The two things which have the greatest influence in a state,—namely, the
 greatest interest, and eloquence, are both making against us at the present moment; and
 while I am awed The Latin is quorum alteram
 vereor , alteram metuo , vereor expressing a slighter degree of alarm than metuo or timeo , and also one arising rather
 from the character and dignity of the adversary, than from any apprehension of
 consequences to oneself. by the one, O Caius Aquillius, I am in fear of the
 other:—I am somewhat awed, apprehending that the eloquence of Quinctius
 Hortensius may embarrass me in speaking; but I am in no slight fear lest the interest of
 Sextus Naevius may injure Publius Quinctius. And yet it
 would not seem so disastrous for us that these things should exist in the highest degree
 in the other party, if they existed also to a moderate extent in us; but the fact is,
 that I, who have neither sufficient experience nor much ability, am brought into
 comparison with a most eloquent advocate; and that Publius Quinctius, who has but small
 influence, no riches, and few friends, is contending with a most influential adversary.
 And, moreover, we have this additional disadvantage,
 that Marcus Junius, who has several times pleaded this cause before you, O Aquillius, a
 man practised in the conduct of other causes also, and much and frequently concerned in
 this particular one, is at this moment absent, being engaged on his new commission;
 It is not known what this legatio 
 was. and so they have had recourse to me, who, even if I had all other
 requisite qualifications in ever so high a degree, have certainly scarcely had time
 enough to be able to understand so important a business, having so many points of
 dispute involved in it