Читать книгу The Greatest Works of Roman Classical Literature - Луций Анней Сенека - Страница 448

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On hearing this harangue, his associates, who were all extremely wretched, destitute of every thing, and even void of every honest hope; though they were pleased with the thought of embroiling the state, and even looked on that as a great recompense; yet most of them desired that he would declare to them on what terms they were to engage in the war, and what were to be their rewards; what strength they had to depend on, and what hopes of success. Then Catiline promised them an abolition of their debts; the proscription of the rich; dignities, sacred and civil; plunder, and every other advantage that the uncontrolled pleasure of conquerors includes. Besides, he told them that Piso and P. Sitius Nucerinus were both privy to his design; the former with an army in Spain, the other at the head of one in Mauritania: that C. Antonius was candidate for the consulship, whom he hoped to have for his colleague; one who was his intimate, and embarrassed with all manner of difficulties; and that in conjunction with him he would begin the execution of his design as soon as they should enter on their office. After this he proceeded to inveigh bitterly against all men of worth; commended his own accomplices, and calling to every one by his name, some he put in mind of their poverty, others of their amours, several of their dangers and disgraces, and many of the booty they had got in consequence of Sylla’s victory. Then, perceiving all their spirits elevated, he pressed them to take care of his interest at the next election, and dismissed the assembly.