CHAPTER VII.
_CICERO AS AEDILE AND PRAETOR._ [Sidenote: B.C.69, aetat.

38.] The year after the trial of Verres was that of Cicero's AEdileship.

We know but little of him in the performance of the duties of this office, but we may gather that he performed them to the satisfaction of the people.

He did not spend much money for their amusements, although it was the custom of AEdiles to ruin themselves in seeking popularity after this fashion; and yet when, two years afterward, he solicited the Praetorship from the people, he was three times elected as first Praetor in all the comitia--three separate elections having been rendered necessary by certain irregularities and factious difficulties.

To all the offices, one after another, he was elected in his first year--the first year possible in accordance with his age--and was elected first in honor, the first as Praetor, and then the first as Consul.