Labienus listened with great interest to Catulus and had he been a lesser man he might have been intimidated. Once Catulus was finished, Labienus stood once more.
"Dear Caius Aemilius Catulus, forgive my delay in answering your question and addressing this august body. First I begin by saying that you are most correct." Labienus placed his right hand over his heart and bowed forward dramatically. "It is true, I dishonored the venerable senators present and the memories of those that preceded us. I reacted emotionally and should have never wished a pox on any good senator's home. But as you say, you have been away for a very long time, and things change my friend, things change.
"On the matter of Tiberius Gallus Augur and support from the Italians. There is no need venerable Catulus for alarm, for there is no great conspiracy against Roma by the Italians. But if you were to descend from your ivory chair and talk to the people, you will hear the same discussion. The Italians are in favor of Tiberius Gallus Augur as consul as a result of his reconstruction efforts that are in progress in Placentia. Word travels fast in the provinces of good deeds, and you should know that since you have been away in the province for so long. The Italians are not stupid. They are aware of the various pieces of legislation that have been voted down. Legislation that would have favored Roman citizenship being extended to them. One man alone has shown his appreciation to the Italians and what they have given to Rome. One man, and one man alone and that man is Tiberius Gallus Augur. This is why the Italians are in favor of Gallus as consul. Tiberius Gallus Augur is a man of his word. But this is a moot point since as Sextus Rufus Agrippa explains, Gallus is not interested in the consulship for 646.
"To address your insults to me, think what you will Caius Aemilius, but I am no sycophant. Where were you when Roma needed good men to lead her legions into battle against the Cimbri, the Ambrones, and the Teutones? Where were you Caius Aemilius for you were not in Roma ... you did not offer your services to Roma to defend her people. Where were you Caius Aemilius when Roma teetered on the brink of disaster? I recognize a true Roman when I see one, and when I see one I believe to the depths of my being that man should be rewarded. Rewarded not just for his political gain and ambitions as you imply, but to set an example for our youth to follow. To demonstrate to our youth that this is the type of man to which you should aspire, not for personal gain, but for the gain of Roma."
Titus Labienus glared at Catulus awaiting his response.