The augur muttered formula after formula, and Lentulus took pains to repeat the meaningless jargon after him.

Presently the augur ceased his chatter and nodded to the consul.

Lentulus turned toward the Senate.
[138] _Trabea_.
[139] _Lituus_.
"There is no evil sight or sound!"[140] was his announcement, meaning that business could be transacted.
[140] _Silentium esse videtur_.
Whereupon up from his seat sprang Marcus Antonius, flourishing in his hand a packet.

Loudly Lentulus bade him hold his peace; loudly the tribunes who sided with the Senate party forbade him to read.

But a rustle and stir of eager curiosity ran along all the benches, and first one voice, then many, cried out that the letter must be made public.