[45]
That which, the year before, his brother Metellus and the senate, which even
then was unanimous, had refused, and in the most rigorous manner rejected
with one voice and one mind, Cnaeus Pompeius being the first to declare his
opinion; (so greatly, after the dissensions of the nobles of which we are
now reminded, were circumstances disturbed and altered;) that
which his brother when consul opposed being done,—which his
kinsman and companion, a most illustrious man, who had refused to speak in
his favour when he was accused, had utterly prevented,—was now
effected for him, owing to the dissensions of the nobles, by that man as
consul, who, of all others, was bound to be his greatest enemy; and he said
that he had done it by the advice of that man whose authority no one could
repent having followed. A most shameful and grievous firebrand was thrown
into the republic. Your authority was aimed at; and the dignity of the most
honourable orders in the city, and the unanimity of all virtuous men, and in
short, the entire constitution of the state. For these things were certainly
attacked when that flame kindled at that time was directed against me, who
had been the principal investigator of these matters. I bore the brunt of
the attack, and I alone suffered on behalf of my country; but still I bore
it so that you, while you were surrounded by the same flames, saw me wounded
first and burning, as it were, in your defence.
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