[2]
In the second place, I
am compelled now to defend against a most atrocious accusation that very
king whom I, in common with all the senate, used formerly to extol on
account of his uninterrupted services towards our republic. There is this
further consideration, that I am disturbed by the cruelty of one of the
prosecutors, and by the unworthy conduct of the other.
O cruel, not to say wicked and impious, Castor! a grandson, who has brought his grandfather into danger of his life, and has caused that man to dread his youth, whose old age he was bound to defend and protect; who has sought to recommend his entrance into life to our favour by impiety and wickedness; who has instigated his grandfather's slave, whom he corrupted by bribes, to accuse his master, and has carried him away from the feet of the king's ambassadors.