You have a leader mindful of you, forgetful of himself—an
opportunity which is not always given to men; you have all ranks, all individuals, the whole
Roman people, (a thing which in civil transactions we see this day for the first time,) full of
one and the same feeling. Think with what great labour this our dominion was founded, by what
virtue this our liberty was established, by what kind favour of the gods our fortunes were
aggrandized and ennobled, and how nearly one night destroyed them all. That this may never
hereafter be able not only to be done, but not even to be thought of you must this day take
care. And I have spoken thus, not in order to stir you up who almost outrun me myself but that
my voice, which ought to be the chief voice in the republic, may appear to have fulfilled the
duty which belongs to me as consul.
Now, before I return to the decision, I will say a few words concerning myself. As numerous
as is the band of conspirators—and you see that it is very great,—so numerous a multitude of
enemies do I see that I have brought upon myself. But I consider them base and powerless and
despicable and abject. But if at any time that band shall be excited by the wickedness and
madness of any one, and shall show itself more powerful than your dignity and that of the
republic, yet. O conscript fathers, I shall never repent of my actions and of my advice. Death,
indeed, which they perhaps threaten me with, is prepared for all men; such glory during life as
you have honoured me with by your decrees no one has ever attained to. For you have passed
votes of congratulation to others for having governed the republic successfully, but to me
alone for having saved it.