[17]
And as
this is the case, let us consider who. it is who in this instance has deceived and
cheated his partner. For his past life shall silently give us a trustworthy and
important testimony one way or other. Is it Quintus Roscius? What do you say? Does not,
as fire dropped upon water is immediately extinguished and cooled, so, does not, I say,
a false accusation, when brought in contact with a most pure and holy life, instantly
fall and become extinguished? Has Roscius cheated his partner? Can this guilt belong to
this man? who, in truth, (I say it boldly,) has more honesty than skill, more truth than
learning; whom the Roman people think even a better man than he is an actor; who is as
worthy of the stage because of his skill, as he is wholly of the senate on account of
his moderation.
This text is part of:
M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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