1But this whole kind of attack, gentlemen, you both already foresee in your minds and, when it is brought in, will have to repel. 1For Marcus Caelius is not accused by the same people by whom he is attacked; 1the weapons are hurled at him openly, but supplied in secret. 21Nor do I say this in order to raise ill will against those for whom this ought even to be a source of glory. 21They are doing their duty, they are defending their own, they are doing what the bravest men are accustomed to do; 21when hurt they feel pain, when angry they are carried away, when provoked they fight.
21But it is nonetheless for your wisdom, gentlemen, not to think that, if brave men have just cause for attacking Marcus Caelius, you therefore also have just cause to consult another's resentment rather than your own oath. 21You see now what a crowd there is in the forum, what sorts, what interests, what variety of men. 21Of this multitude, how many do you think there are who are accustomed to offer themselves unasked to powerful, influential and eloquent men, when they think they want something, to lend their efforts, to promise testimony? 22If any of this kind happen to thrust themselves into this trial, shut out their eagerness, gentlemen, by your wisdom, so that you may be seen at one and the same time to have provided for this man's safety, for your own oath, and for the position of all citizens against the dangerous power of individuals.
22For my part, I shall lead you away from the witnesses, nor shall I allow the truth of this trial, which can in no way be altered, to be placed in the will of witnesses, which can very easily be fabricated and bent and twisted without any trouble. 22We shall proceed by arguments, we shall refute the charges with proofs clearer than any daylight; 22fact will fight with fact, case with case, reasoning with reasoning.