This verdict was considered very creditable to Cicero, as showing
his careful management of the courts of justice.
Yet he was preferred to the consulship no less by the nobles than
the common people for the good of the city; and both parties
jointly assisted his promotion, for the following reasons. The
change of government made by Sylla, which at first seemed a
senseless one, by time and usage had now come to be considered by
the people no unsatisfactory settlement. But there were some that
endeavored to alter and subvert the whole present state of
affairs, not from any good motives, but for their own private
gain; and Pompey being at this time employed in the wars with the
kings of Pontus and Armenia, there was no sufficient force at Rome
to suppress any attempts at a revolution. These people had for
their head a man of bold, daring, and restless character, Lucius
Catiline, who was accused, besides other great offences, of
killing his own brother; and fearing to be prosecuted at law, he
persuaded Sylla to set his brother down, as though he were yet
alive, amongst those that were to be put to death by proscription.
This man the profligate citizens choosing for their captain, gave
faith to one another, amongst other pledges, by sacrificing a man
and eating of his flesh; and a great part of the young men of the
city were corrupted by him, he providing for every one pleasures
and drink, and profusely supplying the expense of their debauches.
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