The republic of Cicero · Marcus Tullius Cicero
M. What sort of praise then is left for a democratic government?
S. What did you think, Spurius, of the Rhodians, with whom we were together; did you see nothing like a commonwealth there? M. Indeed I did, and least of all to be blamed. S. You say well. But if you remember all were alike; sometimes plebeians, sometimes senators; and by turns discharging during certain months their functions as senators; the other months they remained in the ranks of the people. In both capacities however they had the privilege of being present at the meetings for deliberation, and equally in the theatres and in the courts, great matters and all others were judged; so numerous was the multitude and so great its power that * * * * * ----- Footnote 21: Alexander. Footnote 22: These are sophisms brought forward in favour of injustice. Vide Lact. Inst. 5. Footnote 23: To restore things unjustly acquired. Footnote 24: The better class.
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