[3]
But in all this embarrassment, O judges, this thing still
consoles me,—that you have been accustomed to hear accusations under the idea that
you will afterwards hear their refutation from the advocate; that you are bound not to give
the defendant more advantages towards ensuring his acquittal, than his counsel can procure for
him by clearing him of the charges brought against him, and by proving his innocence in his
speech. But as regards the odium into which they seek to bring him, you ought to deliberate
together, considering not what is said by us, but what ought to be said. For while we are
dealing with the accusations, it is only the safety of Aulus Cluentius that is at stake; but
by the odium sought to be excited against him, the common safety of all men is imperilled.
Accordingly, we will treat one division of the case as men who are giving you information, and
the other division, as men who are addressing entreaties to you. In the first division we must
beg of you to give us your diligent attention; in the second, we must implore the protection
of your good faith. There is no one who can withstand the popular feeling when excited against
him without the assistance of you and of men like you.
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