XXXVII. In the time of the republic, oratorical talents were necessary qualifications, and without them no man was deemed worthy of being advanced to the magistracy. XXXVIII. The Roman orators were not confined in point of time; they might extend their speeches to what length they thought proper, and could even adjourn. Pompey abridged the liberty of speech, and limited the time. XXXIX. The very dress of the advocates under the emperors was prejudicial to eloquence. XL. True eloquence springs from the vices of men, and never was known to exist under a calm and settled government. XLI. Eloquence changes with the times. Every age has its own peculiar advantages, and invidious comparisons are unnecessary. XLII. Conclusion of the dialogue. The time of this dialogue was the sixth of Vespasian's reign. Year of Rome--Of Christ Consuls. 828 75 Vespasian, 6th time; Titus his son, 4th time. A DIALOGUE CONCERNING ORATORY, OR THE CAUSES OF CORRUPT ELOQUENCE. I. You have often enquired of me, my good friend, Justus Fabius [a], how and from what causes it has proceeded, that while ancient times display a race of great and splendid orators, the present age, dispirited, and without any claim to the praise of eloquence, has scarcely retained the name of an orator. By that appellation we now distinguish none but those who flourished in a former period. To the eminent of the present day, we give the title of speakers, pleaders, advocates, patrons, in short, every thing but orators.