1Moved then by these things, and because I knew that men already sworn in conspiracy were being led down into the Campus by Catiline with swords, I went down into the Campus with a very strong guard of the bravest men and with that broad and conspicuous breastplate, not to protect me — for I knew that Catiline was accustomed to aim not at the side or the belly but at the head and neck — but so that all good men might notice it and, seeing their consul in fear and danger, might rush, as in fact happened, to his aid and protection. 1And so, since they thought that you, Servius, were rather slack in your canvassing, and saw Catiline inflamed with both hope and desire, all who wished to drive that plague from the state at once betook themselves to Murena.
53Now at consular elections a sudden swing of feeling counts for much, especially when it has thrown its weight towards a good man furnished with many other aids to his candidacy. 53Since he, with a most honourable father and ancestors, a most modest youth, a most distinguished service as legate, a praetorship approved in its administration of justice, welcome for its show, distinguished in its province, had canvassed diligently, and had canvassed in such a way that he neither yielded to anyone who threatened nor threatened anyone, is it any wonder that Catiline's sudden hope of gaining the consulship was a great help to him? 54Now there remains for me that third part of my speech, concerning the charges of bribery, which has been thoroughly cleared by those who spoke before me, but which I must go over again, since Murena has so wished; 54and on this topic I shall reply to Gaius Postumus, my friend and a most distinguished man, about the evidence of the bribery agents and the money seized; to Servius Sulpicius, a talented and good young man, about the centuries of knights; and to Cato, a man outstanding in every virtue, about his own accusation, about the decree of the senate, and about the state.