Cicero (on the Stoics) · 106–43 BCE
On Duties 2.49 — Cicero (on the Stoics)
Translation by Walter Miller (1913)
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.49
But while there are occasions of many kinds that call for eloquence, and while many young men in our republic have obtained distinction by their speeches in the courts, in the popular assemblies, and in the senate, yet it is the speeches before our courts that excite the highest admiration. The classification of forensic speeches also is a twofold one: they are divided into arguments for the prosecution and arguments for the defence. And while the side of the defence is more honourable, still that of the prosecution also has very often established a reputation. I spoke of Crassus a moment ago; Marcus Antonius, when a youth, had the same success. A prosecution brought the eloquence of Publius Sulpicius into favourable notice, when he brought an action against Gaius Norbanus, a seditious and dangerous citizen.
Cite this passage
Cicero (on the Stoics), On Duties 2.49, tr. Walter Miller (1913)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-duties/2.49
Cicero, On Duties (De Officiis), tr. Walter Miller (Loeb, 1913). Text: Perseus Digital Library (CC BY-SA 4.0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesObservations on Roman legal careers: courtroom speeches earn the greatest admiration, and while defence work is more honourable, prosecuting a dangerous figure has also made young advocates' names, as in several Roman examples.
Older wording
- “forensic”
- — relating to the law courts
- “seditious”
- — stirring up rebellion against authority
Themes and situations
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Justice and fairness
- Speech and silence
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