[69]
Here also we wonder whether any most obscene story followed the tale of that
imaginary box. There is nothing which may not seem applicable to such a
woman as that. The matter has been heard of, and has been the subject of
universal conversation. You have long ago perceived, O judges, what I wish
to say, or rather what I wish not to say. For even if such a crime was
committed, it certainly was not committed by Caelius; for what concern was
it of his? It may perhaps have been committed by some young man, not so much
foolish as destitute of modesty. But if it be a mere fiction, it is not
indeed a very modest invention, but still it is not destitute of
wit;—one which in truth the common conversation and common opinion
of men would never have sealed with their approbation, if every sort of
story which involved any kind of infamy did not appear consistent with and
suited to that woman's character.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. George Bell & Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1891.
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