1After rumour had spread abroad what had been done in Africa and in what manner, at Rome the consul's conduct was discussed in every place and gathering. 1Among the plebs there was deep indignation, and the senators were anxious: whether they should approve so great a scandal or overturn the consul's decision was far from clear. 1And above all the power of Scaurus, because he was said to be the instigator and partner of Bestia, kept them from the true and the good. 2But Gaius Memmius, of whose independence of mind and hatred of the power of the nobility we have spoken above, amid the hesitation and delays of the senate urged the people in public meetings to take vengeance, warned them not to desert the state and their own liberty, and pointed out many arrogant and cruel deeds of the nobility; 3in short, he was intent on inflaming the minds of the plebs in every way.
4But since at that time Memmius' eloquence was famous and powerful at Rome, I thought it fitting to write out in full one of his many speeches, and I shall give in particular the one he delivered in a public meeting after Bestia's return, in words to this effect: