Could something be done for the sake of Rome, for the sake of the Republic, to redeem the courts of justice from the obloquy which was attached to them?
Might it be possible for a man so to address himself not only to the judgment-seat, but to all Rome, as to do away with this iniquity once and forever?
Could he so fill the minds of the citizens generally with horror at such proceedings as to make them earnest in demanding reform?
Hortensius, the great advocate of the day, was not only engaged on behalf of Verres, but he was already chosen as Consul for the next year.

Metellus, who was elected Praetor for the next year, was hot in defence of Verres.

Indeed, there were three Metelluses among the friends of the accused, who had also on his side the Scipio of the day.

The aristocracy of Rome was altogether on the side of Verres, as was natural.

But if Cicero might succeed at all in this which he meditated, the very greatness of his opponents would help him.