I had no wife, no offspring, no house, no money.

My fields still stretched round me, but I had none to cultivate them.

My walls still tottered at my feet, but I had none to rear them again, none to inhabit them if they were reared.

My father's lands were now become a wilderness to me.

I was too proud to sell them to my rich neighbour; I preferred to leave them before I saw them the prey of a tyrant, whose rank had triumphed over my industry, and who is now able to boast that he can travel over ten leagues of senatorial property untainted by the propinquity of a husbandman's farm.
Houseless, homeless, friendless, I have come to Rome alone in my affliction, helpless in my degradation! Do you wonder now that I am careless about the honour of my country?
I would have served her with my life and my possessions when she was worthy of my service; but she has cast me off, and I care not who conquers her.