[41]
And when this Dorylaean was lately carried out to burial in the presence of
a great multitude and numerous assembly of you, Laelius tried to excite odium against Lucius
Flaccus by imputing his death to him. You are acting unjustly, O Laelius, if you think that it
is our risk whether your comrades live or die; especially as I think that this instance
proceeded from your own carelessness. For you gave a Phrygian, a man who had never seen a
fig-tree, a whole basket of figs; and his death was to some extent a relief to you, for you
lost a very voracious guest. But what good did it to Flaccus, as he was well enough till he
came forward here, and who died after he had put out his sting and delivered his evidence? But
that prop of your cause, Mithridates, was retained as a witness by us and examined two whole
days; and, after he had said all that he wished, departed reproved, convicted, and broken
down, and now walks about in a breastplate. That learned and sagacious man is afraid that
Lucius Flaccus may burden himself with a crime, now that he cannot escape him as a witness; so
that he, who, before the evidence was given, restrained himself when he might have got
something by the deed, is likely now to add the guilt of an enormous crime to the charge of
covetousness, which is only supported by false evidence. But since Quintus
Hortensius has spoken at great length and with great acuteness concerning this witness, and
respecting the whole charge which has reference to Mithridates, we, as we originally intended,
will proceed to the other points.
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