BOOK XII

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THE LOEB CLASSICAL LIBRARY

EDITED BY

E. CAPPS, PH.D., LL.D. T. E. PAGE, LITT.D. W. H. D. ROUSE, LITT.D.

LETTERS TO ATTICUS

III

CICERO'S LETTERS

TO ATTICUS.

VOLUME I.

BOOKS I.-VI.

VOLUME II.

BOOKS VII.-XI.

CICERO

LETTERS TO ATTICUS

WITH AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY

E. O. WINSTEDT, M.A.

OF MAGDALEN COLLEGE, OXFORD

IN THREE VOLUMES

III

[Illustration]

LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN

NEW YORK: G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS

MCMXVIII

INTRODUCTION

The letters contained in this volume begin with one written just after

Caesar's final victory over the remains of the Pompeian party at Thapsus

in April, 46 B.C., and cover three of the last four years of Cicero's

life. When they open, Cicero was enjoying a restful interval after the

troublous times of the Civil War. He had made his peace with Caesar and

reconciled himself to a life of retirement and literary activity. In the

Senate he never spoke except to deliver a speech pleading for the return

from exile of his friend Marcellus; and his only other public appearance

was to advocate the cause of another friend, Ligarius. In both he was

successful; and, indeed, so he seems also to have been in private

appeals to Caesar on behalf of friends. But their relations were never

intimate,[1] and Cicero appears always to have felt ill at ease in

Caesar's society,[2] disliking and fearing him as a possible tyrant or

at least an anomaly in a Republican state. He evidently felt, too, some

natural qualms at being too much of a turn-coat, as he dissuaded his son

from joining Caesar's expedition to Spain at the end of the year on that

ground, and persuaded him to go to Athens to study instead.[3] No doubt

he considered that it was more consonant with the dignity which he was

always claiming for himself to take no part in public affairs at all

than to play a secondary part where he had once been first. Consequently

he spent the year 46 peacefully engaged in writing and in his

Footnote 1:

XIV. 1 and 2.

Footnote 2:

XIII. 52.

Footnote 3:

XII. 7.

private affairs; and even of those we hear little, as he was at Rome the

greater part of the time. Somewhat under protest he wrote, apparently at

the suggestion of the Caesarian party,[4] with most of whom he was on

good terms, a work on Cato, which satisfied neither friend nor foe, as

Brutus thought it necessary to write another himself, and Caesar

composed an _Anti-Cato_. Of his other writings, two rhetorical works,

the _Brutus_ and the _Orator_, and one philosophical, the _Paradoxa_,

fall in this year. In the early part of it he divorced Terentia, and at

the end of it married his rich and youthful ward Publilia; but he soon

separated from her. The unhappy marriage between his daughter Tullia and

her profligate husband, Dolabella, was dissolved at much the same time,

but she only survived for a few months. Her death, which occurred in

February, 45 B.C., seems to have prostrated Cicero with grief, and a

long series of daily letters, from March to August of that year, are

largely filled with reiterations of his grief and projects for the

erection of a shrine in her honour. They are interesting for the light

they cast on Atticus' treatment of Cicero when he was unstrung and

excited. Atticus evidently disapproved entirely of the project; but from

Cicero's answers one infers that he kept on humouring him and at the

same time delaying action on his part by continual suggestions of a

fresh site for the shrine, knowing that Cicero's ardour would cool and

the scheme drop through, as it did.

Footnote 4:

XII. 4.

Much is said, too, in these letters about the literary work to which

Cicero turned with more eagerness than ever to assuage his grief; and

the output was enormous. A book on consolation in times of sorrow, a

general introduction to the philosophical works which followed, the _De

Finibus_, the _Academica_—rewritten, three times[5]—and a small

rhetorical treatise, the _Partitiones Oratoriae_, were published during

the year, while the _Tusculanae Disputationes_, the _De Natura Deorum_

and the _De Senectute_ were projected and begun. Certainly Cicero was

right in saying that he had no lack of words![6]

Footnote 5:

XIII. 13 and 16.

Footnote 6:

XII. 52.

Of political affairs little is said; indeed, in Caesar's absence there

was not much to say. But there are occasional sneers at the honours paid

to him[7] and at his projected extension of Rome.[8] For the latter part

of the year, after Caesar's return from Spain, there are no letters in

this collection except two amusing letters in December, one describing a

conversation with his nephew, who was trying to make peace with his

relatives after a violent quarrel,[9] and the other Cicero's

entertainment of Caesar at Puteoli.[10]

Footnote 7:

XII. 45; XIII. 27 and 44.

Footnote 8:

XIII. 35.

Footnote 9:

XIII. 42.

Footnote 10:

XIII. 52.

Not long afterwards came the murder of Caesar, at which Cicero to his

regret was not present, though he was in Rome and hastened to the

Capitol to lend his support to the murderers. He found, however, the

cold Brutus hard to stir into action, and after Antony's speech at the

funeral he thought it wiser to retire from Rome. The letters written at

the time are full of rejoicing at the death of a man, towards whom he

never seems to have felt any attraction, in spite of the kindness he had

received at his hands. But he soon realised the hopelessness of the

Republican cause, which lacked both a leader and a following. He himself

regained something of his old position, and we find him not only

consulted by Brutus and the rest of his party, but politely addressed by

Antony in a note, asking his permission to recall Cicero's old enemy

Clodius.[11] Cicero, taking the request as a demand, returned an equally

polite note of assent;[12] but what he thought of the request and of

Antony is shown by a letter sent to Atticus simultaneously.[13] For a

while there are occasional bursts of hope in a revival of the old

constitution, for instance when Dolabella threw down the column erected

in the forum in honour of Caesar;[14] but despair at the inactivity of

Brutus and his friends and at Antony's growing influence and the respect

shown for Caesar's enactment after his death prevail; and Cicero

contemplated crossing to Greece to visit his son and escape from the war

he foresaw. Octavian's arrival and opposition to Antony did not comfort

him much, in spite of attentions paid to himself by the future emperor,

as he mistrusted Octavian's youth, his abilities and his intentions.

But, when just on the point of sailing, news reached him that there was

a chance of Antony giving way and peace with something of the old

conditions being restored; and he hurried back to Rome to take his part

in its restoration.[15] There he found little chance of peace, but, once

returned, he recovered sufficient courage to take the lead in the Senate

and deliver his first _Philippic_ against Antony. After that there are

only a few letters written towards the end of the year. In them he still

expresses great mistrust for Octavian, who was continually appealing to

him for his support;[16] and, in spite of his renewed entry into public

affairs, one

Footnote 11:

XIV. 13a.

Footnote 12:

XIV. 13b.

Footnote 13:

XIV. 13.

Footnote 14:

XIV. 15.

Footnote 15:

XVI. 7.

Footnote 16:

XVI. 9 and 11

is rather surprised to find that he was still working at his

philosophical treatises, writing the _De Officiis_ to dedicate to his

son,[17] and even eager to turn to history at the suggestion of

Atticus.[18] Such is the last glimpse we get of him in the _Letters to

Atticus_. Shortly afterwards he returned to Rome, and for some six

months led the senatorial party in its opposition to Antony; but, when

Octavian too turned against the party and the struggle became hopeless,

he retired to Tusculum, where he lived until he was proscribed by the

Triumvirs early in December. Then he contemplated flight to Greece, but

was killed at Astura before he had succeeded in leaving Italy.

Footnote 17:

XVI. 11.

Footnote 18:

XVI. 13b.

I must again acknowledge my indebtedness in preparing the translation to

Tyrrell's edition of the Letters and to Shuckburgh's translation, from

both of which I have "conveyed" many a phrase. The text is as usual

based on the Teubner edition, and textual notes have been mainly

confined to passages where a reading not found in that edition was

adopted. In those notes the following abbreviations are used:—

_M_ = the _Codex Mediceus_ 49, 18, written in the year 1389 A.D.,

and now preserved in the Laurentian Library at Florence. _M^1_

denotes the reading of the first hand, and _M^2_ that of a

reviser.

Δ = the reading of _M_ when supported by that of the _Codex Urbinas_

322, a MS. of the fifteenth century, preserved in the Vatican

Library.

_O_ = _Codex_ 1, 5, 34 in the University Library at Turin, written

in the fifteenth century. _O^1_ denotes the reading of the first

hand, and _O^2_ that of a reviser.

_C_ = the marginal readings in Cratander's edition of 1528, drawn

from a MS. which is lost.

_Z_ = the readings of the lost _Codex Tornaesianus_. _Z_^b, _Z_^l,

_Z_^t, the readings of the same MS. when attested only by Bosius,

Lambinus, or Turnebus respectively.

_L_ (marg.) = readings in the margin of Lambinus' second edition.

_Vict._ = the _editio Petri Victori_ (Venice, 1534-37).

CONTENTS

Letters to Atticus Book XII _Page_ 1

Letters to Atticus Book XIII 109

Letters to Atticus Book XIV 217

Letters to Atticus Book XV 293

Letters to Atticus Book XVI 369

CICERO'S LETTERS

TO ATTICUS

BOOK XII

* * * * *

Page 2

M. TULLI CICERONIS

EPISTULARUM AD ATTICUM

LIBER DUODECIMUS

I

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati VIII K. Dec. a. 708_]

Undecimo die, postquam a te discesseram, hoc litterularum exaravi

egrediens e villa ante lucem, atque eo die cogitabam in Anagnino,

postero autem in Tusculano, ibi unum diem; V Kalend. igitur ad

constitutum. Atque utinam continuo ad complexum meae Tulliae, ad osculum

Atticae possim currere! Quod quidem ipsum scribe, quaeso, ad me, ut, dum

consisto in Tusculano, sciam, quid garriat, sin rusticatur, quid scribat

ad te; eique interea aut scribes salutem aut nuntiabis itemque Piliae.

Et tamen, etsi continuo congressuri sumus, scribes ad me, si quid

habebis.

Cum complicarem hanc epistulam, noctuabundus ad me venit cum epistula

tua tabellarius; qua lecta de Atticae febricula scilicet valde dolui.

Reliqua, quae exspectabam, ex tuis litteris cognovi omnia; sed, quod

scribis "igniculum matutinum γεροντικόν," γεροντικώτερον est memoriola

vacillare. Ego enim IIII Kal. Axio dederam, tibi III, Quinto, quo die

venissem, id est V Kal. Hoc igitur habebis, novi nihil.

* * * * *

Page 3

CICERO'S LETTERS

TO ATTICUS

BOOK XII

I

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, Nov. 23_, B.C. _46_]

On the eleventh day after parting from you I have scribbled these few

lines while leaving my country house before daybreak. I am thinking of

stopping to-day at my place at Anagnia, to-morrow at Tusculum and

staying there one day. On the 26th then to our tryst; and I only wish I

could run straight to the embraces of my Tullia and the lips of Attica.

What those little lips are prattling, please write and let me know,

while I am at Tusculum, or, if she is in the country, what she is

writing to you: and in the meantime pay my respects by letter or in

person to her, and to Pilia too. And all the same, though we are to meet

at once, write to me, if you have anything to say.

As I was folding up this letter, a messenger came in the night to me

with a letter of yours, and on reading it I was naturally very sorry to

hear of Attica's slight attack of fever. Everything else I was wanting

to hear, I learn from your letter. You say it is a sign of old age to

want a bit of fire in the morning: it's a worse sign of old age to be a

bit weak in your memory. I had arranged for the 27th with Axius, the

28th with you, and the 26th, the day I arrive, with Quintus. So please

count on

* * * * *

Page 4

Quid ergo opus erat epistula? Quid, cum coram sumus et garrimus,

quicquid in buccam? Est profecto quiddam λέσχη, quae habet, etiamsi

nihil subest, collocutione ipsa suavitatem.

II

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Romae ante. med. m. Apr. a. 708_]

Hic rumores tamen Murcum perisse naufragio, Asinium delatum vivum in

manus militum, L navis delatas Uticam reflatu hoc, Pompeium non

comparere nec in Balearibus omnino fuisse, ut Paciaecus adfirmat. Sed

auctor nullius rei quisquam. Habes, quae, dum tu abes, locuti sint. Ludi

interea Praeneste. Ibi Hirtius et isti omnes. Et quidem ludi dies VIII.

Quae cenae, quae deliciae! Res interea fortasse transacta est. O miros

homines! At Balbus aedificat; τί γὰρ αὐτῷ μέλει; Verum si quaeris,

homini non recta, sed voluptaria quaerenti nonne βεβίωται? Tu interea

dormis. Iam explicandum est πρόβλημα, si quid acturus es. Si quaeris,

quid putem, ego fructum[19] puto. Sed quid multa? Iam te videbo,

Footnote 19:

fructum _MSS._: peractum _Moser_: confectum _Schütze_: eluctum

_Ellis_.

* * * * *

Page 5

that: there is no new arrangement.[20] What's the use of writing then?

What's the use of our meeting and chattering about everything that comes

into our heads? A bit of gossip is something after all, and, even if

there is nothing in our talk, the mere fact of talking together has some

charms.

Footnote 20:

Or, as Tyrrell suggests, "There's tit for tat. I have no news."

II

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Rome, April_, B.C. _46_]

All the same there are reports here that Murcus[21] has been lost at

sea, that Asinius reached shore alive to fall into the soldiers'[22]

hands, that 50 ships have been carried to Utica by this contrary wind,

that Pompey[23] is nowhere to be found and never has been in the

Baleares, as Paciaecus declares. But there is no definite authority for

any of this. That is what people have been saying while you are away.

Meanwhile there are the games at Praeneste. That's where Hirtius and all

that crew are; and there are eight days of games! Picture their dinners

and their extravagant goings on. Perhaps in the meantime the great

question has been settled. What people they are! So Balbus is building:

little he recks. But, if you ask me, is not life over and done with,

when a man begins to look for pleasure rather than duty? In the meantime

you slumber on. Now is the time the problem must be solved, if you mean

to do anything. If you ask me what I think, I think "Gather ye

roses."[24] But what's the good of going on? I shall see you at once,

and I hope you

Footnote 21:

Statius Murcus, an officer in Caesar's army. He is mentioned again

later in _Fam._ XII. 11, 1.

Footnote 22:

_i.e._ soldiers of Pompey, Asinius Pollio being another adherent of

Caesar.

Footnote 23:

Cn. Pompeius, the eldest son of Pompey the Great.

Footnote 24:

_Fructum_ may be the first word of some proverb; but probably the word

is corrupt, as the sentiment seems rather at variance with that

expressed just above.

* * * * *

Page 6

et quidem, ut spero, de via recta ad me. Simul enim et diem Tyrannioni

constituemus, et si quid aliud.

III

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano III Id. Iun. a. 708_]

Unum te puto minus blandum esse quam me, et, si uterque nostrum est

aliquando adversus aliquem, inter nos certe numquam sumus. Audi igitur

me hoc ἀγοητεύτως dicentem. Ne vivam, mi Attice, si mihi non modo

Tusculanum, ubi ceteroqui sum libenter, sed μακάρων νῆσοι tanti sunt, ut

sine te sim tot dies. Quare obduretur hoc triduum, ut te quoque ponam in

eodem πάθει; quod ita est profecto. Sed velim scire, hodiene statim de

auctione, et quo die venias. Ego me interea cum libellis; ac moleste

fero Vennoni me historiam non habere. Sed tamen, ne nihil de re, nomen

illud, quod a Caesare, tres habet condiciones, aut emptionem ab hasta

(perdere malo, etsi praeter ipsam turpitudinem hoc ipsum puto esse

perdere) aut delegationem a mancipe annua die (quis erit, cui credam,

aut quando iste Metonis annus veniet?) aut

* * * * *

Page 7

will come straight from the road to me. For we will arrange a day for

Tyrannio at the same time,[25] and anything else there is to do.

Footnote 25:

To read a book he had written, possibly on accents. Cf. _Att._ XII. 6.

III

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 11_, B.C. _46_]

You are the only person I know less given to flattery than myself, and,

if we both fall into it sometimes in the case of other people, certainly

we never use it to one another. So listen to what I am saying with all

sincerity. On my life, Atticus, I don't count even the Isles of the

Blest, let alone my place at Tusculum—though in other respects I'm

comfortable enough there—worth so long a separation from you. So let us

harden our hearts for these three days—assuming that you are affected as

I am, which I am sure is the case. But I should like to know whether you

are starting to-day[26] immediately after the auction, and on what day

you are coming. In the meantime I am buried in my books, and annoyed

that I have not got Vennonius' history. But, not to neglect business

altogether, for that debt that Caesar assigned to me[27] there are three

means I might use. I could buy the property at a public auction; but I

would rather lose it—it comes to the same thing in the end, besides the

disgrace. I might transfer my rights for a bond payable a year hence by

the buyer: but whom can I trust, and when would that "year of Meton"[28]

come? Or I

Footnote 26:

Or, as Tyrrell and Shuckburgh, "whether you are coming to-day or, if

not, on what day you are coming." But Cicero does not seem to have

anticipated Atticus' arrival before three days.

Footnote 27:

Probably a debt owed to Cicero by some proscribed Pompeian.

Footnote 28:

Meton, an Athenian mathematician, of the beginning of the 5th century

B.C., discovered the solar cycle of 19 years. "Meton's year" was

proverbially used for an indefinitely long period.

* * * * *

Page 8

Vettieni condicione semissem. Σκέψαι igitur. Ac vereor, ne iste iam

auctionem nullam faciat, sed ludis factis Ἀτύπῳ[29] subsidio currat, ne

talis vir ἀλογηθῇ. Sed μελήσει. Tu Atticam, quaeso, cura et ei salutem

et Piliae Tulliae quoque verbis plurimam.

Footnote 29:

Ἀτύπῳ _Popma_: clypo _M_: Olympo _m_.

IV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano Id. Iun. a. 708_]

O gratas tuas mihi iucundasque litteras! Quid quaeris? restitutus est

mihi dies festus. Angebar enim, quod Tiro ἐνερευθέστερον te sibi esse

visum dixerat. Addam igitur, ut censes, unum diem.

Sed de Catone πρόβλημα Ἀρχιμήδειον est. Non adsequor, ut scribam, quod

tui convivae non modo libenter, sed etiam aequo animo legere possint;

quin etiam, si a sententiis eius dictis, si ab omni voluntate

consiliisque, quae de re publica habuit, recedam; ψιλῶςque velim

gravitatem constantiamque eius laudare, hoc ipsum tamen istis odiosum

ἄκουσμα sit. Sed vere laudari ille vir non potest, nisi haec ornata

sint, quod ille ea, quae nunc sunt, et futura viderit, et, ne fierent,

contenderit, et, facta ne videret, vitam reliquerit. Horum quid est,

quod Aledio probare possimus? Sed cura, obsecro, ut valeas, eamque, quam

ad omnes res adhibes, in primis ad convalescendum adhibe prudentiam.

* * * * *

Page 9

might accept Vettienus'[30] proposal and take half paid down. So look

into the matter. The fact is I am afraid Caesar may not hold any auction

now, but, as soon as his games are over, may run off to the aid of his

stammering friend,[31] not to slight so important a person. But I will

attend to the matter. Pray take care of Attica and give her and Pilia

and Tullia my kindest greetings.

Footnote 30:

A banker (cf. _Att._ X. 5) who proposed to take over the debt, in

return for present payment of half the sum owed.

Footnote 31:

Balbus, if the reading is right

IV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 13_, B.C. _46_]

How glad I was of your delightful letter! Why, it made my day a

red-letter day after all. For I was anxious because Tiro had said you

looked to him rather flushed. So I will stay another day, as you

suggest.

But about Cato, that would puzzle a Philadelphian lawyer. I cannot

manage to write anything that your boon companions could read, I won't

say with pleasure, but even without annoyance. If I steer clear of his

utterances in the House and of his entire political outlook and policy,

and content myself with simply eulogizing his unwavering constancy, even

that would be no pleasant hearing for them. But he is a man who cannot

properly be eulogized, unless these points are fully treated, that he

foresaw the present state of affairs, and tried to prevent it, and that

he took his own life by preference to seeing it come about. Can I win

Aledius' approval of any of that? But pray be careful of yourself and

devote the common sense you devote to other things, before all to

recovering your health.

* * * * *

Page 10

V

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano in. m. Quint. a. 708_]

Quintus pater quartum vel potius millesimum nihil sapit, qui laetetur

Luperco filio et Statio, ut cernat duplici dedecore cumulatam domum.

Addo etiam Philotimum tertium. O stultitiam, nisi mea maior esset,

singularem! quod autem os in hanc rem ἔρανον a te! Fac non ad "διψῶσαν

κρήνην," sed ad Πειρήνην eum venisse, "ἄμπνευμα σεμνὸν Ἀλφειοῦ" in te

"κρήνῃ," ut scribis, haurire, in tantis suis praesertim angustiis. Ποῖ

ταῦτα ἄρα ἀποσκήψει; Sed ipse viderit.

Cato me quidem delectat, sed etiam Bassum Lucilium sua.

Va

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

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

De Caelio tu quaeres, ut scribis; ego nihil novi. Noscenda autem est

natura, non facultas modo. De Hortensio et Verginio tu, si quid

dubitabis. Etsi, quod magis placeat, ego quantum aspicio, non facile

inveneris. Cum Mustela, quem ad modum scribis, cum venerit Crispus. Ad

Avium scripsi, ut ea, quae

* * * * *

Page 11

V

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, July_, B.C. _46_]

"Quintus the elder for the fourth time"[32] or rather for the thousandth

time is a fool to rejoice in his son's new office[33] and in Statius,

that he may see a double disgrace heaped on his house. I may add

Philotimus as a third disgrace. His folly would be unparalleled, if my

own had not been greater. But what cheek of him to ask you for a

contribution towards it! Even suppose he had not come to a "fount

athirst," but to a Pirene or "the hallowed spot where Alpheus took

breath,"[34] to think of his drawing on you as his fountain, to use your

word, especially when he is in such straits! Where will such conduct

end? But that is his own look out.

Footnote 32:

A quotation from a verse of Ennius, _Quintus pater quartum fit

consul_, preserved in Aulus Gellius X. 1.

Footnote 33:

Caesar had restored the ancient priestly corporation of Luperci and

the celebration of the Lupercalia on the Palatine hill on February 15.

Footnote 34:

From Pindar, _Nem._ 1, 1, where it is used of the Arethusa at

Syracuse, which was popularly believed to be connected with the river

Alpheus in the Peloponnese.

Myself I am delighted with my Cato: but then Lucilius Bassus is

delighted with his works too.

Va

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 31_, B.C. _45_]

About Caelius you must make enquiries, as you say: I know nothing. But

one must get to know his character as well as his resources. If you have

any doubts about Hortensius and Verginius, look into the matter: though,

so far as I can see, you are not likely to find anything that will suit

better. Deal with Mustela as you say, when Crispus has arrived. I have

written to Avius to tell Piso all he

* * * * *

Page 12

bene nosset de auro, Pisoni demonstraret. Tibi enim sane adsentior, et

istud nimium diu duci et omnia nunc undique contrahenda. Te quidem nihil

agere, nihil cogitare aliud, nisi quod ad me pertineat, facile

perspicio, meisque negotiis impediri cupiditatem tuam ad me veniendi.

Sed mecum esse te puto, non solum quod meam rem agis, verum etiam quod

videre videor, quo modo agas. Neque enim ulla hora tui mihi est operis

ignota.

Vb

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano III aut II Id. Iun. a. 709_]

Tubulum praetorem video L. Metello, Q. Maximo consulibus. Nunc velim, P.

Scaevola, pontifex maximus, quibus consulibus tribunus pl. Equidem puto

proximis, Caepione et Pompeio; praetor enim L. Furio, Sex. Atilio. Dabis

igitur tribunatum et, si poteris, Tubulus quo crimine. Et vide, quaeso,

L. Libo, ille qui de Ser. Galba, Censorinone et Manilio an T. Quinctio,

M'. Acilio consulibus tribunus pl. fuerit. Conturbabat enim me [epitome

Bruti Fanniana][35] in Bruti epitoma Fannianorum [scripsi][35] quod erat

in extremo, idque ego secutus hunc Fannium, qui scripsit historiam,

generum esse scripseram Laeli. Sed tu me γεωμετρικῶς refelleras, te

autem nunc Brutus et

Footnote 35:

_The words in brackets are deleted by most editors as glosses._

* * * * *

Page 13

knows about the gold: for I quite agree with you, I have delayed too

long already and must get in all I can from every source. I quite

realize that you are doing nothing and thinking of nothing except my

concerns, and that your longing to come to me is prevented by my

business. But in my imagination you are with me, not only because you

are managing my affairs, but because I seem to see how you are managing

them, for I know what you are doing in every single one of your working

hours.

Vb

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 11 or 12_, B.C. _45_]

I see Tubulus was praetor in the consulship of L. Metellus and Q.

Maximus.[36] Now I should like to know when P. Scaevola the Pontifex

Maximus was tribune. I think it was in the next year, under Caepio and

Pompey, as he was praetor under L. Furius and Sex. Atilius.[37] So

please give me the date of his tribunate, and, if you can, the charge on

which Tubulus was tried.[38] Pray look and see too whether L. Libo, who

brought in the bill about Ser. Galba, was tribune in the consulship of

Censorinus and Manilius or in that of T. Quinctius and M'. Acilius.[39]

For I was confused by a passage at the end of Brutus' epitome of

Fannius' history. Following that I made Fannius, the author of the

history, son-in-law of Laelius. But you refuted me by rule and line; now

however Brutus and Fannius have refuted

Footnote 36:

142 B.C.

Footnote 37:

136 B.C.

Footnote 38:

For taking a bribe, when presiding at a murder trial (Cicero, _De

Finibus_, 2, § 54).

Footnote 39:

150 or 149 B.C. Libo impeached Galba in 147 B.C. for selling the

Lusitani, who had surrendered on promise of freedom, as slaves.

* * * * *

Page 14

Fannius. Ego tamen de bono auctore, Hortensio, sic acceperam, ut apud

Brutum est. Hunc igitur locum expedies.

Vc

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano prid. Id. Iun. a. 708_]

Ego misi Tironem Dolabellae obviam. Is ad me Idibus revertetur. Te

exspectabo postridie. De Tullia mea tibi antiquissimum esse video, idque

ita ut sit, te vehementer rogo. Ergo ei in integro omnia; sic enim

scribis. Mihi, etsi Kalendae vitandae fuerunt Nicasionumque ἀρχέτυπα

fugienda conficiendaeque tabulae, nihil tamen tanti, ut a te abessem,

fuit. Cum Romae essem et te iam iamque visurum me putarem, cotidie tamen

horae, quibus exspectabam, longae videbantur. Scis me minime esse

blandum; itaque minus aliquanto dico, quam sentio.

VI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708_]

De Caelio vide, quaeso, ne quae lacuna sit in auro. Ego ista non novi.

Sed certe in collubo est detrimenti satis. Huc aurum si accedit—sed quid

loquor? Tu videbis. Habes Hegesiae genus, quod Varro laudat.

* * * * *

Page 15

you. I had followed a good authority, Hortensius, for my statement in

_Brutus_.[40] So please set the matter straight.

Footnote 40:

_Brutus_, § 101.

Vc

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 12_, B.C. _46_]

I have sent Tiro to meet Dolabella. He will return on the 13th. I shall

expect you on the next day. I see you are putting Tullia before

everything, and I earnestly beg you to do so. So her dowry is untouched:

for that is what you say. For myself, though I had to avoid pay-day,[41]

to keep off the money-lenders' precious books, and make up my accounts,

there was nothing to compensate for my absence from you. When I was at

Rome and expected to see you every minute, still the hours I spent in

expecting you every day seemed long. You know I am nothing of a

flatterer, and so I rather understate my feelings.

Footnote 41:

Interest was payable on the 1st of the month.

VI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, intercalary month_,[42] B.C. _46_]

As to Caelius, please see that there is nothing lacking in the gold. I

know nothing about that. But anyhow there is loss enough in the

exchange. If there is anything wrong with the gold on the top of

that—but what's the use of my talking? You will see to it. There is a

specimen of Hegesias' style,[43] of which Varro approves. Now I come to

Footnote 42:

Before the alteration of the calendar made by Caesar in the next year,

two months, of 29 and 28 days respectively, were inserted between

November and December, 46 B.C., to set the calendar right.

Footnote 43:

Hegesias of Magnesia introduced the Asiatic school of rhetoric. Abrupt

breaks such as that in the last sentence were one of its features.

* * * * *

Page 16

Venio ad Tyrannionem. Ain tu? verum hoc fuit, sine me? At ego quotiens,

cum essem otiosus, sine te tamen nolui? Quo modo hoc ergo lues? Uno

scilicet, si mihi librum miseris; quod ut facias, etiam atque etiam

rogo. Etsi me non magis liber ipse delectabit, quam tua admiratio

delectavit. Amo enim πάντα φιλειδήμονα teque istam tam tenuem θεωρίαν

tam valde admiratum esse gaudeo. Etsi tua quidem sunt eius modi omnia.

Scire enim vis; quo uno animus alitur. Sed, quaeso, quid ex ista acuta

et gravi refertur ad τέλος?

Sed longa oratio est, et tu occupatus es in meo fortasse aliquo negotio.

Et pro isto asso sole, quo tu abusus es in nostro pratulo, a te nitidum

solem unctumque repetemus. Sed ad prima redeo. Librum, si me amas,

mitte. Tuus est enim profecto, quoniam quidem est missus ad te.

VIa

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708_]

"Chremés, tantumne ab ré tua est otí tibi," ut etiam Oratorem legas?

Macte virtute! Mihi quidem gratum, et erit gratius, si non modo in tuis

libris, sed etiam in aliorum per librarios tuos "Aristophanem"

reposueris pro "Eupoli." Caesar autem

* * * * *

Page 17

Tyrannio. Do you really mean it?[44] How unfair, without me! Think how

often, even when I had plenty of time, I refused without you. How are

you going to atone for your crime then? There is only one way: you must

send me the book. I earnestly entreat you to do so; though the book

itself will not delight me more than your admiration of it has. For I

love everyone who loves learning and I am glad you admired so strongly

an essay on so minute a point. But that is you all over. You want

knowledge, which is the only mental food. But please tell me what there

was in that acute and grave treatise which contributed to your _summum

bonum_.

Footnote 44:

Atticus had read the book of Tyrannio, which was referred to in XII.

2.

However I'm making a long story of it, and you may be busy about some of

my business. And in return for that dry basking in the sun, in which you

revelled in my meadow, I shall claim from you a richer and a warmer

glow.[45] But to return to my first point. If you love me, send me the

book: for it is yours of course, as it was sent to you.

Footnote 45:

Cicero refers to the introduction of Atticus in his _Brutus_ (24) _in

pratulo propter Platonis statuam_; but his meaning is not very clear.

Probably he only means that he is expecting to enjoy Atticus'

hospitality soon.

VIa

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, intercalary month_, B.C. _46_]

"What, so much leisure from your own affairs"[46] that you have found

time to read the _Orator_ too. Bravo! I am pleased to hear it, and shall

be still more pleased if you will get your copyists to alter Eupolis to

Aristophanes[47] not only in your own copy but in others too. Caesar

seemed to me to be amused

Footnote 46:

Terence, _Heaut._ 75.

Footnote 47:

In the quotation from Aristophanes, _Ach._ 530, in _Orat._ 29.

* * * * *

Page 18

mihi irridere visus est "quaeso" illud tuum, quod erat et εὐπινὲς et

urbanum. Ita porro te sine cura esse iussit, ut mihi quidem dubitationem

omnem tolleret. Atticam doleo tam diu; sed, quoniam iam sine horrore

est, spero esse, ut volumus.

VII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708_]

Quae desideras, omnia scripsi in codicillis eosque Eroti dedi; breviter,

sed etiam plura, quam quaeris, in iis de Cicerone; cuius quidem

cogitationis initium tu mihi attulisti. Locutus sum cum eo

liberalissime; quod ex ipso velim, si modo tibi erit commodum,

sciscitere. Sed quid differo? Exposui te ad me detulisse, et quid vellet

et quid requireret. Velle Hispaniam, requirere liberalitatem. De

liberalitate dixi, quantum Publilius, quantum flamen Lentulus filio. De

Hispania duo attuli, primum idem quod tibi, me vereri vituperationem.

Non satis esse, si haec arma reliquissemus? etiam contraria? Deinde fore

ut angeretur, cum a fratre familiaritate et omni gratia vinceretur.

Vellem magis liberalitate uti mea quam sua libertate. Sed tamen permisi;

tibi enim intellexeram non nimis displicere. Ego etiam atque etiam

cogitabo, teque, ut idem facias, rogo. Magna res est; simplex est

manere, illud anceps. Verum videbimus.

* * * * *

Page 19

at your use of _quaeso_, as rather quaint and cockneyfied. He bade you

have no anxiety in such a way that I had no doubts left.[48] I am sorry

Attica's attack lasts so long: but, as she has lost her shivering fits

now, I hope it will be all right.

Footnote 48:

There was a danger of Atticus' land at Buthrotum being confiscated, as

Caesar was thinking of planting a colony there.

VII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, intercalary month_, B.C. _46_]

I have scribbled a note with all you want on a tablet, and given it to

Eros—quite shortly, but more than you ask for. In it I have spoken about

my son, of whose intentions you gave me the first hint. I took a most

liberal tone with him, and, if you think it convenient, I should like

you to ask him about that. But why put it off? I pointed out that you

had told me what he wished to do and what he wanted: "he wished to go to

Spain, and wanted a liberal allowance." As for the allowance, I said I

would give him as much as Publilius or Lentulus the flamen gave their

sons. Against Spain I brought forward two arguments, the first, the one

I used to you, that I was afraid of adverse criticism: "Was it not

enough that we abandoned one side? Must we take the other?" The second

that he would be annoyed, if his cousin enjoyed Caesar's intimacy and

general goodwill more than he did. I should prefer him to make use of my

liberal offer rather than of his liberty. However I gave him permission;

for I saw you did not really dislike the idea. I shall think the matter

over carefully, and I hope you will too. It is an important point: to

stay is simple, to go risky. But we shall see.

* * * * *

Page 20

De Balbo et in codicillis scripseram et ita cogito, simul ac redierit.

Sin ille tardius, ego tamen triduum, et, quod praeterii, Dolabella etiam

mecum.

VIII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708_]

De Cicerone multis res placet. Comes est idoneus. Sed de prima pensione

ante videamus. Adest enim dies, et ille currit. Scribe, quaeso, quid

referat Celer egisse Caesarem cum candidatis, utrum ipse in fenicularium

an in Martium campum cogitet. Et scire sane velim, numquid necesse sit

comitiis esse Romae. Nam et Piliae satis faciendum est et utique

Atticae.

IX

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

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

Ne ego essem his libenter atque id cotidie magis, ni esset ea causa,

quam tibi superioribus litteris scripsi. Nihil hac solitudine iucundius,

nisi paulum interpellasset Amyntae filius. Ὢ ἀπεραντολογίας ἀηδοῦς!

Cetera noli putare amabiliora fieri posse

* * * * *

Page 21

About Balbus I have written in the tablet, and I think of doing as you

say, as soon as he comes back. If he is rather slow about it, still I

shall be three days there; and, I forgot to say, Dolabella will be with

me too.

VIII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, intercalary month_, B.C. _46_]

My plan for my son meets with general approval. I have found a suitable

companion.[49] But let us first see to the payment of an instalment of

Tullia's dowry. The time is near and Dolabella is in a hurry. Please

write and tell me what Celer says Caesar has settled about the

candidates, whether he thinks of going to the field of Fennel or the

field of Mars.[50] I should much like to know too whether I must come to

Rome for the elections. For I must do my duty by Pilia and anyhow by

Attica.

Footnote 49:

Cicero wished to send him to Athens with L. Tullius Montanus.

Footnote 50:

_i.e._ will he appoint the magistrates in Spain or let the elections

at Rome take place? The _campus Fenicularius_ was near Tarraco.

IX

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, July 27_, B.C. _45_]

I should be perfectly comfortable here and become more and more so every

day, if it weren't for the reason I mentioned in my former letter.

Nothing could be pleasanter than this solitude, except for the

occasional interruptions of Amyntas' son.[51] How his chatter does bore

one! All the rest is more charming than you can imagine, the villa, the

shore,

Footnote 51:

_i.e._ L. Marcius Philippus, jestingly referred to as Philip, king of

Macedonia.

* * * * *

Page 22

villa, litore, prospectu maris, tumulis, his rebus omnibus. Sed neque

haec digna longioribus litteris, nec erat, quod scriberem, et somnus

urgebat.

X

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

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

Male mehercule de Athamante. Tuus autem dolor humanus is quidem, sed

magno opere moderandus. Consolationum autem multae viae, sed illa

rectissima: impetret ratio, quod dies impetratura est. Alexin vero

curemus, imaginem Tironis, quem aegrum Romam remisi, et, si quid habet

collis ἐπιδήμιον, ad me cum Tisameno[52] transferamus. Tota domus vacat

superior, ut scis. Hoc puto valde ad rem pertinere.

Footnote 52:

Tisameno _Z_^b, testamento _other MSS._

XI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708_]

Male de Seio. Sed omnia humana tolerabilia ducenda. Ipsi enim quid

sumus, aut quam diu haec curaturi sumus? Ea videamus, quae ad nos magis

pertinent nec tamen multo, quid agamus de senatu. Et, ut ne quid

praetermittam, Caesonius ad me litteras misit Postumiam Sulpici domum ad

se venisse. De Pompei Magni filia tibi rescripsi nihil me hoc tempore

cogitare; alteram vero illam, quam tu scribis,

* * * * *

Page 23

the sea view, the hillocks and everything. But they don't deserve a

longer letter, and I have nothing else to say, and I'm very sleepy.

X

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, July 28_, B.C. _45_]

I am very sorry to hear about Athamas. But your grief, though it is a

kindly weakness, should be kept well in check. There are many roads to

consolation, but this is the straightest: let reason bring about what

time is sure to bring about. Let us take care of Alexis, the living

image of Tiro, whom I have sent back to Rome ill, and, if there is any

epidemic on the hill,[53] send him to my place with Tisamenus. The whole

of the upper story is vacant as you know. This I think is an excellent

suggestion.

Footnote 53:

Atticus' house was on the Quirinal hill.

XI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, intercalary month_, B.C. _46_]

I am sorry to hear about Seius. But one has to learn to put up with all

human troubles. For what are we ourselves and how long will they be

bothering us? Let us look to a thing that is more in our power, though

not very much,—what we are to do about the Senate. And, before I forget

it, Caesonius sent me word that Sulpicius' wife Postumia had paid him a

visit. As to Pompey's daughter I answered you saying I was not thinking

of her at present. I suppose you know the other lady you

* * * * *

Page 24

puto, nosti. Nihil vidi foedius. Sed adsum. Coram igitur.

Obsignata epistula accepi tuas. Atticae hilaritatem libenter audio.

Commotiunculis συμπάσχω.

XII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XVII K. Apr. a. 709_]

De dote tanto magis perpurga. Balbi regia condicio est delegandi. Quoquo

modo confice. Turpe est rem impeditam iacere. Insula Arpinas habere

potest germanam ἀποθέωσιν; sed vereor, ne minorem τιμὴν habere videatur

ἐκτοπισμός. Est igitur animus in hortis; quos tamen inspiciam, cum

venero.

De Epicure, ut voles; etsi μεθαρμόσομαι in posterum genus hoc

personarum. Incredibile est, quam ea quidam requirant. Ad antiquos

igitur; ἀνεμέσητον γάρ. Nihil habeo, ad te quod scribam, sed tamen

institui cotidie mittere, ut eliciam tuas litteras, non quo aliquid ex

iis exspectem, sed nescio quo modo tamen exspecto. Quare, sive habes

quid sive nil habes, scribe tamen aliquid teque cura.

* * * * *

Page 25

write about. The ugliest thing I ever saw. But I am coming to town at

once: so we will discuss it together.

When I had sealed this letter I received yours. I am very glad to hear

Attica is so cheerful; and I'm grieved about the slight indisposition.

XII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 16_, B.C. _45_]

With regard to the dowry make all the more effort to clear the business

up. To make over the debt to Balbus is a high-handed proceeding.[54] Get

it settled anyhow. It is disgraceful to let the thing hang fire. The

island at Arpinum would be an excellent place for a shrine, but I'm

afraid it's too far out of the way to convey much honour. So my mind is

set on the garden: however I'll have a look at it, when I arrive.

Footnote 54:

The first sentence refers to the repayment of Tullia's dowry; the

second to Cicero's debt to his divorced wife. This Terentia had made

over to Balbus in order to enforce payment quicker. The shrine

mentioned below was intended to be in honour of Tullia.

About Epicurus you shall have your way:[55] but in the future I shall

change my plan as regards the persons in my dialogues. You'd never

believe how eager some people are for a place. So I shall confine myself

to the ancients: that avoids invidious distinctions. I have nothing to

say; but I've made up my mind to write every day to draw letters from

you, not that there is anything I expect from them, still somehow or

other I do expect something. So whether you have any news or not, anyhow

write something; and take care of yourself.

Footnote 55:

Apparently Atticus had asked to have the Epicurean view in the _De

Finibus_ put in the mouth of some friend of his.

* * * * *

Page 26

XIII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae Non. Mart. a. 709_]

Commovet me Attica; etsi adsentior Cratero. Bruti litterae scriptae et

prudenter et amice multas mihi tamen lacrimas attulerunt. Me haec

solitudo minus stimulat quam ista celebritas. Te unum desidero; sed

litteris non difficilius utor, quam si domi essem. Ardor tamen ille idem

urget et manet, non mehercule indulgente me, sed tamen repugnante.

Quod scribis de Appuleio, nihil puto opus esse tua contentione, nec

Balbo et Oppio; quibus quidem ille receperat mihique etiam iusserat

nuntiari se molestum omnino non futurum. Sed cura, ut excuser morbi

causa in dies singulos. Laenas hoc receperat. Prende C. Septimium, L.

Statilium. Denique nemo negabit se iuraturum, quem rogaris. Quod si erit

durius, veniam et ipse perpetuum morbum iurabo. Cum enim mihi carendum

sit conviviis, malo id lege videri facere quam dolore. Cocceium velim

appelles. Quod enim dixerat, non facit. Ego autem volo aliquod emere

latibulum et perfugium doloris mei.

XIV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae VIII Id. Mart. a. 709_]

De me excusando apud Appuleium dederam ad te pridie litteras. Nihil esse

negotii arbitror. Quemcumque appellaris, nemo negabit. Sed Septimium

* * * * *

Page 27

XIII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 7_, B.C. _45_]

I am upset about Attica, though I agree with Craterus. Brutus' letter,

though full of wise saws and friendliness, drew from me many tears. This

solitude stirs my grief less than your crowded city. You are the only

person I miss; but I find no more difficulty about my literary work than

if I were at home. Still the old anguish oppresses me and will not leave

me, though I give you my word I do not give way to it, but fight against

it.

As to what you say about Appuleius, I don't think you need exert

yourself, or trouble Balbus and Oppius. He has promised them and told

them to let me know that he will not bother me at all. But take care

that my plea of ill-health is put in every day. Laenas promised to

certify. Add C. Septimius, and L. Statilius. Indeed anyone you ask will

pass his word for it. But if there is any difficulty, I will come and

swear myself to chronic ill-health. Since I am going to miss the

banquets,[56] I would rather seem to do so according to the rules than

on account of grief. Please dun Cocceius. He hasn't fulfilled his

promise: and I am wanting to buy a hiding-place and a refuge for my

sorrow.

Footnote 56:

Apparently an augur had to bring evidence of ill-health attested by

three other augurs to escape attendance on regular meetings and

inaugural banquets.

XIV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 8_, B.C. _45_]

I wrote to you yesterday about offering my excuses to Appuleius. I don't

think there will be any bother. Any one you apply to is sure not to

* * * * *

Page 28

vide et Laenatem et Statilium; tribus enim opus est. Sed mihi Laenas

totum receperat.

Quod scribis a Iunio te appellatum, omnino Cornificius locuples est; sed

tamen scire velim, quando dicar spopondisse et pro patre anne pro filio.

Neque eo minus, ut scribis, procuratores Cornifici et Appuleium

praediatorem videbis.

Quod me ab hoc maerore recreari vis, facis ut omnia; sed me mihi non

defuisse tu testis es. Nihil enim de maerore minuendo scriptum ab ullo

est, quod ego non domi tuae legerim. Sed omnem consolationem vincit

dolor. Quin etiam feci quod profecto ante me nemo, ut ipse me per

litteras consolarer. Quem librum ad te mittam, si descripserint

librarii. Adfirmo tibi nullam consolationem esse talem. Totos dies

scribo, non quo proficiam quid, sed tantisper impedior; non equidem

satis (vis enim urget), sed relaxor tamen omnique vi nitor non ad

animum, sed ad vultum ipsum, si queam, reficiendum, idque faciens

interdum mihi peccare videor, interdum peccaturus esse, nisi faciam.

Solitudo aliquid adiuvat, sed multo plus proficeret, si tu tamen

interesses. Quae mihi una causa est hinc discedendi; nam pro malis recte

habebat. Quamquam id ipsum doleo. Non enim iam in me idem esse poteris.

Perierunt illa, quae amabas.

De Bruti ad me litteris scripsi ad te antea. Prudenter

* * * * *

Page 29

refuse. But see Septimius, Laenas and Statilius. There must be three.

However Laenas undertook the whole matter for me.

You say you have been dunned by Junius. Well anyhow Cornificius is rich

enough to pay: but I should like to know when they say I went bail for

him, and whether it was for the father or the son. Still for all that,

do as you say, and see Cornificius' agents and Appuleius the estate

agent.

You are as kind as usual in wishing that I could get some relief from my

grief; but you can bear witness that it is no fault of mine. For every

word that has been written by anyone on the subject of assuaging grief I

read at your house. But my sorrow is beyond any consolation. Why, I have

done what no one has ever done before, tried to console myself by

writing a book. I will send it to you as soon as it is copied out. I

assure you no other consolation equals it. I write the whole day long,

not that it does any good, but it acts as a temporary check: not very

much of that, for the violence of my grief is too strong; but still I

get some relief and try with all my might to attain some composure of

countenance, if not of mind. In so doing sometimes I think I am doing

wrong, and sometimes that I should be doing wrong, if I were not to do

it. Solitude helps a little, but it would have much more effect, if you

at any rate could be with me: and that is my only reason for leaving,

for the place is as right as any could be under the circumstances.

However even the idea of seeing you upsets me: for now you can never

feel the same towards me. I have lost all you used to love.

I have mentioned Brutus' letter to me before:

* * * * *

Page 30

scriptae, sed nihil, quod me adiuvarent. Quod ad te scripsit, id vellem,

ut ipse adesset. Certe aliquid, quoniam me tam valde amat, adiuvaret.

Quodsi quid scies, scribas ad me velim, maxime autem, Pansa quando. De

Attica doleo, credo tamen Cratero. Piliam angi veta. Satis est maerere

pro omnibus.

XV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae VII Id. Mart. a. 709_]

Apud Appuleium, quoniam in perpetuum non placet, in dies ut excuser,

videbis. In hac solitudine careo omnium colloquio, cumque mane me in

silvam abstrusi densam et asperam, non exeo inde ante vesperum. Secundum

te nihil est mihi amicius solitudine. In ea mihi omnis sermo est cum

litteris. Eum tamen interpellat fletus; cui repugno, quoad possum, sed

adhuc pares non sumus. Bruto, ut suades, rescribam. Eas litteras cras

habebis. Cum erit, cui des, dabis.

XVI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae VI Id. Mart. a. 709_]

Te tuis negotiis relictis nolo ad me venire, ego potius accedam, si

diutius impediere. Etsi ne discessissem quidem e conspectu tuo, nisi me

plane nihil ulla res adiuvaret. Quodsi esset aliquod levamen, id

* * * * *

Page 31

it was full of wise saws, but nothing that could help me. To you he

wrote asking if I should like his company. Yes, it would do me some

good, as he has so great an affection for me. If you have any news,

please write and let me know, especially when Pansa is going.[57] I am

sorry about Attica, but I believe Craterus. Tell Pilia not to worry: my

sorrow is enough for all.

Footnote 57:

To his province in Cisalpine Gaul.

XV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 9_, B.C. _45_]

See that my excuses are paid to Appuleius every day, since you do not

approve of one general excuse. In this solitude I don't speak to a soul.

In the morning I hide myself in a dense and wild wood, and I don't come

out till the evening. After you I have not a greater friend than

solitude. In it my only converse is with books, though tears interrupt

it. I fight against them as much as I can: but as yet I am not equal to

the struggle. I will answer Brutus as you suggest. You shall have the

letter to-morrow. Give it to a messenger, when you have one.

XVI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 10_, B.C. _45_]

I do not wish you to neglect your business to come to me. I would rather

go to you, if you are delayed any longer. However I should never even

have come out of sight of you, if it were not that I absolutely could

not get relief from anything. If there were any alleviation for my

sorrow, it would

* * * * *

Page 32

esset in te uno, et, cum primum ab aliquo poterit esse, a te erit. Nunc

tamen ipsum sine te esse non possum. Sed nec tuae domi probabatur, nec

meae poteram, nec, si propius essem uspiam, tecum tamen essem. Idem enim

te impediret, quo minus mecum esses, quod nunc etiam impedit. Mihi nihil

adhuc aptius fuit hac solitudine; quam vereor ne Philippus tollat. Heri

enim vesperi venerat. Me scriptio et litterae non leniunt, sed

obturbant.

XVII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae IV Id. Mart. a. 709_]

Marcianus ad me scripsit me excusatum esse apud Appuleium a Laterense,

Nasone, Laenate, Torquato, Strabone. Iis velim meo nomine reddendas

litteras cures gratum mihi eos fecisse. Quod pro Cornificio me abhinc

amplius annis XXV spopondisse dicit Flavius, etsi reus locuples est et

Appuleius praediator liberalis, tamen velim des operam, ut investiges ex

consponsorum tabulis, sitne ita (mihi enim ante aedilitatem meam nihil

erat cum Cornificio. Potest tamen fieri; sed scire certum velim), et

appelles procuratores, si tibi videtur. Quamquam quid ad me? Verum

tamen. Pansae profectionem scribes, cum scies. Atticam salvere iube et

eam cura, obsecro, diligenter. Piliae salutem.

* * * * *

Page 33

be in you alone, and, as soon as any will be possible from anyone, it

will come from you. Yet at this very moment I cannot bear your absence.

But it did not seem right to stay in your house and I could not stay at

my own house; and, if I stayed somewhere nearer, still I should not be

with you, for you would be prevented from being with me by the same

reason that you are now. For myself, this solitude has suited me better

than anything so far, though I am afraid Philippus will destroy it. He

came yesterday evening. Writing and reading do not soften my feelings,

they only distract them.

XVII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 12_, B.C. _45_]

Marcianus has written to tell me that my excuses were made with

Appuleius by Laterensis, Naso, Laenas, Torquatus and Strabo. Please send

them a letter on my behalf, thanking them for what they have done. As

for what Flavius says, that more than 25 years ago I went bail for

Cornificius, though the defendant is well off, and Appuleius is a

respectable estate agent, I should be glad, if you would verify the

truth of that statement from the account books of the other sureties;

for before my aedileship I had no dealings with Cornificius. It may be

so: but I should like to know for certain. And please demand payment

from his agents, if you think it right. However it's of no importance:

but still—. Let me know when Pansa departs, when you know yourself. Pay

my respects to Attica, and pray look after her well. Greet Pilia for me.

* * * * *

Page 34

XVIII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae V Id. Mart. a. 709_]

Dum recordationes fugio, quae quasi morsu quodam dolorem efficiunt,

refugio ad te admonendum. Quod velim mihi ignoscas, cuicuimodi est.

Etenim habeo non nullos ex iis, quos nunc lectito auctores, qui dicant

fieri id oportere, quod saepe tecum egi et quod a te approbari volo, de

fano illo dico, de quo tantum, quantum me amas, velim cogites. Equidem

neque de genere dubito (placet enim mihi Cluati) neque de re (statutum

est enim), de loco non numquam. Velim igitur cogites. Ego, quantum his

temporibus tam eruditis fieri potuerit, profecto illam consecrabo omni

genere monimentorum ab omnium ingeniis sumptorum et Graecorum et

Latinorum. Quae res forsitan sit refricatura vulnus meum. Sed iam quasi

voto quodam et promisso me teneri puto, longumque illud tempus, cum non

ero, magis me movet quam hoc exiguum, quod mihi tamen nimium longum

videtur. Habeo enim nihil temptatis rebus omnibus, in quo acquiescam.

Nam, dum illud tractabam, de quo ad te ante scripsi, quasi fovebam

dolores meos; nunc omnia respuo nec quicquam habeo tolerabilius quam

solitudinem; quam, quod eram veritus, non obturbavit Philippus. Nam, ut

heri me salutavit, statim Romam profectus est.

Epistulam, quam ad Brutum, ut tibi placuerat, scripsi, misi ad te.

Curabis cum tua perferendam.

* * * * *

Page 35

XVIII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 11_, B.C. _45_]

In trying to escape from the painful sting of recollection I take refuge

in recalling something to your memory. Whatever you think of it, please

pardon me. The fact is I find that some of the authors over whom I am

poring now, consider appropriate the very thing that I have often

discussed with you, and I hope you approve of it. I mean the shrine.

Please give it all the attention your affection for me dictates. For my

part I have no doubt about the design (I like Cluatius' design), nor

about the erection (on that I am quite determined); but I have some

doubts about the place. So please consider it. I shall use all the

opportunities of this enlightened age to consecrate her memory by every

kind of memorial borrowed from the genius of all the masters, Greek and

Latin. Perhaps it will only gall my wound: but I consider myself pledged

by a kind of vow or promise; and I am more concerned about the long

ages, when I shall not be here, than about my short day, which, short

though it is, seems all too long to me. I have tried everything and find

nothing that gives me rest. For, while I was engaged on the essay I

mentioned before, I was to some extent fostering my grief. Now I reject

everything and find nothing more tolerable than solitude. Philippus has

not disturbed it as I feared: for after paying me a visit yesterday he

returned at once to Rome.

I have sent you the letter I have written at your suggestion to Brutus.

Please have it delivered with your own. However I have sent you a copy

of it,

* * * * *

Page 36

Eius tamen misi ad te exemplum, ut, si minus placeret, ne mitteres.

Domestica quod ais ordine administrari, scribes, quae sint ea. Quaedam

enim exspecto. Cocceius vide ne frustretur. Nam, Libo quod pollicetur,

ut Eros scribit, non incertum puto. De sorte mea Sulpicio confido et

Egnatio scilicet. De Appuleio quid est quod labores, cum sit excusatio

facilis?

Tibi ad me venire, ut ostendis, vide ne non sit facile. Est enim longum

iter, discedentemque te, quod celeriter tibi erit fortasse faciendum,

non sine magno dolore dimittam. Sed omnia, ut voles. Ego enim, quicquid

feceris, id cum recte turn etiam mea causa factum putabo.

XVIIIa

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae III Id. Mart. a. 709_]

Heri, cum ex aliorum litteris cognovissem de Antoni adventu, admiratus

sum nihil esse in tuis. Sed erant pridie fortasse scriptae quam datae.

Neque ista quidem curo; sed tamen opinor propter praedes suos

accucurrisse.

Quod scribis Terentiam de obsignatoribus mei testamenti loqui, primum

tibi persuade me istaec non curare neque esse quicquam aut parvae curae

aut novae loci. Sed tamen quid simile? Illa eos non

* * * * *

Page 37

so that, if you don't approve of it, you may not send it.

You say my private affairs are being properly managed. Write and tell me

what they are; for there are some things I am expecting to hear about.

See that Cocceius does not disappoint me: for I count Libo's promise, of

which Eros writes, as trustworthy. My capital of course I leave in

Sulpicius' and Egnatius' hands. Why trouble yourself about Appuleius,

when my excuse is so easily made?

About coming to me as you suggest, take care not to inconvenience

yourself. It is a long way, and it will cost me many a pang to let you

go again, when you want to go, which may happen very quickly. But just

as you please. Whatever you do, I shall count it right and know you have

done it for my sake.

XVIIIa

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 13_, B.C. _45_]

When I learned yesterday from other people's letters of Antony's arrival

I wondered there was nothing in yours. But perhaps it was written a day

earlier than it was dated. It does not matter a bit to me; but I suppose

he has rushed back to save his sureties.[58]

Footnote 58:

Antony had bought Pompey's confiscated property, but had not paid for

it, and his sureties were in danger of an execution on their property.

Hence he returned in haste from Narbo, whither he had gone on his way

to joining Caesar in Spain. Cf. the second _Philippic_, 76, 77.

You say Terentia is talking about the witnesses to my will. In the first

place bear in mind that I am not troubling my head about those things,

and this is no time for any new or unimportant business. But anyhow are

the two cases parallel? She did

* * * * *

Page 38

adhibuit, quos existimavit quaesituros, nisi scissent, quid esset. Num

id etiam mihi periculi fuit? Sed tamen faciat illa quod ego. Dabo meum

testamentum legendum, cui voluerit; intelleget non potuisse

honorificentius a me fieri de nepote, quam fecerim. Nam, quod non

advocavi ad obsignandum, primum mihi non venit in mentem, deinde ea re

non venit, quia nihil attinuit. Tute scis, si modo meministi, me tibi

tum dixisse, ut de tuis aliquos adduceres. Quid enim opus erat multis?

Equidem domesticos iusseram. Tum tibi placuit, ut mitterem ad Silium.

Inde est natum, ut ad Publilium; sed necesse neutrum fuit. Hoc tu

tractabis, ut tibi videbitur.

XIX

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae prid. Id. Mart. a. 709_]

Est his quidem locus amoenus et in mari ipso, qui et Antio et Circeiis

aspici possit; sed ineunda nobis ratio est, quem ad modum in omni

mutatione dominorum, quae innumerabiles fieri possunt in infinita

posteritate, si modo haec stabunt, illud quasi consecratum remanere

possit. Equidem iam nihil egeo vectigalibus et parvo contentus esse

possum. Cogito interdum trans Tiberim hortos aliquos parare et quidem ob

hanc causam maxime: nihil enim video, quod tam celebre esse possit. Sed

quos, coram videbimus, ita tamen, ut hac aestate fanum absolutum sit. Tu

tamen cum Apella Chio confice de columnis.

* * * * *

Page 39

not invite anyone she thought would ask questions, if they did not know

the contents of the will. Was I likely to be afraid of anything of the

kind? However let her do what I do. I will hand over my will to anyone

she likes, to read. She will find I could not have treated my grandson

more handsomely than I have. As to my not calling certain people as

witnesses, in the first place it never entered my mind, and in the

second the reason why it never entered it, was because it was of no

importance. You know, if you remember, that I told you to bring some of

your friends. What need was there of many? I had asked members of my

household. Then you thought I ought to send for Silius. Hence it came

about that I sent for Publilius. But neither of them was necessary.

Manage the point as you think fit.

XIX

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 14_, B.C. _45_]

This is certainly a delightful place, right on the sea and within sight

of Antium and Circeii. But we must remember how it may change hands an

infinite number of times in the countless years to come, if our empire

last, and must arrange that that shrine may remain as consecrated

ground. For my part I don't want a large income now and can be contented

with little. I think at times of buying some gardens across the Tiber,

especially for this reason: I don't see any other place that can be so

much frequented. But what gardens, we will consider together; provided

only that the shrine must be completed this summer. However settle with

Apella of Chios about the columns.

* * * * *

Page 40

De Cocceio et Libone quae scribis, approbo, maxime quod de iudicatu meo.

De sponsu si quid perspexeris, et tamen quid procuratores Cornifici

dicant, velim scire, ita ut in ea re te, cum tam occupatus sis, non

multum operae velim ponere. De Antonio Balbus quoque ad me cum Oppio

conscripsit, idque tibi placuisse, ne perturbarer. Illis egi gratias. Te

tamen, ut iam ante ad te scripsi, scire volo me neque isto nuntio esse

perturbatum nec iam ullo perturbatum iri. Pansa si hodie, ut putabas,

profectus est, posthac iam incipito scribere ad me, de Bruti adventu

quid exspectes, id est quos ad dies. Id, si scies, ubi iam sit, facile

coniectura adsequere.

Quod ad Tironem de Terentia scribis, obsecro te, mi Attice, suscipe

totum negotium. Vides et officium agi meum quoddam, cui tu es conscius,

et, ut non nulli putant, Ciceronis rem. Me quidem id multo magis movet,

quod mihi est et sanctius et antiquius, praesertim cum hoc alterum neque

sincerum neque firmum putem fore.

XX

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae Id. Mart. a. 709_]

Nondum videris perspicere, quam me nec Antonius commoverit, nec quicquam

iam eius modi possit commovere. De Terentia autem scripsi ad te eis

litteris, quas dederam pridie. Quod me hortaris idque a ceteris

desiderari scribis, ut dissimulem me tam

* * * * *

Page 41

What you say about Cocceius and Libo I approve, especially as regards my

serving on juries. If you have ascertained anything about my guarantee,

I should like to know, and anyhow, what Cornificius' agents say, though

I don't want you to take much trouble about the matter, when you are so

busy. About Antony, Balbus and Oppius too have written to me saying you

wished them to write, to save me from anxiety. I have thanked them. I

should wish you to know however, as I have said before, that I was not

disturbed at that news and shall never be disturbed at any again. If

Pansa has set out to-day, as you thought, henceforth begin to tell me in

your letters what you expect about Brutus' return, I mean about what

day. That you can easily guess, if you know where he is at the time of

writing.

As regards your letter to Tiro about Terentia, I beg you, Atticus, to

undertake the whole matter. You see there is a question of my duty

concerned, and you know all about that: besides, some think there is my

son's interest. With me it is the first point that weighs most, as being

the more sacred and the more important: especially as I don't think she

is either sincere or reliable about the second.

XX

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 15_, B.C. _45_]

You don't seem yet to see how little Antony disturbed me nor how little

anything of that kind ever can disturb me now. About Terentia I wrote to

you in the letter I sent yesterday. You exhort me and you say others

want me to hide the depth of

* * * * *

Page 42

graviter dolere, possumne magis, quam quod totos dies consume in

litteris? Quod etsi non dissimulationis, sed potius leniendi et sanandi

animi causa facio, tamen, si mihi minus proficio, simulationi certe

facio satis.

Minus multa ad te scripsi, quod exspectabam tuas litteras ad eas, quas

pridie dederam. Exspectabam autem maxime de fano, non nihil etiam de

Terentia. Velim me facias certiorem proximis litteris, Cn. Caepio,

Serviliae Claudi pater, vivone patre suo naufragio perierit an mortuo,

item Rutilia vivone C. Cotta, filio suo, mortua sit an mortuo. Pertinent

ad eum librum, quem de luctu minuendo scripsimus.

XXI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XVI K. Apr. a. 709_]

Legi Bruti epistulam eamque tibi remisi sane non prudenter rescriptam ad

ea, quae requisieras. Sed ipse viderit. Quamquam illud turpiter ignorat.

Catonem primum sententiam putat de animadversione dixisse, quam omnes

ante dixerant praeter Caesarem, et, cum ipsius Caesaris tam severa

fuerit, qui tum praetorio loco dixerit, consularium putat leniores

fuisse, Catuli, Servili, Lucullorum, Curionis, Torquati, Lepidi, Gelli,

Volcaci, Figuli, Cottae, L. Caesaris, C. Pisonis, M'. Glabrionis, etiam

Silani, Murenae, designatorum consulum. Cur ergo in sententiam Catonis?

Quia verbis luculentioribus et pluribus rem eandem comprehenderat. Me

autem hic laudat, quod rettulerim,

* * * * *

Page 43

my grief. Can I do so better than by spending all my days in writing?

Though I do it, not to hide, but rather to soften and to heal my

feelings, still, if I do myself but little good, I certainly keep up

appearances.

My letter is shorter than it might be, because I am expecting your

answer to mine of yesterday. I am most anxious about the shrine and a

little about Terentia too. Please let me know in your next letter

whether Cn. Caepio, father of Claudius' wife Servilia, perished by

shipwreck during his father's life or after his death, and whether

Rutilia died before or after her son C. Cotta.[59] They concern the book

I have written on the lightening of grief.

Footnote 59:

Cotta was a celebrated orator, and held the consulship in 75 B.C. His

mother Rutilia survived him, according to Seneca (_Consol. ad

Helviam_, 16, 7).

XXI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 17_, B.C. _45_]

I have read Brutus' letter and am sending it back to you. It is not at

all a sensible answer to the points in which you found him wanting. But

that is his look out: though in one thing it shows disgraceful ignorance

on his part. He thinks Cato was the first to deliver a speech for the

punishment of the conspirators, though everybody except Caesar had

spoken before him: and that, though Caesar's speech, delivered from the

praetorian bench, was so severe, those of the ex-consuls, Catulus,

Servilius, the Luculli, Curio, Torquatus, Lepidus, Gellius, Volcacius,

Figulus, Cotta, L. Caesar, C. Piso, M'. Glabrio, and even the consuls

elect Silanus and Murena, were milder. Why then was the division taken

on Cato's proposal? Because he had summed up the same matter in clearer

and fuller words. My merit according to Brutus lay in bringing the

affair

* * * * *

Page 44

non quod patefecerim, quod cohortatus sim, quod denique ante, quam

consulerem, ipse iudicaverim. Quae omnia quia Cato laudibus extulerat in

caelum perscribendaque censuerat, idcirco in eius sententiam est facta

discessio. Hic autem se etiam tribuere multum mi putat, quod scripserit

"optimum consulem." Quis enim ieiunius dixit inimicus? Ad cetera vero

tibi quem ad modum rescripsit! Tantum rogat, de senatus consulto ut

corrigas. Hoc quidem fecisset, etiamsi a librario admonitus esset. Sed

haec iterum ipse viderit.

De hortis quoniam probas, effice aliquid. Rationes meas nosti. Si vero

etiam a Faberio recedit, nihil negotii est. Sed etiam sine eo posse

videor contendere. Venales certe sunt Drusi, fortasse etiam Lamiani et

Cassiani. Sed coram.

De Terentia non possum commodius scribere, quam tu scribis. Officium sit

nobis antiquissimum. Si quid nos fefellerit, illius malo me quam mei

paenitere. Oviae C. Lolli curanda sunt HS ¯C¯. Negat Eros posse sine

me, credo, quod accipienda aliqua sit et danda aestimatio. Vellem, tibi

dixisset. Si enim res est, ut mihi scripsit, parata, nec in eo ipso

mentitur, per te confici potuit. Id cognoscas et conficias velim.

* * * * *

Page 45

before the House, not in finding it out, nor in urging them to take

steps, nor yet in making up my own mind before I took the House's

opinion. And it was because Cato extolled those actions of mine to the

skies and moved that they should be put on record, that the vote was

taken on his motion. Brutus again seems to think he is giving me high

praise by calling me an "excellent consul." Why, has anyone, even a

personal enemy, ever used a more grudging term? To the rest of your

criticisms too what a poor answer he has given! He only asks you to

alter the point about the decree of the Senate. He would have done as

much as that at the suggestion of a clerk. But that again is his own

look out.

Since you approve of the garden idea, manage it somehow. You know my

resources. If I get something back[60] from Faberius, there will be no

difficulty. But I think I can manage even without that. Drusus' gardens

are certainly for sale, and I think those of Lamianus and Cassianus too.

But, when we meet.

Footnote 60:

_Recedit_ is generally altered by editors. But for this rare sense of

the word Reid compares _Pro Quinctio_, 38.

About Terentia I cannot say anything more suitable than you do in your

letter. Duty must be my first consideration. If I have made a mistake, I

would rather have to repent for her sake than for my own. C. Lollius'

wife Ovia has to be paid 900 guineas.[61] Eros says it can't be done

without me, I suppose because some property has to pass between us at a

valuation.[62] I wish he had told you. For, if, as he said, the matter

is arranged, and that is not precisely where he is deceiving me, it

could be managed through you. Please find out and finish it.

Footnote 61:

100,000 sesterces.

Footnote 62:

_Aestimatio_ = land made over by a debtor to a creditor at a

valuation.

* * * * *

Page 46

Quod me in forum vocas, eo vocas, unde etiam bonis meis rebus fugiebam.

Quid enim mihi foro sine iudiciis, sine curia, in oculos incurrentibus

iis, quos aequo animo videre non possum? Quod autem a me homines

postulare scribis ut Romae sim neque mihi ut absim concedere,[63] aut

aliquatenus[64] eos mihi concedere, iam pridem scito esse, cum unum te

pluris quam omnes illos putem. Ne me quidem contemno meoque iudicio

multo stare malo quam omnium reliquorum. Neque tamen progredior longius,

quam mihi doctissimi homines concedunt; quorum scripta omnia, quaecumque

sunt in eam sententiam, non legi solum, quod ipsum erat fortis aegroti,

accipere medicinam, sed in mea etiam scripta transtuli, quod certe

adflicti et fracti animi non fuit. Ab his me remediis noli in istam

turbam vocare, ne recidam.

Footnote 63:

ut Romae ... concedere _added by old editors_.

Footnote 64:

aliquatenus _Andresen_: quatenus _MSS._

XXII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XV K. Apr. a. 709_]

De Terentia quod mihi omne onus imponis, non cognosco tuam in me

indulgentiam. Ista enim sunt ipsa vulnera, quae non possum tractare sine

maximo gemitu. Moderare igitur, quaeso, ut potes. Neque enim a te plus,

quam potes, postulo. Potes autem, quid veri sit, perspicere tu unus. De

Rutilia quoniam videris dubitare, scribes ad me, cum scies, sed quam

primum, et num Clodia D. Bruto consulari, filio suo, mortuo vixerit. Id

de Marcello aut certe

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Page 47

In calling me back to the forum, you call me to a place I shunned even

in my happy days. What have I to do with a forum, where there are no

lawcourts, no Senate, and where people are continually obtruding

themselves on my sight, whom I cannot endure to see? You say people are

demanding my presence at Rome, and will not allow me to be absent, or at

any rate only for a certain time. Rest assured that I have long held you

at a higher value than them all. Myself too I do not underrate, and I

far prefer to trust my own judgment than that of all the rest. However I

am not going further than the wisest heads allow. I have not only read

all their writings on the point, which in itself shows I am a brave

invalid and take my medicine, but I have transferred them to my own

work; and that certainly does not argue a mind crushed and enfeebled. Do

not call me back from these remedies into that busy life, for fear I

relapse.

XXII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 18_, B.C. _45_]

About Terentia, I do not recognise your usual consideration for me in

throwing the whole weight of the matter on me. For those are the very

wounds I cannot touch without deep groans. So please spare me, if you

can. For I am not asking you more than you can do. You and you only can

see what is fair. About Rutilia, as you seem to have doubts, write and

let me know as soon as you know, but let that be as soon as possible:

and also whether Clodia survived her son D. Brutus the ex-consul. The

latter you can find out from Marcellus, or at any

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Page 48

de Postumia sciri potest, illud autem de M. Cotta aut de Syro aut de

Satyro.

De hortis etiam atque etiam rogo. Omnibus meis eorumque, quos scio mihi

non defuturos, facultatibus (sed potero meis) enitendum mihi est. Sunt

etiam, quae vendere facile possim. Sed ut non vendam eique usuram

pendam, a quo emero, non plus annum, possum adsequi, quod volo, si tu me

adiuvas. Paratissimi sunt Drusi; cupit enim vendere. Proximos puto

Lamiae; sed abest. Tu tamen, si quid potes, odorare. Ne Silius quidem

quicquam utitur suis et is[65] usuris facillime sustentabitur. Habe tuum

negotium, nec, quid res mea familiaris postulet, quam ego non curo, sed

quid velim, existima.

Footnote 65:

suis et is _Wesenberg_: et iis _MSS._

XXIII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XIV K. Apr. a. 709_]

Putaram te aliquid novi, quod eius modi fuerat initium litterarum,

"quamvis non curarem, quid in Hispania fieret, tamen te scripturum"; sed

videlicet meis litteris respondisti ut de foro et de curia. Sed domus

est, ut ais, forum. Quid ipsa domo mihi opus est carenti foro?

Occidimus, occidimus, Attice, iam pridem nos quidem, sed nunc fatemur,

posteaquam unum, quo tenebamur, amisimus. Itaque solitudinem sequor, et

tamen, si qua me res isto adduxerit, enitar, si quo modo potero (potero

autem), ut praeter te nemo dolorem meum sentiat, si ullo modo poterit,

ne tu

* * * * *

Page 49

rate from Postumia, the former from M. Cotta or Syrus or Satyrus.

About the gardens I earnestly entreat your aid. I must employ all my own

resources and those of friends, who I know will not desert me: but I can

manage with my own. There are things I could sell easily too. But

without selling anything, if I pay interest to the person from whom I

buy for no more than a year, I can get what I want, if you assist me.

The most available are those of Drusus, as he wants to sell. The next I

think are Lamia's; but he is away. However scent out anything you can.

Silius again never uses his at all, and he will very easily be satisfied

with the interest. Regard it as your own business, and don't consider

what suits my purse, for that I don't care, but what suits me.

XXIII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 19_, B.C. _45_]

From the beginning of your letter "though I did not care what happened

in Spain, still you would write," I thought you had some news from me:

but I see you have answered my letter only as regards the forum and the

Senate. But, you say, my house at Rome is a forum. What is the good of

the house alone to me, if I have not the forum? I am dead and done for,

Atticus, and have been this long while: but now I confess it, when I

have lost the one link that bound me to life. So what I want is

solitude. Still if in my despite anything drags me to Rome, I shall

strive, if possible (and I will make it possible), to keep my grief from

all eyes but yours, and, if it is anyhow possible, even from yours.

* * * * *

Page 50

quidem. Atque etiam illa causa est non veniendi. Meministi, quid ex te

Aledius quaesierit. Qui etiam nunc molesti sunt, quid existimas, si

venero?

De Terentia ita cura, ut scribis, meque hac ad maximas aegritudines

accessione non maxima libera. Et, ut scias me ita dolere, ut non iaceam,

quibus consulibus Carneades et ea legatio Romam venerit, scriptum est in

tuo annali: haec nunc quaero quae causa fuerit. De Oropo, opinor, sed

certum nescio. Et, si ita est, quae controversiae. Praeterea, qui eo

tempore nobilis Epicureus fuerit Athenisque praefuerit hortis, qui etiam

Athenis πολιτικοὶ fuerint illustres. Quae etiam ex Apollodori puto posse

inveniri.

De Attica molestum, sed, quoniam leviter, recte esse confido. De Gamala

dubium non mihi erat. Unde enim tam felix Ligus pater? Nam quid de me

dicam, cui ut omnia contingant, quae volo, levar non possum?

De Drusi hortis, quanti licuisse tu scribis, id ego quoque audieram, et,

ut opinor, heri ad te scripseram; sed quantiquanti, bene emitur, quod

necesse est. Mihi, quoquo modo tu existimas (scio enim, ego ipse quid de

me existimem), levatio quaedam est, si minus doloris, at officii debiti.

Ad Siccam scripsi, quod utitur L. Cotta. Si nihil conficietur de

Transtiberinis, habet in Ostiensi Cotta

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Page 51

Besides there is this reason for not coming. You remember the questions

Aledius asked you. They are annoying to me even now. What do you suppose

they will be, if I come?

Arrange about Terentia as you say, and rid me of this addition—though

not the weightiest—to my weighty griefs and sorrows. To show you that my

sorrow is not prostration, you have entered in your Chronicle the date

of the visit of Carneades and that famous embassy to Rome:[66] I want to

know now the cause of its coming. I think it was about Oropus: but I am

not certain. And, if that is so, what was the point in question?

Further, who was the most distinguished Epicurean of the time and the

head of the Garden at Athens; also who were the famous politicians

there? I think you can find all those things in Apollodorus' book.

Footnote 66:

Three celebrated philosophers, Carneades, Diogenes, and Critolaus,

came to Rome in 155 B.C. to plead against the fine of 500 talents

imposed on Athens for raiding Oropus.

It is annoying about Attica; but, as it is a mild attack, I expect it

will be all right. About Gamala I had no doubt. For why was his father

Ligus so fortunate? Need I mention my own case, when I am incapable of

getting relief, though everything I wish were to happen.

The price you mention for Drusus' gardens I too had heard, and had

written about it to you, yesterday I think. Whatever the price is, what

is necessary is cheap. In my eyes, whatever you may think—for I know

what I think of myself—it relieves my mind of a bounden duty, if not of

sorrow.

I have written to Sicca, because he is intimate with L. Cotta. If

nothing can be managed about gardens across the Tiber, Cotta has some at

Ostia in

* * * * *

Page 52

celeberrimo loco, sed pusillum loci, ad hanc rem tamen plus etiam quam

satis. Id velim cogites. Nec tamen ista pretia hortorum pertimueris. Nec

mihi iam argento nec veste opus est nec quibusdam amoenis locis; hoc

opus est. Video etiam, a quibus adiuvari possim. Sed loquere cum Silio;

nihil enim est melius. Mandavi etiam Siccae. Rescripsit constitutum se

cum eo habere. Scribet igitur ad me, quid egerit, et tu videbis.

XXIV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XIII K. Apr. a. u. c. 709_]

Bene fecit A. Silius, qui transegerit. Neque enim ei deesse volebam et,

quid possem, timebam. De Ovia confice, ut scribis. De Cicerone tempus

esse iam videtur; sed quaero, quod illi opus erit, Athenis permutarine

possit an ipsi ferendum sit, de totaque re, quem ad modum et quando

placeat, velim consideres. Publilius iturusne sit in Africam et quando,

ex Aledio scire poteris. Quaeras et ad me scribas velim. Et, ut ad meas

ineptias redeam, velim me certiorem facias, P. Crassus, Venuleiae

filius, vivone P. Crasso consulari, patre suo, mortuus sit, ut ego

meminisse videor, an post. Item quaero de Regillo, Lepidi filio, rectene

meminerim patre vivo mortuum. Cispiana explicabis itemque Preciana. De

Attica optime. Et ei salutem dices et Piliae.

* * * * *

Page 53

a very public place. They are cramped for room, but more than sufficient

for this purpose. Please think of that. But don't be afraid of the price

you mention for the gardens. I don't want plate or raiment or any

pleasant places now: I want this. I see, too, who can help me. But speak

to Silius; you can't do better. I have given Sicca a commission too. He

answered that he has made an appointment with him. So he will write and

tell me what he has done, and you will see to it.

XXIV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Astura, March 20_, B.C. _45_]

I am glad Silius has settled the business: for I did not want to fail

him and was afraid I might not be able to manage it. Settle about Ovia

as you say. As to my son it seems high time now; but I want to know

whether he can get a draft for his allowance changed at Athens or

whether he must take it with him; and as regards the whole matter please

consider how and when you think he ought to go. Whether Publilius is

going to Africa and when, you can find out from Aledius. Please enquire

and let me know. And, to return to my own nonsense, please inform me

whether P. Crassus, the son of Venuleia, died in the lifetime of his

father, P. Crassus the ex-consul, as I seem to remember, or after his

death. I also want to know whether my recollection is right that

Regillus, son of Lepidus, died in his father's lifetime. You must settle

the business about Cispius and Precius. As to Attica, bravo! Pay my

respects to her and to Pilia.

* * * * *

Page 54

XXV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XII K. Apr. a. 709_]