#taking the case
Chapter 16: A Decision Is Made
Later the same day, Cicero ordered dining couches to be carried up to the roof, where he declared the family and guests would dine under the stars that evening. Quickly, he sent invitations to Quintus, Atticus and Servius Sulpicious – his inner circle and closest advisors. Even I was invited, although I’m sure it didn’t sit well with Terenthia.
Yet Cicero had thought through that conundrum, as well, purchasing some lovely flowers from the vendors on the Forum Boarium and apologizing for his behavior the night before.
That evening, we all sat chatting after a hearty dinner, myself on a chair nearby. Above us, it was cloudy, but a cool breeze made the night pleasant, banishing the smoke and odors that so often rose from the crowded city below.
“My friends, I’m glad you are all here,” Cicero said. “Now that we’ve dined, I suppose I should make my little announcement.”
Everyone turned toward their host, curious.
“I have decided to stand for election as aedile,” Cicero said, firmly.
Quintus laughed, thinking him joking, but soon stopped.
“But you cannot win, Marcus!” he said. “You heard what Pompey said. He doesn’t want you to stand.”
Cicero shook his head.
“It is not for Pompey to decide,” he said. “I choose to run. That is all that is needed.”
“But what is the point?” Atticus asked. “You’re not likely to win if he chooses to block you, and then you’ll have earned his enmity.”
“Well, after yesterday, one might better ask the point of earning Pompey’s friendship?” Terentia said, bitterly.
“Well said, my dear,” Cicero said. “I could wait a year or two, fawning over Pompey like any of a hundred other lackeys, currying for his favor. But who’s to say I wouldn’t find myself forgotten or ignored? No, I think it’s better to seize the opportunity that lies before me now.”
“But how?” Quintus’ wife, Pomponia, asked. “How in the world can you get the votes?”
“By moving forward with my prosecution of Gaius Verres,” Cicero said. “By the time I’m done, my name will be on the lips of every man in Rome! Then no one can stop me – not even Pompey!”
Servius Sulpicious began to laugh, and everyone turned to him.
“Cicero, my friend,” he said. “You are either the most brilliant politician I have ever met, or the biggest fool. I suppose it remains to be seen which is true – but you can count on my support in finding out!”
