Pro S. Roscio Amerino
Pro S. Roscio Amerino
Pro S. Roscio Amerino
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PRO SEX. EOSCIO, §§ 4—8. 3<br />
individual of tlie day in our state, avers that he bought for<br />
two thousand sesterces from the illustrious and gaUant<br />
Lucius Sulla, whoin I mention with all respect. This<br />
Chrysogonus, gentlemen of the Jmy, mal^es the foUowing<br />
demand, that, since he has seized upon the extensive and<br />
famous property of another man without having any just<br />
claim to it, and since the life of Sextus Eoscius seems<br />
to be an obstacle and impediment to that property, you<br />
should blot out all suspicion and remove all fear from his<br />
thoughts : while my client is living he does not think he<br />
can keep possession of my innocent clienfs extensive and<br />
wealthy inheritance ; but he hopes that, after he has been<br />
condemned and cast out, he can waste and squander ia<br />
riotous excess what he has got by villainy. He asks you<br />
to take from his side this thorn that pricks and galls him<br />
day and night, so that you may confess yom-selves his<br />
abettors in obtaining his ill-gotten gains.<br />
7. If you think his demand is fair and honourable,<br />
gentlemen, I on the other hand submit to you a short<br />
request, and one that, as I flatter myself, is a little fairer.<br />
First, I ask Chrysogonus to be content with our money and<br />
our propei-ty, and not to ask for our life's blood as well<br />
next, I ask you, gentlemen, to withstand the wicked purpose<br />
of reckless men and relieve the desperate distress of<br />
the innocent, and in the case of Sextus Koscius to repel<br />
the danger which threatens all of us.<br />
8. But if grounds for an accusation or suspicion of guilt<br />
or, in a word, any fact even of the slightest importance be<br />
discovered to make them seem to have been guided by at<br />
least something in bringing this accu>ation, in fine, if<br />
you come upon any motive except the booty I spoke of<br />
we do not protest against the life of Sestus Eoscius<br />
being surrendered to their caprice ; but if the only object<br />
in view is to prevent their lacking anything to whom<br />
nothing is enough, if the object of our contest to-day be<br />
that the condemnatioa of Sextus Eoscius should come to<br />
crown that rieh and famous booty, is not this perhaps<br />
the most dishonourable among the many dishonourable<br />
aspects of the case, that you have been regarded as men<br />
well adapted to allow their securing by means of youi- votes
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