ipsam, 'by itself.'
[§9].
mea quid intersit, 'what is for my own interest.'
quoniam hanc. 'Viam' is 'path,' 'course.' In English we may perhaps change the metaphor, and say 'since he has taken what we agree to call the popular side in politics.' The 'populares' were the opponents of the 'optimates'; they aimed at breaking down the aristocratic rule of the senate.
cognitore, properly one who acts for another in a law-suit, 'advocate.'
nescio an, lit. 'I hardly know whether'; so affirmatively = 'I am disposed to think.'
rationes, 'considerations.'
enim, used like γάρ, to introduce a narrative or discussion of a point. 'Now we have,' etc.
obsidem, 'pledge.'
intellectum est, etc. 'We understood (when we heard Caesar) how great was the contrast between the frivolity of demagogues and the true democratic spirit, which has the interest of the people at heart.'