[7]
But since the walls of a house narrow, all these topics, and since the
pleading of the cause is greatly crippled by the place, it behoves you, O
Caesar, who have yourself often pleaded for many defendants, to consider
within yourself what my feelings at present must be; so that your justice,
and also your careful attention in listening to me, may the more easily
lessen my natural agitation and anxiety.
But before I say anything about the accusation itself, I will say a few words about the hopes entertained by the accusers. For though they appear to be possessed of no great skill or experience in affairs, nevertheless they have never, surely, undertaken this cause without some hope or other and some definite design.
