Philippics, 6.17

Cicero  translated by C. D. Yonge

« Cic. Phil. 6.16 | Cic. Phil. 6.17 | Cic. Phil. 6.18 | About This Work »

17Wherefore, O Romans, wait now for the return of the ambassadors, and devour your annoyance for a few days. And when they do return, if they bring back peace, believe me that I have been desirous that they should; if they bring back war, then allow me the praise of foresight. Ought I not to be provident for the welfare of my fellow-citizens? Ought I not day and night to think of your freedom and of the safety of the republic? For what do I not owe to you, O Romans, since you have preferred for all the honours of the state a man who is his own father to the most nobly born men in the republic? Am I ungrateful? Who is less so? I, who, after I had obtained those honours, have constantly laboured in the forum with the same exertions as I used while striving for them. Am I inexperienced in state affairs? Who has had more practice than I, who have now for twenty years been waging war against impious citizens?

« Cic. Phil. 6.16 | Cic. Phil. 6.17 | Cic. Phil. 6.18 | About This Work »