De imperio Cn. Pompei - only Pomeius is qualified

[27] Satis mihi multa verba fecisse videor, qua re esset hoc bellum genere ipso necessarium, magnitudine periculosum. Restat ut de imperatore ad id bellum delingendo ac tantis rebus praeficiendo dicendum esse videatur. Utinam, Quirites, virorum fortium atque innocentium copiam tantam haberetis, ut haec vobis deliberatio difficilis esset, quemnam potissimum tantis rebus ac tanto bello praeficiendum putaretis! Nunc vero -- cum sit unus Cn. Pompeius, qui non modo eorum hominum qui nunc sunt gloriam, sed etiam antiquitatis memoriam virtute superarit -- quae res est quae cuiusquam animum in hac causa dubium facere possit?
[28] Ego enim sic existimo, in summo imperatore quattuor has res inesse oportere, -- scientiam rei militaris, virtutem, auctoritatem, felicitatem.

Arguments for Ciceros political appearance | the political situation | disposition

I The nature of the war
the honor has to be defended | the socii have to be defended | the taxes are in danger | the property of Roman citizens is in danger

II how big the war is
the initial success of Lucullus | Mythridates' and Trigranes' flight | the mutiny of the Roman army

III the imperator
only Pompeius is qualified | his expirience | his successes | his unselfisht | his moderate behavior | his authority | his luck | summary

IV refutation of the enemies of the law
refutation of Hortensius | refutation of Catulus | appeal to the people | the mistakes of the other imperatores | supporter of the law

V end