Against such there was a strong prejudice with the aristocracy, who did not like to see the good things of the Republic dispersed among an increased number of hands.

The power of voting was common to all Roman male citizens; but the power of influencing the electors had passed very much into the hands of the rich.

The admiration which Cicero had determined to elicit would not go very far, unless it could be produced in a very high degree.

A Verres could get himself made Praetor; a Lepidus some years since could receive the Consulship; or now an Antony, or almost a Catiline.

The candidate would borrow money on the security of his own audacity, and would thus succeed--perhaps with some minor gifts of eloquence, if he could achieve them.