Page:Loeb Classical Library L205N (1958).djvu/51
of a Senate before February 1, and indeed during the whole of February, unless the business of the deputations has been either disposed of or adjourned.
2 The popular opinion here, however, is this, that the plea of religious scruples, falsely so called, was introduced by your envious calumniators, not so much to hamper you in particular, as to prevent anyone's wishing to go to Alexandria from a selfish desire for military command. But as to your own claims, everyone considers that all proper regard has been paid them by the Senate; for everyone is aware that the fact that no division took place is due to the machinations of your opponents; if, however, they now attempt to carry any measure on the alleged grounds of serving the people, but in reality because of the infamous villainy of the tribunes, I have taken every precaution to prevent their being able to do so without a violation of either the auspices or the law, or indeed without a breach of the peace.
3 There is no need, I think, for any reference in this letter either to my own devotion to you or to the injurious conduct of certain persons; for why should I vaunt my own services,—I, the shedding of whose life-blood in defence of your claims would not, it seems to me, counterbalance a fraction of your deserts? Or why, on the other hand, deplore the injurious acts of others at the cost of bitter anguish to myself? I can guarantee your cause no protection against violence, especially now that the magistrates are so powerless; but apart from that I can assure you that the enthusiastic support of the Senate and the people of Rome will enable you to maintain your distinguished position unimpaired. Farewell.