Thus was it that Cicero and Cato for a while saved the commonwealth, and checked the future Dictator in his first efforts to subvert the liberties of Rome, happy for him and for his country if it had been his last.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE TULLIANUM.
To be, or not be, that is the question.
Hamlet.
Night was at hand.
The Roman Senate might not sit after the sun had set.
Although the Tribunes had failed, in the consternation of the moment, to respond to the call of Cæsar, there was no doubt, that, if one night should intervene, those miscalled magistrates would check the course of justice.