ON BEING ACCUSED OF A LOW ORIGIN[1]
(106 B.C.)
Born about 156 B.C., died in 80; served in Africa under the younger Scipio; married Julia, the aunt of Julius Caesar; elected Consul of the Plebs in 107; successfully conducted war against Jugurtha in 106, the Teutones in 103–102, and the Cimbri in 101; made Consul for the sixth time in 100; suppressed civil war under Sulla in 88–87; Consul again in 86.
I am sensible, my fellow citizens, that the eyes of all men are turned upon me; that the just and good favor me, as my services are beneficial to the state, but that the nobility seek occasion to attack me. I must therefore use the greater exertion, that you may not be deceived in me, and that their views may be rendered abortive. I have led such a life, indeed, from my boyhood to the present hour, that I am familiar with every kind of toil and danger; and that exertion which, before your kindness to me, I practised gratuitously, it is not my intention to relax after having received my reward. For those who have pretended to be men of worth only to secure their election, it may be difficult to con-
- ↑ Delivered in 106 B.C., before an assembly of the people in Rome called by himself "as well to encourage them to enlist," says Sallust, "as to inveigh, according to his practise, against the nobility." Reported by Sallust. Translated by John S. Watson.
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