Cicero/Quotes from Cicero's Philippics

Cicero is believed to have been assassinated on the order of Antonius, these being his last extant speeches. The page numbers (all even) are from the Loeb edition. All translations are the original work of Gus Wiseman (Nafindix). The public domain sources of the Latin quotes are:


 * Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, vol. XV, 1926; Philippics / Cicero ; with an English translation by Walter C.A. Ker.
 * M. TVLLI CICERONIS IN M. ANTONIVM ORATIO PHILIPPICA, https://www.thelatinlibrary.com/cicero/phil.shtml . From C.F. Mueller, M.Tulli Ciceronis, Orationes selectae, XXI (Teubner, Lipsia, 1907-09).

I.II sec 4.0 page 22
"Lux quaedam videbatur oblata non modo regno, quod pertuleramus, sed regni timore sublato, magnumque pignus ab eo rei publicae datum, se liberam civitatem esse velle, cum dictatoris nomen, quod saepe iustum fuisset, propter perpetuae dictaturae recentem memoriam funditus ex re publica sustulisset."

A certain light seemed shown not only with tyranny, which we had long endured, but with fear of tyranny dislodged, and a great promise given by him [Antonius] to the State: that he wished it to be free, with the name of dictator, though it had often been legal, fully dislodged from the republic, on account of the recent memory of [Caesar's] perpetual dictatorship.

I.VI sec 14.2 page 32
"Mihi vero licet et semper licebit dignitatem tueri, mortem contemnere. Potestas modo veniendi in hunc locum sit, dicendi periculum non recuso."

By me in truth it is and always will be permitted to defend worth and condemn death. Only let me come here, I do not regret dangerous words.

I.VI sec 15.3 page 34
"Alia causa est eorum, quorum silentio ignosco, alia eorum, quorum vocem requiro; quos quidem doleo in suspicionem populo Romano venire non modo metus, quod ipsum esset turpe, sed alium alia de causa deesse dignitati suae."

The cause of those whose silence I forgive differs from the cause of those whom I call to answer; I not only regret that fear in the latter has come under suspicion of the Roman people, which alone would be shameful, but also that, some for one reason, others for another, they have not lived up to their rank.

I.IX sec 22.-3 page 42
"Quid enim turpius quam, qui maiestatem populi Romani minuerit per vim, eum damnatum iudicio ad eam ipsam vim reverti, propter quam sit iure damnatus?"

For what is more shameful than for one who by force has committed and been convicted of high treason against the Roman people to revert to the very same force of which he was guilty?

I.XI sec 27.7 page 46
"Video autem, quam sit odiosum habere eundem iratum et armatum, cum tanta praesertim gladiorum sit impunitas."

But I see how troublesome it is to have the same man angry and armed, especially considering the great impunity of swordsmen.

I.XIV sec 33.9 page 52
"Illud magis vereor, ne ignorans verum iter gloriae gloriosum putes plus te unum posse quam omnes et metui a civibus tuis."

I fear more that, ignorant of the true path to glory, you may think it glorious for you alone to be more powerful than all, and feared by your fellow-citizens.

I.XV sec 39.5 page 58
"Mihi fere satis est, quod vixi, vel ad aetatem vel ad gloriam; huc si quid accesserit, non tam mihi quam vobis reique publicae accesserit."

For me the life I have lived is sufficient for age or glory; if anything is added to this life, it will be for you and for the commonwealth, not myself.

II.I sec 3.-3 page 66
"Illud profecto est: non existimavit sui similibus probari posse se esse hostem patriae, nisi mihi esset inimicus."

He doubted whether his people would be convinced that he was an enemy of his fatherland, unless he had me as an enemy.

II.III sec 6.-1 page 68
"Qua in re non tam iucundum mihi videri debuit non interfectum me a te quam miserum te id inpune facere potuisse."

Wherein it should have seemed to me less favorable that I was not killed by you, than miserable that you could have done it with impunity.

II.V sec 11.-7 page 74
"Simul illud oro, si meam cum in omni vita, tum in dicendo moderationem modestiamque cognostis, ne me hodie, cum isti, ut provocavit, respondero, oblitum esse putetis mei."

I beseech you, if you have come to know my moderation and modesty in every part of my life, and especially in speaking, not to think that today, when I have responded to his provocation, I will have been forgetful of myself.

II.VIII sec 18.7 page 82
"Tam autem eras excors, ut tota in oratione tua tecum ipse pugnares, non modo non cohaerentia inter se diceres, sed maxime disiuncta atque contraria, ut non tanta mecum quanta tibi tecum esset contentio."

But you were so stupid that in your whole speech you were fighting yourself; not only were your statements inconsistent, but so extremely disjoint and contrary that the argument was not so much with me as with yourself, against yourself.

II.VIII sec 20.8 page 84
"Nec vero tibi de versibus plura respondebo; tantum dicam breviter, te neque illos neque ullas omnino litteras nosse, me nec rei publicae nec amicis umquam defuisse et tamen omni genere monimentorum meorum perfecisse, ut meae vigiliae meaeque litterae et iuventuti utilitatis et nomini Romano laudis aliquid adferrent."

Nor in truth will I respond to your many verses; briefly, you have never known those words nor any others; I have never failed the State nor my friends, and yet in every kind of permanent record I have accomplished that my vigils and writings would both profit youth and honour the Roman name.

II.X sec 24.6 page 88
"Atque idem ego, cum iam opes omnis et suas et populi Romani Pompeius ad Caesarem detulisset seroque ea sentire coepisset, quae multo ante provideram, inferrique patriae bellum viderem nefarium, pacis, concordiae, compositionis auctor esse non destiti, meaque illa vox est nota multis: 'Utinam, Pompei, cum Caesare societatem aut numquam coisses aut numquam diremisses! Fuit alterum gravitatis, alterum prudentiae tuae.'"

And when Pompoeius had already deferred all supplies, both his own and those of the Roman People, to Caesar, and had too late begun to see what I had predicted long ago, and after I saw criminal war coming to my fatherland, it was I who never ceased to appeal for peace, concord, and reconciliation; and that saying of mine was known to many: "If only you, Pompeius, had never begun your partnership with Caesar, or had never dissolved it! The former pertained to your honor, the latter to your wisdom."

II.XV sec 39.-5 page 102
"Ego, quid ille, et contra ille, quid ego sentirem et spectarem, videbat."

He could see what my thoughts and intentions were, and I his.

II.XXI sec 52.6 page 116
"Cum te neque principes civitatis rogando neque maiores natu monendo neque frequens senatus agendo de vendita atque addicta sententia movere potuisset, tum illud multis rebus ante temptatis necessario tibi vulnus inflictum est, quod paucis ante te, quorum incolumis fuit nemo; tum contra te dedit arma hic ordo consulibus reliquisque imperiis et potestatibus; quae non effugisses, nisi te ad arma Caesaris contulisses."

When you were able to be moved by neither the leading citizens calling, nor your elders advising, nor a crowded senate engaging on your veto, sold and delivered [to Caesar], then, with many things already tried, you had to be injured; this had been done to few before you, of whom none had escaped; this body [the Senate] gave the consul arms against you, and other powers, military and civil, which you would not have escaped, had you had not retreated to Caesar.

II.XXXII sec 79.-3 page 142
"Habebat hoc omnino Caesar: quem plane perditum aere alieno egentemque, si eundem nequam hominem audacemque cognorat, hunc in familiaritatem libentissime recipiebat."

This was entirely Caesar’s custom: if he recognized a licentious and audacious man in one clearly destroyed by debt and in need, he would most freely take him in.

II.XXXIII sec 84.3 page 146
"Si nihil est, cum augur iis verbis nuntiat, quibus tu nuntiasti, confitere te, cum "ALIO DIE" dixeris, sobrium non fuisse; sin est aliqua vis in istis verbis, ea quae sit, augur a collega requiro."

If there were no augury in your words, “On another day,” then you must admit that you were not sober when you said them; but if there is some force in those words, please tell me, also an augur, what it is.

II.XXXIII sec 84.12 page 146
"Quidlibet, modo ne nauseet, faciat, quod in porticu Minucia."

Let him do anything, as long as he does not vomit again.

II.XXXIII sec 87.-3 page 150
"Quid indignius quam vivere eum, qui inposuerit diadema, cum omnes fateantur iure interfectum esse, qui abiecerit?"

When all would admit that the man who refused the crown was rightly slain, what is more shameful than for the man who offered it to live?

II.XXXIII sec 87.0 page 150
"Et etiam adscribi iussit in fastis ad Lupercalia C. Caesari dictatori perpetuo M. Antonium consulem populi iussu regnum detulisse; Caesarem uti noluisse."

And he even ordered it to be recorded in the public records: “Marcus Antonius the consul, by order of the people, offered the kingship to Caius Caesar, perpetual dictator; Caesar was unwilling.”

II.XXXVIII sec 100.-5 page 162
“Quis interpretari potest, impudentiorne, qui in senatu, an inprobior, qui in Dolabellam, an inpurior, qui patruo audiente, an crudelior, qui in illam miseram tam spurce, tam impie dixeris?”

Who can determine whether you were more shameless to speak so foully and impiously against that miserable woman in the very senate, or more disloyal to make such a charge against Dolabella, or more indecent to embarrass your uncle, or altogether more cruel?

II.XLIV sec 115.-3 page 178
"Etsi enim satis in ipsa conscientia pulcherrimi facti fructus erat, tamen mortali immortalitatem non arbitror esse contemnendam."

While the very consciousness of a most beautiful act was reward enough, yet I do not think immortality should be despised by a mortal.

II.XLV sec 116.6 page 178
"Fuit in illo [J. Caesar] ingenium, ratio, memoria, litterae, cura, cogitatio, diligentia; res bello gesserat quamvis rei publicae calamitosas, at tamen magnas; multos annos regnare meditatus magno labore, magnis periculis, quod cogitarat, effecerat; muneribus, monimentis, congiariis, epulis multitudinem imperitam delenierat; suos praemiis, adversarios clementiae specie devinxerat; quid multa? attulerat iam liberae civitati partim metu, partim patientia consuetudinem serviendi."

In Caesar was cleverness, calculation, memory, letters, industry, command, deliberation, ambition; he had done great things in war, however calamitous to the State; having deliberated kingship for many years, with great labor and at great risk, he effected what he had dreamed; by offerings, monuments, largesses, banquets he had pacified the ignorant crowd; he had defeated his own followers with rewards, his opponents by show of mercy; what else? He had already brought to a free community, partly by fear, partly by endurance, a custom of servitude.

II.XLV sec 117.6 page 180
"Haec non cogitas, neque intellegis satis esse viris fortibus didicisse, quam sit re pulchrum, beneficio gratum, fama gloriosum tyrannum occidere?"

Do you not realize these things, nor understand it is sufficient for brave men to have learned how beautiful in act, thankful in benefit, glorious in reputation it is to kill a tyrant?

III.V sec 12.0 page 200
“Cum autem omnis servitus est misera, tum vero intolerabilis est servire inpuro, inpudico, effeminato, numquam ne in metu quidem sobrio.”

But while all slavery is miserable, it is especially intolerable to serve an impure, shameless, effeminate, fearless drunkard.

III.VI sec 14.8 page 202
"Si autem militibus exquirendi sunt honores novi propter eorum divinum atque immortale meritum, ducibus autem ne referri quidem potest gratia, quis est, qui eum hostem non existimet, quem qui armis persequantur, conservatores rei publicae iudicentur?"

But if new honors are to be sought out for the god-like and immortal service of our soldiers, while the generals could not even be sufficiently thanked, who would not count him [Antonius] an enemy, when those who pursue him by arms are adjudged conservators of the State?

III.IX sec 22.4 page 212
"Quis sic loquitur?"

Who talks like that?

III.XII sec 31.6 page 220
"Atque is ab hoc impetu abstractus consilio et copiis Caesaris, consensu veteranorum, virtute legionum ne fortuna quidem fractus minuit audaciam nec ruere demens nec furere desinit."

Though carried off from this impetus by the prudence and forces of Caesar [Octavianus], by the consensus of the veterans, and by the courage of the legions, he was not even broken by his misfortune, and never diminished his audacity, nor, perpetually inflamed, ceased to destroy madly.

III.XIV sec 33.-5 page 222
"Videtisne refertum forum populumque Romanum ad spem reciperandae libertatis erectum? qui longo intervallo cum frequentes hic videt nos, tum sperat etiam liberos convenisse."

Do you not see the filled forum and the Roman people stimulated for hope of recovering their liberty? After a long interval it sees us crowded here, and hopes we have gathered as free men.

III.XIV sec 34.2 page 224
"Si enim ille opprimere urbem potuisset, statim, si Galliam tenere, paulo post optimo cuique pereundum erat, reliquis serviendum."

For if he had been able to overpower the city, then at once, or, if he had been able to hold Gaul, a little after, the best of us would perish, and the rest become slaves.

III.XIV sec 35.3 page 224
"Quodsi iam, quod di omen avertant! fatum extremum rei publicae venit, quod gladiatores nobiles faciunt, ut honeste decumbant, faciamus nos principes orbis terrarum gentiumque omnium, ut cum dignitate potius cadamus quam cum ignominia serviamus."

But if, may the Gods avert the omen, final fate has come to the State, let us, leaders of the world and all nations, do what noble gladiators do to die with dignity: let us fall on our sword rather than serve with ignominy.

IV.I sec 1.3 page 236
"Quamquam animus mihi quidem numquam defuit, tempora defuerunt, quae simul ac primum aliquid lucis ostendere visa sunt, princeps vestrae libertatis defendendae fui."

My heart has never failed me, but the times did; yet, as soon as they seemed to show some light, I was first to defend your liberty.

IV.IV sec 11.-6 page 244
"Sive enim prodigiis atque porentis di immortales nobis futura praedicunt, ita sunt aperte pronuntiata, ut et illi poena et nobis libertas adpropinquet, sive tantus consensus omnium sine inpulsu deorum esse non potuit, quid est, quod de voluntate caelestium dubitare possimus?"

If through prodigies and portents the immortal Gods foretell for us future events, these events are so openly declared that both his punishment and our freedom draw near; or if such great consensus of all men entails divine intervention, how could we doubt the will of heaven?

IV.VI sec 15.-3 page 248
"Nam concordiam civium qui habere potest, nullam cum habet civitatem? pacis vero quae potest esse cum eo ratio, in quo est incredibilis crudelitas, fides nulla?"

For how can concord among citizens be had by one with no citizenship? What kind of peace can there be with a man of incredible cruelty and no good faith?"

V.III sec 9.0 page 264
"Quid? quod cum eo collega tulit, quem ipse fecit sua nuntiatione vitiosum, nihilne ad auspicia bonus augur pertinere arbitratus est?"

Does the good augur think it to pertain nothing to the auspices that he proposed the law jointly with a colleague whom he himself had disqualified by his report?"

V.IV sec 11.0 page 266
"Illa vero dissipatio pecundae publicae ferenda nullo modo est, per quam sestertium septiens miliens falsis perscriptionibus donationibusque avertit, ut portenti simile videatur tantam pecuniam populi Romani tam brevi tempore perire potuisse."

But that squandering of public money is in no way to be borne, whereby with false reports and donations he embezzled 700,000,000 sesterces, so that it seems a miracle for so much wealth of the Roman people to have disappeared in so short a time.

V.IV sec 11.9 page 266
"Calebant in interiore aedium parte totius rei publicae nundinae; mulier sibi felicior quam viris auctionem provinciarum regnorumque faciebat; restituebantur exules quasi lege sine lege; quae nisi auctoritate senatus rescinduntur, quoniam ingressi in spem rei publicae recuperandae sumus, imago nulla liberae civitatis relinquetur."

In the inner part of the house were stoked sales in every interest of the State; his wife, luckier for herself than for her men, was auctioning off provinces and kingdoms; exiles were being restored as if by law but without law; unless these are rescinded by the authority of a Senate that aspires to recuperate the State, no semblance of a free society will remain.

V.VII sec 19.4 page 274
"Locutus sum de re publica minus equidem libere, quam mea consuetudo, liberius tamen, quam periculi minae postulabant."

I spoke about the State, indeed less freely than is my custom, yet more freely than his threats of danger called for.

V.VII sec 20.3 page 274
"Quo die si per amicos mihi cupienti in senatum venire licuisset, caedis initium fecisset a me (sic enim statuerat), cum autem semel gladium scelere imbuisset, nulla res ei finem caedenti nisi defatigatio et satietas attulisset."

On which day if my friends had allowed me to come to the Senate, as I wished to, he would have begun his slaughter with me (for thus he had determined), and once he had wet his sword with crime, nothing would end his killing except exhaustion and satiety.

V.IX sec 26.5 page 282
"Minimis momentis, patres consctripti, maximae inclinationes temporum fiunt cum in omni casu rei publicae, tum in bello, et maxime civile, quod opinione plerumque et fama gubernatur."

By tiny impulses, Conscript Fathers, in every accident of the State but most of all in war, especially civil war, which is generally governed by opinion and rumor, huge oscillations of conditions can happen.

V.XIV sec 39.0 page 294
"Quid enim, o di immortales! admirabilius omnibus gentibus, quid optatius populo Romano accidere potuit, quam, cum bellum civile maximum esset, cuius belli exitum omnes timeremus, sapientia et clementia id potius extingui quam armis et ferro rem in discrimen adducere?"

For what, ye immortal Gods, could have happened more admirable to all races, more welcome to the Roman people than, while the [Spanish] civil war was at its height, the outcome of which we all were fearing, it was extinguished by wisdom and tolerance rather than arms and iron?

V.XVII sec 48.9 page 304
"Ex quo iudicari potest virtutis esse quam aetatis cursum celeriorem."

From this it can be recognized that manliness matures faster than age.

VI.III sec 6.6 page 320
"Quid? quod a senatu dantur mandata legatis, ut D. Brutum militesque eius adeant iisque demonstrent summa in rem publicam merita beneficiaque eorum grata esse senatui populoque Romano iisque eam rem magnae laudi magnoque honori fore, passurumne censetis Antonium introire Mutinam legatos, exire inde toto?"

As to the mandates given by the senate to the envoy, that they should go to Decimus Brutus and his soldiers and assure them that their services and good-will towards the State were appreciated by the senate and the Roman people, and that their actions would earn them great praise and great honor- do you think Antonius will suffer them to enter Mutina, and leave unharmed?

VI.IV sec 9.10 page 322
"Non metuo, Quirites, ne, cum audierit Antonius me hoc et in senatu et in contione confirmasse, numquam illum futurum in senatus potestate, refellendi mei causa, ut ego nihil vidisse videar, vertat se et senatui pareat."

I do not fear, Romans, once Antonius learns that I have alleged, both here in the Senate and at a public meeting, that he would never come under the power of the Senate, that in order to refute me and make me seem stupid, he would turn around and obey the Senate.

VI.IV sec 13.-3 page 326
"Non modo hic latro, quem clientem habere nemo velit, sed quis umquam tantis opibus, tantis rebus gestis fuit, qui se populi Romani victoris dominique omnium gentium patronum dicere auderet?"

To say nothing of this brigand whom nobody would want as a client, has there ever been anyone of such great power, achievement, and daring as to call himself patron of the Roman people, the conqueror and master of all nations?

VII.III sec 8.-7 page 342
"Itaque ego ille, qui semper pacis auctor fui, cuique pax, praesertim civilis, quamquam omnibus bonis, tamen in primis fuit optabilis (omne enim curriculum industriae nostrae in foro, in curia, in amicorum periculis propulsandis elaboratum est; hinc honores amplissimos, hinc mediocris opes, hinc dignitatem, si quam habemus, consecuti sumus)— ego igitur pacis, ut ita dicam, alumnus, qui quantuscumque sum (nihil enim mihi adrogo), sine pace civili certe non fuissem (periculose dico; quem ad modum accepturi, patres conscripti, sitis, horreo, sed pro mea perpetua cupiditate vestrae dignitatis retinendae et augendae quaeso oroque vos, patres conscripti, ut primo, etsi erit vel acerbum auditu vel incredibile a M. Cicerone esse dictum, accipiatis sine offensione, quod dixero, neve id, priusquam, quale sit, explicaro, repudietis)— ego ille (dicam saepius) pacis semper laudator, semper auctor pacem cum M. Antonio esse nolo."

Therefore I, always the advocate of peace, one to whom peace, especially civil, however dear to all good men, has been especially desirable; for the whole course of my activity happens in the forum, in the Senate house, in defending my friends; from which I have won the fullest honors, moderate wealth, and such rank as I possess; therefore I, nursling of peace, so to speak, without civil peace certainly would not be such as I am (for I claim nothing to myself); but I speak dangerously; I shrink from how you are going to take this, Conscript Fathers, but, purposed with my perpetual desire to retain and augment your dignity, I beg and beseech you, Conscript Fathers, however bitter or incredible it may be to hear it said by Marcus Cicero, first to receive without offense what I shall say, and not to reject it before I explain its meaning. I, I will say it again, I, always the fan and promoter of peace, do not support peace with Marcus Antonius.

VII.III sec 10.0 page 344
"Nisi vero, cum C. Caesari meritos illi quidem honores et debitos, sed tamen singulares et immortalis decrevistis unam ob causam, quod contra M. Antonium exercitum comparavisset, non hostem tum Antonium iudicavistis, nec tum hostis est a vobis iudicatus Antonius, cum laudati auctoritate vestra veterani milites, qui C. Caesarem secuti essent, nec tum hostem Antonium iudicastis, cum fortissimis legionibus, quod illum, qui consul appellabatur, cum esset hostis, reliquissent, vacationes, pecunias, agros spopondistis."

Then, when honors singular and immortal were merited and owed to Caius Caesar [Octavianus] for the one reason that he had raised an army against Marcus Antonius, then did you not judge Antonius an enemy? nor then was he judged an enemy when the veterans who had followed Caius Caesar [Octavianus] were praised by your authority? nor then, when he, who was called consul but was really an enemy, was abandoned by the bravest legions, whom you rewarded with exemptions from service, money, and lands?

VII.VIII sec 21.3 page 352
"Quae potest pax esse M. Antonio primum cum senatu? quo ore vos ille poterit, quibus vicissim vos illum oculis intueri? quis vestrum illum, quem ille vestrum non oderit?"

What peace can there be between Marcus Antonius and the Senate? With what face can he watch you, with what eyes can you watch him? Who of you will not hate him, whom of you will he not hate?

VIII.I sec 1.6 page 364
"Victa est igitur propter verbi asperitatem te auctore nostra sententia, vicit L. Caesaris, amplissimi viri, qui, verbi atrocitate dempta, oratione fuit quam sententia lenior."

Therefore on account of the sharpness of a word [war], our motion was defeated at your instance by that of Lucius Caesar, an ample man who yet, with the harshness of the word removed, in his speech was more lenient than in his vote.

VIII.II sec 8.-2 page 370
"De proximo bello civili non libet dicere; ignoro causam, detestor exitum."

It is not pleasing to speak about the last civil war [between Julius Caesar and Pompeius]; I know not its cause; I detest its outcome.

VIII.II sec 12.3 page 374
"Quae causa iustior est belli gerendi quam servitutis depulsio? in qua etiamsi not sit molestus dominus, tamen est miserrimum posse, se velit."

What cause for war is more just than the repulsion of slavery? even under a benign master, it is miserable that he has the power, if he wants to use it.

IX.II sec 5.-5 page 404
"Nam cum esset missus a senatu ad animos regum perspiciendos liberorumque popularum maximeque, ad nepotem regis Antiochi, eius qui cum maioribus nostris bellum gesserat, classes habere, elephantos alere prohiberet, Laodiceae in gymnasio a quodam Leptine est interfectus."

For when he [Sulpicius] was sent by the Senate to determine the minds of the kings and free populace, and especially to forbid the grandson of King Antiochus, the king who had waged war on our ancestors, from having a fleet and rearing elephants, he was slain by a certain Leptines in the gymnasium at Laodicea.

IX.IV sec 8.0 page 406
"Quodsi excusationem Ser. Sulpici, patres conscripti, legationis obeudae recordari volueritis, nulla dubitatio relinquetur, quin honore mortui, quam vivo inuriam fecimus, sarciamus."

But if, Conscript Fathers, you would reconsider the excuse of Servius Sulpicius against joining the envoy, there will be no doubt that we should redeem by honor in death whom we injured in life.

IX.VI sec 13.0 page 412
"Mihi autem recordanti Ser. Sulpici multos in nostra familiaritate sermones gratior illi videtur, si qui est sensus in morte, aenea statua futura, et ea pedestris, quam inaurata equestris, qualis L. Sullae primum statuta est; mirifice enim Servius maiorum continentiam diligebat, huius saeculi insolentiam vituperabat."

If there be any sense in death, it seems to me, recalling the many discussions with Servius Sulpicius during our friendship, he would prefer a bronze statue to be erected, and that on foot, instead of a gilt equestrian one, like the original statue of Lucius Sulla; for Servius wonderfully loved the temperance of our ancestors and disparaged the insolence of this age.

X.I sec 1.4 page 422
"... [nemo] alterius, qui suae confideret, virtuti [invidet]."

No man trusting his own worth grudges that of another.

X.II sec 6.4 page 426
"Quod verbum tibi non excidit, ut saepe fit, fortuito; scriptum, meditatum, cogitatum attulisti."

The words did not escape, as often happens, by chance; you brought them written, thought out, deliberated.

X.III sec 7.6 page 428
"Tantumne patientiam, di boni, tantam moderationem, tantam in inuria tranquillitatem et modestiam! qui cum praetor urbis esset, urbe caruit, ius non dixit, cum omne ius rei publicae recuperavisset, cumque concursu cotidiano bonorum omnium, qui admirabilis ad eum fieri solebat, praesidioque Italiae cunctae saeptus posset esse, apsens iudicio bonorum defensus esse maluit quam praesens manu; qui ne Apollinares quidem ludos pro sua populique Romani dignitate apparatos preasens fecit, ne quam viam patefaceret sceleratissimorum hominum audaciae."

Such great patience, Good Heavens, such moderation, such calmness and modesty in the face of wrong! Though praetor of the city, he [Brutus] left the city; he held no court, though he had restored all law to the State; when he could have been surrounded by a daily concourse of all good men (and an admirable group usually followed him), and a bodyguard of all Italy, he preferred to be defended in his absence, by the judgement of good men, than by a gang in his presence; he did not even engage the Apollinarian games in person, which were prepared for his own and the Roman people's dignity, lest he open a way for audacious men most criminal.

X.IV sec 10.0 page 432
"Equidem cupio haec quam primum Antonium audire, ut intellegat non D. Brutum, quem vallo circumsedeat, sed se ipsum obsideri."

Indeed I wish Antonius to hear these things as soon as possible, so that he understands it is not Decimus Brutus he surrounds with his palisade, but he himself is being besieged.

XI.I sec 3.2 page 458
"Omnes, qui libere de re publica sensimus, qui dignas nobis sententias diximus, qui populum Romanum liberum esse voluimus, statuit ille quidem non inimicos, sed hostes."

All of us who have felt freely about the State, who have expressed worthy opinions, who have wished the Roman people to be free, he considers not merely unfriendly, but enemies.

XI.VI sec 15.0 page 472
"Quapropter, ut invitus saepe dissensi a Q. Fufio, ita sum eius sententiae libenter adsensus; ex quo iudicare debetis me non cum homine solere, sed cum causa dissidere."

On account of which, as I have often reluctantly dissented from Quintus Fufius, thus I freely affirm his motion; from which you ought to judge that I am not accustomed to disagree with the man, but with the cause.

XI.IX sec 23.0 page 482
"Facis tu id quidem et eo maxime incumbis, ut intellego; duas tamen res, magnas praesertim, non modo agere uno tempore, sed ne cogitando quidem explicare quisquam potest."

You are indeed doing that and most earnestly, as I understand; yet two affairs, especially great, nobody can drive simultaneously, nor even disentangle in the mind.

XI.XII sec 28.3 page 488
"Qua lege, quo iure? Eo, quod Iuppiter ipse sanxit, ut omnia, quae rei publicae salutaria essent, legitima et iusta haberentur; est enim lex nihil aliud nisi recta et a numine deorum tracta ratio imperans honesta, prohibens contraria."

Under what law, by what right? By that which Jupiter himself has sanctioned, that all things salutary to the State be considered lawful and fair; for law is nothing other than a principle derived directly from the nod of the Gods, commanding what is honest, forbidding what is contrary.

XI.XIV sec 35.3 page 494
"Paratum habet imperatorem C. Cassium, patres conscripti, res publica contra Dolabellam, nec paratum solum, sed peritum atque fortem."

The State has in Caius Cassius, Conscript Fathers, a general against Dolabella, not only ready, but skilled and brave.

XI.XIV sec 37.-4 page 496
"Ego vero istos otii, concordiae, legum, iudiciorum, libertatis inimicos tantum abest ut ornem, ut effici non possit, quin eos tam oderim, quam rem publicam diligo."

But in truth I am so far from praising those enemies of leisure, peace, laws, courts, and liberty, that I cannot help but despise them as much as I love the State.

XII.II sec 5.2 page 510
"Cuiusvis hominis est errare, nullius nisi insipientis in errore perseverare; posteriores enim cogitationes, ut aiunt, sapientiores solent esse."

Of any man at all it is to err, to persist in error is of none except unthinking; for the later thoughts, as they say, are usually the wiser.

XII.VII sec 18.-4 page 522
"Nec haec in senatu solum, eadem ad populum semper egi, neque solum in ipsum, sed in eius socios facinorum et ministros et praesentes et eos, qui una sunt, in totam denique M. Antoni domum sum semper invectus."

I have always inveighed against the whole house of Marcus Antonius, not only in the Senate, but also before the people, nor only against him himself, but against his partners and attendants in crime, including those present, and those with him.

XII.VIII sec 21.7 page 526
"Is enim sum, nisi me forte fallo, qui vigiliis, curis, sententiis, periculis etiam, quae plurima adii propter acerbissimum omnium in me odium impiorum, perfecerim, ut non obstarem rei publicae, ne quid adrogantius videar dicere."

For I am one who, unless perhaps I deceive myself, by vigils, pains, votes, even the countless dangers I have met on account of the bitterest odium towards me of the unethical majority, will have managed (lest I seem to speak too arrogantly) not to obstruct the State.

XII.X sec 25.2 page 532
"Gloriam in morte debent ii, qui in re publica versantur, non culpae reprehensionem et stultitiae vituperationem relinquere."

Those who participate in the State ought to leave in death a glorious name, not a handle for censure of fault and criticism of folly.

XII.X sec 26.-9 page 532
"At sunt qui dicant (dure illi quidem, sed tamen dicunt) minus dolendum, quod ab homine impuro nefarioque non caverit; etenim, qui multorum custodem se profiteatur, eum sapientes sui primum capitis aiunt custodem esse oportere."

But there are those who would say (harsh indeed, but they say it) his death [Trebonius] is less to be mourned, because he should have been prepared to defend himself from an unethical criminal; for one who calls himself guardian of the many, as the wise say, should first be guardian of himself.

XIII.IX sec 19.0 page 564
"Caesaris enim incredibilis ac divina virtus latronis impetus crudelis ac furibundos retardavit; quem tum ille demens laedere se putabat edictis ignorans, quaecumque falso diceret in sanctissimum adulescentem, ea vere recidere in memoriam pueritiae suae."

That madman thought his edicts were injuring Caesar [Octavianus], whose incredible and divine virtue had retarded the brigand's cruel and raging impetus, without realizing that, whatever lies he would say against the most modest adolescent, in truth resided in the memory of his own boyhood.

XIII.XVI sec 33.12 page 584
"Nihil tibi de Galba respondeo, fortissimo et constantissimo civi; coram aderit, praesens tibi et ipse et ille, quem insimulas, pugio respondebit."

I will respond nothing to you about Galba, a most brave and reliable citizen; he will approach you openly, and in your presence both he whom you threaten and that very dagger will respond to you.

XIII sec 40.-3 page 592
"Cum mortem Caesaris ulciscendam putat, mortem proponit non iis solum, qui illam rem gesserunt, sed iis etiam, si qui non moleste tulerunt."

When he deems the death of Caesar to be avenged, he proposes death not only for those who did the deed, but also those who did not resent it.

XIV.V sec 13.3 page 618
"Nam sive in communi gaudio populi Romani uni gratulabantur, magnum iudicium, sive uni gratias agebant, eo maius, sive utrumque, nihil magnificentius cogitari potest."

If in common rejoicing of the Roman people they were congratulating one man, a great verdict; if giving thanks to the same, all the greater; if both, nothing more magnificent can be thought of.

XIV.V sec 14.-4 page 618
"Nonne satis est ab hominibus virtutis ignaris gratiam bene merentibus non referri? etiam in eos, qui omnes suas curas in rei publicae salute defigunt, impetus crimen invidia quaeretur?"

Is it not sufficient that thanks for good service from men ignorant of virtue are declined? Will envy look for a charge of careless vigor, even against those who focus all their cares on the health of the State?

XIV.VII sec 18.4 page 624
"Tu, si ego de re publica optime sentiam, ut me vincas, ipse pessime senties aut, si ad me bonorum concursum fieri videbis, ad te improbos invitabis?"

If I think the best of the State, will you, in order to beat me, think the worst; or will you, if you see a crowd of good men about me, invite bad men to yourself?

XIV.XIV sec 33.-5 page 636
"Brevis a natura vita vobis data est, at memoria bene redditae vitae sempiterna. Quae si non esset longior quam haec vita, quis esset tam amens, qui maximis laboribus et periculis ad summam laudem gloriamque contenderet?"

A short life is given by nature, but memory of an ethically lived life eternal, and if this memory were not longer than life, who would be so crazy to contend, by the greatest labors and dangers, for the highest praise and glory?