He was
otherwise in the care of his body nice and delicate, appointing
himself, for example, a set number of walks and rubbings. And
after this manner managing the habit of his body, he brought it in
time to be healthful, and capable of supporting many great
fatigues and trials. His father's house he made over to his
brother, living himself near the Palatine Hill, that he might not
give the trouble of long journeys to those that made suit to him.
And, indeed, there were not fewer daily appearing at his door, to
do their court to him, than there were that came to Crassus for
his riches, or to Pompey for his power among the soldiers, these
being at that time the two men of the greatest repute and
influence in Rome. Nay, even Pompey himself used to pay court to
Cicero, and Cicero's public actions did much to establish Pompey's
authority and reputation in the state.
Numerous distinguished competitors stood with him for the
praetor's office; but he was chosen before them all, and managed
the decision of causes with justice and integrity. It is related
that Licinius Macer, a man himself of great power in the city, and
supported also by the assistance of Crassus, was accused before
him of extortion, and that, in confidence on his own interest and
the diligence of his friends, whilst the judges were debating
about the sentence, he went to his house, where hastily trimming
his hair and putting on a clean gown, as already acquitted, he was
setting off again to go to the Forum; but at his hall door meeting
Crassus, who told him that he was condemned by all the votes, he
went in again, threw himself upon his bed, and died immediately.
Pages:
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279