Chapter 46

117 I can compare you with him in your lust to rule; in everything else you cannot begin to compare. Yet out of the many evils he branded into the republic, this one good has come: the Roman people have now learned how much to trust each man, to whom to entrust themselves, and against whom to guard. Do you not think of this? Do you not understand that it is enough for brave men to have learned how noble it is in itself to kill a tyrant, how welcome for the service it renders, how glorious in reputation? Or will men who would not endure him endure you?

118 From now on, believe me, men will race one another to this task; they will not wait for an opportunity that is slow to come.

At last, I beg you, Marcus Antony, look back toward the republic. Consider those from whom you were born, not those with whom you live. Treat me as you please; make your peace with the republic. But you must decide for yourself. For my own part, I will declare this: I defended the republic as a young man; I will not abandon it as an old man. I scorned Catiline’s swords; I will not tremble before yours.

119 Indeed, I would gladly offer my own body if my death could bring our country its freedom now—if only the anguish of the Roman people would at last give birth to what it has so long carried! For if, nearly twenty years ago, in this very temple, I declared that death could not come too early for a man who had been consul, with how much more truth shall I now say the same of an old man? For me, senators, death is now even to be desired, after the honors I have attained and the deeds I have accomplished. I have only these two wishes: first, that as I die I may leave the Roman people free—the immortal gods can grant me nothing greater; second, that each person may meet the fate his conduct toward the republic deserves.

117 I can compare your hunger to rule with his. But otherwise, you don’t compare at all. He burned so many evils into the republic. Still, this one good thing has come of it. Rome’s people have learned how far to trust each man. They know whom to put themselves in the hands of. They know whom to watch out for. You don’t think about these things. Don’t you see that brave men only need to learn this? Killing a tyrant is a truly fine deed. It earns gratitude for the service and a glorious reputation. Or will people put up with you when they wouldn’t put up with him?

118 Believe me, from now on men will race to do it. They won’t wait for a chance that’s slow in coming.

Please look at the republic sometime, Antony. Think about your ancestors, not the people you live with. Treat me however you like. Make peace with the republic again. But you must decide about yourself. I’ll speak for myself. I defended the republic when I was young. I won’t abandon it now I’m old. I scorned Catiline’s swords. I won’t be scared of yours.

119 I’d gladly offer even my own body, if my death could bring our citizens freedom now. Let the pain of Rome’s people finally give birth to what it’s been laboring over so long! Nearly twenty years ago, I spoke in this very temple. I said death was never premature for a former consul. How much truer that is now for an old man! Senators, I should even welcome death now. I’ve had my successes and carried out my work. I only have these two wishes. First, may I leave Rome’s people free when I die. The immortal gods can give me no greater gift. Second, may everyone get what their conduct toward the republic deserves.