For he
again aspired for the consulship, having resolved to kill Cicero
in a tumult at the elections. The divine powers seemed to give
intimation of the coming troubles, by earthquakes, thunderbolts
and strange appearances. Nor was human evidence wanting, certain
enough in itself, though not sufficient to convict the noble and
powerful Catiline. Therefore Cicero, deferring the day of
election, summoned Catiline into the senate, and questioned him as
to the charges made against him. Catiline, believing there were
many in the senate desirous of change, and to give a specimen of
himself to the conspirators present, returned an audacious answer.
"What harm," said he, "when I see two bodies, the one lean and
consumptive with a head, the other one great and strong without
one, if I put a head to that body which wants one?" This covert
representation of the senate and the people excited yet greater
apprehensions in Cicero. He put on armor, and was attended from
his house by the noble citizens in a body; and a number of the
young men went with him into the Plain. Here, designedly letting
his tunic slip partly off from his shoulders, he showed his armor
underneath, and discovered his danger to the spectators, who,
being much moved at it, gathered around about him for his defence.
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