Cf. _Att._ XVI. 11. He was accused of attempting to murder Antony.

As I am writing this, it just occurs to me that my speech is being
delivered to you. How I fear your judgment on it! Though what does it
matter to me, as it will not be published, unless the constitution is
restored? And what hope I have of that I dare not say.

                                Page 334

                                  XIV

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano V K. Quint. a. 710_]

VI Kalend. accepi a Dolabella litteras. Quarum exemplum tibi misi. In
quibus erat omnia se fecisse, quae tu velles. Statim ei rescripsi et
multis verbis gratias egi. Sed tamen, ne miraretur, cur idem iterum
facerem, hoc causae sumpsi, quod ex te ipso coram antea nihil potuissem
cognoscere. Sed quid multa? litteras hoc exemplo dedi:

                      "CICERO DOLABELLAE COS. SUO.

"Antea cum litteris Attici nostri de tua summa liberalitate summoque
erga se beneficio certior factus essem, cumque tu ipse etiam ad me
scripsisses te fecisse ea, quae nos voluissemus, egi tibi gratias per
litteras iis verbis, ut intellegeres nihil te mihi gratius facere
potuisse. Postea vero quam ipse Atticus ad me venit in Tusculanum huius
unius rei causa, tibi ut apud me gratias ageret, cuius eximiam quandam
et admirabilem in causa Buthrotia voluntatem et singularem erga se
amorem perspexisset, teneri non potui, quin tibi apertius illud idem his
litteris declararem. Ex omnibus enim, mi Dolabella, studiis in me et
officiis, quae summa sunt, hoc scito mihi et amplissimum videri et
gratissimum esse, quod perfeceris, ut Atticus intellegeret, quantum ego
te, quantum tu me amares. Quod reliquum est, Buthrotiam et causam et
civitatem, quamquam a te constituta est (beneficia autem nostra tueri
solemus),

                                Page 335

                                  XIV

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 27_, B.C. _44_]

On the 26th I received a letter from Dolabella, and I am sending you a
copy of it. In it he says he has done everything you wanted. I answered
at once, thanking him profusely. However, to prevent his wondering why I
should do so twice, I gave as a reason that I had not been able to get
any information from you before when I met you. But, to cut it short,
here is a copy of my letter:—

              "CICERO TO HIS FRIEND DOLABELLA THE CONSUL.

"Once before, when our friend Atticus had informed me by letter of your
great liberality and the great kindness you had shown him, and when you
yourself had written that you had done all that we wished, I sent you my
thanks couched in such terms that you might understand that you had done
me the greatest favour. But afterwards, when Atticus came himself to me
at Tusculum solely to declare his gratitude to you, as he had observed
your remarkable and indeed wonderful kindness in the matter of the
people of Buthrotum and your strong affection for himself, I could not
help expressing my thanks again more clearly in this letter. For of all
the favours and services you have done for me, and they are
overwhelming, my dear Dolabella, let me assure you that the highest and
the most gratifying is, that you have shown Atticus how great my
affection is for you, and yours for me. For the rest, as one generally
wishes to secure favours received, though the case of Buthrotum and its
existence as a city have been set on a firm footing by you, I

                                Page 336

tamen velim receptam in fidem tuam a meque etiam atque etiam tibi
commendatam auctoritate et auxilio tuo tectam velis esse. Satis erit in
perpetuum Buthrotiis praesidii, magnaque cura et sollicitudine Atticum
et me liberaris, si hoc honoris mei causa susceperis, ut eos semper a te
defenses velis. Quod ut facias, te vehementer etiam atque etiam rogo."

His litteris scriptis me ad συντάξεις dedi; quae quidem vereor ne
miniata cerula tua pluribus locis notandae sint. Ita sum μετέωρος et
magnis cogitationibus impeditus.

                                   XV

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Antiati Id. Iun. a. 710_]

L. Antonio male sit, si quidem Buthrotiis molestus est! Ego testimonium
composui, quod, cum voles, obsignabitur. Nummos Arpinatium, si L. Fadius
aedilis petet, vel omnes reddito. Ego ad te alia epistula scripsi de HS
¯CX¯, quae Statio curarentur. Si ergo petet Fadius, ei volo reddi,
praeter Fadium nemini. Apud me idem puto depositum. Id scripsi ad Erotem
ut redderet.

Reginam odi. Id me iure facere scit sponsor promissorum eius Ammonius,
quae quidem erant φιλόλογα et dignitatis meae, ut vel in contione dicere
auderem. Saran autem, praeterquam quod nefarium hominem, cognovi
praeterea in me contumacem. Semel eum omnino domi meae vidi. Cum
φιλοφρόνως

                                Page 337

should like you to use your authority and your power to protect it, as
it was put in your care and repeatedly recommended to you by me. That
will be sufficient to safeguard Buthrotum for ever, and, if in
compliment to me you will undertake to see them always protected, you
will relieve Atticus and me of a great care and anxiety: and this I beg
and entreat you to do."

After finishing this letter I have devoted myself to my treatise. I fear
you will run your red pencil under many passages in it. I have been so
distracted and hindered by weighty thoughts.

                                   XV

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Antium, June 13_, B.C. _44_]

Hang L. Antonius if he is obnoxious to the Buthrotians. I have drawn up
a deposition, which shall be signed whenever you like. If the aedile L.
Fadius asks for the money belonging to the people of Arpinum, pay it him
back in full. In another letter I mentioned the 1,000 guineas to be paid
to Statius. Well, if Fadius asks for them, I wish them to be paid to
him, but to no one else. I think it was deposited with me. I have
written to Eros to pay it.

I detest Cleopatra; and the voucher for her promises, Ammonius, knows I
have good reason to do so. Her promises were all things that had to do
with learning and not derogatory to my dignity, so I could have
mentioned them even in a public speech. Sara, besides being a knave, I
have noticed is also impertinent to me. Once, and only once, have I

                                Page 338

ex eo quaererem, quid opus esset, Atticum se dixit quaerere. Superbiam
autem ipsius reginae, cum esset trans Tiberim in hortis, commemorare
sine magno dolore non possum. Nihil igitur cum istis; nec tam animum me
quam vix stomachum habere arbitrantur.

Profectionem meam, ut video, Erotis dispensatio impedit. Nam, cum ex
reliquis, quae Nonis Aprilibus fecit, abundare debeam, cogor mutuari,
quodque ex istis fructuosis rebus receptum est, id ego ad illud fanum
sepositum putabam. Sed haec Tironi mandavi, quem ob eam causam Romam
misi; te nolui impeditum impedire. Cicero noster quo modestior est, eo
me magis commovet. Ad me enim de hac re nihil scripsit, ad quem nimirum
potissimum debuit; scripsit hoc autem ad Tironem, sibi post Kalend.
Apriles (sic enim annuum tempus confici) nihil datum esse. Tibi pro tua
natura semper placuisse teque existimasse scio, id etiam ad dignitatem
meam pertinere eum non modo liberaliter a nobis, sed etiam ornate
cumulateque tractari. Quare velim cures (nec tibi essem molestus, si per
alium hoc agere possem), ut permutetur Athenas, quod sit in annuum
sumptum ei. Scilicet Eros numerabit. Eius rei causa Tironem misi.
Curabis igitur et ad me, si quid tibi de eo videbitur, scribes.

                                Page 339

seen him in my house; and then, when I asked politely what he wanted, he
said he wanted Atticus. But the insolence of the queen herself, when she
was in her villa across the river, I cannot mention without great
indignation. So no dealings with them. They don't credit me with any
spirit or even any feelings at all.

My departure from Italy I see is hindered by Eros' management of my
affairs. For, although from the balances he made on April 5 I ought to
have plenty of cash, I have to borrow, and I think the receipts from
those paying concerns are set aside for the shrine. But I have given
Tiro orders about this, and am sending him to Rome on purpose. I did not
want to add to your worries. The more moderate in his demands my son is,
the more am I concerned about him. For he has not mentioned this point
to me, the person of all others to whom of course he ought to have
mentioned it; but in a letter to Tiro he said I had sent him nothing
since April 1, which was the end of his financial year. Now I know that
you, with your usual amiability, have always agreed and indeed thought
that among other things my dignity demanded that he should be treated
not only liberally, but even with excessive and extravagant liberality.
So I should like you to see that he has a bill of exchange for his
annual allowance payable at Athens. I would not trouble you, if I could
manage it through anyone else. Eros, of course, will pay you. That is
why I have sent Tiro. Please see about it and let me know if you have
any views on the point.

                                Page 340

                                  XVI

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Antiati III aut prid. Id. Iun. a. 710_]

Tandem a Cicerone tabellarius, et mehercule litterae πεπινωμένως
scriptae, quod ipsum προκοπὴν aliquam significat, itemque ceteri
praeclara scribunt; Leonides tamen retinet suum illud "adhuc," summis
vero laudibus Herodes. Quid quaeris? vel verba mihi dari facile patior
in hoc, meque libenter praebeo credulum. Tu velim, si quid tibi est a
Statio scriptum, quod pertineat ad me, certiorem me facias.

                                  XVIa

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati XIV aut XIII K. Iun. a. 710_]

Narro tibi, haec loca venusta sunt, abdita certe, et, si quid scribere
velis, ab arbitris libera. Sed nescio quo modo οἶκος φίλος. Itaque me
referunt pedes in Tusculanum. Et tamen haec ῥωπογραφία ripulae videtur
habitura celerem satietatem. Equidem etiam pluvias metuo, si Prognostica
nostra vera sunt; ranae enim ῥητορεύουσιν. Tu, quaeso, fac sciam, ubi
Brutum nostrum et quo die videre possim.

                                  XVII

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Antiati postr. Id. Iun. a. 710_]

Duas accepi postridie Idus, alteram eo die datam, alteram Idibus. Prius
igitur superiori. De D. Bruto, cum scies. De consulum ficto timore
cognoveram.

                                Page 341

                                  XVI

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Antium, June 11 or 12_, B.C. _44_]

At last a messenger from my son, and upon my word a letter written in
first class style. That itself shows some advance, and other people send
most favourable reports too. Leonides, however, still sticks to his "at
present,"[265] while Herodes bestows the highest praise. Indeed, in this
respect I gladly allow myself even to be hoodwinked, and am not sorry to
be credulous. I should like you to let me know if Statius has written
anything that concerns me.

Footnote 265:

  Cf. _Att._ XIV. 16.

                                  XVIa

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, May 19 or 20_, B.C. _44_]

I tell you what, this place is lovely, and certainly it is retired and
free from overlookers, if you want to write. But somehow or other
there's no place like home.[266] So my feet are carrying me back to
Tusculum. And after all the tameness of this bit of coast would
probably soon cloy on one. Besides, I am afraid of rain, if our
_Prognostics_[267] are right, for the frogs are holding forth. Please
let me know where Brutus is and when I can see him.

Footnote 266:

  Apparently a proverb.

Footnote 267:

  Cicero translated the _Prognostica_ of Aratus into Latin verse.

                                  XVII

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Antias, June 14_, B.C. _44_]

I received two letters on the 14th, one dated the same day, one the day
before. So I answer the earlier first. Tell me about D. Brutus, when you
know. I had heard of the pretended terror of the consuls.[268]

Footnote 268:

  They were afraid of violence on the part of Brutus and Cassius.

                                Page 342

Sicca enim φιλοστόργως ille quidem, sed tumultuosius ad me etiam illam
suspicionem pertulit. Quid tu autem? "τὰ μὲν διδόμενα ——"? Nullum enim
verbum a Siregio. Non placet. De Plaetorio, vicino tuo, permoleste tuli
quemquam prius audisse quam me. De Syro prudenter. L. Antonium per
Marcum fratrem, ut arbitror, facillime deterrebis. Antroni vetui; sed
nondum acceperas litteras, ne cuiquam nisi L. Fadio aedili. Aliter enim
nec caute nec iure fieri potest. Quod scribis tibi desse HS ¯C¯, quae
Ciceroni curata sint, velim ab Erote quaeras, ubi sit merces insularum.
Arabioni de Sittio nihil irascor. Ego de itinere nisi explicato Λ nihil
cogito; quod idem tibi videri puto. Habes ad superiorem.

Nunc audi ad alteram. Tu vero facis ut omnia, quod Serviliae non dees,
id est Bruto. De regina gaudeo te non laborare, testem etiam tibi
probari. Erotis rationes et ex Tirone cognovi et vocavi ipsum.
Gratissimum, quod polliceris Ciceroni nihil defuturum; de quo mirabilia
Messalla, qui Lanuvio rediens ab illis venit ad me, et mehercule ipsius
litterae sic et φιλοστόργως et πεπινωμένως scriptae, ut eas vel in
acroasi audeam legere. Quo magis illi indulgendum puto. De Buciliano
Sestium puto non moleste ferre. Ego, si Tiro ad me, cogito in
Tusculanum. Tu vero, quicquid erit, quod me scire par sit, statim.

                                Page 343

For Sicca, in a very friendly but rather panic-stricken manner, has
brought me word of that suspicion too. What do you say? "Take what the
gods give"?[269] For I have not a word from Siregius. I don't like it.
About your neighbour Plaetorius I was very annoyed that anyone heard
before I did. About Syrus you did well. I fancy you will easily frighten
L. Antonius through his brother Marcus. I told you not to pay Antro, but
you had not yet received my letter forbidding you to pay anyone except
L. Fadius the aedile. It is the only safe and proper thing. You say you
are £1,000 out of pocket on the money sent to my son; please ask Eros
what has become of the rents of the blocks of houses. I am not at all
angry with Arabio about Sittius. I am not thinking of starting on my
journey until my accounts[270] are all settled, and of that I think you
approve. There is my answer to your first letter.

Footnote 269:

  A proverb presumably ending ἀνάγκη δέχεσθαι, "one must put up with,"
  or something similar.

Footnote 270:

  If Λ stands for λοίπῳ = _reliquiis_ "balance," as was suggested by
  Gronovius.

Now hear what I have to say to the second. You are acting as kindly as
usual in standing by Servilia, that is to say, Brutus. As to Cleopatra,
I am glad you are not anxious and that you accept the evidence. The
state of Eros' accounts I have heard from Tiro, and I have sent for Eros
himself. I am most grateful for your promise not to let my son lack in
anything. Messalla, on his way back from our adversaries at Lanuvium,
called on me with wonderfully good news about him, and upon my word his
own letter is so affectionate and well-written that I should not be
ashamed to read it before an audience. So I feel all the more
indulgently disposed towards him. I don't think Sestius is annoyed about
Bucilianus. As soon as Tiro returns home, I am thinking of going to
Tusculum. Please let me know at once, if there is anything that I ought
to know.

                                Page 344

                                 XVIII

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in itinere ex Antiati in Tusculanum XVI K. Quint. a.
           710_]

XVII Kal. etsi satis videbar scripsisse ad te, quid mihi opus esset, et
quid te facere vellem, si tibi commodum esset, tamen, cum profectus
essem et in lacu navigarem, Tironem statui ad te esse mittendum, ut iis
negotiis, quae agerentur, interesset, atque etiam scripsi ad Dolabellam
me, si ei videretur, velle proficisci, petiique ab eo de mulis vecturae.
Ut in his (quoniam intellego te distentissimum esse qua de Buthrotiis,
qua de Bruto, cuius etiam ludorum sumptuosorum[271] curam et
administrationem suspicor ex magna parte ad te pertinere) ut ergo in
eius modi re tribues nobis paulum operae; nec enim multum opus est.

Footnote 271:

  sumptuosorum _Lehmann_: suorum _MSS._

Mihi res ad caedem et eam quidem propinquam spectare videtur. Vides
homines, vides arma. Prorsus non mihi videor esse tutus. Sin tu aliter
sentis, velim ad me scribas. Domi enim manere, si recte possum, multo
malo.

                                  XIX

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano inter a. d. XV et XI K. Quint. a. 710_]

Quidnam est, quod agendum amplius de Buthrotiis sit? Egisse[272] enim te
frustra scribis. Quid autem se refert Brutus? Doleo mehercules te tam
esse distentum, quod decem hominibus referendum est

Footnote 272:

  sit? egisse _Boot_: stetisse _MSS._

                                Page 345

                                 XVIII

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _On the way to Tusculum, June 16_, B.C. _44_]

Though I think I told you sufficiently what I wanted and what I wished
you to do, if it was convenient to you, in my letter of the 15th, still,
when I had started and was crossing the lake, I determined to send Tiro
to you that he might attend to the necessary matters with you; and I
wrote, too, to Dolabella, saying I wanted to start if he agreed, and
asked him about baggage mules. So far as you can—I understand you are
utterly distracted with business, what with the Buthrotians and what
with Brutus, as I expect the care and arrangement of his sumptuous games
fall largely to your share—still, so far as you can, give a little
attention to my affairs. I shall not want much.

To me things seem to foreshadow bloodshed, and that quite soon. You see
the men, you see their warlike preparations. Indeed I do not count
myself safe at all. If you think differently, I wish you would write.
For, if I can with safety, I should much prefer to stay at home.

                                  XIX

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 17 to 21_, B.C. _44_]

What more can we possibly do about Buthrotum? For you say your labour
has been in vain. Why too is Brutus returning to Rome? I am really very
sorry you have been so overworked: you are indebted for

                                Page 346

acceptum. Est illud quidem ἐργῶδες, sed ἀνεκτὸν mihique gratissimum. De
armis nihil vidi apertius. Fugiamus igitur, et ut ais. Coram Theophanes
quid velit, nescio. Scripserat enim ad me. Cui rescripsi, ut potui. Mihi
autem scribit venire ad me se velle, ut et de suis rebus et quaedam,
quae ad me pertinerent. Tuas litteras exspecto. Vide, quaeso, ne quid
temere fiat.

Statius scripsit ad me locutum secum esse Q. Ciceronem valde
adseveranter se haec ferre non posse; certum sibi esse ad Brutum et
Cassium transire. Hoc enim vero nunc discere aveo: hoc ego quid sit
interpretari non possum. Potest aliquid iratus Antonio, potest gloriam
iam novam quaerere, potest totum esse σχεδίασμα; et nimirum ita est. Sed
tamen et ego vereor, et pater conturbatus est; scit enim, quae ille de
hoc, mecum quidem ἄφατα olim. Plane, quid velit, nescio. A Dolabella
mandata habebo, quae mihi videbuntur, id est nihil. Dic mihi, C.
Antonius voluitne fieri septemvir? Fuit certe dignus. De Menedemo est,
ut scribis. Facies omnia mihi nota.

                                Page 347

that to the ten commissioners.[273] That is certainly a tough piece of
business, but one has to put up with it, and I am very thankful for it.
As to the imminence of war I never saw anything more obvious. So let me
flee, and in the way you suggest. I do not know why Theophanes wants to
see me, for he wrote to me. I answered as best I could. But he writes
saying he wants to come to me to discuss his own affairs and some that
concern me. I am looking for a letter from you. Pray see that nothing is
done rashly.

Footnote 273:

  The commissioners for distributing land in Epirus.

Statius has written to me saying my nephew Quintus has told him with
emphasis that he cannot put up with things, and has resolved to go over
to Brutus and Cassius. Here is something I am very eager to understand:
here is a puzzle I can't interpret. Perhaps he is angry with Antony
about something; perhaps he is looking for some new way of
distinguishing himself; or perhaps it is all bunkum; and no doubt that
is what it is. But for all that I am afraid, and his father is disturbed
about him, for he knows what he used to say about Antony; indeed, he
said things to me which I cannot repeat. What on earth he means I can't
think. I shall only have such commissions as I choose from Dolabella,
that is, none at all. Tell me if C. Antonius wanted to be put on the
land commission.[274] He would certainly have been in his proper place.
About Menedemus it is as you say. Please keep me posted up in all news.

Footnote 274:

  Seven commissioners were appointed to distribute land in Italy among
  the soldiers. As the next sentence implies, several of them were
  nonentities.

                                Page 348

                                   XX

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano inter XV et XI K. Quint, a. 710_]

Egi gratias Vettieno; nihil enim potuit humanius. Dolabellae mandata
sint quaelibet, mihi aliquid, vel quod Niciae nuntiem. Quis enim haec,
ut scribis, ἀντερεῖ[275]? Nunc dubitare quemquam prudentem, quin meus
discessus desperationis sit, non legationis? Quod ais extrema quaedam
iam homines de re publica loqui et eos quidem viros bonos, ego, quo die
audivi illum tyrannum in contione "clarissimum virum" appellari,
subdiffidere coepi. Postea vero quam tecum Lanuvi vidi nostros tantum
spei habere ad vivendum, quantum accepissent ab Antonio, desperavi.
Itaque, mi Attice (fortiter hoc velim accipias, ut ego scribo), genus
illud interitus, quo causae cursus[276] est, foedum ducens, et quasi
denuntiatum nobis ab Antonio, ex hac nassa exire constitui non ad fugam,
sed ad spem mortis melioris. Haec omnis culpa Bruti.

Footnote 275:

  ἀντερεῖ _Tyrrell_: anteno _MSS._: λεπτύνει _Gronovius and most
  editors_.

Footnote 276:

  causae cursus _Popma_: causa cursus _Z_: causurus _M^1_: casurus
  _M^2_: Catulus usus est _Madvig, which gives a better sense but is
  not very near the reading of the MSS._

Pompeium Carteiae receptum scribis. Iam igitur contra hunc exercitum.
Utra ergo castra? Media enim tollit Antonius. Illa infirma, haec
nefaria. Properemus igitur. Sed iuva me consilio, Brundisione an
Puteolis. Brutus quidem subito, sed sapienter. Πάσχω τι. Quando enim
illum? Sed humana ferenda. Tu ipse eum videre non potes. Di illi mortuo,
qui umquam Buthrotum! Sed acta missa; videamus, quae agenda sint.

                                Page 349

                                   XX

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 17 to 21_, B.C. _44_]

I have thanked Vettienus; for nothing could have been kinder. Let
Dolabella give me what commissions he will, provided I have something,
even a message to Nicias. For, as you say, who will deny it? Can any
sane man doubt now that I am going away in despair, not on a mission?
You say that people, aye, even good citizens, are talking of desperate
political measures. I began to have my doubts on the day that I heard
that tyrant called "a most distinguished man." Afterwards, when I was
with you at Lanuvium and saw that our friends had precisely so much hope
of life as Antony gave them, I lost all hope. So, my dear Atticus, I
hope you will take what I am going to say with the same courage as I
write it. As I think the kind of death towards which the current of
affairs is setting is disgraceful and hold that we are practically
condemned to it by Antony, I have decided to escape from the toils, not
so much to escape as in hope of a better death. All this is Brutus'
fault.

You say Pompeius has been received at Carteia. So there will soon be an
army sent against him. Then which camp am I to choose? For Antony makes
neutrality impossible. That is weak, this is criminal. So let me hasten
away. But give me your counsel whether to sail from Brundisium or
Puteoli. Brutus does wisely to go, but it is sudden. I am rather upset
about it, for when shall I see him again? But such is life. You yourself
cannot see him. Heaven confound that dead man for ever touching
Buthrotum. But away with the past; let us see what has to be done.

                                Page 350

Rationes Erotis, etsi ipsum nondum vidi, tamen et ex litteris eius et ex
eo, quod Tiro cognovit, prope modum cognitas habeo. Versuram scribis
esse faciendam mensum quinque, id est ad Kal. Nov., HS ¯CC¯; in eam
diem cadere nummos, qui a Quinto debentur. Velim igitur, quoniam Tiro
negat tibi placere me eius rei causa Romam venire, si ea te res nihil
offendet, videas, unde nummi sint, mihi feras expensum. Hoc video in
praesentia opus esse. Reliqua diligentius ex hoc ipso exquiram, in his
de mercedibus dotalium praediorum. Quae si fideliter Ciceroni
curabuntur, quamquam volo laxius, tamen ei prope modum nihil derit.
Equidem video mihi quoque opus esse viaticum; sed ei ex praediis, ut
cadet, ita solvetur, mihi autem opus est universo. Equidem, etsi mihi
videtur iste, qui umbras timet, ad caedem spectare, tamen nisi explicata
solutione non sum discessurus. Sitne autem explicata necne, tecum
cognoscam. Hanc putavi mea manu scribendam itaque feci. De Fadio, ut
scribis, utique alii nemini. Rescribas velim hodie.

                                  XXI

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano X K. Quint. a. 710_]

Narro tibi, Quintus pater exsultat laetitia. Scripsit enim filius se
idcirco profugere ad Brutum voluisse, quod, cum sibi negotium daret
Antonius, ut eum dictatorem efficeret, praesidium occuparet, id
recusasset;

                                Page 351

Though I have not yet seen Eros, from his letters and from what Tiro
found out I know pretty well how his accounts stand. You say I must
raise a fresh loan for some £2,000 for five months, that is, till the
1st of November, when Quintus' debt falls due. So, since Tiro says you
do not want me to come to Rome on purpose for that, if you do not mind,
I should be glad if you would see where I can get the money, and put it
down on my account. I see it is necessary for the present. I will
enquire more closely into the rest from Eros himself, among other things
about the rents of Terentia's dower property. If they are properly
looked after for my son he will be pretty well provided for, though I
want him to be more liberally treated. I see I shall want some
journey-money myself; but he can get the rents of the property as they
fall due, whereas I shall require a lump sum. I certainly shall not
leave until the money has been paid, though that trembler at
shadows[277] seems to me to be meditating a massacre. However, whether
it has been arranged or not, I shall learn when I see you. I thought I
had better write this myself, and so I have done so. As you say about
Fadius: the money must not go to anyone else in any case. Please answer
by return.

Footnote 277:

  Antony, who professed to be afraid of assassination at the hands of
  Brutus and Cassius. Cf. XV. 17.

                                  XXI

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 22_, B.C. _44_]

I must tell you my brother Quintus is jumping for joy. For his son has
written saying that his reason for wanting to take refuge with Brutus
is, that when Antony asked him to secure him the dictatorship and seize
some fort, he refused, and the reason for

                                Page 352

recusasse autem se, ne patris animum offenderet; ex eo sibi illum
hostem. "Tum me," inquit, "collegi verens, ne quid mihi ille iratus tibi
noceret. Itaque eum placavi. Et quidem ¯CCCC¯ certa, reliqua in spe."
Scribit autem Statius illum cum patre habitare velle (hoc vero mirum) et
id gaudet. Ecquem tu illo certiorem nebulonem?

Ἐποχὴν vestram de re Cani probo. Nihil eram suspicatus de tabulis,
ἀκεραίως restitutam arbitrabar. Quae differs, ut mecum coram,
exspectabo. Tabellarios, quoad voles, tenebis; es enim occupatus. Quod
ad Xenonem, probe. Quod scribo, cum absolvero. Quinto scripsisti te ad
eum litteras. Nemo attulerat. Tiro negat iam tibi placere Brundisium et
quidem dicere aliquid de militibus. At ego iam destinaram Hydruntem
quidem. Movebant me tuae quinque horae. Hic autem quantus πλοῦς! Sed
videbimus. Nullas a te XI Kal. Quippe, quid enim iam novi? Cum primum
igitur poteris, venies. Ego propero, ne ante Sextus; quem adventare
aiunt.

                                Page 353

his refusal was that he did not want to hurt his father's feelings; and
from that time Antony has been his enemy. "Then," he says, "I pulled
myself together for fear that he should do you some mischief in his
wrath with me; and so I smoothed him down, and indeed got £4,000[278] in
cash, and have hopes of some more." Statius, however, says he wants to
live with his father—which is a wonder—and my brother is delighted about
it. Did you ever see a more thorough rascal?

Footnote 278:

  400 sestertia.

I approve of your hesitation in the arrangement with Canus.[279] I had
no idea about the documents; I thought her dowry had been paid back in
full. I shall look forward to the matters you refrain from mentioning
till we meet. Keep the messengers as long as you like, as you are busy.
As to Xeno, quite right. What I am writing I will send when it is
finished. You told Quintus you had sent him a letter, but none has been
brought as yet. Tiro says you disapprove of Brundisium now, and indeed
says something about soldiers. But I have already fixed upon Hydrus.
Your saying that it was only a fivehour passage decided me. Think of the
endless voyage from here. But we shall see. I had no letter from you on
the 21st. Of course, for what news can there be now? Come, then, as soon
as you can. I am in a hurry, for Sextus may get here before I leave.
They say he is coming.

Footnote 279:

  Apparently there were negotiations for a marriage between young
  Quintus and Canus' daughter, who had lately been divorced. Cf. XIII.
  41.

                                Page 354

                                  XXII

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano V K. Quint. mane a. 710_]

Gratulor nobis Quintum filium exisse. Molestus non erit. Pansam bene
loqui credo. Semper enim coniunctum esse cum Hirtio scio; amicissimum
Bruto et Cassio puto, si expediet (sed quando illos videbit?), inimicum
Antonio, quando aut cur? Quousque ludemur? Ego autem scripsi Sextum
adventare, non quo iam adesset, sed quia certe id ageret ab armisque
nullus discederet. Certe, si pergit, bellum paratum est. Hic autem
noster Cytherius nisi victorem neminem victurum. Quid ad haec Pansa?
utrobi erit, si bellum erit? quod videtur fore. Sed et haec et alia
coram hodie quidem, ut scribis, aut cras.

                                 XXIII

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VIII aut VII K. Quint. a. 710_]

Mirifice torqueor, sine dolore tamen; sed permulta mihi de nostro
itinere in utramque partem occurrunt. "Quousque?" inquies. Quoad erit
integrum; erit autem, usque dum ad navem. Pansa si tuae rescripserit, et
meam tibi et illius epistulam mittam. Silium exspectabam; cui hypomnema
compositum. Si quid novi. Ego litteras misi ad Brutum. Cuius de itinere
etiam ex te velim, si quid scies, cognoscere.

                                Page 355

                                  XXII

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 27_, B.C. _44_]

Young Quintus' absence is a blessing; he won't be a nuisance to us. I
believe Pansa is talking amiably. I know he is always hand in glove with
Hirtius; I think he will be quite friendly with Brutus and Cassius, if
it is expedient—but will he ever see them?—and that he will oppose
Antony: but when and how? How long are we to be fooled? I said Sextus
was coming, not because he was already near, but because he certainly
has it in mind, and does not show the least sign of laying down his
arms. Certainly, if he goes on, war must come. But our good lover of
Cytheris[280] thinks no one sure of his life unless he gains a victory.
What has Pansa to say to this? And which side will he take if there is
war? So far as I can see, there will be. But more of this and other
things when we meet—to-day, according to your letter, or to-morrow.

Footnote 280:

  Antony. Cf. X. 10.

                                 XXIII

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 24 or 25_, B.C. _44_]

I am absolutely on the rack, but not with pain. So many ideas for and
against that journey of mine keep occurring to me. You will ask how long
that is going to last. Until the matter is settled, and that won't be
till I am on board ship. If Pansa sends an answer to your note, I will
forward my letter and his. I am expecting Silius, and have a memorandum
drawn up for him. If there is any news—— I have written to Brutus. If
you know anything about his movements, I should be glad to hear that
too.

                                Page 356

                                  XXIV

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VI K. Quint. mane a. 710_]

Tabellarius, quem ad Brutum miseram, ex itinere rediit VII Kal. Ei
Servilia dixit eo die Brutum H.IS[281] profectum. Sane dolui meas
litteras redditas non esse. Silius ad me non venerat. Causam composui;
eum libellum tibi misi. Te quo die exspectem, velim scire.

Footnote 281:

  H.IS (= hora prima semis) _Orelli_: his _most MSS._

                                  XXV

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano III K. Quint. a. 710_]

De meo itinere variae sententiae; multi enim ad me. Sed tu incumbe,
quaeso, in eam curam. Magna res est. An probas, si ad Kal. Ian.
cogitamus? Meus animus est aequus, sic tamen, ut si nihil offensionis
sit. Et tu etiam, scisne,[282] quo die olim piaculum?[283] Ut ut est
res,[284] casus consilium nostri itineris iudicabit. Dubitemus igitur.
Est enim hiberna navigatio odiosa, eoque ex te quaesieram mysteriorum
diem. Brutum, ut scribis, visum iri a me puto. Ego hinc volo pr. Kal.

Footnote 282:

  scisne» scire _MSS._

Footnote 283:

  olim piaculum _Bosius_: Olympiacum mysteria scilicet _MSS._ (_the last
  two words are rejected as a gloss by Boot_): Olympia _Shuckburgh_.

Footnote 284:

  ut ut est res _Moser_: ut tu scires _MSS._: ut tu scribis _Lambinus_.

                                Page 357

                                  XXIV

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 26_, B.C. _44_]

The messenger I sent to Brutus just got back yesterday, Servilia told
him Brutus had started at half-past six in the morning. I was very sorry
he did not get my letters. Silius has not come yet. I have drawn up a
statement of his case, and am sending the pamphlet to you. I should like
to know when to expect you.

                                  XXV

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 29_, B.C. _44_]

Opinions differ about my journey, for I have had a lot of visitors. But
please apply yourself to the question. It is a serious matter. Do you
approve of my idea of returning by the 1st of January? I am open-minded
on the subject, provided I don't give any offence. By the way, too, do
you know the date of the sacrilege of yore?[285] However that may be,
chance will decide the plan of my journey. So let us leave it in doubt.
For a winter journey is most unpleasant, and that was why I asked you
the date of the mysteries.[286] Brutus, as you say, I think I shall see.
I want to leave here on the last of the month.

Footnote 285:

  If the reading is right, which is very uncertain, this must refer to
  the violation of the rites of Bona Dea by Clodius in Cicero's
  consulship. It may, however, refer to the Olympic games as Shuckburgh
  suggests.

Footnote 286:

  _Vide_ last note. Shuckburgh, however, thinks it refers to the
  Eleusinian mysteries.

                                Page 358

                                  XXVI

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati VI Non. Quint. a. 710_]

De Quinti negotio video a te omnia facta. Ille tamen dolet dubitans,
utrum morem gerat Leptae an fidem infirmet filio. Inaudivi L. Pisonem
velle exire legatum ψευδεγγράφῳ senatus consulto. Velim scire, quid sit.
Tabellarius ille, quem tibi dixeram a me ad Brutum esse missum, in
Anagninum ad me venit ea nocte, quae proxima ante Kal. fuit, litterasque
ad me attulit; in quibus unum alienum summa sua prudentia, idem illud,
ut spectem ludos suos. Rescripsi scilicet primum me iam profectum, ut
non integrum sit; deinde ἀτοπώτατον esse me, qui Romam omnino post haec
arma non accesserim neque id tam periculi mei causa fecerim quam
dignitatis, subito ad ludos venire. Tali enim tempore ludos facere illi
honestum est, cui necesse est, spectare mihi, ut non est necesse, sic ne
honestum quidem est. Equidem illos celebrari et esse quam gratissimos
mirabiliter cupio, idque ita futurum esse confido, et tecum ago, ut iam
ab ipsa commissione ad me, quem ad modum accipiantur hi ludi, deinde
omnia reliquorum ludorum in dies singulos persequare. Sed de ludis
hactenus. Reliqua pars epistulae est illa quidem in utramque partem, sed
tamen non nullos interdum iacit igniculos viriles. Quod quale tibi
videretur, ut posses interpretari, misi ad te exemplum epistulae;
quamquam mihi tabellarius

                                Page 359

                                  XXVI

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, July 2_, B.C. _44_]

I see you have done all you could in Quintus' business. He, however, is
in distress and doubt as to whether he shall oblige Lepta or damage his
son's credit. I have heard a rumour that L. Piso wants to go on a
mission with a forged decree of the senate. I should like to know what
there is in it. The messenger I told you I had sent to Brutus came to me
at Anagnia on the night of the 30th of June, and brought me a letter in
which there was one request quite unlike his usual common-sense, the
same old request that I should be present at his games. I answered, of
course, firstly that I had already set out now, so that it was not in my
power to do so, and secondly that it would be most out of place for me,
who have not been near Rome at all since the outbreak of war—not so much
to preserve my safety as to preserve my dignity—suddenly to go to the
games. For at such a time it was honourable for him to give the games,
since he had to do so, but, as there was no necessity for me to attend
them, it would not be honourable for me to do so. Of course I keenly
desire that they should be well attended and very popular, and I trust
they will be; and I beg you to send me a description of how these games
and all the other games are received day by day from the very beginning.
But enough of the games. The rest of the letter is, one must confess, of
rather a dubious kind, but still he does at times emit some sparks of
manly courage. That you may judge for yourself what it is like, I have
sent you a copy of the letter, although

                                Page 360

noster dixerat tibi quoque se attulisse litteras a Bruto easque ad te e
Tusculano esse delatas.

Ego itinera sic composueram, ut Nonis Quinctilibus Puteolis essem; valde
enim festino, ita tamen, ut, quantum homo possit, quam cautissime
navigem. M. Aelium cura liberabis; me paucos pedes[287] in extremo fundo
et eos quidem subterraneos servitutis putasse aliquid[288] habituros. Id
me iamiam nolle neque mihi aquam[289] esse tanti. Sed, ut mihi dicebas,
quam lenissime, potius ut cura liberetur, quam ut me suscensere aliquid
suspicetur. Item de illo Tulliano capite libere cum Cascellio loquere.
Parva res est, sed tu bene attendisti. Nimis callide agebatur. Ego
autem, si mihi imposuisset aliquid, quod paene fecit, nisi tua malitia
affuisset, animo iniquo tulissem. Itaque, utut erit, rem impediri malo.
Octavam partem Tullianarum aedium ad Streniae[290] memineris deberi
Caerelliae.[291] Videris mancipio dare ad eam summam, quae sub praecone
fuit maxima. Id opinor esse ¯CCCLXXX¯.

Footnote 287:

  pedes _Turnebus_: pe _Z_^t: spe _M_: specus _Z_^l, _Lambinus_.

Footnote 288:

  putasse aliquid _Madvig_: apud tale quid _M_.

Footnote 289:

  aquam _Turnebus_: quam _M_ _Z_^t.

Footnote 290:

  Tullianarum aedium ad Streniae _Lambinus and Turnebus_: tuli luminarum
  medium ad strane _MSS._

Footnote 291:

  deberi Caerelliae _Shuckburgh_: cui Caerellia _MSS._

Novi si quid erit, atque etiam si quid prospicies, quod futurum putes,
scribas ad me quam saepissime.

                                Page 361

my messenger tells me he brought you a letter, too, from Brutus, and
that it was forwarded to you from Tusculum.

I have arranged my journeys so that I shall be at Puteoli on the 7th of
July; for, though I am in a great hurry, I mean to take every care
humanly possible in my voyage. Please relieve M. Aelius of his anxiety.
Tell him I thought that on a few feet at the far end of the land there
might be some sort of claims, and those only underground. Also that I
have not the slightest desire for it, and that I don't value water at
that price.[292] But, as you suggested, do it as mildly as possible,
rather to relieve him of anxiety than to suggest that I am in the least
annoyed. Again, about that debt of Tullius: speak to Cascellius frankly.
It is a small matter, but I am glad you attended to it. There was too
much trickery about it: and, if he had cheated me at all, which he very
nearly did if you had not been too sharp for him, I should have been
very much annoyed. So, whatever happens, I would rather the matter were
broken off. Remember that an eighth share of the houses of Tullius near
the temple of Strenia is due to Caerellia, and see that it is conveyed
to her at the highest price bid at the auction. I think that was some
3,000 guineas.[293]

Footnote 292:

  The reading and meaning of this passage is uncertain. Apparently
  either Cicero had asserted some claim on some underground water-pipes
  on property of Aelius adjoining his own, and was now disclaiming it;
  or Aelius had been commissioned to buy property for Cicero on which
  there was a disputed claim to such pipes, and Cicero refuses to
  purchase on that ground. _Servitus_ above is used in the
  technical-legal sense of an "easement" or liability on property.

Footnote 293:

  380 sestertia. On this debt cf. _Att._ XII. 51.

If there is any news, and, even if you foresee anything you think likely
to happen, I should like you to write to me as often as possible. To
Varro

                                Page 362

Velim Varroni, quem ad modum tibi mandavi, memineris excusare tarditatem
litterarum mearum. Mundus iste cum M. Ennio quid egerit de testamento
(curiosus enim), facias me velim certiorem. Ex Arpinati VI Non.

                                 XXVII

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati V Non. Quint. a. 710_]

Gaudeo id te mihi suadere, quod ego mea sponte pridie feceram. Nam, cum
ad te VI Nonas darem, eidem tabellario dedi etiam ad Sestium scriptas
πάνυ φιλοστόργως. Ille autem, quod Puteolos persequitur, humane, quod
queritur, iniuste. Non enim ego tam illum expectare, dum de Cosano
rediret, debui, quam ille aut non ire, antequam me vidisset, aut citius
reverti. Sciebat enim me celeriter velle proficisci seseque ad me in
Tusculanum scripserat esse venturum. Te, ut a me discesseris, lacrimasse
moleste ferebam. Quod si me praesente fecisses, consilium totius
itineris fortasse mutassem. Sed illud praeclare, quod te consolata est
spes brevi tempore congrediendi; quae quidem exspectatio me maxime
sustentat. Meae tibi litterae non derunt. De Bruto scribam ad te omnia.
Librum tibi celeriter mittam "de gloria." Excudam aliquid Ἡρακλείδειον,
quod lateat in thesauris tuis. De Planco memini. Attica iure queritur.
Quod me de Bacchi,[294] de statuarum coronis certiorem fecisti, valde
gratum; nec quicquam posthac non modo tantum, sed ne tantulum quidem
praeterieris.

Footnote 294:

  Bacchide _Graevius, assuming it to be the name of an actress appearing
  at the games given by Brutus_.

                                Page 363

remember to plead my excuses for my slowness in writing, as I told you.
What your friend Mundus has done with M. Ennius about the will, please
let me know, for I am inquisitive. Arpinum, July 2.

                                 XXVII

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, July 3_, B.C. _44_]

I am glad you recommend me to do what I did of my own accord yesterday.
For to the same messenger, to whom I gave the letter I sent you on the
2nd, I also gave another for Sestius, written in very friendly terms. It
is very good of him to follow me to Puteoli, but he has no grounds for
his complaint. For it was not my business to wait for his return from
Cosa, so much as it was his not to go until he had seen me, or to return
more quickly. He knew I wanted to start in a hurry, and he told me he
would come to me at Tusculum. I am grieved that you wept when you left
me. If you had done so in my presence, I might have changed all my plans
about going. But there is one good thing, that you were consoled by the
thought of meeting me again soon; and that, indeed, is the hope that
buoys me up. I will not stint you of letters, and will give you full
news about Brutus. I will send you my book _On Glory_ soon. I will
hammer out something in the style of Heracleides to be stored up in your
treasure-house. I remember about Plancus. Attica has good reason for
grumbling. I am much obliged to you for telling me about the garlands
for Bacchus and the statues. Please don't omit any detail of the same
importance, or even of the smallest importance in the future. I

                                Page 364

Et de Herode et Mettio meminero et de omnibus, quae te velle suspicabor
modo. O turpem sororis tuae filium! Cum haec scriberem, adventabat αὐτῇ
βουλύσει cenantibus nobis.

                                 XXVIII

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati V Non. Quint. a. 710_]

Ego, ut ad te pridie scripseram, Nonis constitueram venire in
Puteolanum. Ibi igitur cotidie tuas litteras exspectabo et maxime de
ludis; de quibus etiam ad Brutum tibi scribendum est. Cuius epistulae,
quam interpretari ipse vix poteram, exemplum pridie tibi miseram.
Atticae meae velim me ita excuses, ut omnem culpam in te transferas, et
ei tamen confirmes me immutatum amorem meum mecum abstulisse.

                                  XXIX

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Formiano III Non. Quint. a. 710_]

Bruti ad te epistulam misi. Di boni, quanta ἀμηχανία! Cognosces, cum
legeris. De celebratione ludorum Bruti tibi adsentior. Ad M. Aelium
nullus tu quidem domum, sed sicubi inciderit. De Tulliano semisse M.
Axianum adhibebis, ut scribis. Quod cum Cosiano egisti, optime. Quod non
solum mea, verum etiam tua eadem expedis, gratum. Legationem probari
meam gaudeo. Quod promittis, di faxint! Quid enim mihi meis iucundius?
Sed istam, quam tu

                                Page 365

won't forget about Herodes or Mettius, or anything that I have the least
suspicion you would like. What disgraceful conduct of your sister's son!
Here he is coming as the shades of night are falling, just as I am
writing this at the dinner-table.

                                 XXVIII

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, July 3_, B.C. _44_]

As I told you in my letter yesterday, I have arranged to be at Puteoli
on the 7th. So I shall look for a daily letter from you there,
especially about the games. You ought to write to Brutus too about them.
I sent you a copy yesterday of a letter of his, of which I can hardly
make anything myself. Please make my excuses to Attica by taking the
blame on yourself and assuring her that I depart with undiminished
affection for her.

                                  XXIX

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Formiae, July 5_, B.C. _44_]

I am sending you Brutus' letter. Heavens, what a helpless condition he
is in! You will understand when you have read it. I agree about the
celebration of his games. Don't go to Aelius' house on any account, but
speak to him if you happen to meet him. Take M. Axianus' advice about
the half of Tullius' debt, as you suggest. What you have done with
Cosianus is excellent. Thanks for clearing up my affairs and your own at
the same time. I am glad you approve of my appointment. God grant your
promises come true. For what could suit me and mine better? But I am
afraid of the proviso

                                Page 366

excipis, metuo. Brutum cum convenero, perscribam omnia. De Planco et
Decimo sane velim. Sextum scutum abicere nolebam. De Mundo, si quid
scies. Rescripsi ad omnia tua; nunc nostra accipe.

Quintus filius usque Puteolos (mirus civis, ut tu Favonium Asinium
dicas) et quidem duas ob causas, et ut mecum et σπείσασθαι vult cum
Bruto et Cassio. Sed tu quid ais? Scio enim te familiarem esse Othonum.
Ait hic sibi Iuliam ferre; constitutum enim esse discidium. Quaesivit ex
me pater, qualis esset fama. Dixi nihil sane me audisse (nesciebam enim,
cur quaereret) nisi de ore et patre. "Sed quorsus?" inquam. At ille
filium velle. Tum ego, etsi ἐβδελυττόμην, tamen negavi putare me illa
esse vera. Σκοπὸς est enim huic nostro nihil praebere, illa autem οὐ
παρὰ τοῦτον. Ego tamen suspicor hunc, ut solet, alucinari. Sed velim
quaeras (facile autem potes) et me certiorem.

Obsecro te, quid est hoc? Signata iam epistula Formiani, qui apud me
cenabant, Plancum se aiebant hunc Buthrotium pridie, quam hoc scribebam,
id est III Non., vidisse demissum, sine phaleris; servulos autem dicere
eum et agripetas eiectos a Buthrotiis. Macte! Sed, amabo te, perscribe
mihi totum negotium.

                                Page 367

you make about Attica's ill-health. When I meet Brutus I will tell you
all about him. I hope you are right about Plancus and Decimus. I am
sorry if Sextus is throwing down his shield. Give me news of Mundus if
you have any. I have answered all your points: now for my own news.

Young Quintus is coming with me as far as Puteoli—what a noble citizen!
you might call him a Favonius Asinius.[295] He has two reasons: he wants
to be with me and to make peace with Brutus and Cassius. But what have
you to say to this? For I know you are intimate with the Othones. He
says that Julia proposed it herself, for a divorce has been arranged.
His father has asked me what sort of reputation she has. Not knowing why
he asked, I said I had never heard anything about her except about her
looks and her father. "But why?" I asked: and he said his son wanted
her. Then, though I was disgusted, I said I did not believe in those
reports. My brother's point is not to offer him any allowance, but she
says it is no business of his. I suspect, however, he is indulging in
fairy tales as usual. Still I should like you to make enquiries, which
will be no trouble to you, and let me know.

Footnote 295:

  Favonius was a follower of Cato; Asinius Pollio a Caesarian. Possibly
  Cicero may mean that Quintus sided with both parties; but the exact
  meaning is doubtful.

What, pray, is this? When I had already sealed this letter, some
Formians, who were dining with me, said they had seen Plancus[296]—the
one from Buthrotus—the day before I wrote this, that is, on the 5th,
with downcast mien and unapparelled steed;[297] and that his boys said
he and the land-grabbers had been ejected by the Buthrotians. Well done
they! But pray let me know all the circumstances.

Footnote 296:

  Head of the land-commissioners in Epirus.

Footnote 297:

  As Tyrrell suggests, this is probably a quotation from a play.

                                Page 368

                           M. TULLI CICERONIS
                         EPISTULARUM AD ATTICUM
                          LIBER SEXTUS DECIMUS

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Puteolano VIII Id. Quint. a. 710_]

Nonis Quinctilibus veni in Puteolanum. Postridie iens ad Brutum in
Nesidem haec scripsi. Sed eo die, quo veneram, cenanti Eros tuas
litteras. Itane? NONIS IULIIS? Di hercule istis! Sed stomachari totum
diem licet. Quicquamne turpius quam Bruto IULIIS? Redeo ad meum igitur
"ἔτ' ἐῶμεν;" Nihil vidi. Sed quid est, quaeso, quod agripetas Buthroti
concisos audio? Quid autem Plancus tam cursim (ita enim inaudiebam) diem
et noctem? Sane cupio scire, quid sit. Meam profectionem laudari gaudeo.
Videndum est, ut mansio laudetur. Dymaeos agro pulsos mare infestum
habere nil mirum. Ἐν ὁμοπλοίᾳ Bruti videtur aliquid praesidii esse, sed,
opinor, minuta navigia. Sed iam sciam et ad te cras. De Ventidio πανικὸν
puto. De Sexto pro certo habebatur abicere[298] arma. Quod si verum est,
sine bello

Footnote 298:

  abicere _Klotz_: ad _MSS._: haud ad _Orelli_.

                                Page 369

                            CICERO'S LETTERS
                               TO ATTICUS
                                BOOK XVI

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Puteoli, July 8_, B.C. _44_]

On the 7th of Quinctilis I arrived at Puteoli, and I am writing this on
the following day as I am crossing to Brutus at Nesis. The day I arrived
Eros brought me your letter as I was dining. Is it really so? The 9th of
_July_?[299] Heaven confound them! But I could go on cursing all day.
Could they have insulted Brutus worse than with their _July_? So I must
fall back on my old cry, "How long, O Lord?" I have never seen anything
like that. But what, pray, is this I hear about the land-grabbers being
cut to pieces at Buthrotum? And why has Plancus been on the run, as they
tell me he has, day and night? I am very eager to know what it means. I
am glad my departure is approved; I must see whether my staying may be
approved too. That the people of Dyme, now they have been expelled from
their land, should take to piracy is no wonder. There may be some
safeguard in having Brutus as a fellow-passenger, but I think his
vessels are small. I shall know soon and will tell you to-morrow. I
think the report about Ventidius is a false alarm. It is held pretty
certain that Sextus is laying down his arms; and, if that is so, it
looks as though we should be reduced to slavery without even a civil
war. What

Footnote 299:

  The month Quinctilis had recently been renamed Julius after Caesar,
  who was born in that month.

                                Page 370

civili video serviendum. Quid ergo? ad Kal. Ian. in Pansa spes? Λῆρος
πολὺς in vino et in somno istorum.

De ¯CCX¯ optime. Ciceronis rationes explicentur. Ovius enim recens. Is
multa, quae vellem, in iis ne hoc quidem malum[300] HS ¯LXXII¯ satis
esse, adfatim prorsus, sed Xenonem perexigue et γλίσχρως praebere. Quo
plus permutasti quam ad fructum insularum, id ille annus habeat, in quem
itineris sumptus accessit. Hinc ex Kal. Apr. ad HS ¯LXXX¯ accommodetur.
Nunc enim insulae tantum. Videndum enim est quid, cum Romae erit. Non
enim puto socrum illam ferendam. Pindaro de Cumano negaram. Nunc, cuius
rei causa tabellarium miserim, accipe. Quintus filius mihi pollicetur se
Catonem. Egit autem et pater et filius, ut tibi sponderem, sed ita, ut
tum crederes, cum ipse cognosses. Huic ego litteras ipsius arbitratu
dabo. Eae te ne moverint. Has scripsi in eam partem, ne me motum
putares. Di faxint, ut faciat ea, quae promittit! Commune enim gaudium.
Sed ego—nihil dico amplius. Is hinc VII Idus. Ait enim attributionem in
Idus, se autem urgeri acriter. Tu ex meis litteris, quo modo respondeas,
moderabere. Plura, cum et Brutum videro et Erotem remittam. Atticae meae
excusationem accipio eamque amo plurimum; cui et Piliae salutem.

Footnote 300:

  _After_ malum _the MSS. have_ in mandatis si abunde, _which was
  deleted by Lambinus as a gloss_.

                                Page 371

hope have we, then? In Pansa, when he enters office? There is nothing
but midsummer madness in their drunken dreams.

About the £2,000[301]: well done! Put my son's affairs straight. For
Ovius has just come, and brings much satisfactory news; among other
things, what is no bad hearing, that £700[302] is enough, quite enough,
but that Xeno treats him very sparingly and niggardly. The excess over
the rental of the town houses that your bill of exchange cost, may be
reckoned to the year, in which there was the additional expense of the
journey. From the 1st of April on let him have up to £800,[303] for that
is the rent of the city property now. Some sort of provision must be
made for him when he comes to Rome. For I don't think he could endure
that woman as a mother-in-law. I refused Pindarus' offer for the villa
at Cumae. Now let me tell you why I have sent a messenger. Young Quintus
is promising to be as prim as a puritan: and both he and his father have
begged me to go bail to you for him, but on the condition that you only
believe it when you see it. I shall give him a letter according to his
fancy, but don't take any notice of it. I am writing now to prevent you
from thinking that I do. God grant he keeps his promise. It would be a
satisfaction to everybody. But I—I won't say any more. He is leaving on
the 9th. For he says there is some money to be paid over on the 15th,
but that he is very hard pressed. You will judge from my letter how to
answer. More when I have seen Brutus and am sending Eros back. I accept
dear Attica's apology and send her my best love. Give my regards to her
and Pilia.

Footnote 301:

  210 sestertia.

Footnote 302:

  72 sestertia.

Footnote 303:

  80 sestertia.

                                Page 372

                                   II

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Puteolano V Idus Quint. a. 710_]

VI Idus duas epistulas accepi, unam a meo tabellario, alteram a Bruti.
De Buthrotiis longe alia fama in his locis fuerat, sed cum aliis multis
hoc ferendum. Erotem remisi citius, quam constitueram, ut esset, qui
Hortensio et Ouiae[304] quibus quidem ait se Idibus constituisse.
Hortensius vero impudenter. Nihil enim debetur ei nisi ex tertia
pensione, quae est Kal. Sext.; ex qua pensione ipsa maior pars est ei
soluta aliquanto ante diem. Sed haec Eros videbit Idibus.

Footnote 304:

  Ouiae _Gurlitt_: quia e _MSS._: coheredibus _Junius_.

De Publilio autem, quod perscribi oportet, moram non puto esse
faciendam. Sed, cum videas, quantum de iure nostro decesserimus, qui de
residuis ¯CCCC¯ HS ¯CC¯ praesentia solverimus, reliqua rescribamus,
loqui cum eo, si tibi videbitur, poteris eum commodum nostrum exspectare
debere, cum tanta sit a nobis iactura facta iuris. Sed, amabo te, mi
Attice (videsne, quam blande?), omnia nostra, quoad eris Romae, ita
gerito, regito, gubernato, ut nihil a me exspectes. Quamquam enim
reliqua satis apta sunt ad solvendum, tamen fit saepe, ut ii, qui
debent, non respondeant ad tempus. Si quid eius modi acciderit, ne quid
tibi sit fama mea potius. Non modo versura, verum etiam venditione, si
ita res coget, nos vindicabis.

                                Page 373

                                   II

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Puteoli, July 11_, B.C. _44_]

On the 10th I received two letters, one by my own messenger, another
from Brutus'. Here the story about the Buthrotians was very different;
but that, like many other things, we must put up with. I have sent Eros
back sooner than I intended, that there may be someone to pay Hortensius
and Ovia, with whom, indeed, he says he had made an appointment for the
15th. It is really shameless of Hortensius, for there is nothing owing
to him except on the third instalment, which is due on the 1st of
August; and the greater part of that instalment has been paid some time
before the proper date. But Eros will see to that on the 15th.

In Publilius' case I don't think there ought to be any delay in letting
him have a draft for what is owing. But, when you see how much I have
yielded my rights in paying up half of a balance of £4,000[305] in ready
money, and now giving a bill for the rest, you may, if you think fit,
tell him that he ought to await my convenience, when I have waived so
much of my rights. But please, my dear Atticus—see how coaxingly I put
it—do transact, regulate, and manage all my affairs while you are in
Rome, without waiting for a hint from me. For though I have sufficient
outstanding debts to meet my creditors, it often happens that the
debtors don't pay at the proper time. If anything of that sort happens,
consider nothing so much as my credit. Preserve it not only by raising a
fresh loan, but by selling if necessary.

Footnote 305:

  400 sestertia. The money was a repayment of the dowry Cicero had
  received with his second wife, whom he had since divorced.

                                Page 374

Bruto tuae litterae gratae erant. Fui enim apud illum multas horas in
Neside, cum paulo ante tuas litteras accepissem. Delectari mihi Tereo
videbatur et habere maiorem Accio quam Antonio gratiam. Mihi autem quo
laetiora sunt, eo plus stomachi et molestiae est populum Romanum manus
suas non in defendenda re publica, sed in plaudendo consumere. Mihi
quidem videntur istorum animi incendi etiam ad repraesentandam
improbitatem suam. Sed tamen,

             "dúm modo doleant áliquid, doleant quídlibet."

Consilium meum quod ais cotidie magis laudari, non moleste fero,
exspectabamque, si quid de eo ad me scriberes. Ego enim in varios
sermones incidebam. Quin etiam idcirco trahebam, ut quam diutissime
integrum esset. Sed, quoniam furcilla extrudimur, Brundisium cogito.
Facilior enim et exploratior devitatio legionum fore videtur quam
piratarum, qui apparere dicuntur.

Sestius VI Idus exspectabatur, sed non venerat, quod sciam. Cassius cum
classicula sua venerat. Ego, cum eum vidissem, V Id. in Pompeianum
cogitabam, inde Aeculanum. Nosti reliqua. De Tutia ita putaram. De
Aebutio non credo nec tamen curo plus quam tu. Planco et Oppio scripsi
equidem, quoniam rogaras, sed, si tibi videbitur, ne necesse habueris
reddere. Cum enim tua causa fecerint omnia, vereor, ne meas litteras
supervacaneas arbitrentur,

                                Page 375

Brutus was pleased with your letter. I spent several hours with him at
Nesis, just after I received your letter. He seemed to be delighted at
the Tereus incident, and to feel more grateful to Accius than to
Antonius.[306] For my part the better the news is, the more it annoys
and pains me, that the Roman people use their hands not for defending
the constitution but for clapping. It seems to me that the Caesarian
party is possessed of a positive mania for parading its disloyalty.
However, "so they but suffer, be it what it will."[307]

Footnote 306:

  There had been some exhibition of public feeling at the performance of
  Accius' _Tereus_ at the games given by Brutus. Here, and in the
  _Philippics_ II. 31, it is implied that it was favourable to Brutus,
  but Appius, _B.C._ III. 24, states that outbursts against Caesar's
  assassins drove them to decide on leaving Italy.

Footnote 307:

  From Afranius. Cf. Cicero, _Tusc. Disp._ IV. 45 and 55.

You say my plan is daily more commended. I am not sorry, and I am
looking forward to anything you may say about it. For I have met with
various opinions; and, indeed, for that reason I am hesitating as long
as possible before committing myself. But since I am being turned out
with a pitchfork, I am thinking of Brundisium. For it seems to me to be
more certain and easier to avoid the soldiers than the pirates, who are
said to be in evidence.

I expected Sestius on the 10th, but he has not come, so far as I know.
Cassius has arrived with his little fleet. When I have seen him, I am
thinking of going on the 11th to Pompeii, and thence to Aeculanum. You
know the rest. About Tutia, that is what I thought. As for Aebutius, I
don't believe it; nor do I care any more than you do. I have written of
course to Plancus and Oppius, as you asked me: but, if you think better
of it, don't hold yourself bound to deliver the letters. For, since they
have done it all for your sake, I fear my letters

                                Page 376

Oppio quidem utique, quem tibi amicissimum cognovi. Verum, ut voles.

Tu, quoniam scribis hiematurum te in Epiro, feceris mihi gratum, si ante
eo veneris, quam mihi in Italiam te auctore veniendum est. Litteras ad
me quam saepissime; si de rebus minus necessariis, aliquem nanctus; sin
autem erit quid maius, domo mittito.

Ἡρακλείδειον, si Brundisium salvi, adoriemur. "De gloria" misi tibi.
Custodies igitur, ut soles, sed notentur eclogarii, quos Salvius bonos
auditores nactus in convivio dumtaxat legat. Mihi valde placent, mallem
tibi. Etiam atque etiam vale.

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Pompeiano XVI K. Sext. a. 710_]

Tu vero sapienter (nunc demum enim rescribo iis litteris, quas mihi
misisti convento Antonio Tiburi) sapienter igitur, quod manus dedisti,
quodque etiam ultro gratias egisti. Certe enim, ut scribis, deseremur
ocius a re publica quam a re familiari. Quod vero scribis te cotidie
magis delectare "O Tite, si quid," auges mihi scribendi alacritatem.
Quod Erotem non sine munusculo exspectare te dicis, gaudeo non
fefellisse eam rem opinionem tuam; sed tamen idem σύνταγμα misi ad te
retractatius, et quidem ἀρχέτυπον ipsum crebris locis inculcatum et
refectum. Hunc tu tralatum in macrocollum lege arcano convivis tuis,

                                Page 377

may appear superfluous to them—to Oppius at any rate, as I know he is a
great admirer of yours. But just as you please.

As you say you are going to spend the winter in Epirus, I shall take it
kindly if you will come before the time at which you advise me to return
to Italy. Send me letters as often as possible; if on matters of little
importance, by any messenger you can find; but if on important affairs,
send some one of your own.

I will attempt a work in Heracleides' style, if I get safe to
Brundisium. I am sending you my _De Gloria_. Please keep it as usual,
but have select passages marked for Salvius to read when he has an
appropriate party to dinner. I am very pleased with them, and I hope you
will be too. Farewell, and yet again farewell.

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Pompeii, July 17_, B.C. _44_]

At last I am answering the letter you sent me after meeting Antony at
Tibur. Well, then, you were wise in giving in and even going so far as
to thank him. For certainly, as you say, we shall be robbed of our
constitution before we are robbed of our private property. So you take
more and more delight in my treatise on Old Age daily. That increases my
energy in writing. You say you expect Eros not to come to you
empty-handed. I am glad you have not been disappointed in the event; but
at the same time I am sending you the same composition more carefully
revised, indeed the original copy, with plenty of additions between the
lines and corrections. Have it copied on large paper and read it
privately to your guests; but, if you love me, do it

                                Page 378

sed, si me amas, hilaris et bene acceptis, ne in me stomachum erumpant,
cum sint tibi irati.

De Cicerone velim ita sit, ut audimus. De Xenone coram cognoscam;
quamquam nihil ab eo arbitror neque indiligenter neque inliberaliter. De
Herode faciam, ut mandas, et ea, quae scribis, ex Saufeio et e Xenone
cognoscam. De Quinto filio gaudeo tibi meas litteras prius a tabellario
meo quam ab ipso redditas; quamquam te nihil fefellisset. Verum tamen —.
Sed exspecto, quid ille tecum, quid tu vicissim, nec dubito, quin suo
more uterque. Sed eas litteras Curium mihi spero redditurum. Qui quidem
etsi per se est amabilis a meque diligitur, tamen accedet magnus cumulus
commendationis tuae.

Litteris tuis satis responsum est; nunc audi, quod, etsi intellego
scribi necesse non esse, scribo tamen. Multa me movent in discessu, in
primis mehercule quod diiungor a te. Movet etiam navigationis labor
alienus non ab aetate solum nostra, verum etiam a dignitate tempusque
discessus subabsurdum. Relinquimus enim pacem, ut ad bellum revertamur,
quodque temporis in praediolis nostris et belle aedificatis et satis
amoenis consumi potuit, in peregrinatione consumimus. Consolantur haec:
aut proderimus aliquid Ciceroni, aut quantum profici possit,
iudicabimus. Deinde tu iam, ut spero, et ut promittis, aderis. Quod
quidem si acciderit, omnia nobis erunt meliora. Maxime autem me angit
ratio reliquorum meorum. Quae quamquam explicata

                                Page 379

when they are in a good temper and have had a good dinner, for I don't
want them to vent on me the anger they feel towards you.

In my son's case I hope things may be as we hear. About Xeno I shall
know when I see him, though I don't suppose he is neglecting his duty or
acting meanly. I will do as you say about Herodes, and will find out
what you mention from Saufeius and Xeno. As for young Quintus, I am glad
my letter was delivered by my messenger sooner than the one he took
himself, though you would not have been taken in anyhow. However—but I
am anxious to hear what he said to you and what you answered, though I
have no doubt you both behaved characteristically. I hope Curius will
deliver that letter to me. Though he is pleasant enough and I like him
myself, still your recommendation will add the crowning grace.

I have answered your letter sufficiently; now hear what I am going to
say, though I know there is no necessity for me to say it. In regard to
my journey I am distressed about many things, the chief being that I am
separated from you. Then again there is the fatigue of the voyage, a
thing unsuitable not only to my age but to my rank too, and the time of
my departure is rather ridiculous. For I am leaving peace to return to
war, and wasting in travelling time that might be spent in my country
houses, which are comfortably built and pleasantly situated. My
consolations are these. I shall either benefit my son or see how much he
can be benefited. Then again, as I hope and as you promise, you will
soon be coming too; and if that happens it will make me far happier. But
the thing that worries me most is the arranging of my balances; for,
though things

                                Page 380

sunt, tamen, quod et Dolabellae nomen in iis est et in attributione mihi
nomina ignota, conturbor, nec me ulla res magis angit ex omnibus. Itaque
non mihi videor errasse, quod ad Balbum scripsi apertius, ut, si quid
tale accidisset, ut non concurrerent nomina, subveniret, meque tibi
etiam mandasse, ut, si quid eius modi accidisset, cum eo communicares.
Quod facies, si tibi videbitur, eoque magis, si proficisceris in Epirum.

Haec ego conscendens e Pompeiano tribus actuariolis decemscalmis. Brutus
erat in Neside etiam nunc, Neapoli Cassius. Ecquid amas Deiotarum et non
amas Hieram? Qui, ut Blesamius venit ad me, cum ei praescriptum esset,
ne quid sine Sexti nostri sententia ageret, neque ad illum neque ad
quemquam nostrum rettulit. Atticam nostram cupio absentem suaviari. Ita
mi dulcis salus visa est per te missa ab illa. Referes igitur ei
plurimam itemque Piliae dicas velim.

                                   IV

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Puteolano VI Id. Quint. a. 710_]

Ita ut heri tibi narravi vel fortasse hodie (Quintus enim altero die se
aiebat), in Nesida VIII Idus. Ibi Brutus. Quam ille doluit de NONIS
IULIIS! mirifice est conturbatus. Itaque sese scripturum aiebat, ut
venationem eam, quae postridie ludos Apollinares futura est,
proscriberent in III IDUS QUINCTILES. Libo

                                Page 381

have been put straight, I am anxious when I see Dolabella's name among
them, and drafts on people that I do not know among my assets: and that
makes me more uneasy than anything else. So I don't think I was wrong in
applying to Balbus quite openly to assist me, if such a thing should
happen as my debts not coming in properly, and telling him that I had
commissioned you to communicate with him in any such event. Do so, if
you think fit, especially if you are starting for Epirus.

This I have written just as I was embarking from Pompeii with three
ten-oared pinnaces. Brutus is still in Nesis, Cassius at Naples. Can you
like Deiotarus and not like Hieras?[308] When Blesamius came to me
Hieras was commissioned not to do anything without Sextus Peducaeus'
advice, but he never consulted him or any of our friends. I should like
to kiss Attica, far off as she is: I was so pleased with the good wishes
she sent me through you. So please give her my best thanks, and the same
to Pilia.

Footnote 308:

  Hieras and Blesamius were agents of Deiotarus in bribing Antony to
  restore Armenia to him, and apparently were now disowned by him after
  he had succeeded in getting it back.

                                   IV

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Puteoli, July 10_, B.C. _44_]

As I told you yesterday or perhaps to-day—for Quintus said he would take
two days going—I went to Nesis on the 8th: and there was Brutus. How
annoyed he was about the "7th of _July_."[309] It quite upset him. So he
said he would send orders for them to advertise the beast-hunt, which is
to take place on the day after the games to Apollo, as on the "13th of
_Quinctilis_." Libo came in, and he

Footnote 309:

  Cf. _Att._ XVI. 1.

                                Page 382

intervenit. Is Philonem, Pompei libertum, et Hilarum, suum libertum,
venisse a Sexto cum litteris ad consules, "sive quo alio nomine sunt."
Earum exemplum nobis legit, si quid videretur. Pauca παρὰ λέξιν,
ceteroqui et satis graviter et non contumaciter. Tantum addi placuit,
quod erat "COSS." solum, ut esset "PRAETT., TRIBB. PL., SENATVI," ne
illi non proferrent eas, quae ad ipsos missae essent. Sextum autem
nuntiant cum una solum legione fuisse Karthagine, eique eo ipso die, quo
oppidum Baream cepisset, nuntiatum esse de Caesare, capto oppido miram
laetitiam commutationemque animorum concursumque undique; sed illum ad
sex legiones, quas in ulteriore reliquisset, revertisse. Ad ipsum autem
Libonem scripsit nihil esse, nisi ad larem suum liceret. Summa
postulatorum, ut omnes exercitus dimittantur, qui ubique sint. Haec fere
de Sexto.

De Buthrotiis undique quaerens nihil reperiebam. Alii concisos
agripetas, alii Plancum acceptis nummis relictis illis aufugisse. Itaque
non video sciturum me, quid eius sit, ni statim aliquid litterarum.

Iter illud Brundisium, de quo dubitabam, sublatum videtur. Legiones enim
adventare dicuntur. Haec autem navigatio habet quasdam suspiciones
periculi. Itaque constituebam uti ὁμοπλοίᾳ. Paratiorem enim offendi
Brutum, quam audiebam. Nam et ipse et Domitius bona plane habet dicrota,
suntque navigia praeterea luculenta Sesti, Buciliani, ceterorum.

                                Page 383

told us that Philo, a freedman of Pompey, and Hilarus, one of his own,
had come from Sextus with a letter for the consuls, "or whatever they
call them." He read us a copy to see what we thought of it. There were a
few odd expressions, but in other respects it was sufficiently dignified
and not aggressive. We only thought it better to make an addition of
"Praetors, Tribunes of the People, and Senate" to the simple address to
the "Consuls," for fear they should not publish a letter sent to them.
They say that Sextus has been at Carthage with only one legion, and that
he received the news about Caesar on the very day that he took the town
of Barea. After the capture there were great rejoicings and a change of
sentiment, and people flocked to him from every side, but he returned to
the six legions he had left in lower Spain. He has written to Libo
himself saying it is all nothing to him if he cannot get home. The
upshot of his demands is, that all the armies everywhere should be
disbanded. That is all about Sextus.

I have been making enquiries in every direction about the Buthrotians,
and discover nothing. Some say the land-grabbers were cut to pieces,
others that Plancus pocketed the money and fled, leaving them in the
lurch. So I don't see how I can find out what there is in it, unless I
get a letter at once.

The route to Brundisium, about which I was hesitating, seems to be out
of the question. They say the troops are arriving there. But the voyage
from here has some suspicion of danger, so I have made up my mind to
sail in company with Brutus. I found him better prepared than I had
heard he was. For both he and Domitius have quite good two-banked
galleys, and there are also some good ships belonging

                                Page 384

Nam Cassi classem, quae plane bella est, non numero ultra fretum. Illud
est mihi submolestum, quod parum Brutus properare videtur. Primum
confectorum ludorum nuntios exspectat; deinde, quantum intellego, tarde
est navigaturus consistens in locis pluribus. Tamen arbitror esse
commodius tarde navigare quam omnino non navigare; et, si, cum
processerimus, exploratiora videbuntur, etesiis utemur.

                                   V

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Puteolano VII Id. Quint. a. 710_]

Tuas iam litteras Brutus exspectabat. Cui quidem ego non novum attuleram
de Tereo Acci. Ille Brutum putabat. Sed tamen rumoris nescio quid
adflaverat commissione Graecorum frequentiam non fuisse; quod quidem me
minime fefellit; scis enim, quid ego de Graecis ludis existimem.

Nunc audi, quod pluris est quam omnia. Quintus fuit mecum dies
complures, et, si ego cuperem, ille vel plures fuisset; sed, quam diu
fuit, incredibile est, quam me in omni genere delectarit, in eoque
maxime, in quo minime satis faciebat. Sic enim commutatus est totus et
scriptis meis quibusdam, quae in manibus habebam, et adsiduitate
orationis et praeceptis, ut tali animo in rem publicam, quali nos
volumus, futurus sit. Hoc cum mihi non modo confirmasset, sed

                                Page 385

to Sestus, Bucilianus, and others. For I don't count on Cassius' fleet,
which is quite a fine one, beyond the straits of Sicily. There is one
point that annoys me a little, Brutus seems in no hurry. First he is
waiting for news of the completion of his games; then, so far as I can
understand, he is going to sail slowly, stopping at several places.
Still I think it will be better to sail slowly than not to sail at all;
and if, when we have got some distance, things seem clearer, we shall
take advantage of the Etesian winds.

                                   V

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Puteoli, July 9_, B.C. _44_]

Brutus is expecting a letter from you. The news I brought him about
Accius' _Tereus_ was no news. He thought it was the _Brutus_.[310] There
had, however, been some breath of rumour that at the opening of the
Greek games the audience was small, at which, indeed, I was not at all
surprised; for you know what I think of Greek games.

Footnote 310:

  Cf. _Att._ XVI. 2. Not being present Brutus had supposed it was the
  play called _Brutus_, whereas it was the _Tereus_.

Now hear the most important point of all. Quintus has been with me
several days, and, if I had desired, he would have stayed longer; but,
so far as his visit went, you would not believe how pleased I was with
him in every way, and especially in that in which I used most to
disapprove of him. For he is so totally changed, partly by some works of
mine, which I have in hand, and partly by my continual advice and
exhortation, that he will in the future be as loyal as we could wish to
the constitution. After he had not only asseverated this, but convinced
me

                                Page 386

etiam persuasisset, egit mecum accurate multis verbis, tibi ut sponderem
se dignum et te et nobis futurum; neque se postulare, ut statim
crederes, sed, cum ipse perspexisses, tum ut se amares. Quodnisi fidem
mihi fecisset, iudicassemque hoc, quod dico, firmum fore, non fecissem
id, quod dicturus sum. Duxi enim mecum adulescentem ad Brutum. Sic ei
probatum est, quod ad te scribo, ut ipse crediderit, me sponsorem
accipere noluerit, eumque laudans amicissime mentionem tui fecerit,
complexus osculatusque dimiserit. Quam ob rem, etsi magis est, quod
gratuler tibi, quam quod te rogem, tamen etiam rogo, ut, si quae minus
antea propter infirmitatem aetatis constanter ab eo fieri videbantur, ea
iudices illum abiecisse, mihique credas multum allaturam, vel plurimum
potius, ad illius iudicium confirmandum auctoritatem tuam.

Bruto cum saepe iniecissem de ὁμοπλοίᾳ, non perinde, atque ego putaram,
arripere visus est. Existimabam μετεωρότερον esse, et hercule erat et
maxime de ludis. At mihi, cum ad villam redissem, Cn. Lucceius, qui
multum utitur Bruto, narravit illum valde morari, non tergiversantem,
sed exspectantem, si qui forte casus. Itaque dubito, an Venusiam tendam
et ibi exspectem de legionibus. Si aberunt, ut quidam arbitrantur,
Hydruntem, si neutrum erit ἀσφαλές, eodem revertar. Iocari me putas?
Moriar, si quisquam me tenet praeter te. Etenim circumspice, sed
antequam erubesco. O dies in auspiciis Lepidi

                                Page 387

of it, he was very pressing for me to go bail to you that he will come
up to your and our expectations for the future; and he did not ask you
to believe this at once, but that you should restore your affection to
him, when you had seen it for yourself. If he had not convinced me of
it, and I did not think that what I am saying is trustworthy, I should
not have done what I am going to tell you. I took the young man with me
to Brutus, and he was so convinced of what I mention that he believed it
on his own account, refusing to hold me sponsor for Quintus. He praised
him and mentioned you in the most friendly way, and dismissed him with
an embrace and a kiss. So, although there is more reason for
congratulating you than asking favours of you, still I do ask you, if
you have regarded his actions up to now as showing some of the
flightiness of youth, to believe that he has got rid of that, and to
trust me that your influence will contribute much, or rather everything,
towards making his decision permanent.

I have frequently thrown out a hint to Brutus about sailing with him,
but he does not seem to jump at it as I thought he would. He seemed to
me rather distrait, and indeed he was, especially about the games. But
when I got back home, Lucceius, who is very intimate with him, said he
was hesitating a good deal, not because he has changed his mind, but in
the hope that something may turn up. So I am wondering whether to make
for Venusia and there await news of the troops. If they are not there,
as some think, I shall go to Hydrus; if neither road is safe, I will
come back here. Do you think I am joking? Upon my life you are the only
person who keeps me here. Just look round you, but do it before I
blush.[311] Lepidus' choice of his day

Footnote 311:

  Possibly there is some corruption in the text here, as the remark
  seems senseless.

                                Page 388

lepide descriptos et apte ad consilium reditus nostri! Magna ῥοπὴ ad
proficiscendum in tuis litteris. Atque utinam te illic! Sed ut conducere
putabis.

Nepotis epistulam exspecto. Cupidus ille meorum? qui ea, quibus maxime
γαυριῶ, legenda non putet. Et ais "μετ' ἀμύμονα"! Tu vero "ἀμύμων," ille
quidem "ἄμβροτος." Mearum epistularum nulla est συναγωγή; sed habet Tiro
instar septuaginta; et quidem sunt a te quaedam sumendae. Eas ego
oportet perspiciam, corrigam. Tum denique edentur.

                                   VI

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Vibone VIII K. Sext. a. 710_]

Ego adhuc (perveni enim Vibonem ad Siccam) magis commode quam strenue
navigavi; remis enim magnam partem, prodromi nulli. Illud satis
opportune, duo sinus fuerunt, quos tramitti oporteret, Paestanus et
Vibonensis. Utrumque pedibus aequis tramisimus. Veni igitur ad Siccam
octavo die e Pompeiano, cum unum diem Veliae constitissem. Ubi quidem
fui sane libenter apud Talnam nostrum, nec potui accipi, illo absente
praesertim, liberalius. VIIII Kal. igitur ad Siccam. Ibi tamquam domi
meae scilicet. Itaque obduxi posterum diem. Sed putabam,

                                Page 389

of inauguration is as happy as his name, and fits excellently with my
plan for returning. Your letter supplies a strong incentive for going. I
only wish you were there: but that must be as you think best for
yourself.

I am expecting a letter from Nepos. Does he really want my books, when
he thinks the subjects I am keenest on not worth reading. You call him
an Achilles to your Ajax.[312] No, you are the Achilles and he is one of
the immortals. There is no collection of my letters, but Tiro has about
seventy, and some can be got from you. Those I ought to see and correct,
and then they may be published.

Footnote 312:

  Cf. _Odyssey_ XI. 169, where Ajax is said to rank next after "the
  blameless son of Peleus" (μετ' ἀμύμονα Πηλείωνα).

                                   VI

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Vibo, July 25_, B.C. _44_]

I have got as far as Sicca's house at Vibo, and at present I have taken
it easy and not exerted myself. We have rowed most of the way, as there
have been none of the usual north winds.[313] That was rather lucky, as
there were two bays to cross, that of Paestum and that of Vibo. We
crossed both with the wind behind us.[314] So I got to Sicca's place
eight days after leaving Pompeii, having stopped one day at Velia. There
I stayed at Talna's house very enjoyably, and I could not have been more
liberally entertained, especially as he was away. So I got to Sicca on
the 24th, and here I am quite at home. So I have stayed a day longer
than I meant. But I think, when I get to

Footnote 313:

  North-north-east winds, called "fore-runners," because they usually
  prevailed for eight days before the rising of the Dog-star.

Footnote 314:

  The _pedes_ were ropes attached to the sail to set it to the wind.
  Both would be let out to an equal length when sailing before the wind.

                                Page 390

[Sidenote: _Odyssey_, iii. 169]

cum Regium venissem, fore ut illic "δολιχὸν πλόον ὁρμαίνοντες"
cogitaremus, corbitane Patras an actuariolis ad Leucopetras Tarentinorum
atque inde Corcyram, et, si oneraria, statimne freto an Syracusis. Hac
super re scribam ad te Regio.

Mehercule, mi Attice, saepe mecum:

                     "Ἡ δεῦρ' ὁδός σοι τί δύναται;"

Cur ego tecum non sum? cur ocellos Italiae, villulas meas, non video?
Sed id satis superque, tecum me non esse, quid fugientem? periculumne?
At id nunc quidem, nisi fallor, nullum est. Ad ipsum enim revocat me
auctoritas tua; scribis enim in caelum ferri profectionem meam, sed ita,
si ante K. Ianuar. redeam; quod quidem certe enitar. Malo enim vel cum
timore domi esse quam sine timore Athenis tuis. Sed tamen perspice, quo
ista vergant, mihique aut scribe, aut, quod multo malim, adfer ipse.
Haec hactenus.

Illud velim in bonam partem accipias me agere tecum, quod tibi maiori
curae sciam esse quam ipsi mihi. Nomina mea, per deos, expedi, exsolve.
Bella reliqua reliqui; sed opus est diligentia, coheredibus pro Cluviano
Kal. Sextil. persolutum ut sit. Cum Publilio quo modo agendum sit,
videbis. Non debet urgere, quoniam iure non utimur. Sed tamen ei quoque
satis fieri plane volo. Terentiae vero quid ego dicam? Etiam ante diem,
si potes. Quin, si, ut spero, celeriter in Epirum, hoc, quod satisdato
debeo,

                                Page 391

Regium, there, being "on a far voyage bent," I shall have to consider
whether to proceed by a merchant vessel to Patrae or by packet-boats to
Tarentine Leucopetra, and thence to Corcyra; and, if by a merchant ship,
whether direct from the Sicilian strait or from Syracuse. On this point
I will write to you from Regium.

Upon my word, Atticus, I often say to myself: "Why, what avails thee all
thy journey here?"[315] Why am not I with you? Why may I not see my
country houses, the jewels of Italy? But that alone is enough and more
than enough, that I am not with you. And what am I fleeing from? Danger?
Nay, unless I am mistaken, there is no danger now. For it is precisely
at the hour of danger that you bid me come back. For you say my
departure is praised to the skies, provided I return by the end of the
year; and that I will certainly strive to do. For I had rather be at
home in fear and trembling, than in your loved Athens without a fear.
However, keep your eye on the trend of events, and write to me, or what
I should much prefer, bring the news yourself. Enough of this.

Footnote 315:

  A verse from an unknown author, quoted in a fuller form in _Att._ XV.
  11.

Please take my next request in good part. I know you devote more care to
it than I do myself. For mercy's sake keep my accounts clear and pay my
debts. I have left a handsome balance; but it requires care to see to
the payment of my fellow-heirs for the Cluvian property on the 1st of
August. You will see how to manage about Publilius. He ought not to be
pressing, as I am not insisting upon my legal rights. Still I should
much like him also to be satisfied. As to Terentia, what am I to say?
Pay her even before the proper date, if you can. But if, as I hope, you
are coming soon to Epirus, pray make

                                Page 392

peto a te ut ante provideas planeque expedias et solutum relinquas. Sed
de his satis, metuoque, ne tu nimium putes.

Nunc neglegentiam meam cognosce. "De gloria" librum ad te misi. At in eo
prohoemium idem est quod in Academico tertio. Id evenit ob eam rem, quod
habeo volumen prohoemiorum. Ex eo eligere soleo, cum aliquod σύγγραμμα
institui. Itaque iam in Tusculano, qui non meminissem me abusum isto
prohoemio, conieci id in eum librum, quem tibi misi. Cum autem in navi
legerem Academicos, adgnovi erratum meum. Itaque statim novum prohoemium
exaravi et tibi misi. Tu illud desecabis, hoc adglutinabis. Piliae
salutem dices et Atticae, deliciis atque amoribus meis.

                                  VII

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scripsit navigans ad Pompeianum XIV K. Sept. a. 710_]

VIII Idus Sextil. cum a Leucopetra profectus (inde enim tramittebam)
stadia circiter CCC processissem, reiectus sum austro vehementi ad
eandem Leucopetram. Ibi cum ventum exspectarem (erat enim villa Valeri
nostri, ut familiariter essem et libenter), Regini quidam illustres
homines eo venerunt Roma sane recentes, in iis Bruti nostri hospes, qui
Brutum Neapoli reliquisset. Haec adferebant, edictum Bruti et Cassi, et
fore frequentem senatum Kalendis, a Bruto et Cassio litteras missas ad
consulares et praetorios,

                                Page 393

arrangements first for any bills I have put my name to, and put affairs
straight and leave them paid. But of this enough, and I fear you may
think too much.

Now I must confess my carelessness. I sent you the work _On Glory_. But
the preface to it is the same as that to the third book of the
_Academics_. That is due to my having a volume of prefaces, from which I
select one when I have begun a composition. So, when I was at Tusculum,
forgetting I had used that preface, I put it into the book I sent you.
But when I was reading the _Academics_ on the boat I noticed my mistake.
So I dashed off a new preface at once, and have sent it to you. Please
cut the other off and glue this on. Pay my respects to Pilia and to my
pet and darling Attica.

                                  VII

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _On ship-board on the way to Pompeii, Aug. 19_, B.C. _44_]

When I had started from Leucopetra—for that was where I began my
crossing—on the sixth of August and gone some forty miles, I was driven
back to Leucopetra again by a strong south wind. While I was waiting
there for the wind—our friend Valerius has a house there, so I was at
home and enjoying myself—there came some men of mark of Regium, fresh
from Rome, among them a guest of our friend Brutus, who said he had left
Brutus at Naples. They brought an edict of Brutus and Cassius and news
that there would be a full meeting of the House on the first of the
month and that a letter had been sent by Brutus and Cassius to the
ex-consuls

                                Page 394

ut adessent, rogare. Summam spem nuntiabant fore ut Antonius cederet,
res conveniret, nostri Romam redirent. Addebant etiam me desiderari,
subaccusari.

Quae cum audissem, sine ulla dubitatione abieci consilium profectionis,
quo mehercule ne antea quidem delectabar. Lectis vero tuis litteris
admiratus equidem sum te tam vehementer sententiam commutasse, sed non
sine causa arbitrabar. Etsi, quamvis non fueris suasor et impulsor
profectionis meae, adprobator certe fuisti, dum modo Kal. Ian. Romae
essem. Ita fiebat, ut, dum minus periculi videretur, abessem, in flammam
ipsam venirem. Sed haec, etiamsi non prudenter, tamen ἀνεμέσητα sunt,
primum quod de mea sententia acta sunt, deinde, etiamsi te auctore, quid
debet, qui consilium dat, praestare praeter fidem? Illud admirari satis
non potui, quod scripsisti his verbis: "Bene igitur tu, qui εὐθανασίαν,
bene! relinque patriam." An ego relinquebam aut tibi tum relinquere
videbar? Tu id non modo non inhibebas, verum etiam adprobabas. Graviora,
quae restant. "Velim σχόλιον aliquod elimes ad me oportuisse te istuc
facere." Itane, mi Attice? defensione eget meum factum, praesertim apud
te, qui id mirabiliter adprobasti? Ego vero istum ἀπολογισμὸν
συντάξομαι, sed ad eorum aliquem, quibus invitis et

                                Page 395

and ex-praetors asking them to be present. They said there were great
hopes that Antony might yield, some agreement be arrived at, and our
friends allowed to return to Rome; and they added that I was missed and
people were inclined to blame me.

When I heard that, I had no hesitation about giving up my idea of going
away, which to be sure I had never fancied even before that: and when I
read your letter, I was certainly surprised that you had so utterly
changed your opinion; but there seemed to me to be good reason for it.
However, though it was not you who persuaded and urged me to go, you
certainly approved of my going, if I got back by the end of the year.
That would have meant, that, when there was little danger, I should have
been away, and should return when it was in full blaze. But that,
although it was not a counsel of prudence, I have no right to resent,
first because it happened by my own wish, and secondly, even if you had
advised me, an adviser need not guarantee anything but his sincerity.
What did astonish me beyond measure was that you should use the words:
"A fine thing for you, who talk of a noble death, a fine thing, i'
faith. Go, desert your country." Was I deserting it, or did you at the
time think I was deserting it? You not only raised no finger against it,
you even approved of it. The rest is even more severe: "I wish you would
write me an explanatory note showing that it was your duty to do it?"
So, my dear Atticus? Does my action need defending, especially to you,
who expressed strong approval? Yes, I will write a defence, but for some
of those who opposed my going and spoke against it.

                                Page 396

dissuadentibus profectus sum. Etsi quid iam opus est σχολίῳ? si
perseverassem, opus fuisset. "At hoc ipsum non constanter." Nemo doctus
umquam (multa autem de hoc genere scripta sunt) mutationem consilii
inconstantiam dixit esse. Deinceps igitur haec: "Nam, si a Phaedro
nostro esses, expedita excusatio esset; nunc quid respondemus?" Ergo id
erat meum factum, quod Catoni probare non possem? flagitii scilicet
plenum et dedecoris. Utinam a primo ita tibi esset visum! tu mihi, sicut
esse soles, fuisses Cato. Extremum illud vel molestissimum: "Nam Brutus
noster silet," hoc est: non audet hominem id aetatis monere. Aliud nihil
habeo, quod ex iis a te verbis significari putem, et hercule ita est.
Nam, XVI Kal. Sept. cum venissem Veliam, Brutus audivit; erat enim cum
suis navibus apud Heletem fluvium citra Veliam mil. pass. III. Pedibus
ad me statim. Dei immortales, quam valde ille reditu vel potius
reversione mea laetatus effudit illa omnia, quae tacuerat! ut recordarer
illud tuum "Nam Brutus noster silet." Maxime autem dolebat me Kal. Sext.
in senatu non fuisse. Pisonem ferebat in caelum; se autem laetari, quod
effugissem duas maximas vituperationes, unam, quam itinere faciendo me
intellegebam suscipere, desperationis ac relictionis rei publicae
(flentes mecum vulgo querebantur, quibus de meo celeri reditu non
probabam), alteram, de qua Brutus, et qui una erant (multi autem erant),
laetabantur,

                                Page 397

Though what need is there of an explanatory note? If I had gone on,
there would have been. "But coming back is not consistent." No
philosopher ever called a change of plan inconsistency, though there has
been a good deal written on the point. So you add: "If you were a
follower of our friend Phaedrus,[316] one would have a defence ready:
but, as it is, what answer can one give?" So my deed was one Cato would
not approve of, was it? Of course then it was criminal and disgraceful.
Would to heaven you had thought so at first; you should have been my
Cato, as you usually are. Your last cut is the most unkind of all: "For
our friend Brutus holds his peace," that is to say, he does not dare
remonstrate with a man of my age. I see no other meaning that I can
attach to your words, and no doubt that is it. For on the 17th, when I
reached Velia, Brutus heard of it—he was with his boats on the river
Heles about three miles from Velia; and he came at once on foot to see
me. Great heavens, how he let out all his pent-up silence in joy at my
return or rather my turning back. I could not help thinking of your "Our
friend Brutus holds his peace." But what he regretted most was that I
was not in the House on the first of August. Piso he lauded to the
skies: and he expressed his delight that I had escaped two grounds for
reproach. One of these was that of despairing and abandoning the
country—and that I knew I might incur in undertaking the voyage; for
many had complained to me with tears in their eyes, and I could not
convince them of my speedy return. The other point that rejoiced Brutus
and those who were with him—and there

Footnote 316:

  An Epicurean philosopher at Athens; cf. _Ad Fam._ XIII. 1.

                                Page 398

quod eam vituperationem effugissem, me existimari ad Olympia. Hoc vero
nihil turpius quovis rei publicae tempore, sed hoc ἀναπολόγητον. Ego
vero austro gratias miras, qui me a tanta infamia averterit.

Reversionis has speciosas causas habes, iustas illas quidem et magnas;
sed nulla iustior, quam quod tu idem aliis litteris: "Provide, si cui
quid debetur, ut sit, unde par pari respondeatur. Mirifica enim
δυσχρηστία est propter metum armorum." In freto medio hanc epistulam
legi, ut, quid possem providere, in mentem mihi non veniret, nisi ut
praesens me ipse defenderem. Sed haec hactenus; reliqua coram.

Antoni edictum legi a Bruto et horum contra scriptum praeclare; sed,
quid ista edicta valeant aut quo spectent, plane non video. Nec ego
nunc, ut Brutus censebat, istuc ad rem publicam capessendam venio. Quid
enim fieri potest? Num quis Pisoni est adsensus? num rediit ipse
postridie? Sed abesse hanc aetatem longe a sepulcro negant oportere.

Sed, obsecro te, quid est, quod audivi de Bruto? Piliam πειράζεσθαι
παραλύσει te scripsisse aiebat Valde sum commotus. Etsi idem te scribere
sperare melius. Ita plane velim, et ei dicas plurimam salutem et
suavissimae Atticae. Haec scripsi navigans, cum prope Pompeianum
accederem, XIIII Kal.

                                Page 399

were a lot of them—was that I had escaped the reproach of being thought
to be going to the Olympian games. Nothing could be more disgraceful
than that in any political circumstances, but at the present time it
would be inexcusable. I of course felt very grateful to the south wind,
which had saved me from such infamy.

There you have the ostensible reasons for my return; and they are good
and sufficient reasons too; but none of them is better than one you
mention in your letter: "If you owe anything to anyone, take measures to
provide yourself with the means to pay each his due. For the money
market is wonderfully tight owing to fear of war." I was in the middle
of the straits when I read this letter, and I could not think of any way
of taking measures, unless I came to look after it myself. But enough of
this; more when we meet.

I got a sight of Antony's edict from Brutus, and of our friends'
magnificent answer; but I don't quite see the use or the object of these
edicts. Nor have I come as Brutus thought, to take part in the
management of affairs. For what can be done? Did anybody agree with
Piso? Did he himself come back the next day? But, as the saying goes, a
man of my time of life ought not to go far from his grave.

But for mercy's sake what is this that I hear from Brutus! He says you
told him Pilia had had an attack of paralysis. I am very much disturbed
about it, though he tells me you say you hope she is better. I sincerely
hope she is; give her and darling Attica my best regards. This I have
written on ship-board, as I was getting near to Pompeii, Aug. 19.

                                Page 400

                                  VIII

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Puteolano IV Non. Nov. a. 710_]

Cum sciam, quo die venturus sim, faciam, ut scias. Impedimenta
exspectanda sunt, quae Anagnia veniunt, et familia aegra est. Kal.
vesperi litterae mihi ab Octaviano. Magna molitur. Veteranos, qui sunt
Casilini et Calatiae, perduxit ad suam sententiam. Nec mirum, quingenos
denarios dat. Cogitat reliquas colonias obire. Plane hoc spectat, ut se
duce bellum geratur cum Antonio. Itaque video paucis diebus nos in armis
fore. Quem autem sequamur? Vide nomen, vide aetatem. Atque a me
postulat, primum ut clam conloquatur mecum vel Capuae vel non longe a
Capua. Puerile hoc quidem, si id putat clam fieri posse. Docui per
litteras id nec opus esse nec fieri posse. Misit ad me Caecinam quendam
Volaterranum familiarem suum; qui haec pertulit, Antonium cum legione
Alaudarum ad urbem pergere, pecunias municipiis imperare, legionem sub
signis ducere. Consultabat, utrum Romam cum CIↃ CIↃ CIↃ veteranorum
proficisceretur an Capuam teneret et Antonium venientem excluderet, an
iret ad tres legiones Macedonicas, quae iter secundum mare Superum
faciunt; quas sperat suas esse. Eae congiarium ab Antonio accipere
noluerunt, ut hic quidem narrat, et ei convicium grave fecerunt
contionantemque reliquerunt. Quid quaeris? ducem se profitetur

                                Page 401

                                  VIII

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Puteoli, Nov. 2_, B.C. _44_]

When I know what day I shall arrive, I will let you know. I must wait
for my heavy baggage, which is coming from Anagnia, and there is illness
in my household. On the evening of the 1st I got a letter from Octavian.
He is setting about a heavy task. He has brought over the veterans, who
are at Casilinum and Calatia, to his views; and no wonder, when he is
giving them £20[317] apiece. He thinks of visiting the other colonies.
Obviously his idea is a war with Antony under his leadership. So I see
that before long we shall be in arms. But whom are we to follow? Look at
his name, and at his age. And his first request of me is that I should
meet him secretly at Capua or somewhere near Capua. That is quite
childish, if he thinks it can be done secretly. I have told him by
letter that there is no necessity for it and no possibility of it. He
sent me one Caecina of Volaterra, an intimate friend of his, who brought
this news, that Antony is making for Rome with the legion Alauda,
raising a forced contribution from towns, and marching with his soldiers
under colours. He asked my advice about setting out for Rome with 3,000
veterans or holding Capua and intercepting Antony's advance, or going to
the three Macedonian legions, which are making for the northern
Adriatic. Those he hopes are on his side; they refused to take Antony's
bounty, or so he says, heaped insults on him and left him still
haranguing. Of course, he offers himself as our leader, and thinks we
ought not to fail

Footnote 317:

  500 denarii.

                                Page 402

nec nos sibi putat deesse oportere. Equidem suasi, ut Romam pergeret.
Videtur enim mihi et plebeculam urbanam, et, si fidem fecerit, etiam
bonos viros secum habiturus. O Brute, ubi es? quantam εὐκαιρίαν amittis!
Non equidem hoc divinavi, sed aliquid tale putavi fore. Nunc tuum
consilium exquiro. Romamne venio an hic maneo an Arpinum (ἀσφάλειαν
habet is locus) fugiam? Romam, ne desideremur, si quid actum videbitur.
Hoc igitur explica. Numquam in maiore ἀπορίᾳ fui.

                                   IX

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Puteolano prid. Non. Nov. a. 710_]

Binae uno die mihi litterae ab Octaviano, nunc quidem, ut Romam statim
veniam; velle se rem agere per senatum. Cui ego non posse senatum ante
K. Ianuar., quod quidem ita credo. Ille autem addit "consilio tuo." Quid
multa? ille urget, ego autem σκήπτομαι. Non confido aetati, ignoro, quo
animo. Nil sine Pansa tuo volo. Vereor, ne valeat Antonius, nec a mari
discedere libet, et metuo, ne quae ἀριστεία me absente. Varroni quidem
displicet consilium pueri, mihi non. Si firmas copias habet, Brutum
habere potest, et rem gerit palam. Centuriat Capuae, dinumerat. Iam
iamque video bellum. Ad haec rescribe. Tabellarium meum Kalend. Roma
profectum sine tuis litteris miror.

                                Page 403

him. I advised that he should make for Rome. For it seems to me he ought
to have the city rabble, and, if he succeeds in inspiring them with
confidence, even the loyalists on his side. O Brutus, where are you?
What a golden opportunity you are missing! I never foresaw this, but I
thought something of the kind would happen. Now, I want your advice.
Shall I come to Rome, or stay here, or flee to Arpinum, which would be a
harbour of refuge? Rome I think, for fear I be missed, if people think a
blow has been struck. Read me this riddle. I never was in a greater
quandary.

                                   IX

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Puteoli, Nov. 4_, B.C. _44_]

Two letters on one day from Octavian, now asking me to come to Rome at
once, as he wishes to act through the Senate. I told him I did not think
the Senate could meet before January, and I really believe that is so.
But he adds "with your advice." In short he is pressing, while I am
temporizing. I do not trust his age: I do not know his disposition. I do
not want to do anything without your friend Pansa's advice. I am afraid
Antony may succeed, and I don't like going away from the sea, and I fear
some great deed may be done in my absence. Varro, for his part, dislikes
the boy's plan; I do not. If he can trust his army, he can have Brutus,
and he is playing his game openly. He is dividing his men into companies
at Capua, and paying over their bounty money. I see war close upon us.
Please answer this letter. I am surprised my messenger left Rome on the
1st without a letter from you.

                                Page 404

                                   X

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Sinuessano VI Id. Nov. a. 710_]

VII Id. veni ad me in Sinuessanum. Eodem die vulgo loquebantur Antonium
mansurum esse Casilini. Itaque mutavi consilium; statueram enim recta
Appia Romam. Facile me ille esset adsecutus. Aiunt enim eum Caesarina
uti celeritate. Verti igitur me a Menturnis Arpinum versus.
Constitueram, ut V Idus aut Aquini manerem aut in Arcano. Nunc, mi
Attice, tota mente incumbe in hanc curam; magna enim res est. Tria sunt
autem, maneamne Arpini an propius accedam an veniam Romam. Quod
censueris, faciam. Sed quam primum. Avide exspecto tuas litteras. VI
Idus mane in Sinuessano.

                                   XI

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Puteolano Non. Nov. a. 710_]

[Sidenote: _Iliad_, xx. 308]

Nonis accepi a te duas epistulas, quarum alteram Kal. dederas, alteram
pridie. Igitur prius ad superiorem. Nostrum opus tibi probari laetor; ex
quo ἄνθη ipsa posuisti. Quae mihi florentiora sunt visa tuo iudicio;
cerulas enim tuas miniatulas illas extimescebam. De Sicca ita est, ut
scribis: ab[318] asta ea aegre me tenui. Itaque perstringam sine ulla
contumelia Siccae aut Septimiae, tantum ut sciant "παῖδες παίδων"

Footnote 318:

  ab _added by Reid_: asta (=hasta, sensu obscoeno; cf. _Priapea_, 43,
  1).

                                Page 405

                                   X

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Sinuessa, Nov. 8_, B.C. _44_]

On the 7th I reached my house at Sinuessa, and on that day it was
generally said that Antony was going to stay at Casilinum. So I changed
my plan, for I had intended to go straight on by the Appian way to Rome.
He would easily have caught me up, for they say he travels as fast as
Caesar. So from Menturnae I am turning off towards Arpinum, and I have
made up my mind to stay at Aquinum or in Arcanum on the 9th. Now, my
dear Atticus, throw yourself heart and soul into this question, for it
is an important matter. There are three things open to me: to stay at
Arpinum, to come nearer to Rome, or to go to Rome. What you advise, I
will do? But answer at once. I am eagerly expecting a letter from you.
Sinuessa, Nov. 8 in the morning.

                                   XI

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Puteoli, Nov. 5_, B.C. _44_]

On the 5th I received two letters from you, one dated the first, the
other a day earlier. So I am answering the earlier first. I am glad you
like my book, from which you quoted the very gems; and they seemed to me
all the more sparkling for your judgment on them. For I was afraid of
those red pencils[319] of yours. As for Sicca, it is as you say: I could
hardly hold myself in about Antony's lust. So I will touch on it lightly
without any opprobrium for Sicca and Septimia, and only let our
children's

Footnote 319:

  Cf. _Att._ XV. 14, 4.

                                Page 406

sine φαλλῷ Luciliano eum ex C. Fadi filia liberos habuisse. Atque utinam
eum diem videam, cum ista oratio ita libere vagetur, ut etiam in Siccae
domum introeat! Sed "illo tempore opus est, quod fuit illis III viris."
Moriar, nisi facete! Tu vero leges Sexto eiusque iudicium mihi
perscribes. "Εἷς ἐμοὶ μύριοι." Caleni interventum et Calvenae cavebis.

Quod vereris, ne ἀδόλεσχος mihi tu, quis minus? Cui, ut Aristophani
Archilochi iambus, sic epistula tua longissima quaeque optima videtur.
Quod me admones, tu vero etiamsi reprenderes, non modo facile paterer,
sed etiam laetarer, quippe cum in reprensione sit prudentia cum
εὐμενεία. Ita libenter ea corrigam, quae a te animadversa sunt, "eodem
iure quo Rubriana" potius quam "quo Scipionis," et de laudibus
Dolabellae deruam cumulum. Ac tamen est isto loco bella, ut mihi
videtur, εἰρωνεία, quod eum ter contra cives in acie. Illud etiam malo:
"indignissimum est hunc vivere" quam "quid indignius?" Πεπλογραφίαν
Varronis tibi probari non moleste fero;

                                Page 407

children know, without taking Lucilian licence, that Antony had children
by a daughter of Fadius. I only wish I could see the day when my second
_Philippic_ could be sufficiently freely circulated to enter even
Sicca's door. "But we want back the days of freedom under the
triumvirs."[320] Upon my life that was a neat touch of yours. Please
read my book to Sextus and let me know his opinion. I would take his
word against all the world. Keep your eyes open for the appearance of
Calenus and Calvena.

Footnote 320:

  The point of this sentence is not obvious. The translation follows
  Watson, who suggests that the pleasantry lies in calling the days of
  the triumvirate free in comparison with the date at which Cicero was
  writing. Other suggestions are (_a_) that there is a play on the
  triumvirate and the fact that Caesar and Pompey each had three wives;
  (_b_) that Septimia had three husbands; or (_c_) that it refers to
  some earlier date, possibly Cicero's consulate, when Fadia had three
  lovers. (Cf. Gurlitt, in _Philologus_, LVII. (1898) pp. 403-8).

You fear I may think you a gas-bag. Who is less of one? I am like
Aristophanes[321] with Archilochus' iambics—the longest letter of yours
ever seems the best to me. As for your giving me advice, why, if you
found fault with me, I should not only put up with it cheerfully, but
even be glad of it, since in your fault-finding there is both wisdom and
kindly purpose. So I will willingly correct the point you mention, and
write "by the same right as you did the property of Rubrius" instead of
"the property of Scipio";[322] and I will take the pinnacle off my
praises of Dolabella. And yet to my thinking there is fine irony in the
passage where I say he had thrice stood up in arms against his
fellow-citizens.[323] Again I prefer your "it is most unjust that such a
man should live" to "what can be more unjust?"[324] I am not sorry to
hear you praise the _Peplographia_[325]

Footnote 321:

  The Alexandrine grammarian, not the comic poet.

Footnote 322:

  2 _Phil._ 103, where Cicero accuses Antony of obtaining possession of
  property by underhand means.

Footnote 323:

  2 _Phil._ 75, with Caesar in Thessaly, Africa, and Spain.

Footnote 324:

  2 _Phil._ 86. But the original reading is still found in our MSS.

Footnote 325:

  A "book of worthies," so-called from the sacred robe, embroidered with
  mythological and historical figures, offered once a year to Athene at
  Athens. The book was possibly identical with that generally known as
  the _Hebdomades sive Imagines_, but that is doubtful.

                                Page 408

a quo adhuc Ἡρακλείδειον illud non abstuli. Quod me hortaris ad
scribendum, amice tu quidem, sed me scito agere nihil aliud. Gravedo tua
mihi molesta est. Quaeso, adhibe, quam soles diligentiam. "O Tite" tibi
prodesse laetor. "Anagnini" sunt Mustela ταξιάρχης et Laco, qui plurimum
bibit. Librum, quem rogas, perpoliam et mittam.

Haec ad posteriorem. "Τὰ περὶ τοῦ καθήκοντος," quatenus Panaetius,
absolvi duobus. Illius tres sunt; sed, cum initio divisisset ita, tria
genera exquirendi officii esse, unum, cum deliberemus, honestum an turpe
sit, alterum, utile an inutile, tertium, cum haec inter se pugnare
videantur, quo modo iudicandum sit, qualis causa Reguli, redire
honestum, manere utile, de duobus primis praeclare disseruit, de tertio
pollicetur se deinceps, sed nihil scripsit. Eum locum Posidonius
persecutus est. Ego autem et eius librum accersivi et ad Athenodorum
Calvum scripsi, ut ad me τὰ κεφάλαια mitteret; quae exspecto. Quem velim
cohortere et roges, ut quam primum. In eo est περὶ τοῦ κατὰ περίστασιν
καθήκοντος. Quod de inscriptione quaeris, non dubito, quin καθῆκον
"officium" sit, nisi quid tu aliud; sed inscriptio plenior "de
officiis." Προσφωνῶ autem Ciceroni filio. Visum est non ἀνοίκειον.

                                Page 409

of Varro; I have not yet managed to get the book in the style of
Heracleides from him. You exhort me to go on writing. That is friendly
of you; but let me tell you I do nothing else. I am sorry to hear of
your cold. Please take as much care as usual of it. I am glad my book
_On Old Age_[326] does you good. The "men of Anagnia"[327] are Mustela,
the swashbuckler, and Laco, the champion toper. The book you ask for I
will polish up and send.

Footnote 326:

  _O Tite_ are the opening words of the _De Senectute_.

Footnote 327:

  2 _Phil._ 106. The names have been inserted, as they are given in our
  MSS.

Now for the second letter. The _De Officiis_, so far as Panaetius is
concerned, I have finished in two books. He has three: but, though at
the beginning he makes a three-fold division of cases in which duty has
to be determined, one when the question is between right or wrong,
another when it is between expediency and inexpediency, and the third,
how we are to decide when it is a conflict between duty and
expediency—for example, in Regulus' case to return would be right, to
stay expedient—he treated of the first two brilliantly; the third he
promises to add, but never wrote it. Posidonius took up that topic: but
I have ordered his book and written to Athenodorus Calvus to send me an
analysis of it, and that I am expecting. I wish you would spur him on
and beg him to let me have it as soon as possible. In it duties under
given circumstances are handled. As to your query about the title, I
have no doubt that καθῆκον (duty) corresponds with _officium_, unless
you have any other suggestion to make. But the fuller title is _De
Officiis_. I am dedicating it to my son. It seems to me not
inappropriate.

                                Page 410

De Myrtilo dilucide. O quales tu semper istos! Itane? in D. Brutum? Di
istis! Ego me, ut scripseram, in Pompeianum non abdidi, primo
tempestatibus, quibus nil taetrius; deinde ab Octaviano cotidie
litterae, ut negotium susciperem, Capuam venirem, iterum rem publicam
servarem, Romam utique statim.

[Sidenote: _Iliad_, vii. 93]

             "Αἴδεσθεν μὲν ἀνήνασθαι, δεῖσαν δ' ὑποδέχθαι."

Is tamen egit sane strenue et agit. Romam veniet cum manu magna, sed est
plane puer. Putat senatum statim. Quis veniet? Si venerit, quis incertis
rebus offendet Antonium? Kal. Ianuar. erit fortasse praesidio, aut
quidem ante depugnabitur. Puero municipia mire favent. Iter enim faciens
in Samnium venit Cales, mansit Teani. Mirifica ἀπάντησις et cohortatio.
Hoc tu putares? Ob hoc ego citius Romam, quam constitueram. Simul et
constituero, scribam.

Etsi nondum stipulationes legeram (nec enim Eros venerat), tamen rem
pridie Idus velim conficias. Epistulas Catinam, Tauromenium, Syracusas
commodius mittere potero, si Valerius interpres ad me nomina gratiosorum
scripserit. Alii enim sunt alias, nostrique familiares fere demortui.
Publice tamen scripsi, si uti vellet eis Valerius; aut mihi nomina
mitteret.

                                Page 411

You make it as plain as daylight about Myrtilus. How well you can always
take that lot off! Is it so? Do they accuse D. Brutus?[328] A malison on
them! I have not hidden myself in Pompeii, as I said I should; first
because of the weather, which has been abominable, and secondly because
I get a letter from Octavian every day, asking me to take a hand in
affairs, to come to Capua, to save the Republic again, and anyhow to go
to Rome at once. It is a case of "ashamed to shirk, but yet afraid to
take." He, however, has been acting, and still is acting, with great
vigour. He will come to Rome with a big army; but he is such a boy. He
thinks he can call a Senate at once. Who will come? If anyone comes, who
will offend Antony in this uncertainty? Perhaps he may act as a
safeguard on the 1st of January, or the battle may be over before then.
The country towns are wonderfully enthusiastic for the boy. For, as he
was making his way to Samnium, he came to Cales and stopped at Teanum.
There was a marvellous crowd to meet him and cheers for him. Should you
have thought it? That will make me come to Rome sooner than I had
intended. As soon as I have arranged, I will write.

Footnote 328:

  Of attempting Antony's life.

Though I have not yet read the agreements—for Eros has not come
yet—still I wish you would get the business settled on the 12th. It will
make it easier for me to send letters to Catina, Tauromenium, and
Syracuse, if Valerius the interpreter will let me know the names of the
influential people. For such people vary with the times, and most of my
particular friends are dead. However, I have written general letters, if
Valerius will content himself with them; otherwise he must send me
names.

                                Page 412

De Lepidianis feriis Balbus ad me usque ad III Kal. Exspectabo tuas
litteras meque de Torquati negotiolo sciturum puto. Quinti litteras ad
te misi, ut scires, quam valde eum amaret, quem dolet a te minus amari.
Atticae, quoniam, quod optimum in pueris est, hilarula est, meis verbis
suavium des volo.

                                  XII

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Puteolano VIII Id. Nov. a. 710_]

Oppi epistulae, quia perhumana erat, tibi misi exemplum. De Ocella, dum
tu muginaris nec mihi quicquam rescribis, cepi consilium domesticum
itaque me pr. Idus arbitror Romae futurum. Commodius est visum frustra
me istic esse, cum id non necesse esset, quam, si opus esset, non
adesse, et simul, ne intercluderer, metuebam. Ille enim iam adventare
potest. Etsi varii rumores multique, quos cuperem veros; nihil tamen
certi. Ego vero, quicquid est, tecum potius, quam animi pendeam, cum a
te absim, et de te et de me. Sed quid tibi dicam? Bonum animum. De
Ἡρακλειδείῳ Varronis negotia salsa. Me quidem nihil umquam sic
delectavit. Sed haec et alia maiora coram.

                                Page 413

About the holidays for Lepidus' inauguration,[329] Balbus tells me they
will last till the 29th. I am looking for a letter from you, and hope I
shall hear about that little affair of Torquatus. I am sending Quintus'
letter to show you how strong his affection is for the youth for whom he
regrets you have so little. Please give Attica a kiss in my name for
being such a merry little thing. It is the best sign in children.

Footnote 329:

  As _Pontifex Maximus_.

                                  XII

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Puteoli, Nov. 6_, B.C. _44_]

I am sending you a copy of Oppius' letter, because it is so very
courteous. About Ocella, while you are messing about and not writing me
a line, I have consulted my own wits, and so I think I shall be in Rome
on the 12th. I think it better for me to come there to no purpose, even
if it is not necessary, than not to be there if it is, and at the same
time I am afraid of being shut in there. For Antony may always be
getting near. However, there are plenty of different rumours, which I
hope may be true; there is no definite news. For my part, whatever it
may be, I would rather be with you, than be in suspense both about you
and about myself, when I am away from you. But what am I to say to you?
Keep up your heart. About Varro's work in Heracleides' vein, that's an
amusing business. I was never so pleased with anything. But of this and
more important things when we meet.

                                Page 414

                                 XIIIa

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Aquini IV Id. Nov. a. 710_]

O casum mirificum! V Idus cum ante lucem de Sinuessano surrexissem
venissemque diluculo ad pontem Tirenum, qui est Menturnis, in quo flexus
est ad iter Arpinas, obviam mihi fit tabellarius; qui me offendit
"δολιχὸν πλόον ὁρμαίνοντα." At ego statim "Cedo," inquam, "si quid ab
Attico." Nondum legere poteramus; nam et lumina dimiseramus, nec satis
lucebat. Cum autem luceret, ante scripta epistula ex duabus tuis prior
mihi legi coepta est. Illa omnium quidem elegantissima. Ne sim salvus,
si aliter scribo ac sentio. Nihil legi humanius. Itaque veniam, quo
vocas, modo adiutore te. Sed nihil tam ἀπροσδιόνυσον mihi primo
videbatur quam ad eas litteras, quibus ego a te consilium petieram, te
mihi ista rescribere. Ecce tibi altera, qua hortaris [Sidenote:
_Odyssey_, iii. 171] "παρ' ἠνεμόεντα Μίμαντα, νήσου ἐπὶ Ψυρίης," Appiam
scilicet "ἐπ' ἀριστέρ' ἔχοντα." Itaque eo die mansi Aquini. Longulum
sane iter et via mala. Inde postridie mane proficiscens has litteras
dedi.

                                 XIIIb

                           CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati III Id. Nov. a. 710_]

... et quidem, ut a me dimitterem invitissimus, fecerunt Erotis
litterae. Rem tibi Tiro narrabit. Tu, quid faciendum sit, videbis.
Praeterea, possimne

                                Page 415

                                 XIIIa

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Aquinum, Nov. 10_, B.C. _44_]

What a strange coincidence! On the 9th I got up before daybreak to go on
from Sinuessa, and before dawn I had reached the Tirenian bridge at
Menturnae, where the road for Arpinum branches off, when I met a
messenger, who found me "on a far journey bent." I at once enquired:
"Pray, is there anything from Atticus?" I could not read as yet, for I
had dismissed the link-bearers and it was not yet light enough. But,
when it got light, I began to read the first of your two letters, having
already written one to you. Your note was a model of elegance. Upon my
life I am not saying more than I mean. I never read a kinder. So I will
come, when you call me, provided you will assist me. But at first sight
I thought nothing could be more _mal à propos_ than such an answer to a
letter in which I had asked for your advice. Then there is your other
letter, in which you advise me to go "by windy Mimas towards the Psyrian
isle,"[330] that is keeping the Appian way on the left side. So I have
stayed the day at Aquinum. It was rather a wearisome journey and the
road was bad. This letter I am sending the next morning as I am leaving.

Footnote 330:

  By Mimas Cicero means the Apennines, and by νῆσος Ψυρίης the _insula
  Arpinas_.

                                 XIIIb

                      CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, Nov. 11_, B.C. _44_]

... and indeed Eros' letter made me dismiss him most unwillingly. Tiro
will explain it to you. Pray see what can be done. Besides let me know
whether

                                Page 416

propius accedere (malo enim esse in Tusculano aut uspiam in suburbano),
an etiam longius discedendum putes, crebro ad me velim scribas. Erit
autem cotidie, cui des. Quod praeterea consulis, quid tibi censeam
faciundum, difficile est, cum absim. Verum tamen, si pares aeque inter
se, quiescendum, sin, latius manabit et quidem ad nos, deinde
communiter.

                                 XIIIc