[175] Catiline writes that he will not undertake a detailed defence of his new design of taking up arms, but he says that he wishes to justify himself in regard to one point, and that merely because he is not conscious of any criminal act. _Satisfactio_ is nearly the same as _defensio_, but less formal. A man defends himself against opponents, but before friends he merely gives an explanation, whereby they may be gained over to his side. _Ex nulla conscientia_, 'in consequence of his not being conscious of guilt.' The expression is rather harsh and artificial, and seemingly in Catiline's own style of writing. [176] _Medius fidius_, the same as _mehercules_. See Zumpt, S 361. [177] 'I could not maintain the position of my dignity;' that is, I could not maintain my position in society after my enemies had deprived me of the consulship. [178] 'Not as if I could not pay my own debts out of my property, since Orestilla has paid even other persons' debts out of her own purse;' she would accordingly have done the same much more for me, her husband. _Aes alienum meis nominibus_ is the same as _meum ipsius aes alienum_, 'debts on my own account.' _Nomen_, in money transactions, is something put down to a person's account. Hence _aes alienum alienis nominibus_ is the same as _aliorum debita_, 'other persons' debts,' _aes alienum_ being understood from the preceding clause. [179] 'I felt that I had become estranged by false suspicions,' namely, 'from the Roman people,' who confer the honours which have been obtained by unworthy persons. [180] _Hoc nomine_, the same as _ideo_, 'accordingly,' 'for this reason.' [181] This is said in allusion to the consul Cicero, as if he had intended to arrest Catiline, and imprison him. Catiline evidently has recourse to this expedient for the purpose of avoiding his awkward explanation. They are hollow phrases about honour, the republic, and persecution, and well suited to the ruined circumstances of that nobleman. [182] _Haveto_. It is much more common to use this word in meeting a person, while _vale_ is the ordinary expression in parting from a friend.