26
The same Scipio being accused before the Roman People, by Q. Petilius, for embezling part of the Spoils of King Antiochus, he made his appearance at the Day appointed by his Accuser. But this great Man no less admirable by his Virtue than by his Courage, instead of clearing himself from the Charge, and proud of his own Innocence, he made a Speech to the People assembled to condemn him, and told them with a bold and undaunted Look, and the Tone of a Conquerour, ’Twas upon such a day as this is I took Carthage, defeated Hannibal, and vanquished the Carthaginians; let’s march to the Capitol, and return the Gods Thanks for it. The People surprised by this Magnanimity left the Informer, followed Scipio, and that Day got him a thousand times more Honour than that on which he triumphed over King Siphax, and the Carthaginians.
26
Le même Scipion ètant accusé devant le Peuple Romain par Q. Petilius, d’avoir distrait une partie des depouilles du Roy Antiochus à son profit, parut au jour marqué par son Accusateur. Mais ce grand Homme, admirable par sa vertu & par sa valeur, au lieu de se justifier de ce qu’on l’accusoit, fier qu’il ètoit de son innocence, parlant au Peuple assemblé pour le condamner, dit d’un air hardi & intrepide, & d’un ton de vainqueur. C’est à tel jour qu’aujourd’huy, que j’ay pris Carthage, que j’ay défait Hannibal, & vaincu les Carthaginois, allons au Capitole en remercier les Dieux. Le Peuple surpris de cette Magnanimité, quitta l’accusateur, suivit Scipion, & ce jour lui fut mille fois plus glorieux, que celui auquel il triompha du Roy Siphax, & des Carthaginois.