When it was known that he was to be pitted against Hortensius as an advocate, and that he intended to defy Hortensius as the coming Consul, then surely Rome would be awake to the occasion; and if Rome could be made to awake herself, then would this beautiful scheme of wealth from provincial plunder be brought to an end.
I will first speak of the work of the judges, and of the attempts made to hinder Cicero in the business he had undertaken.

Then I will endeavor to tell something of the story of Verres and his doings.

The subject divides itself naturally in this way.

There are extant seven so-called orations about Verres, of which the two first apply to the manner in which the case should be brought before the courts.

These two were really spoken, and were so effective that Verres--or probably Hortensius, on his behalf--was frightened into silence.