[
8]
I therefore, a nursling of peace, as I may
call myself, I who, whatever I am (for I arrogate nothing to myself), should
undoubtedly not have been such without internal peace: I am speaking in peril: I
shudder to think how you will receive it, O conscript fathers; but still, out of
regard for my unceasing desire to support and increase your dignity, I beg and
entreat you, O conscript fathers, although it may be a bitter thing to hear, or
an incredible thing that it should be said by Marcus Cicero, still to receive at
first, without offense, what I am going to say, and not to reject it before I
have fully explained what it is. I, who, I will say so over and over again, have
always been a panegyrist, have always been an adviser of peace, do not wish to
have peace with Marcus Antonius. I approach the rest of my speech with great
hope, O conscript fathers, since I have now passed by that perilous point amid
your silence.