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while they might have retained my friendship by supporting me in a cause which was as much theirs as mine, have estranged me by their jealousy; and I assure you that I have now been almost forced by the bitter malevolence of their slanders to depart from the old political principles I have so long maintained, not indeed so far as to show forgetfulness of my dignity, but so far as to have some regard (and it is time I should) for my personal safety as well. Both objects might have been excellently secured were there any staunchness or solidity of character to be found in men of consular rank; but in most of them to such a degree is the reverse to be found that they are not so much pleased with the steadfastness of my public conduct as annoyed by its distinction.

⁸ I write thus to you all the more frankly, because you have regarded with favour not only my position to-day, which I have only attained through your help, but also what was practically the birth in the old days of my subsequent reputation and ascendancy; and at the same time because I now see that it was not my lack of noble rank, as I have hitherto fancied, that prejudiced men against me; for in your case too (and you are the noblest of the noble) I have noticed similar manifestations of malice on the part of the envious, and while it is true that they had no objection at all to your being one of our leading men, they certainly resented any higher flight. I rejoice that your fortune differed from mine; for it is one thing to have your prestige impaired, quite another thing to have your personal safety left unprotected. That I was not overwhelmed with grief at my change of fortune was entirely due to your