Cicero 1.3

Question 1

an vero viramplissimus, P. Scipio, pontifex maximus, Ti. Gracchum mediocriter labefactantem statum reipublicae privatus interfecit:

Answer 1

What? Did not that most illustrious man, Publius Scipio, 1 the Pontifex Maximus, in his capacity of a private citizen, put to death Tiberius Gracchus, though but slightly undermining the constitution?

Question 2

Catilinam7 orbemterrae caede atque incendiis vastare cupientemnos consules perferemus8?

Answer 2

And shall we, who are the consuls, tolerate Catiline, openly desirous to destroy the whole world with fire and slaughter?

Question 3

nam illa nimisantiqua praetereo, quod9 C. Servilius Ahala Sp.Maelium novis rebus studentem manu suaoccidit.

Answer 3

For I pass over older instances, such as how Caius Servilius Ahala with his own hand slew Spurius Maelius when plotting a revolution in the state.

Question 4

fuit, fuit ista quondam in hac re publicavirtus ut viri fortes acrioribus suppliciis civemperniciosum quam acerbissimum hostemcoercerent.

Answer 4

There was—there was once such virtue in this republic, that brave men would repress mischievous citizens with severer chastisement than the most bitter enemy.

Question 5

habemus10 senatus consultum in te,Catilina, vehemens et grave11, non deest reipublicae consilium neque auctoritas huiusordinis:

Answer 5

For we have a resolution 2 of the senate, a formidable and authoritative decree against you, O Catiline; the wisdom of the republic is not at fault, nor the dignity of this senatorial body.

Question 6

nos, nos, dico aperte, consules desumus.

Answer 6

We, we alone,—I say it openly, —we, the consuls, are waiting in our duty.