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23.
[56]
He restored many men who had fallen under misfortune. Among them no mention was
made of his uncle. If he was severe, why was he not so to every one? If he was
merciful, why was he not merciful to his own relations? But I say nothing of the
rest. He restored Licinius. Lenticula, a man who had been condemned for
gambling, and who was a fellow-gamester of his own. As if he could not play with
a condemned man; but in reality, in order to pay by a straining of the law in
his favor, what he had lost by the dice. What reason did you allege to the Roman
people why it was desirable that he should be restored? I suppose you said that
he was absent when the prosecution was instituted against him; that the cause
was decided without his having been heard in his defense; that there was not by
a law any judicial proceeding established with reference to gambling; that he
had been put down by violence or by arms; or lastly, as was said in the case of
your uncle, that the tribunal had been bribed with money. Nothing of this sort
was said. Then he was a good man, and one worthy of the republic. That, indeed,
would have been nothing to the purpose, but still, since being condemned does
not go for much, I would forgive you if that were the truth. Does not he restore
to the full possession of his former privileges the most worthless man
possible,—one who would not hesitate to play at dice even in the
forum, and who had been convicted under the law which exists respecting
gambling,—does not he declare in the most open manner his own
propensities?
[57]
Then in this same tribuneship, when Caesar while on hi way into Spain had given him Italy to trample on, what journeys did he make
in every direction! how did he visit the municipal towns! I know that I am only
speaking of matters which have been discussed in every one's conversation, and
that the things which I am saying and am going to say are better known to every
one who was in Italy at that time, than
to me, who was not. Still I mention the particulars of his conduct, although my
speech can not possibly come up to your own personal knowledge. When was such
wickedness ever heard of as existing upon earth? or shamelessness? or such open
infamy?
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