[159]
For it is the part of a wise judge,
to think that he has just that power permitted to hum by the Roman people, which is committed
and entrusted to him; and to remember that not only is power given to him, but also that
confidence is placed in him: that he is a man capable of acquitting a man whom he hates, of
condemning one whom he does not hate; and of always thinking not what he himself wishes, but
what the law and the obligation of his oath requires of him—of considering according
to what law the defendant is brought before him, who the defendant is into whose conduct he is
inquiring, and what are the facts which are being investigated. All these things require to be
looked at, and also it is the part of a great and wise man, O judges, when he has taken in his
hand his judicial tablet, to think that he is not alone, and that it is not lawful for him to
do whatever he wishes; but that he must employ in his deliberations law, equity, religion, and
good faith; that he must discard lust, hatred, envy, fear, and all evil passions, and must
think that consciousness implanted in one's mind, which we have received from the immortal
gods, and which cannot be taken from us, to be the most powerful motive of all. And if that is
a witness of virtuous counsels and virtuous actions throughout our whole lives, we shall live
without any fear, and in the greatest honour.
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