These letters were sent between May and December 45 B.C.
The translation is by E.O. Winstedt (1918). Click on the L symbols to go to the Latin text of each section. Click on ** to go to the translator's footnotes.
← Book 12
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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 ** were full of good advice. So either those letters will set things right or we shall have to try some other means. 2 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.
3 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 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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 - .
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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.
2 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 monopolised him; and I am not sorry for it. However, as I am intimate with 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
So to-morrow is Peducaeus' auction. Come ** 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.
I am expecting a letter from you, but not yet, as I am writing in the early morning.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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 like to increase their number. =/3= 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. ** 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.
See about Crispus and Mustela, and I should like to know what the share of the two is. 2 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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. ** 2 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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. ** I have sent Torquatus ** 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. ** But please attend to the point carefully, as you always do. As to Crispus and Mustela, yes, when you have settled anything. 2 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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. 2 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 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.
3 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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!
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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. 2 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 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I am not at all surprised at your being upset about Marcellus ** 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.
2 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. 3 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. ** That would either put an end to all chatter 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
"Not the same look." ** 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 to see me every day and I could not go to him, he got no pleasure at all out of his estate. 2 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, ** if you can. It is high time, as you can see; however, suit your convenience.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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.
2 You have given my speech for Ligarius a magnificent start. Henceforth, when I write anything, I shall leave it to you to advertise it. 3 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, ** 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." **
Now I have pledged my De Finibus, of which I 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, ** of which Varro is a strong supporter. I will make it up to Catulus and Lucullus somewhere else; ** that is to say, if you agree. Please write and tell me.
4 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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 was it of whom you noticed he was jealous: unless perhaps it was Brutus. Upon my word that is the only possible answer: ** 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. 2 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," ** 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?
3 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 consoles me. Nevertheless I am looking forward to a fresh one.
4 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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.
2 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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' views. 2 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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.
2 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.
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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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.
2 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.
3 In Varro's case I should not be disturbed about appearing to be ingratiating - 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 should have been a mere lay figure. 4 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. 5 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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. 2 To the speech for Ligarius I cannot add anything now about Tubero's 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. 3 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.
4 About my reputation I don't care a straw; though I did once write to you foolishly in 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. ** 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 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.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
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? 2 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.
3 To return to business, the word 'inhibere' suggested by you, which at first took my fancy very much, I strongly disapprove of now. For it is exclusively a nautical word. That, however, I knew before; but I thought rowers rested on their oars, when told to 'inhibere'. Yesterday, when a ship put in by my house, I learned that was not so. They don't rest on their oars, they back water. That is very different to the Greek ἐποχή. So change the word back to what it was in the book; ** and tell Varro to do the same, if he has altered it. One can't improve on Lucilius: "Pull up chariot and horses as a good driver oft does." And Carneades always compares the philosopher's suspension of judgment {ἐποχή} to the guard of a boxer and the pulling up of a charioteer. But the 'inhibitio' of rowers implies motion, and indeed the rather violent motion of rowing to back the boat. You see how much more attention I pay to this than either to rumour or to Pollio. 4 Let me know too about Pansa, if anything definite is known, and I suppose it has come out, about Critonius, if there is any news, and anyhow about Metellus and Balbinus.
[21a] L { 30 June or 1 July 45 }
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Come now, do you really think you ought to publish without my orders? Even Hermodorus never did such a thing, though he used to circulate Plato's books, and that gave rise to the line "our Hermodorus deals in dialogues." Do you really think you were justified in sending to anyone before you sent to Brutus, to whom at your advice I dedicated the work? For Balbus has written to me that you let him have a copy of the fifth book of the De Finibus, in which I have made a few alterations, though not many. However, I shall be obliged if you will keep back the others, so that Balbus may not get unrevised copies and Brutus what is stale. But enough of this; I don't want to seem to make a fuss about trifles. Though these are now my important things, for what else have I?
I am in such a hurry to send what I have written to Varro, as you suggested, that I have sent it already to Rome to be copied. If you like, you shall have it at once. For I wrote to my copyist telling them to give your people leave to copy, if you liked. Please keep it, however, till I see you. You are generally most careful to do so, when I have told you. 2 I was nearly forgetting to say that Caerellia, inspired of course by love of philosophy, is copying from your people; ** she has those very books De Finibus. I assure you, so far as it is humanly possible to affirm anything, that she did not get it from mine, for my copy was never out of my sight. So far were my people from making two copies, that they could scarcely make up one. However, I am not finding any fault in your people, and I hope you will not either, for I omitted to say that I did not want the books circulated yet. Dear me, how I do harp on trifles. The fact is I have nothing of importance to say.
3 I agree about Dolabella. My co-heirs I will meet at Tusculum, as you suggest. As to Caesar's arrival, Balbus has written that he won't be here till the first of August. It is good news that Attica's attack gets slighter and slighter and that she is bearing it cheerfully. 4 As to that idea of ours, about which I am quite as eager as you are, so far as I know anything about the man, I approve of him, his family, and his fortune. What is most important is that, though I do not know him himself, I hear very well of him, even quite recently from Scrofa. If it is of any importance, one may add that he is even better bred than his father. So we will speak of it when we meet, and I am disposed to approve. For in addition, as I think you know, I am with good reason and long have been fonder of his father than either you or he himself is aware.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I have my reasons for asking so persistently for your opinion about Varro. Some objections occur to me; but of those when we meet. Your name I introduced with the greatest pleasure and I shall do so more frequently, for I see for the first time from your last letter that you do not disapprove. 2 About Marcellus ** Cassius had already written to me, and Servius sent some details. What a sad thing! 3 I return to my former point. There are no hands in which I would rather have my writings than in yours, but I should prefer them not to leave your hands till we have agreed on it. I acquit your copyists of fault and I bring no charge against you; but there was something different that I did mention in a letter, that Caerellia had some things she could only have got from you. In Balbus' case I realise of course that you had to satisfy him; only I am sorry that Brutus should get anything stale or Balbus anything unfinished. I will send to Varro, as soon as I have seen you, if you agree. Why I have hesitated, you shall know, when I do see you.
4 I strongly approve of your calling in those debts which have been transferred to me. I am sorry you are being bothered about Ovia's estate. About Brutus it is a great nuisance, but such is life. The ladies, ** however, are not very considerate in being annoyed, though both of them observe the proprieties.
There was no necessity for you to dun my secretary Tullius; I should have told you, if there had been. For he has nothing of mine towards carrying out my vow. ** But he has some of my money, and that I am thinking of devoting to that purpose. So we were both right, I in telling you where it was, and he in denying he had it. But let us get hold of this same money also at once. I do not very much approve of a grove for mortals, as it is not much frequented; but there is something to say for it. However, let that too be as you like, since you decide everything. I shall come to town when I arranged, and I hope to goodness you will be there the same day. But, if anything prevents you, and lots of things may, the next day at any rate. For there are my co-heirs, and without your shrewdness I shall be done for. This is the second letter with no news of Attica. But that I take as a hopeful sign. There is one thing I have a grievance about, not against you, but against her, that she does not even send her regards. But pay my best respects to her and to Pilia, and don't hint that I am angry anyhow. I am sending Caesar's letter, in case you should not have read it.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
The morning's letter I answered yesterday at once, now I am answering yours of the evening. I would rather Brutus had asked me to Rome. It would have been fairer, as he is on the point of a sudden long journey, and upon my soul I should have much preferred that we should meet in Rome rather than in my house at Tusculum, now that the state of our feelings prevents us from living together at all, for of course you understand what constitutes good company.
2 There is no delay about the books dedicated to Varro. They are finished, as you have seen; there is only the correction of the copyists' mistakes. About those books you know I have had some hesitation, but you must look to it. The copyists have in hand, too, those I am dedicating to Brutus. **
3 Carry out my instructions as you say. However what about that abatement? ** Trebatius says everybody is taking advantage of it. What do you suppose my debtors will do? You know the gang. ** So settle the matter accommodatingly. You would never believe how little I care about such things. I give you my solemn word for it, and I hope you will believe me, that the little I have causes me more annoyance than pleasure. For I am more grieved at having no one to leave it to than pleased at having enough for my own enjoyment. Trebatius tells me he told you so; but perhaps you feared I should be sorry at the news. That was certainly kind of you; but, believe me, I don't care about such things now. So get you to your conversations, hack away at it and finish the business; and in talking with Polla consider you are talking with that fellow Scaeva, ** and don't imagine that those who are in the habit of taking what is not owing to them, will abate anything that is. Only be careful that they pay up to time and allow some latitude there too.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
What am I to make of this? Hermogenes Clodius tells me that Andromenes said he saw my son at Corcyra. For I supposed you had heard of it. Then didn't he give any letter even to him? Or perhaps he didn't see him. You must let me know, please.
What answer am I to give you about Varro? You have the four parchment rolls: and whatever you do I shall approve. It is not that "I fear the Trojans." ** Why should I? But I am more afraid how he may regard it. However, as you undertake the matter, I shall sleep in peace. **
2 About the abatement I have answered your careful letter. You must get the matter over, and that too without any hesitation or refusal. That ought to be and must be done.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
About Andromenes I thought exactly what you say, for you would have known and told me. 2 However, you have written such a lot about Brutus that you say nothing of yourself. But when do you think he is coming? For I shall come to Rome on the 14th. What I meant to say in my letter to Brutus was that I had gathered from your note that he did not wish me to come to Rome now just to pay my respects to him - but, as you say you have read the letter, perhaps I was not quite clear. However, as I am just on the point of coming, please see that my presence on the 15th does not prevent his coming to Tusculum at his convenience. For I shall not want him at the auction - surely in such a business you alone will be enough: but I do want him when I make my will. That I would rather postpone for another day now, so as not to seem to have come to Rome expressly for that purpose. So I have written to Brutus now that I shall not want him, as I had thought, on the 15th. I should like you to look after all this and see that we don't inconvenience Brutus in the least.
3 But what on earth is the reason why you are so frightened at my bidding you send the books to Varro on your own responsibility? Even now, if you have any doubts, let me know. Nothing could be more finished than they are. I want Varro, especially as he desires it: but, as you know, he is "a fearsome man; the blameless he would blame." ** I often picture him to myself complaining of this perhaps, that my side in the books is more fully defended than his own, though I assure you, if ever you come to Epirus, I will convince you it is not. For at present I have to give way to Alexio's ** letters. However, I don't despair of winning Varro's approval; and, as I have gone to the expense of a large paper copy, I should like to stick to my plan. But I repeat again, it must be on your responsibility. So, if you have doubts, let us change to Brutus: he is also a follower of Antiochus. O that fickle Academy, always the same, now one thing, now another. ** But pray tell me, were you very pleased with my letter to Varro? ** May I be hanged if I ever take so much trouble with anything again. So I did not even dictate it to Tiro, who can follow whole sentences as dictated, but syllable by syllable to Spintharus.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
About Vergilius' ** share I approve; so arrange it like that. And indeed it will be my first choice, next to Clodia's. If neither, I fear I shall run amok and make a dash for Drusus. As you know, I have lost control of myself in my desire for this. So I keep coming back to the idea of my place at Tusculum. For anything is better than not getting it finished this summer.
2 Under the present circumstances I am as comfortable at Astura as I could be anywhere. But as those who are with me are in a hurry to go home, I suppose because they cannot put up with my melancholy, though I might remain, I shall leave here, as I told you, so as not to seem deserted. But where am I to go? From Lanuvium I am trying to bring myself to go to Tusculum. But I will let you know soon. Please write the letters. You wouldn't believe how much writing I get done by night as well as day, for I cannot sleep. Yesterday I even composed a letter to Caesar, as you desired. There was no harm in writing it in case you thought it necessary: as things are, there is certainly no need to send it. But let that be as you like. However, I will send you a copy, perhaps from Lanuvium, unless I happen to come to Rome. But you shall know to-morrow.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
As for the letter to Caesar, I was always ready to let your friends read it first. If I had not been, I should not have done my duty by them, and should very nearly have imperilled myself, if I were likely to offend him. But they have acted frankly, and I am thankful to them for not concealing their feelings; but the best thing of all is that they want to make so many alterations that there is no sense in my writing it all over again. However, what view ought I to have taken of the Parthian war except what I thought he wanted? Indeed what other purpose had my letter save to kowtow to him? Do you suppose I should have been at a loss for words, if I had wanted to give him the advice which I really thought best? So the whole letter is unnecessary. For, when I cannot make a coup, and a fiasco, however slight, would be unpleasant, why should I run unnecessary risk? Especially as it occurs to me that, as I have not written before, he would think I should not have written until the whole war were over. Besides I am afraid he may think it is to sugar the pill of my Cato. In fact I am very sorry I wrote it, and nothing could suit my wishes better than that they do disapprove of my zeal. I should have fallen foul of ** Caesar's party, and among them your relative.
2 But to return to the gardens. I don't in the least want you to go there, unless it is quite convenient to you: for there is no hurry. Whatever happens let us direct our efforts towards Faberius. However send me the date of the auction, if you know it. I have sent this man, who came from Cumae, straight on to you, as he said Attica was quite well and he had letters.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
As you are going to look at the garden to-day, I shall of course hear from you to-morrow what you think of it; and about Faberius, when he has come. 2 About the letter to Caesar, I give you my word of honour I cannot; it is not the shame of the thing that prevents me, though that is just what ought. Ah, how shameful is flattery, when life alone is a disgrace! But, as I was beginning to say, it is not the shame of it that prevents me - I only wish it were, for then I should be the man I ought to be - but I cannot think of anything to write. Just consider the subjects of the letters of advice addressed to Alexander by men of eloquence and learning. Here was a youth fired by a desire for the truest glory and desiring to have some advice given him on the subject of eternal fame, and they exhort him to follow honour. There is plenty to say on that: but what can I say? However, from hard material I had rough hewn something that seemed to me to take shape. Because there were a few touches in it a little better than the actual facts past or present, fault is found with them; and I don't regret it a bit. For, if the letter had reached its destination, believe me, I should have regretted it. 3 Why, don't you see that even that pupil of Aristotle, in spite of his high ability and his high character, became proud, cruel, and ungovernable, after he got the title of king? How do you suppose this figure in a procession, this messmate of Quirinus ** will like my moderate letters? Let him rather look for what I do not write than disapprove of what I have written. In short let it be as he pleases. What was spurring me on when I put that insoluble problem ** before you has all gone now. Upon my word now I should far rather welcome the misfortune I feared then or any other.
If there is nothing to prevent you, come to me and welcome. Nicias at Dolabella's urgent request (for I read the letter) has gone, against my will though not against my advice.
4 The rest I have written myself. When I was discussing men of learning with Nicias, we chanced to speak of Talna. He had not much to say for his intelligence, though he gave him a good and steady character. But there was one thing that seemed to me unsatisfactory. He said he knew he had lately sought in marriage Cornificia, Quintus' daughter, though quite an old woman and married more than once before; but the ladies would not agree as they found he was not worth more than 800,000 sestertii. I thought you ought to know this.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I have heard all about the gardens from your letter and from Chrysippus. I was well aware of the bad taste shown in the house, and I see there has been little or no alteration; however, he praises the larger bath and thinks the smaller could be made into a winter snuggery. So a covered passage would have to be added, and, if I made one the same size as that at my place at Tusculum, the cost would be about half as much in that district. However, for the erection we want to make nothing could be more suitable than the grove, which I used to know well; then it was not at all frequented, now I hear it is very much so. There is nothing I should prefer. In this, humour my whim, in heaven's name. 2 For the rest, if Faberius pays that debt, don't bother about the cost; I want you to outbid Otho: and I don't think he will bid wildly, for I fancy I know the man. Besides I hear he has had such bad luck that I doubt if he will buy. For would he put up with it, if he could help it? ** But what is the good of talking? If you get the money from Faberius, let us buy even at a high price; if not, we cannot even at a low. So then we must fall back on Clodia. In her case I see more grounds for hope, as her property is worth much less, and Dolabella's debt seems so safe that I feel confident of being able to pay in ready money. Enough about the gardens. To- morrow I shall either see you or hear the reason why not. I expect that will be the business with Faberius. But come, if you can.
I am sending young Quintus' letter. 3 How hard-hearted of you not to tremble at his hair-breadth escapes. He complains about me too. I have sent you half the letter. The other half about his adventures I think you have in duplicate. I have sent a messenger to-day to Cumae. I have given him your letter to Vestorius, which you had given to Pharnaces.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I had just sent Demeas to you, when Eros arrived. But in his letter there was no news except that the auction lasts two days. So you will come after it, as you say, and I hope the business with Faberius will be settled. Eros thinks he will not settle up to-day, but will to-morrow morning. You must be polite to him; though such kowtowing is almost criminal. I hope you will come the day after to-morrow.
2 Dig out for me from somewhere, if you can, the names of Mummius' ten legates. Polybius does not give them. I remember Albinus the ex-consul and Sp. Mummius; and I think Hortensius told me Tuditanus. But in Libo's annals Tuditanus was praetor fourteen years after Mummius' consulship. That does not square at all. I am thinking of writing a kind of political conference, held at Olympia or wherever you like, like that of your friend Dicaearchus.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the 28th in the morning Demeas delivered a letter dated the day before, from which I ought to expect you either to-day or to-morrow. But, I suppose, I who am looking forward to your coming, shall be the very person who will delay it. For I don't expect the business with Faberius will be so far settled, even if it is to be settled, that it will not cause some delay. So come when you can. 2 Since you are still away, I should like you to send me the books of Dicaearchus, which you mention, with the Descent. **
3 As for the letter to Caesar I have made up my mind; and yet precisely what they say he says in his letter, that he will not go against the Parthians until affairs are arranged here, is what I advised in my letter. I told him he could do whichever he chose with my full leave. For of course he wants that and won't do anything without my advice. For heaven's sake let us give up flattery and be at least half-free; and that we can manage by keeping quiet and out of sight.
4 But approach Otho, as you say, and finish that business, my dear Atticus. For I don't see any other way of keeping away from the forum and yet being with you. As to the price, this has just occurred to me. The nearest neighbour is C. Albanius. He bought some 1,000 iugera of M. Pilius, so far as I can recollect for 11,500,000 sestertii. Of course everything has gone down in value now. But on the other side counts our eagerness to purchase, though I don't suppose we shall have anyone bidding against us except Otho. Him however you can influence personally, and could still more easily, if you had Canus with you. What senseless gluttony! ** Shame on his father! Answer, if you want to say anything.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
As I have received two letters from you to-day, I did not think it right that you should content yourself with only one of mine. Pray do as you say about Faberius. For on that depends entirely what I am thinking of. And, if that idea had never occurred to me, believe me I should not bother about that any more than anything else. So continue your energy - for you cannot add to it - and push on and finish the matter.
2 Please send me Dicaearchus' two books About the Soul and the Descent. I can't find the Mixed Constitution and the letter he sent to Aristoxenus. I should much like to have those three books now; they would bear on what I am planning. 3 Torquatus ** is in Rome. I have sent orders for it to be given to you. Catulus and Lucullus I believe you have already. I have added new prefaces to the books, in which each of them is mentioned with honour. Those compositions I should like you to have, and there are some others too. What I said about the ten legates, you did not fully understand, I suppose because I wrote it in shorthand. ** I was asking about C. Tuditanus, who Hortensius told me was one of them. I see in Libo that he was praetor in the consulship of P. Popilius and P. Rupilius. Could he have been legate fourteen years before he was praetor, unless he was very late in getting the quaestorship? I don't think that was the case; for I see he won the curule offices quite easily in the proper years. But I did not know that Postumius, whose statue you say you remember in the Isthmus, was one of them. He was the man who was consul with L. Lucullus; and it is a very suitable person you have added to my conference. So please look up the others too, if you can, that I may make a show with my dramatis personae, as well as my subject.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
What extraordinary carelessness! Do you think it was only once that I have been told by Balbus and Faberius that the return ** had been made? Why it was at their suggestion that I sent a man to make it, for they said I ought to do so. It was my freedman Philotimus who made the return; you know him, I think, a copyist. But you must write and let me know it is finished. 2 I have sent a letter as you advise to Faberius. With Balbus I think you have made some arrangement in the Capitol to-day. About Vergilius I have no scruples; for there is no reason why I should have in his case; and, if I buy, what claim will he have? But see that he may not be in Africa then like Caelius. **
The debt you must look into with Cispius; but, if Plancus intends to bid, there will be difficulties. That you should come to me would suit us both, but that business cannot possibly be thrown up. It is welcome news that you think we can beat Otho. As you say about the assignment, when we begin to negotiate; though he has not mentioned anything except the extent of the ground. Discuss it with Piso in case he can do anything. I have received Dicaearchus' book and am expecting his Descent.
(If you) will commission someone, he will find out ... 3 from the book containing the decrees passed in the consulship of Cn. Cornelius and L. Mummius. Your idea about Tuditanus is reasonable enough, he was either quaestor or military tribune, since he was at Corinth at the time and Hortensius was not speaking at random; and I think you are right. You will be able to find out from Antiochus of course in what year he was quaestor or military tribune. If he was neither, then he would at least have been among the prefects or on the staff, provided he was in the war at all.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
We were talking of Varro: talk of the devil, you know, for here he came and at such an hour that I had to ask him to stop. But I did not cling so closely to him as to "tear his cloak" (for I remember that phrase ** of yours), and there were a lot of them and I was unprepared. But what does that matter? Just afterwards came C. Capito and T. Carrinas. Their cloaks I hardly touched; but they stayed and it turned out all right. By chance Capito began talking of the improvements of the city: the course of the Tiber is to be diverted from the Mulvian bridge along the Vatican hills; the Campus Martius to be built over, and the Vatican plain to be a sort of Campus Martius. "What's that?" I said. "Why, I was going to the sale to buy Scapula's gardens, if I could safely." "Don't you do it," he told me; "for the law will be passed: Caesar wants it." I was not disturbed at hearing it: but I should be annoyed, if they do it. What have you got to say about it? However I need not ask. You know how eager a news-monger Capito is: not even Camillus can beat him at that. So you must let me know about the auction on the 15th: for that is what is bringing me to town. I have combined some other things with it: but those I can easily do two or three days later. However I don't want you to be tired out with travelling: nay, I even excuse Dionysius. 2 As to what you say about Brutus, I have left it open so far as I am concerned: for yesterday I wrote and told him that I should have no need of his help on the 15th.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I reached Astura on the evening of the 25th: for to avoid the heat of the day I rested three hours at Lanuvium. I should like you, if it is no trouble, to contrive that I need not come to Rome before the 5th of next month. You can manage it through Egnatius Maximus. The chief point is that you should settle with Publilius in my absence: ** and about that you will let me know what people say. "Of course the world is all agog with that!" On my honour I don't think so; for the nine days' wonder is over. But I wanted to fill the page. What need of more: for I am almost with you, unless you put me off for a bit. For I have written to you about the gardens.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
What a shame! A countryman of yours ** is enlarging the city, which he had never seen two years ago, and he thinks it too small to hold the great man alone. On that point then I am expecting a letter from you. 2 You say you will present my book to Varro, as soon as he arrives. So they are already given and you have no choice left. Ah, if you but knew what a risk you are running! Or perhaps my letter stopped you, unless you had not read it, when you wrote your last letter. So I am eager to know how the matter stands.
3 As to Brutus' affection and your walk, though you give me no actual news, but only a repetition of what has often happened, yet the more often I hear it, the gladder I am; and I find it the more gratifying, because you enjoy it, and the more certain, because you tell me of it.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
This is the second letter to-day. About Xeno's debt and the 4,000 sestertii owing to you in Epirus, things could not happen more conveniently than you say they are happening in your letter. Balbus the younger suggested the same to me the other day. 2 I have no news except that Hirtius has been taking my part most valiantly in arguments against young Quintus. The latter is raving about me everywhere, especially at dinner-parties, and then he falls back on his father: nothing he says is so likely to be believed as that we are utterly irreconcilable to Caesar; that we are not to be trusted, and that I ought to be held in suspicion, which would have been terrifying, if were I not aware that the king knows I have no spirit left. He says too that my son is being bullied by me: but that he may say as much as he likes. 3 I am glad I sent the funeral oration of Porcia to Lepta the messenger before I got your letter. So, as you love me, have it sent to Domitius and Brutus in the form you suggest, if it is to be sent at all.
4 About the gladiatorial games and the things which you call airy nothings send me news day by day. I should like you to apply to Balbus and Offilius, if you think fit. About giving notice of the auction I have spoken with Balbus. He agreed - I imagine Offilius has a complete list, and so has Balbus - well Balbus agreed for a day near at hand and for Rome as the place: if Caesar puts off coming, the day might be deferred. But he seems to be close at hand. So think it all over; for Vestorius is content.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
As I was writing against the Epicureans before daybreak, I scribbled something or other to you by the same lamp and at the same sitting and despatched it before daybreak. Then as I was getting up with the sun after another sleep, I get a letter from your sister's son, which I enclose. The beginning of it is most insulting: but perhaps he did not stop to think. This is how it runs: "For, whatever there is to be said to your discredit, I...." He wants me to understand there is plenty to be said to my discredit, but he does not agree with it. Could anything be more disgusting? You may read the rest (for I have sent it on) and judge for yourself. I fancy it is the daily and continual complimentary remarks which, as I hear from many, our friend Brutus is making about us, which have provoked him into writing something to me and to you - let me know if he has written to you. For what he has written to his father about me I don't know: about his mother how affectionately! "I should have liked," he says, "to be with you as much as possible and to have a house taken for me somewhere: and so I told you. You took no notice: so we shall not be together much: for I cannot bear the sight of your house: you know why." His father tells me the reason is his hatred of his mother. 2 Now, Atticus, help me with your advice. "By honest means shall I the high wall climb?" ** that is to say shall I openly renounce and abjure the fellow, or shall I act "with wiles"? For, like Pindar's, "my mind divided cannot truly tell." The first would suit my character best, of course, but the second perhaps the times. But take it I have made up my mind to do whatever you have made up your mind to do. I am horribly afraid of being caught at Tusculum. It would be more comfortable in company. At Astura then? What if Caesar arrives unexpectedly? Please assist me with advice. I will do what you decide.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
What incredible hypocrisy! To write to his father that "he had no home owing to his mother," and to his mother a letter full of affection. His father however is already cooling down and says the son has a right to be angry with him. 2 But I will follow your advice; for I see "crooked ways" are what you favour. I will come to Rome, as you think I ought, though against my will; for I cannot tear myself from my writing. You say I shall find Brutus on the way: of course, but without this other reason that would not be strong enough to move me. For he has not come from the place I should wish, nor has he been long away or sent me any letter. Still I should like to know the result of his whole journey. Please send me the books I asked for before, especially Phaedrus On the Gods and On Pallas.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Is that so? Does Brutus really say Caesar is going over to the right party? That is good news. But where will he find them, unless, perhaps, he hangs himself? But how foolish it is of Brutus! Where, then, does that masterpiece of yours which I saw in the Parthenon, the family tree of Ahala and Brutus, come in? ** But what can he do? It is excellent to hear that not even the man who began the whole criminal business has a good word to say for young Quintus. Indeed, I was beginning to be afraid that even Brutus was fond of him; for in his letter to me he said, "But I wish you could have had a taste of his tales." But when we meet, as you say.
2 However, what do you advise? Shall I fly to meet him or stay where I am? For my part I am glued to my books, and I don't want to receive him here. I hear his father has gone to-day to Saxa Rubra ** to meet him in a fury. He was so extraordinarily enraged against him that I remonstrated with him. But I am capable of acting the "giddy goat" too. So it rests with the future. Do you please see what you think about my movements and everything else. If you can see the way to-morrow, let me know early.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I sent Quintus your letter for your sister. When he complained that his son was at daggers drawn with his mother and said he should give up the house to his son on that account, I said young Quintus had sent an amiable letter to his mother and none to you. He was surprised at the first, but said it was his fault about you, as he had often written in anger to his son about your unfairness to him. However, he said his anger had abated, so I read your letter, and "by crooked ways" hinted that I should not bear malice. For then he began to mention Cana. ** 2 To be sure, if that plan found favour, we should have to make it up; but, as you say, we must consider our dignity, and we ought to concert our plans together, though his attacks on me were the worst and certainly the most public. If Brutus, too, should come to our aid, we need not hesitate. But we must discuss it together; for it is an important matter and requires great caution. So to-morrow, unless you give me furlough.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Young Quintus has come to me very down in the mouth. So I asked, why he had the blues. "Need you ask," said he, "when I have a journey before me, a journey to a war, ** and one that is both dangerous and even disgraceful." "What is there to compel you then?" I said. "Debt," said he, "and yet not enough money for the journey." At that point I borrowed something from your style of eloquence: I held my tongue. Well, he went on, "But what worries me most is my uncle." ** "Why?" said I. "Because he is angry with me," he answered. "Why do you let him be so?" I said, "for I would rather put it that way than say, Why do you make him angry?" "I will not let him," he said, "for I will remove the reason." I replied, "Very right of you, too; but, if it is not a serious matter, I should like to know what the reason is." "Because my hesitation which wife I should take annoyed my mother, and consequently him, too. Now nothing is worth that, and I will do anything they like." "I hope you will have luck," I said, "and I approve of your resolution. But when are you going to do it?" "The time doesn't matter to me," said he, "since I have made up my mind to it." "Well, I think you ought to do it before you go," I said. "You would oblige your father, too, by doing so." 2 "I will do as you advise," he said; and there the conversation ended.
3 But, look here, you know it is my birthday on the 3rd of January. So you must come. I was just writing, and here is a request from Lepidus for me to come to town. I suppose the augurs want me for consecrating a temple. I must go; anything for a quiet life. ** So you will see me.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Yes, I will take advantage of the postponement of the day of sale; and it was very kind of you to inform me of it, especially to let me have a letter, when I did not expect one, and to write it at the games. There are, to be sure, some things I have to do at Rome; but I will attend to them two days later.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
What a delightful letter yours was! Though the procession ** was unpleasant news; still it is not unpleasant to know everything, even about Cotta. ** The people were splendid not even to clap Victory because of her bad neighbour. Brutus was staying with me and highly approved of my writing something to Caesar. 2 I assented; but the procession puts me off. Have you really dared to send my book to Varro! I am eager for his opinion. But when will he finish reading it? I agree about Attica. It is something that the spirits are relieved by the spectacle and by the general feeling of religious associations. 3 I wish you would send me Cotta; I have Libo and before that I had Casca. Brutus brought me a message from T. Ligarius that the mention of L. Corfidius in my speech for Ligarius is a mistake. But it is a lapsus memoriae, as they say. I knew that Corfidius was extremely friendly with the Ligarii; but I see he was dead before the trial. So please get Pharnaces, Antaeus and Salvius to erase the name from all copies.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Lamia was with me after you left, and brought me a letter Caesar had sent to him. Though it was despatched earlier than those of Diochares, still it asserted plainly that he would come before the Roman games. ** At the end he told him to make all preparations for the games and not let him hurry back for nothing. From this letter there certainly seemed no doubt that he would come before that date; and Lamia said that Balbus thought so too, when he read the letter.
I see I have some additional days' holiday, but please let me know how many. You can find out from Baebius or your other neighbour Egnatius.
2 In exhorting me to spend the days in an exposition of philosophy, you are only spurring a willing horse; but note that I have to spend those days with Dolabella. Now, if I had not been detained on Torquatus' business, there would have been time enough to make an excursion to Puteoli and return in time. ** 3 Lamia has heard from Balbus, it appears, that there is a good deal of ready money in the house, which ought to be divided as soon as possible, and a considerable amount of silver plate, and that the auction of all but the real property ought to take place at the earliest opportunity. Please write and tell me what you think. Upon my word, if I had had the whole world to select from, I could hardly have chosen a man more painstaking, more obliging, nor, I am sure, more devoted to my interests than Vestorius. I have sent him an extremely carefully worded letter; and I think you have done the same. I think that is sufficient. What do you say? The one thing that bothers me is that we may seem too careless. So I will wait for your letter.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Pollex, having arranged to meet me on the 13th of August, has done so at Lanuvium on the 12th: but he is a mere thumb, and not a pointing finger. ** 2 So you must get your news from him himself. I have met Balbus: for Lepta, being anxious about the contract for the shows, took me to him. Well, he was in the place at Lanuvium, which he made over to Lepidus: and the first thing he said to me was, "I have just had a letter in which Caesar definitely asserts that he will be here before the Roman games." I read the letter. It dilated on my Cato, and he said that by reading it frequently he had increased his flow of language, and, when he read Brutus' Cato, he began to think himself eloquent. 3 I learned from him that the formal acceptance of Cluvius' legacy was an unconditional acceptance within sixty days before witnesses. How careless of Vestorius not to tell me! I was afraid I should have to send for him: but now I must commission him to accept at my orders. So this same Pollex can take the message. I discussed Cluvius' gardens with Balbus too, and he was most obliging. For he said he would write to Caesar at once, but that Cluvius had subtracted from Hordeonius' legacy some 50,000 sestertii for Terentia, the cost of his tomb and a lot of other things, but nothing from my share. Please remonstrate with Vestorius. It is surely most out of place for Plotius the perfumer to send his own special messengers with full particulars to Balbus so long in advance, while Vestorius does not send me news even by my messengers. 4 I am sorry about Cossinius; I was fond of him.
I will make over to Quintus anything that may be left after paying my debts and making purchases, for which I am afraid I shall incur more debt. About the house at Arpinum I know nothing.
5 There is no necessity to grumble at Vestorius, for to-night, after I had sealed this letter, my messenger came bringing a letter full of details and a copy of the will.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
"When from thee, Agamemnon, the message reached my ears," not "that I should come" (though I should have done that too, if it had not been for Torquatus), "straightway" I gave up what I had begun, threw down what I had in hand and made a rough sketch of what you ordered. ** I should like you to find out from Pollex the state of my finances. It would be a disgrace to me that my son should run short of money in his first year, whatever he may deserve. Afterwards we will restrict him more carefully. Pollex also must be sent back, that Vestorius may accept the inheritance. Clearly I ought not to have gone to Puteoli, both on account of what you say, and because Caesar is getting near. Dolabella tells me he is coming to me on the 14th. What a tiresome school-master!
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Yesterday evening I had a letter from Lepidus at Antium. That is where he is, for he has the house I sold. He implores me to be in the Senate on the 1st, saying that both he and Caesar would take it as a great favour. I don't think it is of any importance; for Oppius would probably have said something to you, as Balbus is ill. However I would rather come for nothing, if necessary, than have my absence noticed. I should regret it afterwards. So to-day I go to Antium, to-morrow home by midday. I should like you and Pilia to come to dinner on the last of the month, if you are not engaged.
2 I hope you have settled with Publilius. I shall rush back to Tusculum on the 1st; for I prefer all the transactions with them to take place in my absence. I am sending my brother's letter to you: it is not a very kind answer to mine, but I think it should satisfy you. You will see for yourself.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Yesterday in the midst of all the noise I think I caught some remark of yours about coming to Tusculum. I wish you would. I wish to goodness you would: but at your convenience.
Lepta asks me to go to him, if there is any necessity: for Babullius is dead. Caesar, I fancy, is heir to one-twelfth of his estate - though I know nothing yet: but Lepta to a third. He is afraid he may not be allowed to take the inheritance. It is absurd of course, but still he is afraid. So, if he sends for me, I shall go at once: if not, not till it is necessary. 2 Send back Pollex, when you can.
I am sending you the eulogy of Porcia ** corrected. I have hurried about it, so that, if it should be sent to young Domitius or to Brutus, this edition should be sent. If it is convenient, I should much like you to see about it, and please send me the orations of M. Varro, and Ollius, at any rate that of Ollius. I have read it, but I want to dip into it again: for there are things in it that I can hardly believe I read.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
First health to Attica (who I suppose is now in the country, so I wish her a full return to health) and to Pilia too. Let me know about Tigellius, if there is any news. According to a letter of Fadius Gallus, he is very down on me most unjustly for deserting Phamea, when I had undertaken his case. It went against the grain with me to take it at all against the sons of Cn. Octavius; but for Phamea's sake I agreed. ** For, if you remember, when I was standing for the consulship, he sent a promise of any assistance he could render through you; and I appreciated it as much as if I had used it. He came to me and said the judge had undertaken to hear his case on the very same day that the jury were bound by the Pompeian law to settle that of our friend Sestius. For you know the days of those cases have been fixed by law. I answered that he could not but be aware of my obligations to Sestius. If he would choose any other day, I would not fail him. So then he left me in a temper. I think I told you about it. I did not bother myself about it of course, not thinking that a perfectly unwarrantable fit of anger of a stranger concerned me. 2 However I told Gallus the next time I was in Rome what I had heard, without mentioning young Balbus. Gallus took the matter up, as he tells me. He says Tigellius asserts that I suspect him because of my bad conscience about my desertion of Phamea. Accordingly I commission you to find out what you can from young Balbus, but not to bother your head about me. It is quite a good thing to have somebody to hate with a will, and not to pander to everybody any more than to be asleep for everybody. ** Though upon my word, as you know, Caesar's party are obsequious to me more than I to them, if attention is obsequiousness.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
You suggested in one of your letters that I should set about composing a longer letter to send to Caesar, and Balbus told me lately at Lanuvium that he and Oppius had written to Caesar telling him I had read his books against Cato and strongly approved of them: so I wrote a letter to Caesar about those books to be sent to Dolabella. But I sent a copy to Oppius and Balbus, asking them to send on my letter to Dolabella, if they themselves approved of the copy. So they have answered that they never read anything better and have had my letter forwarded to Dolabella.
2 Vestorius has written asking me to make over my share in the property of Brinnius to a slave of his on behalf of one Hetereius, so that he can complete the transfer at Puteoli according to law. If you think it right, send the slave to me; for I suppose Vestorius has written to you too.
3 About Caesar's coming Oppius and Balbus tell me the same as you. I am surprised that you have not yet had a talk with Tigellius. For instance, I should much like to know just how much he got; however I don't really care a straw. 4 You ask what I think about going to meet Caesar. Where are you thinking of, unless it is Alsium? Indeed I have written to Murena asking him to take me in; but I suppose he has gone with Matius. So I shall inflict myself on Sallustius.
5 When I had written the last line, Eros told me Murena gave him the kindest of answers: so let me make use of him. For Silius has no cushions, while Dida, I believe, has given up his whole villa to guests.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
It escaped my memory to send you a copy of the letter I sent to Caesar at the time. It was not, as you suspect, that I was ashamed of showing it to you, for fear I should seem too much of a flatterer; nor, I assure you, did I write otherwise than I should to an equal. For I have got a high opinion of those books of his, as I told you when we met. So I wrote without flattery, and yet I think he will read it with great pleasure.
2 At last I have full news of Attica; so please congratulate her again. Tell me all about Tigellius and that too as soon as possible; for I am feeling anxious. There is one thing I must mention. Young Quintus is coming to-morrow; but, whether to me or to you, I don't know. He wrote to me he was coming to Rome on the 25th. I have sent someone to invite him here. Though to be sure I must go to Rome now, for fear Caesar may forestall me.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING. **
To think that my formidable guest leaves no regret behind! For indeed it passed off splendidly. However, when he reached Philippus on the evening of the 18th, the house was so full of soldiers that there was hardly a room left for Caesar himself to dine in. Two thousand men if you please! I was much disturbed as to what was going to happen the next day; and Cassius Barba came to the rescue and gave me guards. A camp was pitched in the fields, and the house put under guard. On the 19th he stayed with Philippus till one o'clock and admitted no one: at his accounts, I believe, with Balbus. Then he walked on the shore. After two he took his bath. Then he heard about Mamurra without changing countenance. He was anointed and sat down to dinner. He was undergoing a course of emetics, so he ate and drank at this pleasure without fear. It was a lordly dinner and well-served, and not only that, but
"Well cooked, and seasoned, and, the truth to tell,
With pleasant discourse all went very well." **
2 Besides his chosen circle were entertained very liberally in three rooms: and freedmen of lower degree and slaves could not complain of stint. The upper sort were entertained in style. In fact, I was somebody. ** Still he was not the sort of guest to whom one would say: "Be sure to look me up on the way back." Once is enough. There was no serious talk, but plenty of literary. In a word he was pleased and enjoyed himself. He said he would spend one day at Puteoli and another near Baiae.
There you have all about my entertainment, or billeting you might say, objectionable, as I have said, but not uncomfortable. I am staying here a while and then go to Tusculum. As he passed Dolabella's house and nowhere else the whole troop formed up on the right and left of him. So Nicias tells me.
1. L. Tullius Montanus and M. Tullius Marcianus, who were at Athens with Cicero's son.
2. Or, as Shuckburgh, "buy."
3. 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.
4. i.e. even in the purchase of the gardens for Tullia's shrine, of which Atticus disapproved. But the reading may be corrupt.
5. 145 B.C.
6. At its capture in 146 B.C.
7. i.e. the first book of the De Finibus. Cf. letter XIII. 32.
8. 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. letter XIII. 3.
9. Cicero succeeded Cato as guardian to L. Lucullus' son.
10. Cicero's abortive 'Letter of Advice' to Caesar.
11. Brutus had recently divorced his wife Claudia, the daughter of Ap. Pulcher.
12. M. Marcellus had been murdered by P. Magius Chilo. A letter of Ser. Sulpicius (Ad Fam. iv.12) gives a detailed account of this.
13. About his marriage to Porcia.
14. At Arpinum.
15. A quotation from Euripides, Ion, 585:- "Not the same look wear things, when seen far off and near at hand."
16. One of the bankers from whom Cicero hoped to raise money to buy the gardens for Tullia's shrine.
17. Varro's partially extant work On the Latin Language.
18. It is uncertain whether the actor mentioned in Aristotle's Poetics, ch. 26, is referred to, or some other Callipedes. Anyhow, the name seems to be used proverbially as = "a slow coach."
19. Hesiod, Op. 350.
20. Antiochus of Ascalon, under whom both Cicero and Varro had studied at Athens. His teaching combined the views of the Academy and Stoicism.
21. They were the chief speakers in the first draft of the Academica.
22. Or "that is the last straw," or "the height of absurdity."
23. i.e., public opinion. Cf. letter II. 5.
24. Tubero was the prosecutor of Ligarius.
25. The sense and the reading of this sentence are very doubtful.
26. Academica II. 94. ἐποχή, of which the Latin rendering is here discussed, is the technical term in philosophy for "suspension of judgment."
27. Or "copies."
28. M. Marcellus, consul in 51 B.C. and a partisan of Pompey, had just been murdered by M. Magius Cibo at Athens out of jealousy for the favour shown him by Caesar, who had granted him permission to return to Rome, an event celebrated in Cicero's speech Pro Marcello. Servius' letter is preserved, Ad Fam. IV. 12, and gives full details of the murder. Cf. also Ad Att. XIII. 10.
29. Cato's daughter Porcia, to whom Brutus was to be married, and his mother Servilia, who being a partisan of Caesar opposed the marriage. Most editors however adopt Orelli's reading 'in utraque', in which case it would mean "though Brutus is attentive to both."
30. i.e. no money deposited with him towards the building of the shrine.
31. The De Finibus.
32. By the Julian law of 49 B.C. debtors could make over property to their creditors on the valuation it had before the Civil war, and could deduct all interest already paid from the debt.
33. 'Domum' may refer to some house offered in payment of a debt to Cicero, or it may possibly be used in the sense I, following most editors, have given it, for which however 'familia' is commoner. Reid would read 'dominum', referring it to Caesar.
34. Caesar had a favourite centurion named Scaeva, and that may be the person here referred to. If so it means "remember they are all people who have shared Caesar's plunder." But many regard the name and the words da to confice as a quotation from some play.
35. Cf. letter XIII. 13.
36. Lit. "on both ears."
37. Iliad, xi. 654
38. Atticus' steward.
39. Like Cicero's treatise, which had already been rewritten twice: cf. letter XIII. 16.
40. This letter is extant ( Ad Fam. ix.8 ).
41. Vergilius was one of the four co-heirs of Scapula. Cf. letter XII. 38a.
42. Or "come into contact with." 'Relative' refers to young Quintus.
43. Caesar; cf. letter XII. 45, 3. The senate had voted that a statue of Caesar should be carried in procession at the Parilia (DioCass. 43.45.2).
44. What to write to Caesar. Cf. letter XII. 40, 2.
45. Probably, as Manutius suggests, this means "would he endure the wrong he has suffered, if he had any means left."
46. So called because it described a visit to the cave of Trophonius in Arcadia.
47. Probably this refers to some act of young Quintus Cicero.
48. So called because it represented the ideal State as a mixture of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy.
49. i.e. De Finibus, Bk. I., in which Torquatus is the chief speaker. Similarly, Catulus and Lucullus are the first two books of the Academica in its first form.
50. Or "demi-mots", as Tyrrell renders it.
51. Possibly a statement of income before the next census; or perhaps some formality in the transference of a debt due from Faberius to Cicero.
52. Vergilius had sided with Pompey in Spain, and Cicero apparently is afraid that, like Caelius, for whom cf. letter XIII. 3, he may not be in Italy when applied to for payment. But the reading and the sense are uncertain.
53. I follow Reid and Shuckburgh in referring this to the preceding phrase and not to the following.
54. About Cicero's divorce from Publilia.
55. i.e. an Athenian.
56. From a fragment of Pindar, as also the following Greek words.
57. The "Parthenon" was probably the name of the library in Brutus' house. According to Nepos (Att. 18), Atticus compiled a pedigree of the Junian family from its origin for Brutus.
58. About ten miles from Rome on the Via Flaminia.
59. Daughter of Q. Gellius Canus. Negotiations for her marriage with young Quintus were going on.
60. This would be for Caesar's projected Parthian campaign; it was disgraceful for Quintus because he was escaping from his creditors.
61. Atticus.
62. Tyrrell explains this as an allusion to the Greek proverb "that I may not eat garlic or beans", which was applied to persons wishing for a quiet life.
63. A procession at the Ludi Circenses, in which Caesar's image was carried among the gods, next to Victory.
64. Cotta had suggested that Caesar should adopt the title of king, stating that the Sibylline books said Parthia could only be conquered by a king.
65. September 15-19.
66. Cicero had just become co-heir to the fortune of his banker friend M. Cluvius; see letter xiii.46.3.
67. In the Latin there is a play on the proper name, which I am unable to reproduce in English.
68. i.e. he gave up working at the De Natura Deorum, and set about writing a letter to Caesar.
69. A tribute composed by Cicero for the funeral of Cato's sister Porcia. It has not survived.
70. Or "I did also wish well to Phamea," as Shuckburgh.
71. Cf. Ad Fam. VII. 24; apparently Cipius used to shut his eyes to his wife's barefaced amours in his presence; but when a servant, thinking him asleep, stole a cup before his eyes, he woke up saying, "I am not asleep for everybody."
72. Neither the place nor the time of this letter is stated clearly; but it was probably sent from Puteoli during the Saturnalia celebrations of 45 B.C.
73. A quotation from Lucilius.
74. Or, as Tyrrell suggests, "we were quite friendly together," i.e. Caesar did not "assume the god"; or possibly even "we all felt we were in civilised society."
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