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“L. Catiline to Q. Catulus, health.

“Your great friendship to me, which I have so often proved when in my greatest dangers, inspires me with confidence to apply to you on this occasion; for which reason I shall not offer you any defence of my present measures: as I am conscious of no guilt, I shall only make a declaration of my innocence, for the truth of which I appeal to the gods.

“Being provoked by injuries and false accusations, deprived of the rewards of my services, and disappointed of the dignity I sued for, I have, according to my usual practice, undertaken the cause of the oppressed; not that I am urged to this by my debts, for my estate is sufficient to discharge what I owe on my account; and Orestilla would (such is her generosity) clear all my engagements on account of others out of her own fortune and that of her daughters: but seeing men of no merit raised to the highest honours of the state, and myself set aside on groundless jealousies, I have on this account taken such measures for preserving the small remains of my dignity as my present situation will sufficiently justify. I should have said more to you, but I am just now informed that violent measures are taken against me; I therefore conclude with recommending Orestilla to your protection; beseeching you, by the regard you have for your own children, to defend her from injuries. Adieu.”