[12]
The next point is one which is often asserted by the enemies of Milo, who say
that the senate has decided that the slaughter by which Publius Clodius fell
was contrary to the interests of the republic. But, in fact, the senate has
approved, not merely by their votes, but even zealously. For how often has
that cause been pleaded by us in the senate? with what great assent of the
whole body? and that no silent nor concealed assent; for when in a very full
senate were there ever four or five men found who did not espouse Milo's
cause? Those lifeless assemblies of this nearly burnt1 tribune of the people show the fact;
assemblies in which he daily used to try and bring my power into
unpopularity, by saying that the senate did not pass its decrees according
to what it thought itself, but as I chose.
And if, indeed, that ought to be called power, rather than a moderate
influence in a righteous cause on account of great services done to the
republic, or some popularity among the good on account of dutiful labours
for its sake, let it be called so, as long as we employ it for the safety of
the good in opposition to the madness of the wicked.
This text is part of:
1 After Clodius's death, Munatius Plancus the tribune exposed his body on the rostrum and harangued the people against Milo, the populace carried the body into the senate house, and made a pyre of the seats to burn it, in doing which they burnt the senate house, and Plancus himself with difficulty escaped.
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