Mala tempora currunt!

I saw a pipiatio on Pipiatum (X) about Cicero’s oration against Cataline.  It brought back many memories.  Not that I was there… but I was, sort of.  I studied it in school.  Also, there is an inscription from the consulship of Cicero above the Forum and behind the Campidoglio where the “she wolf” is.  I always give it a good look when I am there.  In any event, the oration – this oration, mind you – of Cicero against Cataline is magnificent.  Cicero certainly at stenographers, but he certain also polished his speeches later.  But it is hardly to be doubted that Cicero railed against Cataline.

What am I talking about?

In an incredibly brief summation, in the throes of the Republic there are massive socio-economic problems in Rome and Pompey was looming in the distance with his legions.  The Senate and the Roman People (SPQR) were modern day republicans, in a sense, unable to get their caca together and solve problems.  Relatively lower family status Cicero defeated Cataline, from an ancient clan, for the consulship in 64 BC.  Cataline organized a group to commit coup.  Cicero got wind of it and there were bitter public exchanges.  Conspirators were arrested, Cataline fled with troops eventually to be run down.

The most famous of Cicero’s four Catalinarian Orations, given while he was consul (polished later),  is the first.  It is a web of rhetorical devices and invective.  It is in this speech that we have the famous phrase – often uttered in my own circle of friends when we are in our Latin mode – “O tempora! O mores!  … O what times these are!  O what dreadful conduct!”   He had used the phrase also against the fabulously corrupt governor of Sicily, Verres.    The first part of the speech is in the “tweet” I mentioned…

Quo usque tandem abutere, Catilina, patientia nostra? Quam diu etiam furor iste tuus nos eludet? Quem ad finem sese effrenata iactabit audacia?

Cicero addressing Catiline in the Senate: the most famous roasting in history. pic.twitter.com/fCcM9kV6vT

— Learn Latin (@latinedisce) June 19, 2024

I am reminded of an interview I recently read… “he takes part in public debate, he notes and marks out with his eyes each one of us for slaughter!”

Ah dear readers… as we find in another place…

Mala tempora currunt!

To which we respond…

Sed peiora parantur.