Epistle XXIII. To Pompeius Falco.
by
the Same. [Mr. M.]
You enquire, whether it be proper for you to persue your Employ in the Law,
during the time of you Tribuneship. It is of Consequence, what is your Idea,
of it: Whether you think it an empty Shadow,
and a Title without Authority, or a Power that is Sacred, and not to be control'd.
When I was Tribune, I was perhaps mistaken in thinking my self, to be of any Moment;
but I manag'd no Causes as if I had been so. First, because I conceiv'd,
it was very unseemly for a Man to stand when all were sitting, to whom all were oblig'd in Honour,
to give Place: And for him to be under a Command of silence by the Glass,
who had a right to enjoyn it to the whole Assembly; or for one, that ought not to be Interrupted,
to hear a Reproach, and be accounted void of Spirit if he took it un-noted,
or insolent, if he reveng'd it. And I had another disorder in my Eye,
if either my Client, or Adversary should chance to aid him, or rest in Silence,
and make my self a Private Man, as if I had abjur'd my Office. Upon these Motives,
I rather chuse to be a Tribune to all, than an Advocate to a few. But I repeat it,
you are much concern'd, to have a just Impression of this Office; and what
Character you ought to assume; which a
Man of Sense should adapt in that manner, as to keep it up with Decency.
