[sect. 3]
ex hac [gap in text] parte : i.e. on the side of the Optimates.
qui [gap in text] timere: this thought recurs frequently in the letters of the next six months; cf., e.g., Att. 8.8.1 (Pompeius) eundem (i.e. Caesarem) repente timere coeperat, condicionem pacis nullam probarat, nihil ad bellum pararat.
senatus [gap in text] triumphum: the right of introducing a subject rested with the presiding officer.
maius suum beneficium: a greater favor on his part, since he could arrange a triumph more worthy of Cicero after the disposal of Caesar's case.
nos Capuam sumpsimus : Cicero's principal duty was to protect Campania and raise levies there. Cf. Att. 7.14.2 me Pompeius Capuam venire voluit et adiuvare dilectum, in quo parum prolixe respondent Campani coloni; see also Intr. 29.