They were, therefore, ready to support the Tribune in what he proposed to do.

It was necessary to Cicero's enemies that there should be some law by which Cicero might be condemned.

It would not be within the power of Clodius, even with the Triumvirate at his back, to drive the man out of Rome and out of Italy, without an alleged cause.

Though justice had been tabooed, law was still in vogue.

Now there was a matter as to which Cicero was open to attack.