[-43-] Now irritation and opposition had developed even then on the part of the nobles particularly because Marcius and Acilius were making peace before the period of their command had expired.  And the populace, although a little earlier it had sent the men to establish a government over the conquered territory, regarding the war as at an end from the letters which Lucullus sent them, nevertheless voted to do as Manilius proposed.  Those who urged them most to this course were Caesar and Marcus Cicero.  These men seconded the measure not because they thought it advantageous to the state nor because they wished to do Pompey a favor.  Inasmuch, however, as things were certain to turn out that way, Caesar cultivated the good will of the multitude:  he saw, in the first place, how much stronger they were than the senate and further he paved the way for a similar vote some time to be passed for his own profit.  Incidentally, too, he was willing to render Pompey more envied and invidious as a result of the honors conferred upon him, so that the people might get their fill of him more quickly.  Cicero saw fit to play politics and was endeavoring to make it clear to both populace and nobles that to whichever side he should attach himself, he would substantially benefit them.  He was accustomed to fill a double role and espoused now the cause of one party and again that of the other, to the end that he might be sought after by both.  A little while before he had said that he chose the side of the optimates and for that reason wished to be aedile rather than tribune; but now he went over to the side of the rabble.[-44-] Soon after, as a suit was instituted by the nobles against Manilius and the latter was striving to cause some delay about it, Cicero tried to thwart him, and only after obstinate objection did he put off his case till the following day, offering as an excuse that the year was drawing to a close.  He was enabled to do this by the fact that he was praetor and president of the court.  But since the crowd was still discontented he entered their assembly, presumably compelled thereto by the tribunes, where he inveighed against the senate and promised to speak in support of Manilius.  For this he fell into ill repute generally, and was termed “deserter.” [Probably spurious:  “because Caesar cultivated the populace from the beginning, whereas Cicero usually played a double part; sometimes he sided with the people, sometimes with the assembly, and for this reason he was termed ‘deserter.’”—­Mai, p. 552]:  but a tumult that immediately arose prevented the court from being convened.  Publius Paetus and Cornelius Sulla (a nephew of that great Sulla) who had been appointed consuls and then convicted of bribery, plotted to kill their accusers, Gotta and Torquatus, Lucii, especially after the latter had been convicted in turn.  Among others who had been suborned were Gnaeus Piso and Lucius Catiline, a man of great audacity; he had himself sought the office