[143]
All shout in assent, and say
approvingly that that is what ought to be done. So the question about Peducaeus is
put to the senate. Each man gave his opinion in order, according as he had
precedence in age and honour. You may learn this from the resolution itself; for the
opinions delivered by the chief men are generally recorded. Read— [The
list of speeches made on the subject of Sextus Peducaeus is read.] It says who were
the chief supporters of the motion. The vote is carried. Then the question about
Verres is put. Tell me, I pray, what happened. [The list of speeches made on the
subject of Caius Verres....] Well what comes next? [As no one rose, and no one
delivered his opinion....] What is this? [They proceed by lot.] Why was this? Was no
one a willing praiser of your praetorship, or a willing defender of you from danger,
especially when by being so he might have gained favour with the praetor? No one.
Those very men who used to feast with you, your advisers and accomplices, did not
venture to utter a word. In that very senate-house in which a statue of yourself and
a naked statue of your son were standing, was there no one whom even your naked son
in a province stripped naked could move to compassion?
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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