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² Hortensius's motion came next, when the tribune Lupus, on the ground that it was he who had raised the question affecting Pompey, began to insist that he should take precedence of the consuls in dividing the house.^[1] His speech was answered by angry shouts of dissent on every side, for it was as unfair as it was unprecedented. The consuls neither yielded to him nor showed any spirit in opposing him; what they wanted was, that the day should be wasted, and that is what happened; for though they openly paraded their agreement with Volcatius, they saw clearly enough that a far greater number would vote for Hortensius's motion. Large numbers were asked their opinion, and that too with no objection on the part of the consuls, for they were anxious that Bibulus's motion should succeed. ³ This dispute dragged on till nightfall, and then the Senate was dismissed.

On that day I happened to dine at Pompey's house, and availing myself of a more favourable opportunity than I had ever had before (for since you left Rome my prestige in the Senate had never been higher than on that day) I spoke to him in such a way that I think I drew his mind away from every other line of thought to a due consideration of your claims. And when I hear him speak himself, I acquit him absolutely of any suspicion of selfish greed; but when I look round at his intimate friends of whatever rank, I clearly perceive what must now be patent to all, that your whole case has long since been basely betrayed by certain people with the connivance of the king himself and his counsellors.

⁴ I write this on the 15th of January, before dawn; to-day there is to be a meeting of the Senate, and I hope we shall maintain as honourable a position