"Cives Romanus" is Cicero's cry from the beginning to the end.

No doubt he is addressing himself to Romans, and seeking popularity, as he always did.

But, nevertheless, the demands made upon the outside world at large by the glory of that appellation are astonishing, even when put forward on such an occasion as this.

One Gavius escapes from a prison in Syracuse, and, making his way to Messana, foolishly boasts that he would be soon over in Italy, out of the way of Praetor Verres and his cruelties.

Verres, unfortunately, is in Messana, and soon hears from some of his friends, the Mamertines, what Gavius was saying.