The enduring affection of Julius Caesar towards him should compel you to not pass judgment, for<hr>
as his adopted son and rightful successor, it appears that you should inherit not only his feelings,<hr>
but also his friends and his wealth. Antony fought for Julius Caesar, therefore he fought<hr>
for you as well. You should reward him for everything he has done for him, because amongst all of Caesar's debts, the most just to repay are the good services that his friends have rendered him. Remember<hr>
what Antony has done for this remarkable man: it was he who bravely opposed the<hr>
rebellion of Pompey when the latter demanded that Caesar lay down his arms alone. He spoke<hr>
vigorously at that gathering and didn't shy away from exposing himself to attacks, but he was treated<hr>
shamefully after this intervention and compelled to masquerade as a slave in order to find<hr>
sanctuary in Caesar’s camp. What Antony achieved then, he did as well during<hr>
numerous other equally significant situations. His friendship for Caesar was repaid through his blood and his person.<hr>
  
More than once, he rallied his troops, led them into battle, and turned them<hr>
victorious when they were on the brink of defeat. This was seen in the Battle of Pharsalus,<hr>
where he commanded Caesar’s; right wing, fighting for his glory and risking his<hr>
life to protect his power, which eventually became yours. In reality, if he fought for Caesar during his lifetime, he made Caesar triumphant after his death. Antony's rhetoric accomplished what the bravery of another could not do, because without that fervor pushing him to speak, the Roman people would not have dared to express how deeply moved they were by Caesar's death. They would have<hr>
settled for shedding tears and would not have burnt the houses of his murderers. You see that in a way, Antony built the ladder which helped you climb to the power that you now have. If<hr>
we consider what he did for Caesar, it is permissible to also consider what he did for􏰀
the common cause, against Cassius and Brutus. You will find that he has always defeated them<hr>
and in some situations where you were not able to fight, it was indeed<hr>
beneficial for him to be on your side, for without his bravery, Cassius and Brutus would likely have scored a victory that would have changed history. I am well aware that since that day, you<hr>
have not always been on good terms and that jealousy that accompanies those who are<hr>
fond of glory and covet fame has damaged your friendship. But such hatred must not blind you to the person. One must overcome the courage and the generosity of his enemy. One should oppose him when he tries to destroy us, but one must never disturb public tranquility for personal reasons, or start a war whose outcome is always uncertain for trivial reasons. Hatred is a deceptive emotion and if it was permissible to harbour for those in power, it is solely to fight against evil, enslavement and infamy.<hr>
        
Otherwise, if individuals wielding power do not combat this emotion and allow themselves to be blinded, they would no doubt be capable of all sorts of injustices.<hr>
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