if your
favourable inclination assists me.
[71]
Wherefore, whatever I
have undertaken in this cause, O Romans, I assure you that I have undertaken wholly for the
sake of the republic; and I am so far from thinking that I have gained by it the favour of any
influential man, that I know, on the other hand, that I have brought on myself many enmities,
some secret, some undisguised, which I never need have incurred, and which get will not be
mischievous to you. But I have considered that I, invested with my present honours, and loaded
with so many kindnesses from you, ought to prefer your inclination, and the dignity of the
republic, and the safety of our provinces and allies, to all considerations of my own private
interest.
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