454: Clodius, who was aedile this year.]

[Footnote 455: For commissioning Pompey with two lictors to restore
Ptolemy.]

C (A IV, 4 a)

TO ATTICUS (RETURNING FROM EPIRUS)

ROME, 28 JANUARY

[Sidenote: B.C. 56, AET. 50]

I was charmed to see Cincius when he called on me on the 28th of January
before daybreak. For he told me that you were in Italy and that he was
sending slaves to you. I did not like them to go without a letter from
me; not that I had anything to say to you, especially as you are all but
here, but that I might express merely this one thing--that your arrival
is most delightful and most ardently wished for by me. Wherefore fly to
us with the full assurance that your affection for me is fully
reciprocated. The rest shall be reserved for our meeting. I write in
great haste. The day you arrive, mind, you and your party are to dine
with me.

CI (Q FR II, 3)

TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN SARDINIA)

ROME, 12 FEBRUARY

[Sidenote: B.C. 56, AET. 50]

I have already told you the earlier proceedings; now let me describe
what was done afterwards. The legations were postponed from the 1st of
February to the 13th. On the former day our business was not brought to
a settlement. On the 2nd of February Milo appeared for trial. Pompey
came to support him. Marcellus spoke on being called upon by me.[456] We
came off with flying colours. The case was adjourned to the 7th.
Meanwhile (in the senate), the legations having been postponed to the
13th, the business of allotting the quaestors and furnishing the outfit
of the praetors was brought before the house. But nothing was done,
because many speeches were interposed denouncing the state of the
Republic. Gaius Cato published his bill for the recall of Lentulus,
whose son thereupon put on mourning. On the 7th Milo appeared. Pompey
spoke, or rather wished to speak. For as soon as he got up Clodius's
ruffians raised a shout, and throughout his whole speech he was
interrupted, not only by hostile cries, but by personal abuse and
insulting remarks. However, when he had finished his speech--for he
shewed great courage in these circumstances, he was not cowed, he said
all he had to say, and at times had by his commanding presence even
secured silence for his words--well, when he had finished, up got
Clodius. Our party received him with such a shout--for they had
determined to pay him out--that he lost all presence of mind, power of
speech, or control over