Yet how much more moderate was his ambition, Appius, than yours! Lucius Papirius neither held the censorship alone, nor beyond the time prescribed by law.

But still he found no one who would follow his example; all succeeding censors, in case of the death of a colleague, abdicated the office.

As for you, neither the expiration of the time of your censorship, nor the resignation of your colleague, nor law, nor shame restrains you.

You make fortitude to consist in arrogance, in boldness, in a contempt of gods and men.

Appius Claudius, in consideration of the dignity and respect due to that office which you have borne, I should be sorry, not only to offer you personal violence, but even to address you in language too severe.
With respect to what I have hitherto said, your pride and obstinacy forced me to speak.