[149] Where he had been as quæstor. Hera is said to be another name for Hybla. Some read heri, "only yesterday."
[150] Clodius is shewing off his modesty. It was usual for persons returning from a province to send messengers in front, and to travel deliberately, that their friends might pay them the compliment of going out to meet them. Entering the city after nightfall was another method of avoiding a public reception. See Suet. Aug. 53.
[152] Clodia, wife of the consul Metellus. See p. 22, [note].
[153] We don't know who this is; probably a cavaliere servente of Clodia's.
[154] I.e., in the business of her brother Clodius's attempt to get the tribuneship.
[155] Though Cæsar has been mentioned before in regard to his candidature for the consulship, and in connexion with the Clodius case, this is the first reference to him as a statesman. He is on the eve of his return from Spain, and already is giving indication of his coalition with Pompey. His military success in Spain first clearly demonstrated his importance.
[156] During the meeting of the senate at the time of the Catilinarian conspiracy (2 Phil. § 16).
[157] The consul Cæcilius Metellus was imprisoned by the tribune Flavius for resisting his land law (Dio, xxxvii. 50).
[158] M. Favonius, an extreme Optimate. Ille Catonis æmulus (Suet. Aug. 13). He had a bitter tongue, but a faithful heart (Plut. Pomp. 60, 73; Vell. ii 73). He did not get the prætorship (which he was now seeking) till B.C. 49. He was executed after Philippi (Dio. 47, 49).