[39]
I come now to the augurs and if they have any secret books I do not inquire
into them; I am not very curious about inquiring into the principles of the
augurs. I know, what I have learnt in common with all the people, what
answers they have frequently given in the public assemblies. They say that
it is contrary to divine law for any public business to be brought before
the people when any proper officers observing the heavens. Will you venture
to deny that, on the day when the Lex
curiata1 concerning
you is said to have been passed, the magistrates were observing the heavens?
A man is here present in court, of the most eminent wisdom, and dignity, and
authority, Marcus Bibulus. I assert that on that very day he, as consul, was
observing the heavens. “What then,” you will say,
“are then the acts of Caius Caesar, that most admirable citizen,
invalid in your opinion?” By no means; for there is not one of
them which concerns me in the least, nor anything else except these weapons
which by that man's proceedings are hurled at me.
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