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[33]
‘“You have praised the execution of Paetus and
Menedemus, men who had been presented with the freedom of the city, and who
were united by ties of hospitality to Caesar.”’
We do not praise what we have never even heard of; we were very likely, in such a
state of confusion and such a critical period of the republic, to busy our minds
about two worthless Greeklings!
‘“You took no notice of Theopompus having been
stripped, and driven out by Trebonius, and compelled to flee to Alexandria.”’
The senate has indeed been very guilty! We have taken no notice of that great man
Theopompus! Why, who on earth knows or cares where he is, or what he is doing;
or, indeed, whether he is alive or dead?
‘“You endure the sight of Sergius. Galba in
your camp, armed with the same dagger with which he slew
Caesar.”’
I shall make you no reply at all about Galba; a most gallant and courageous
citizen. He will meet you face to face; and he being present, and that dagger
which you reproach him with, shall give you your answer.
‘“You have enlisted my soldiers, and many
veterans, under the pretense of intending the destruction of those men who
slew Caesar; and then, when they expected no such step, you have led them on
to attack their quaestor, their general, and their former
comrades!”’
No doubt we deceived them; we humbugged them completely! no doubt the Martial
legion, the fourth legion, and the veterans had no idea what was going on! They
were not following the authority of the senate, or the liberty of the Roman
people.—They were anxious to avenge the death of Caesar, which they
all regarded as an act of destiny! No doubt you were the person whom they were
anxious to see safe, and happy, and flourishing!
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