strong protection, may be conquered or overwhelmed by those men. If I had been afraid before, still now, with this assembly, and this people, I should not fear. For who ever had an assembly so well inclined to hear him while advocating an agrarian law, as I have had while arguing against one? if, indeed, I can be said to be arguing against one, and not rather upsetting and destroying one. From which, O Romans, it may be easily understood that there is nothing so popular, as that which I, the consul of the people, am this year bringing to you; namely, peace, tranquillity and ease. All the things which when we were elected you were afraid might happen, have been guarded against by my prudence and caution. You not only will enjoy ease—you who have always wished for it; but I will even make those men quiet, to whom our quiet has been a source of annoyance.
III
THE FIRST ORATION AGAINST CATILINE[1]
(63 B.C.)
When, O Catiline, do you mean to ease abusing our patience? How long is that madness of yours still to mock us? When is there to be an
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- ↑ Delivered in the Roman senate in 63 B.C. Translated by Charles Duke Yonge.
