the conspirators, in the
existing state of feeling, they dared not attempt to do so.

Then Cicero called by name on the Prince of the Senate, enquiring if he
would speak on the subject before the house, and on receiving from him a
grave negative gesture, he put the same question to the eldest of the
consulars, and thence in order, none offering any opinion or showing any
wish to debate, until he came to Marcus Cato. He rose at once to speak,
stern and composed, without the least sign of animation on his impassive
face, without the least attempt at eloquence in his words, or grace in his
gestures; yet it was evident that he was heard with a degree of attention,
which proved that the character of the man more than compensated the
unvarnished style and rough phraseology of the speaker.

"As it appears to me," he said, "Fathers and Conscript Senators, after the
very luminous and able oration which our wise consul has this day held
forth, it would be great folly, and great loss of time, to add many words
to it. This I am not about to do, I assure you, but I arise in my place to
say two things. Cicero has told you that a conspiracy exists, and that
Catiline is the planner, and will be the executor of it. This, though I
know not by what sagacity or foresight, unless from the Gods, he
discovered it--this, I say, I believe confidently, clearly--all things
declare it--not least the faces of men! I believe therefore, every word our
consul has spoken; so do you all, my friends. Nevertheless, it is just and
right, that the man, villain as he may be, shall be heard in his own
behalf. Let him then speak at once, or confess by his silence! This is the
first thing I would say--the next follows it! If he admit, or fail clearly
to disprove his guilt, let us not be wanting to ourselves, to our country,
or to the great and prudent consul, who, if man can, will save us in this
crisis. Let us, I say, decree forthwith, 'THAT THE CONSULS SEE THE
REPUBLIC TAKES NO HARM!' and let us hold the consular election to-morrow,
on the field of Mars--There, with our magistrates empowered to act, our
clients in arms to defend us, let us see who will dare to disturb the
Roman people! Let who would do so, remember that not all the power or
favor of Great Marius could rescue Saturninus from the death he owed the
people--remember that we have a consul no less resolute and vigorous, than
he is wise and good--that there are axes in the fasces of the Lictors--tha