Chapter 5, In Catilinam II Summary and Analysis

Catiline responded to Cicero by arguing that he was innocent and that Cicero was a 'squatter', since his family was not originally patrician. This was not taken well by the senate and Catiline ran out of the senate chamber. He leaves letters behind him, instructing his followers and asking others for help. The next day, Cicero gives Catilinam II, where he tells the people that Catiline has run off and he exposes the sorts of people who support Catiline's conspiracy.

Catiline is clearly a criminal and a traitor, Cicero exclaims. He asks that the crowd not blame him for not apprehending Catiline; Cicero denies that the man himself is a danger. He attacks Catiline's army as an embarrassment in comparison to the Roman army. He strongly desires to be rid of Catiline and his followers...