so without violating the auspices or the laws, or, in fact, without absolute violence. I don't think I need write a word either about my own zeal or the injurious proceedings of certain persons. For why should I make any display myself--since, if I were even to shed my blood in defence of your position, I should think that I had not covered a tithe of your services to me? Or why complain of the injurious conduct of others, which I cannot do without the deepest pain? I cannot at all pledge myself to you as to the effect of open violence, especially with such feeble magistrates; but, open violence out of the question, I can assure you that you will retain your high position, if the warmest affections both of the senate and the Roman people can secure it to you. [Footnote 448: _I.e._, no meeting of the senate for ordinary business. During the month of February the senate usually devoted all its time to hearing and answering deputations from the provinces or foreign states. The _lex Pupia_ forbade the meeting of the senate on _dies comitiales_, and after the 14th the days in January were all _comitiales_: but another law (_lex Vatinia_) ordered it to meet every day in February for the business of the legations. If this business was concluded or deferred it remained a moot point whether a magistrate was not still bound or, at least, allowed to summon it for other business (_ad Q. Fr._ ii. 13).] XCVII (F I, 5) TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER (IN CILICIA) ROME, FEBRUARY [Sidenote: B.C. 56, ÆT. 50]