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which, as our ancestors thought, not only could there be no violation of the laws of friendship without sacrilege, but it was unlawful for a man to be even elected priest, who was at enmity with any member of the College.

¹⁰ But not to mention such bonds, numerous and important as they are, what man has ever esteemed, or could, or should have esteemed another as highly as I do Pompey, the father-in-law of your daughter? For if kind actions have any value, it was to his efforts I consider that I owe the restoration to me of country, children, security, position, indeed my very self. If the charm of constant intimacy, what instance of closer friendship between consulars has ever occurred in our state? If the usual signs of affection and regard, what confidence has he not shown in me? What secret has he not shared with me? What matter affecting himself in the Senate has he preferred to be handled by any other in his own absence? In what respects has he not shown his desire that I should be honoured with the most handsome distinction? And, finally, how good-naturedly, how courteously did he take my impassioned defence of Milo—Milo, who occasionally opposed his own measures! With what heartiness he took precautions that I should not feel the tooth of that malice the occasion had provoked, when he protected me with his counsel, his authority, and finally with his troops! Indeed, in those days of danger such was his staunchness, such his high-mindedness, that he gave no credence, I will not say to some Phrygian or Lycaonian, as you did in the matter of the legates, but not even to men of the highest position in Rome, when they made malicious