[57]
To
whom, then, did he entrust its execution? Whom did he employ as an
assistant? Who was his companion? Who was his accomplice? To whom did he
entrust so foul a crime; to whom did he entrust himself and his own safety?
Was it to the slaves of that woman? For that is what is imputed to him. Was
he, then; so insane,—he to whom at least you allow the credit of
good abilities, even if you refuse him all other praise in that hostile
speech of yours,—as to trust his whole safety to another man's
slaves? And to what slaves? For even that makes a considerable difference?
Was it to slaves whose slavery as he was aware was one of no ordinary
condition, but who were in the habit of being treated with indulgence and
freedom and every familiarity, by their mistress? For who is there, O
judges, who does not see, who is there who does not know, that in such a
house as that in which the mistress of the house lives after the fashion of
a prostitute,—in which nothing is done which is fit to be
mentioned out of doors,—in which debauchery, and lust, and luxury
and, in short all sorts of unheard of vices and wickednesses are carried on,
the slaves are not slaves at all? men to whom everything is confided by,
whose agency everything is done; who are occupied in the same pleasures as their mistress; who have secrets entrusted to them, and who
get even some, and that no inconsiderable, share of the daily extravagance
and luxury. Was Caelius, then, not aware of this?
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