10 But when, by
perseverance and integrity, the republic had increased its power; when mighty
princes had been vanquished in war; when barbarous tribes and populous states
had been reduced to subjection; when Carthage, the rival of Rome’s dominion,
had been utterly destroyed, and sea and land lay everywhere open to her sway,
Fortune then began to exercise her tyranny, and to introduce universal
innovation. To those who had easily endured toils, dangers, and doubtful and
difficult circumstances, ease and wealth, the objects of desire to others,
became a burden and a trouble. At first the love of money, and then that of
power, began to prevail, and these became, as it were, the sources of every
evil. For avarice subverted honesty, integrity, and other honorable principles,
and, in their stead, inculcated pride, inhumanity, contempt of religion, and
general venality. Ambition prompted many to become deceitful; to keep one thing
concealed in the breast, and another ready on the tongue; to estimate
friendships and enmities, not by their worth, but according to interest; and to
carry rather a specious countenance than an honest heart. These vices at first
advanced but slowly, and were sometimes restrained by correction; but
afterwards, when their infection had spread like a pestilence, the state was
entirely changed, and the government, from being the most equitable and
praiseworthy, became rapacious and insupportable.
|