Chapter VI: Book XIII: I (1)

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 23_, B.C. _45_]

You used just the right amount of severity and of moderation in your letter to my son, and it was exactly as I should have wished it to be. Your notes, too, to the Tullii[87] were full of good advice. So either those letters will set things right or we shall have to try some other means. As to the money, I see you are making every effort, or rather you have done so already. If you manage it, I shall owe the gardens to you. Indeed, there is no other kind of property I should prefer, especially for the matter I have in hand. You remove my impatience by your promise, or rather your pledge, about the summer. There is nothing either that could be found more likely to solace my declining years and my sorrow. My eagerness for it impels me at times to urge you to haste. But I restrain myself, for I have no doubt that, as you know I want it very much, your eagerness more than equals mine. So I count the matter as already settled.

Footnote 87:

L. Tullius Montanus and M. Tullius Marcianus, who were at Athens with
Cicero's son.

I am waiting to hear what your friends decide about the letter to Caesar. Nicias is as devoted to you, as he ought to be, and is highly delighted at your remembering him. I am extremely fond of

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vehementer diligo; nam et, quanti patrem feci, totum in hunc et ipsum per se aeque amo atque illum amavi, te vero plurimum, qui hoc ab utroque nostrum fieri velis. Si hortos inspexeris, et si de epistula certiorem me feceris, dederis mihi, quod ad te scribam; si minus, scribam tamen aliquid. Numquam enim derit.

II

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano IX K. Iun. a. 709_]

Gratior mihi celeritas tua quam ipsa res. Quid enim indignius? Sed iam ad ista obduruimus et humanitatem omnem exuimus. Tuas litteras hodie exspectabam, nihil equidem ut ex iis novi; quid enim? verum tamen ——.

IIa

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VI K. Iun. a. 709_]

Oppio et Balbo epistulas deferri iubebis et tamen Pisonem sicubi de auro. Faberius si venerit, videbis, ut tantum attribuatur, si modo attribuetur, quantum debetur. Accipies ab Erote.

Ariarathes, Ariobarzani filius, Romam venit. Vult, opinor, regnum aliquod emere a Caesare; nam, quo modo nunc est, pedem ubi ponat in suo, non habet. Omnino eum Sestius noster, parochus publicus, occupavit; quod quidem facile patior. Verum tamen,

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Peducaeus; for all I felt for his father I have given to him, and I love him for himself as much as I loved his father; and you most of all for trying to promote this feeling between us. If you see the gardens, and if you let me know about the letter, you will supply me with something to write about; but, anyhow, I will write something. For there will always be something to say.

II

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 24_, B.C. _45_]

Your promptitude was more pleasing to me than the news you sent. For what could be more insulting? However I have hardened myself to insult, and put off all human feeling. I am looking forward to your letter to-day, not that I expect any news. What could there be? However ——.

IIa

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 27_, B.C. _45_]

Please have the letters sent to Balbus and Oppius, and anyhow speak to Piso about the gold when you can. If Faberius comes, see that the right amount of the debt is put to my credit, if anything is. Eros will tell you about it.

Ariarathes, son of Ariobarzanes, has come to Rome, I suppose he wants to buy some kingdom from Caesar: for, as things are at present, he cannot set foot in his own. Our friend Sestius, in his character of public host, has monopolized him; and I am not sorry for it. However, as I am intimate with

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quod mihi summo beneficio meo magna cum fratribus illius necessitudo est, invito eum per litteras, ut apud me deversetur. Ad eam rem cum mitterem Alexandrum, has ei dedi litteras.

IIb

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano IV K. Iun. a. 709_]

Cras igitur auctio Peducaei. Cum poteris ergo. Etsi impediet fortasse Faberius. Sed tamen cum licebit. Dionysius noster graviter queritur et tamen iure a discipulis abesse se tam diu. Multis verbis scripsit ad me, credo item ad te. Mihi quidem videtur etiam diutius afuturus. Ac nollem; valde enim hominem desidero.

A te litteras exspectabam, nondum scilicet; nam has mane rescribebam.

III

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano III K. Iun. a. 709_]

Ego vero ista nomina sic probo, ut nihil aliud me moveat, nisi quod tu videris dubitare. Illud enim non accipio in bonam partem, quod ad me refers; qui, si[88] ipse negotium meum gererem, nihil gererem[89] nisi consilio tuo. Sed tamen intellego magis te id facere diligentia, qua semper uteris, quam quod dubites de nominibus istis. Etenim Caelium non probas,

Footnote 88:

qui si» quid Δ.

Footnote 89:

nihil gererem _omitted by_ Δ.

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his brothers on account of the great service I rendered them, I am sending a letter to invite him to stay at my house. As I was sending Alexander with it, I gave him this letter.

IIb

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 29_, B.C. _45_]

So to-morrow is Peducaeus' auction. Come[90] when you can, then. But perhaps Faberius will prevent you. However, when you can manage it. Our friend Dionysius is complaining loudly at being so long away from his pupils, and there is some justice in his complaint. He has written a long letter to me, and I expect to you too. I think he will be away for some time still: and I am sorry, for I miss him very much.

Footnote 90:

Or, as Shuckburgh, "buy."

I am expecting a letter from you, but not yet, as I am writing in the early morning.

III

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 30_, B.C. _45_]

For my part I am so satisfied with the debtors you mention, that the only thing which disquiets me is that you seem to have doubts. For I don't take it at all kindly of you to refer the matter to me. If I managed my own business, I should never manage anything without your advice. However, I know you did it more from your usual carefulness than because you had any doubts about the debtors. The fact is you don't approve of Caelius and you don't

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plura non vis. Utrumque laudo. His igitur utendum est. Praes[91] aliquando factus esses[92] in his quidem tabulis. A me igitur omnia. Quod dies longior est, teneamus modo, quod volumus, puto fore istam etiam a praecone diem, certe ab heredibus.

Footnote 91:

est. Praes _C_: espraes _M_.

Footnote 92:

esses _Bosius_: esset _M_: es et _CZ_^l.

De Crispo et Mustela videbis, et velim scire, quae sit pars duorum. De Bruti adventu eram factus certior. Attulerat enim ab eo Aegypta libertus litteras. Misi ad te epistulam, quia commode scripta erat.

IV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano K. Iun. a. 709_]

Habeo munus a te elaboratum decem legatorum. Et quidem de Tuditano idem[93] puto. Nam filius anno post quaestor fuit quam consul Mummius. Sed, quoniam saepius de nominibus quaeris quid placeat, ego quoque tibi saepius respondeo placere. Si quid poteris, cum Pisone conficies; Avius enim videtur in officio futurus. Velim ante possis; si minus, utique simul simus, cum Brutus veniet in Tusculanum. Magni interest mea una nos esse. Scies autem, qui dies is futurus sit, si puero negotium dederis, ut quaerat.

Footnote 93:

de Tuditano idem _added by Lehmann_.

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like to increase their number.[94] I agree with you in both points. So we must make the best of them as they are. Sometime you would have had to go bail for me even in this sale.[95] So now I shall pay in full myself. As to the delay in collecting the money, if only I get what I want, I think I can arrange for delay with the auctioneer or at any rate with the heirs.

Footnote 94:

Apparently Faberius had offered to make over a number of debts due to
him in payment of his debt to Cicero, with an alternative of a large
debt from Caelius or smaller ones from several other debtors.

Footnote 95:

_i.e._ even in the purchase of the gardens for Tullia's shrine, of
which Atticus disapproved. But the reading may be corrupt.

See about Crispus and Mustela, and I should like to know what the share of the two is. I had heard already of Brutus' arrival, for my freedman Aegypta had brought me a letter from him. I have sent it to you, as it is obligingly written.

IV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 1_, B.C. _45_]

I have received your piece of work about the ten ambassadors: and I agree with you about Tuditanus. For the son was quaestor in the year after Mummius was consul.[96] But, as you keep on asking if I am satisfied about the debtors, I too keep on answering that I am. Arrange something with Piso if you can: for I think Avius will do his duty. I wish you could come first; but, if you can't, at any rate be with me, when Brutus comes here. It is of great importance to me that we should be together. You will be able to ascertain the day, if you commission a servant to find out.

Footnote 96:

145 B.C.

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V

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano IV Non. Iun. a. 709_]

Sp. Mummium putaram in decem legatis fuisse, sed videlicet (etenim εὔλογον) fratri fuisse. Fuit enim ad Corinthum. Misi tibi Torquatum. Colloquere tu quidem cum Silio, ut scribis, et urgue. Illam diem negabat esse mense Maio, istam non negabat. Sed tu ut omnia istuc quoque ages diligenter. De Crispo et Mustela scilicet, cum quid egeris. Quoniam ad Bruti adventum fore te nobiscum polliceris, satis est, praesertim cum hi tibi dies in magno nostro negotio consumantur.

VI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae med. m. Mart., ut videtur, a. 709_]

De aquae ductu probe fecisti. Columnarium vide ne nullum debeamus; quamquam mihi videor audisse a Camillo commutatam esse legem. Pisoni quid est quod honestius respondere possimus quam solitudinem Catonis? Nec de[97] coheredibus solum Herennianis, sed etiam, ut scis (tu enim mecum egisti), de puero Lucullo, quam pecuniam tutor (nam hoc quoque ad rem pertinet) in Achaia sumpserat. Sed agit liberaliter, quoniam negat se quicquam facturum contra nostram

Footnote 97:

de _added by Wesenberg_.

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V

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 2_, B.C. _45_]

I had thought Sp. Mummius was one of the ten legates: but of course, as was natural, he was private legate to his brother. For he was at Corinth.[98] I have sent _Torquatus_[99] to you. Speak with Silius as you say and urge him on. He said my receiving day would not fall in May, but he did not say the same about the other.[100] But please attend to the point carefully, as you always do. As to Crispus and Mustela, yes, when you have settled anything. As you promise to be with me when Brutus comes, I am satisfied, especially as you are spending these days on important business of mine.

Footnote 98:

At its capture in 146 B.C.

Footnote 99:

_i.e._ the first book of the _De Finibus_. Cf. XIII. 32.

Footnote 100:

_i.e._ that Cicero could not get in Faberius' debt before the end of
May; but that the owners of the property he thought of buying would
want payment before that date. Cf. XIII. 3.

VI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March_, B.C. _45_]

You have done quite right about the aqueduct. Make sure whether I owe any pillar-tax at all. However, I think I heard from Camillus that the law had been changed. What better answer can we give Piso than that Cato's guardians are away? It was not only from the heirs of Herennius that he borrowed, but, as you know (for you were acting with me), from young Lucullus: and that money was taken in Achaia by his guardian. That is another point that has to be considered. But Piso is behaving generously, as he says he will not do anything

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voluntatem. Coram igitur, ut scribis, constituemus, quem ad modum rem explicemus. Quod reliquos coheredes convenisti, plane bene.

Quod epistulam meam ad Brutum poscis, non habeo eius exemplum; sed tamen salvum est, et ait Tiro te habere oportere, et, ut recordor, una cum illius obiurgatoria tibi meam quoque, quam ad eum rescripseram, misi. Iudiciali molestia ut caream, videbis.

VIa

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano prid. Non. Iun. a. 709_]

Tuditanum istum, proavum Hortensi, plane non noram, et filium, qui tum non potuerat esse legatus, fuisse putaram. Mummium fuisse ad Corinthum pro certo habeo. Saepe enim hic Spurius, qui nuper decessit,[101] epistulas mihi pronuntiabat versiculis facetis ad familiaris missas a Corintho. Sed non dubito, quin fratri fuerit legatus, non in decem. Atque hoc etiam accepi, non solitos maiores nostros eos legare in decem, qui essent imperatorum necessarii, ut nos ignari pulcherrimorum institutorum aut neglegentes potius M. Lucullum et L. Murenam et ceteros ad L. Lucullum misimus. Illudque εὐλογώτατον, illum fratri in primis eius legatis fuisse. O operam tuam multam, qui et haec cures et mea expedias et sis in tuis non multo minus diligens quam in meis!

Footnote 101:

decessit _Müller_: est _MSS._

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against our will. So, as you say, we will arrange, when we meet, how the matter is to be straightened out. It is quite as well that you have seen the other joint heirs.

You ask for my letter to Brutus. I have not a copy: but there is one in existence and Tiro says you ought to have it: and, so far as I recollect, I sent you my answer along with his letter of reproof. Please see that I am not troubled with serving on a jury.

VIa

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 4_, B.C. _45_]

The Tuditanus you mention, great-grandfather of Hortensius, I had never heard of, and I thought it was the son who was the ambassador, though he could not have been at the time. I take it as certain that Mummius was at Corinth. For Spurius, who died lately, often used to recite to me letters Mummius wrote to his friends from Corinth in clever verse. But I have no doubt he was a special legate to his brother, not among the ten ambassadors. Here is another point too that I have been taught, that it was not the custom of our ancestors to appoint among the ten ambassadors anyone who was related to the generals, as we in ignorance of, or rather in contempt for, the soundest institutions did in sending M. Lucullus and L. Murena and others to L. Lucullus. But it was most natural that he should be among the first of his brother's legates. What a lot of work you get through, attending to points like this, managing my affairs and bestowing nearly as much care on your own affairs as on mine!

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VII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano V Id. Iun. a. 709_]

Sestius apud me fuit et Theopompus pridie. Venisse a Caesare narrabat litteras; hoc scribere, sibi certum esse Romae manere, causamque eam ascribere, quae erat in epistula nostra, ne se absente leges suae neglegerentur, sicut esset neglecta sumptuaria (est εὔλογον, idque eram suspicatus. Sed istis mos gerendus est, nisi placet hanc ipsam sententiam nos persequi), et Lentulum cum Metella certe fecisse divortium. Haec omnia tu melius. Rescribes igitur, quicquid voles, dum modo aliquid. Iam enim non reperio, quid te rescripturum putem, nisi forte de Mustela, aut si Silium videris.

VIIa

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano IV Id. Iun. a. 709_]

Brutus heri venit in Tusculanum post horam decimam. Hodie igitur me videbit, ac vellem tum tu adesses. Iussi equidem ei nuntiari te, quoad potuisses, exspectasse eius adventum venturumque, si audisses, meque, ut facio, continuo te certiorem esse facturum.

VIII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VI Id. Iun. a. 709_]

Plane nihil erat, quod ad te scriberem; modo enim discesseras et paulo post triplicis remiseras. Velim cures fasciculum ad Vestorium deferendum et alicui

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VII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 9_, B.C. _45_]

Sestius came to see me yesterday and Theopompus too. He told me that Caesar had sent a letter saying he had resolved to stay at Rome and assigning as a reason the one mentioned in my letter, fear that if he went away his laws would be disregarded, as his sumptuary law was. That is reasonable enough and is just what I suspected. But I must humour your friends, unless you think I could use that very line of argument. He tells me too that Lentulus has certainly divorced Metella. But you will know all this better than he does. So please send an answer,—anything you like provided it is something. For at the moment I cannot think of anything you will put in your answer, unless it is something about Mustela, or unless you see Silius.

VIIa

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 10_, B.C. _45_]

Brutus came to Tusculum yesterday after four o'clock. So to-day he will see me, and I wish you were with me. I sent him word that you had waited for him as long as you could, and that you would come, if you heard; and I would let you know, as soon as I could, which I am doing.

VIII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 8_, B.C. _45_]

I have nothing to write; for you have only just left, and soon after you went, you sent me back my notebook. Please see that the packet is delivered to Vestorius, and commission someone to find out if

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des negotium, qui quaerat, Q. Staberi fundus num quis in Pompeiano Nolanove venalis sit. Epitomen Bruti Caelianorum velim mihi mittas et a Philoxeno Παναιτίου περὶ προνοίας. Te Idibus videbo cum tuis.

IX

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano XIV K. Quint. a. 709_]

Commodum discesseras heri, cum Trebatius venit, paulo post Curtius, hic salutandi causa, sed mansit invitatus. Trebatium nobiscum habemus. Hodie mane Dolabella. Multus sermo ad multum diem. Nihil possum dicere ἐκτενέστερον, nihil φιλοστοργότερον. Ventum est tamen ad Quintum. Multa ἄφατα, ἀδιήγητα, sed unum eius modi, quod nisi exercitus sciret, non modo Tironi dictare, sed ne ipse quidem auderem scribere. Sed hactenus.

Εὐκαίρως ad me venit, cum haberem Dolabellam, Torquatus, humanissimeque Dolabella, quibus verbis secum egissem, exposuit. Commodum enim egeram diligentissime; quae diligentia grata est visa Torquato. A te exspecto, si quid de Bruto. Quamquam Nicias confectum putabat, sed divortium non probari. Quo etiam magis laboro idem quod tu. Si quid est enim offensionis, haec res mederi potest.

Mihi Arpinum eundum est. Nam et opus est constitui a nobis illa praediola, et vereor, ne exeundi

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any part of Q. Staberius' land at Pompeii or Nola is for sale. Please send me Brutus' _Epitome of the Annals of Caelius_, and get from Philoxenus Panaetius _On Foresight_. I shall see you and your family on the 13th.

IX

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 18_, B.C. _45_]

You had only just left yesterday, when Trebatius came, and then Curtius shortly afterwards. The latter only came to pay a call, but he stayed at my invitation. Trebatius is with me too, and this morning came Dolabella. We had a long talk till late in the day. I cannot exaggerate his cordiality and friendliness. However, we touched on young Quintus. Much of what he told me was unmentionable, unspeakable; but there was one thing so bad that, if the whole army did not know of it, I should not dare to dictate it to Tiro or even to write it down myself. But enough of this.

Torquatus came to me opportunely, while Dolabella was with me, and Dolabella very kindly repeated to him what I had just been saying. For I had just been pleading his cause very earnestly; and my earnestness seemed to please Torquatus greatly. I am waiting to know if you have any news about Brutus. However, Nicias thought that the matter was settled, but that the divorce was not approved. For that reason I am all the more eager about the thing, as you are too. For, if any offence has been given, this can remedy it.

I must go to Arpinum. For my little place there needs putting in order and I am afraid I may not

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potestas non sit, cum Caesar venerit; de cuius adventu eam opinionem Dolabella habet, quam tu coniecturam faciebas ex litteris Messallae. Cum illuc venero intellexeroque, quid negotii sit, tum, ad quos dies rediturus sim, scribam ad te.

X

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano inter a. d. XIII et XI K. Quint. a. 709_]

Minime miror te et graviter ferre de Marcello et plura vereri periculi genera. Quis enim hoc timeret, quod neque acciderat antea nec videbatur natura ferre ut accidere posset? Omnia igitur metuenda. Sed illud παρὰ τὴν ἱστορίαν, tu praesertim, me reliquum consularem. Quid? tibi Servius quid videtur? Quamquam hoc nullam ad partem valet scilicet, mihi praesertim, qui non minus bene actum cum illis putem. Quid enim sumus aut quid esse possumus? domin an foris? Quodnisi mihi hoc venisset in mentem, scribere ista nescio quae, quo verterem me, non haberem.

Ad Dolabellam, ut scribis, ita puto faciendum, κοινότερα quaedam et πολιτικώτερα. Faciendum certe aliquid est; valde enim desiderat. Brutus si quid egerit, curabis, ut sciam; cui quidem quam primum agendum puto, praesertim si statuit. Sermunculum

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have much chance of leaving Rome, when Caesar comes. About his coming Dolabella holds the same idea which you had inferred from Messalla's letter. When I get there and know how much there is to be done, then I will write and let you know, when I shall return.

X

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 19-21_, B.C. _45_]

I am not at all surprised at your being upset about Marcellus[102] and fearing all sorts of new dangers. For who would have feared this? Such a thing never happened before and it did not seem as though nature could allow such things to happen. So one may fear anything. But fancy you of all people making such a historical slip as to call me the only surviving ex-consul. Why, what about Servius? However, that of course has not the slightest importance in any respect, least of all to me, who think my dead comrades' fate quite as happy as my own. For what am I or what can I be? Am I anything in private life or in public? If it had not occurred to me to write my books, such as they are, I should not know what to do with myself.

Footnote 102:

M. Marcellus had been murdered by P. Magius Chilo.

I think I must follow your advice and dedicate something more general and more political to Dolabella. I must certainly do something for him, as he is very anxious for it. If Brutus makes any move, pray let me know. I think he ought to make one as soon as possible, especially if he has made up his mind.[103] That would either put an end to all chatter

Footnote 103:

About his marriage to Porcia.

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enim omnem aut restinxerit aut sedarit. Sunt enim, qui loquantur etiam mecum. Sed haec ipse optime, praesertim si etiam tecum loquetur.

Mihi est in animo proficisci XI Kal. Hic enim nihil habeo, quod agam, ne hercule illic quidem nec usquam, sed tamen aliquid illic. Hodie Spintherem exspecto. Misit enim Brutus ad me. Per litteras purgat Caesarem de interitu Marcelli; in quem, ne si insidiis quidem ille interfectus esset, caderet ulla suspicio. Nunc vero, cum de Magio constet, nonne furor eius causam omnem sustinet? Plane, quid sit, non intellego. Explanabis igitur. Quamquam nihil habeo, quod dubitem, nisi, ipsi Magio quae fuerit causa amentiae; pro quo quidem etiam sponsor sum factus. Et nimirum id fuit. Solvendo enim non erat. Credo eum petisse a Marcello aliquid, et illum, ut erat, constantius respondisse.

XI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati IX K. Quint. a. 709_]

"Οὐ ταὐτὸν εἶδος." Credebam esse facile; totum est aliud, posteaquam sum a te diiunctior. Sed fuit faciendum, ut et constituerem mercedulas praediorum et ne magnum onus observantiae Bruto nostro imponerem. Posthac enim poterimus commodius colere inter nos in Tusculano. Hoc autem tempore, cum

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or at any rate lessen it. For there are people who talk even to me. But he is the best judge himself, especially if he talks it over with you too.

I am thinking of setting out on the 21st, for I have nothing to do here, and precious little to do there or anywhere else; still there is something to do there. To-day I am expecting Spinther, for Brutus has sent him to me. He writes to exculpate Caesar of Marcellus' death. But no suspicion would have fallen on Caesar, even if his death had been due to treachery; and now that Magius is known to be mad, surely that accounts for everything. I don't see his point at all. Perhaps you will explain. However, there is nothing I am in doubt about except the reason for Magius' madness; why, I had even gone security for him. That no doubt was the point; he was insolvent. I suppose he asked some favour of Marcellus, and the latter, as was his way, gave a rather decided answer.

XI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, June 23_, B.C. _45_]

"Not the same look."[104] I thought it was easy; but it is quite the reverse, now I am farther away from you. But it had to be done, that I might fix some trifles like the rents of my farms and might not lay too great a burden of attendance on our friend Brutus. For in the future we shall find ourselves able to cultivate each other's society at Tusculum more easily. But at the present time, when he wanted

Footnote 104:

A quotation from Euripides, _Ion_, 585:—

οὐ ταὐτόν εἶδος φαίνεται τῶν πραγμάτων
πρόσωθεν ὄντων ἔγγυθέν θ' ὁρωμένων.

"Not the same look wear things, when seen far off and near at hand."

* * * * *

Page 128

ille me cotidie videre vellet, ego ad illum ire non possem, privabatur omni delectatione Tusculani. Tu igitur, si Servilia venerit, si Brutus quid egerit, etiam si constituerit, quando obviam, quicquid denique erit, quod scire me oporteat, scribes. Pisonem, si poteris convenies. Vides, quam maturum sit. Sed tamen, quod commodo tuo fiat.

XII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati VIII K. Quint. a. 709_]

Valde me momorderunt epistulae tuae de Attica nostra; eaedem tamen sanaverunt. Quod enim te ipse consolabare eisdem litteris, id mihi erat satis firmum ad leniendam aegritudinem.

Ligarianam praeclare vendidisti. Posthac, quicquid scripsero, tibi praeconium deferam. Quod ad me de Varrone scribis, scis me antea orationes aut aliquid id genus solitum scribere, ut Varronem nusquam possem intexere. Postea autem quam haec coepi φιλολογώτερα, iam Varro mihi denuntiaverat magnam sane et gravem προσφώνησιν. Biennium praeteriit, cum ille Καλλιππίδης adsiduo cursu cubitum nullum processerat, ego autem me parabam ad id, quod ille mihi misisset, ut "αὐτῷ τῷ μέτρῳ καὶ λώϊον," si modo potuissem. Nam hoc etiam Hesiodus ascribit, "αἴ κε δύνηαι."

Nunc illam περὶ τελῶν σύνταξιν sane mihi probatam

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to see me every day and I could not go to him, he got no pleasure at all out of his estate. So, if Servilia has come, if Brutus has begun to do anything, even if he has made up his mind when I am to meet Caesar, in short anything there is to tell, please write and tell me. See Piso,[105] if you can. It is high time, as you can see; however, suit your convenience.

Footnote 105:

One of the bankers from whom Cicero hoped to raise money to buy the
gardens for Tullia's shrine.

XII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, June 24_, B.C. _45_]

Your letter about dear Attica stung me to the quick; but it healed the wound again. For you consoled yourself in the same letter, and that I counted sufficient warrant for moderating my grief.

You have given my speech for Ligarius a magnificent start. Henceforth, when I write anything, I shall leave it to you to advertise it. As to what you say about Varro, you know formerly I have written speeches or things of such a kind, that I could not introduce him; but afterwards, when I began these more literary works, Varro had already promised to dedicate a great and important work to me. Two years have passed and that slow coach,[106] though always on the move, has not advanced an inch, while I was prepared to pay him back "full measure and more" for what he sent, if I could. For Hesiod adds "if you can."[107]

Footnote 106:

It is uncertain whether the actor mentioned in Aristotle's _Poetics_,
ch. 26, is referred to or someone else. Anyhow, the name seems to be
used proverbially as = "a slow coach."

Footnote 107:

Hesiod, _Op._ 350.

Now I have pledged my _De Finibus_, of which I

* * * * *

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Bruto, ut tibi placuit, despondimus, idque eum non nolle mihi scripsisti. Ergo illam Ἀκαδημικήν, in qua homines nobiles illi quidem, sed nullo modo philologi nimis acute loquuntur, ad Varronem transferamus. Etenim sunt Antiochia, quae iste valde probat. Catulo et Lucullo alibi reponemus, ita tamen, si tu hoc probas; deque eo mihi rescribas velim.

De Brinniana auctione accepi a Vestorio litteras. Ait sine ulla controversia rem ad me esse conlatam. Romae videlicet aut in Tusculano me fore putaverunt a. d. VIII Kal. Quinct. Dices igitur vel amico tuo, S. Vettio, coheredi meo, vel Labeoni nostro, paulum proferant auctionem; me circiter Nonas in Tusculano fore. Cum Pisone Erotem habes. De Scapulanis hortis toto pectore cogitemus. Dies adest.

XIII, XIV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati VI K. Quint. a. 709_]

Commotus tuis litteris, quod ad me de Varrone scripseras, totam Academiam ab hominibus nobilissimis abstuli, transtuli ad nostrum sodalem et ex duobus libris contuli in quattuor. Grandiores sunt omnino, quam erant illi, sed tamen multa detracta. Tu autem mihi pervelim scribas, qui intellexeris illum velle; illud vero utique scire cupio, quem intellexeris

* * * * *

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think very highly, to Brutus as you advised, and you have told me he was gratified. So I must assign the _Academica_ to Varro. The speakers in it are men of birth to be sure, but not scholars, and talk above their own heads. And indeed the doctrines are those of Antiochus,[108] of which Varro is a strong supporter. I will make it up to Catulus and Lucullus somewhere else[109]; that is to say, if you agree. Please write and tell me.

Footnote 108:

Antiochus of Ascalon, under whom both Cicero and Varro had studied at
Athens. His teaching combined the views of the Academy and Stoicism.

Footnote 109:

They were the chief speakers in the first draft of the _Academica_.

I have had a letter from Vestorius about the auction of Brinnius' estate. He tells me I was unanimously given the direction of it. They evidently thought I should be in town or at Tusculum on the 24th. So please tell your friend S. Vettius, my co-heir, or Labienus, to put the sale off for a while; and that I shall be at Tusculum about July 7th. You have Eros to help with Piso. Let us throw ourselves heart and soul into the purchase of Scapula's gardens. The time is drawing near.

XIII, XIV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, June 26_, B.C. _45_]

Under the influence of your letters about Varro I have taken the whole of my _Academica_ from its eminent interlocutors and transferred it to our friend: and from two books I have turned it into four. They are certainly finer than the first draft though a good deal has been cut out. But I should very much like you to tell me how you knew Varro wanted it: and one thing at any rate I want to know, who

* * * * *

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ab eo ζηλοτυπεῖσθαι nisi forte Brutum. Id hercle restabat. Sed tamen scire pervelim. Libri quidem ita exierunt, nisi forte me communis φιλαυτία decipit, ut in tali genere ne apud Graecos quidem simile quicquam. Tu illam iacturam feres aequo animo, quod illa, quae habes de Academicis, frustra descripta sunt. Multo tamen haec erunt splendidiora, breviora, meliora. Nunc autem ἀπορῶ, quo me vertam. Volo Dolabellae valde desideranti; non reperio, quid, et simul [Sidenote: _Iliad_, vi. 442; xxii. 100] "αἰδέομαι Τρῶας" neque, si aliquid, potero μέμψιν effugere. Aut cessandum igitur aut aliquid excogitandum. Sed quid haec levia curamus?

Attica mea, obsecro te, quid agit? Quae me valde angit. Sed crebro regusto tuas litteras; in his acquiesco. Tamen exspecto novas.

Brinni libertus, coheres noster, scripsit ad me velle, si mihi placeret, coheredes, se et Sabinum Albium, ad me venire. Id ego plane nolo. Hereditas tanti non est. Et tamen obire auctionis diem facile poterunt (est enim III Idus), si me in Tusculano postridie Nonas mane convenerint. Quodsi laxius volent proferre diem, poterunt vel biduum vel triduum, vel ut videbitur; nihil enim interest. Quare, nisi iam profecti sunt, retinebis homines. De Bruto, si quid egerit, de Caesare, si quid scies, si quid erit praeterea, scribes.

* * * * *

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was it of whom you noticed he was jealous: unless perhaps it was Brutus. Upon my word that is the only possible answer:[110] but still I should much like to know. Unless I am deceived like most people by egotism, the books have turned out superior to anything of the kind even in Greek. You must not be annoyed at the loss you have incurred in having the part of the _Academica_ you have copied in vain. The new draft will be far finer, shorter, and better. But now I don't know where to turn. I want to do something for Dolabella, as he is very anxious for it. But I can't think of anything, and at the same time "I fear the Trojans,"[111] and even if I can think of something, I shall not escape criticism. So I must either be idle or rack my brains for something. But why do I bother about trifles like this?

Footnote 110:

Or "that is the last straw," or "the height of absurdity."

Footnote 111:

_i.e._, public opinion. Cf. _Att._ II. 5.

Pray tell me how dear Attica is. I am very anxious about her. But I keep dipping into your letter again and again, and that solaces me. Nevertheless I am looking forward to a fresh one.

Brinnius' freedman, my co-heir, has written to me that the rest of the heirs want him and Sabinus Albius to come to me, if I am willing. I am all against that: it is more than the legacy is worth. However, they can easily manage to attend the auction, which is on the 13th, if they meet me at my place at Tusculum early on the 8th. But, if they want to put off the date still further, they can do so two or three days or as much as they like: it does not matter to me. So, unless the people have started already, stop them. If Brutus has done anything, or if you have any news about Caesar or anything else, let me know.

* * * * *

Page 134

XIV, XV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati V K. Quint, a. 709_]

Illud etiam atque etiam consideres velim, placeatne tibi mitti ad Varronem, quod scripsimus. Etsi etiam ad te aliquid pertinet. Nam scito te ei dialogo adiunctum esse tertium. Opinor igitur, consideremus. Etsi nomina iam facta sunt; sed vel induci vel mutari possunt.

Quid agit, obsecro te, Attica nostra? Nam triduo abs te nullas acceperam; nec mirum. Nemo enim venerat, nec fortasse causa fuerat. Itaque ipse, quod scriberem, non habebam. Quo autem die has Valerio dabam, exspectabam aliquem meorum. Qui si venisset et a te quid attulisset, videbam non defuturum, quod scriberem.

XVI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati IV K. Quint, a. 709_]

Nos, cum flumina et solitudinem sequeremur, quo facilius sustentare nos possemus, pedem e villa adhuc egressi non sumus; ita magnos et adsiduos imbres habebamus. Illam Ἀκαδημικὴν σύνταξιν totam ad Varronem traduximus. Primo fuit Catuli, Luculli, Hortensi; deinde, quia παρὰ τὸ πρέπον videbatur, quod erat hominibus nota non illa quidem ἀπαιδευσία, sed in iis rebus ἀτριψία, simul ac veni ad villam, eosdem illos sermones ad Catonem Brutumque transtuli. Ecce tuae litterae de Varrone. Nemini visa

* * * * *

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XIV, XV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, June 27_, B.C. _45_]

Please give your earnest consideration to deciding whether what I have written ought to be sent to Varro: though the point has some personal interest for you too: for you must know I have brought you in as a third speaker in the dialogue. So I think we must consider. The names, however, have been entered, but they can be scratched out or altered.

Pray tell me how Attica is. It is three days since I heard from you, and no wonder: for no one has come here, and perhaps there was no reason for writing. So I myself have nothing to write. However, I am expecting one of my messengers the very day I am giving this to Valerius. If he comes and brings something from you, I foresee I shall have no lack of material.

XVI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, June 28_, B.C. _45_]

Though I was looking for streams and solitude, to make life more endurable, at present I have not stirred a foot away from the house; we have had such heavy and continuous rain. The "Academic Treatise" I have transferred entirely to Varro. At first it was assigned to Catulus, Lucullus, and Hortensius; then, as that seemed inappropriate because they were well-known not to be up in such matters, though not illiterate, as soon as I came here I transferred the conversations to Cato and Brutus. Then came your letter about Varro and he seemed the most appropriate person possible to air Antiochus'

* * * * *

Page 136

est aptior Antiochia ratio. Sed tamen velim scribas ad me, primum placeatne tibi aliquid ad illum, deinde, si placebit, hocne potissimum.

Quid? Servilia iamne venit? Brutus ecquid agit et quando? De Caesare quid auditur? Ego ad Nonas, quem ad modum dixi. Tu cum Pisone, si quid poteris.

XVII, XVIII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati III K. Quint. a. 709_]

V Kal. exspectabam Roma aliquid novi. Imperassem igitur aliquid tuis. Nunc eadem illa, quid Brutus cogitet, aut, si aliquid egit, ecquid a Caesare. Sed quid ista, quae minus curo? Attica nostra quid agat, scire cupio. Etsi tuae litterae (sed iam nimis veteres sunt) recte sperare iubent, tamen exspecto recens aliquid.

Vides, propinquitas quid habeat. Nos vero conficiamus hortos. Conloqui videbamur, in Tusculano cum essem; tanta erat crebritas litterarum. Sed id quidem iam erit. Ego interea admonitu tuo perfeci sane argutulos libros ad Varronem, sed tamen exspecto, quid ad ea, quae scripsi ad te, primum qui intellexeris eum desiderare a me, cum ipse homo πολυγραφώτατος numquam me lacessisset; deinde quem ζηλοτυπεῖν nisi forte Brutum, quem si non ζηλοτυπεῖ,[112] multo Hortensium minus aut eos, qui de re

Footnote 112:

nisi ... ζηλοτυπεῖ _added by Bosius_.

* * * * *

Page 137

views. However, I should like you to write whether you approve of dedicating anything to him, and, if you do, whether you approve of this particular book.

What about Servilia? Has she come? Has Brutus done anything, and when? What news of Caesar? I shall arrive on the 7th of July, as I said. Make some arrangement with Piso, if you can.

XVII, XVIII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, June 29_, B.C. _45_]

I was expecting some news from Rome on the 27th. Then I should have given some orders to your men. Now I have only the same old questions. What is Brutus thinking of doing, or, if he has done anything, has any comment come from Caesar? But why do I ask about these things, when I care very little about them? I do want to know how our dear Attica is getting on. Though your letter (but that is quite out of date now) bids me be hopeful, still I am anxious for fresh news.

You see the advantage of being near at hand. Certainly let us settle about the gardens. We seemed to be talking to one another, when I was at Tusculum, so frequent was the interchange of letters. But that will be the same again soon. Meantime I have taken your hint and finished off some really quite clever books for Varro. But I am waiting for your answer to my questions: first, how you knew he wanted anything from me, when in spite of his voluminous writings he has never challenged me; and next, who it was of whom he was jealous, unless it may have been Brutus. If he is not jealous of him, he certainly cannot be of Hortensius or the speakers in the _De Republica._

* * * * *

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publica loquuntur. Plane hoc mihi explices velim, in primis maneasne in sententia, ut mittam ad eum, quae scripsi, an nihil necesse putes. Sed haec coram.

XIX

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati prid. K. Quint. a. 709_]

Commodum discesserat Hilarus librarius IV Kal., cui dederam litteras ad te, cum venit tabellarius cum tuis litteris pridie datis; in quibus illud mihi gratissimum fuit, quod Attica nostra rogat te, ne tristis sis, quodque tu ἀκίνδυνα esse scribis.

Ligarianam, ut video, praeclare auctoritas tua commendavit. Scripsit enim ad me Balbus et[113] Oppius mirifice se probare, ob eamque causam ad Caesarem eam se oratiunculam misisse. Hoc igitur idem tu mihi antea scripseras.

Footnote 113:

et _added by Vict._

In Varrone ista causa me non moveret, ne viderer φιλένδοξος (sic enim constitueram, neminem includere in dialogos eorum, qui viverent); sed, quia scribis et desiderari a Varrone et magni illum aestimare, eos confeci et absolvi, nescio quam bene, sed ita accurate, ut nihil posset supra, Academicam omnem quaestionem libris quattuor. In eis, quae erant contra ἀκαταληψίαν praeclare collecta ab Antiocho, Varroni dedi. Ad ea ipse respondeo; tu es tertius in sermone nostro. Si Cottam et Varronem fecissem inter se disputantes, ut a te proximis litteris admoneor,

* * * * *

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I should like you to make this quite clear to me, especially whether you abide by your opinion that I should send him what I have written, or whether you think it is unnecessary. But of this when we meet.

XIX

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, June 30_, B.C. _45_]

The copyist Hilarus had just left on the 28th, and I had given him a letter to you, when your messenger came with your letter of the day before. What I was most glad to see in it was the sentence "Our dear Attica begs you not to be anxious" and your own statement that there is no danger.

I see your influence has given my speech for Ligarius a good start. For Balbus has written to me with Oppius, saying that he is extraordinarily pleased with it; and for that reason he has sent the little thing to Caesar. So that is what you wrote to me some time ago.

In Varro's case I should not be disturbed about appearing to be tuft-hunting—for my principle has always been not to insert any living characters in my dialogues; but it was because you say Varro wants it, and appreciates the compliment, that I have finished off the work and have comprised the whole of the Academic philosophy—how well I cannot say, but with all possible care—in four books. All the fine array of arguments against the uncertainty of apperceptions collected by Antiochus I have given to Varro; I answer him myself, and you are the third speaker in our conversation. If I had made Cotta and Varro carry on the argument between them, as you suggest in your last letter, I

* * * * *

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meum κωφὸν πρόσωπον esset. Hoc in antiquis personis suaviter fit, ut et Heraclides in multis et nos in VI "de re publica" libris fecimus. Sunt etiam "de oratore" nostri tres mihi vehementer probati. In eis quoque eae personae sunt, ut mihi tacendum fuerit. Crassus enim loquitur, Antonius, Catulus senex, C. Iulius, frater Catuli, Cotta, Sulpicius. Puero me hic sermo inducitur, ut nullae esse possent partes meae. Quae autem his temporibus scripsi, Ἀριστοτέλειον morem habent, in quo sermo ita inducitur ceterorum, ut penes ipsum sit principatus. Ita confeci quinque libros περὶ τελῶν, ut Epicurea L. Torquato, Stoica M. Catoni, περιπατητικὰ M. Pisoni darem. Ἀζηλοτύπητον id fore putaram, quod omnes illi decesserant. Haec "Academica," ut scis, cum Catulo, Lucullo, Hortensio contuleram. Sane in personas non cadebant; erant enim λογικώτερα quam ut illi de iis somniasse umquam viderentur. Itaque, ut legi tuas de Varrone, tamquam ἕρμαιον arripui. Aptius esse nihil potuit ad id philosophiae genus, quo ille maxime mihi delectari videtur, easque partes, ut non sim consecutus, ut superior mea causa videatur. Sunt enim vehementer πιθανὰ Antiochia; quae diligenter a me expressa acumen habent Antiochi, nitorem orationis nostrum, si modo is est aliquis in nobis. Sed tu, dandosne putes hos libros Varroni, etiam atque etiam videbis. Mihi quaedam occurrunt; sed ea coram.

* * * * *

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should have been a mere lay figure. That suits admirably when the characters are persons of olden times; and that is what Heraclides often did in his works; and I myself did so in my six books _De Republica_. It is the same, too, in my three books _De Oratore_, of which I think very highly; in them, too, the characters were such that I could properly keep silent. For the speakers are Crassus, Antonius, old Catulus, his brother C. Julius, Cotta and Sulpicius; and the conversation is supposed to take place when I was a boy, so that I could have no part in it. But in a modern work, I follow Aristotle's practice: the conversation of the others is so put forward as to leave him the principal part. I arranged the five books _De Finibus_ so as to give the Epicurean parts to L. Torquatus, the Stoic to M. Cato, and the Peripatetic to M. Piso. I thought that could not make anybody jealous, as they were all dead. This present work, the _Academica_, as you know, I had shared between Catulus, Lucullus and Hortensius. I must admit that the work did not suit the characters; for it was far too philosophical for them to have ever dreamt of such things. So, when I read your note about Varro, I jumped at it as a godsend. Nothing could have been more appropriate for expounding the system of philosophy in which he seems to be specially interested, and for introducing a part which prevents me from seeming to give my own cause the superiority. For the views of Antiochus are very persuasive, and I have put them carefully with all Antiochus' acuteness and my own polished style, if I possess one. But do you consider carefully, whether you think I ought to dedicate the books to Varro. Some objections occur to me; but of that when we meet.

* * * * *

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XX

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati VI aut V Non. Quint. a. 709_]

A Caesare litteras accepi consolatorias datas pridie Kal. Maias Hispali. De urbe augenda quid sit promulgatum, non intellexi. Id scire sane velim. Torquato nostra officia grata esse facile patior eaque augere non desinam. Ad Ligarianam de uxore Tuberonis et privigna neque possum iam addere (est enim pervulgata) neque Tuberonem volo offendere; mirifice est enim φιλαίτιος. Theatrum quidem sane bellum habuisti. Ego, etsi hoc loco facillime sustentor, tamen te videre cupio. Itaque, ut constitui, adero. Fratrem credo a te esse conventum. Scire igitur studeo, quid egeris.

De fama nihil sane laboro; etsi scripseram ad te tunc stulte "nihil melius"; curandum enim non est. Atque hoc "in omni vita sua quemque a recta conscientia traversum unguem non oportet discedere" viden quam φιλοσόφως? An tu nos frustra existimas haec in manibus habere? Δεδῆχθαι te nollem, quod nihil erat. Redeo enim rursus eodem. Quicquamne me putas curare in toto,[114] nisi ut ei ne desim? Id ago scilicet, ut iudicia videar tenere. "Μὴ γὰρ αὐτοῖς—." Vellem tam domestica ferre possem quam ista contemnere.

Footnote 114:

_For_ in toto _many suggestions have been made_ (_e.g._ in Torquato
_Müller_: in Bruto _Schmidt_), _and for_ ei _Wieland suggested_ mihi.

* * * * *

Page 143

XX

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, July 2 or 3_, B.C. _45_]

I have received a letter of consolation from Caesar, posted on the last of April at Hispalis. I did not understand what the proposals for improving the city are; and I should much like to know. I am not displeased that Torquatus is satisfied with my attentions, and I shall not cease to increase them. To the speech for Ligarius I cannot add anything now about Tubero's[115] wife and step-daughter, since the speech is widely circulated, and I do not wish to offend Tubero; for he is most touchy. You certainly had a good audience. Though I am happy enough here, I am longing to see you; so I shall come as arranged. I think you have met my brother; so I am anxious to know what happened.

Footnote 115:

Tubero was the prosecutor of Ligarius.

About my reputation I don't care a straw; though I did once write to you foolishly that there was nothing better; for it is not worth bothering about. And see what deep philosophy there is in this other sentiment of mine, "In all one's life one ought not to stray a nail's breadth from the straight path of conscience." Do you think I am engaged in philosophical treatises for nothing? I should be sorry for you to distress yourself about a mere nothing. Now I come back to my point. Do you suppose I care for anything in the whole matter, except that I should not be untrue to it.[116] I am striving, it seems then, to maintain my position in the law courts. God forbid! Would I could bear my private sorrow as easily as I despise them. But do

Footnote 116:

The sense and the reading of this sentence are very doubtful.

* * * * *

Page 144

Putas autem me voluisse aliquid, quod perfectum non sit? Non licet scilicet sententiam suam, sed tamen, quae tum acta sunt, non possum non probare, et tamen non curare pulchre possum, sicuti facio. Sed nimium multa de nugis.

XXI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae IV K. Sext. a. 709_]

Ad Hirtium dederam epistulam sane grandem, quam scripseram proxime in Tusculano. Huic, quam tu mihi misisti, rescribam alias. Nunc alia malo. Quid possum de Torquato, nisi aliquid a Dolabella? Quod simul ac, continuo scietis. Exspectabam hodie aut summum eras ab eo tabellarios; qui simul ac venerint, mittentur ad te. A Quinto exspecto. Proficiscens enim e Tusculano VIII Kal., ut scis, misi ad eum tabellarios.

Nunc, ad rem ut redeam, "inhibere" illud tuum, quod valde mihi adriserat, vehementer displicet. Est enim verbum totum nauticum. Quamquam id quidem sciebam, sed arbitrabar sustineri remos, cum inhibere essent remiges iussi. Id non esse eius modi didici heri, cum ad villam nostram navis appelleretur. Non enim sustinent, sed alio modo remigant. Id ab ἐποχῇ remotissumum est. Quare facies, ut ita sit in libro, quem ad modum fuit. Dices hoc idem Varroni, si

* * * * *

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you suppose there was some aspiration which was left unfulfilled? Of course one should not praise one's own principles, but I cannot help praising my past life, and yet I can well enough feel indifferent about it, as indeed I do. But that is enough and more than enough about such a trifle.

XXI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, July 29_, B.C. _45_]

I have sent a very bulky letter to Hirtius, which I wrote lately at Tusculum. This letter which you have sent, I will answer later. Just now I prefer other things. What can I do for Torquatus, unless I hear from Dolabella? As soon as I hear, you shall know at once. I am expecting messengers from him to-day or to-morrow at the latest; and, as soon as they come, they shall be sent on to you. I am expecting to hear from Quintus. For when I was starting from Tusculum on the 25th, as you know, I sent messengers to him.