He writes to Decimus at Mutina about this time a letter full of hope--of hope which we can see to be genuine. "Recruits are being raised in all Italy--if that can be called recruiting which is in truth a spontaneous rushing into arms of the entire population."[212] He expects letters telling him what "our Hirtius" is doing, and what "my young Caesar." Hirtius and Pansa, the Consuls of the year, though they had been Caesar's party, and made Consuls by Caesar, were forced to fight for the Republic. They had been on friendly terms with Cicero, and they doubted Antony. Hirtius had now followed the army, and Pansa was about to do so. They both fell in the battle that was fought at Mutina, and no one can now accuse them of want of loyalty. But "my Caesar," on whose behalf Cicero made so many sweet speeches, for whose glory he was so careful, whose early republican principles he was so anxious to direct, made his terms with Antony on the first occasion. At that time Cicero wrote to Plancus. Consul elect for the next year, and places before his eyes a picture of all that he can do for the Republic. "Lay yourself out--yes, I pray you, by the immortal gods--for that which will bring you to the height of glory and renown."[213] At the end of January or beginning of February he again addressed the Senate on the subject of the embassy--a matter altogether foreign from that which it had been convoked to discuss. To Cicero's mind there was no other subject at the present moment fit to occupy the thoughts of a Roman Senator. "We have met together to settle something about the Appian Way, and something about the coinage. The mind revolts from such little cares, torn by greater matters." The ambassadors are expected back--two of them at least, for Sulpicius had died on his road. He cautions the Senate against receiving with quiet composure such an answer as Antony will probably send them. "Why do I--I who am a man of peace--refuse peace? Because it is base, because it is full of danger--because peace is impossible." Then he proceeds to explain that it is so. "What a disgrace would it be that Antony, after so many robberies, after bringing back banished comrades, after selling the taxes of the State, putting up kingdoms to auction, shall rise up on the consular bench and address a free Senate! * * * Can you have an assured peace while there is an Antony in the State--or many Antonys? Or how can you be at peace with one who hates you as does he; or how can he be at peace with those who hate him as do you? * * * You have such an opportunity," he says at last, "as never fell to the lot of any. You are able, with all senatorial dignity, with all the zeal of the knights, with all the favor of the Roman people, now to make the Republic free from fear and danger, once and forever." Then he thus ends his speech. "About those things which have been brought before us, I agree with Servilius." That is the seventh Philippic.