Cicero to Pu•lius Lentulus Vice-consull, Ep. 2.

THE xiij. of Ianuary the Senate de∣termined nothing: because the greatest part of that day was spent in Controuersies, betweene the Consull Lentulus, and Caninius Tribune of the people. At which time I also spak much on your behalfe, and by manifest to∣kens Page  5 I perceiued, that the Senate tooke wondrous w•ll, the remembrance of your respect vnto that order. Where∣upon the day following, they were pleased, that I should make a briefe re∣capitulatiō of euery mans opinion: For, they seemed to be reconciled vnto vs: which I perceiued aswell by the plead∣ing of your cause; as by their calling e∣uery man, and requesting their fauour for vs. When therefore the first sen∣tence was pronounced, which was of Bibulu•, that the King should be by three Ambassadours restored; The second, that you should restore him without the Armie, as Hortentius desired; or as Volcatius, who gaue the third; that Pomp•ius should restore him: It was de∣manded, that the particulars of that o∣pinion of Bibulus might be considered. No man opposed that part wherein he touched the Religion; as being a thing not to be contradicted. Touching the three Ambassadors, •he great•st part flue from him. Then followed the o∣pinion of Horten•ius, vpon which Lupu• Tribune of the people (because he had made the motion for Pompeius) began to contend, that it belonged vnto him rather than to the Cōsuls to command that euery one should goe to that side to which they were most addicted. But his speech was interrupted by the out-cryes of all men: because it was a Page  6 thing new found out, and without sence or reason. The Consuls neither assen∣ted vnto him, nor were they greatly re∣pugnant. They were contented the day should be thus driuen ouer, and so it was. For they well perceiued that the greatest part would follow Hortentius: though they outwardly seemed to al∣low of the opinion of Volcatius. Manie were requested to giue their opinion, and that with great vexation of the Consuls, whose desire was that the o∣pinion of Bibulu• might be preferred. This controuersie endured till night, and then the Senate rose; and I, as it fell out, supt that night with Pompeius, lighting thereby vpon this occasion more fit than heretofore hath beene offered, as being the first Senate day, that hath since your departure prooued fortunate vnto vs. I so reasoned the matter with him, that he seemed to giue credite wholly to my discourse, and to deliberate how he might fauour you. Hearing his own tale, I must needs free him from the least touch of Ambition: but when I consider the carriage or passages of his familiar acquaintance, of what degree soeuer, I finde that assured∣ly true, that at length is manifested to all the world: that all this cause hath beene before this time by some cor∣rupted, and not without the knowledg or priuitie of the King himselfe, and of Page  7 his Counsellers. These I wrote the 14. of Ianuarie before day, in which the Senate was to sit. We shall as I hope maintaine our reputation in the Senate so far, as is possible in this so persidious an age, and full of iniustice. As for the popular respects, I thinke we haue so carried things, that nothing can be done with the people, without the vio∣lating of diuine authoritie, or breach of lawes, no nor without compulsion. Yesterday the Senate ratified the things aforesaid, by interposing of their graue authoritie: to which though Ca∣to, and Caninius opposed themselues, yet it was registred, and I thinke it shall be sent vnto you. I will not faile to giue you good accompt hereafter of euery thing that passeth: and I will en∣gage all my thoughts, endeuours, dili∣gence, and friends, in the effecting this businesse, to our owne contentment. Farewell.