1Those who know me know that, in my slight and feeble way, after what I most wished for, a settlement, could not come about, I most of all supported the victory of those who did win. 1For who was there who did not see that lowliness was contending with high rank for greatness? 1in that contest it was the part of a reprobate citizen not to join himself to those whose safety would preserve both dignity at home and authority abroad. 1That this has been accomplished, and that his own honour and rank has been restored to each man, I rejoice, gentlemen, and am greatly glad, and I understand that all this was achieved by the will of the gods, the zeal of the Roman people, and the wisdom, command and good fortune of Lucius Sulla.
137That punishment was inflicted on those who fought against us by every means, I ought not to criticise; 137that honour was paid to brave men whose service proved outstanding in action, I praise. 137I believe that it was to bring these things about that the fighting took place, and I confess that I was zealous for that side. 137But if the aim was, and arms were taken up for this purpose, that the lowest of men might grow rich on other people's money and make an assault on the fortunes of every single person, and if one may not only not prevent this in deed but not even censure it in words, then indeed in that war the Roman people has not been revived and restored, but subdued and crushed.
138But it is far otherwise; 138none of this is so, gentlemen. 138Not only will the cause of the nobility not be harmed, if you resist these men, but it will even be honoured.