Pro S. Roscio Amerino

50 CICERO
belonged to tliat party. But if tlieir eudeavours are
directed to this end, and if arms were taken up with this
object, then nien of the basest sort should enrich themselves
with other people's monies and seize upon each
individuaVs property, and if one may not, I do not say
prevent it by an open act, but even censure it by word of
mouth, then, I aver, the Koman people was not reinvigorated
and restored to power but subdued and crushed.
138. But the facts of the case are far different ; none of
these suppositions are true, gentlemen: so far from infiicting
damage on the cause of the aristocracy, if you
withstand those men you will even add distinction to it.
For in fact those who wish to censure the present state of
affairs, complain of Chrysogonus' great power; those who
wish to praise it, declare that they have not made auy
coucessiou to him. And now there is no excuse for any
one being so senseless and sliameless as to say, " I ouly
wish it had been permissible: I would have said this."
You may say it. " I would have done this." Tou may do
it : no oue prevents you. " I would have voted for this
decree." Vote for it, only do so straightforwardly : then
all will applaud. "I would have giveu this judgmeut."
Every one will praise you if you give judgment in a straightforward
and appropriate mauner.
139. While it was necessary, and owiug to the exi-
gencies of the time, unlimited power was vested in the
hands of one man : but after he had created magistrates
aud established his laws, every one had his particular
oflBcial duty and power restored to him. Aud if those who
have recovered it like to retain it, they may maintain it
for ever ; but if they engage in or approve of these acts of
murder and spoliation, these excesses of profuse aud prodigal
extravagance, I am unwilliug to say anythiug too
severe agaiust them, even by way of a presage of its coniing
to pass, I ouly veuture this one remark. Our high and
mighty nobility, unless they are watchful and patriotic
and brave and merciful, will be compelled to give up their
distinctious to meu who have these qualities.
140. Wherefore let them uow at last cease from stating
that a man has spokeu slanderously if he has spoken truly