Cicero

We must often distribute from our purse to the worthy poor, but we must do so with discretion and moderation.

That liberality, therefore, which consists in personal service and effort is more honourable, has wider application, and can benefit more people.

For although both ways alike betray a generous wish to oblige, still in the one case the favour makes a draft upon one's bank account, in the other upon one's personal energy; and the bounty which is drawn from one's material substance…

The latter way is the easier, especially for a rich man; but the former is nobler and more dignified and more becoming to a strong and eminent man.

Then, too, briefs for the defence are most likely to bring glory and popularity to the pleader, and all the more so, if ever it falls to him to lend his aid to one who seems to be oppressed and persecuted by the influence of some one in…

And yet, while we should never prosecute the innocent, we need not have scruples against undertaking on occasion the defence of a guilty person, provided he be not infamously depraved and wicked.

For what is so unnatural as to turn to the ruin and destruction of good men the eloquence bestowed by nature for the safety and protection of our fellow-men?

But if it shall be required of anyone to conduct more frequent prosecutions, let him do it as a service to his country; for it is no disgrace to be often employed in the prosecution of her enemies.

And if his speech have also dignity combined with moderation, he will be admired beyond all measure, especially if these qualities are found in a young man.

But the speech that is delivered in a debate before an assembly often stirs the hearts of thousands at once; for the eloquent and judicious speaker is received with high admiration, and his hearers think him understanding and wise beyond…

If, therefore, anyone wishes to win true glory, let him discharge the duties required by justice.

True glory strikes deep root and spreads its branches wide; but all pretences soon fall to the ground like fragile flowers, and nothing counterfeit can be lasting.

Justice is, therefore, in every way to be cultivated and maintained, both for its own sake (for otherwise it would not be justice) and for the enhancement of personal honour and glory.

If in addition they were also thought wise, there was nothing that men did not think they could secure under such leadership.

This, then, is obvious: nations used to select for their rulers those men whose reputation for justice was high in the eyes of the people.

If the people secured their end at the hands of one just and good man, they were satisfied with that; but when such was not their good fortune, laws were invented, to speak to all men at all times in one and the same voice.

For rights that were not open to all alike would be no rights.

The reason for making constitutional laws was the same as that for making kings. *42* For what people have always sought is equality of rights before the law.

Since, therefore, the efficacy of justice is so great that it strengthens and augments the power even of robbers, how great do we think its power will be in a constitutional government with its laws and courts?

And people admire especially the man who is uninfluenced by money; and if a man has proved himself in this direction, they think him tried as by fire.

For sensual pleasure, a most seductive mistress, turns the hearts of the greater part of humanity away from virtue; and when the fiery trial of affliction draws near, most people are terrified beyond measure.

While people admire in general everything that is great or better than they expect, they admire in particular the good qualities that they find unexpectedly in individuals.

The explanation of my apparent inconsistency is that the precision of speech we employ, when abstract truth is critically investigated in philosophic discussion, is one thing; and that employed, when we are adapting our language entirely…

Therefore, justice combined with practical wisdom will command all the confidence we can desire; justice without wisdom will be able to do much; wisdom without justice will be of no avail at all.

But (2) confidence is reposed in men who are just and true--that is, good men--on the definite assumption that their characters admit of no suspicion of dishonesty or wrong-doing.