Philippics, 8.7

Cicero  translated by C. D. Yonge

« Cic. Phil. 8.6 | Cic. Phil. 8.7 | Cic. Phil. 8.8 | About This Work »

7For in all other wars, and most especially in civil wars, it was a difference as to the political state of the republic which gave rise to the contest. Sylla contended against Sulpicius about the force of laws which Sylla said had been passed by violence. Cinna warred against Octavius because of the votes of the new citizens. Again, Sylla was at variance with Cinna and Marius, in order to prevent unworthy men from attaining power, and to avenge the cruel death of most illustrious men. The causes of all these wars arose from the zeal of different parties, for what they considered the interest of the republic. Of the last civil war I cannot bear to speak: I do not understand the cause of it; I detest the result.

« Cic. Phil. 8.6 | Cic. Phil. 8.7 | Cic. Phil. 8.8 | About This Work »