the sake of Rome, for the sake of the Republic, to redeem the courts
of justice from the obloquy which was attached to them? Might it
be possible for a man so to address himself not only to the
judgment-seat, but to all Rome, as to do away with this iniquity once
and forever? Could he so fill the minds of the citizens generally
with horror at such proceedings as to make them earnest in demanding
reform? Hortensius, the great advocate of the day, was not only
engaged on behalf of Verres, but he was already chosen as Consul for
the next year. Metellus, who was elected Praetor for the next year,
was hot in defence of Verres. Indeed, there were three Metelluses
among the friends of the accused, who had also on his side the Scipio
of the day. The aristocracy of Rome was altogether on the side of
Verres, as was natural. But if Cicero might succeed at all in this
which he meditated, the very greatness of his opponents would help
him. When it was known that he was to be pitted against Hortensius as
an advocate, and that he intended to defy Hortensius as the coming
Consul, then surely Rome would be awake to the occasion; and if Rome
could be made to awake herself, then would this beautiful scheme of
wealth from provincial plunder be brought to an end.

I will first speak of the work of the judges, and of the attempts
made to hinder Cicero in the business he had undertaken. Then I will
endeavor to tell something of the story of Verres and his doings. The
subject divides itself naturally in this way. There are extant seven
so-called orations about Verres, of which the two first apply to the
manner in which the case should be brought before the courts. These
two were really spoken, and were so effective that Verres--or probably
Hortensius, on his behalf--was frightened into silence. Verres pleaded
guilty, as we should say, which, in accordance with the usages of
the court, he was enabled to do by retiring and going into voluntary