It is a new crime, and one never heard of before this day, O Caius Caesar,
which my relation Quintus Tubero has brought before you, when he accuses
Quintus Ligarius with having been in Africa; and that charge Caius Pansa, a
man of eminent genius, relying perhaps on that intimacy with you which he
enjoys, has ventured to confess. Therefore I do not know which way I had
best proceed. For I had come prepared, as you did not know that fact of your
own knowledge, and could not have heard it from any other quarter, to abase
your ignorance in order to further the safety of a miserable man. But,
however, since that which was previously unknown has been ferreted out by
the diligence of his enemy we must, I suppose, confess the truth; especially
as my dear friend Caius Pansa has so acted that it would not now be in my
power to deny it. Therefore, abandoning all dispute of the fact, all my
speech must be addressed to your mercy; by which many have already been
preserved, having besought of you, not a release from all
guilt, but pardon from admitted error.
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