[27]
but at Naples, in a
much-frequented town. We have even seen Lucius Sulla, that great commander,
in a cloak. And you can now see the statue of Lucius Scipio, who conducted
the war in Asia, and defeated Antiochus standing in the Capitol, not only
with a cloak, but also with Greek slippers. And yet these men not only were
not liable to be tried for wearing them, but they were not even talked
about; and, at all events, the excuse of necessity will be a more valid
defence for Publius Rutilius Rufus; for when he had been caught at Mitylene
by Mithridates, he avoided the cruelty with which the king treated all who
wore the Roman gown, by changing his apparel. Therefore, that Rutilius, who
was a pattern to our citizens of virtue, and of the ancient dignity, and of
prudence, and a man of consular rank, put on slippers and a cloak. Nor did
any one think of reproaching the man with having done so, but all imputed it
to the necessity of the time. And shall that garment bring an accusation
upon Postumus, which afforded him a hope that he might at some time or other
recover his fortune?
