Quotes from Cicero's pro Fonteio

Defense of the obviously guilty is the dark side of Cicero.

The Latin quotes are selected for interest (int), language (lan), and beauty (bea), and are translated into English. The line numbers are from the Loeb edition, and start counting from line 1 of the section. All translations are by Gus Wiseman (Nafindix), with the exception of any contributions from other users. The public domain sources of the Latin quotes are:


 * Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, vol. XIV, 1931; Latin text with facing English translation by N. H. Watts.
 * M. TVLLI CICERONIS PRO PRO M. FONTEIO ORATIO, https://www.thelatinlibrary.com/cicero/fonteio.shtml
 * M. Tullius Cicero, For Marcus Fonteius, http://data.perseus.org/citations/urn:cts:latinLit:phi0474.phi007.perseus-lat1:1

1.5 bea
hunc omnium superiorum, huius autem omnes, qui postea fuerint, auctoritatem dico secutos.

My client followed the authority of all prior, while his authority was followed by all who came afterward.

3.7 int/bea
Atqui homines, si qui in hoc genere quaestionis accusati sunt, reprehensos videmus primum testibus; difficile est enim eum qui magistratui pecuniam dederit non aut induci odio ut dicat aut cogi religione; deinde si qua gratia testes deterrentur, tabulae quidem certe incorruptae atque integrae manent.

But men accused in such an investigation are convicted first by the witnesses; for it is hard to believe that one who has given money to a magistrate would neither be induced to say so by hatred, nor compelled to do so by duty. Then, if witnesses are deterred by influence, the records remain uncorrupted and vital.

11.8 int
Plus ego in hac causa laboris et operae consumo in poscendis testibus quam ceteri defensores in refutandis.

In this trial I am spending more work and effort in making the prosecution produce their witnesses than other defenders spend in cross-examining them.

12.1 int/lan/bea
Videte, quo descendam, iudices, quam longe videar ab consuetudine mea et cautione ac diligentia discedere.

Note, gentlemen, how far I seem to descend from my customary cautious diligence.

15.5 bea
Quoniam igitur, iudices, qui oppugnatum M. Fonteium cognostis, qui defensum velint, statuite nunc quid vestra aequitas, quid populi Romani dignitas postulet, utrum colonis vestris, negotiatoribus vestris, amicissimis atque antiquissimis sociis et credere et consulere malitis, an eis quibus neque propter iracundiam fidem neque propter infidelitatem honorem habere debetis.

Now that you have learned who wants Fonteius attacked, who defended, decide what your evenness and the dignity of the Roman people demands, whether you prefer to trust and consult your colonies, your merchants, your friends and ancient allies, or those who, because of their animosity and infidelity, have earned no faith or honor from you.

20.6 int/lan/bea and 20.9
''Sed ego ita existimo, quo maius crimen sit id quod ostendatur esse falsum, hoc maiorem ab eo iniuriam fieri qui id confingat. Vult enim magnitudine rei sic occupare animos eorum qui audiunt ut difficilis aditus veritati relinquatur.''

But I think the greater a crime is that is shown to be a lie, the more harm is done by the liar. For he wishes by the size of the thing to thus occupy the minds of those hearing so that little path to truth remains.

21.2 int and 21.3
''Potest igitur testibus iudex non credere? Cupidis et iratis et coniuratis et ab religione remotis non solum potest sed etiam debet.''

Can a juror not believe witnesses? Not only can he; he must not trust those who are interested or angry or conspiring or taken by religion.

21.5 int
Etenim si, quia Galli dicunt, idcirco M. Fonteius nocens existimandus est, quid mihi opus est sapiente iudice, quid aequo quaesitore, quid oratore non stulto?

So if, because the Galls say so, for this reason M. Fonteius is thought guilty, what need for a wise juror, a fair examiner, an orator not naive?

26.9 int
Quorum qui optima in causa sunt, equites, frumentum, pecuniam semel atque iterum ac saepius invitissimi dare coacti sunt, ceteri partim ex veteribus bellis agro multati, partim ab hoc ipso bello superati et oppressi.

Even those in the best standing had, once and many times again, been most unwillingly compelled to give cavalry, corn, and money; the others had their fields forfeited in old wars, or had been overcome and oppressed in war by my client himself.

31.9 bea
Quam ob rem quali fide, quali pietate existimatis esse eos qui etiam deos immortalis arbitrentur hominum scelere et sanguine facillime posse placari?

For this reason, what faith, what piety do you see in those who believe even the immortal Gods can be pleased by the crime and blood of men?

43.6 int
non litteris homines ad rei militaris scientiam, sed rebus gestis ac victoriis eruditos.

...men not skilled by textbooks at military science, but by missions carried out and victories.

43.12 bea
Quae si diligenter attendetis, profecto, iudices, virum ad labores belli impigrum, ad pericula fortem, ad usum ac disciplinam peritum, ad consilia prudentem, ad casum fortunamque felicem domi vobis ac liberis vestris retinere quam inimicissimis populo Romano nationibus et crudelissimis tradere et condonare maletis.

If you study earnestly, gentlemen, you should prefer a man energetic in the labors of war, brave in dangers, skilled in theory and practice, wise in planning, lucky in chance and fortune, to be retained at home in the service of you and your children, rather than handed over and abandoned to the greatest and most cruel enemy-nations of the Roman People.

49.1 int/bea
O fortunam longe disparem, M. Fontei, si deligere potuisses ut potius telis tibi Gallorum quam periuriis intereundum esset!

What a far different fortune, Marcus Fonteius, if you had been able to choose death from the weapons of the Galls instead of by their perjuries!

49.14 int
Postremo prospicite, iudices, id quod ad dignitatem populi Romani maxime pertinet, ut plus apud vos preces virginis Vestalis quam minae Gallorum valuisse videantur.

Finally take care, gentlemen, and this goes to the dignity of the Roman people, that the prayers of a Vestal Maid are seen to move you more than the terror of the Galls.