True Roman orators are able to make Latin equal to Greek in eloquence; for I would match himself with anyone, even Demosthenes. I think these virtues are similar: in planning, arrangement, reason, and all ten which are connected with invention. In eloquence is some difference: That thick Demosthenes, this rich Cicero, that Demosthenes always disputes with cunning, this Cicero's authority, more concern in that Demosthenes, in this Cicero more character. But Cicero seems to me to be representing strength of Demosthenes, the supply of Plato, the charm of Isocrates. For what is able to lead more carefully, to move more emphatically? What charm has been so great as ever so that even the heaviest judge might be able to stir? Not unto all which say that authority is found to be so great and to disagree is shameful and faith is not their advocate but to have eye-witnesses that have seen. Therefore, not unjustly by his own human lifetime, Cicero's judgment must be said to rule not unjustly form his own human lifetime, and descendants of such great glory give to Cicero a name not human, but might have eloquence. Therefore, we regard this man; this is a model we set before someone; that Demosthenes knows to make progress itself, which he learns to hold dear by Cicero.
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Here is my translation
Translation;
Indeed the Roman orators are able to furnish Latin eloquence equal to the Greeks; For instances I would place Cicero before whomsoever of them, even Demosthenes. I (yes) I think that their virtues are similar: (in) advice, order, reckoning, finally all things which have the faculty of invention. In eloquence there is the some diversity: that man (Demosthenes) is more concise, this man (Cicero) is more abundant, that man (Demosthenes) always disputes with cunning, this man (Cicero) with more authority, there is more care in that man (Demosthenes), there is more natural disposition in this man (Cicero). To me Marcus Tullius (Cicero) however seems to have portrayed the power of Demosthenes, the abundance of Plato, the charm of Isocrates. For instance who is able to teach more diligence, more vehemence? For who has ever so much charm so that even the most serious decision he is able to alter? Now in all matters he who speaks is found in so great an authority so that it is humiliating to disagree and faith having not been summoned but a witness may seem to regard that man (as Demosthenes). Therefore not unjustly by men from his own generation Cicero has been spoken of to govern in the lawcourts, and posterity gives him so much glory so that Cicero soon may have not the name of a man but (the name) of eloquence. Therefore let us look at this man (Cicero); this example having been placed before us; that man (Demosthenes) was perceived to have progressed by himself, which Cicero learned to appreciate.
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Truly Roman orators can make Latin eloquence like Greek eloquence; for I could set Cicero against any one of them, even Demosthenes. I think the virtues of these men are similar: council, order, reason, and finally all the things which are of his creativity/invention. There is some difference in eloquence: Demosthenes is more concise, Cicero is richer, Demosthenes always fights with subtlety, Cicero with authority, there is more attention in Demosthenes, in Cicero more of natural ability. Marcus Tullius Cicero seems to me to have expressed the force of Demosthenes, the abundance of Plato, the charm of Isocrates. For who can teach more carefully or move us more emphatically? To whom has there ever been so much charm that he can move even the most serious judge? Now in everything which he says there is such a great authority present (in it) that it is shameful to disagree and he seems to have the confidence (reliability) of an eye-witness, not of a legal counselor. Therefore it was said not undeservedly by people of his own time that Cicero ruled in the law courts, and the subsequent generations give so much glory to him that Cicero is not now known as the name of a man but the name of eloquence. Therefore let us consider him; let this example be set before us; let he who has learned to love Cicero know that he has made progress.
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