The Senate had been convened because the presiding consul felt that the continuance of Caesar in his governorship was a menace to the safety of the Republic.

Let the Conscript Fathers express themselves boldly, and he, Lentulus, would not desert them; let them waver and try to court the favour of Caesar as in former times, and the consul would have to look to his own safety--and he could make his own terms with Caesar.
Lentulus had started out with studied moderation.

His harangue ended with a stinging menace.

A low mutter, difficult to interpret, ran through the Senate.

Again Antonius leaped to his feet.
"Conscript Fathers, will you not consider the mild offers of Caesar?
Do not reject them without debate." "I ask the opinion of the Senate on my own proposition," broke in Lentulus.