And I see that the trial of this will be immediate; for if you are able today to answer
 me and these things which I am saying; if you even depart one word from that book which
 some elocution-master or other has given you, made up of other men's speeches; I shall
 think that you are able to speak, and that you are not unequal to that trial also, and
 that you will be able to do justice to the cause and to the duty you undertake. But if
 in this preliminary skirmish with me you turn out nothing, what can we suppose you will
 be in the contest itself against a most active adversary? 
 Be it so; he is nothing himself, he has no ability; but he comes
 prepared with well-trained and eloquent supporters. And this too is something, though it
 is not enough; for in all things he who is the chief person to act, ought to be the most
 accomplished and the best prepared. But I see that Lucius Appuleius is the next counsel
 on the list, a mere beginner, not as to his age indeed, but as to his practice and
 training in forensic contests. Next to him he has, as I think, Allienus; he indeed does belong to the bar, but
 however, I never took any particular notice of what he could do in speaking; in raising
 an outcry, indeed, I see that he is very vigorous and practiced. In this man all your
 hopes are placed; he, if you are appointed prosecutor, will sustain the whole trial. But
 even he will not put forth his whole strength in speaking, but will consult your credit
 and reputation; and will abstain from putting forth the whole power of eloquence which
 he himself possesses, in order that you may still appear of some importance As we see is
 done by the Greek pleaders; that he to whom the second or third part belongs, though he
 may be able to speak somewhat better than his leader, often restrains himself a good
 deal, in order that the chief may appear to the greatest possible advantage, so will
 Allienus act; he will be subservient to you, he will pander to your interest, he will
 put forth somewhat less strength than he might. Now consider this, O judges, what sort of accusers we shall have in this most important
 trial; when Allienus himself will somewhat abstain from displaying all his abilities, if
 he has any, and Caecilius will only be able to think himself of any use, because
 Allienus is not so vigorous as he might be, and voluntarily allows him the chief share
 in the display. What fourth counsel he is to have with him I do not know, unless it be
 one of that crowd of losers of time who have entreated to be allowed an inferior part in
 this prosecution, whoever he might be to whom you gave the lead.