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 so that also, which has been
 used to be an assistance to me in other causes, is wanting to me in this one; for in
 proportion to my want of ability, have I endeavoured to make amends for that want by
 industry, and unless time and space be given to one, it cannot be seen how great his
 industry is. But the greater our disadvantages, O Caius Aquillius, are, with so much the
 more favourable a disposition ought you, and those who are your colleagues in this
 trial, to listen to our words, that the truth, though weakened by many disadvantages,
 may be at last reestablished by the equity of such men as you. But if you, being the judge, shall appear to be no protection to a
 desolate and helpless condition against power and influence; if before this tribunal the
 cause is found to depend on interest, not on truth; then indeed there is nothing any
 longer holy and uncontaminated in the state—no hope that the firmness and
 virtue of the judge may counterbalance the lowly condition of any one. But undoubtedly
 before you and your colleagues truth will prevail, or else, if it be driven from this
 place by power and influence, it will not be able to find any place where it can stand.
 I do not say this, O Caius Aquillius, because I have any doubt of your own good faith
 and constancy, or because Publius Quinctius ought not to have the greatest hopes from
 those whom you have called in as your assessors, being, as they are, among the most
 eminent Their names were Lucius Lucilius, Publius Quintilius, and
 Marcus Marcellus; “The judex was generally
 aided by advisers learned in the law, ( jurisconsulti ,)
 who were said in concilio adesse , but the judex alone was empowered to give judgment.” Smith,
 Dict. Ant. v. Judex . men in the state.