1Let them take care, therefore, that it is not most unfair and intolerable that their authority concerning Pompey's dignity has always been approved by you, while your judgement and the authority of the Roman people concerning the same man are rejected by them, especially since the Roman people can now by its own right defend its authority in the case of this man even against all who disagree, because, with these same men protesting, you chose him alone out of all to put in charge of the war against the pirates. 64If you did this rashly and took too little thought for the state, these men are right in trying to guide your inclinations by their counsels.
64But if you then saw further in public affairs, if you, in spite of their opposition, by your own efforts brought dignity to this empire and safety to the world, then let these leading men at last admit that both they and everyone else must obey the authority of the Roman people as a whole. 64And in this Asian war against the kings, citizens, there is need not only for that military merit which is singular in Pompey, but also for many other great virtues of the mind. 64It is difficult for our commander to move about in Asia, Cilicia, Syria and the kingdoms of the inland nations in such a way that he thinks of nothing but the enemy and glory.
64Then, even if there are some who are more restrained by modesty and self-control, nevertheless no one believes them to be such, because of the great number of greedy men. 65It is hard to say, citizens, how much we are hated among foreign nations because of the lusts and wrongs of those whom we have sent to them with military command during these years. 65For what temple in those lands do you think has been held sacred by our magistrates, what city inviolable, what house sufficiently closed and protected? 65Rich and well-stocked cities are now sought out, so that a pretext for war may be brought against them for the chance of plundering them.
66I would gladly discuss these things face to face with Catulus and Hortensius, very great and very illustrious men; 66for they know the wounds of the allies, they see their disasters, they hear their complaints. 66Do you think you are sending armies on behalf of the allies against the enemy, or, on the pretence of an enemy, against allies and friends? 66What state is there in Asia that can contain the pride and arrogance not only of a commander or a legate but of a single military tribune?