hic Popillius postea, nec re nec verbo a Cicerone laesus, ultro M. Antonium rogavit ut ad illum proscriptum persequendum et iugulandum mitteretur, impetratisque detestabilis ministerii partibus gaudio exsultans Caietam cucurrit, et virum mitto quod amplissimae dignitatis, certe salutari studio praesentis officii privatim sibi venerandum, iugulum praebere iussit, ac protinus caput Romanae eloquentiae et pacis clarissimam dexteram per summum et securum otium amputavit, eaque sarcina tamquam opimis spoliis alacer in urbem reversus est: neque enim scelestum portanti.
Later this Popillius of his own accord asked Mark Antony to be sent to pursue and slaughter the proscribed Cicero, who had not harmed him either in deed or word. His role, the abominable employment, was granted him. Exultant he hurried to Caieta and commanded to offer his throat one whom he should at least have privately respected on account of ready service rendered with salutary zeal, to say nothing of his exalted public standing. And straight away he cut off the head of Roman eloquence and the illustrious right hand of peace in perfect leisure and security. Thus burdened as though with spoils of single combat, he briskly returned to Rome.
final_alignments\Valerius_Memorable_Book5.json