Now that the universal cupidity of those men is ascertained, I will proceed to the separate
 complaints and charges of the Greeks. They complain that money was levied from the cities under
 the name of money for a fleet. And we admit, O judges, that that was done. But if this be a
 crime, the guilt must consist either in the fact that it was not lawful so to levy money; or in
 the fact that the ships were not wanted; or in the third alternative, that no fleet put to sea
 while he was praetor. That you may see that this levy was lawful, listen, I pray you, to what
 the senate decreed, when I was consul, in which it did not depart at all from the former decrees
 of many years running. [The resolution of the senate is read.] The next thing is for us to
 inquire whether there was need of the fleet or not. Is it then the Greeks or any foreign nations
 who are to be judges of this, or your praetors, your generals, your commanders-in-chief? I
 indeed think that in a district and province of that sort which is surrounded by the sea, dotted
 all over with harbours, and girt with islands, a fleet is requisite not only for the sake of
 protection, but as an ornament of the empire. For there were
 these principles and there was this greatness of mind in our ancestors, that while in their
 private affairs, and as to their own personal expenses, they lived contented with a little, and
 without the smallest approach to luxury; where the empire and the dignity of the state was
 concerned, they brought everything up to a high pitch of splendour and magnificence. For in a
 man's private affairs he desires the credit of moderation, but in public affairs dignity is the
 object aimed at. But even if he had a fleet for the sake of protection, who will be so unjust as
 to blame it?—“There were no pirates.” What? who could certify beforehand that there would be
 none? “You are taking away,” said he, “from the glory of Pompeius.”