De imperio Cn. Pompei - appeal to the people

Qua re videant ne sit periniquum et non ferundum, illorum auctoritatem de Cn. Pompei dignitate a vobis comprobatam semper esse, vestrum ab illis de eodem homine iudicium populique Romani auctoritatem improbari; praesertim cum iam suo iure populus Romanus in hoc homine suam auctoritatem vel contra omnis qui dissentiunt possit defendere, propterea quod, isdem istis reclamantibus, vos unum illum ex omnibus delegistis quem bello praedonum praeponeretis.
[64] Hoc si vos temere fecistis, et rei publicae parum consuluistis, recte isti studia vestra suis consiliis regere conantur. Sin autem vos plus tum in re publica vidistis, vos eis repugnantibus per vosmet ipsos dignitatem huic imperio, salutem orbi terrarum attulistis, aliquando isti principes et sibi et ceteris populi Romani universi auctoritati parendum esse fateantur.

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