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[8]
Let this
be a proof of your utter ignorance of courtesy. Now mark, also, his incredible
folly. What have you to oppose to me, O you eloquent man, as you seem at least
to Mustela Tamisius, and to Tiro Numisius? And while these men are standing at
this very time in the sight of the senate with drawn swords, I too will think
you an eloquent man if you will show bow you would defend them if they were
charged with being assassins, However, what answer would you make
if I were to deny that I ever sent those letters to you? By what evidence could
you convict me? by my handwriting? Of handwriting indeed you have a lucrative
knowledge.1 How can you prove it in
that manner? for the letters are written by an amanuensis. By this time I envy
your teacher, who for all that payment, which I shall mention presently, has
taught you to know nothing.
1 He means to insinuate that Antonius had been forging Caesar's handwriting and signature.
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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