“For to state the truth in few words whatever parties, during that period, disturbed the republic under plausible pretexts, some as if to defend the rights of the people, others to make the authority of the senate as great as possible, everyone, while pretending concern for the public good, contended for their own interests. In such contests there was neither moderation nor limit; each party made a merciless use of its successes.”
Salustius, The Conspiracy of Cataline XXXVIII
