Cicero: In Catilinam II – Interlinear Latin-English Translation

1.

Tandem aliquando, Quirites, L. Catilinam, furentem audacia, scelus anhelantem, pestem patriae nefarie molientem, vobis atque huic urbi ferro flammaque minitantem ex urbe vel eiecimus vel emisimus vel ipsum egredientem verbis prosecuti sumus. 

At last, citizens, we have either expelled Lucius Catiline from the city, or sent him forth, or—even as he left of his own accord—we have followed him out with our words: raging with audacity, breathing wickedness, plotting the ruin of the fatherland, and threatening you and this city with sword and flame. 

Abiit, excessit, evasit, erupit. 

He has gone, he has departed, he has escaped, he has burst forth. 

Nulla iam pernicies a monstro illo atque prodigio moenibus ipsis intra moenia comparabitur. 

No longer will destruction be contrived within our very walls by that monster and prodigy. 

Atque hunc quidem unum huius belli domestici ducem sine controversia vicimus. 

And this one leader of this domestic war we have defeated beyond dispute. 

Non enim iam inter latera nostra sica illa versabitur, non in campo, non in foro, non in curia, non denique intra domesticos parietes pertimescemus. 

That dagger will no longer hover between our ribs; we shall no longer fear him—neither in the Campus, nor in the Forum, nor in the Senate, nor even within our own walls. 

Loco ille motus est, cum est ex urbe depulsus. 

He was displaced from his post when he was driven from the city. 

Palam iam cum hoste nullo impediente bellum iustum geremus. 

Now we shall wage open and just war against the enemy, with no one standing in our way. 

Sine dubio perdidimus hominem magnificeque vicimus, cum illum ex occultis insidiis in apertum latrocinium coniecimus. 

Without question, we have undone the man and splendidly conquered him—since we drove him from hidden ambush into open banditry. 

Quod vero non cruentum mucronem, ut voluit, extulit, quod vivis nobis egressus est, quod ei ferrum e manibus extorsimus, quod incolumis civis, quod stantem urbem reliquit, quanto tandem illum maerore esse adflictum et profligatum putatis? 

But because he did not brandish a bloody blade, as he wished; because he departed while we yet lived; because we wrenched the sword from his hands; because he left the citizens unharmed and the city standing—how great, pray, do you suppose is his grief, how ruined and crushed he feels? 

Iacet ille nunc prostratus, Quirites, et se perculsum atque abiectum esse sentit et retorquet oculos profecto saepe ad hanc urbem quam e suis faucibus ereptam esse luget: quae quidem mihi laetari videtur, quod tantam pestem evomuerit forasque proiecerit. 

He now lies prostrate, citizens, and knows himself to be struck down and cast aside; he surely turns his gaze again and again to this city, which he laments has been torn from his jaws—this city which, to my mind, now rejoices, having vomited forth and cast out so monstrous a plague.

2.

 Ac si quis est talis qualis esse omnis oportebat, qui in hoc ipso in quo exsultat et triumphat oratio mea me vehementer accuset, quod tam capitalem hostem non comprehenderim potius quam emiserim, non est ista mea culpa, Quirites, sed temporum. 

And if there is anyone such as all should be, who, in the very point where my speech now exults and triumphs, severely blames me for not having arrested but rather let go such a mortal enemy—this, citizens, is not my fault, but the fault of the times. 

Interfectum esse L. Catilinam et gravissimo supplicio adfectum iam pridem oportebat, idque a me et mos maiorum et huius imperi severitas et res publica postulabat. 

Lucius Catiline ought long ago to have been executed and subjected to the utmost punishment; and this was demanded of me by the custom of our ancestors, by the severity of this authority, and by the republic itself. 

Sed quam multos fuisse putatis qui quae ego deferrem non crederent, quam multos qui propter stultitiam non putarent, quam multos qui etiam defenderent, quam multos qui propter improbitatem faverent? 

But how many do you suppose there were who would not believe the charges I brought forward, how many who dismissed them out of folly, how many who even defended him, how many who through sheer depravity gave him their support? 

Ac si illo sublato depelli a vobis omne periculum iudicarem, iam pridem ego L. Catilinam non modo invidiae meae verum etiam vitae periculo sustulissem. 

And if I had judged that by removing him all danger to you would be removed, I would long since have eliminated Lucius Catiline, at the cost not only of my popularity but even of my life. 

Sed cum viderem, ne vobis quidem omnibus etiam tum re probata si illum, ut erat meritus, morte multassem, fore ut eius socios invidia oppressus persequi non possem, rem huc deduxi ut tum palam pugnare possetis cum hostem aperte videretis. 

But when I saw that, even if I had executed him as he deserved, not even all of you would then approve once the deed was done, and that I, burdened by unpopularity, would not be able to pursue his allies—I brought matters to this point: that you may fight openly when you see the enemy openly. 

Quem quidem ego hostem, Quirites, quam vehementer foris esse timendum putem, licet hinc intellegatis, quod etiam illud moleste fero quod ex urbe parum comitatus exierit. 

How greatly, citizens, I think this enemy is to be feared outside the city, you may judge from this: I am even troubled that he left the city with too few companions. 

Utinam ille omnis secum suas copias eduxisset! 

Would that he had taken all his forces with him! 

Tongilium mihi eduxit quem amare in praetexta coeperat, Publicium et Minucium quorum aes alienum contractum in popina nullum rei publicae motum adferre poterat: reliquit quos viros, quanto aere alieno, quam valentis, quam nobilis! 

He took with him Tongilius, whom he had begun to love while still in his boyhood, Publicius and Minucius, whose tavern-incurred debts could not disturb the republic: but what men he left behind—how indebted, how influential, how noble! 

3.

Itaque ego illum exercitum prae Gallicanis legionibus et hoc dilectu quem in agro Piceno et Gallico Q. Metellus habuit, et his copiis quae a nobis cotidie comparantur, magno opere contemno, conlectum ex senibus desperatis, ex agresti luxuria, ex rusticis decoctoribus, ex eis qui vadimonia deserere quam illum exercitum maluerunt; quibus ego non modo si aciem exercitus nostri, verum etiam si edictum praetoris ostendero, concident. 

So I utterly scorn that army in comparison with the Gallic legions, and with the levy which Quintus Metellus has raised in the Picene and Gallic districts, and with the forces which we are assembling daily: that army, cobbled together from bankrupt old men, rustic wastrels, and country debtors—men who would rather forfeit bail than serve in that army; men who, if I showed them not only our battle line but even a praetor’s edict, would collapse. 

Hos quos video volitare in foro, quos stare ad curiam, quos etiam in senatum venire, qui nitent unguentis, qui fulgent purpura, mallem secum suos milites eduxisset: qui si hic permanent, mementote non tam exercitum illum esse nobis quam hos qui exercitum deseruerunt pertimescendos. 

These men whom I see fluttering through the forum, lingering at the Senate house, even entering the Senate—those who gleam with perfumes, who shine in purple—I wish he had taken them too as his soldiers. If they remain here, remember: it is not that army we should fear, but those who abandoned it. 

Atque hoc etiam sunt timendi magis quod quid cogitent me scire sentiunt neque tamen permoventur. 

They are even more to be feared because they know that I am aware of their plans—yet they are not deterred. 

Video cui sit Apulia attributa, quis habeat Etruriam, quis agrum Picenum, quis Gallicum, quis sibi has urbanas insidias caedis atque incendiorum depoposcerit. 

I see to whom Apulia has been assigned, who has Etruria, who the Picene territory, who the Gallic—who has claimed for himself these urban plots of slaughter and arson. 

Omnia superioris noctis consilia ad me perlata esse sentiunt; patefeci in senatu hesterno die; Catilina ipse pertimuit, profugit: hi quid exspectant? 

They know that all the plans of the previous night have been conveyed to me; I laid them bare in yesterday’s Senate; Catiline himself took fright and fled—what are these men waiting for? 

Ne illi vehementer errant, si illam meam pristinam lenitatem perpetuam sperant futuram. 

They are gravely mistaken if they think my former leniency will last forever.

4.

 Quod exspectavi, iam sum adsecutus ut vos omnes factam esse aperte coniurationem contra rem publicam videretis; nisi vero si quis est qui Catilinae similis cum Catilina sentire non putet. 

What I long awaited I have now achieved—that you all can clearly see that a conspiracy has been formed against the republic; unless, indeed, someone believes that a man like Catiline does not share Catiline’s views. 

Non est iam lenitati locus; severitatem res ipsa flagitat. 

There is no longer room for leniency; the situation itself demands severity. 

Unum etiam nunc concedam: exeant, proficiscantur, ne patiantur desiderio sui Catilinam miserum tabescere. 

One thing I will still grant: let them go, let them depart, let them not allow poor Catiline to waste away with longing for them. 

Demonstrabo iter: Aurelia via profectus est; si accelerare volent, ad vesperam consequentur. 

I will show them the way: he set out along the Aurelian Road; if they wish to hurry, they will catch him by evening. 

O fortunatam rem publicam, si quidem hanc sentinam urbis eiecerit! 

Oh, fortunate republic, if indeed it has expelled this bilge of the city! 

Uno me hercule Catilina exhausto levata mihi et recreata res publica videtur. 

By Hercules, with Catiline alone drained off, the republic seems to me lightened and restored. 

Quid enim mali aut sceleris fingi aut cogitari potest quod non ille conceperit? 

For what evil or crime can be imagined or conceived that he has not already planned? 

Quis tota Italia veneficus, quis gladiator, quis latro, quis sicarius, quis parricida, quis testamentorum subiector, quis circumscriptor, quis ganeo, quis nepos, quis adulter, quae mulier infamis, quis corruptor iuventutis, quis corruptus, quis perditus inveniri potest qui se cum Catilina non familiarissime vixisse fateatur? 

Who in all Italy—a poisoner, a gladiator, a robber, an assassin, a parricide, a forger of wills, a swindler, a glutton, a wastrel, an adulterer, what infamous woman, what corrupter of youth, what corrupted or ruined man—could be found who would not confess to having been most intimate with Catiline? 

Quae caedes per hosce annos sine illo facta est, quod nefarium stuprum non per illum? 

What murder has been committed in these past years without him, what vile debauchery not through him? 

Iam vero quae tanta umquam in ullo iuventutis inlecebra fuit quanta in illo? 

Indeed, what enticement of youth was ever so great in anyone as it was in him? 

Qui alios ipse amabat turpissime, aliorum amori flagitiosissime serviebat, aliis fructum libidinum, aliis mortem parentum non modo impellendo verum etiam adiuvando pollicebatur. 

He himself loved others most disgracefully, served the lusts of others most shamefully, and promised some the pleasures of lust, others the death of their parents—not only by inciting, but even by assisting. 

Nunc vero quam subito non solum ex urbe verum etiam ex agris ingentem numerum perditorum hominum conlegerat! 

And now—how suddenly had he gathered an immense number of ruined men not only from the city but from the countryside as well! 

Nemo non modo Romae sed ne ullo quidem in angulo totius Italiae oppressus aere alieno fuit quem non ad hoc incredibile sceleris foedus asciverit. 

There was no one, not only in Rome but in any corner of all Italy, burdened with debt, whom he did not enlist in this incredible pact of crime. 

5.

Atque ut eius diversa studia in dissimili ratione perspicere possitis, nemo est in ludo gladiatorio paulo ad facinus audacior qui se non intimum Catilinae esse fateatur, nemo in scaena levior et nequior qui se non eiusdem prope sodalem fuisse commemoret. 

And so that you may observe his diverse pursuits from different angles—there is no one in a gladiator school a little too bold for crime who does not claim to be Catiline’s intimate, no one on the stage more wanton or depraved who does not recall being almost his companion. 

Atque idem tamen stuprorum et scelerum exercitatione adsuefactus frigore et fame et siti et vigiliis perferendis fortis ab istis praedicabatur, cum industriae subsidia atque instrumenta virtutis in libidine audaciaque consumeret. 

And yet this same man, hardened by the practice of vice and crime, accustomed to endure cold, hunger, thirst, and sleeplessness, was praised by those men as brave—even as he squandered the supports of hard work and the tools of virtue in lust and recklessness. 

Hunc vero si secuti erunt sui comites, si ex urbe exierint desperatorum hominum flagitiosi greges, o nos beatos, o rem publicam fortunatam, o praeclaram laudem consulatus mei! 

But if his followers join him, if the disgraceful gangs of desperate men leave the city—oh, how blessed we shall be, oh, how fortunate the republic, oh, what splendid praise for my consulship!

Non enim iam sunt mediocres hominum libidines, non humanae et tolerandae audaciae; nihil cogitant nisi caedem, nisi incendia, nisi rapinas. 

For men’s lusts are no longer moderate, nor their audacity human or bearable; they think of nothing but murder, arson, and plunder. 

Patrimonia sua profuderunt, fortunas suas obligaverunt; res eos iam pridem, fides nuper deficere coepit: eadem tamen illa quae erat in abundantia libido permanet quod si in vino et alea comissationes solum et scorta quaererent, essent illi quidem desperandi, sed tamen essent ferendi: hoc vero quis ferre possit, inertis homines fortissimis viris insidiari, stultissimos prudentissimis, ebrios, sobriis, dormientis vigilantibus? 

They have squandered their inheritances, mortgaged their fortunes; their property failed them long ago, their credit only recently: yet the same craving remains as when they were prosperous. And if they sought only drink, gambling, parties, and prostitutes, they would indeed be hopeless—but at least tolerable. But who can endure this: that idle men should plot against the bravest, fools against the wisest, drunkards against the sober, sleepers against the vigilant? 

Qui mihi accubantes in conviviis, complexi mulieres impudicas, vino languidi, conferti cibo, sertis redimiti, unguentis obliti, debilitati stupris eructant sermonibus suis caedem bonorum atque urbis incendia. 

These men, lounging at banquets, clutching shameless women, sluggish with wine, bloated with food, crowned with garlands, drenched in perfumes, weakened by debauchery, belch out in their talk the slaughter of the good and the burning of the city. 

Quibus ego confido impendere fatum aliquod et poenam iam diu improbitati, nequitiae, sceleri, libidini debitam aut instare iam plane aut certe appropinquare. 

I trust that some doom hangs over them, and that punishment—long owed to their wickedness, worthlessness, crimes, and lusts—is either already upon them or certainly drawing near. 

Quos si meus consulatus, quoniam sanare non potest, sustulerit, non breve nescio quod tempus sed multa saecula propagarit rei publicae. 

If my consulship, since it cannot cure them, removes them, it will not prolong the republic for just some brief time—I dare say—but for many ages. 

Nulla enim est natio quam pertimescamus, nullus rex qui bellum populo Romano facere possit. 

There is no nation we need fear, no king who can wage war on the Roman people. 

Omnia sunt externa unius virtute terra marique pacata: domesticum bellum manet, intus insidiae sunt, intus inclusum periculum est, intus est hostis. 

All foreign threats have been pacified by the valor of one man, by land and sea; a domestic war remains: within are the plots, within the danger lies enclosed, within is the enemy. 

Cum luxuria nobis, cum amentia, cum scelere certandum est. 

We must fight against luxury, against madness, against crime. 

Huic ego me bello ducem profiteor, Quirites; suscipio inimicitias hominum perditorum; quae sanari poterunt quacumque ratione sanabo, quae resecanda erunt non patiar ad perniciem civitatis manere. 

For this war, citizens, I proclaim myself general; I take on the enmity of these ruined men; what can be healed, I will heal by whatever means; what must be cut out, I will not allow to remain and destroy the state. 

Proinde aut exeant aut quiescant aut, si et in urbe et in eadem mente permanent, ea quae merentur exspectent. 

Therefore, let them either depart, or be still, or—if they remain in the city and in the same mindset—let them await what they deserve. 

6.

At etiam sunt qui dicant, Quirites, a me eiectum esse Catilinam. 

Yet there are those, citizens, who say that Catiline was expelled by me. 

Quod ego si verbo adsequi possem, istos ipsos eicerem qui haec loquuntur. 

If I could do that by a word alone, I would cast out those very men who say such things. 

Homo enim videlicet timidus aut etiam permodestus vocem consulis ferre non potuit; simul atque ire in exsilium iussus est, paruit. 

For the man, of course, being timid or perhaps overly modest, could not endure the voice of the consul; and as soon as he was told to go into exile, he obeyed. 

Quin hesterno die, cum domi meae paene interfectus essem, senatum in aedem Iovis Statoris convocavi, rem omnem ad patres conscriptos detuli. 

Why, just yesterday, when I was nearly killed in my own house, I summoned the Senate to the Temple of Jupiter Stator and laid the entire affair before the Conscript Fathers. 

Quo cum Catilina venisset, quis eum senator appellavit, quis salutavit, quis denique ita aspexit ut perditum civem ac non potius ut importunissimum hostem? 

When Catiline came in, what senator addressed him, who greeted him, who so much as looked at him as a ruined citizen, and not rather as the most dangerous enemy? 

Quin etiam principes eius ordinis partem illam subselliorum ad quam ille accesserat nudam atque inanem reliquerunt. 

Indeed, even the leading men of that order vacated the benches to which he had drawn near, leaving them bare and empty. 

Hic ego vehemens ille consul qui verbo civis in exsilium eicio quaesivi a Catilina in nocturno conventu ad M. Laecam fuisset necne. 

Then I—yes, I, that fiery consul who banishes citizens with a word—asked Catiline whether he had been at the nocturnal meeting at Marcus Laeca’s house or not. 

Cum ille homo audacissimus conscientia convictus primo reticuisset, patefeci cetera: quid ea nocte egisset, ubi fuisset, quid in proximam constituisset, quem ad modum esset ei ratio totius belli descripta edocui. 

When that most audacious man, convicted by his own conscience, at first remained silent, I laid bare the rest: what he had done that night, where he had been, what he had planned for the next night, how the plan for the entire war had been outlined for him—I explained all. 

Cum haesitaret, cum teneretur, quaesivi quid dubitaret proficisci eo quo iam pridem pararet, cum arma, cum securis, cum fascis, cum tubas, cum signa militaria, cum aquilam illam argenteam cui ille etiam sacrarium domi suae fecerat scirem esse praemissam. 

When he wavered, when he was caught, I asked why he hesitated to go to the place he had long prepared, since I knew that arms, axes, fasces, trumpets, military standards, and that silver eagle—yes, the one for which he had even made a shrine in his house—had all already been sent ahead. 

In exsilium eiciebam quem iam ingressum esse in bellum videram? 

Was I banishing to exile a man I had already seen entering upon war? 

Etenim, credo, Manlius iste centurio qui in agro Faesulano castra posuit bellum populo Romano suo nomine indixit, et illa castra nunc non Catilinam ducem exspectant, et ille eiectus in exsilium se Massiliam, ut aiunt, non in haec castra confert. 

Indeed, I suppose that that centurion Manlius, who pitched camp in the Faesulan countryside, declared war on the Roman people in his own name, and that camp is not now awaiting Catiline as its commander—and he, driven into exile, is heading, as they say, to Massilia, not to that camp!

7.

O condicionem miseram non modo administrandae verum etiam conservandae rei publicae! 

Oh, what a wretched condition, not only for administering but even for preserving the republic! 

Nunc si L. Catilina consiliis, laboribus, periculis meis circumclusus ac debilitatus subito pertimuerit, sententiam mutaverit, deseruerit suos, consilium belli faciendi abiecerit, et ex hoc cursu sceleris ac belli iter ad fugam atque in exsilium converterit, non ille a me spoliatus armis audaciae, non obstupefactus ac perterritus mea diligentia, non de spe conatuque depulsus, sed indemnatus innocens in exsilium eiectus a consule vi et minis esse dicetur: et erunt qui illum, si hoc fecerit, non improbum sed miserum, me non diligentissimum consulem sed crudelissimum tyrannum existimari velint! 

Now if Lucius Catiline, surrounded and worn down by my plans, labors, and vigilance, should suddenly become afraid, change his mind, desert his followers, abandon his plan of war, and turn this course of crime and conflict toward flight and exile, then he will be said to have been driven into exile by force and threats from the consul—not disarmed of his audacity by me, not stunned and terrified by my diligence, not struck from his hope and attempt, but uncondemned and innocent. And there will be those who, if he does this, would wish him to be thought not wicked but unfortunate, and me not the most vigilant consul but the most cruel tyrant! 

Est mihi tanti, Quirites, huius invidiae falsae atque iniquae tempestatem subire, dum modo a vobis huius horribilis belli ac nefarii periculum depellatur. 

It is worth it to me, citizens, to endure the storm of this false and unjust unpopularity, provided only that the danger of this horrible and wicked war is driven away from you. 

Dicatur sane eiectus esse a me, dum modo eat in exsilium. 

Let it be said, by all means, that he was expelled by me—so long as he actually goes into exile. 

Sed mihi credite, non est iturus. 

But believe me—he’s not going to go. 

Numquam ego ab dis immortalibus optabo, Quirites, invidiae meae relevandae causa ut L. Catilinam ducere exercitum hostium atque in armis volitare audiatis, sed triduo tamen audietis; multoque magis illud timeo ne mihi sit invidiosum aliquando quod illum emiserim potius quam quod eiecerim. 

Never, citizens, will I pray to the immortal gods that you should hear Lucius Catiline is leading an enemy army and raging about in arms—for the sake of lessening my own unpopularity. Yet you *will* hear it within three days. And what I fear far more is that it may someday be a source of blame to me that I let him go, rather than that I cast him out. 

Sed cum sint homines qui illum, cum profectus sit, eiectum esse dicant, idem, si interfectus esset, quid dicerent? 

But since there are men who say he was expelled when he departed—what, I ask, would these same men have said if he had been killed? 

Quamquam isti qui Catilinam Massiliam ire dictitant non tam hoc queruntur quam verentur. 

Although those who keep saying Catiline is going to Massilia are not so much complaining about it as fearing it. 

Nemo est istorum tam misericors qui illum non ad Manlium quam ad Massiliensis ire malit. 

There is no one among them so compassionate that he would prefer him to go to Massilia rather than to Manlius. 

Ille autem, si me hercule hoc quod agit numquam antea cogitasset, tamen latrocinantem se interfici mallet quam exsulem vivere. 

He, however—by Hercules—even if he had never before considered what he’s now doing, would still prefer to be killed as a brigand than to live as an exile. 

Nunc vero, cum ei nihil adhuc praeter ipsius voluntatem cogitationemque acciderit, nisi quod vivis nobis Roma profectus est, optemus potius ut eat in exsilium quam queramur. 

But now, since nothing has yet happened to him except according to his own will and intention—save that he left Rome while we were still alive—let us rather *hope* he goes into exile than *complain* about it.

8.

Sed cur tam diu de uno hoste loquimur et de eo hoste qui iam fatetur se esse hostem, et quem, quia, quod semper volui, murus interest, non timeo: de his qui dissimulant, qui Romae remanent, qui nobiscum sunt nihil dicimus? 

But why do we speak so long of one enemy, and of that enemy who now admits himself to be an enemy, and whom I do not fear—since, as I always wished, a wall now stands between us—while we say nothing of those who dissemble, who remain in Rome, who are among us? 

Quos quidem ego, si ullo modo fieri possit, non tam ulcisci studeo quam sanare sibi ipsos, placare rei publicae, neque id qua re fieri non possit, si iam me audire volent, intellego. 

Indeed, these men—if it is in any way possible—I desire not so much to punish as to heal, for their own sake, to reconcile them to the republic; and I understand why that cannot happen unless they are now willing to listen to me. 

Exponam enim vobis, Quirites, ex quibus generibus hominum istae copiae comparentur; deinde singulis medicinam consili atque orationis meae, si quam potero, adferam. 

For I will explain to you, citizens, from which classes of men those forces are assembled; then I will offer to each one, if I can, the remedy of my counsel and speech. 

Unum genus est eorum qui magno in aere alieno maiores etiam possessiones habent quarum amore adducti dissolvi nullo modo possunt. 

One group is of those who, though burdened with great debts, own even greater estates, and—driven by their love for them—can by no means be separated from them. 

Horum hominum species est honestissima – sunt enim locupletes – voluntas vero et causa impudentissima. 

These men have the appearance of respectability—for they are wealthy—but their motives and their cause are utterly shameless. 

Tu agris, tu aedificiis, tu argento, tu familia, tu rebus omnibus ornatus et copiosus sis, et dubites de possessione detrahere, adquirere ad fidem? 

Are you, adorned and well-supplied with land, buildings, silver, slaves, and all possessions—are you hesitant to part with any of them in order to restore your credit? 

Quid enim exspectas? 

What, after all, are you waiting for? 

Bellum? 

War? 

Quid ergo? 

What then? 

In vastatione omnium tuas possessiones sacrosanctas futuras putes? 

Do you think that, amid universal devastation, your own possessions will be considered sacred? 

An tabulas novas? 

Or new account books (i.e., debt cancellation)? 

Errant qui istas a Catilina exspectant: meo beneficio tabulae novae proferuntur, verum auctionariae; neque enim isti qui possessiones habent alia ratione ulla salvi esse possunt. 

Those who expect that from Catiline are mistaken: new records are being issued thanks to my effort—but they are *auction lists*; for those who hold property cannot be saved in any other way. 

Quod si maturius facere voluissent neque, id quod stultissimum est, certare cum usuris fructibus praediorum, et locupletioribus his et melioribus civibus uteremur. 

If they had done this earlier, and had not done what is most foolish—trying to match interest payments with the yield of their estates—we would now be enjoying the service of richer and more loyal citizens. 

Sed hosce homines minime puto pertimescendos, quod aut deduci de sententia possunt aut, si permanebunt, magis mihi videntur vota facturi contra rem publicam quam arma laturi. 

But these men, I believe, are least to be feared, because they can either be persuaded to change their minds, or, if they persist, they seem more likely to offer prayers against the republic than to bear arms.

9.

Alterum genus est eorum qui, quamquam premuntur aere alieno, dominationem tamen exspectant, rerum potiri volunt, honores quos quieta re publica desperant perturbata se consequi posse arbitrantur. 

Another class is of those who, although burdened by debt, still expect power, wish to seize control of affairs, and believe they can obtain honors in a disturbed republic that they despair of attaining in a peaceful one. 

Quibus hoc praecipiendum videtur, unum scilicet et idem quod reliquis omnibus, ut desperent id quod conantur se consequi posse: primum omnium me ipsum vigilare, adesse, providere rei publicae; deinde magnos animos esse in bonis viris, magnam concordiam, maximam multitudinem, magnas praeterea militum copias; deos denique immortalis huic invicto populo, clarissimo imperio, pulcherrimae urbi contra tantam vim sceleris praesentis auxilium esse laturos. 

To these it seems that one and the same warning must be given, as to all the rest: that they should give up hope of achieving what they are attempting. First of all, I myself am watchful, present, and looking out for the republic; next, the good men are brave, there is great unity, an immense multitude, and in addition, powerful forces of soldiers; finally, the immortal gods will bring aid to this unconquered people, this most glorious empire, this most beautiful city, against so great a force of wickedness now at hand. 

Quod si iam sint id quod summo furore cupiunt adepti, num illi in cinere urbis et in sanguine civium, quae mente conscelerata ac nefaria concupiverunt, consules se aut dictatores aut etiam reges sperant futuros? 

And if they were now to gain what they madly desire, do they really hope to be consuls, dictators, or even kings amid the ashes of the city and the blood of citizens—those things they have longed for with a criminal and wicked mind? 

Non vident id se cupere quod, si adepti sint, fugitivo alicui aut gladiatori concedi sit necesse? 

Do they not see that what they desire—if they were to obtain it—would necessarily have to be handed over to some runaway or gladiator? 

Tertium genus est aetate iam adfectum, sed tamen exercitatione robustum; quo ex genere iste est Manlius cui nunc Catilina succedit. 

The third group is advanced in age, yet still vigorous from training; from this group comes that Manlius, whom Catiline now succeeds. 

Hi sunt homines ex eis coloniis quas Sulla constituit; quas ego universas civium esse optimorum et fortissimorum virorum sentio, sed tamen ei sunt coloni qui se insperatis ac repentinis pecuniis sumptuosius insolentiusque iactarunt. 

These are men from the colonies which Sulla established; and I consider those colonies in general to be composed of excellent and brave citizens, yet these are colonists who squandered sudden and unexpected wealth too extravagantly and arrogantly. 

Hi dum aedificant tamquam beati, dum praediis lectis, familiis magnis, conviviis apparatis delectantur, in tantum aes alienum inciderunt ut, si salvi esse velint, Sulla sit eis ab inferis excitandus: qui etiam non nullos agrestis homines tenuis atque egentis in eandem illam spem rapinarum veterum impulerunt. 

While they were building as if they were wealthy, delighting in fine estates, large households, and lavish banquets, they fell into such debt that, if they wish to be saved, Sulla must be summoned from the dead; and they have even drawn in some poor and needy farmers into that same hope of old-time plunder. 

Quos ego utrosque in eodem genere praedatorum direptorumque pono, sed eos hoc moneo, desinant furere ac proscriptiones et dictaturas cogitare. 

I place both groups in the same class of looters and pillagers; but I warn them: stop their madness and abandon dreams of proscriptions and dictatorships. 

Tantus enim illorum temporum dolor inustus est civitati ut iam ista non modo homines sed ne pecudes quidem mihi passurae esse videantur. 

For so deep a pain from those times has been branded upon the state that now, it seems to me, not only men but not even beasts of burden would endure them. 

10.

Quartum genus est sane varium et mixtum et turbulentum; qui iam pridem premuntur, qui numquam emergunt, qui partim inertia, partim male gerendo negotio, partim etiam sumptibus in vetere aere alieno vacillant, qui vadimoniis, iudiciis, proscriptione bonorum defetigati permulti et ex urbe et ex agris se in illa castra conferre dicuntur. 

The fourth class is indeed varied, mixed, and unruly: they have long been weighed down, never rise, and stagger under old debt—some from idleness, some from poor business, others from reckless spending. Many, exhausted by bonds, trials, and confiscation of goods, are said to be flocking from city and countryside alike to that camp. 

Hosce ego non tam milites acris quam infitiatores lentos esse arbitror. 

I think these are not so much fierce soldiers as sluggish debt-dodgers. 

Qui homines primum, si stare non possunt, conruant, sed ita ut non modo civitas sed ne vicini quidem proximi sentiant. 

If these men cannot stand, let them collapse—only in such a way that not only the state, but not even their nearest neighbors, notice it. 

Nam illud non intellego quam ob rem, si vivere honeste non possunt, perire turpiter velint, aut cur minore dolore perituros se cum multis quam si soli pereant arbitrentur. 

For this I do not understand: why, if they cannot live honorably, they would rather die disgracefully—or why they think it would be less painful to die with many than to perish alone. 

Quintum genus est parricidarum, sicariorum, denique omnium facinerosorum. 

The fifth class is that of parricides, assassins, and, in short, all criminals. 

Quos ego a Catilina non revoco; nam neque ab eo divelli possunt et pereant sane in latrocinio, quoniam sunt ita multi ut eos carcer capere non possit. 

These I do not call back from Catiline; they cannot be torn away from him, and let them perish in brigandage—for they are so many, the prison could not hold them all. 

Postremum autem genus est non solum numero verum etiam genere ipso atque vita quod proprium Catilinae est, de eius dilectu, immo vero de complexu eius ac sinu; quos pexo capillo, nitidos, aut imberbis aut bene barbatos videtis, manicatis et talaribus tunicis, velis amictos, non togis; quorum omnis industria vitae et vigilandi labor in antelucanis cenis expromitur. 

The final class, remarkable not only in number but in type and lifestyle, is peculiar to Catiline—his hand-picked recruits, or rather, from his embrace and bosom: those whom you see with sleek hair, gleaming faces, either beardless or neatly bearded, in long-sleeved and ankle-length tunics, wrapped in shawls, not togas; whose entire life's activity and wakefulness is displayed in pre-dawn banquets. 

In his gregibus omnes aleatores, omnes adulteri, omnes impuri impudicique versantur. 

In these herds are found all the gamblers, all the adulterers, all the impure and shameless. 

Hi pueri tam lepidi ac delicati non solum amare et amari neque saltare et cantare sed etiam sicas vibrare et spargere venena didicerunt. 

These boys, so charming and effeminate, have learned not only to love and be loved, to dance and sing, but also to wield daggers and scatter poisons. 

Qui nisi exeunt, nisi pereunt, etiam si Catilina perierit, scitote hoc in re publica seminarium Catilinarum futurum. 

If these do not go out, if they do not perish—even if Catiline himself dies—know that this will be a breeding ground of new Catilines for the republic. 

Verum tamen quid sibi isti miseri volunt? 

But still, what do these wretches want for themselves? 

Num suas secum mulierculas sunt in castra ducturi? 

Are they going to bring their little women along with them to the camp? 

Quem ad modum autem illis carere poterunt, his praesertim iam noctibus? 

And how will they be able to go without them—especially on nights like these? 

Quo autem pacto illi Appenninum atque illas pruinas ac nivis perferent? 

And how will they endure the Apennines and those frosts and snows? 

Nisi idcirco se facilius hiemem toleraturos putant, quod nudi in conviviis saltare didicerunt. 

Unless they think they will endure winter more easily because they have learned to dance naked at banquets.

11.

O bellum magno opere pertimescendum, cum hanc sit habiturus Catilina scortorum cohortem praetoriam! 

Oh, a war greatly to be feared, when Catiline is to have this praetorian cohort of prostitutes! 

Instruite nunc, Quirites, contra has tam praeclaras Catilinae copias vestra praesidia vestrosque exercitus. 

Now, citizens, array your garrisons and your armies against these so splendid forces of Catiline. 

Et primum gladiatori illi confecto et saucio consules imperatoresque vestros opponite; deinde contra illam naufragorum eiectam ac debilitatam manum florem totius Italiae ac robur educite. 

And first, oppose to that worn-out and wounded gladiator your consuls and generals; then, against that castaway and broken band of wrecks, lead forth the flower and strength of all Italy. 

Iam vero urbes coloniarum ac municipiorum respondebunt Catilinae tumulis silvestribus. 

Indeed, the cities of the colonies and municipalities will respond to Catiline’s wild forest camps. 

Neque ego ceteras copias, ornamenta, praesidia vestra cum illius latronis inopia atque egestate conferre debeo. 

Nor ought I to compare your other forces, resources, and defenses with that bandit's poverty and destitution. 

Sed si, omissis his rebus quibus nos suppeditamur, eget ille, senatu, equitibus Romanis, urbe, aerario, vectigalibus, cuncta Italia, provinciis omnibus, exteris nationibus, si his rebus omissis causas ipsas quae inter se confligunt contendere velimus, ex eo ipso quam valde illi iaceant intellegere possumus. 

But if, setting aside those things which supply us and which he lacks—the Senate, the Roman knights, the city, the treasury, the revenues, all Italy, all the provinces, foreign nations—if setting aside these we wish to compare only the causes that clash with each other, from that alone we may see how completely prostrate they are. 

Ex hac enim parte pudor pugnat, illinc petulantia; hinc pudicitia, illinc stuprum; hinc fides, illinc fraudatio; hinc pietas, illinc scelus; hinc constantia, illinc furor; hinc honestas, illinc turpitudo; hinc continentia, illinc libido; hinc denique aequitas, temperantia, fortitudo, prudentia, virtutes omnes certant cum iniquitate, luxuria, ignavia, temeritate, cum vitiis omnibus; postremo copia cum egestate, bona ratio cum perdita, mens sana cum amentia, bona denique spes cum omnium rerum desperatione confligit. 

For on this side fight shame, on that wantonness; here chastity, there debauchery; here faith, there fraud; here duty, there crime; here perseverance, there madness; here honor, there disgrace; here self-restraint, there lust; here finally justice, moderation, courage, wisdom—all virtues clash with injustice, extravagance, cowardice, recklessness—with all vices; and finally abundance contends with poverty, sound judgment with ruin, a sane mind with insanity, good hope with utter despair. 

In eius modi certamine ac proelio nonne, si hominum studia deficiant, di ipsi immortales cogant ab his praeclarissimis virtutibus tot et tanta vitia superari? 

In such a battle and conflict, if human effort should fail, would not the immortal gods themselves compel so many and such great vices to be overcome by these most glorious virtues? 

In Catilinam XII 

Quae cum ita sint, Quirites, vos, quem ad modum iam antea dixi, vestra tecta vigiliis custodiisque defendite; mihi ut urbi sine vestro metu ac sine ullo tumultu satis esset praesidi consultum atque provisum est. 

Since these things are so, citizens, you—just as I said before—defend your homes with watches and guards; I have made sure that there is sufficient protection for the city without your fear and without any disturbance. 

Coloni omnes municipesque vestri certiores a me facti de hac nocturna excursione Catilinae facile urbis suas finisque defendent; gladiatores, quam sibi ille manum certissimam fore putavit, quamquam animo meliore sunt quam pars patriciorum, potestate tamen nostra continebuntur. 

All your colonists and townsmen, having been informed by me about this nocturnal sally of Catiline, will easily defend their towns and territories; the gladiators, whom he thought would be his most trustworthy force, although they are of better spirit than some of the nobles, will still be kept under control by our authority. 

Q. Metellus quem ego hoc prospiciens in agrum Gallicum Picenumque praemisi aut opprimet hominem aut eius omnis motus conatusque prohibebit. 

Quintus Metellus, whom I, foreseeing this, have sent ahead into the Gallic and Picene region, will either crush the man or prevent all his movements and attempts. 

Reliquis autem de rebus constituendis, maturandis, agendis iam ad senatum referemus, quem vocari videtis. 

As for the remaining matters to be settled, expedited, and carried out, we will now refer them to the Senate, which you see is being convened. 

Nunc illos qui in urbe remanserunt atque adeo qui contra urbis salutem omniumque vestrum in urbe a Catilina relicti sunt, quamquam sunt hostes, tamen, quia nati sunt cives, monitos etiam atque etiam volo. 

Now as for those who remained in the city, indeed those left here by Catiline against the safety of the city and of you all—though they are enemies, since they were born as citizens—I wish to warn them again and again. 

Mea lenitas adhuc si cui solutior visa est, hoc exspectavit ut id quod latebat erumperet. 

If my leniency has so far seemed too lax to anyone, it waited for this—for that which lay hidden to burst forth. 

Quod reliquum est, iam non possum oblivisci meam hanc esse patriam, me horum esse consulem, mihi aut cum his vivendum aut pro his esse moriendum. 

As for what remains, I can no longer forget that this is my fatherland, that I am these men's consul, and that I must either live with them or die for them. 

Nullus est portis custos, nullus insidiator viae: si qui exire volunt, conivere possum; qui vero se in urbe commoverit cuius ego non modo factum sed vel inceptum ullum conatumve contra patriam deprehendero, sentiet in hac urbe esse consules vigilantis, esse egregios magistratus, esse fortem senatum, esse arma, esse carcerem quem vindicem nefariorum ac manifestorum scelerum maiores nostri esse voluerunt. 

There is no guard at the gates, no one lying in wait along the roads: if anyone wishes to leave, I can overlook it; but whoever stirs himself within the city—whose deed or even any plan or attempt against the republic I discover—he will feel that in this city there are vigilant consuls, outstanding magistrates, a strong senate, arms, and a prison which our ancestors wished to be the avenger of wicked and manifest crimes.

In Catilinam XIII 

Atque haec omnia sic agentur ut maximae res minimo motu, pericula summa nullo tumultu, bellum intestinum ac domesticum post hominum memoriam crudelissimum et maximum me uno togato duce et imperatore sedetur. 

And all these things will be managed in such a way that the greatest matters will be settled with the least disturbance, the gravest dangers without any tumult, and an internal and domestic war—the cruelest and greatest in human memory—will be quelled with me alone, a civilian, as leader and commander. 

Quod ego sic administrabo, Quirites, ut, si ullo modo fieri poterit, ne improbus quidem quisquam in hac urbe poenam sui sceleris sufferat. 

This I will conduct, citizens, in such a way that, if in any way it can be done, not even a single wicked man in this city shall suffer punishment for his crime. 

Sed si vis manifestae audaciae, si impendens patriae periculum me necessario de hac animi lenitate deduxerit, illud profecto perficiam quod in tanto et tam insidioso bello vix optandum videtur, ut neque bonus quisquam intereat paucorumque poena vos omnes salvi esse possitis. 

But if the force of open audacity, if the looming danger to the fatherland compels me necessarily to depart from this mildness of spirit, I will certainly accomplish that which in so great and treacherous a war scarcely seems possible to hope for: that no good man shall perish, and that by the punishment of a few, all of you may be saved. 

Quae quidem ego neque mea prudentia neque humanis consiliis fretus polliceor vobis, Quirites, sed multis et non dubiis deorum immortalium significationibus, quibus ego ducibus in hanc spem sententiamque sum ingressus; qui iam non procul, ut quondam solebant, ab externo hoste atque longinquo, sed hic praesentes suo numine atque auxilio sua templa atque urbis tecta defendunt. 

And these things I promise you, citizens, not relying on my own foresight or on human counsel, but on many clear and certain signs from the immortal gods, under whose guidance I have entered into this hope and decision; who now no longer, as they once used to, stand far off from a foreign and distant enemy, but here present, with their divine power and aid, are defending their temples and the rooftops of the city. 

Quos vos, Quirites, precari, venerari, implorare debetis ut, quam urbem pulcherrimam florentissimam potentissimamque esse voluerunt, hanc omnibus hostium copiis terra marique superatis a perditissimorum civium nefario scelere defendant. 

These gods, citizens, you ought to beseech, to venerate, to implore, that the city which they have willed to be the most beautiful, the most flourishing, and the most powerful, they may now defend—after all the enemy forces by land and sea have been conquered—against the nefarious crime of the most depraved of citizens.