I then resolved that Hortensius should, of the two, be my model, because I felt myself like to him in his energy, and nearer to him in his age.
I observed that when they were in the same causes, those for Canuleius and for our consular Dolabella, though Cotta was the senior counsel, Hortensius took the lead.

A large gathering of men and the noise of the Forum require that a speaker shall be quick, on fire, active, and loud.

The year after my return from Asia I undertook the charge of causes that were honorable, and in that year I was seeking to be Quaestor, Cotta to be Consul, and Hortensius to be Praetor.

Then for a year I served as Quaestor in Sicily.

Cotta, after his Consulship, went as governor into Gaul, and then Hortensius was, and was considered to be, first at the bar.