[221]
See, therefore, how many
things are required of you at once. Acquit the man who confesses that he has taken
immense sums, doing at the same time the greatest injury to our allies. That is not
enough. There are also many others who have done the same thing. Acquit them also,
if there are any; so as to release as many rogues as possible by one decision. Even
that is not enough. Cause that it may be lawful to those who come after them to do
the same thing. It shall be lawful. Even this is too little. Allow it to be lawful
for every one to value corn at whatever price he pleases. He may so value it. You
see now, in truth, O judges, that if this valuation be approved of by you, there
will be no limit hereafter to any man's avarice, nor any punishment for dishonesty.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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