Flaccus had been Praetor when Cicero was Consul, and had done good service, in the eyes of his superior officers, in the matter of the Catiline conspiracy.

He had then gone to Asia as governor, and, after the Roman manner, had fleeced the province.

That this was so there is no doubt.

After his return he was accused, was defended by Cicero, and was acquitted.

Macrobius tells us that Cicero, by the happiness of a bon-mot, brought the accused off safely, though he was manifestly guilty.