Page:Sallust - tr. Rolfe (Loeb 116).djvu/420

 have been imposed upon you, accept a peace combined with servitude and teach future generations how to ruin their country at the price of their own blood.

For my own part, although by attaining this the highest of offices I had done enough to live up to the fame of my ancestors as well as to secure my own dignity, and even my safety, yet it was not my intention to pursue my private interests, but I looked upon freedom united with danger as preferable to peace with slavery. If you are of the same mind, citizens of Rome, rouse yourselves and with the kindly aid of the gods follow Marcus Aemilius, your consul, who will be your leader and champion in recovering your freedom!