[33]
You see, O Caius Aquillius, that it is a trial
touching not the property of Publius Quinctius, but his fame and fortunes. Though our
ancestors have determined that he who is pleading for his life should speak last, you
see that we, owing to this unprecedented accusation of the prosecutor's, are pleading
our cause first. Moreover, you see that those who are more accustomed 1 to defend people are today acting as
accusers; and that those talents are turned to do people injury, which have hitherto
been employed in ministering to men's safety, and in assisting them. There remained but
one thing more, which they put in execution yesterday,—namely, to proceed
against you for the purpose of compelling you to limit the time allowed us for making
our defence; and this they would easily have obtained from the praetor if you had not
taught him what your rights and duties and business were.
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1 He means Hortensius.
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