45.] We have two other letters written by Cicero in this year, the first of which is in answer to one from Metellus Celer to him, also extant.
Metellus wrote to complain of the ill-treatment which he thought he had received from Cicero in the Senate, and from the Senate generally.
Cicero writes back at much greater length to defend himself, and to prove that he had behaved as a most obliging friend to his correspondent, though he had received a gross affront from his correspondent's brother Nepos.

Nepos had prevented him in that matter of the speech.

It is hardly necessary to go into the question of this quarrel, except in so far as it may show how the feeling which led to Cicero's exile was growing up among many of the aristocracy in Rome.
There was a counterplot going on at the moment--a plot on the behalf of the aristocracy for bringing back Pompey to Rome, not only with glory but with power, probably originating in a feeling that Pompey would be a more congenial master than Cicero.

It was suggested that as Pompey had been found good in all State emergencies--for putting down the pirates, for instance, and for conquering Mithridates--he would be the man to contend in arms with Catiline.

Catiline was killed before the matter could be brought to an issue, but still the conspiracy went on, based on the jealousy which was felt in regard to Cicero.