On the other hand, if punishment or correction must be administered, it need not be insulting; it ought to have regard to the welfare of the state, not to the personal satisfaction of the man who administers the punishment or reproof.
Discussing the proper application of discipline, Cicero asserts that punishment should serve the public good rather than personal vindictiveness.
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Such acts of generosity are not to be so highly esteemed as those which are performed with judgment, deliberation, and mature consideration.
Besides, he will not expose anyone to hatred or disrepute by groundless charges, but he will surely cleave to justice and honour so closely that he will submit to any loss, however heavy, rather than be untrue to them, and will face death…
In my opinion, at least, we should always strive to secure a peace that shall not admit of guile.
What a sorry state of servitude for a virtue--to be pandering to sensual pleasure!
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