684. PRO REGE DEIOTARO BY CICERO. Scholars often comment that Cicero bends the facts to benefit his client. I am sure that this is true. Some scholars also suggest that these court cases do not pursue truth. Some maintain that Cicero published his case speeches to protect his prominence in the literary field. I agree that Cicero flatters Caesar and in several places praises his ability and clemency. I just do not see how this is it; that there is no more. Cicero was a person patient in argument, he could plot a course extending over weeks, if not months. There is more to learn from this speech than the immediate case at hand- namely the defense of a King whom Cicero knew from his personal experiences in Cilicia, while governor, decrees the Senate had passed in his honor before Cicero's tenure in Cilicia.
Cicero in his letters and elsewhere made it very clear how he felt about Caesar and the Civil War he conducted, the triumphs he celebrated over ancient Roman allies, the position he assumed first as virtual continuous consul, dictator for unspecified amount of time, then 10 years and in 44 BC Dictator for life. These measures ran counter to every view and thought Cicero had of the Republic. It was no accident that the Republic elected two consuls each year. The purposes of this were two fold- no one person had excessive power, since one consul could block another, power was meant to be shared jointly and consuls were expected to work together. This may sound weird but the Republic worked well with this system for several centuries. To restate, Cicero hated him for the position he, Caesar, had assumed. His actions trampled just about every aspect of what the Republic was.
Yet, it is fascinating that in this speech, Cicero remains so calm and calculating. This speaks directly to Cicero's amazing self control while under fire so to speak.
In terms of literature Cicero rises to a fine height with:
pro perpetuis eius in nostram rem publicam meritis (2)
for his perpetual good service toward the Republic…
These words describe Deiotarus' loyalty for the Republic with a fine chiasmus. This intensifies Cicero's case that the King has long been recognized as a fine member of the Senate's imperial system. It is a neat attractive, well turned phrase.
Nam dicere apud eum de facinore, contra cuius vitam consilium facinoris inisse arguare (4)
For to plead before him about a crime against whose life one is accused to have formed a plan of the crime…
With this the reader becomes acutely aware of the utter novelty of the setting. The trial was in Caesar's house with defending attorneys and prosecuting attorneys with Caesar as judge in a case involving himself. Cicero could not have been impressed and he certainly would not see this as proper Republican practice. So I have a question which apparently no one has asked- what reaction would Romans have upon reading these words of the implication of these words? Yes, some fawned over Caesar, as some do in any age for their favorite, but others, those who thought beyond the moment might not be pleased to read these words.
It makes good sense that Cicero soon says:
non enim tam timeo quid tu de rege Deiotaro quam intelligo quid de te ceteros velis iudicare (4)
I do not fear so much what you wish to judge of King Deiotarus as I understand what you wish others to think of you
Cicero turns the court case on its head. Caesar is as much under review as Deiotarus is under judgement before Caesar.
In tuis oculis, in tuo ore voltuque acquiesco (5)
In your eyes (Caesar), in your expression and face I find repose.
Is this a suck up? Yes, with out a doubt. But what else does it betray? Everything, utterly everything rests with Caesar. This would not be happy words to numerous politicians. That Cicero must cosy up to Caesar, that he must be stroked would not be lost on politicians who lived and breathed political contest.
Cum audiret senatus consentientis auctoritate arma sumpta, consulibus, praetoribus, tribunis plebis, nobis imperatoribus rem publicam defendendam datam, movebatur animo et vir huic imperio amicissimus de salute populi Romani extimescebat…(11)
When he (Deiotarus) kept hearing that with the authority of a unanimous senate weapons had been taken up, to the Consuls, Praetors, Tribunes of the People, us generals the Republic was handed over to be defended, he (Deiotarus) was moved with passion and this man very loyal to this empire feared for the safety of the Roman people.
These words could not have pleased Caesar. Oh yes, Cicero balances these with the fact that the King did not know of Caesar's offers of peace. Of course, we must juxtapose Cicero's letters in which he expresses disgust upon news of Caesar crossing the Rubicon and in which Cicero relates the meeting between the two of them before Cicero realized that peace with this guy was not possible. In the meeting Caesar's civility and gentle ways are obscured by a rather vicious reply.
In section 12 Cicero confesses that Pompey can not be forgotten, his great feats, his wars and service even if these are eclipsed by your achievements (says Cicero to Caesar).
It is important to keep in mind that Caesar's celebrations for victories in Gaul were legitimate but all the rest were illegal in the eyes of Cicero and of many others.
misero fatalique bello (13)
Here Cicero makes an honest assessment of the Civil War- a war wretched and murderous
Cicero has this to say of Deiotarus actions to support Pompey at the beginning of the war:
qui senatui parere didicisisset…(13)
(Deiotarus) who had learned to be obedient to the Senate…
The King by obeying Pompey's summons to supply troops for battle was obeying the will of the Senate. I am curious upon what grounds stood Caesar? These are subtle remarks encased in a speech to defend Deiotarus and gain acquittal. Yet they are there, and surely spoke more to the reader than merely words used in defense.
In support again, there are others, of Cicero's wonderful literary style we have:
Deiotarum saltantem, quisquam aut ebrium vidit umquam?(26)
Has anyone seen Deiotarus dancing or drunk ever?
The prosecution claimed that Deiotarus was so elated at news of disasters for Caesar that he danced naked at a banquet. The language makes me think that Cicero figured that the accuser was the one tipsy when these things were said. The disgust, the exasperation are so expressive here. Listen to the order as heard: Deiotarus dancing anyone or drunk has seen ever?
Cicero claims that temperantia (self-control, restraint) is the chief of all virtues. This a word apparently Caesar thought described himself. Yep, the same guy who crossed the Rubicon to defend his dignity. In terms of the speech this is where Cicero wants to take Caesar. To encourage him to show restraint, to set aside any residual anger.
In summary it seems that Cicero published this speech to maintain his position as the creator of fine literature, to keep his name current, to save a client and to expose the untenable and un-republican position of Caesar.
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