---
title: "On the Command of Pompey · De Imperio Cn. Pompei"
author: "Cicero"
translator: "Charles Duke Yonge"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 2 of 2
url: https://scriptura.si/works/cicero-de-imperio-pompei/2/
cite: "Cicero, tr. Charles Duke Yonge, On the Command of Pompey · De Imperio Cn. Pompei, section 2. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/cicero-de-imperio-pompei/2/"
---

# On the Command of Pompey · De Imperio Cn. Pompei

*Cicero, tr. Charles Duke Yonge*

Cicero’s first speech to the people, urging that Pompey be given the war against Mithridates.

> Latin: ed. Albert Curtis Clark, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0474.phi009, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Charles Duke Yonge, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0474.phi009.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the references the two texts share (chapters and sections), cut where both reach the end of a sentence.

## 2. Sections 37–71

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/cicero-de-imperio-pompei/2/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/cicero-de-imperio-pompei/2/#p-N

[¶0] 37. For how can we rank a man among generals of any class at all, if centurionships are sold, and have been constantly sold in his army? What great or honourable thoughts can we suppose that that man cherishes concerning the republic, who has either distributed the money which was taken from the treasury for the conduct of the war among the magistrates, out of ambition to keep his province, or, out of avarice, has left it behind him at Rome, invested for his own advantage? Your murmurs show, O Romans, that you recognise, in my description, men who have done these things. But I name no one, so that no one can be angry with me, without making confession beforehand of his own malpractices. But who is there who is ignorant what terrible distresses our armies suffer wherever they go, through this covetousness of our generals?

> Latin: 37. enim possumus imperatorem ullo in numero putare cuius in exercitu centuriatus veneant atque venierint? hunc hominem magnum aut amplum de re publica cogitare qui pecuniam ex aerario depromptam ad bellum administrandum aut propter cupiditatem provinciae magistratibus diviserit aut propter avaritiam Romae in quaestu reliquerit? admurmuratio facit, Quirites, ut agnoscere videamini qui haec fecerint; ego autem nomino neminem; qua re irasci mihi nemo poterit nisi qui ante de se voluerit confiteri. propter hanc avaritiam imperatorum quantas calamitates, quocumque ventum sit, nostri exercitus adferant quis ignorat?

[¶1] 38. Recollect the marches which, during these latter years, our generals have made in Italy, through the lands and towns of the Roman citizens; then you will more easily imagine what is the course pursued among foreign nations. Do you think that of late years more cities of the enemy have been destroyed by the arms of your soldiers, or more cities of your own allies by their winter campaigns? For that general who does not restrain himself can never restrain his army; nor can he be strict in judging others who is unwilling for others to be strict in judging him.

> Latin: 38. quae per hosce annos in Italia per agros atque oppida civium Romanorum nostri imperatores fecerint recordamini; tum facilius statuetis quid apud exteras nationes fieri existimetis. Vtrum pluris arbitramini per hosce annos militum vestrorum armis hostium urbis an hibernis sociorum civitates esse deletas? enim potest exercitum is continere imperator qui se ipse non continet, neque severus esse in iudicando qui alios in se severos esse iudices non volt. miramur hunc hominem tantum excellere ceteris, cuius legiones sic in Asiam pervenerint ut non modo manus tanti exercitus sed ne vestigium quidem cuiquam pacato nocuisse dicatur?

[¶2] 39. Do we wonder now that this man should be so far superior to all others, when his legions arrived in Asia in such order that not only no man's hand in so numerous an army, but not even any man's footstep was said to have done the least injury to any peaceful inhabitant? But now we have daily rumours—yes, and letters too—brought to Rome about the way in which the soldiers are behaving in their winter quarters; not only is no one compelled to spend money on the entertainment of the troops, but he is not permitted to do so, even if he wish. For our ancestors thought fit that the houses of our allies and friends should be a shelter to our soldiers from the winter, not a theatre for the exercise of their avarice.

> Latin: 39. vero quem ad modum milites hibernent cotidie sermones ac litterae perferuntur; non modo ut sumptum faciat in militem nemini vis adfertur sed ne cupienti quidem quicquam permittitur. enim non avaritiae perfugium maiores nostri in sociorum atque amicorum tectis esse voluerunt.

[¶3] 40. Come now, consider also what moderation he has displayed in other matters also. How was it, do you suppose, that he was able to display that excessive rapidity, and to perform that incredible voyage? For it was no unexampled number of rowers, no hitherto unknown skill in navigation, no new winds, which bore him so swiftly to the most distant lands; but those circumstances which are wont to delay other men did not delay him. No avarice turned him aside from his intended route in pursuit of some plunder or other; no lust led him away in pursuit of pleasure; no luxury allured him to seek its delights; the illustrious reputation of no city tempted him to make its acquaintance; even labour did not turn him aside to seek rest. Lastly, as for the statues, and pictures, and other embellishments of Greek cities, which other men think worth carrying away, he did not think them worthy even of a visit from him.

> Latin: 40. vero, ceteris in rebus quae sit temperantia considerate. Vnde illam tantam celeritatem et tam incredibilem cursum inventum putatis? enim illum eximia vis remigum aut ars inaudita quaedam gubernandi aut venti aliqui novi tam celeriter in ultimas terras pertulerunt, sed eae res quae ceteros remorari solent non retardarunt. avaritia ab instituto cursu ad praedam aliquam devocavit, non libido ad voluptatem, non amoenitas ad delectationem, non nobilitas urbis ad cognitionem, non denique labor ipse ad quietem; postremo signa et tabulas ceteraque ornamenta Graecorum oppidorum quae ceteri tollenda esse arbitrantur, ea sibi ille ne visenda quidem existimavit.

[¶4] 41. And, therefore, every one in those countries looks upon Cnaeus Pompeius as some one descended from heaven, not as some one sent out from this city. Now they begin to believe that there really were formerly Romans of the same moderation; which hitherto has seemed to foreign nations a thing incredible, a false and ridiculous tradition. Now the splendour of your dominion is really brilliant in the eyes of those nations. Now they understand that it was not without reason that, when we had magistrates of the same moderation, their ancestors preferred being subject to the Roman people to being themselves lords of other nations. But now the access of all private individuals to him is so easy, their complaints of the injuries received from others are so little checked, that he who in dignity is superior to the noblest men, in affability seems to be on a par with the meanest.

> Latin: 41. omnes nunc in eis locis Cn. Pompeium sicut aliquem non ex hac urbe missum sed de caelo delapsum intuentur; nunc denique incipiunt credere fuisse homines Romanos hac quondam continentia, quod iam nationibus exteris incredibile ac falso memoriae proditum videbatur; nunc imperi vestri splendor illis gentibus lucem adferre coepit; nunc intellegunt non sine causa maiores suos tum cum ea temperantia magistratus habebamus servire populo Romano quam imperare aliis maluisse. vero ita faciles aditus ad eum privatorum, ita liberae querimoniae de aliorum iniuriis esse dicuntur, ut is qui dignitate principibus excellit facilitate infimis par esse videatur.

[¶5] 42. How great his wisdom is, how great his authority and fluency in speaking,—and that too is a quality in which the dignity of a general is greatly concerned,—you, O Romans, have often experienced yourselves in this very place. But how great do you think his good faith must have been towards your allies, when the enemies of all nations have placed implicit confidence in it? His humanity is such that it is difficult to say, whether the enemy feared his valour more when fighting against him, or loved his mildness more when they had been conquered by him. And will any one doubt, that this important war ought to be entrusted to him, who seems to have been born by some especial design and favour of the gods for the express purpose of finishing all the wars which have existed in their own recollection?

> Latin: 42. quantum consilio, quantum dicendi gravitate et copia valeat, in quo ipso inest quaedam dignitas imperatoria, vos, Quirites, hoc ipso ex loco saepe cognostis. vero eius quantam inter socios existimari putatis quam hostes omnes omnium generum sanctissimam iudicarint? iam tanta est ut difficile dictu sit utrum hostes magis virtutem eius pugnantes timuerint an mansuetudinem victi dilexerint. quisquam dubitabit quin huic hoc tantum bellum permittendum sit qui ad omnia nostrae memoriae bella conficienda divino quodam consilio natus esse videatur?

[¶6] 43. And since authority has great weight in conducting wars, and in discharging the duties of military command, it certainly is not doubtful to any one that in that point this same general is especially preeminent. And who is ignorant that it is of great importance in the conduct of wars, what opinion the enemy, and what opinion the allies have of your generals, when we know that men are not less influenced in such serious affairs, to despise, or fear, or hate, or love a man by common opinion and common report, than by sure grounds and principles? What name, then, in the whole world has ever been more illustrious than his? whose achievements have ever been equal to his? And, what gives authority in the highest degree, concerning whom have you ever passed such numerous and such honourable resolutions?

> Latin: 43. quoniam auctoritas quoque in bellis administrandis multum atque in imperio militari valet, certe nemini dubium est quin ea re idem ille imperator plurimum possit. autem pertinere ad bella administranda quid hostes, quid socii de imperatoribus nostris existiment quis ignorat, cum sciamus homines in tantis rebus ut aut metuant aut contemnant aut oderint aut ament opinione non minus et fama quam aliqua ratione certa commoveri? igitur nomen umquam in orbe terrarum clarius fuit, cuius res gestae pares? de quo homine vos, id quod maxime facit auctoritatem, tanta et tam praeclara iudicia fecistis?

[¶7] 44. Do you believe that there is anywhere in the whole world any place so desert that the renown of that day has not reached it, when the whole Roman people, the forum being crowded, and all the adjacent temples from which this place can be seen being completely filled,—the whole Roman people, I say, demanded Cnaeus Pompeius alone as their general in the war in which the common interests of all nations were at stake? Therefore, not to say more on the subject, nor to confirm what I say by instances of others as to the influence which authority has in war, all our instances of splendid exploits in war must be taken from this same Cnaeus Pompeius. The very day that he was appointed by you commander-in-chief of the maritime war, in a moment such a cheapness of provisions ensued, (though previously there had been a great scarcity of corn, and the price had been exceedingly high,) owing to the hope conceived of one single man, and his high reputation, as could scarcely have been produced by a most productive harvest after a long period of peace.

> Latin: 44. vero ullam usquam esse oram tam desertam putatis quo non illius diei fama pervaserit, cum universus populus Romanus referto foro completisque omnibus templis ex quibus hic locus conspici potest unum sibi ad commune omnium gentium bellum Cn.Gnaeum Pompeium imperatorem depoposcit? ut plura non dicam neque aliorum exemplis confirmem quantum auctoritas valeat in bello, ab eodem Cn. Pompeio omnium rerum egregiarum exempla sumantur. quo die a vobis maritimo bello praepositus est imperator, tanta repente vilitas ex summa inopia et caritate rei frumentariae consecuta est unius hominis spe ac nomine quantam vix in summa ubertate agrorum diuturna pax efficere potuisset.

[¶8] 45. Now, too, after the disaster which befell us in Pontus, from the result of that battle, of which, sorely against my will, I just now reminded you, when our allies were in a state of alarm, when the power and spirits of our enemies had risen, and the province was in a very insufficient state of defence, you would have entirely lost Asia, O Romans, if the fortune of the Roman people had not, by some divine interposition, brought Cnaeus Pompeius at that particular moment into those regions. His arrival both checked Mithridates, elated with his unusual victory, and delayed Tigranes, who was threatening Asia with a formidable army. And can any one doubt what he will accomplish by his valour, when he did so much by his authority and reputation? or how easily he will preserve our allies and our revenues by his power and his army, when he defended them by the mere, terror of his name?

> Latin: 45. accepta in Ponto calamitate ex eo proelio de quo vos paulo ante invitus admonui, cum socii pertimuissent, hostium opes animique crevissent, satis firmum praesidium provincia non haberet, amisissetis Asiam, Quirites, nisi ad ipsum discrimen eius temporis divinitus Cn. Pompeium ad eas regiones Fortuna populi Romani attulisset. adventus et Mithridatem insolita inflatum victoria continuit et Tigranen magnis copiis minitantem Asiae retardavit. quisquam dubitabit quid virtute perfecturus sit qui tantum auctoritate perfecerit, aut quam facile imperio atque exercitu socios et vectigalia conservaturus sit qui ipso nomine ac rumore defenderit?

[¶9] 46. Come, now; what a great proof does this circumstance afford us of the influence of the same man on the enemies of the Roman people, that all of them, living in countries so far distant from us and from each other, surrendered themselves to him alone in so short a time? that the ambassadors of the Cretans, though there was at the time a general and an army of ours in their island came almost to the end of the world to Cnaeus Pompeius, and said, all the cities of the Cretans were willing to surrender themselves to him? What did Mithridates himself do? Did he not send an ambassador into Spain to the same Cnaeus Pompeius? a man whom Pompeius has always considered an ambassador, but who that party, to whom it has always been a source of annoyance that he was sent to him particularly, have contended was sent as a spy rather than as an ambassador. You can now, then, O Romans, form an accurate judgment how much weight you must suppose that this authority of his—now, too, that it has been further increased by many subsequent exploits, and by many commendatory resolutions of your own—will have with those kings and among foreign nations.

> Latin: 46. vero illa res quantam declarat eiusdem hominis apud hostis populi Romani auctoritatem, quod ex locis tam longinquis tamque diversis tam brevi tempore omnes huic se uni dediderunt! quod ⟨a⟩ communi Cretensium legati, cum in eorum insula noster imperator exercitusque esset, ad Cn. Pompeium in ultimas prope terras venerunt eique se omnis Cretensium civitates dedere velle dixerunt!? idem iste Mithridates nonne ad eundem Cn.Gnaeum Pompeium legatum usque in Hispaniam misit? eum quem Pompeius legatum semper iudicavit, ei quibus erat molestum ad eum potissimum esse missum speculatorem quam legatum iudicari maluerunt. igitur iam constituere, Quirites, hanc auctoritatem multis postea rebus gestis magnisque vestris iudiciis amplificatam quantum apud illos reges, quantum apud exteras nationes valituram esse existimetis.

[¶10] 47. It remains for me timidly and briefly to speak of his good fortune, a quality which no man ought to boast of in his own case, but which we may remember and commemorate an happening to another, just as a man may extol the power of the gods. For my judgment is this, that very often commands have been conferred upon, and armies have been entrusted to Maximus, to Marcellus, to Scipio, to Marius, and to other great generals, not only on account of their valour, but also on account of their good fortune. For there has been, in truth, in the case of some most illustrious men, good fortune added as some contribution of the gods to their honour and glory, and as a means of performing mighty achievements. But concerning the good fortune of this man of whom we are now speaking, I will use so much moderation as not to say that good fortune was actually placed in his power, but I will so speak as to appear to remember what is past, to have good hope of what is to come; so that my speech may, on the one hand, not appear to the immortal gods to be arrogant, nor, on the other hand, to be ungrateful.

> Latin: 47. est ut de felicitate quam praestare de se ipso nemo potest, meminisse et commemorare de altero possumus, sicut aequum est homines de potestate deorum, timide et pauca dicamus. enim sic existimo,, Marcello, Scipioni, Mario ceterisque magnis imperatoribus non solum propter virtutem sed etiam propter fortunam saepius imperia mandata atque exercitus esse commissos. enim profecto quibusdam summis viris quaedam ad amplitudinem et ad gloriam et ad res magnas bene gerendas divinitus adiuncta fortuna. huius autem hominis felicitate quo de nunc agimus hac utar moderatione dicendi, non ut in illius potestate fortunam positam esse dicam sed ut praeterita meminisse, reliqua sperare videamur, ne aut invisa dis immortalibus oratio nostra aut ingrata esse videatur.

[¶11] 48. Accordingly, I do not intend to mention, O Romans, what great exploits he has achieved both at home and in war, by land and by sea, and with what invariable felicity he has achieved them; how, not only the citizens have always consented to his wishes,—the allies complied with them,—the enemy obeyed them, but how even the winds and weather have seconded them. I will only say this, most briefly,—that no one has ever been so impudent as to dare in silence to wish for so many and such great favours as the immortal gods have showered upon Cnaeus Pompeius. And that this favour may continue his, and be perpetual, you, O Romans, ought to wish and pray (as, indeed, you do), both for the sake of the common safety and prosperity, and for the sake of the man himself Wherefore, as the war is at the same time so necessary that it cannot be neglected, so important that it must be conducted with the greatest care; and since you have it in your power to appoint a general to conduct it, in whom there is the most perfect knowledge of war, the most extraordinary valour, the most splendid personal influence, and the most eminent good fortune, can you hesitate, O Romans, to apply this wonderful advantage which is offered you and given you by the immortal gods, to the preservation and increase of the power of the republic?

> Latin: 48. non sum praedicaturus quantas ille res domi militiae, terra marique quantaque felicitate gesserit, ut eius semper voluntatibus non modo cives adsenserint, socii obtemperarint, hostes oboedierint, sed etiam venti tempestatesque obsecundarint; hoc brevissime dicam, neminem umquam tam impudentem fuisse qui ab dis immortalibus tot et tantas res tacitus auderet optare quot et quantas di immortales ad Cn.Gnaeum Pompeium detulerunt. ut illi proprium ac perpetuum sit, Quirites, cum communis salutis atque imperi tum ipsius hominis causa, sicuti facitis, et velle et optare debetis. re cum et bellum sit ita necessarium ut neglegi non possit, ita magnum ut accuratissime sit administrandum, et cum ei imperatorem praeficere possitis in quo sit eximia belli scientia, singularis virtus, clarissima auctoritas, egregia fortuna, dubitatis, Quirites, quin hoc tantum boni quod vobis ab dis immortalibus oblatum et datum est in rem publicam conservandam atque amplificandam conferatis? si Romae Cn.

[¶12] 50. But, if Cnaeus Pompeius were a private individual at Rome at this present time, still he would be the man who ought to be selected and sent out to so great a war. But now, when to all the other exceeding advantages of the appointment, this opportunity is also added,—that he is in those very countries already,—that he has an army with him,—that there is another army there which can at once be made over to him by those who are in command of it,—why do we delay? or why do we not, under the guidance of the immortal gods themselves, commit this royal war also to him to whom all the other wars in those parts have been already entrusted to the greatest advantage, to the very safety of the republic?

> Latin: 50. Pompeius privatus esset hoc tempore, tamen ad tantum bellum is erat deligendus atque mittendus; nunc cum ad ceteras summas utilitates haec quoque opportunitas adiungatur ut in eis ipsis locis adsit, ut habeat exercitum, ut ab eis qui habent accipere statim possit, quid exspectamus? aut cur non ducibus dis immortalibus eidem cui cetera summa cum salute rei publicae commissa sunt hoc quoque bellum regium commendamus?

[¶13] 51. But, to be sure, that most illustrious man, Quintus Catulus, a man most honestly attached to the republic, and loaded with your kindness in a way most honourable to him; and also Quintus Hortensius, a man endowed with the highest qualities of honour, and fortune, and virtue, and genius, disagree to this proposal. And I admit that their authority has in many instances had the greatest weight with you, and that it ought to have the greatest weight; but in this cause, although you are aware that the opinions of many very brave and illustrious men are unfavourable to us, still it is possible for us, disregarding those authorities, to arrive at the truth by the circumstances of the case and by reason. And so much the more easily, because those very men admit that everything which has been said by me up to this time is true,—that the war is necessary, that it is an important war, and that all the requisite qualifications are in the highest perfection in Cnaeus Pompeius.

> Latin: 51. enim vir clarissimus, amantissimus rei publicae, vestris beneficiis amplissimis adfectus, Q.Quintus Catulus, itemque summis ornamentis honoris, fortunae, virtutis, ingeni praeditus, Q.Quintus Hortensius, ab hac ratione dissentiunt. ego auctoritatem apud vos multis locis plurimum valuisse et valere oportere confiteor; sed in hac causa, tametsi cognostis auctoritates contrarias virorum fortissimorum et clarissimorum, tamen omissis auctoritatibus ipsa re ac ratione exquirere possumus veritatem, atque hoc facilius quod ea omnia quae a me adhuc dicta sunt idem isti vera esse concedunt, et necessarium bellum esse et magnum et in uno Cn.

[¶14] 52. What, then, does Hortensius say? “That if the whole power must be given to one man, Pompeius alone is most worthy to have it, but that, nevertheless, the power ought not to be entrusted to one individual.” That argument, however, has now become obsolete, having been refuted much more by facts than by words. For you, also, Quintus Hortensius, said many things with great force and fluency (as might be expected from your exceeding ability, and eminent facility as an orator) in the senate against that brave man, Aulus Gabinius, when he had brought forward the law about appointing one commander-in-chief against the pirates; and also from this place where I now stand, you made a long speech against that law.

> Latin: 52. Pompeio summa esse omnia. igitur ait Hortensius? uni omnia tribuenda sint, dignissimum esse Pompeium, sed ad unum tamen omnia deferri non oportere. iam ista oratio re multo magis quam verbis refutata. tu idem, Q.Quinti Hortensi, multa pro tua summa copia ac singulari facultate dicendi et in senatu contra virum fortem, A.Aulum Gabinium, graviter ornateque dixisti, cum is de uno imperatore contra praedones constituendo legem promulgasset, et ex hoc ipso loco permulta item contra eam legem verba fecisti.

[¶15] 53. What then? By the immortal gods, if your authority had had greater weight with the Roman people than the safety and real interests of the Roman people itself, should we have been this day in possession of our present glory, and of the empire of the whole earth? Did this, then, appear to you to be dominion, when it was a common thing for the ambassadors, and praetors, and quaestors of the Roman people to be taken prisoners? when we were cut off from all supplies, both public and private, from all our provinces? when all the seas were so closed against us, that we could neither visit any private estate of our own, nor any public domain beyond the sea?

> Latin: 53. ? tum, per deos immortalis! si plus apud populum Romanum auctoritas tua quam ipsius populi Romani salus et vera causa valuisset, hodie hanc gloriam atque hoc orbis terrae imperium teneremus? tibi tum imperium hoc esse videbatur cum populi Romani legati quaestores praetoresque capiebantur, cum ex omnibus provinciis commeatu et privato et publico prohibebamur, cum ita clausa nobis erant maria omnia ut neque privatam rem transmarinam neque publicam iam obire possemus?

[¶16] 54. What city ever was there before this time,—I speak not of the city of the Athenians, which is said formerly to have had a sufficiently extensive naval dominion; nor of that of the Carthaginians, who had great power with their fleet and maritime resources; nor of those of the Rhodians, whose naval discipline and naval renown has lasted even to our recollection,—but was there ever any city before this time so insignificant, if it was only a small island, as not to be able by its own power to defend its harbours, and its lands, and some part of its country and maritime coast? But, forsooth, for many years before the Gabinian law was passed, the Roman people, whose name, till within our own memory remained invincible in naval battles, was deprived not only of a great, aye, of much the greatest part of its usefulness, but also of its dignity and dominion.

> Latin: 54. civitas umquam fuit antea, non dico Atheniensium quae satis late quondam mare tenuisse dicitur, non Carthaginiensium qui permultum classe ac maritimis rebus valuerunt, non Rhodiorum quorum usque ad nostram memoriam disciplina navalis et gloria permansit, quae civitas, inquam, antea tam tenuis aut tam parvola fuit quae non portus suos et agros et aliquam partem regionis atque orae maritimae per se ipsa defenderet? hercules aliquot annos continuos ante legem Gabiniam ille populus Romanus, cuius usque ad nostram memoriam nomen invictum in navalibus pugnis permanserit, magna ac multo maxima parte non modo utilitatis sed etiam dignitatis atque imperi caruit.

[¶17] 55. We, whose ancestors conquered with our fleets Antiochus the king, and Perses, and in every naval engagement defeated the Carthaginians, the best practiced and best equipped of all men in maritime affairs; we could now in no place prove ourselves equal to the pirates. We, who formerly had not only all Italy in safety, but who were able by the authority of our empire to secure the safety of all our allies in the most distant countries, so that even the island of Delos, situated so far from us in the Aegean sea, at which all men were in the habit of touching with their merchandise and their freights, full of riches as it was, little and unwalled as it was, still was in no alarm; we, I say, were cut off, not only from our provinces, and from the sea-coast of Italy, and from our harbours, but even from the Appian road; and at this time, the magistrates of the Roman people were not ashamed to come up into this very rostrum where I am standing, which your ancestors had bequeathed to you adorned with nautical trophies, and the spoils of the enemy's fleet.

> Latin: 55. quorum maiores Antiochum regem classe Persenque superarunt omnibusque navalibus pugnis Carthaginiensis, homines in maritimis rebus exercitatissimos paratissimosque, vicerunt, ei nullo in loco iam praedonibus pares esse poteramus. qui antea non modo Italiam tutam habebamus sed omnis socios in ultimis oris auctoritate nostri imperi salvos praestare poteramus, tum cum insula Delus tam procul a nobis in Aegaeo mari posita, quo omnes undique cum mercibus atque oneribus commeabant, referta divitiis, parva, sine muro nihil timebat, idem non modo provinciis atque oris Italiae maritimis ac portibus nostris sed etiam Appia iam via carebamus. eis temporibus nonne pudebat magistratus populi Romani in hunc ipsum locum escendere, cum eum nobis maiores nostri exuviis nauticis et classium spoliis ornatum reliquissent!

[¶18] 56. When you opposed that law, the Roman people, O Quintus Hortensius, thought that you, and the others who held the same opinion with you, delivered your sentiments in a bold and gallant spirit. But still, in a matter affecting the safety of the commonwealth, the Roman people preferred consulting its own feelings of indignation to your authority. Accordingly, one law, one man, and one year, delivered us not only from that misery and disgrace, but also caused us again at length to appear really to be the masters of all nations and countries by land and sea.

> Latin: 56. te animo tum, Q.Quinti Hortensi, populus Romanus et ceteros qui erant in eadem sententia dicere existimavit et ea quae sentiebatis; sed tamen in salute communi idem populus Romanus dolori suo maluit quam auctoritati vestrae obtemperare. una lex, unus vir, unus annus non modo vos illa miseria ac turpitudine liberavit sed etiam effecit ut aliquando vere videremini omnibus gentibus ac nationibus terra marique imperare.

[¶19] 57. And on this account the endeavour to detract, shall I say from Gabinius, or from Pompeius, or (what would be truer still) from both? appears to me particularly unworthy; being done in order that Aulus Gabinius might not be appointed lieutenant to Cnaeus Pompeius, though he requested and begged it. Is he who begs for a particular lieutenant in so important a war unworthy to obtain any one whom he desires, when all other generals have taken whatever lieutenants they chose, to assist them in pillaging the allies and plundering the provinces? or ought he, by whose law safety and dignity has been given to the Roman people, and to all nations, to be prevented from sharing in the glory of that commander and that army, which exists through his wisdom and was appointed at his risk?

> Latin: 57. mihi etiam indignius videtur obtrectatum esse adhuc, Gabinio dicam anne Pompeio an utrique, id quod est verius, ne legaretur A.Aulus Gabinius Cn.Gnaeo Pompeio expetenti ac postulanti. Vtrum ille qui postulat ad tantum bellum legatum quem velit idoneus non est qui impetret, cum ceteri ad expilandos socios diripiendasque provincias quos voluerunt legatos eduxerint, an ipse cuius lege salus ac dignitas populo Romano atque omnibus gentibus constituta est expers esse debet eius imperatoris atque eius exercitus qui consilio ac periculo illius est constitutus? C.

[¶20] 58. Was it allowed to Caius Falcidius, to Quintus Metellus, to Quintus Caelius Laterensis, and to Cnaeus Lentulus, all of whom I name to do them honour, to be lieutenants the year after they had been tribunes of the people; and shall men be so exact in the case of Gabinius alone, who, in this war which is carried on under the provisions of the Gabinian law, and in the case of this commander and this army which he himself appointed with your assistance, ought to have the first right of any one? And concerning whose appointment as lieutenant I hope that the consuls will bring forward a motion in the senate; and if they hesitate, or are unwilling to do so, I undertake to bring it forward myself; nor, O Romans, shall the hostile edict of any one deter me from relying on you and defending your privileges and your kindness. Nor will I listen to anything except the interposition of the tribunes; and as to that, those very men who threaten it, will, I apprehend, consider over and over again what they have a right to do. In my own opinion, O Romans, Aulus Gabinius alone has a right to be put by the side of Cnaeus Pompeius as a partner of the glory of his exploits in the maritime war; because the one, with the assistance of your votes, gave to that man alone the task of undertaking that war, and the other, when it entrusted to him, undertook it and terminated it.

> Latin: 58. Falcidius, Q.Quintus Metellus, Q.Quintus Caelius Latiniensis, Cn. Lentulus, quos omnis honoris causa nomino, cum tribuni plebi fuissent, anno proximo legati esse potuerunt; in uno Gabinio sunt tam diligentes qui in hoc bello quod lege Gabinia geritur, in hoc imperatore atque exercitu quem per vos ipse constituit, etiam praecipuo iure esse debebat? quo legando consules spero ad senatum relaturos. si dubitabunt aut gravabuntur, ego me profiteor relaturum; neque me impediet cuiusquam iniquitas quo minus vobis fretus vestrum ius beneficiumque defendam, neque praeter intercessionem quicquam audiam, de qua, ut ego arbitror, isti ipsi qui minitantur etiam atque etiam quid liceat considerabunt. quidem sententia, Quirites, unus A.Aulus Gabinius belli maritimi rerumque gestarum Cn.Gnaeo Pompeio socius ascribitur, propterea quod alter uni illud bellum suscipiendum vestris suffragiis detulit, alter delatum susceptumque confecit.

[¶21] 59. It remains for me to speak of the authority and opinion of Quintus Catulus; who, when he asked of you, if you thus placed all your dependence on Cnaeus Pompeius, in whom you would have any hope, if anything were to happen to him, received a splendid reward for his own virtue and worth, when you all, with almost one voice, cried out that you would, in that case, put your trust in him. In truth he is such a man, that no affair can be so important, or so difficult, that, he cannot manage it by his wisdom, or defend it by his integrity, or terminate it by his valour. But, in this case, I entirely differ from him; because, the less certain and the less lasting the life of man is, the more ought the republic to avail itself of the life and valour of any admirable man, as long as the immortal gods allow it to do so.

> Latin: 59. est ut de Q.Quinti Catuli auctoritate et sententia dicendum esse videatur. cum ex vobis quaereret, si in uno Cn.Gnaeo Pompeio omnia poneretis, si quid eo factum esset, in quo spem essetis habituri, cepit magnum suae virtutis fructum ac dignitatis, cum omnes una prope voce in eo ipso vos spem habituros esse dixistis. talis est vir ut nulla res tanta sit ac tam difficilis quam ille non et consilio regere et integritate tueri et virtute conficere possit. in hoc ipso ab eo vehementissime dissentio, quod quo minus certa est hominum ac minus diuturna vita, hoc magis res publica, dum per deos immortalis licet, frui debet summi viri vita atque virtute.

[¶22] 60. But let no innovation be established contrary to the precedents and principles of our ancestors.— I will not say, at this moment, that our ancestors in peace always obeyed usage, but in war were always guided by expediency, and always accommodated themselves with new plans to the new emergencies of the times. I will not say that two most important wars, the Punic war and the Spanish war, were put an end to by one general; that two most powerful cities, which threatened the greatest danger to this empire— Carthage and Numantia, were destroyed by the same Scipio. I will not remind you that it was but lately determined by you and by your ancestors, to rest all the hopes of the empire on Caius Marius, so that the same man conducted the war against Jugurtha, and against the Cimbri, and against the Teutones. But recollect, in the case of Cnaeus Pompeius himself, with reference to whom Catulus objects to having any new regulations introduced, how many new laws have been made with the most willing consent of Quintus Catulus.

> Latin: 60. enim ne quid novi fiat contra exempla atque instituta maiorum. dicam hoc loco maiores nostros semper in pace consuetudini, in bello utilitati paruisse, semper ad novos casus temporum novorum consiliorum rationes accommodasse, non dicam duo bella maxima, Punicum atque Hispaniense, ab uno imperatore esse confecta duasque urbis potentissimas quae huic imperio maxime minitabantur, Carthaginem atque Numantiam, ab eodem Scipione esse deletas, non commemorabo nuper ita vobis patribusque vestris esse visum ut in uno C.Gaio Mario spes imperi poneretur, ut idem cum Iugurtha, idem cum Cimbris, idem cum Teutonis bellum administraret; in ipso Cn.Gnaeo Pompeio in quo novi constitui nihil volt Q.Quintus Catulus quam multa sint nova summa Q.Quinti Catuli voluntate constituta recordamini.

[¶23] 61. For what can be so unprecedented as for a young man in a private capacity to levy an army at a most critical time of the republic? He levied one.—To command it? He did command it.—To succeed gloriously in his undertaking? He did succeed. What can be so entirely contrary to usage, as for a very young man, whose age fell far short of that required for the rank of a senator, to have a command and an army entrusted to him? to have Sicily committed to his care, and Africa, and the war which was to be carried on there? He conducted himself in these provinces with singular blamelessness, dignity, and valour; he terminated a most serious war in Africa, and brought away his army victorious. But what was ever so unheard of as for a Roman knight to have a triumph? But even that circumstance the Roman people not only say, but they thought that it deserved to be thronged to and honoured with all possible zeal.

> Latin: 61. tam novum quam adulescentulum privatum exercitum difficili rei publicae tempore conficere?. praeesse?. optime ductu suo gerere?. tam praeter consuetudinem quam homini peradulescenti cuius aetas a senatorio gradu longe abesset imperium atque exercitum dari, Siciliam permitti atque Africam bellumque in ea provincia administrandum? in his provinciis singulari innocentia, gravitate, virtute, bellum in Africa maximum confecit, victorem exercitum deportavit. vero tam inauditum quam equitem Romanum triumphare? eam quoque rem populus Romanus non modo vidit sed omnium etiam studio visendam et concelebrandam putavit.

[¶24] 62. What was ever so unusual, as, when there were two most gallant and most illustrious consuls, for a Roman knight to be sent as proconsul to a most important and formidable war? He was so sent—on which occasion, indeed, when some one in the senate said that a private individual ought not to be sent as proconsul, Lucius Philippus is reported to have answered, that if he had his will he should be sent not for one consul, but for both the consuls. Such great hope was entertained that the affairs of the republic would be prosperously managed by him, that the charge which properly belonged to the two consuls was entrusted to the valour of one young man. What was ever so extraordinary as for a man to be released from all laws by a formal resolution of the senate, and made consul before he was of an age to undertake any other magistracy according to the laws? What could be so incredible, as for a Roman knight to celebrate a second triumph in pursuance of a resolution of the senate? All the unusual circumstances which in the memory of man have ever happened to all other men put together, are not so many as these which we see have occurred in the history of this one man.

> Latin: 62. tam inusitatum quam ut, cum duo consules clarissimi fortissimique essent, eques Romanus ad bellum maximum formidolosissimumque pro consule mitteretur? Missus est. quidem tempore cum esset non nemo in senatu qui diceret “non oportere mitti hominem privatum pro consule,” L.Lucius Philippus dixisse dicitur “non se illum sua sententia pro consule sed pro consulibus mittere.” in eo rei publicae bene gerendae spes constituebatur ut duorum consulum munus unius adulescentis virtuti committeretur. tam singulare quam ut ex senatus consulto legibus solutus consul ante fieret quam ullum alium magistratum per leges capere licuisset? quid tam incredibile quam ut iterum eques Romanus ex senatus consulto triumpharet? in omnibus hominibus nova post hominum memoriam constituta sunt, ea tam multa non sunt quam haec quae in hoc uno homine vidimus.

[¶25] 63. And all these instances, numerous, important and novel as they are, have all occurred in the case of the same man, taking their rise in the authority of Quintus Catulus himself and by that of other most honourable men of the same rank. Wherefore, let them take care that it is not considered a most unjust and intolerable thing, that their authority in matters affecting the dignity of Cnaeus Pompeius should hitherto have been constantly approved of by you, but that your judgment, and the authority of the Roman people in the case of the same man, should be disregarded by them. Especially when the Roman people can now, of its own right, defend its own authority with respect to this man against all who dispute it,—because, when those very same men objected, you chose him alone of all men to appoint to the management of the war against the pirates.

> Latin: 63. haec tot exempla tanta ac tam nova profecta sunt in eodem homine a Q.Quinti Catuli atque a ceterorum eiusdem dignitatis amplissimorum hominum auctoritate. re videant ne sit periniquum et non ferendum illorum auctoritatem de Cn.Gnaei Pompei dignitate a vobis comprobatam semper esse, vestrum ab illis de eodem homine iudicium populique Romani auctoritatem improbari, praesertim cum iam suo iure populus Romanus in hoc homine suam auctoritatem vel contra omnis qui dissentiunt possit defendere, propterea quod isdem istis reclamantibus vos unum illum ex omnibus delegistis quem bello praedonum praeponeretis.

[¶26] 64. If you did this at random, and had but little regard for the interests of the republic, then they are right to endeavour to guide your party spirit by their wisdom; but if you at that time showed more foresight in the affairs of the state than they did; if you, in spite of their resistance, by yourselves conferred dignity on the empire, safety on the whole world; then at last let those noble men confess that both they and all other men must obey the authority of the universal Roman people. And in this Asiatic and royal war, not only is that military valour required, which exists in a singular degree in Cnaeus Pompeius, but many other great virtues of mind are also demanded. It is difficult for your commander-in-chief in Asia, Cilicia, Syria, and all the kingdoms of the inland nations, to behave in such a manner as to think of nothing else but the enemy and glory. Then, even if there be some men moderate and addicted to the practice of modesty and self-government, still, such is the multitude of covetous and licentious men, that no one thinks that these are such men.

> Latin: 64. si vos temere fecistis et rei publicae parum consuluistis, recte isti studia vestra suis consiliis regere conantur. autem vos plus tum in re publica vidistis, vos eis repugnantibus per vosmet ipsos dignitatem huic imperio, salutem orbi terrarum attulistis, aliquando isti principes et sibi et ceteris populi Romani universi auctoritati parendum esse fateantur. in hoc bello Asiatico et regio, Quirites, non solum militaris illa virtus quae est in Cn.Gnaeo Pompeio singularis sed aliae quoque animi virtutes magnae et multae requiruntur. est in Asia, Cilicia, Syria regnisque interiorum nationum ita versari nostrum imperatorem ut nihil aliud nisi de hoste ac de laude cogitet., etiam si qui sunt pudore ac temperantia moderatiores, tamen eos esse talis propter multitudinem cupidorum hominum nemo arbitratur.

[¶27] 65. It is difficult to tell you, O Romans, how great our unpopularity is among foreign nations, on account of the injurious and licentious behaviour of those whom we have of late years sent among them with military command. For, in all those countries which are now under our dominion, what temple do you think has had a sufficiently holy reputation, what city has been sufficiently sacred, what private house has been sufficiently closed and fortified, to be safe from them? They seek out wealthy and splendid cities to find presence for making war on them for the sake of plundering them.

> Latin: 65. est dictu, Quirites, quanto in odio simus apud exteras nationes propter eorum quos ad eas per hos annos cum imperio misimus libidines et iniurias. enim fanum putatis in illis terris nostris magistratibus religiosum, quam civitatem sanctam, quam domum satis clausam ac munitam fuisse? Vrbes iam locupletes et copiosae requiruntur quibus causa belli propter diripiendi facultatem inferatur.

[¶28] 66. I would willingly argue this with those most eminent and illustrious men, Quintus Catulus and Quintus Hortensius; for they know the distresses of the allies, they see their calamities, they hear their complaints. Do you think that you are sending an army in defence of your allies against their enemies, or rather, under presence of the existence of enemies, against your allies and friends themselves? What city is there in Asia which can stand the ferocity and arrogance, I will not say of the, army, of a commander-in-chief, or of a lieutenant, but of even the brigade of one single military tribune? So that even if you have any one who may appear able to cope in terms of advantage with the king's armies, still, unless he be also a man who can keep his hands, and eyes, and desires from the treasures of the allies, from their wives and children, from the ornaments of their temples and cities, from the gold and jewels of the king, he will not be a fit person to be sent to this Asiatic and royal war. Do you think that there is any city there peacefully inclined towards us which is rich?

> Latin: 66. haec coram cum Q.Quinto Catulo et Q.Quinto Hortensio, summis et clarissimis viris, disputarem; norunt enim sociorum volnera, vident eorum calamitates, querimonias audiunt. sociis vos contra hostis exercitus mittere putatis an hostium simulatione contra socios atque amicos? civitas est in Asia quae non modo imperatoris aut legati sed unius tribuni militum animos ac spiritus capere possit? re, etiam si quem habetis qui conlatis signis exercitus regios superare posse videatur, tamen, nisi erit idem qui a pecuniis sociorum, qui ab eorum coniugibus ac liberis, qui ab ornamentis fanorum atque oppidorum, qui ab auro gazaque regia manus, oculos, animum cohibere possit, non erit idoneus qui ad bellum Asiaticum regiumque mittatur.

[¶29] 67. Do you think that there is any rich city there, which will appear to those men to be peacefully inclined towards us? The sea-coast, O Romans, begged for Cnaeus Pompeius, not only on account of his renown for military achievements, but also because of the moderation of his disposition. For it saw that it was not the Roman people that was enriched every year by the public money, but only a few individuals, and that we did nothing more by the name of our fleets beyond sustaining losses, and so covering ourselves with additional disgrace. But now, are these men, who think that all these honours and offices are not to be conferred on one person, ignorant with what desires, with what hope of retrieving past losses, and on what conditions, these men go to the provinces? As if Cnaeus Pompeius did not appear great in our eyes, not only on account of his own positive virtues, but by a comparison with the vices of others.

> Latin: 67. putatis civitatem pacatam fuisse quae locuples sit, ecquam esse locupletem quae istis pacata esse videatur? Ora maritima, Quirites, Cn.Gnaeum Pompeium non solum propter rei militaris gloriam sed etiam propter animi continentiam requisivit. enim praetores locupletari quotannis pecunia publica praeter paucos, neque nos quicquam aliud adsequi classium nomine nisi ut detrimentis accipiendis maiore adfici turpitudine videremur. qua cupiditate homines in provincias, quibus iacturis quibusque condicionibus proficiscantur ignorant videlicet isti qui ad unum deferenda omnia esse non arbitrantur. vero Cn.Gnaeum Pompeium non cum suis virtutibus tum etiam alienis vitiis magnum esse videamus.

[¶30] 68. And, therefore, do not you doubt to entrust everything to him alone, when he has been found to be the only man for many years whom the allies are glad to see come to their cities with an army. And if you think that our side of the argument, O Romans, should be confirmed by authorities, you have the authority of Publius Servilius, a man of the greatest skill in all wars, and in affairs of the greatest importance, who has performed such mighty achievements by land and sea, that, when you are deliberating about war, no one's authority ought to have more weight with you. You have the authority of Caius Curio, a man who has received great kindnesses from you, who has performed great exploits, who is endued with the highest abilities and wisdom; and of Cnaeus Lentulus, in whom all of you know there is (as, indeed, there ought to be from the ample honours which you have heaped upon him) the most eminent wisdom, and the greatest dignity of character; and of Caius Cassius, a man of extraordinary integrity, and valour, and virtue. Consider, therefore, whether we do not seem by the authority of these men to give a sufficient answer to the speeches of those men who differ from us.

> Latin: 68. re nolite dubitare quin huic uni credatis omnia qui inter tot annos unus inventus est quem socii in urbis suas cum exercitu venisse gauderent. si auctoritatibus hanc causam, Quirites, confirmandam putatis, est vobis auctor vir bellorum omnium maximarumque rerum peritissimus, P.Publius Servilius, cuius tantae res gestae terra marique exstiterunt ut, cum de bello deliberetis, auctor vobis gravior esse nemo debeat; est C. Curio, summis vestris beneficiis maximisque rebus gestis, summo ingenio et prudentia praeditus, est Cn.Gnaeus Lentulus in quo omnes pro amplissimis vestris honoribus summum consilium, summam gravitatem esse cognostis, est C.Gaius Cassius, integritate, veritate, constantia singulari. re videte ut horum auctoritatibus illorum orationi qui dissentiunt respondere posse videamur.

[¶31] 69. And as this is the case, O Caius Manilius, in the first place, I exceedingly praise and approve of that law of yours, and of your purpose, and of your sentiments. And in the second place, I exhort you, having the approbation of the Roman people, to persevere in those sentiments, and not to fear the violence or threats of any one. And, first of all, I think you have the requisite courage and perseverance; and, secondly, when we see such a multitude present displaying such zeal in our cause as we now see displayed for the second time, in appointing the same man to the supreme command how can we doubt in the matter, or question our power of carrying our point? As for me, all the zeal, and wisdom, and industry, and ability of which I am possessed, all the influence which I have through the kindness shown for me by the Roman people, and through my power as praetor, as also, through my reputation for authority, good faith, and virtue, all of it I pledge to you and the Roman people, and devote to the object of carrying this resolution. And I call all the gods, to witness, and especially those who preside over this place and temple, who see into the minds of all those who apply themselves to affairs of state, that I am not doing this at the request of any one, nor because I think to conciliate the favour of Cnaeus Pompeius by taking this side, nor in order, through the greatness of any one else, to seek for myself protection against dangers, or aids in the acquirement of honours; because, as for dangers, we shall easily repel them, as a man ought to do, protected by our own innocence; and as for honours, we shall not gain them by the favour of any men, nor by anything that happens in this place, but by the same laborious course of life which I have hitherto adopted, if your favourable inclination assists me.

> Latin: 69. cum ita sint, C.Gaii Manili, primum istam tuam et legem et voluntatem et sententiam laudo vehementissimeque comprobo; deinde te hortor ut auctore populo Romano maneas in sententia neve cuiusquam vim aut minas pertimescas. in te satis esse animi perseverantiaeque arbitror; deinde, cum tantam multitudinem tanto cum studio adesse videamus quantam iterum nunc in eodem homine praeficiendo videmus, quid est quod aut de re aut de perficiendi facultate dubitemus? autem, quicquid est in me studi, consili, laboris, ingeni, quicquid hoc beneficio populi Romani atque hac potestate praetoria, quicquid auctoritate, fide, constantia possum, id omne ad hanc rem conficiendam tibi et populo Romano polliceor ac defero testorque omnis deos, et eos maxime qui huic loco temploque praesident, qui omnium mentis eorum qui ad rem publicam adeunt maxime perspiciunt, me hoc neque rogatu facere cuiusquam, neque quo Cn.Gnaei Pompei gratiam mihi per hanc causam conciliari putem, neque quo mihi ex cuiusquam amplitudine aut praesidia periculis aut adiumenta honoribus quaeram, propterea quod pericula facile, ut hominem praestare oportet, innocentia tecti repellemus, honorem autem neque ab uno neque ex hoc loco sed eadem illa nostra laboriosissima ratione vitae, si vestra voluntas feret, consequemur.

[¶32] 71. Wherefore, whatever I have undertaken in this cause, O Romans, I assure you that I have undertaken wholly for the sake of the republic; and I am so far from thinking that I have gained by it the favour of any influential man, that I know, on the other hand, that I have brought on myself many enmities, some secret, some undisguised, which I never need have incurred, and which get will not be mischievous to you. But I have considered that I, invested with my present honours, and loaded with so many kindnesses from you, ought to prefer your inclination, and the dignity of the republic, and the safety of our provinces and allies, to all considerations of my own private interest.

> Latin: 71. ob rem, si quid in hac causa mihi susceptum est, Quirites, id ego omne me rei publicae causa suscepisse confirmo, tantumque abest ut aliquam mihi bonam gratiam quaesisse videar, ut multas me etiam simultates partim obscuras, partim apertas intellegam mihi non necessarias, vobis non inutilis suscepisse. ego me hoc honore praeditum, tantis vestris beneficiis adfectum statui, Quirites, vestram voluntatem et rei publicae dignitatem et salutem provinciarum atque sociorum meis omnibus commodis et rationibus praeferre oportere.