[46]
For,
first of all, I ask, how could Milo know it? a question which you cannot ask
respecting Clodius. For even if he had not asked any one beyond his own
intimate friend, Titus Patina, he could have ascertained from him that on
that particular day a priest must absolutely be appointed at Lanuvium by
Milo as the dictator there. But there were plenty more people from whom he
could easily learn that, for instance, all the people of Lanuvium. Of whom
did Milo make any inquiry about the return of Clodius? Grant that he did
make inquiry; see what large allowances I am making you: grant even that he
bribed his slave, as my good friend Quintus Arrius said—Read the
evidence of your own witnesses.
Caius Cassinius Schola, a man of Interamna, gave his evidence,—a most intimate friend of Publius Clodius, and more, a companion of his at the very time; according to whose testimony, Publius Clodius was at Interamna and at Rome at the very same time. Well, he said, That Publius Clodius had intended to remain that day at his Alban villa; but that on a sudden news was brought to him, that Cyrus his architect was dead; and, therefore, that he determined to proceed to Rome immediately. Caius Clodius, who was also a companion of Publius Clodius, said the same.
