Chapter 1

1 What destiny of mine, senators, am I to blame for this: that in these twenty years no one has been an enemy of the republic without also declaring war on me? I need name no names. Recall them for yourselves. They have paid me a heavier penalty than I could have wished. What astonishes me, Antony, is that you imitate their deeds without shuddering at their ends. In the others, indeed, I found it less surprising. Not one became my enemy of his own choosing: I had challenged them all in the republic’s cause. But you, whom I had not injured even by a word, attacked me unprovoked with abuse, eager to appear more reckless than Catiline, more frenzied than Clodius. You thought that estrangement from me would recommend you to disloyal citizens.

2 What am I to suppose? That he despised me? I see nothing in my life, my standing, my achievements, or even my modest abilities that Antony could look down on. Did he think the senate the easiest place to diminish my reputation? This body has testified that many distinguished citizens served the republic well, but that I alone saved it. Did he wish to meet me in a contest of eloquence? That, at least, is a kindness. What richer, more abundant theme could I have than to speak for myself and against Antony? No, this must be it: he thought his own kind would never believe him an enemy of his country unless he made himself my enemy too.

1 Senators, what twist of fate explains this? For twenty years, every enemy of the republic has also declared war on me. I don’t need to name anyone. You can remember them yourselves. They’ve paid for attacking me more heavily than I’d wanted. Antony, you copy what they did. I’m surprised their endings don’t terrify you. The others surprised me less. None chose to become my enemy without a reason. I challenged them all for the republic’s sake. But I hadn’t said one word against you. You attacked me with insults on your own initiative. You wanted to seem bolder than Catiline, crazier than Clodius. You thought breaking with me would win you support among disloyal citizens.

2 What should I think? Did he look down on me? I don’t see what Antony could despise. My life? My standing? My achievements? Even my modest ability? Or did he think the Senate was the easiest place to tear me down? This body has honored many outstanding citizens for serving the republic well. It has honored only me for saving it. Or did he want a speaking contest against me? That really is a favor. What could give me more to say? What richer subject than defending myself and attacking Antony? Here’s the real answer. He thought people like him wouldn’t accept him as the country’s enemy unless he was also mine.