De imperio Cn. Pompei - summary

[49] Qua re, -- cum et bellum sit ita necessarium ut neglegi non possit, ita magnum ut accuratissime sit administrandum; et cum ei imperatorem praeficere possitis, in quo sit eximia belli scientia, singularis virtus, clarissima auctoritas, egregia fortuna, -- dubitatis Quirites, quin hoc tantum boni, quod vobis ab dis immortalibus oblatum et datum est, in rem publicam conservandam atque amplificandam conferatis?
[50] Quod si Romae Cn. Pompeius privatus esset hoc tempore, tamen ad tantum bellum is erat deligendus atque mittendus: nunc cum ad ceteras summas utilitates haec quoque opportunitas adiungatur, ut in eis ipsis locis adsit, ut habeat exercitum, ut ab eis qui habent accipere statim possit, quid exspectamus? aut cur non dicibus dis immortalibus eidem, cui cetera summa cum salute rei publicae commissa sunt, hoc quoque bellum regium committamus?

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