Plea for Ligarius. ( Pro Q. Ligario) B.C. 46.
Argument
Exordium Chap. 1 (sect. 1. -sect. 2 ,l.18). A strange charge is this against Ligarius, — that he was in Africa, — and he confesses it. — Narratio (sect. 2 ,ll.19-26, sect. 3 ). Ligarius went to Africa in time of peace and remained there under Varus: this is all. Confirmatio. 2 , 3 . No ground for accusation: he went to Africa before war broke out, and his remaining there was a plain necessity. Cicero himself is more guilty than he, and Tubero, the accuser, actually fought on the side of Pompey: yet both have been pardoned. 4 . But now Tubero seeks the life of Ligarius. 5 . Perhaps Tubero's intention is not bloodthirsty; but his action is inhuman. 6 . Caesar has never regarded the Pompeians as criminals. 7 , 8 . In connection with Africa, Tubero is less excusable than Ligarius; for Tubero went to Africa in Pompey's behalf. 9 . Tubero's fidelity to Pompey is praiseworthy in Caesar's eyes. 10 , 11 . He has been pardoned by Caesar: why should not Ligarius be forgiven? Many friends desire his pardon. 12 (sects. 34 - 36 ). His brothers have always been friendly to Caesar. Peroratio . 12 (sects. 37 , 38 ). Let Caesar show his customary clemency.Commentary on Plea for Ligarius. James Bradstreet Greenough. ed. James Bradstreet Greenough, ed. George Lyman Kittredge. Boston. 1897.
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