‘47
146
citizen.
servatives.
Archias had
claimed
franchise the Roman of a as
citizen
Roman
a as
name
his is that since Archias) of addition the (without
a successful
pinprick
in the
campaign
against
and Lucullus the con
Licinius Aulus as here client describes his deliberately
Cicero
i.
proved an alien
he would have
leave to and
be this the would city,
have I admit I and
considerable;
been
has speaker
public
not
of poets but of
its
huge gangs thugs. of jfArchias Yet
could be
a as experience my
that deny
cannot
I
But
natural ability.
non—citizens
from Rome.
The law had
the been clear to intended
city
my
of limitations the
appreciate
I Licinius.’
Aulus
of
disposal
strong.
law A
of
Gaius the tribune Papius (64 all expelled had
B.c.)
the at it place to
bound duty in
feel
I qualifications,
all of
my
The case
had he defend to
was somewhat legally obscure,
quite but
or any from extracted
be
can gentlemen,
benefit, Whatever mained unvaryingly devoted.
Republican, senatorial
form of re Cicero to government
which
materialized.
never
composition
complimentary
got Pompeius
to appointed
accomplish the threat to was a them)
this that shows summer
following
the in Atticus
to
Cicero
from
prestige of
these oriental
triumphs (though
had was who he himself
it
letter a Alas, consulship.
his on
panegyric
a write
to
Archias
inspire
(p. policy
supporting of
him
military the also He that realized
129).
would speech this that hoped
he and
Rome; of
glory
the
to
tributed
disappointment
at
Pompeius momentarily
usual got of the his better
con they how out pointed had
practicality,
Roman
to deference
This was
one the
of recurrent
4fe occasions when
in Cicero’s
in Cicero, poems, his praising In
all.
at
work
his
be to unlikely are
mense eastern victories
of
Pompeius.
name
his bearing anthology Greek
the in
epigrams
some since either,
innovation who
were hopeful
frightened rather the than after
iiii—
us
to down come not has poetry
Archias’
and
opinion, an form
between
the
noble oligarchy who backed forces Lucullus of the and
to us
enable hardly fragments
Surviving
Rome.
at
orator best the
indictment
of Archias was
a minor
in incident the skirmishing
as
well as poet best the
being for
reputation
a
acquire
to man young
had
conic and home in 64, now
Pompeius
on The was back. way his
a
as
began he Juvenal, by
at
laughed
was
verse Cicero’s though
tragedy
general whose
successes were merely effects.
Lucullus stage
al
that
poet, a was Archias since
remembered,
be also must It had come to feast on another’s kill; a Lucullus named Pompeius
subjects. and
Cnaeus
Pornpeius. Lucullus
called who Pompeius bird carrion a
heritage
Hellenic their towards
attitude
schizophrenic
Romans’ the
circumstances
the described
in speech
Command the About
of
of estimate
our to signficant is
which
Greeks
— contemporary most
extremely strained
when former the in latter
the the superseded
for distaste
Cicero’s with contrast
a
presents
It literature. ancient
friends the
of whose Pompeius,
relations
Lucullus become with
had
of whole the
in 4fe literary the
of
eulogy finest
the perhaps is This
Lucullus,
and was therefore an
automatic from prosecution for
target
possible.
made alone they
which
4fe
civilized
the
of and literature,
a was friend B.C., and
of protege’ the cultured
Lucius
Licinius
and
culture
Greek of glories
the
on
digression
moving and irrelevant
The Greco—Syrian
poet, Archias, whom Cicero now
defended
in
62
long, a is
feature famous and remarkable most Its ofjustice’. court
British
a
in delivered been have not could purpose, the to is one—sixth
than
more
not
which
‘of Brougham, Lord said THE speech, POET AULUS his LICINIUS But ARCHIAS
favour. his in decided
IN DEFENCE
OF
certainly
almost
court The contrary. the to argues Cicero but
citizenship;
Roman his of or
Heraclean his of either
evidence
good
CHAPTER
THREE
no
was
there that asserted then
prosecution The Lucania. in Heraclea
ARCHIAS
LICINIUS
AULUS POET THE OF DEFENCE IN
‘49
148
although
fame,
considerable of his you aware should became too, me permit We, to enlarge with rather more freedom
hospitality. him offer and practor of acquaintance his exceptional make calibre. What
is I ask therefore that
to
glad
were
mind
a brilliant recognize to able judges were thoroughly all who well versed in the a and humanities,
and
Neapolis,
and
Rhegium and Tarentum by And I am honours speaking other before of strong listeners
literary tastes,
and
citizenship
granted was
Archias of behalf an Accordingly, neglected. excellent poet, is who a also great of man learning.
means
no
by
were pursuits these allow time, me the at this peaceful The indulgence. is was fact I am that
on speaking
situation
internal
the
where also, Rome cause at any here while inconvenience to today; I so urge and
yourselves; to you
towns
same the
in
found be could than keenness particularly greater appropriate my to
client, will not, yet I hope,
with
pursued
were
studies such too Latium in and But this learning, deviation. from
the usual custom
be to happens
and
culture
Greek of
full
days those in was Italy a sume Southern out form of keeping with
and style. forensic tradition
received.
actually was
he
which with enthusiasm admiring crowded the audience,
I have that planned
my as speech shall
by
eclipsed
was
expectation excited this even praetor Nevertheless, and judges the of
highest in a of front principles
heights.
remarkable
reached Archias by visit a at imminent justice, bearing
by conducted a
carefully
chosen Roman
an
of
news
the
by
aroused excitement the and find reputation, is surprising, in that
a formal
inquiry and
of court official
high a
him
won
now
by
had talents His interest. keenest another. A
further point, however,
which some may equally
the
arouse
would
place
a
in arrival his Greece, of whole culture are
closely and related
linked with one together
the
round
toured
and
Asia of
parts various
visited he when on, clusively this on one activity. all And besides, of branches
Later
nature.
exceptional
an of gifts showing in oratory. But rapidly, in very I fact
have myself
never ex
concentrated
succeeded,
first
he
that
there
was and it activities, scholarly spheres far
from removed ray own
study and
of practice
and
scholars
fme
with
overflowing
wealth, and population prise, seeing that his
own talents have
found
in expression
extensive of city a
was
it
time,
that At Antioch. at family
To
hear my such from words
lips a may cause sur
certain
good
a
from
came
He
a writer. becoming to himself devote tion
my within it lies
to power
provide.
to
began he
training,
liberal
usual
boy’s a
form which studies
therefore,
must who all receive the from help
and salva me
the
and
boyhood
his of
out
grown
had
Archias as soon As them is from derived from destruction him: he, and it is —
to capacity
to come their assistance to and save even some of
—
already. one
is
he
that
case
the
not were if it has struction,
on
been occasion of to
service others, my
now
and
here
— citizen
Roman
a made be certainly this if should voice of mine,
by trained
his
and encouragement in
he that
indeed and
citizens;
Roman
of list
the from and cluded who their started
me upon
pursuit. methodical And
so
ex be
not
should
Licinius
Aulus
that you convince to take my first inspired
on embark determination these to
studies,
under
part my
for I
request,
this
me
concede
to
kindness the that of picture takes the
shape past reveals
that it
was
he
who
have will you
that
feel
but
can
I
If
terms. unfamiliar and novel as far the I can recollect my earliest
years boyhood, the of
somewhat
these
in
defence my
frame
to
want I
that talents his can cast as far For niy
as mind back
by, into
times
gone as
of nature
special
the
of
because
is and it courts, the of hazards can a has achieve,
rchias pre—eminent, overriding claim.
the
with
unacquainted
him
kept has life Archias’ of background of the art. seclusion all Upon my then, efforts,
the best I
studious
The
matters.
literary and
cultural any at never on time a felt usual than to disinclination the study theoretical
ARCHIAS
LICINIUS
AULUS POET
THE OF DEFENCE IN POLITICAL SPEECHES OF CICERO i, 2
‘5’ ISO
as
if Archias
was a
Roman
boy. (90—88). War
(Martian) war: Social
Italian 6.
3.
Cicero prosecutor. speaks of
the garb the
was of
manhood unknown, Qoga
otherwise
praetexta,
Gratius, worn at .
17)
the
destruction
of the Cimbri
at (89). Vercellae Papiria 4. (ioi). Plautia the Lex is
This
Q.
Lutatius
Catuius 2.
sen. (consul
was associated
102)
with
Marius
in
proofs
ignore
to
ridiculous is It war. 6 Italian the during
burnt
was
office
record
recommendation local the in when themselves, destroyed but he were also had the they support
that
know
all
we
the but place. produced; His own be personal to Heraclea qualities of were archives quite sufficient public
the
for
asked
Rome,
have and you Archias point expressed this a On desire town. become to their of a citizen citizen of
a
made
This
fact, was a in was, town Archias which possessed that the confirm fullest to treaty prepared rights with are
they
and
in the testimonial, company
of official that gentleman, its them he with proceeded bring to they Heraclea.
city,
their
by
commissioned Marcus Lucullus, are and then, They after case. returning this attend from to that province specially
Rome
to
come Next,
have after a who certain men, lapse of of group time, distinguished he went to Sicily with
very
a are
They they
had itself. a taste Heraclea for such from things. spot the on also are Envoys
person.
in include initiative
the sort the of people took who but present found those desirable it among to pretend merely
not
who was he really
that indeed, wanted and to learn eyes and own listen, his with but — also done came to being
saw it
but
that
the else
roll someone his of admirers from enrolment was by no the means of hear limited not men to did
he
that sius. did, was He
knows held in it the also greatest but happened honour; so this much indeed, so, believes
only
not
he that
with
Drusus
say and to the here Octavii is question, and the beyond whole are family Horten of honour and
conscience
was
also and on very authority intimate whose terms Lucullus, not only Marcus with the Luculli but intention,
your
be
junior. should
His this friendship If was speaking? cultivated am I by which Lucius of Crassus. time He the
at
Heraclea
lius Scaurus.
at He enrolled associated was he with that Quintus deny to Catulus attempt senior and
surely,
not,
will
his
You son
Pius. He facts. used these to of read out one his single poems a disprove Marcus to Aemi. to
able
be
not
would fectionate
relations you that with the Gratius,s famous convinced, Metellus Numidicus am I and For
case.
my
close
can those In
I and early
days, say; to more Archias also nothing enjoyed have most the I mind, af
bear in
to
have
we frequents issues
now that only he the is an are older respect, man. this in position
legal
the
and
very
enfranchisement, youthful years also is Roman the one his of he question most constantly the If
sonality,
that the home which was first opened friends. to him close his his in of one
was
who
tribute
Metellus to his literary Quintus genius, and praetor the indeed to to his reported whole per and Rome,
at
resident
young, 3 been the
Luculli long welcomed
had Archias him to days. their house sixty and within a is it
praetor —
a
to
ear. report
As soon to as required Archias also arrived, were while They he was Italy.4 still very in domiciled
were
only, concerned again,
with persons notable exploits the passed, but also was law with appreciative an the when that,
condition
for his pen,
the and on a colleague towns federated who was of able citizens supply to as him not admitted been
have
who included office
all to one franchise man who the could granted provide which a splendid Carbo theme and Silvanus
of
law
so the that
the to consuls according he had Rome, the lus,2 of good citizenship fortune to find the in received
also Rome. he That
this, was
during of consequence the consuiships In people. of Marius Heraclean and Catu the
by
we
granted
had
far was never wish SO seen his him; and
influence; but soon and he made his authority way to Lucullus’ of
ARCHIAS
POLITICAL
LICINIUS
SPEECHES 5 AULUS OF POET CICERO THE OF Ut, DEFENCE IN
[53 152
ship of
Achaia.
(64).
Rome
from
eviction
to liable
non-citizens
all . made Gabinius P. Capito Papia was condemned Lex The extortion for governor after his 8.
you
(as
eyes
own
his
in
even
citizens suggesting our any of doubts one about
his being previous
at enfranchisement
not
from
far
so
client,
my
question in years These the facts
regarding during
his position
that at arevery Rome far
from add
to
me
for
helpful
be
therefore
may tion It of time. any erasure particular in
respect the of name that Licinius. of Aulus
at
claimed it
them
on
appear
names whose present men case, you
the will
see that that there is ques slightest
dicate not the
in
merely
but
citizenship,
Roman of when proof you
consider real no the
are documents relate which to the lists
census-
that
recognized
be
to has turbed it however, having at to case, erase any even one And In name. yet single
all. at of conducted judges,
and indicated to fact them
in that he was
dis extremely was
population
the
of
part
any
of
registration lists that no
he went to Occasion the
praetor that Lucius and a Lcntulus board on
since
irrelevant
is
— eiifranchjsernent
his after
Metellus first Pius exhibited
the such to scruples these regard
censors
— with
were Crassus
and
Julius
when
that, before conviction. census Nevertheless
The the conscientious
Asia? law—abiding and in
quaestorship
latter’s
the
during
Lucullus, court, with
and likewise by then the discredit
was by him upon brought his he
occasion
preceding
immediately
the on and
reliability Lucullus, of Gabinius,
before he was
condemned by the Lucius
eminent
the
of
staff
the
on
the such
with army, compilations
was
had he been cast first into
by doubt the un census
last the of
time
the
at
that
secret
deadly a not
been very such carefully
kept. really authenticity Indeed, of the all is
it
But
census—rolls.
the
on
name his miss you
say There were
You allegations that Appius the had of citizen-lists
Heraclea.
to
belonging
as
himself
upon looked
not
companied by has truly
he valid supporting
evidence. which
at period
this
all
during
time
a been never has time,
his there was actually
was which the only
because application ac
inscribed,
was
name
his
which
on
lists the all
cite the to registrations
sought necessary
at from the praetors of board that
it
think
even
not
does
hand,
other the
on client,
to report? my No,
he But reported as
he out Indeed, have. should of
law.8
Papian
the
of
passing
the
after even but all
enrolment his worldly
possessions
were did he concentrated. Or alleged omit
their of
dates
the
after
merely
not municipalities he
had established
Rome their his as of place and residence, where the
lists
citizen-
the
into
names
their insinuate to
Surely not! contrived
Years before he
ever became Roman tioned citizen a
ques
been
has
status
Roman
whose persons
Or you other do propose
the to deny that at All Rome? lived Archias
gifts?
outstanding
and
brilliant
really of man
this be might is forged
to seen by experience considerable. be to it refused
have
would
actors,
mere
upon
even honours admit
the
such same breath
that the iii such records that possibility
stowing
be of
habit a
make
to
prepared perfectly aside were and
cali for documents! And they although you do this
when you
Tarentum,
or
Neapolis
Locri, Rhegium, be no of
tampering people with things
that. brush Yet like the you them
that
suggest
to
venture
you
can how So non-existent. davit of an
irreproachably or honest town There council.
can slender
extremely
were
qualifications
whose great
individuals
and scrupulous
You gentleman. on have the sworn affi
even
all, at
reason
particular
no
for citizenship
their clamour for documentary
bestow record. the You to a word have of Italy
of
communities
Greek
the for uncommon
that
men are not acçually
a in been to position
remember, but to fact,
of matter
a
as
has,
It
citizen.
a became not he where possibly
obtain; to be
deliberately town about silent things
only
the
means
no
by
was
Heraclea
that, to as available, which yet Besides, to are demand evidence which Heraclea. we can—
ARCHIAS
LICINIUS
AULUS
POET THE OF POLITICAL 8 SPEECHES DEFENCE iv, OF CICERO IN POLITICAL SPEECHES OF CICERO U, II IN DEFENCE OF THE POET AULUS LICINIUS ARCHIAS pretended), made his will on a number of occasions according have been taken up with returning over and over again to Roman law, received legacies left him by Roman citizens, these literary pursuits. to And I have all the more right to engage and was recomnndcd to the treasury by the proconsul in such studies because they improve my capacity as a speaker; Lucius Lucullus, ‘as a Roman, so that a reward might be and this, for what it is worth, has unThilingly remained at the given him for his services. disposal of my friends whenever prosecutions have placed As regards your contrary assertions, the burden of proving them in danger. Even if some may regard my ability as them rests with you and no one but you. For no judgements nothing very great, at least I realize the source from which the he has passed on himself, and no judgements passed on him best part of it has come. For unless I had convinced myself by his friends, will be of the smallest assistance towards the from my earliest years, on the basis oflessons derived from all refutation of his claim. I had read, that nothing in life is really worth having except moral decency and reputable behaviour, You will no doubt be asking me, Gratius, why I feel such an and that for their sake all physical tortures and all perils affection for this man. The answer is that he provides my of death and banish ment must be held of little account, I mind with refreshment after this din of the courts; he soothes should never have been able to speak up for the safty of you to rest they are wearied by angry disputes all in so many arduous my ears when clashes, or to endure these attacks How could I fmd material, do you suppose, for the speeches I which dissolute rogues launch against me every day. The every day on such a variety of subjects, unless I steeped whole of literature, make philosophy and history is full of mind in learning? How could I endure the constant strains examples which teach this my lesson — but which would have been plunged in if I could not distract myself from them by this means? Yes, ifthe written utter darkness word had not been available to illuminate I confess I am devoted to the study ofliterature. Ifpeople have Just think of them. the number of vividly drawn pictures buried themselves in books, if they have used nothing they men of the of valiant past that Greek and Latin writers have have read for the benefit of their fellow-men, if they have for our benefit: preserved not for mere inspection only, but for never displayed the fruits of such reading before the public eye, as well. Throughout imitation my public activities I have never well, let them by all means be ashamed of the occupation. to keep these ceased great figures before my eyes, and have But why, gentlemen, should I feel any shame? Seeing that myselfheart modelled and soul on the contemplation oftheir not once throughout all these years have I allowed myself to It might excellence. be objected that those great men, be prevented from helping any man in the hour of his need deeds have whose noble been handed down in the literary record, because I wanted a rest, or because I was eager to pursue my themselves by were not any means thoroughly well versed in own pleasures, or even because I needed a sleep! ing which I the learn praise so highly. Certainly, it would I cannot therefore, I submit, bejustly rebuked or censured if to make a be difficult categorical assertion that they were. the time which others spend in advancing their own personal I am quite clear Nevertheless, what my answer to such a point affairs, taking holidays and attending Games, indulging in I agree that should be. there have been many people whose pleasures of various kinds or even enjoying mental relaxation inborn qualities, exceptional expressed in almost godlike endowments and bodily recreation, the time they spend on protracted mind and character of without the support of any cultural parties and gambling and playing ball, proves in my case to qualifications at all, have enabled them by their own unaided ‘54 ‘55
‘57
6 I
(d. 169). poetry’ members Roman
the of of father ‘the
of circle Scipio Rudiae, of
Aemilianus Ennius (Africanus junior). ii.
. C. Laclius parts. (Minor) tragic Sapiens and played L. and stage also Furius were
Philus prominent
Roman the
of
actor
Q.
comic outstanding the was
Gallus Roscius
10.
clination or taste for these we pursuits, all ought the to same
bring to
seem they because And indeed holy, poets even call if to we right ourselves were therefore not of capable any in
was
Ennius” great Our souls. own their of depths the within
spark, divine of sort a never force, lets internal me down. some by stimulated
are
and gifts
inborn own night, their on on journeys, in entirely the depend country, is a poets companion it which
principles, and rules and the study home; upon based can be be to it in fitted need with arts public other life; the throughout
whereas
that,
authority are learned going and badly eminent on provides and refuge it have We is solace. It a delight in
one’s satisfaction when things are going well, and when they
Reading
the stimulates young and the power? diverts old,
increases
V
my
in
means every
by him defend to appropriate duty to every my time and it every deem age and and every
place.
man, a
such
admire and love not effect. I For there Should no is times. other ancient upon occupation of earth which so is
writers
for felt
reverence the to mind could inferior way no have possibly in a such preciation and broadening enlightening
ap
of
degree a
accorded I them am seen sure, have I feel to obliged agree cogitation, that no and other of activity the
care
meticulous of products the aim works, were pure written his and enjoyment for as else, nothing And you would still,
phrases.
and
words of set new entirely advantage an that in literary studies bring. may For if even subject-matter their
same
the
repeating by encore an for And yet demands us let to leave aside a for any respond moment him practical
heard
have I
also times Many spoke. he themselves. before letter single
one
down
written having without better day life the be, could of and bow bring to topics that ideal into effect for about
verses
admirable of quantities studies if these improvising had him not to helped them to a what understand listened
have
I time
the is many attention They would your certainly never have — gaining spent in their on time ceeded literary
suc
has
speech
my of shape venerable Cato, Marcus unconventional the the most erudite of man that his day. see I
since
indulgence,
your on presume
Laclius to and Lucius going am Furius; 9 I was such the for courageous and
— Archias
this
to
listened have I that were those gentlemen, of time, paragons the is moderation and Gaius self-control Many
human of figure the scintillations. younger Scipio and Such, too, Africanus. motions
enigmatic
its all
with kind, Such a intellectual personality by be could a seen purely in our the of fathers super genius
by
indifferent
left be cannot we the result is surely then all, something us truly of and unique. remarkable hearts
the
win
to
enough was
stage the on mented and shaped by the comportment influence of theoretical physical knowledge, mere
man’s
a
such if
And fate. maintain common our that, when and noble from elevated are natural gifts exempted supple been
have
to
somehow ought artist ducts of attractive learning and without I character. do a superb Nevertheless also such
that
a feeling
had we death, his of character time without the learning at exceeds man are who those the old pro an was
he
Although
died. recently that the Roscius’° number when 9 f virtuous and men unaffected by admirable produced
mained
re
he
that
insensitive and boorish excellence. so I kideed, been go would have further, and the express can view one No
others
in
exemplified gifts such
see endeavours reach to we the when heights of and moral self-management admiration feel
ARCHIAS
LICINIUS
AULUS POET THE OF POLITICAL vii, OF SPEECHES CICERO IS DEFENCE IN IN DEFENCE OF THE POET AULUS LICINIUS ARCHIAS POLITICAL SPEECHES OF CICERO i8 have Marius was attached to Lucius Plotius,12 whose gifts he saw to to us some special gift and endowment which the gods for conunemoration of the deeds that he them as a passport for this world. Even the most be well fitted the I accorded dis himself had accomplished. barbarous of races Jias never treated the name ofpoet with Archias has also dealt with the entire war against Mithri— respect. How imperative therefore it is that you yourselves, dates, a vast and complicated war consisting of many varied with all your noble culture, should regard it as holy indeed! is the operations on land and sea. This work sheds lustre on the The very rocks and deserts echo the poet’s song. Many ar valiant and magnificent Lucius Lucullus, but in so doing it time when ferocious beasts have been enchanted and Shall contributes to the splendour of Rome as well. For it was rested in their tracks as these strains come to their ears. is Romans whom Lucullus led to open up Pontus, protected we, then, who have been nurtured on everything that though it was by the resources of its king and by its own fine, remain unmoved at a poet’s voice? geographical position. It was Romans who under the same The people of Colophon declare that Homer came from of general, with a force of only moderate size, put the number their city, the Chians assert he belongs to them, the men so less hordes of Armenians to ffight. It was Romans, still under Salamis lay a rival claim, while the people of Smyrna are shrine the direction of Lucullus, who gained the glory for rescuing sure he is theirs that they have even allotted him a other communities, too, and preserving the friendly city of Cyzicus from all the on I within their town; and a great many as slaughts of the king and the ravening jaws of warfare. To have joined in this competitive struggle to be regarded too, comes eternal honour for that amazing naval Homer’s birth—place. These people, in fact, are eager for the Rome, Lucullus slew the enemy’s admirals possession of a man who has long been dead and who, even battle at Tenedos in which poetic and crushed their fleet.’ Ours are the trophies, ours the monu when he lived, was a foreigner. It is because of his the ours the triumphs. Those who dedicate their powers to genius that they feel this powerful urge. Are we, on ments, the literary celebration of such events are increasing the fame contrary, to reject a poet who is still alive, and who is indeed of the people of Rome itself. ours by law, and ours by his own inclination as well? of noble Ennius was held in affection by the elder This would be particularly misguided in the case Our expert and the tomb of the Scipios is said to have con Archias, since he has for many years past devoted all his Afticanus, Rome. a marble statue of the poet. And yet his compliments skill and talent to celebrating the glorious renown of tained Cimbrian to Africanus surely illuminate not only that hero himself but When he was a young man he wrote about the of Gaius the entire commonwealth of Rome. Ennius also extolled to war, and he even succeeded in gaining the approval have a skies the Cato whose great-grandson is with Us today; and Marius himself, although that great man did not the one is, is the brilliance shed by those panegyrics upon the re reputation for appreciating this kind of activity. But no bright not want nown of our country in general. In the same way, again, in fact, so uninterested in the Muses that he does There when compliments are paid to the names of Maximus, his own deeds to be glorified and perpetuated in verse. Athenian Themistocles was asked is a story that the renowned 12. L. Plotius Gallus was said to be the first man to teach Latin best. His favourite, he re which actor or singer he liked the rhetoric at Rome (c. —93). the most plied, was whichever one praised his exploits 13. L. Licmius Lucullus defeated Mithridates VI of Pontus off Gaius highly! And that, for example, was the reason why Tenedos rn 73. ‘59
ióo 161
eulogized
in the of Ani:als Ennius.
east. in
the
Q.
and Fulvius
i) 21 Flaccus (captor
of
of in Capua Pompeius campaigns the of the an year) same account wrote were
all
Theophanes
i.
Q,
14.
Fabius
Maximus, M.
Claudius Marcdllus (captor of
Syracuse,
be better had and the it fact, is concealing no there For
body
was buried would have buried his memory well. as language. And
for, if the Iliad had never existed, their of the flavour tomb exotic where the ponderous, all for Achilles’ Corduba,
who found Homer to proclaim from came your who poets valour!’ to certain He hearing a was gave even he right;
Achilles at Sigeum, he uttered these recorded; actions words: own his have to was eager ‘Fortunate Metellus over, youth,
achievements. And yet, as More he well. as stood people other beside on numerous the tomb franchise the of
him a great number of conferred authors had, besides, engaged and in friend intimate his writing was about Metellus his
We are told as that especially Alexander the successful, been have Great umnistakably took would around Luculli, with
fearful perils the and of perform noble intervention the of speak to endeavours. not Archias, of fluence
literature a is in personal vigorous the incentive, been approached, had stimulating Pius them Metellus to Quintus risk
those who if hazard again, their Or, lives Archias? for of fluency the and sake style and talent of the glory, such
most potent factor with in writer a enhancing to help a failed have he could how country’s so prestige. industry; And to
our illustrious his for be rewarded achievements. should poets of For worst literary the even that commemoration felt is a
its weapons who personage a should also be was then Here given again! an anything opportunity wrote never to learn of
that he every that condition country the the where strong proceeds its on from arm of scribbler the Rome has — carried
the paid effect be
to of reward this a should ordered be to immediately inspire us auction, with ducting the determination an
con deeds, was who it is be. true, Sulla, to extend to ought all than the longer it line regions other of the earth. But
every boundaries with him, about which, written as you had man the must epigram an admit, are Sulla restricted. Our
handed world, crowd whereas the of out Latin is bad understood from meeting, poet only public within its some own
a For at Once, Greek literature Archias. is from a read request such in refused almost have every never country in the
suppose would Gauls, and that Greek Spaniards to freely poetry so ranks lower citizenship pensed Latin than in value.
who dis Archias Sulla, a is Surely way. Greek selfsame poet. this in But generals it our would of be entirely wrong to
one from manifest franchise the win to entitlement? deny, cannot you certain am I as
world, the Rome in thing itself, easiest it How the find on would earth he can already, we citizen deprive of him this
Roman He a has aho Archias made have to received a happen not similar law did by the gift, If due legal process from
competed to make shout. him a mighty a with citizen approval of their clared their own communities.
de they franchise themselves, of to also Hcraclea. belonged Many other grandeur the of Greek part townships, too, have
that feeling The man And told. whom had we so, are Theophanes tale now splendid the by considering possesses the
influenced felt were, they though soldiers and countryfolk
was men, gallant bj admitted our Now, our army. ancestors to the assembled whole his before deeds, of citizenship Rome.
Writer his That is why of historian the the from Mitylene,’S of Rudiae Theophanes who upon uttered ship these praises
themselves, to citizen Roman whom conferred fortune, distinction is good and added by bravery such his for eulogies. I
Marcellus and alike Fulvius,’ 4 all outstanding it is us Magnus, of as known Romans, again. and Pompeius then not just
ARCHIAS POLITICAL LICINIUS AULUS SPEECHES OF POET THE OF CICERO DEFENCE iX, IN 22 POLITICAL SPEECHES OF CICERO Xi, 26 IN DEFENCE OF THE POET AULUS LICINIUS ARCHIAS praised! accepted and openly admitted: we all like to be The A person with right ideas hopes for no reward whatever better the man the greater his desire for celebrity. The philoso for any toils and perils he may have to undergo — except only despise ambition do not forget to affix their praise, phers who bid u and the good opinion of his fellows. Take those things names to their dwn books! On the very writings in which they away, gentlemen, and in the brief and transient span of this deplore publicity and self—advertisement, they publicize and life I cannot see what stimulus remains to encourage our advertise themselves. And then again that heroic commander arduous labours. If the human spirit felt no anticipations of Decimus Brutus, when he erected temples and monuments, posterity, if the range ofits imagination were bounded by the adorned their forecourts with verses written by his friend limits that circumscribe human existence, we should never be Accius.’6 Another outstanding example is Fulvius,’7 who took prepared to tire ourselves out with all these exertions, suffer Ennius with him on his campaign against the Aetolians, and torments of sleepless anxiety, face ceaseless confrontations in it over forthwith dedicated the spoils ofwar to the which when was our very lives are at stake. It does appear, however, Muses. In a city, then, where even generals scarcely lay down that men of true nobility contain within themselves a force their weapons before offering honours to poetry and the which day and night applies the prick of ambition to their Muses’ shrine, it would indeed be unbecoming for judges, hearts, and never allows us to stop struggling to ensure that garb of peace, to act in a fashion repugnant to the who wear the memory of our names shall not perish with our deaths, the honour of those divinities and the well-being of the but shall survive them for all time to come. poetical profession. For how could we, who undergo the toils and hazards of public life, be spiritless enough to feel satisfied with the idea incline you to my way of thinking, gentlemen, I will place that, after To we have spent not one single moment ofour lives in myself in your hands and confess to you my own passion to peace and tranquillity, all this effort will go for nothing at the This is a passion which may seem exaggerated; very be famous. moment when we die? Many distinguished men have it The fact is that the taken but I am sure is not dishonourable. great pains to leave their statues and representatio I took during any consulship, with your behind measures which them. But those are likenesses only of the body, and to ensure the salvation of this city and the not of collaboration, the spirit at all, and so have not we all the more reason lives of all its citizens and everything that our to feel empire and the enthusiastic about bequeathing a similar image of our chosen by Archias as the subject country stands for, have been intellectual and moral personalities as well, to be moulded of a poem. He has already started upon its composition, and and elaborated by the very finest talents available? when he read out to me what he had written, I judged the As for myself, even at the actual time when I was busiest project a very worthwhile and attractive one, and singled him with great matters, I felt I was also diffusing and disseminating out as just the man for the task. a knowledge of those very same deeds throughout the entire earth to be remembered for ever. Perhaps, celebrated a Triumph in 136 for the when I am dead, ió. Dcc. Junius Brutus Gallaicus I shall no longer be able to Lusitania and Gallaecia (Galicia). L. Accius of Pisaurum perceive whether their memory conquest of does, in fact, remain. (d. c. 85) was regarded as the leading tragic poet. Or possibly, as certain philosophers have argued, some 17. M. Fulvius Nobilior defeated the Aetolians during his consulship part of my being will still be conscious that this is of 189. happening. But however that may be, at least I derive 162 163 POLITICAL SPEECHES OF CICERO Xii, 30 now from the thought and the hope that satisfaction here and CHAPTER FOUR what I have done will not be forgotten. JNPPjENCE OF upon you: judges, to pronounce in favour of my So I call MARCUS client. He is a man whose honourable character you see con CAELIUS RUFUS firmed by the high rank of his friends and the unbroken durations of their friendships with him. You can appreciate his gifts from the extent to which they have been in demand Fears that onlpeius was nt concerned to laintain the old ii chic, from leading men who are extremely gifted themselves. senatorial stem of gove-nment proved ustfied, since I 6o he Moreover, the justice of his cause is demonstrated by the formed the itatorial Firs Triumvirate ith Caesar a Crassus. sanction of the law, the authority of his municipality, the Cicero was nQed to join it, and to his c dit eventu y efused to testimony offered by Lucullus, and archives going back to do so. When the’ceJore, th tribune Publius lodiusp iche who was Metellus. now Cicero’s\bitteIçst ene y (having been aliena d by t orator’s To you and your generals and the deeds ofthe Roman people sharp demQlil’(on of\bis libi when he w s ac sed of sa rilegious violation Archias has always done honour. To those recent internal ofth4 secret r es fthe Bona Dea) ‘ roposed a la sending perils which threatened myself and yourselves he proposes to him into exilSfor his ecution of the atilinarian le ers, the offer an undying testimonial of praise. He belongs, moreover, Triumvirs did Izothing to ave himfrom fate. Nor, to is bitter to a profession which has universally and at all times been distr ss did the enatorial 1. ders, who he had wrongly b lieved to be his supporte declared and believed to possess a sacred character. If then, or atili a affair. Cice 0’S sub gentlemen, such great powers warrant the applause of man sequent sixteen t4onths of1 xile er the mos nusera e
kind — and truly they deserve the commendation of the gods ly. I Recalled when Pompei4c be an themselves! — I entreat you to take him under your protection. nd ClokIius unbearabl Cicero Let it not be said that a severe judgement of yours has done resumed his legal practice, z discov ed an o portunity to a tack his enemy’s harm to such a man. Let it be seen instead that your humane greatfan4ly whe,4 Clodius’ s ond ‘ster Clodia, ajfamous decision has brought him relief. immoral beautyfo wham he poet C’atu us ad a hopeless passion, I have made the statement of my case as brief and simple as attacked herformeik lo’er A’4arcus Caelius s. This cleve1 young usual; and I have the feeling that it has gained your ap politician was cha*ed by a\prosecutor with ose family h4 had a probation. I hope my digression from the custom of the feud — and this ratJer than lodia may have a the begining of courts and the bar, in order to tell you something about my the whole case — uith a shcking array of o en s, includizg the client’s talent and about literary studies in general, has been murder ofone or mo? Alexai4lrian envoys and t e at ptedpison— lag of his ‘estranged inistress to your taste, To the chairman of this tribunal’8 — I venture herself Although ome o e cIarges j may well’ have had rore substce to express the conviction — it has proved acceptable enough. than Cicero dmits, his bri1liant and a,using advocac evidentlot Caelius off chairman of the panel was Cicero’s 56 B.c.). \ IS. According to tradition the jut this speech is interesting ave brother Quintus praetor). alifor the .tartling insiqlit it i. See pp. 224, 245, 250, 252, 260, 267.
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