Do not suppose that the matter will hereafter be in the same state in which it was before the law was made on the subject.

It is safer that a wicked man should even never be accused, than that he should be acquitted; and luxury, if it had never been meddled with, would be more tolerable than it will be, now, like a wild beast, irritated by having been chained, and then let loose.

My opinion is, that the Oppian law ought, on no account, to be repealed.

Whatever determination you may come to, I pray all the gods to prosper it." [Footnote 1: Previous to the passing of the Cincian law, about ten years before this time, the advocates who pleaded in the courts received fees and presents: and as all or most of these were senators, the plebeians are here represented as tributary to the senate.

By the above law they were forbidden to receive either fees or presents.] 5.