Quintilian, Institutio Oratoria, ed. Harold Edgeworth Butler, 7.7.4

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[4] diversae quoque leges confligunt aut similes aut impares. ¹ diversae , quibus etiam citra adversam legem contradici possit, ut in hac controversia: magistratus ab arce ne discedat; vir fortis optet quod volet: impunitatem magistratus petit. ² vel alia nulla obstante quaeri potest, vir fortis an, quidquid optarit, accipere debeat. et in legem ³ magistratus multa dicentur, quibus scriptum expugnatur; si incendium in arce fuerit, si in hostes decurrendum.

Institutio Oratoria. Quintilian. ed. Harold Edgeworth Butler. Cambridge, Mass.. 1920-1922.

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Current edition Perseus

Institutio Oratoria (Quintilian. Institutio Oratoria, Volume 1-4. Butler, Harold Edgeworth, editor. Cambridge, Mass; London: Harvard University Press, William Heinemann Ltd., 1920-1922.)

Translations (1)

Institutio Oratoria Perseus (Quintilian. Institutio Oratoria, Volume 1-4. Butler, Harold Edgeworth, translator. Cambridge, Mass; London: Harvard University Press, William Heinemann Ltd., 1920-1922.) — 7.7.4 focus

[4] Diverse laws are those against which arguments may be brought without reference to any contradictory law. The following theme will provide an example.

A magistrate shall not quit the citadel. One who has rendered heroic service to his country may choose what reward he pleases. A magistrate who left his post and saved his country, demands an amnesty for his conduct.

In this case, even though there be no other law covering the case, we may raise the question whether a hero ought to be granted anything he chooses to claim. Again, many conclusive arguments may be brought against the letter of the law restricting the movements of the magistrate: for example, a fire may have broken out in the citadel, or a sally against the enemy may have been necessary.

Notes on the current edition

Institutio Oratoria

1. aut impares. diversae , Christ : ut duae, AG.

2. vir fortis petit, added by Christ: it is possible that no insertion is necessary, the heading Magistratus discedat being considered by Q. as sufficient indication of a familiar theme.

3. legem, added by Halm.

Quintilian Institutio Oratoria 7.7.4

ed. Harold Edgeworth Butler

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