1You ask whether I think you ought to plead cases during your tribunate. 1It matters very much what you think the tribunate is, an empty shadow and a name without honour, or an inviolable power, which it is fitting should be brought to order by no one, not even by itself. 2When I myself was tribune, I was perhaps wrong in thinking I was someone, but as if I were, I refrained from pleading cases: first, because I thought it unseemly that the man for whom everyone ought to rise and give way should stand while everyone sat, and that the man who could order anyone to be silent should have silence imposed on him by the water-clock, and that the man whom it was a sin to interrupt should even hear abuse, and seem spineless if he let it go unpunished, arrogant if he avenged it.
3There was this dilemma too before my eyes, whether, if either the man I was appearing for or the man I was appearing against should happen to appeal to me, I should intervene and bring help, or keep quiet and silent, and, as though I had resigned my office, make myself a private citizen. 4Moved by these reasons, I preferred to show myself a tribune to all rather than an advocate to a few. 5But as for you (I shall say it again), it matters very much what you think the tribunate is, what role you take upon yourself; 5and a wise man must fit it to himself in such a way that he carries it through.
5Farewell.