chance is at a low ebb: not because he is wanting in
spirit or friends, but because this coalition of the consuls, as well as
Pompey's opposition, stands in his way. I think the result will be a
postponement of the elections. The tribunician candidates have taken an
oath to conduct their canvass according to the direction of Cato. They
have deposited with him 500 sestertia apiece, on condition that whoever
Cato condemns should forfeit it, and that it should be paid over to his
competitors. I write this the day before the elections are to take
place. But on the 28th of July, if they have taken place, and if the
letter-carrier has not started, I will write you an account of the whole
_comitia_: and, if they are conducted without corruption, Cato by
himself will have been more efficacious than all laws and jurors put
together. I have undertaken to defend Messius, who has been recalled
from his legation: for Appius had named him _legatus_ to Caesar.
Servilius ordered his attendance in an edict. His jurors are to be from
the tribes Pomptina, Velina, and Maecia. It is a sharp fight: however, it
is going fairly well. After that I have to prepare myself for Drusus,
then for Scaurus. Very high-sounding title-slips are being prepared for
my speeches! Perhaps even the consuls-designate will be added to the
list of my clients: and if Scaurus is not one of them, he will find
himself in serious difficulties in this trial. Judging from my brother
Quintus's letter, I suspect that by this time he is in Britain. I await
news of him with anxiety. We have certainly gained one advantage--many
unmistakable indications enable us to feel sure that we are in the
highest degree liked and valued by Caesar. Please give my compliments to
Dionysius, and beg and exhort him to come as soon as possible, that he
may continue the instruction of my son and of myself as well.

[Footnote 609: M. Nonius Sufenas and C. Cato were charged with bribery
and other illegal proceedings during their tribuneship: Procilius for
riot (_de vi_) when some citizen was killed.]

[Footnote 610: Q. Hortensius, the great orator.]

[Footnote 611: This refers to the famous waterfall of Terni. An
artificial cutting drained the River Velinus (which otherwise covered
the high valley as a lake) into the Nar, which is in the valley below.
What was good for the people of Reate was, of course, dangerous for the
people of Interamna living below. M. Curius Dentatus was consul B.C.
290.