1But those slaves have been freed on the advice of her relatives, most noble and most illustrious men. 1At last we have found something which that woman is said to have done on the advice and authority of her kinsmen, most valiant men. 1But I want to know what this manumission proves; 1in which either a charge was contrived against Caelius, or an interrogation under torture was prevented, or a reward was paid, with good reason, to slaves privy to many things. 1'But her kinsmen', he says, 'approved.' 1Why should they not approve, when you said that you were reporting to them a matter which had not been brought to you by others but discovered by you yourself?
69Are we surprised, then, if that fictitious box was followed by a most obscene story? 69There is nothing that does not seem to fit a woman of that kind. 69The story was heard and spread widely in gossip. 69You have long been aware, judges, of what I wish, or rather what I do not wish, to say. 69And even if it was done, it was certainly not done by Caelius — for what concern was it of his? — 69for it was done by some young man, perhaps not so much witless as shameless. 69But if it was invented, it is not, indeed, a modest lie, but still not a witless one; 69which common talk and opinion would certainly never have accepted, unless everything that was said with any foulness seemed to fit that woman neatly.
70My case has been stated, judges, and concluded. 70Now you understand how important a judgement you bear, how great a matter has been entrusted to you. 70You are inquiring into violence. 70That law which concerns the empire, the majesty, the standing of our country, the safety of all, the law which Quintus Catulus carried at a time of armed strife among citizens, when the state was almost in its last extremity, the law which, when that fire of my consulship had been quelled, put out the smouldering remains of the conspiracy — by this law the youth of Caelius is now demanded, not to pay a penalty to the state, but to serve the lusts and pleasures of a woman.