[16]
Lucius Piso, did you dare at that time with that eye (I will not say
with that mind ) with that forehead (I will not say with what character,) and with that
arrogance (for I cannot say, after such achievements,) to unite with Aulus Gabinius in forming
plans for my ruin? Did not the odour of that man's perfumes, or his breath reeking with wine,
or his forehead marked with the traces of the curling-iron, lead you to think that as you were
like him in reality, you were no longer able to use the impenetrability of your countenance to
conceal such enormous atrocities? Did you dare to continue with that man to abandon the
consular dignity,—the existing condition of the republic,—the authority of
the senate,—the fortunes of a citizen who had above all others deserved well of the
republic, to the provinces? While you were consul, according to your edicts and
commands, it was not allowed to the Roman senate or people to come to the assistance of the
republic, I will not say by their votes and their authority, but even by their grief and their
mourning garb.
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. Henry G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden. 1856.
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