[19]
I think it is plain enough, O judges, that this question about the road-making does not concern Marcus Fonteius, and that the business was managed by these men, with whom no one can find fault. 9
Listen now to the facts relating to the charge about wine, which they meant to be the most odious, and the most important charge. The charge, O judges, has been thus stated by Plaetorius: that it had not occurred to Fonteius for the first time when he was in Gaul to establish a transit duty on wine, but that he had thought of the plan in Italy , before he departed from Rome . Accordingly, that Titurius had exacted at Tolosa fourteen denarii for every amphora 1 of wine, under the name of transit duty; that Portius and Numius at Crodunum had exacted three victoriati; that Serveus at Vulchalo had exacted two victoriati; and in those districts they believe that transit duty was exacted by these men at Vulchalo, in case of any one turning aside to Cobiamachus, which is a small town between Tolosa and Narbo , and not wishing to proceed so far as Tolosa . Elesiodulus exacted only six denarii from those who were taking wine to the enemy. 2
I think it is plain enough, O judges, that this question about the road-making does not concern Marcus Fonteius, and that the business was managed by these men, with whom no one can find fault. 9
Listen now to the facts relating to the charge about wine, which they meant to be the most odious, and the most important charge. The charge, O judges, has been thus stated by Plaetorius: that it had not occurred to Fonteius for the first time when he was in Gaul to establish a transit duty on wine, but that he had thought of the plan in Italy , before he departed from Rome . Accordingly, that Titurius had exacted at Tolosa fourteen denarii for every amphora 1 of wine, under the name of transit duty; that Portius and Numius at Crodunum had exacted three victoriati; that Serveus at Vulchalo had exacted two victoriati; and in those districts they believe that transit duty was exacted by these men at Vulchalo, in case of any one turning aside to Cobiamachus, which is a small town between Tolosa and Narbo , and not wishing to proceed so far as Tolosa . Elesiodulus exacted only six denarii from those who were taking wine to the enemy. 2
Pro Fonteio. M. Tullius Cicero. Charles Duke Yonge (Translator). London. 1856.
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