[54]
I now on your behalf consult these men, after the time has passed, and in an affair
which is not mine, since you forgot to consult them in your own affair, and when it was
the proper time. I ask of you, Caius Aquillius, Lucius Lucilius, Publius Quintilius, and
Marcus Marcellus;—A certain partner and relation of mine has not appeared to
his recognizances; a man with whom I have a long standing intimacy, but a recent dispute
about money matters. Can I demand of the praetor to be allowed to take possession of his
goods? Or must I, as he has a house, a wife, and children at Rome, not rather give notice at his house? What is your
opinion in this matter? If, in truth, I have rightly understood your kindness and
prudence, I am not much mistaken what you will answer if you are consulted. You will say
at first that I must wait; then, if he seems to be shirking the business and to be
trifling with it too long, that I must have a meeting of our friends; must ask who his
agent is; must give notice at his house. It can hardly be told how many steps there are
which you would make answer ought to be taken before having recourse to this extreme and
unnecessary course.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge. London. George Bell & Sons. 1903.
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