Yet the adoption of Clodius was one of Cæsar's Acts, and if they were cancelled then Clodius was a patrician and therefore no tribune. "You must permit me to decline an inquisition into the title of useful measures, when you refuse such an inquisition in the case of most mischievous ones."[1] Cicero is more successful when he tells the story of his personal relations with Cæsar, and justifies his full reconciliation. Their early friendship, Cæsar's flattering offers of alliance when consul, his co-operation with Pompey in Cicero's restoration,—all authorise him to forget and forgive, even if he has some grievances to complain of in the matter of his exile.[2] Above all, is he not bound to lay aside private resentments when recommending what is for the good of the State? Cæsar is no lounger the turbulent demagogue of the capital, but the champion of the Roman State; he is now bound to the Senate by the extraordinary honours which it has conferred on him, and it is folly to alienate him by petty attacks. "I do not pretend to penetrate into any man's intentions in the future; but I know what I hope. It is my duty as a senator to secure to the best of my power that no eminent or powerful man shall have just ground for complaint against this House; and this, even if I were Cæsar's bitterest enemy, I should maintain for the good of the commonwealth."[3]
