[3]
And in the first place, O Torquatus, I ask you this why you should separate
me from the other illustrious and chief men of this city, in regard to this duty, and to the
right of defending clients? For what is the reason why the act of Quintus Hortensius a most
illustrious man and a most accomplished citizen, is not blamed by you, and mine is blamed? For
if a design of firing the city, and of extinguishing this empire, and of destroying this city,
was entertained by Publius Sulla ought not such projects to raise greater indignation and
greater hatred against their authors in me than in Quintus Hortensius? Ought not my opinion to
be more severe in such a matter, as to whom I should think fit to assist in these causes, whom
to oppose, whom to defend, and whom to abandon? No doubt, says he, for it was you who
investigated, you who laid open the whole conspiracy.
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