Letter

Dear Niger,

I attach copies of two anonymous notes received by me recently. You will no doubt already be aware of my Proclamation which I caused to be posted in the Forum.

I regret that the writer of these notes has not taken up my strong suggestion that he should come out into the open, but he has at least named names. It is indeed fortunate that he had the sense only to mention such names in a private communication to the Censors since, if Apronius or Sisenna ever got wind of them before they could give evidence, I would fear for their safety.

In any event I cannot see that there are any grounds for proceeding against Sisenna; so Apronius visited his Domus; so what? Is everyone to be suspect just because that hothead Apronius visited them? Of course not!

Apronius, however, is another matter. If this note is right – and my agents have checked it out – then it seems to me there is the basis of a criminal case against him for inciting to riot. I therefore order you to begin a criminal prosecution against Apronius, and to appoint a prosecutor accordingly. I am sure there will be some public-spirited citizens out there willing and eager to increase their reputation be assisting.

T. Quinctius Flaminius, Censor