The Good Book_ A Secular Bible - A. C. Grayling [313]
4. He made a strong party among the poor citizens to support him in his proceedings, and had always a body of armed slaves about him.
5. Of the three men then in greatest power, Crassus was Cicero’s open enemy, Pompey indifferently made advances to both, and Caesar was going with an army into Gaul.
6. To Caesar, though not his friend because what had occurred in the time of the conspiracy had created suspicions between them,
7. Cicero applied, requesting an appointment as one of his lieutenants in the province.
8. Caesar accepted him, and Clodius, perceiving that Cicero would thus escape his tribunician authority, professed to be inclined to a reconciliation.
9. By this artifice he so freed Cicero of his fears that the latter resigned his appointment to Caesar, and resumed involvement in politics.
10. At which Caesar, being exasperated, joined the party of Clodius against Cicero,
11. And wholly alienated Pompey from him; he also declared, in a public assembly of the people,
12. That he did not think Lentulus and Cethegus were fairly put to death without being brought to trial.
13. And this, indeed, was the crime charged upon Cicero, and this impeachment he was summoned to answer.
14. And so, as an accused man, and in danger for the result, he changed his dress,
15. And went round with his hair untrimmed, in the attire of a suppliant, to seek the people’s support.
16. But Clodius met him at every corner, having a band of abusive and daring fellows about him,
17. Who derided Cicero for his change of dress and his humiliation,
18. And often, by throwing dirt and stones at him, interrupted his addresses to the people.
19. But almost the whole equestrian order changed their dress with him,
20. And no less than twenty thousand young gentlemen followed him with their hair untrimmed, supplicating with him to the people.
21. And then the senate met, to pass a decree that all the people should change their dress as in time of public sorrow.
22. But the consuls opposing it, and Clodius with armed men besetting the senate house,
23. Many of the senators ran out, crying out and tearing their clothes.
24. But this sight moved neither shame nor pity; Cicero must either fly or determine matters by the sword with Clodius.
25. He entreated Pompey to aid him, who had on purpose left the city, and was staying at his country house in the Alban Hills;
26. And first Cicero sent his son-in-law Piso to intercede with him, and afterwards set out himself.
27. But when Pompey was informed that Cicero was coming, he would not stay to see him,
28. Being ashamed at the remembrance of the many times Cicero had acted on his behalf,
29. And how much of his policy Cicero had directed for his advantage.
30. Now Pompey set aside all former kindness, and, slipping out at another door, avoided the interview.
31. Thus being forsaken by Pompey, and left alone to himself, Cicero turned to the consuls.
32. Gabinius was rough with him, as usual, but Piso spoke more courteously, desiring him to yield and give place for a while to the fury of Clodius,
33. And to await a change of times, and eventually to be, as once before, his country’s saviour from the perils that Clodius was causing.
Chapter 79
1. Cicero, receiving this answer, consulted with his friends. Lucullus advised him to stay in Rome, as being sure to prevail at last;
2. Others advised him to fly, because the people would soon desire him again, when they should have enough of the rage and madness of Clodius.
3. This last Cicero approved. Receiving an escort from his friends, in the middle of the night he left the city and went by land through Lucania, intending to reach Sicily.
4. But as soon as it was publicly known that he had left Rome, Clodius proposed to the people a decree of exile,
5. And by his own order interdicted him fire and water, prohibiting any within five hundred miles in Italy from receiving him into their houses.
6. Most people, out of respect for Cicero, paid no regard to this edict, offering him every attention, and escorting him on his way.
7. But