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THE SIXTH ORATION OF M. T. CICERO AGAINST MARCUS ANTONIUS. CALLED ALSO THE SIXTH PHILIPPIC. ADDRESSED TO THE PEOPLE.
20.
[49]
You came from Gaul to stand for the
quaestorship. Dare to say that you went to your own father before you came to
me. I had already received Caesar's letters, begging me to allow myself to
accept of your excuses; and therefore, I did not allow you even to mention
thanks. After that, I was treated with respect by you, and you received
attentions from me in your canvass for the quaestorship. And it was at that
time, indeed, that you endeavored to slay Publius Clodius in the forum, with the
approbation of the Roman people; and though you made the attempt of your own
accord, and not at my instigation, still you clearly alleged that you did not
think, unless you slew him, that you could possibly make amends to me for all
the injuries which you had done me. And this makes me wonder why you should say
that Milo did that deed at my
instigation; when I never once exhorted you to do it, who of your own accord
attempted to do me the same service. Although, if you had persisted in it, I
should have preferred allowing the action to be set down entirely to your own
love of glory rather than to my influence.
[50]
You were elected quaestor. On this, immediately, without any resolution of the
senate authorizing such a step, without drawing lots, without procuring any law
to be passed, you hastened to Caesar. For you thought the camp the only refuge
on earth for indigence, and debt, and profligacy,—for all men, in
short, who were in a state of utter ruin. Then, when you had recruited your
resources again by his largesses and your own robberies (if, indeed, a person
can be said to recruit, who only acquires something which he may immediately
squander), you hastened, being again a beggar, to the tribuneship, in order that
in that magistracy you might, if possible, behave like your friend.
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