First Oration of Cicero Against Catiline: With Notices, Notes and Complete Vocabulary

Part of Cicero's efforts to condemn L. Sergius Catilina (Catiline) and to alert the Roman Senate to a conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the government. The text serves as a pivotal moment in Roman political history, highlighting themes of loyalty, treachery, and the struggle for power. At the start of the oration, Cicero addresses Catiline directly, expressing outrage over his audacity to appear in the Senate while plotting against the state. Cicero accuses Catiline of various crimes and warns him that his conspiratorial plans have been uncovered, effectively calling for his expulsion from Rome to protect the Republic. The speech builds tension as Cicero implores Catiline to leave, emphasizing the threat he poses and the need for decisive action to safeguard the Republic from his destructive intentions. This opening reveals not only the danger posed by Catiline but also Cicero's commitment to uphold the integrity of Roman governance.