Note 3 — CICERO AGAINST CATILINE
Reading edition
: quare—audeo: “wherefore since I do not yet dare to pursue that course which first presents itself and which is in accordance with the power (I hold) and the principles of our ancestors” —imperii genitive after proprium. What cases may proprius govern? —imperii refers to the extraordinary power which he had by the decree videant consules ne quid detrimenti respublica capiat. This decree (decretum ultimum) armed the consuls with civil and military authority. Others say imperii proprium means, “in accordance with this government.”