[74]
There was no one who did not say that this
opinion was most sound. But Cnaeus Pompeius, who was asked his opinion after
him, having expressed his approval of the opinion of Cotta, and praised it,
said that he, for the sake of my tranquillity, in order that I might be in
no subsequent danger from any popular disturbance, voted that the kindness
of the Roman people should be added to the authority of the senate in my
behalf. When all had vied with one another, each one speaking
about my safety in a more dignified and complimentary manner than the other,
and when in fact a unanimous vote was just taking place, up rose, as you
know, Atilius Gavianus; and he did not dare to interpose his veto, although
he had been bought for that purpose, but he asked a night to deliberate on
the matter. Then ensued a great outcry of the senate, and loud complaints
and entreaties: his father-in-law threw himself at his feet. He pledged
himself to cause no delay the next day. He was believed. The senate broke
up. In the meantime that deliberate gentleman, in the course of the long
night that intervened, got his wages doubled. Only a very few days followed
during the whole month of January on which it was lawful for a senate to be
held; but still nothing was discussed except my business.
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