21 When these men,
surrounded with numberless evils but without any resources or hopes of good,
had heard this address, though they thought it much for their advantage to
disturb the public tranquillity, yet most of them called on Catiline to state
on what terms they were to engage in the contest; what benefits they were to
expect from taking up arms; and what support or encouragement they had, and in
what quarters. Catiline then promised them the abolition of their debts; a
proscription of the wealthy citizens; offices, sacerdotal duties, plunder, and
all other gratifications which war, and the license of conquerors, can afford.
He added that Piso was in Hither Spain, and Publius Sittius Nucerinus with an
army in Mauritania, both of whom were privy to his plans; that Caius Antonius,
whom he hoped to have for a colleague, was canvassing for the consulship, a man
with whom he was intimate, and who was involved in all manner of
embarrassments; and that, in conjunction with him, he himself, when consul,
would commence operations. He, moreover, assailed all the respectable citizens
with reproaches, commended each of his associates by name, reminded one of his
poverty, another of his ruling passion, several others of their danger or
disgrace, and many of the spoils which they had obtained by the victory of
Sylla. When he saw their spirits sufficiently elevated, he charged them to
attend to his interest at the election of consuls, and dismissed the assembly.
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