Caius Cassinius Schola, a man of Interamna, gave his evidence,—a most intimate friend of Publius Clodius, and more, a companion of his at the very time; according to whose testimony, Publius Clodius was at Interamna and at Rome at the very same time. Well, he said, That Publius Clodius had intended to remain that day at his Alban villa; but that on a sudden news was brought to him, that Cyrus his architect was dead; and, therefore, that he determined to proceed to Rome immediately. Caius Clodius, who was also a companion of Publius Clodius, said the same. [cap.18] [47]
Take notice, O judges, what the real effect of this evidence must be. First of all, Milo is certainly acquitted of having set out with the express intention of waylaying Clodius on his road; this must be since there was apparently no chance whatever of his meeting him. In the next place, (for I see no reason why I should not do something for myself at the same time,) you know, O judges, that there have been men found to say while urging on this bill against Milo, that the murder was committed by the hand indeed of Milo, but by the plan of some one of more importance than he. Those abject and profligate men, forsooth, pointed me out as a robber and assassin. Now they are convicted by their own witnesses, who say that Clodius would not have returned to Rome that day if he had not heard the news about Cyrus I breathed again; I was delivered, I am not any longer afraid of being supposed to have contemplated an action which I could not possibly have suspected.