Book 11
1.89
With regard to foreign nations, Cicero's practice varies. When he intends to disparage the credibility of Greek witnesses he admits their distinction in learning and literature and professes his admiration for their nation. E.g. pro Flacco xxvi. On the other hand, he has nothing but contempt for the Sardinians In a fragment of pro Scauro. and attacks the Allobroges as the enemies of Rome. pro Font. viii. In all these cases none of his remarks, at the time they were made, were inconsistent with or adverse to the claims of decorum.
1.90
If there be anything offensive in the subject on which we have to speak, it may be toned down by a studied moderation in our language; for example, we may describe a brutal character as being unduly severe, an unjust man as led astray by prejudice, an obstinate man as unreasonably tenacious of his opinion. And there are a large number of cases where we should attempt to defeat our opponents by reasoning, which forms the gentlest of all methods of attack.
