These letters were sent between July and December 44 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.
CONTENTS: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13a 13b 14 15 16 16a 16b 16c 16d 16e 16f
← Book 15
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the 7th of Quinctilis I arrived at Puteoli, and I am writing this on the following day as I am crossing to Brutus at Nesis. The day I arrived Eros brought me your letter as I was dining. Is it really so? The 9th of July? ** Heaven confound them! But I could go on cursing all day. Could they have insulted Brutus worse than with their July? So I must fall back on my old cry, "How long must we ..." I have never seen anything like that. 2 But what, please, is this I hear about the land-grabbers being cut to pieces at Buthrotum? And why has Plancus been on the run, as they tell me he has, day and night? I am very eager to know what it means. 3 I am glad my departure is approved; I must see whether my staying may be approved too. That the people of Dyme, now they have been expelled from their land, should take to piracy is no wonder. ** There may be some safeguard in having Brutus as a fellow-passenger, but I think his vessels are small. I shall know soon and will tell you tomorrow. 4 I think the report about Ventidius is a false alarm. It is held pretty certain that Sextus is laying down his arms; and, if that is so, it looks as though we should be reduced to slavery without even a civil war. What hope have we, then? In Pansa, when he enters office? There is nothing but midsummer madness in their drunken dreams.
5 About the 210,000 sestertii : well done! Put my son's affairs straight. For Ovius has just come, and brings much satisfactory news; among other things, what is no bad hearing, that 72,000 sestertii is enough, quite enough, but that Xeno treats him very sparingly and niggardly. The excess over the rental of the town houses that your bill of exchange cost, may be reckoned to the year, in which there was the additional expense of the journey. From the 1st of April on let him have up to 80,000 sestertii, for that is the rent of the city property now. Some sort of provision must be made for him when he comes to Rome. For I don't think he could endure that woman as a mother-in-law. I refused Pindarus' offer for the villa at Cumae. 6 Now let me tell you why I have sent a messenger. Young Quintus is promising to be as virtuous as Cato: and both he and his father have begged me to go bail to you for him, but on the condition that you only believe it when you see it. I shall give him a letter according to his fancy, but don't take any notice of it. I am writing now to prevent you from thinking that I do. May the gods grant he keeps his promise. It would be a satisfaction to everybody. But I - I won't say any more. He is leaving on the 9th. For he says there is some money to be paid over on the 15th, but that he is very hard pressed. You will judge from my letter how to answer. More when I have seen Brutus and am sending Eros back. I accept dear Attica's apology and send her my best love. Give my regards to her and Pilia.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the 10th I received two letters, one by my own messenger, another from Brutus'. Here the story about the Buthrotians was very different; but that, like many other things, we must put up with. I have sent Eros back sooner than I intended, so that there may be someone to pay Hortensius and Ovia, with whom, indeed, he says he had made an appointment for the 15th. It is really shameless of Hortensius, for there is nothing owing to him except on the third instalment, which is due on the 1st of August; and the greater part of that instalment has been paid some time before the proper date. But Eros will see to that on the 15th.
In Publilius' case I don't think there ought to be any delay in letting him have a draft for what is owing. But, when you see how much I have yielded my rights in paying up half of a balance of 400,000 sestertii in ready money, ** and now giving a bill for the rest, you may, if you think fit, tell him that he ought to await my convenience, when I have waived so much of my rights. 2 But please, my dear Atticus - see how coaxingly I put it - do transact, regulate, and manage all my affairs while you are in Rome, without waiting for a hint from me. For though I have sufficient outstanding debts to meet my creditors, it often happens that the debtors don't pay at the proper time. If anything of that sort happens, consider nothing so much as my credit. Preserve it not only by raising a fresh loan, but by selling if necessary.
3 Brutus was pleased with your letter. I spent several hours with him at Nesis, just after I received your letter. He seemed to be delighted at the Tereus incident, and to feel more grateful to Accius than to Antonius. ** For my part the better the news is, the more it annoys and pains me, that the Roman people use their hands not for defending the constitution but for clapping. It seems to me that the Caesarian party is possessed of a positive mania for parading its disloyalty. However, "so they but suffer, be it what it will." **
4 You say my plan is daily more commended. I am not sorry, and I am looking forward to anything you may say about it. For I have met with various opinions; and, indeed, for that reason I am hesitating as long as possible before committing myself. But since I am being turned out with a pitchfork, I am thinking of Brundisium. For it seems to me to be more certain and easier to avoid the soldiers than the pirates, who are said to be in evidence.
I expected Sestius on the 10th, but he has not come, so far as I know. Cassius has arrived with his little fleet. When I have seen him, I am thinking of going on the 11th to Pompeii, and thence to Aeculanum. You know the rest. About Tutia, that is what I thought. 5 As for Aebutius, I don't believe it; nor do I care any more than you do. I have written of course to Plancus and Oppius, as you asked me: but, if you think better of it, don't hold yourself bound to deliver the letters. For, since they have done it all for your sake, I fear my letters may appear superfluous to them - to Oppius at any rate, as I know he is a great admirer of yours. But just as you please.
6 As you say you are going to spend the winter in Epirus, I shall take it kindly if you will come before the time at which you advise me to return to Italy. Send me letters as often as possible; if on matters of little importance, by any messenger you can find; but if on important affairs, send some one of your own.
I will attempt a work in Heracleides' style, if I get safe to Brundisium. I am sending you my treatise On Glory. Please keep it as usual, but have select passages marked for Salvius to read when he has an appropriate party to dinner. I am very pleased with them, and I hope you will be too. Farewell, and yet again farewell.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
At last I am answering the letter you sent me after meeting Antony at Tibur. Well, then, you were wise in giving in ** and even going so far as to thank him. For certainly, as you say, we shall be robbed of our constitution before we are robbed of our private property. So you take more and more delight daily in my treatise "O Titus, if ...". ** That increases my energy in writing. You say you expect Eros not to come to you empty-handed. I am glad you have not been disappointed in the event; but at the same time I am sending you the same composition more carefully revised, indeed the original copy, with plenty of additions between the lines and corrections. Have it copied on large paper and read it privately to your guests; but, if you love me, do it when they are in a good temper and have had a good dinner, for I don't want them to vent on me the anger they feel towards you.
2 In my son's case I hope things may be as we hear. About Xeno I shall know when I see him, though I don't suppose he is neglecting his duty or acting meanly. I will do as you say about Herodes, and will find out what you mention from Saufeius and Xeno. 3 As for young Quintus, I am glad my letter was delivered by my messenger sooner than the one he took himself, though you would not have been taken in anyhow. However - but I am anxious to hear what he said to you and what you answered, though I have no doubt you both behaved characteristically. I hope Curius will deliver that letter to me. Though he is pleasant enough and I like him myself, still your recommendation will add the crowning grace.
4 I have answered your letter sufficiently; now hear what I am going to say, though I know there is no necessity for me to say it. In regard to my journey I am distressed about many things, the chief being that I am separated from you. Then again there is the fatigue of the voyage, a thing unsuitable not only to my age but to my rank too, and the time of my departure is rather ridiculous. For I am leaving peace to return to war, and wasting in travelling time that might be spent in my country houses, which are comfortably built and pleasantly situated. My consolations are these. I shall either benefit my son or see how much he can be benefited. Then again, as I hope and as you promise, you will soon be coming too; and if that happens it will make me far happier. 5 But the thing that worries me most is the arranging of my balances; for, though things have been put straight, I am anxious when I see Dolabella's name among them, and drafts on people that I do not know among my assets: and that makes me more uneasy than anything else. So I don't think I was wrong in applying to Balbus quite openly to assist me, if such a thing should happen as my debts not coming in properly, and telling him that I had commissioned you to communicate with him in any such event. Do so, if you think fit, especially if you are starting for Epirus.
6 This I have written just as I was embarking from Pompeii with three ten-oared rowing-boats. Brutus is still in Nesis, Cassius at Naples. Can you like Deiotarus and not like Hieras? ** When Blesamius came to me Hieras was commissioned not to do anything without Sextus Peducaeus' advice, but he never consulted him or any of our friends. I should like to kiss Attica, far off as she is: I was so pleased with the good wishes she sent me through you. So please give her my best thanks, and the same to Pilia.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
As I told you yesterday or perhaps to-day - for Quintus said he would take two days going - I went to Nesis on the 8th: and there was Brutus. How annoyed he was about the "7th of July." ** It quite upset him. So he said he would send orders for them to advertise the beast-hunt, which is to take place on the day after the games to Apollo, as on the "13th of Quinctilis." Libo came in, and he told us that Philo, a freedman of Pompey, and Hilarus, one of his own, had come from Sextus with a letter for the consuls, "or whatever they call them." He read us a copy to see what we thought of it. There were a few odd expressions, but in other respects it was sufficiently dignified and not aggressive. We only thought it better to make an addition of "praetors, tribunes of the plebs, and senate" to the simple address to the "Consuls," for fear they should not publish a letter sent to them. 2 They say that Sextus has been at Carthage ** with only one legion, and that he received the news about Caesar on the very day that he took the town of Barea. After the capture there were great rejoicings and a change of sentiment, and people flocked to him from every side, but he returned to the six legions he had left in lower Spain. He has written to Libo himself saying it is all nothing to him if he cannot get home. The upshot of his demands is, that all the armies everywhere should be disbanded. That is all about Sextus.
3 I have been making enquiries in every direction about the Buthrotians, and discover nothing. Some say the land- grabbers were cut to pieces, others that Plancus pocketed the money and fled, leaving them in the lurch. So I don't see how I can find out what there is in it, unless I get a letter at once.
4 The route to Brundisium, about which I was hesitating, seems to be out of the question. They say the troops are arriving there. But the voyage from here has some suspicion of danger, so I have made up my mind to sail in company with Brutus. I found him better prepared than I had heard he was. For both he and Domitius have quite good two-banked galleys, and there are also some good ships belonging to Sestus, Bucilianus, and others. For I don't count on Cassius' fleet, which is quite a fine one, beyond the straits of Sicily.
There is one point that annoys me a little, Brutus seems in no hurry. First he is waiting for news of the completion of his games; then, so far as I can understand, he is going to sail slowly, stopping at several places. Still I think it will be better to sail slowly than not to sail at all; and if, when we have got some distance, things seem clearer, we shall take advantage of the Etesian winds
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Brutus is expecting a letter from you. The news I brought him about Accius' Tereus was no news. He thought it was the Brutus. ** There had, however, been some breath of rumour that at the opening of the Greek games the audience was small, at which, indeed, I was not at all surprised; for you know what I think of Greek games. **
2 Now hear the most important point of all. Quintus has been with me several days, and, if I had desired, he would have stayed longer; but, so far as his visit went, you would not believe how pleased I was with him in every way, and especially in that in which I used most to disapprove of him. For he is so totally changed, partly by some works of mine, which I have in hand, and partly by my continual advice and exhortation, that he will in the future be as loyal as we could wish to the constitution. After he had not only asserted this, but convinced me of it, he was very pressing for me to go bail to you that he will come up to your and our expectations for the future; and he did not ask you to believe this at once, but that you should restore your affection to him, when you had seen it for yourself. If he had not convinced me of it, and I did not think that what I am saying is trustworthy, I should not have done what I am going to tell you. I took the young man with me to Brutus, and he was so convinced of what I mention that he believed it on his own account, refusing to hold me sponsor for Quintus. He praised him and mentioned you in the most friendly way, and dismissed him with an embrace and a kiss. So, although there is more reason for congratulating you than asking favours of you, still I do ask you, if you have regarded his actions up to now as showing some of the flightiness of youth, to believe that he has got rid of that, and to trust me that your influence will contribute much, or rather everything, towards making his decision permanent.
3 I have frequently thrown out a hint to Brutus about sailing with him, but he does not seem to jump at it as I thought he would. He seemed to me rather distrait, and indeed he was, especially about the games. But when I got back home, Lucceius, who is very intimate with him, said he was hesitating a good deal, not because he has changed his mind, but in the hope that something may turn up. So I am wondering whether to make for Venusia and there await news of the troops. If they are not there, as some think, I shall go to Hydrus; if neither road is safe, I will come back here. Do you think I am joking? Upon my life you are the only person who keeps me here. Just look round you, but do it before I blush. ** 4 Lepidus' choice of his day of inauguration is as happy as his name, and fits excellently with my plan for returning. Your letter supplies a strong incentive for going. I only wish you were there: but that must be as you think best for yourself.
5 I am expecting a letter from Nepos. Does he really want my books, when he thinks the subjects I am keenest on not worth reading. You call him an Achilles to your Ajax. ** No, you are the Achilles and he is one of the immortals. There is no collection of my letters, but Tiro has about seventy, and some can be got from you. Those I ought to see and correct, and then they may be published.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I have got as far as Sicca's house at Vibo, and at present I have taken it easy and not exerted myself. We have rowed most of the way, as there have been none of the usual north winds. ** That was rather lucky, as there were two bays to cross, that of Paestum and that of Vibo. We crossed both with the wind behind us. ** So I got to Sicca's place eight days after leaving Pompeii, having stopped one day at Velia. There I stayed at Talna's house very enjoyably, and I could not have been more liberally entertained, especially as he was away. So I got to Sicca on the 24th, and here I am quite at home. So I have stayed a day longer than I meant. But I think, when I get to Regium, there, being "on a far voyage bent," ** I shall have to consider whether to proceed by a merchant vessel to Patrae or by packet-boats to Tarentine Leucopetra, and thence to Corcyra; and, if by a merchant ship, whether direct from the Sicilian strait or from Syracuse. On this point I will write to you from Regium.
2 Upon my word, Atticus, I often say to myself: "Why, what avails thee all thy journey here?" ** Why am I not with you? Why may I not see my country houses, the jewels of Italy? But that alone is enough and more than enough, that I am not with you. And what am I fleeing from? Danger? No - unless I am mistaken, there is no danger now. For it is precisely at the hour of danger that you bid me come back. For you say my departure is praised to the skies, provided I return by the end of the year; and that I will certainly strive to do. For I had rather be at home in fear and trembling, than in your loved Athens without a fear. However, keep your eye on the trend of events, and write to me, or what I should much prefer, bring the news yourself. Enough of this.
3 Please take my next request in good part. I know you devote more care to it than I do myself. For mercy's sake keep my accounts clear and pay my debts. I have left a handsome balance; but it requires care to see to the payment of my fellow-heirs for the Cluvian property on the 1st of August. You will see how to manage about Publilius. He ought not to be pressing, as I am not insisting upon my legal rights. Still I should much like him also to be satisfied. As to Terentia, what am I to say? Pay her even before the proper date, if you can. But if, as I hope, you are coming soon to Epirus, please make arrangements first for any bills I have put my name to, and put affairs straight and leave them paid. 4 But of this enough, and I fear you may think too much.
Now I must confess my carelessness. I sent you the work On Glory. But the preface to it is the same as that to the third book of the Academics. That is due to my having a volume of prefaces, from which I select one when I have begun a composition. So, when I was at Tusculum, forgetting I had used that preface, I put it into the book I sent you. But when I was reading the Academics on the boat I noticed my mistake. So I dashed off a new preface at once, and have sent it to you. Please cut the other off and glue this on. Pay my respects to Pilia and to my pet and darling Attica.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
When I had started from Leucopetra - for that was where I began my crossing - on the sixth of August and gone some forty miles, I was driven back to Leucopetra again by a strong south wind. While I was waiting there for the wind - our friend Valerius has a house there, so I was at home and enjoying myself - there came some men of mark of Regium, fresh from Rome, among them a guest of our friend Brutus, who said he had left Brutus at Naples. They brought an edict of Brutus and Cassius and news that there would be a full meeting of the House on the first of the month and that a letter had been sent by Brutus and Cassius to the ex-consuls and ex-praetors asking them to be present. They said there were great hopes that Antony might yield, some agreement be arrived at, and our friends allowed to return to Rome; and they added that I was missed and people were inclined to blame me.
When I heard that, I had no hesitation about giving up my idea of going away, which to be sure I had never fancied even before that: 2 and when I read your letter, I was certainly surprised that you had so utterly changed your opinion; but there seemed to me to be good reason for it. However, though it was not you who persuaded and urged me to go, you certainly approved of my going, if I got back by the end of the year. That would have meant, that, when there was little danger, I should have been away, and should return when it was in full blaze. But that, although it was not a counsel of prudence, I have no right to resent, first because it happened by my own wish, and secondly, even if you had advised me, an adviser need not guarantee anything but his sincerity.
3 What did astonish me beyond measure was that you should use the words: "A fine thing for you, who talk of a noble death, a fine thing, indeed. Go, desert your country." Was I deserting it, or did you at the time think I was deserting it? You not only raised no finger against it, you even approved of it. The rest is even more severe: "I wish you would write me an explanatory note showing that it was your duty to do it?" So, my dear Atticus? Does my action need defending, especially to you, who expressed strong approval? Yes, I will write a defence, but for some of those who opposed my going and spoke against it. Though what need is there of an explanatory note? If I had gone on, there would have been. "But coming back is not consistent." No philosopher ever called a change of plan inconsistency, though there has been a good deal written on the point. 4 So you add: "If you were a follower of our friend Phaedrus, ** one would have a defence ready: but, as it is, what answer can one give?" So my deed was one Cato would not approve of, was it? Of course then it was criminal and disgraceful. Would to heaven you had thought so at first; you should have been my Cato, as you usually are.
5 Your last cut is the most unkind of all: "For our friend Brutus holds his peace," that is to say, he does not dare remonstrate with a man of my age. I see no other meaning that I can attach to your words, and no doubt that is it. For on the 17th, when I reached Velia, Brutus heard of it - he was with his boats on the river Heles about three miles from Velia; and he came at once on foot to see me. Great heavens, how he let out all his pent-up silence in joy at my return or rather my turning back. I could not help thinking of your "Our friend Brutus holds his peace." But what he regretted most was that I was not in the House on the first of August. Piso he lauded to the skies: ** and he expressed his delight that I had escaped two grounds for reproach. One of these was that of despairing and abandoning the country - and that I knew I might incur in undertaking the voyage; for many had complained to me with tears in their eyes, and I could not convince them of my speedy return. The other point that rejoiced Brutus and those who were with him - and there were a lot of them - was that I had escaped the reproach of being thought to be going to the Olympic games. Nothing could be more disgraceful than that in any political circumstances, but at the present time it would be inexcusable. I of course felt very grateful to the south wind, which had saved me from such infamy.
6 There you have the ostensible reasons for my return; and they are good and sufficient reasons too; but none of them is better than one you mention in your letter: "If you owe anything to anyone, take measures to provide yourself with the means to pay each his due. For the money market is wonderfully tight owing to fear of war." I was in the middle of the straits when I read this letter, and I could not think of any way of taking measures, unless I came to look after it myself. But enough of this; more when we meet.
7 I got a sight of Antony's edict from Brutus, and of our friends' magnificent answer; but I don't quite see the use or the object of these edicts. Nor have I come as Brutus thought, to take part in the management of affairs. For what can be done? Did anybody agree with Piso? Did he himself come back the next day? But, as the saying goes, a man of my time of life ought not to go far from his grave.
8 But for mercy's sake what is this that I hear from Brutus! He says you told him Pilia had had an attack of paralysis. I am very much disturbed about it, though he tells me you say you hope she is better. I sincerely hope she is; give her and darling Attica my best regards.
This I have written on ship-board, as I was getting near to Pompeii, Aug. 19.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
When I know what day I shall arrive, I will let you know. I must wait for my heavy baggage, which is coming from Anagnia, and there is illness in my household. On the evening of the Ist I got a letter from Octavian. He is setting about a heavy task. He has brought over the veterans, who are at Casilinum and Calatia, to his views; and no wonder, when he is giving them 500 denarii apiece. He thinks of visiting the other colonies. Obviously his idea is a war with Antony under his leadership. So I see that before long we shall be in arms. But whom are we to follow? Look at his name, and at his age.
And his first request of me is that I should meet him secretly at Capua or somewhere near Capua. That is quite childish, if he thinks it can be done secretly. I have told him by letter that there is no necessity for it and no possibility of it. 2 He sent me one Caecina of Volaterra, an intimate friend of his, who brought this news, that Antony is making for Rome with the legion Alauda, ** raising a forced contribution from towns, and marching with his soldiers under colours. He asked my advice about setting out for Rome with 3,000 veterans or holding Capua and intercepting Antony's advance, or going to the three Macedonian legions, which are making for the northern Adriatic. Those he hopes are on his side; they refused to take Antony's bounty, or so he says, heaped insults on him and left him still haranguing. Of course, he offers himself as our leader, and thinks we ought not to fail him. I advised that he should make for Rome. For it seems to me he ought to have the city rabble, and, if he succeeds in inspiring them with confidence, even the loyalists on his side. O Brutus, where are you? What a golden opportunity you are missing! I never foresaw this, but I thought something of the kind would happen. Now, I want your advice. Shall I come to Rome, or stay here, or flee to Arpinum, which would be a harbour of refuge? Rome I think, ** for fear I be missed, if people think a blow has been struck. Read me this riddle. I never was in a greater quandary.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Two letters on one day from Octavian, now asking me to come to Rome at once, as he wishes to act through the Senate. I told him I did not think the Senate could meet before January, and I really believe that is so. But he adds "with your advice." In short he is pressing, while I am temporising. I do not trust his age: I do not know his disposition. I do not want to do anything without your friend Pansa's advice. I am afraid Antony may succeed, and I don't like going away from the sea, and I fear some great deed may be done in my absence. Varro, for his part, dislikes the boy's plan; I do not. If he can trust his army, he can have Brutus, and he is playing his game openly. He is dividing his men into companies at Capua, and paying over their bounty money. I see war close upon us. Please answer this letter. I am surprised my messenger left Rome on the 1st without a letter from you.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the 7th I reached my house at Sinuessa, and on that day it was generally said that Antony was going to stay at Casilinum. So I changed my plan, for I had intended to go straight on by the Appian way to Rome. He would easily have caught me up, for they say he travels as fast as Caesar. So from Minturnae I am turning off towards Arpinum, and I have made up my mind to stay at Aquinum or in Arcanum on the 9th. 2 Now, my dear Atticus, throw yourself heart and soul into this question, for it is an important matter. There are three things open to me: to stay at Arpinum, to come nearer to Rome, or to go to Rome. What you advise, I will do? But answer at once. I am eagerly expecting a letter from you.
Sinuessa, Nov. 8 in the morning.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the 5th I received two letters from you, one dated the first, the other a day earlier. So I am answering the earlier first. I am glad you like my book, from which you quoted the very gems; and they seemed to me all the more sparkling for your judgment on them. For I was afraid of those red pencils ** of yours. As for Sicca, it is as you say: I could hardly hold myself in about Antony's lust. So I will touch on it lightly without any opprobrium for Sicca and Septimia, and only let our children's children know, without taking Lucilian licence, that Antony had children by a daughter of Fadius. I only wish I could see the day when that speech ** could be sufficiently freely circulated to enter even Sicca's door. "But we want back the days of freedom under the triumvirs." ** Upon my life that was a neat touch of yours. Please read my book to Sextus and let me know his opinion. I would take his word against all the world. ** Keep your eyes open for the appearance of Calenus and Calvena.
2 You fear I may think you a gas-bag. Who is less of one? I am like Aristophanes ** with Archilochus' iambics - the longest letter of yours ever seems the best to me. As for your giving me advice, why, if you found fault with me, I should not only put up with it cheerfully, but even be glad of it, since in your fault-finding there is both wisdom and kindly purpose. So I will willingly correct the point you mention, and write "by the same right as you did the property of Rubrius" instead of "the property of Scipio"; ** and I will take the pinnacle off my praises of Dolabella. And yet to my thinking there is fine irony in the passage where I say he had thrice stood up in arms against his fellow-citizens. ** Again I prefer your "it is most unjust that such a man should live" to "what can be more unjust?" ** 3 I am not sorry to hear you praise the Peplographia of Varro; ** I have not yet managed to get the book in the style of Heracleides from him.
You exhort me to go on writing. That is friendly of you; but let me tell you I do nothing else. I am sorry to hear of your cold. Please take as much care as usual of it. I am glad my book On Old Age ** does you good. The "men of Anagnia" ** are Mustela, the swashbuckler, and Laco, the champion toper. The book you ask for I will polish up and send.
4 Now for the second letter. The De Officiis, so far as Panaetius is concerned, I have finished in two books. He has three: but, though at the beginning he makes a three-fold division of cases in which duty has to be determined, one when the question is between right or wrong, another when it is between expediency and inexpediency, and the third, how we are to decide when it is a conflict between duty and expediency - for example, in Regulus' case ** to return would be right, to stay expedient - he treated of the first two brilliantly; the third he promises to add, but never wrote it. Posidonius took up that topic: but I have ordered his book and written to Athenodorus Calvus to send me an analysis of it, and that I am expecting. I wish you would spur him on and beg him to let me have it as soon as possible. In it duties under given circumstances are handled. As to your query about the title, I have no doubt that καθῆκον {duty} corresponds with 'officium', unless you have any other suggestion to make. But the fuller title is De Officiis. I am dedicating it to my son. It seems to me not inappropriate.
5 You make it as plain as daylight about Myrtilus. How well you can always take that lot off! Is it so? Do they accuse D. Brutus? ** May the gods confound them! 6 I have not hidden myself in Pompeii, as I said I should; first because of the weather, which has been abominable, and secondly because I get a letter from Octavian every day, asking me to take a hand in affairs, to come to Capua, to save the Republic again, and anyhow to go to Rome at once. It is a case of "ashamed to shirk, but yet afraid to take." ** He, however, has been acting, and still is acting, with great vigour. He will come to Rome with a big army; but he is such a boy. He thinks he can call a Senate at once. Who will come? If anyone comes, who will offend Antony in this uncertainty? Perhaps he may act as a safeguard on the 1st of January, or the battle may be over before then. The country towns are wonderfully enthusiastic for the boy. For, as he was making his way to Samnium, he came to Cales and stopped at Teanum. There was a marvellous crowd to meet him and cheers for him. Should you have thought it? That will make me come to Rome sooner than I had intended. As soon as I have arranged, I will write.
7 Though I have not yet read the agreements - for Eros has not come yet - still I wish you would get the business settled on the 12th. It will make it easier for me to send letters to Catina, Tauromenium, and Syracuse, if Valerius the interpreter will let me know the names of the influential people. For such people vary with the times, and most of my particular friends are dead. However, I have written general letters, if Valerius will content himself with them; otherwise he must send me names.
8 About the holidays for Lepidus' inauguration, ** Balbus tells me they will last till the 29th. I am looking for a letter from you, and hope I shall hear about that little affair of Torquatus. I am sending Quintus' letter to show you how strong his affection is for the youth for whom he regrets you have so little. Please give Attica a kiss in my name for being such a merry little thing. It is the best sign in children.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I am sending you a copy of Oppius' letter, because it is so very courteous. About Ocella, while you are messing about and not writing me a line, I have consulted my own wits, and so I think I shall be in Rome on the 12th. I think it better for me to come there to no avail, even if it is not necessary, than not to be there if it is, and at the same time I am afraid of being shut in there. For Antony may always be getting near. However, there are plenty of different rumours, which I hope may be true; there is no definite news. For my part, whatever it may be, I would rather be with you, than be in suspense both about you and about myself, when I am away from you. But what am I to say to you? Keep up your heart. About Varro's work in Heracleides' vein, that's an amusing business. I was never so pleased with anything. But of this and more important things when we meet.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
What a strange coincidence! On the 9th I got up before daybreak to go on from Sinuessa, and before dawn I had reached the Tirenian bridge at Minturnae, where the road for Arpinum branches off, when I met a messenger, who found me "on a far journey bent." ** I at once enquired: "Please, is there anything from Atticus?" I could not read as yet, for I had dismissed the torch-bearers and it was not yet light enough. But, when it got light, I began to read the first of your two letters, having already written one to you. Your note was a model of elegance. Upon my life I am not saying more than I mean. I never read a kinder. So I will come, when you call me, provided you will assist me. But at first sight I thought nothing could be more mal à propos than such an answer to a letter in which I had asked for your advice. 2 Then there is your other letter, in which you advise me to go "by windy Mimas towards the Psyrian isle," ** that is keeping the Appian way on the left side. So I have stayed the day at Aquinum. It was rather a wearisome journey and the road was bad. This letter I am sending the next morning as I am leaving.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
. . . and indeed Eros' letter made me dismiss him most unwillingly. Tiro will explain it to you. Please see what can be done. Besides let me know whether you think I can come nearer Rome - for I should prefer to be at Tusculum or somewhere in the neighbourhood of Rome - or whether I ought to go further off. Write frequently about it. There will be someone to give a letter to every day. You ask my advice too as to what I think you ought to do. It is difficult to say, when I am not at Rome. However, if the two ** seem equal, keep quiet; if not, the news will spread even here; then we will take common counsel.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I am expecting your advice eagerly. I fear I may be absent, when honour demands my presence; yet I dare not come rashly. About Antony's march I hear now rather a different tale from what I wrote. So I wish you would unravel the whole mystery and send me certain news.
2 For the rest what can I say? I have a burning passion for history - for your suggestion has had a wonderful effect upon me - but it is not easy to begin or to carry it out without your assistance. So we will discuss it when we meet. At the present moment I wish you would tell me in what year C. Fannius, son of Marcus, was tribune. I think I have been told it was in the censorship of Africanus and Mummius. So that is what I want to know. Please send me clear and certain details of all the changes in the constitution.
Arpinum, Nov. 11.
[14] L { middle of November 44 }
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I have nothing whatever to write about. For, when I was at Puteoli, there was something fresh about Octavian every day, and plenty of false reports about Antony. However, I had three letters from you on the fifth, and I strongly agree with what you said, that if Octavian has much success, the tyrant's proposals will receive stronger confirmation than they did in the temple of Tellus, ** and that will be against the interests of Brutus. But if, on the other hand, he is conquered, you see Antony will be intolerable; so you don't know which you want. 2 What a rascal Sestius' messenger is! He said he would be in Rome the day after he left Puteoli! You advise me to move slowly, and I agree, though once I thought differently. I am not influenced by Philippus or Marcellus; for their position is different, or, if it is not, it looks as though it were. ** But that youth, though he has plenty of spirit, has little influence. However, see whether it would not be better for me to be at Tusculum, if I should do right in being there. 3 I would rather be there; for I should get all the news. Or had I better be here when Antony comes?
But, as one thing suggests another, ** I know that what the Greeks call καθῆκον {"duty"}, we call 'officium'. But why should you doubt whether the word fits appropriately in political affairs? Don't we say the 'officium' of consuls, of the Senate, of generals? It is quite appropriate; if not, suggest a better word. 4 That is bad news about Nepos' son. I am much disturbed and distressed. I had no idea he had such a son.
I have lost Canidius, a man who, so far as I was concerned, has not been ungrateful. ** There is no necessity for you to stir up Athenodorus. He has sent me quite a good memorandum. Please do all you can for your cold. Your grandfather's great-grandson writes to my father's grandson ** that after the 5th of December, the day of my great achievement, ** he means to explain about the temple of Ops, ** and that in public. Keep your eyes open then and let me know. I am anxious to hear what Sextus has to say.
[15] L { before 9 December 44 }
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Don't think it is laziness that prevents my writing myself; and yet, to be sure, it is nothing but laziness, for I have no other excuse to make. However, I seem to recognise Alexis' hand in your letters too. But to come to the point.
If Dolabella had not treated me most disgracefully, I should perhaps have had some doubt whether to let him down lightly or to claim my full rights. But, as it is, I am glad to have some reason for showing him and other people that I have quarrelled with him; and I will make it clear that I detest him both on my own account and on that of the Republic, because, when at my instigation he had begun to defend it, he not only accepted a bribe to desert it, but did his best to overthrow it. 2 You ask how I want things to be managed when the day comes. First, I should like them to be so arranged that it may appear natural for me to come to Rome. But about that, and indeed about the rest, I will do as you advise. On the main point, however, I want really active and serious steps to be taken. Though it is counted bad form to call upon the sureties for payment, still consider how that method would do. We can bring his agents into the case in order to call upon the sureties, for the agents will not dispute the suit, though, if they do, I know of course the sureties will escape. But I think it will be a disgrace for him, if his agents do not pay up a debt for which he gave security, and my position demands that I should prosecute my case without extreme humiliation to him. Please write and tell me what you think best; I have no doubt you will carry it through with reasonable moderation.
3 I return to public affairs. You have often said many a wise thing about politics, but never anything wiser than this letter: "For though the youth is strong and at present holds ** Antony well in check, still we must wait and see." But what a speech! ** For it has been sent to me. He swears by his hopes of attaining to the honours of his father, and at the same time stretches out his hand towards the statue. Be hanged to salvation with a saviour like that! But, as you say, I see Casca'stribuneship will afford the best criterion of his policy. ** It was apropos of that that I said to Oppius, when he wanted me to open my arms to the youth, the whole cause, and the troop of veterans, that I could not do anything of the kind, until I had made sure that he would not only not be an enemy, but would be a friend to the tyrannicides. He said that would be so, and I replied: "Then, what is the hurry? He does not want my assistance before the 1st of January, and we shall see what he intends before the middle of December in Casca's case." He quite agreed with me. So that's enough of that. For the rest you will have messengers every day, and I think you will have something to write every day too. I am sending a copy of Lepta's letter, and from it you will see that that toy captain ** has had a fall. But you will judge for yourself when you have read it.
4 When I had already sealed this letter, I got one from you and one from Sextus. ** Nothing could have been pleasanter or more amiable than Sextus' letter. For yours was a short note, the earlier one having been very full. It is wise and friendly advice you give me to stay here by preference, till we hear how this disturbance is going to end. 5 But just at this minute, my dear Atticus, it is not the Republic that I am bothered about - not that anything is or ought to be dearer to me, but even Hippocrates admits it is useless to apply medicine in desperate cases. So forgetting that- it is my private concerns that bother me. Concerns, do I say? No, rather my credit; for, though I have such big balances, I have not even enough money on hand yet to pay Terentia. Do I speak of Terentia? You know we arranged long ago to pay Montanus' debt of 25,000 sestertii. My son very considerately begged me to do it out of his credit. As you also agreed, I promised quite freely, and told Eros to set a sum aside for it. Not only did he fail to do so, but Aurelius ** had to raise another loan at extortionate interest. For Terentia's debt Tiro tells me you said there would be money from Dolabella. I think he misunderstood you, if anyone can misunderstand anybody, or rather he did not understand at all. For you sent me Cocceius' answer, and so did Eros in nearly the same words. 6 So I must come even into the heart of the conflagration, for private failure is even more disgraceful than public failure. So for the other matters contained in your pleasant letter, I was too perturbed in mind to answer them as usual. Combine with me in extricating me from the tiresome position I am in; how it is to be done I have some idea, but I cannot arrange things with certainty till I see you. However, how can I be less safe in Rome than Marcellus? But that is not the point, nor is it my chief anxiety; what I am anxious about you see. So I am coming.
CICERO SENDS GREETING TO HIS FRIEND ATTICUS.
I have read your delightful letter. To Plancus I have written and sent the letter. Here is a copy. What he said to Tiro I shall learn from Tiro himself. You will attend more carefully to your sister's affairs, if you have a rest from that other business of yours.
M. CICERO TO L. PLANCUS, PRAETOR ELECT, GREETING.
I know you are much attached to our friend Atticus, and so fond of me that I am sure I count myself to have few friends so attentive and affectionate. For our ancestral ties, so strong and old and natural, have been strengthened by the equal and reciprocal liking we have, you for me and I for you.
2 The case of the Buthrotians is not unknown to you. For I have often spoken to you about it and explained the whole affair to you. This is what has happened. When first we saw that the lands of Buthrotum had been confiscated, Atticus was troubled and composed a petition. That he gave to me to hand to Caesar, for I was going to dine with him that day. That petition I handed to Caesar. He approved of the case and wrote back to Atticus that his request was reasonable, but he warned him that the Buthrotians must pay the rest of the money at the proper time. 3 Atticus, who wanted to save the city, paid the money on his own account. When that was done we approached Caesar, said a word for the Buthrotians, and obtained a most generous decree, which was signed by persons of importance. After that I was much astonished that Caesar used to let those who had coveted the land of the Buthrotians hold meetings, and not only allowed them to do so, but even put you at the head of the commission. So I spoke to him about it, and that indeed so often that he even reproached me for having so little faith in his consistency; and he told Messalla and Atticus himself not to worry about it, and admitted candidly that he did not want to offend the people, while they were in Rome - for, as you know, he aimed at popularity - but when they were across the sea, he would see to it that they were transferred to some other land. 4 That was what happened in Caesar's lifetime. But, after Caesar's death, as soon as the consuls in accordance with a decree of the Senate began to investigate cases, the facts as I have stated them were put before them. They approved of the case without any hesitation, and said they would send you letters. Now, my dear Plancus, though I have no doubt that a decree of the Senate, a statute, a decree of the consuls, and their despatch, will have the greatest weight with you, and I understand that you will wish to please Atticus himself, yet I have taken it upon myself in view of our connection and affection, to ask you for what your own exceptional amiability and your goodness of heart would win from you themselves. That is, that you should for my sake do this thing, which I am sure you will do of your own accord, freely, fully, and quickly. 5 I have no greater and no dearer friend than Atticus. At first it was only a question of his money, and a good sum of it too; but now it concerns his credit too, that he should obtain with your assistance what he won by his great persistency and his popularity both in Caesar's lifetime and after his death. If he obtains it from you, I hope you will consider that I shall interpret your liberality as a great favour bestowed upon myself. For my part, I will show care and diligence in anything that I think you desire or that concerns you. Take care of your health.
[16b] L { written shortly after 1ба }
CICERO TO PLANCUS, PRAETOR ELECT, GREETING.
I have already written to ask you to render assistance in the matter of the Buthrotians, since the consuls, who had the authority of a statute and a senatorial decree to investigate, determine, and decide on Caesar's proceedings, have approved of their case; and to relieve Atticus, whom I know you admire, and myself, who am as much concerned as he is, from trouble. For now that we have brought the whole business to an end with the expenditure of much care, much labour, and pains, it rests with you to allow us to make an end to our anxiety as early as possible. However, I am sure that you have wisdom enough to see, that, if the decisions delivered by the consuls about Caesar's proceedings are not observed, things will be thrown into great confusion. 2 For my part, though one cannot approve of many of Caesar's arrangements - as was natural in the case of a person so busy - still I am wont to uphold them staunchly for the sake of peace and quietness: and I am strongly of the opinion that you should do the same, though I am not writing as an adviser but as a suppliant. So, my dear Plancus, I beg and implore you - and I do assure you I could not be more anxious or more in earnest about anything - to take in hand, to conduct, and to carry through all this business in such a way, that, what we have obtained from the consuls without any hesitation solely on the justice and equity of our case, we may obtain from you not only with your kind indulgence but with alacrity on your part. How kindly disposed you are to Atticus you have often shown him and me, too, when we have been together. If you will do this, you will have bound me - who have always been attached to you by my own inclination and by our family friendship - to you under a heavy obligation, and I beg you earnestly and repeatedly to do so.
[16c] L { written at the same time as 1бb }
CICERO TO CAPITO, GREETING
I never thought I should have to come before you as a suppliant, but upon my soul I am not sorry that I should have an occasion for testing your affection. You know how fond I am of Atticus. Please grant me one other favour and forget for my sake that once he wished to support a friend of his, who was an enemy of yours, when his reputation was at stake. In the first place your kindly disposition should bid you forgive that, for everyone ought to look after his own friends; in the next place, leaving Atticus out of the question, if you love me - and you are always declaring how great is the respect you have for your friend Cicero - grant me that now I may know for a certainty what I have always believed, that you have a great affection for me. 2 By a decree, which I and many important persons signed, Caesar set free the Buthrotians, and assured us that, when the land-commissioners had crossed the sea, he would send a despatch about the territory to which they should be transferred; and then it happened that he died suddenly. Then, as you know (for you were present), when the consuls ought to have decided on Caesar's proceedings in accordance with a senatorial decree, they postponed the matter till the 1st of June. On the 2nd of June a law was passed in addition to the decree of the Senate, granting the consuls the right of deciding on Caesar's statutes, decrees, and proceedings. The case of the Buthrotians was put before the consuls. Caesar's decree was read to them, and many other papers of Caesar's were brought forward too. By the advice of their council the consuls decided in favour of the Buthrotians, and sent a despatch to Plancus. 3 Now, Capito, I know the influence you always have over those with whom you are, especially with so amiable and good-natured a person as Plancus; please use all your energy, or rather all your powers of persuasion, and make Plancus, who I hope will be sufficiently kindly himself, still more kindly. In any case I think this is the state of affairs: that without favouring anybody, Plancus will have sense and wisdom enough to have no hesitation in obeying the decree of the consuls, who had the right of enquiry and decision conferred upon them by law and by a senatorial decree, especially as, if this kind of decision is rendered null, Caesar's proceedings may well be called in question; and not only those who benefit by them, but even those who disapprove of them, have to give them their support for the sake of peace. 4 Though that is the case, still it is to our interest that Plancus should do this willingly and freely; and no doubt he will if you exert your influence, which I know so well, and your persuasive power, which is unequalled: and that I beg you earnestly to do.
[16d] L { written at the same time as 1бc }
CICERO TO C. CUPIENNIUS, GREETING.
I was a great admirer of your father, and he was exceedingly attentive and affectionate to me; and I am sure I have never had any doubt that you have a regard for me. Certainly I have never ceased to have one for you. So I beg you with more than usual earnestness to assist the city of Buthrotum, and to make it your business that our friend Plancus should confirm and verify the decree which the consuls made in favour of the Buthrotians, when they had been granted the power of settling the question both by a statute and by a senatorial decree. This I do most earnestly beg and entreat you, my dear Cupiennius.
CICERO TO PLANCUS, PRAETOR ELECT, GREETING.
Pardon me for writing again on the same subject, when I have already written very fully to you about the Buthrotians. I do assure you, my dear Plancus, that I do not do so because I have little faith in your generosity or your friendship for me. But my friend Atticus has so great a monetary stake in the matter; and now, what is more, his very reputation is involved in showing that he can obtain what Caesar approved of, and what we, who were present when Caesar made his decrees and gave his answer, witnessed and sealed.
And I appeal to you especially, because it is a case where the whole power, I will not say of confirming, but of confirming freely and willingly what the consuls decreed in accordance with Caesar's decrees and promises, lies in your hands. 2 It will be doing me a favour than which none could be greater. Although I hope that by the time you receive this letter you will have granted me the petition I made in my former letter, still I shall not cease from asking until I have news that you have done what I am looking forward to with great hope. Then I trust I shall write a different kind of letter, and pay my thanks for your exceeding kindness. If that comes to pass I would have you think that you have not so much put Atticus, in spite of the huge sum of money he has at stake, under an obligation, as myself, who take an equal interest in the matter.
[16f] L { written shortly after 1бc }
CICERO TO CAPITO, GREETING.
I have no doubt you are astonished and even annoyed with me for approaching you twice on the same subject. Atticus, my greatest friend and my closest intimate in every way, has very great interests at stake. I know the willingness with which you help your friends and your friends help you. You can render us much assistance with Plancus. 2 I know the kindness of your heart; I know how welcome you are to your friends. There is no one who can help us more than you in this case. And the case is as sound as a case ought to be which the consuls have decided on the advice of their council, when they had the right of decision conferred on them by statute and by senatorial decree. Still to us the whole case seems to lie in the generosity of your friend Plancus; and, indeed, we think he will ratify the consuls' decree both for duty's sake and for the sake of the constitution, and that he will do so willingly for our sake. So please help us, my dear Capito. I entreat and implore you earnestly to do so.
1. The month Quinctilis had recently been renamed Julius after Caesar, who was born in that month.
2. Dyme, in the north of the Peloponne, had been colonised with former pirates by Pompey. They seem to have been dispossessed by Caesar and returned to their old trade.
3. The money was a repayment of the dowry Cicero had received with his second wife, whom he had since divorced.
4. There had been some exhibition of public feeling at the performance of Accius' Tereus at the games given by Brutus. Here, and in the Philippics II. 31, it is implied that it was favourable to Brutus, but Appian, B.C. III. 24, states that outbursts against Caesar's assassins drove them to decide on leaving Italy.
5. From Afranius. Cf. Cicero, Tusc. Disp. IV. 45 and 55.
6. On the Buthrotian business.
7. i.e. the essay On Old Age, which opens with this quotation from Ennius' Annals.
8. Hieras and Blesamius were agents of Deiotarus in bribing Antony to restore Armenia to him, and apparently were now disowned by him after he had succeeded in getting it back.
9. Cf. letter xvi.1.
10. New Carthage (Cartagena) in Spain.
11. Cf. letter xvi.2. Not being present Brutus had supposed it was the play called Brutus, whereas it was the Tereus.
12. These seem to have been performances of original Greek plays as distinct from Latin adaptations (like Accius' Tereus).
13. Possibly there is some corruption in the text here, as the remark seems senseless.
14. Cf. Homer, Odyssey XI. 169, where Ajax is said to rank next after "the blameless son of Peleus".
15. North-north-east winds, called "forerunners," because they usually prevailed for eight days before the rising of the Dog-star.
16. The 'pedes' were ropes attached to the sail to set it to the wind. Both would be let out to an equal length when sailing before the wind.
17. Homer, Odyssey iii.169.
18. A verse from an unknown author, quoted in a fuller form in letter xv. 11.
19. i.e. an Epicurean.
20. L. Piso (consul in 58 B.C.) had made a speech against Antony.
21. The famous Fifth Legion (the Larks), raised by Caesar in Transalpine Gaul.
22. Some words may be missing here.
23. Cf. letter xv.14.4.
24. The Second Philippic; the daughter of Q. Fadius is mentioned in Phil. ii.3.
25. The point of this sentence is not obvious. The translation follows Watson, who suggests that the pleasantry lies in calling the days of the triumvirate free in comparison with the date at which Cicero was writing. Other suggestions are (a) that there is a play on the triumvirate and the fact that Caesar and Pompey each had three wives; (b) that Septimia had three husbands; or (c) that it refers to some earlier date, possibly Cicero's consulate, when Fadia had three lovers.
26. A quotation from the Greek philosopher Heracleitus.
27. The Alexandrine grammarian, not the comic poet.
28. Philippic ii.103, where Cicero accuses Antony of obtaining possession of property by underhand means.
29. Philippic ii.75, with Caesar in Thessaly, Africa, and Spain.
30. Philippic ii.86. But the original reading is still found in our MSS.
31. A "book of worthies," so-called from the sacred robe, embroidered with mythological and historical figures, offered once a year to Athene at Athens. The book was possibly identical with that generally known as the Hebdomades sive Imagines, but that is doubtful.
32. 'O Tite' are the opening words of On Old Age.
33. Philippic ii.106. The names have been inserted, as they are given in our MSS.
34. The story of Regulus' return to Carthage is discussed at length in De Officiis, iii.99-115.
35. Of an attempt against Antony's life; see letter xv.13.6.
36. Homer, Iliad vii.83; also quoted in letter vi.1.23.
37. As Pontifex Maximus.
38. Homer, Odyssey iii.169, as quoted in letter xvi.6.1.
39. By 'Mimas' Cicero means the Apennines, and by 'Psyrian isle' the insula Arpinas.
40. Antony and Octavian.
41. Where the Senate met on March 17, two days after the murder of Caesar. Cf. letter xiv.10.
42. Marcellus was Octavian's brother-in-law; Philippus his stepfather.
43. Apparently the idea of "duty" was suggested by 'recte' just above, though it hardly bears that meaning in this case.
44. For Cicero's defence of him in 55 B.C.
45. Young Quintus Cicero to Cicero's son.
46. The arrest of the Catilinarian conspirators in 63 B.C.
47. Antony's seizure of the public funds deposited in that temple. Cf. letter xiv.14.
48. Or "is capable of holding and at present does hold."
49. A contio delivered by Octavian.
50. Casca was one of the murderers of Caesar, and tribune elect.
51. Antony.
52. Sextus Peducaeus, a friend of Cicero and Atticus.
53. The agent of Montanus.
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