19 Some time
afterwards, Piso was sent as quaestor, with Praetorian authority, into Hither
Spain; Crassus promoting the appointment, because he knew him to be a bitter
enemy to Cneius Pompey. Nor were the senate, indeed, unwilling to grant him the
province; for they wished so infamous a character to be removed from the seat
of government; and many worthy men, at the same time, thought that there was
some security in him against the power of Pompey, which was then becoming
formidable. But this Piso, on his march towards his province, was murdered by
some Spanish cavalry whom he had in his army. These barbarians, as some say,
had been unable to endure his unjust, haughty, and cruel orders; but others
assert that this body of cavalry, being old and trusty adherents of Pompey,
attacked Piso at his instigation, since the Spaniards, they observe, had never
before committed such an outrage, but had patiently submitted to many severe
commands. This question we shall leave undecided. Of the first conspiracy
enough has been said.
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