[-31-] “Moreover, in respect to other matters, you would seem to be ordering things in the best way if you should, in the first place, introduce before the senate the embassies which come from the enemy and from those under truce, both kings and peoples.  For it is awe-inspiring and impressive to let the senate appear to be master of all situations and to exhibit many adversaries prepared for petitioners who are guilty of double dealing.  Next, have all the laws enacted by the senators, and do not impose a single one upon all the people alike, except the decrees of that body.  In this way the dignity of the empire would be the more confirmed and the decisions made in accordance with the laws would prove indisputable and evident to all alike.  Thirdly, it would be well in case the senators who are serving in the city, their children or their wives, are ever charged with any serious crime, so that a person convicted would receive a penalty of disenfranchisement or exile or even death, that you should set the situation before the senate, without any previous condemnation, and commit to that body the entire decision at first hand regarding it.  Thus those guilty of any crime would be tried before all their peers and punished without any ill-feeling against you.  The rest, seeing this, would improve in character for fear of being themselves publicly apprehended.  I am speaking here about those offences regarding which laws are established, and judgments are rendered according to the laws.

“As for talk that some one has abused you or spoken in an unfitting way about you, do not listen to any one who brings such an accusation nor investigate it.  It is disgraceful to believe that any one has wantonly insulted you who are doing no wrong and benefiting all.  Only those who rule badly will credit these reports.  Because of their own conscience they surmise that the matter has been stated truthfully.  It is a shame to be angry at complaints for which, if true, one had better not have been responsible, and about which, if false, one ought not to pretend to care.  Many in times past by angry behavior have caused more things and worse to be said against them.  This is my opinion about those accused of uttering some insult.  Your personality should be too strong and too lofty to be assailed by any insolence, and you should never allow yourself to think nor lead others into thinking that any person can be indecent toward you.  Thus they will think of you as of the gods, that you are sacrosanct.  If any one should be accused of plotting against you (such a thing might happen), do not yourself sit as judge on a single detail of the case nor reach any decision in advance,—­for it is absurd that the same man should be made both accuser and judge,—­but take him to the senate and make him plead his defence.  If he be convicted, punish him, though moderating the sentence so far as is feasible, in order that belief in his guilt may be fostered.  It is very difficult to make most men believe that any unarmed person will plot against him who is armed.  And the only way you could gain credence would be by punishing him not in anger nor overwhelmingly, if it be possible.—­This is aside from the case of one who had an army and should revolt directly against you.  It is not fitting that such an one be tried, but that he be chastised as an enemy.