Institutio Oratoria

Consequently when we come across denunciations such as that directed against Rullus for the obscurity of his language, [*](de Leq. Agr. II. v. 13. ) or against Piso for his utter incapacity as a speaker, [*](in Pis. i. 30, etc. ) or against Antony [*](Phil. ii. 4, iii, 4, xiii. 19, etc. ) for his lack of taste and his complete ignorance both of words and things, we shall give then our sanction as reasonable concessions to passion and just resentment, and as useful in stirring up hatred against those whom it is desired to render unpopular.

The method of reply to our opponent's counsel should be on different lines. Sometimes however we are justified in attacking, not merely their manner of speaking, but also their character, their appearance, their gait or bearing. Indeed, in his attack on Quintius, Cicero [*](pro Cluents xl. III. ) does not confine himself to these topics, but even attacks his purple-bordered toga that goes trailing to his heels: for Quintius had caused Cluentius grave

Sometimes, in order to dispel the unpopularity excited by bitter criticism, the latter may be disposed of by a jest, as for example Cicero disposes of Triarius. For to the allegation that the pillars destined for the house of Scaurus were carried on waggons through the city streets he replied, [*](pro Scauro xxii. 46. )

I got my pillars from the quarries of Alba, and had them brought in panniers!

On the other hand there is no objection to complaining of the conduct of the advocates on either side, so long as our complaint follows accepted practice and does not overstep the limits imposed by good manners; I refer to complaints such as that our opponents have abridged, obscured or postponed the discussion of some point, or with deliberate cunning have avoided discussing it at all.