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54 B.C.] favour of Cicero's advocacy of his interests again later on.

It was much more painful to Cicero to have to defend Gabinius, the man who had sold him to Clodius, and who had shared with his colleague Piso and with Clodius himself Cicero's extremest hatred. There were several accusations against Gabinius, but the most serious was for treason in having quitted his province without leave to restore the King of Egypt (see p. 252). Cicero was one of the witnesses against him at the first trial, but he declined to prosecute out of regard for Pompey. Gabinius was very humble now to Cicero; he refused to cross-examine him at the trial, professed gratitude for his forbearance, and said that, if he were permitted to retain his place in the State, he would one day make amends for the injuries he had done him. Pompey, while begging Cicero to undertake the defence at a second trial for extortion, acknowledged that he could ask the favour only supposing that Gabinius made atonement for his conduct. What Gabinius said or did to satisfy him, we are not informed: but Cicero after holding out for some time longer yielded at last. This second trial took place before the stern bar of Cato, and all the exertions of Cicero and all the influence of Pompey were unable to procure a verdict. The result was very damaging to Pompey, especially following