It has been agreed, however, that such was not the case.

It consists of a narration of the villainies of Verres, and is divided into what have been called five different speeches, to which the following appellations are given: De Praetura Urbana, in which we are told what Verres did when he was city Praetor, and very many things also which he did before he came to that office, De Jurisdictione Siciliensi, in which is described his conduct as a Roman magistrate on the island; De Re Frumentaria, setting forth the abomination of his exactions in regard to the corn tax; De Signis, detailing the robberies he perpetuated in regard to statues and other ornaments; and De Suppliciis, giving an account of the murders he committed and the tortures he inflicted.

A question is sometimes mooted in conversation whether or no the general happiness of the world has been improved by increasing civilization When the reader finds from these stories, as told by a leading Roman of the day, how men were treated under the Roman oligarchy--not only Greek allies but Romans also--I think he will be inclined to answer the question in favour of civilization.
I can only give a few of the many little histories which have been preserved for us in this Actio Secunda; but perhaps these few may suffice to show how a great Roman officer could demean himself in his government.

Of the doings of Verres before he went to Sicily I will select two.

It became his duty on one occasion--a job which he seems to have sought for purpose of rapine--to go to Lampsacus, a town in Asia, as lieutenant, or legate, for Dolabella, who then had command in Asia.
Lampsacus was on the Hellespont, an allied town of specially good repute.