[19]
Wherefore I, relying on your wisdom, O judges, am not afraid of those
assertions which I perceived were some time back being invented, and
fortified by the oration of the accusers. For they said that a senator would
come forward as a witness, who would say that he had been driven away by the
comitia for the election of a pontiff by
Caelius. And if he does come forward, I will ask, in the first place, why he
did not at once take proceedings against him for such conduct? Secondly, if
he preferred complaining of it in this way to bringing an action, why he is
brought forward by you instead of coming forward by himself of his own
accord? and why he has chosen to complain so long after the time, instead of
immediately? If he gives me clear and shrewd answers to these questions,
then I shall ask from what source this senator has burst forth? For if he
has his origin and first springs, as it were, in himself, probably I shall
be moved by him, as I usually am; but if he is only a little gutter drained
and drawn off from the fountain head of your accusation, then I shall
rejoice that, while your accusation relies on so much interest and such
mighty influence, there has still been but one senator who could be found
willing to gratify you.
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