Philippics, 2.7

Cicero  translated by C. D. Yonge

« Cic. Phil. 2.6 | Cic. Phil. 2.7 | Cic. Phil. 2.8 | About This Work »

7But I, as if I had to contend against Marcus Crassus, with whom I have had many severe struggles, and not with a most worthless gladiator, while complaining in dignified language of the state of the republic, did not say one word which could be called personal. Therefore, to-day I will make him understand with what great kindness he was then treated by me.

IV. But he also read letters which he said that I had sent to him, like a man devoid of humanity and ignorant of the common usages of life. For who ever, who was even but slightly acquainted with the habits of polite men, produced in an assembly and openly read letters which had been sent to him by a friend, just because some quarrel had arisen between them? Is not this destroying all companionship in life, destroying the means by which absent friends converse together? How many jests are frequently put in letters, which, if they were produced in public, would appear stupid! How many serious opinions, which, for all that, ought not to be published!

« Cic. Phil. 2.6 | Cic. Phil. 2.7 | Cic. Phil. 2.8 | About This Work »