tu idem scribis. Mihi et res et condicio placet, sed ita, ut numerato
malim quam aestimatione. Voluptarias enim possessiones nolet Silius;
vectigalibus autem ut his possum esse contentus, quae habeo, sic vix
minoribus. Unde ergo numerate? HS ¯DC¯ exprimes ab Hermogene, cum
praesertim necesse erit, et domi video esse HS ¯DC¯. Reliquae pecuniae
vel usuram Silio pendemus, dum a Faberio, vel cum aliquo, qui Faberio
debet, repraesentabimus. Erit etiam aliquid alicunde. Sed totam rem tu
gubernabis. Drusianis vero hortis multo antepono, neque sunt umquam
comparati. Mihi crede, una me causa movet, in qua scio me τετυφῶσθαι.
Sed, ut facis, obsequere huic errori meo. Nam, quod scribis "ἐγγήραμα,"
actum iam de isto est; alia magis quaero.
XXVI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XI K. Apr. a. 709_]
Sicca, ut scribit, etiamsi nihil confecerit cum A. Silio, tamen se
scribit X Kal. esse venturum. Tuis
* * * * *
Page 55
XXV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 21_, B.C. _45_]
Sicca has written to me in detail about Silius, and says he has reported
the matter to you; and you say the same in your letter. I am pleased
with the property and the conditions, except that I would rather pay
money down than assign property at a valuation. Silius will not want
show places and I can make myself contented on the income I have, though
hardly on less. So where can I get ready money? You can extort 5,000
guineas[67] from Hermogenes, especially as it will be necessary; and I
find I have another 5,000 by me. For the rest of the money I will either
pay interest to Silius, until I get it from Faberius, or get the money
to pay with at once from some debtor of Faberius. There will be some
coming in too from other quarters. But you can take charge of the whole
matter. I much prefer them to Drusus' gardens; indeed the two have never
been compared. Believe me I am actuated by one single motive. I know I
have gone silly about it; but continue to bear with my folly. For it is
no use your talking about a place to grow old in[68]; that is all over.
There are other things I want more.
Footnote 67:
600,000 sesterces.
Footnote 68:
For ἐγγήραμα cf. XII. 29; others take it to mean a "solace for old
age."
XXVI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 22_, B.C. _45_]
According to his letter Sicca is coming to me on the 23rd, even if he
has not settled anything with A. Silius. You I excuse on the score of
business,
* * * * *
Page 56
occupationibus ignosco, eaeque mihi sunt notae. De voluntate tua, ut
simul simus, vel studio potius et cupiditate non dubito. De Nicia quod
scribis, si ita me haberem, ut eius humanitate frui possem, in primis
vellem illum mecum habere. Sed mihi solitudo et recessus provincia est.
Quod quia facile ferebat Sicca, eo magis illum desidero. Praeterea nosti
Niciae nostri imbecillitatem, mollitiam, consuetudinem victus. Cur ergo
illi molestus esse velim, cum mihi ille iucundus esse non possit?
Voluntas tamen eius mihi grata est. Unam rem ad me scripsisti, de qua
decrevi nihil tibi rescribere. Spero enim me a te impetrasse, ut
privares me ista molestia. Piliae et Atticae salutem.
XXVII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae X K. Apr. a. 709_]
De Siliano negotio, etsi mihi non est ignota condicio, tamen hodie me ex
Sicca arbitror omnia cogniturum. Cottae quod negas te nosse, ultra
Silianam villam est, quam puto tibi notam esse, villula sordida et valde
pusilla, nil agri, ad nullam rem loci satis nisi ad eam, quam quaero.
Sequor celebritatem. Sed, si perficitur de hortis Sili, hoc est si
perficis (est enim totum positum in te), nihil est scilicet, quod de
Cotta cogitemus.
De Cicerone, ut scribis, ita faciam; ipsi permittam
* * * * *
Page 57
knowing what your business is. I have no doubt of your wish, or rather
your eager desire, to be with me. You mention Nicias.[69] If I were in a
condition to enjoy his cultivated conversation, he is one of the first
persons I should wish to have with me. But solitude and retirement are
my proper sphere: and it is because Sicca can content himself with that,
that I am the more eager for his visit. Besides you know how delicate
our Nicias is, and his luxurious way of living. So why should I want to
put him to inconvenience, when he cannot give me any pleasure? However I
am grateful to him for wishing it. There is one point you wrote about,
which I have made up my mind not to answer. For I hope I have prevailed
upon you to relieve me from the burden.[70] My greetings to Pilia and
Attica.
Footnote 69:
A grammarian of Cos. Cf. VII. 3.
Footnote 70:
Cicero refers to the arrangement with Terentia for the repayment of
her dowry.
XXVII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 23_, B.C. _45_]
As to the business with Silius, I know the terms well enough, but I
expect to hear full details from Sicca to-day. Cotta's place, which you
say you don't know, is beyond Silius' house, which I think you know. It
is a shabby little house and very tiny, with no ground, and not big
enough for anything except the purpose for which I require it. I am
looking for a public position. But, if the matter is being settled about
Silius' gardens,—that is, if you settle it, for it rests entirely with
you—there is no reason for thinking of Cotta.
About my son I will do as you say. I will leave
* * * * *
Page 58
de tempore. Nummorum quantum opus erit, ut permutetur, tu videbis. Ex
Aledio, quod scribas, si quid inveneris, scribes. Et ego ex tuis
animadverto litteris, et profecto tu ex meis, nihil habere nos quod
scribamus, eadem cotidie, quae iam iamque ipsa contrita sunt. Tamen
facere non possum, quin cotidie ad te mittam, ut tuas accipiam. De Bruto
tamen, si quid habebis. Scire enim iam puto, ubi Pansam exspectet. Si,
ut consuetudo est, in prima provincia, circiter Kal. adfuturus videtur.
Vellem tardius; valde enim urbem fugio multas ob causas. Itaque id ipsum
dubito, an excusationem aliquam ad illum parem; quod quidem video facile
esse. Sed habemus satis temporis ad cogitandum. Piliae, Atticae salutem.
XXVIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae IX K. Apr. a. 709_]
De Silio nilo plura cognovi ex praesente Sicca quam ex litteris eius.
Scripserat enim diligenter. Si igitur tu illum conveneris, scribes ad
me, si quid videbitur. De quo putas ad me missum esse, sit missum necne,
nescio; dictum quidem mihi certe nihil est. Tu igitur, ut coepisti, et,
si quid ita conficies, quod equidem non arbitror fieri posse, ut illi
probetur, Ciceronem, si tibi placebit, adhibebis. Eius aliquid interest
videri illius causa voluisse, mea quidem
* * * * *
Page 59
the time to him. See that he is provided with a bill of exchange for as
much as is necessary. If you have been able to get anything out of
Aledius, as you say, write and tell me. I gather from your letter, and
certainly you will from mine, that we have nothing to say to each
other—the same old things day after day, though they are long ago worn
threadbare. Still I cannot help sending to you every day to get a letter
from you. However tell me about Brutus, if you have any information. For
I suppose he knows now where to expect Pansa. If, as is generally the
case, on the border of his province, he ought to be here about the first
of the month. I wish it were later; for there are plenty of reasons why
I shun the city. So I am even wondering whether I should make some
excuse to him. I could do so easily enough. But there is plenty of time
to think about it. My greetings to Pilia and Attica.
XXVIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 24_, B.C. _45_]
About Silius I have learned nothing more from Sicca now he is here than
from his letter, for he had written quite fully. So if you meet him,
write and tell me your views. As to the matter on which you think a
message has been sent to me, I don't know whether one has been sent or
not; certainly not a word has been said to me. So go on as you have
begun, and, if you come to any arrangement that satisfies her, which I
don't think at all likely, take my son with you to her, if you like. It
is to his interest to appear to have wanted to do something to
* * * * *
Page 60
nihil nisi id, quod tu scis, quod ego magni aestimo.
Quod me ad meam consuetudinem revocas, fuit meum quidem iam pridem rem
publicam lugere, quod faciebam, sed mitius; erat enim, ubi acquiescerem.
Nunc plane nec ego victum nec vitam illam colere possum, nec in ea re,
quid aliis videatur, mihi puto curandum; mea mihi conscientia pluris est
quam omnium sermo. Quod me ipse per litteras consolatus sum, non
paenitet me, quantum profecerim. Maerorem minui, dolorem nec potui nec,
si possem, vellem.
De Triario bene interpretaris voluntatem meam. Tu vero nihil, nisi ut
illi volent. Amo illum mortuum, tutor sum liberis, totam domum diligo.
De Castriciano negotio, si Castricius pro mancipiis pecuniam accipere
volet eamque ita[71] solvi, ut nunc solvitur, certe nihil est commodius.
Sin autem ita actum est, ut ipsa mancipia abduceret, non mihi videtur
esse aequum (rogas enim me, ut tibi scribam, quid mihi videatur); nolo
enim negotii Quintum fratrem quicquam habere; quod videor mihi
intellexisse tibi videri idem. Publilius, si aequinoctium exspectat, ut
scribis Aledium dicere, navigaturus videtur. Mihi autem dixerat per
Siciliam. Utrum et quando, velim scire. Et velim aliquando, cum erit
tuum commodum, Lentulum puerum visas eique de mancipiis, quae tibi
videbitur, attribuas. Piliae, Atticae salutem.
Footnote 71:
ita _Tyrrell_: ei _MSS._
* * * * *
Page 61
please her; I have no interest in the matter, except that you know of,
which I consider important.
You call me back to my old way of life. Well, I have long been bewailing
the loss of the Republic, and that was what I was doing, though less
strongly; for I had one harbour of refuge. Now I positively cannot
follow my old way of life and employment; nor do I think I ought to care
what others think about that. My own conscience is more to me than all
their talk. For the consolation I have sought in writing, I am not
discontented with my measure of success. It has made me show my grief
less; but the grief itself I could not lessen, nor would I, if I could.
About Triarius you interpret my wishes well. However do nothing without
his family's consent. I love him, though he is dead: I am guardian to
his children, and feel affection for all his household. As regards the
business with Castricius, if he is willing to take money estimated at
its present rate instead of the slaves, nothing could be more
convenient. But, if things have gone so far that he is taking the slaves
away, I don't think it is fair to him to ask him (you ask me to give you
my real opinion); for I don't want my brother Quintus to have any
bother, and I rather fancy you take the same view. If Publilius is
waiting for the equinox, as you say Aledius tells you, I suppose he is
going by sea; but he told me he was going by way of Sicily. I should
like to know which it is and when. I should like you too some time at
your convenience to pay a visit to little Lentulus[72] and assign him
such of the household as you think fit. Love to Pilia and Attica.
Footnote 72:
The son of Tullia and Dolabella, so called because Dolabella was
adopted into the plebeian _gens_ of the Lentuli in 49 B.C. in order to
stand for the tribunate.
* * * * *
Page 62
XXIX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae VIII K. Apr. a. 709_]
Silius, ut scribis, hodie. Cras igitur, vel potius cum poteris, scribes,
si quid erit, cum videris. Nec ego Brutum vito nec tamen ab eo
levationem ullam exspecto; sed erant causae; cur hoc tempore istic esse
nollem. Quae si manebunt, quaerenda erit excusatio ad Brutum, et, ut
nunc est, mansurae videntur.
De hortis, quaeso, explica. Caput illud est, quod scis. Sequitur, ut
etiam mihi ipsi quiddam opus sit; nec enim esse in turba possum nec a
vobis abesse. Huic meo consilio nihil reperio isto loco aptius, et de
hac re quid tui consilii sit. Mihi persuasum est, et eo magis, quod idem
intellexi tibi videri, me ab Oppio et Balbo valde diligi. Cum his
communices, quanto opere et quare velim hortos; sed id ita posse, si
expediatur illud Faberianum; sintne igitur auctores futuri. Si qua etiam
iactura facienda sit in repraesentando, quoad possunt, adducito; totum
enim illud desperatum. Denique intelleges, ecquid inclinent ad hoc meum
consilium adiuvandum. Si quid erit, magnum est adiumentum; si minus,
quacumque ratione contendamus. Vel tu illud "ἐγγήραμα," quem ad modum
scripsisti, vel ἐντάφιον putato. De illo Ostiensi nihil est cogitandum.
Si hoc non assequimur (a Lamia non puto posse), Damasippi experiendum
est.
* * * * *
Page 63
XXIX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 25_, B.C. _45_]
You say you will see Silius to-day; so to-morrow, or as soon as you can,
write, if anything comes of your meeting. I am not trying to avoid
Brutus, though I don't expect to get any consolation from him. But there
are reasons why I do not want to go there at this particular time. If
those reasons continue to exist, I shall have to find some excuse to
offer him, and by the look of things at present, I think they will
continue.
As for the gardens, please finish the business. The main point is what
you know. A further consideration is that I myself want something of the
kind; for I cannot exist in a crowd, nor can I be far from you. For my
purpose I cannot see anything better adapted than that particular place,
and I should like to know what your opinion is. I am quite sure,
especially as I see you think so too, that Oppius and Balbus are very
fond of me. Let them know how eager I am for the gardens and why; but
that it is only possible, if the business with Faberius is settled; and
ask whether they will go bail for the payment. Even if I must bear some
loss in return for getting ready money, draw them on as far as they will
go: for there is no chance of getting the full debt. In fact, find out
if they show any inclination to assist my plan. If they do, it is a
great assistance; if not, we must manage somehow or other. Look upon it
as "a place to grow old in," to use your own phrase, or if you like as a
burial place for me. It is no use thinking of the place at Ostium. If we
don't get this, I feel sure, we shall not get Lamia's; so we must try
for Damasippus' place.
* * * * *
Page 64
XXX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae VI K. Apr. a. 709_]
Quaero, quod ad te scribam, sed nihil est. Eadem cotidie. Quod Lentulum
invisis, valde gratum. Pueros attribue ei, quot et quos videbitur. De
Sili voluntate vendendi et de eo, quanti, tu vereri videris, primum ne
nolit, deinde ne tanti. Sicca aliter; sed tibi adsentior. Quare, ut ei
placuit, scripsi ad Egnatium. Quod Silius te cum Clodio loqui vult,
potes id mea voluntate facere, commodiusque est quam, quod ille a me
petit, me ipsum scribere ad Clodium. De mancipiis Castricianis
commodissimum esse credo transigere Egnatium, quod scribis te ita
futurum putare. Cum Ovia, quaeso, vide ut conficiatur. Quoniam, ut
scribis, nox erat, in hodierna epistula plura exspecto.
XXXI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae IV K. Apr. a. 709_]
Silium mutasse sententiam Sicca mirabatur. Equidem magis miror, quod,
cum in filium causam conferret, quae mihi non iniusta videtur (habet
enim, qualem vult), ais te putare, si addiderimus aliud, a quo refugiat,
cum ab ipso id fuerit destinatum, venditurum. Quaeris a me, quod summum
pretium
* * * * *
Page 65
XXX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 27_, B.C. _45_]
I am trying to find something to say to you; but there is nothing. The
same things every day. I am much obliged to you for paying a visit to
Lentulus. Assign him as many slaves as you like and select them
yourself. As to Silius' inclination to sell and his price, you seem to
fear first that he won't want to sell and secondly not at that price.
Sicca thought differently; but I agree with you. So, as he suggested, I
wrote to Egnatius. Silius wants you to speak to Clodius. You have my
full consent to do so, indeed it is more convenient than for me to write
to Clodius myself, as he wanted. As to Castricius' slaves I think it is
most convenient that Egnatius should carry the matter through,[73] as
you say you think he will. With Ovia please see that some arrangement is
made. As you say it was night when you wrote, I expect more in to-day's
letter.
Footnote 73:
Shuckburgh takes this as "I think Egnatius is making a very good
bargain." But it seems difficult to get that out of the Latin. Cf.
also XII. 32, 1.
XXXI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 29_, B.C. _45_]
Sicca is surprised that Silius has changed his mind. For my part I am
more surprised that, when he makes his son the excuse—and it seems to me
a good enough excuse, as his son is all he could wish—you say you think
he will sell, if we add one other thing, which he shrinks from
mentioning, though he has set his heart on it.[74] You ask me to fix my
Footnote 74:
Others take _destinare_ here in the Plautine sense of "buy"; and
Shuckburgh translates the end of the sentence "if we should include
something else, which he is anxious to get rid of, as he had of his
own accord determined not to do so."
* * * * *
Page 66
constituam et quantum anteire istos hortos Drusi. Accessi numquam;
Coponianam villam et veterem et non magnam novi, silvam nobilem, fructum
autem neutrius, quod tamen puto nos scire oportere. Sed mihi utrivis
istorum tempore magis meo quam ratione aestimandi sunt. Possim autem
adsequi necne, tu velim cogites. Si enim Faberianum venderem, explicare
vel repraesentatione non dubitarem de Silianis, si modo adduceretur, ut
venderet. Si venales non haberet, transirem ad Drusum vel tanti, quanti
Egnatius illum velle tibi dixit. Magno etiam adiumento nobis Hermogenes
potest esse in repraesentando. At tu concede mihi, quaeso, ut eo animo
sim, quo is debeat esse, qui emere cupiat, et tamen ita servio
cupiditati et dolori meo, ut a te regi velim.
XXXII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae V K. Apr. a. 709_]
Egnatius mihi scripsit. Is si quid tecum locutus erit (commodissime enim
per eum agi potest), ad me scribes, et id agendum puto. Nam cum Silio
non video confici posse. Piliae et Atticae salutem.
Haec ad te mea manu. Vide, quaeso, quid agendum sit. Publilia ad me
scripsit matrem suam, cum Publilio videretur,[75] ad me cum illo
venturam, et se una, si ego paterer. Orat multis et supplicibus verbis,
ut liceat, et ut sibi rescribam. Res quam molesta
Footnote 75:
videretur _Klotz_: loqueretur _MSS._
* * * * *
Page 67
outside price and say how much I prefer them to Drusus' gardens. I have
never been in them; I know Coponius' country house is old and not very
large and the wood a fine one; but I don't know what either brings in,
and that I think we ought to know. But for me either of them should be
reckoned rather by my need than by the market value. However please
consider whether I can get them or not. If I were to sell my claim on
Faberius, I should have no doubt about settling for Silius' gardens even
with ready money, if only he could be induced to sell. If his are not
for sale, I should have recourse to Drusus, even at the price Egnatius
said he asked. Hermogenes too can be a great assistance to me in getting
ready money. You must not mind my being eager, one ought to be when one
is wanting to make a purchase. However I won't give way to my wishes and
my grief so far as not to be ruled by you.
XXXII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 28_, B.C. _45_]
Egnatius has written to me. If he has spoken to you, write and tell me,
for the matter can be arranged most conveniently through him, and I
think that is what ought to be done. For I don't see any chance of
settling with Silius. My greetings to Pilia and Attica.
The rest I have written myself. Pray see what can be done. Publilia has
written to me that her mother is coming to me with Publilius at his
suggestion and that she will come too, if I will let her. She begs me
urgently and humbly to allow her and to answer her. You see what a
nuisance it is. I
* * * * *
Page 68
sit, vides. Rescripsi mi etiam gravius esse quam tum, cum illi dixissem
me solum esse velle. Quare nolle me hoc tempore eam ad me venire.
Putabam, si nihil rescripsissem, illam cum matre venturam; nunc non
puto. Apparebat enim illas litteras non esse ipsius. Illud autem, quod
fore video, ipsum volo vitare, ne illae ad me veniant, et una est
vitatio, ut ego avolem. Nollem, sed necesse est. Te hoc nunc rogo, ut
explores, ad quam diem hic ita possim esse, ut ne opprimar. Ages, ut
scribis, temperate.
Ciceroni velim hoc proponas, ita tamen, si tibi non iniquum videbitur,
ut sumptus huius peregrinationis, quibus, si Romae esset domumque
conduceret, quod facere cogitabat, facile contentus futurus erat,
accommodet ad mercedes Argileti et Aventini, et, cum ei proposueris,
ipse velim reliqua moderere, quem ad modum ex iis mercedibus
suppeditemus ei, quod opus sit. Praestabo nec Bibulum nec Acidinum nec
Messallam, quos Athenis futuros audio, maiores sumptus facturos, quam
quod ex eis mercedibus recipietur. Itaque velim videas, primum
conductores qui sint et quanti, deinde ut sit, qui ad diem solvat, et
quid viatici, quid instrumenti satis sit. Iumento certe Athenis nihil
opus est. Quibus autem in via utatur, domi sunt plura, quam opus erat,
quod etiam tu animadvertis.
XXXIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae VII K. Apr. a. 709_]
Ego, ut heri ad te scripsi, si et Silius is fuerit, quem tu putas, nec
Drusus facilem se praebuerit, Damasippum velim adgrediare. Is, opinor,
ita partes
* * * * *
Page 69
answered that I was even worse than when I told her I wanted to be
alone; so she must not think of coming to me at the present time. I
thought, if I had not answered, she would come with her mother, now I
don't think she will. For evidently that letter is not her own. But the
thing that I see will happen—that they will come to me—is the very thing
I want to avoid, and the one way of avoiding it is for me to flee. I
don't want to, but I must. Now I want you to find out how long I can
stay without being caught. Act as you say, with moderation.
Please suggest to my son, that is if you think it fair, that he should
keep the expenses of this journey within the rents of my property in the
Argiletum and the Aventine, with which he would have been quite
contented, if he stayed in Rome and hired a house, as he was thinking of
doing: and, when you have made the suggestion, I should like you to
arrange the rest, so that we may supply him with what is necessary from
those rents. I will guarantee that neither Bibulus nor Acidinus nor
Messalla, who I hear are at Athens, will spend more than he will get out
of those rents. So please see who the tenants are and what they pay,
secondly that they are punctual payers, and what journey money and
outfit will suffice. There is certainly no need of a carriage at Athens,
while for what he wants on the journey, we have more than enough, as you
also observe.
XXXIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 26_, B.C. _45_]
As I said in my letter yesterday, if Silius is the sort of man you think
him and Drusus is hard to deal with, I should like you to approach
Damasippus. He
* * * * *
Page 70
fecit in ripa nescio quotenorum iugerum, ut certa pretia constitueret;
quae mihi nota non sunt. Scribes ad me igitur, quicquid egeris.
Vehementer me sollicitat Atticae nostrae valetudo, ut verear etiam, ne
quae culpa sit. Sed et paedagogi probitas et medici adsiduitas et tota
domus in omni genere diligens me rursus id suspicari vetat. Cura igitur;
plura enim non possum.
XXXIV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae III K. Apr. a. 709_]
Ego hic vel sine Sicca (Tironi enim melius est) facillime possem esse ut
in malis, sed, cum scribas videndum mihi esse, ne opprimar, ex quo
intellegam te certum diem illius profectionis non habere, putavi esse
commodius me istuc venire; quod idem video tibi placere. Cras igitur in
Siccae suburbano. Inde, quem ad modum suades, puto me in Ficulensi fore.
Quibus de rebus ad me scripsisti, quoniam ipse venio, coram videbimus.
Tuam quidem et in agendis nostris rebus et in consiliis ineundis mihique
dandis in ipsis litteris, quas mittis, benevolentiam, diligentiam,
prudentiam mirifice diligo. Tu tamen, si quid cum Silio, vel illo ipso
die, quo ad Siccam venturus ero, certiorem me velim facias, et maxime
cuius loci detractionem fieri velit. Quod enim scribis "extremi," vide,
ne is ipse locus sit, cuius causa de tota re, ut scis, est a nobis
cogitatum. Hirti epistulam tibi misi et recentem et benevole scriptam.
* * * * *
Page 71
I think, has divided up his property on the banks of the Tiber into lots
of so and so many acres with fixed prices, which I don't know. So write
and tell me, whatever you do.
I am much disturbed about dear Attica's ill-health, it almost makes me
fear it is somebody's fault. But the good character of her tutor, the
attention of her doctor, and the carefulness of the whole household in
every way forbid me to entertain that suspicion. So take care of her. I
can write no more.
XXXIV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 30_, B.C. _45_]
I could be very comfortable here considering my troubles even without
Sicca—for Tiro is better; but, as you tell me to look out that I'm not
caught, by which I am to understand you can't fix a day for the
departure I mentioned, I thought the best thing would be to go to Rome.
That I see is your opinion too. So to-morrow I shall go to Sicca's
suburban place. Then I think I will stay at your place at Ficulea, as
you suggest. The matters you have mentioned we will investigate
together, as I am coming. Your kindness, diligence and good sense both
in managing my affairs and in forming plans and suggesting them in your
letters, goes to my heart wonderfully. However, if you do anything with
Silius, even on the very day of my arrival at Sicca's place, please let
me know, especially which part he wants to withdraw. You say "the far
end." Take care that is not the very bit which, as you know, set me
thinking about the thing at all. I am sending you a letter of Hirtius',
which has just come. It is kindly expressed.
* * * * *
Page 72
XXXV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. fort. in suburbano Siccae K. vesp. aut mane VI Non.
Mai. a. 709_]
Antequam a te proxime discessi, numquam mihi venit in mentem, quo plus
insumptum in monimentum esset quam nescio quid, quod lege conceditur,
tantundem populo dandum esse. Quod non magno opere moveret, nisi nescio
quomodo, ἀλόγως fortasse nollem illud ullo nomine nisi fani appellari.
Quod si volumus, vereor, ne adsequi non possimus nisi mutato loco. Hoc
quale sit, quaeso, considera. Nam, etsi minus urgeor meque ipse prope
modum collegi, tamen indigeo tui consilii. Itaque te vehementer etiam
atque etiam rogo, magis quam a me vis aut pateris te rogari, ut hanc
cogitationem toto pectore amplectare.
XXXVI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae V Non. Mai. a. 709_]
Fanum fieri volo, neque hoc mihi erui potest. Sepulcri similitudinem
effugere non tam propter poenam legis studeo, quam ut maxime adsequar
ἀποθεώσιν. Quod poteram, si in ipsa villa facerem; sed, ut saepe locuti
sumus, commutationes dominorum reformido. In agro ubicumque fecero, mihi
videor adsequi posse, ut posteritas habeat religionem. Hae meae tibi
ineptiae (fateor enim) ferendae sunt; nam habeo ne me quidem ipsum,
quicum tam audacter communicem quam tecum. Sin tibi res, si locus, si
institutum
* * * * *
Page 73
XXXV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _At Sicca's house, May 1 or 2_, B.C. _45_]
It never occurred to me before I left you the other day, that if
anything is spent on a monument in excess of whatever it is that the law
allows, one has to give an equal sum to the public funds. That would not
disturb me much, if it were not that somehow or other, perhaps without
any good reason, I should be sorry for it to be called anything but a
shrine. If I want that, I'm afraid I can't have it, unless I change the
site. Please consider what there is in this point. For though I am less
anxious and have almost recovered myself, still I want your advice. So I
entreat you with more urgency than you wish or allow me to use, to give
your whole mind to considering this question.
XXXVI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 3_, B.C. _45_]
I want it to be a shrine, and that idea cannot be rooted out of my mind.
I am anxious to avoid its being taken for a tomb, not so much on account
of the legal penalty as to get as near to deification as possible. That
would be possible, if it were in the actual house where she died; but,
as I have often said, I am afraid of its changing hands. Wherever I
build it in the open, I think I can contrive that posterity shall
respect its sanctity. You must put up with these foolish fancies of
mine, for such I confess they are; for there is no one, not even myself,
with whom I talk so freely as with you. But, if you approve of the
project, the place and
* * * * *
Page 74
placet, lege, quaeso, legem mihique eam mitte. Si quid in mentem veniet,
quo modo eam effugere possimus, utemur.
Ad Brutum si quid scribes, nisi alienum putabis, obiurgato eum, quod in
Cumano esse noluerit propter eam causam, quam tibi dixit. Cogitanti enim
mihi nihil tam videtur potuisse facere rustice. Et, si tibi placebit sic
agere de fano, ut coepimus, velim cohortere et exacuas Cluatium. Nam,
etiamsi alio loco placebit, illius nobis opera consilioque utendum puto.
Tu ad villam fortasse cras.
XXXVII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae IV Non. Mai. a. 709_]
A te heri duas epistulas accepi, alteram pridie datam Hilaro, alteram
eodem die tabellario, accepique ab Aegypta liberto eodem die Piliam et
Atticam plane belle se habere. Quod mihi Bruti litteras, gratum. Ad me
quoque misit; quae litterae mihi redditae sunt tertio decimo die. Eam
ipsam ad te epistulam misi et ad eam exemplum mearum litterarum.
De fano, si nihil mihi hortorum invenis, qui quidem tibi inveniendi
sunt, si me tanti facis, quanti certe facis, valde probo rationem tuam
de Tusculano. Quamvis prudens ad cogitandum sis, sicut es, tamen, nisi
magnae curae tibi esset, ut ego consequerer id, quod magno opere vellem,
numquam ea res tibi tam belle in mentem venire potuisset. Sed nescio quo
pacto celebritatem requiro; itaque hortos mihi conficias
* * * * *
Page 75
the plan, please read the law and send it to me. If any means of
avoiding it occurs to you, we will adopt it.
If you should be writing to Brutus and don't think it out of place,
reproach him for refusing to stay in my house at Cumae for the reason he
gave you. For when I come to think of it, I don't think he could have
done anything ruder. If you think we ought to go on with our idea about
the shrine, I should like you to speak to Cluatius and spur him on. For,
even if we decide on another place, I think we must make use of his
labour and advice. Perhaps you may be going to your country house
to-morrow.
XXXVII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 4_, B.C. _45_]
Yesterday I received two letters from you, one given the day before to
Hilarus, the other on the same day to a letter-carrier; and on the same
day I heard from my freedman Aegypta that Pilia and Attica are quite
well. Thanks for sending Brutus' letter. He sent one to me too, which
only reached me on the thirteenth day. I am forwarding the letter itself
and a copy of my answer.
About the shrine, if you don't get me any gardens—and you ought, if you
love me as much as I know you do—I approve highly of your scheme about
the place at Tusculum. In spite of your acute powers of thought so
bright an idea would never have come into your head, unless you had been
very anxious for me to secure what I was very much bent on having. But
somehow or other I want a public place; so you must contrive to get me
some gardens.
* * * * *
Page 76
necesse est. Maxuma est in Scapulae celebritas, propinquitas praeterea
ubi sis, ne totum diem in villa. Quare, antequam discedis, Othonem, si
Romae est, convenias pervelim. Si nihil erit, etsi tu meam stultitiam
consuesti ferre, eo tamen progrediar, uti stomachere. Drusus enim certe
vendere vult. Si ergo aliud non erit, mea[76] erit culpa, nisi emero.
Qua in re ne labar, quaeso, provide. Providendi autem una ratio est, si
quid de Scapulanis possumus. Et velim me certiorem facias, quam diu in
suburbano sis futurus.
Footnote 76:
non erit, mea _Graevius_: erit, non mea _M_.
Apud Terentiam tam gratia opus est nobis tua quam auctoritate. Sed
facies, ut videbitur. Scio enim, si quid mea intersit, tibi maiori curae
solere esse quam mihi.
XXXVIIa
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae III Non. Mai. a. 709_]
Hirtius ad me scripsit Sex. Pompeium Corduba exisse et fugisse in
Hispaniam citeriorem, Gnaeum fugisse nescio quo; neque enim curo. Nihil
praeterea novi. Litteras Narbone dedit XIIII Kal. Maias. Tu mihi de
Canini naufragio quasi dubia misisti. Scribes igitur, si quid erit
certius. Quod me a maestitia avocas, multum levaris, si locum fano
dederis. Multa mihi εἰς ἀποθέωσιν in mentem veniunt, sed loco valde opus
est. Quare etiam Othonem vide.
* * * * *
Page 77
Scapula's are the most public, and besides they are near and one can be
there without spending the whole day in the country. So before you go
away, I should very much like you to see Otho, if he is in town. If it
comes to nothing, I shall go to such lengths as to rouse your wrath,
accustomed though you are to my folly. For Drusus certainly is willing
to sell. So, if there is nothing else, it will be my fault if I don't
buy. Pray see that I don't make any mistake about it. The only way of
making sure against that is to get some of Scapula's land, if possible.
Please let me know, too, how long you are going to be in your suburban
estate.
With Terentia her liking for you may help as much as your influence. But
do as you think fit. For I know that you are generally more solicitous
about my interests than I am myself.
XXXVIIa
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 5_, B.C. _45_]
Hirtius tells me Sextus Pompeius has quitted Cordova and fled into
Northern Spain, while Gnaeus has fled, I know not whither, nor do I
care. No other news. His letter was posted from Narbo on the 18th of
April. You mentioned Caninius' shipwreck as though it was doubtful; so
let me know, if there is any certain information. You bid me cast off
melancholy; very well, you will take a great load off my mind, if you
give me a site for the shrine. Many points occur to me in favour of
deification; but I badly want a place. So see Otho too.
* * * * *
Page 78
XXXVIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae prid. Non. Mai. a. 709_]
Non dubito, quin occupatissimus fueris, qui ad me nihil litterarum; sed
homo nequam, qui tuum commodum non exspectarit, cum ob eam unam causam
missus esset. Nunc quidem, nisi quid te tenuit, suspicor te esse in
suburbano. At ego hic scribendo dies totos nihil equidem levor, sed
tamen aberro.
Asinius Pollio ad me scripsit de impuro nostro cognato. Quod Balbus
minor nuper satis plane, Dolabella obscure, hic apertissime. Ferrem
graviter, si novae aegrimoniae locus esset. Sed tamen ecquid impurius? O
hominem cavendum! Quamquam mihi quidem—sed tenendus dolor est. Tu,
quoniam necesse nihil est, sic scribes aliquid, si vacabis.
XXXVIIIa
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae Non. Mai. a. 709_]
Quod putas oportere pervideri iam animi mei firmitatem graviusque
quosdam scribis de me loqui quam aut te scribere aut Brutum, si, qui me
fractum esse animo et debilitatum putant, sciant, quid litterarum et
cuius generis conficiam, credo, si modo homines sint, existiment me,
sive ita levatus sim, ut animum vacuum ad res difficiles scribendas
adferam,
* * * * *
Page 79
XXXVIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 6_, B.C. _45_]
I have no doubt you are overwhelmingly busy, as you send me no letter.
But what a scoundrel not to wait for your convenience when I sent him
for that very reason! Now I suppose you are in your suburban estate,
unless anything kept you. I sit here writing all day long, and get no
relief, though it does distract my thoughts.
Asinius Pollio has written about my blackguardly kinsman.[77] Balbus the
younger gave me a clear enough hint lately, Dolabella a vague one, and
Pollio states it quite openly. I should be annoyed, if there were any
room left for a new sorrow. But could anything be more blackguardly?
What a dangerous fellow! Though to me—— But I must restrain my feelings.
There is no necessity for you to write, only write, if you have time.
Footnote 77:
His nephew, who had joined Caesar and was traducing him.
XXXVIIIa
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 7_, B.C. _45_]
You think there ought to be outward and visible signs of my composure of
spirit by this time, and you say some speak more severely of me than
either you or Brutus mention in your letters. If those who think my
spirit is crushed and broken knew the amount and the nature of the
literary work I am doing, I fancy, if they are human, they would hold me
guiltless. There is nothing to blame me for, if I have so far recovered
as to have my mind free to engage in difficult writing, and even
something
* * * * *
Page 80
reprehendendum non esse, sive hanc aberrationem a dolore delegerim, quae
maxime liberalis sit doctoque homine dignissima, laudari me etiam
oportere. Sed, cum ego faciam omnia, quae facere possim ad me
adlevandum, tu effice id, quod video te non minus quam me laborare. Hoc
mihi debere videor, neque levari posse, nisi solvero aut videro me posse
solvere, id est locum, qualem velim, invenero. Heredes Scapulae si istos
hortos, ut scribis tibi Othonem dixisse, partibus quattuor factis liceri
cogitant, nihil est scilicet emptori loci; sin venibunt, quid fieri
possit, videbimus. Nam ille locus Publicianus, qui est Treboni et
Cusini, erat ad me allatus. Sed scis aream esse. Nullo pacto probo.
Clodiae sane placent, sed non puto esse venales. De Drusi hortis,
quamvis ab iis abhorreas, ut scribis, tamen eo confugiam, nisi quid
inveneris. Aedificatio me non movet. Nihil enim aliud aedificabo nisi
id, quod etiam, si illos non habuero. Κῦρος δʹ, εʹ mihi sic placuit ut
cetera Antisthenis, hominis acuti magis quam eruditi.
XXXIX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae VIII Id. Mai. a. 709_]
Tabellarius ad me cum sine litteris tuis venisset, existimavi tibi eam
causam non scribendi fuisse, quod pridie scripsisses ea ipsa, ad quam
rescripsi, epistula.
* * * * *
Page 81
to praise me for, if I have chosen this mode of diverting my thoughts as
the most cultivated and the one most worthy of a man of learning. But,
when I am doing everything I can to cast off my sorrow, do you make an
end of what I see you are as much concerned about as myself. I regard it
as a debt and I cannot lay aside my care, till I have paid it or see
that I can pay it, that is, till I have found a suitable place. If
Scapula's heirs are thinking of dividing his garden into four parts and
bidding for them among themselves, as you say Otho has told you, then
there is no chance for a purchaser; but, if they put them up for sale,
we will see what we can do. For that place of Publicius', which now
belongs to Trebonius and Cusinius, has been offered to me; but you know
it is a mere building plot. I can't put up with it at any price.
Clodia's gardens I like, but I don't think they are for sale. Though you
dislike Drusus' gardens, I shall have to come back to them, unless you
find something. The building does not bother me. I shall only be
building what I shall build in any case, even if I don't have the
gardens. I am as pleased with "_Cyrus_, Books IV. and V." as with the
rest of Antisthenes' works, though he is ingenious rather than
learned.[78]
Footnote 78:
Antisthenes was the founder of the Cynic School at Athens. He wrote a
work in ten volumes, of which two, books 4 and 5, were called _Cyrus_.
XXXIX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 8_, B.C. _45_]
As a postman arrived without any letter from you, I inferred the reason
was what you mentioned yesterday in the letter I am answering. Still I
* * * * *
Page 82
Exspectaram tamen aliquid de litteris Asini Pollionis. Sed nimium ex meo
otio tuum specto. Quamquam tibi remitto, nisi quid necesse erit, necesse
ne habeas scribere, nisi eris valde otiosus.
De tabellariis facerem, quod suades, si essent ullae necessariae
litterae, ut erant olim, cum tamen brevioribus diebus cotidie
respondebant tempori tabellarii, et erat aliquid, Silius, Drusus, alia
quaedam. Nunc, nisi Otho exstitisset, quod scriberemus, non erat; id
ipsum dilatum est. Tamen adlevor, cum loquor tecum absens, multo etiam
magis, cum tuas litteras lego. Sed, quoniam et abes (sic enim arbitror),
et scribendi necessitas nulla est, conquiescent litterae, nisi quid novi
exstiterit.
XL
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae VII Id. Mai. a. 709_]
Qualis futura sit Caesaris vituperatio contra laudationem meam, perspexi
ex eo libro, quem Hirtius ad me misit; in quo colligit vitia Catonis,
sed cum maximis laudibus meis. Itaque misi librum ad Muscam, ut tuis
librariis daret. Volo enim eum divulgari; quod quo facilius fiat,
imperabis tuis.
Συμβουλευτικὸν saepe conor. Nihil reperio et quidem mecum habeo et
Ἀριστοτέλους et Θεοπόμπου libros πρὸς Ἀλέξανδρον. Sed quid simile? Illi,
et quae ipsis honesta essent, scribebant et grata Alexandro. Ecquid tu
eius modi reperis? Mihi quidem
* * * * *
Page 83
expected something about Asinius Pollio's letter. But I am too apt to
reckon your leisure by my own. However I give you leave not to think
yourself bound to write, except in case of necessity, unless you have
plenty of leisure.
About the letter carriers I would do as you suggest, if there were any
pressing letters, as there were lately. Then, however, the carriers kept
up to their time every day, though the days were shorter, and we had
something to write about, Silius, Drusus, and other things. Now, if Otho
had not cropped up, there is nothing; and even that nothing has been
deferred. However it cheers me to talk with you when we are not
together, and still more to read your letters. But, as you are not at
home (for I think you are not), and there is no necessity to write, let
there be a truce to writing, unless some new point arises.
XL
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 9_, B.C. _45_]
What sort of thing Caesar's invective against my panegyric will be, I
have seen from the book, which Hirtius has sent me. He has collected in
it all Cato's faults, but given me high praise. So I have sent the book
to Musca to pass on to your copyists; for I want it to be published. To
facilitate that, please give your men orders.
I try my hand often at an essay of advice. I can't find anything to say;
and yet I have by me Aristotle's and Theopompus' books to Alexander. But
what analogy is there? They could write what was honourable to
themselves and acceptable to Alexander. Can you find anything of that
sort?
* * * * *
Page 84
nihil in mentem venit. Quod scribis te vereri, ne et gratia et
auctoritas nostra hoc meo maerore minuatur, ego, quid homines aut
reprehendant aut postulent, nescio. Ne doleam? Qui potest? Ne iaceam?
Quis umquam minus? Dum tua me domus levabat, quis a me exclusus? quis
venit, qui offenderet? Asturam sum a te profectus. Legere isti laeti,
qui me reprehendunt, tam multa non possunt, quam ego scripsi. Quam bene,
nihil ad rem, sed genus scribendi id fuit, quod nemo abiecto animo
facere posset. Triginta dies in hortis fui. Quis aut congressum meum aut
facilitatem sermonis desideravit? Nunc ipsum ea lego, ea scribo, ut ii,
qui mecum sunt, difficilius otium ferant quam ego laborem. Si quis
requirit, cur Romae non sim: quia discessus est; cur non sim in eis meis
praediolis, quae sunt huius temporis; quia frequentiam illam non facile
ferrem. Ibi sum igitur, ubi is, qui optimas Baias habebat, quotannis hoc
tempus consumere solebat. Cum Romam venero, nec vultu nec oratione
reprehendar. Hilaritatem illam, qua hanc tristitiam temporum
condiebamus, in perpetuum amisi, constantia et firmitas nec animi nec
orationis requiretur.
De hortis Scapulanis hoc videtur effici posse, aliud tua gratia, aliud
nostra, ut praeconi subiciantur. Id nisi fit, excludemur. Sin ad tabulam
venimus, vincemus
* * * * *
Page 85
Nothing occurs to me. You say you are afraid my influence and my
authority will be lessened by this sorrow of mine. For my part I don't
see what people are complaining of or what they expect of me. Not to
grieve? How is that possible! Not to be prostrated? No one was ever less
prostrated. While I sought relief in your house, I was at home to every
caller; and no one, who came, felt in the way. I came to Astura straight
from you. Those cheerful friends of yours who blame me cannot read as
much as I have written. How well it is written is not to the point, but
it was a kind of writing that no one whose spirit was broken could do. I
have been thirty days in these gardens. Who has failed to get access to
me or conversation with me? At this very moment I am writing and reading
so much that the people with me find the holiday harder work than I find
working. If anyone asks why I am not in town, "because it is the
vacation": why I am not at one of my little places, where it is now the
season, "because I could not put up with the crowd of visitors." So I am
staying where the man, who prized Baiae more than anyone, always used to
spend this part of the year. When I come to Rome, they shall have
nothing to find fault with in my looks or my conversation. The
cheerfulness with which I used to temper the sadness of the times, I
have lost for ever: but there shall be no lack of courage and firmness
in my bearing or my words.
As to Scapula's gardens, it seems possible that, as a favour, partly to
you and partly to me, they may be put up at auction. If not, we are cut
out. But, if it comes to an auction, my eagerness
* * * * *
Page 86
facultates Othonis nostra cupiditate. Nam, quod ad me de Lentulo
scribis, non est in eo. Faberiana modo res certa sit, tuque enitare,
quod facis, quod volumus, consequemur.
Quod quaeris, quam diu hic: paucos dies. Sed certum non habeo. Simul ac
constituero, ad te scribam, et tu ad me, quam diu in suburbano sis
futurus. Quo die ego ad te haec misi, de Pilia et Attica mihi quoque
eadem, quae scribis, et scribuntur et nuntiantur.
XLI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae V Id. Mai. a. 709_]
Nihil erat, quod scriberem. Scire tamen volebam, ubi esses; si abes aut
afuturus es, quando rediturus esses. Facies igitur certiorem. Et, quod
tu scire volebas, ego quando ex hoc loco, postridie Idus Lanuvi
constitui manere, inde postridie in Tusculano aut Romae. Utrum sim
facturus, eo ipso die scies.
Scis, quam sit φιλαίτιον συμφορά, minime in te quidem, sed tamen avide
sum adfectus de fano, quod nisi non dico effectum erit, sed fieri videro
(audebo hoc dicere, et tu, ut soles, accipies), incursabit in te dolor
meus, non iure ille quidem, sed tamen feres hoc ipsum, quod scribo, ut
omnia mea fers ac tulisti. Omnes tuas consolationes unam hanc in rem
velim conferas. Si quaeris, quid optem, primum Scapulae,
* * * * *
Page 87
for them will conquer Otho's purse. For as to what you say about
Lentulus, he can't run to it. If only the business with Faberius is
settled and you make an effort, as you are doing, we shall get what we
want.
You ask how long I am staying here: only a few days. But I am not
certain. As soon as I have made up my mind, I will write to you: and do
you write to me how long you are staying in your estate. On the day on
which I am sending this I too got the news you send me about Pilia and
Attica by letter and by word of mouth.
XLI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 11_, B.C. _45_]
I have nothing to write. But I want to know, where you are; and, if you
are away or are going away, when you will return. So please send me
word. You wanted to know, when I am leaving here: I have made up my mind
to stay at Lanuvium on the 16th, and then at Tusculum or at Rome on the
next day. Which I am going to do, you shall know on the day itself.
You know how full of grievances misfortune makes one. I have none
against you; but still I have a hungry longing for the shrine. I will
venture to say so much, and you must take it as you usually do, that
unless I see it being built, I don't say finished, my resentment will
redound on you, quite unjustly, but you will put up with what I am
saying, as you put up with all my moods and always have put up with
them. I wish you would confine your attempts at consolation to that one
point. If you want to know my wishes, I choose Scapula's place
* * * * *
Page 88
deinde Clodiae, postea, si Silius nolet, Drusus aget iniuste, Cusini et
Treboni. Puto tertium esse dominum, Rebilum fuisse certo scio. Sin autem
tibi Tusculanum placet, ut significasti quibusdam litteris, tibi
adsentiar. Hoc quidem utique perficies, si me levari vis, quem iam etiam
gravius accusas, quam patitur tua consuetudo, sed facis summo amore et
victus fortasse vitio meo. Sed tamen, si me levari vis, haec est summa
levatio vel, si verum scire vis, una.
Hirti epistulam si legeris, quae mihi quasi πρόπλασμα videtur eius
vituperationis, quam Caesar scripsit de Catone, facies me, quid tibi
visum sit, si tibi erit commodum, certiorem. Redeo ad fanum. Nisi hac
aestate absolutum erit, quam vides integram restare, scelere me
liberatum non putabo.
XLII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae VI Id. Mai. a. 709_]
Nullum a te desideravi diem litterarum; videbam enim, quae scribis, et
tamen suspicabar vel potius intellegebam nihil fuisse, quod scriberes;
a. d. VI Idus vero et abesse te putabam et plane videbam nihil te
habere. Ego tamen ad te fere cotidie mittam; malo enim frustra, quam te
non habere, cui des, si quid forte sit, quod putes me scire oportere.
Itaque accepi VI Idus litteras tuas inanes. Quid enim habebas, quod
scriberes? Mi tamen illud, quicquid erat,
* * * * *
Page 89
first, and then Clodia's: after them, if Silius won't agree and Drusus
acts unfairly, Cusinius' and Trebonius' property. I think there is a
third owner: I know for certain that Rebilus was one. If however you
prefer my place at Tusculum, as you hinted in a letter, I will agree.
Get the thing finished somehow, if you want to see me consoled. You are
blaming me already more severely than is your wont, but you do it most
affectionately, and I suppose it is my fault for making you do so.
However, if you wish to see me consoled, this is the best consolation,
or rather, to tell the truth, the only one.
If you have read Hirtius' letter, which seems to me a sort of first
sketch of the tirade Caesar has written against Cato, let me know what
you think of it, if you can. I return to the shrine. If it is not
finished this summer (and we have the whole summer before us), I shall
not think myself free from guilt.
XLII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 10_, B.C. _45_]
I have never asked you to fix a regular day for your letters: for I see
the point you mention, and yet I suspect or rather I know there was
nothing for you to write. On the 10th indeed I think you were away, and
I am quite aware you have no news. However I shall write to you nearly
every day: for I prefer to send letters to no purpose rather than for
you to have no messenger to give one to, if there should be anything you
think I ought to know. So on the 10th I got your letter with nothing in
it. For what was there for you to put in it? However, the little
* * * * *
Page 90
non molestum fuit, ut nihil aliud, scire me novi te nihil habere.
Scripsisti tamen nescio quid de Clodia. Ubi ergo ea est aut quando
ventura? Placet mihi res sic, ut secundum Othonem nihil magis. Sed neque
hanc vendituram puto (delectatur enim et copiosa est), et, illud alterum
quam sit difficile, te non fugit. Sed, obsecro, enitamur, ut aliquid ad
id, quod cupio, excogitemus.
Ego me hinc postridie Id. exiturum puto, sed aut in Tusculanum aut
domum, inde fortasse Arpinum. Cum certum sciero, scribam ad te.
XLIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae IV Id. Mai. a. 709_]
Venerat mihi in mentem monere te, ut id ipsum, quod facis, faceres.
Putabam enim commodius te idem istud domi agere posse interpellatione
sublata.
Ego postridie Idus, ut scripsi ad te ante, Lanuvi manere constitui, inde
aut Romae aut in Tusculano; scies ante, utrum. Quod scribis[79] recte
illam rem fore levamento, bene facis, tamen id est[80] mihi crede
perinde, ut existimare tu non potes. Res indicat quanto opere id cupiam,
cum tibi audeam confiteri, quem id non ita valde probare arbitrer. Sed
ferendus tibi in hoc meus error. Ferendus? immo vero etiam adiuvandus.
De Othone diffido, fortasse quia cupio. Sed tamen maior etiam res est
quam facilitates nostrae,
Footnote 79:
scribis _Boot_: scies _M_.
Footnote 80:
tamen id est _Wesenberg_: cum id esse _M_.
* * * * *
Page 91
there was, was pleasant to me: if nothing else, it taught me you had no
news.
But you say something or other about Clodia. Where is she then or when
is she coming? I prefer her grounds to anyone's except Otho's. But I
don't think she will sell: she likes the place and has plenty of money:
and how difficult the other thing is, you are well aware. But pray let
us make an effort to think out some way of getting what I want.
I think of leaving here on the 16th; but either for Tusculum or for
Rome, and then on perhaps to Arpinum. When I know for certain, I will
write.
XLIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 12_, B.C. _45_]
It had occurred to me to advise you to do exactly what you are doing.
For I thought you could get that particular business over more
conveniently at home without any fear of interruption.
As I said before, I intend to stop at Lanuvium on the 16th, and then
either at Rome or Tusculum. You shall know in advance which. You are
right in saying that will lighten my sorrow, but believe me it will do
so to an extent which you cannot imagine. How eagerly I desire it you
can judge from my daring to confess it to you, though I think you do not
very much approve of it. But you must bear with my aberration. Bear with
it? Nay you must help me in it. I have doubts about Otho, perhaps
because I am eager for his place. But anyhow the property is beyond my
means, especially
* * * * *
Page 92
praesertim adversario et cupido et locuplete et herede. Proximum est, ut
velim Clodiae. Sed, si ista minus confici possunt, effice quidvis. Ego
me maiore religione, quam quisquam fuit ullius voti, obstrictum puto.
Videbis etiam Trebonianos, etsi absunt domini. Sed, ut ad te heri
scripsi, considerabis etiam de Tusculano, ne aestas effluat; quod certe
non est committendum.
XLIV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae III Id. Mai. a. 709_]
Et Hirtium aliquid ad te συμπαθῶς de me scripsisse facile patior (fecit
enim humane) et te eius epistulam ad me non misisse multo facilius; tu
enim etiam humanius. Illius librum, quem ad me misit de Catone,
propterea volo divulgari a tuis, ut ex istorum vituperatione sit illius
maior laudatio.
Quod per Mustelam agis, habes hominem valde idoneum meique sane
studiosum iam inde a Pontiano. Perfice igitur aliquid. Quid autem aliud,
nisi ut aditus sit emptori? quod per quemvis heredem potest effici. Sed
Mustelam id perfecturum, si rogaris, puto. Mihi vero et locum, quem
opto, ad id, quod volumus, dederis et praeterea ἐγγήραμα. Nam illa Sili
et Drusi non satis οἰκοδεσποτικὰ mihi videntur. Quid enim? sedere totos
dies in villa? Ista igitur malim, primum Othonis, deinde Clodiae. Si
nihil fiet, aut Druso ludus est suggerendus aut utendum Tusculano.
* * * * *
Page 93
when we have to bid against a man, who is eager for the place, wealthy
and one of his heirs. What I should prefer after that is Clodia's. But,
if nothing can be done about those, do anything. I count myself more
bound by sacred obligation than anyone ever was by any vow. Look into
Trebonius' place too, though the owners are away. But, as I wrote
yesterday, consider my Tusculan place too, that the summer may not slip
away. That certainly must not happen.
XLIV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 13_, B.C. _45_]
I am not at all annoyed that Hirtius wrote to you about me in a
sympathetic tone (he was acting kindly), and still less at your not
sending his letter to me, in which you were acting even more kindly. The
reason why I want your copyists to circulate the book he sent me about
Cato, is that their abuse may enhance Cato's reputation.
You say you are negotiating through Mustela. He is a very suitable
person and very devoted to me since the affair of Pontianus. So get
something settled. But what is wanted except an opening for a purchaser?
And that could be got through any of the heirs. But I think Mustela will
manage that, if you ask him. You will have provided me not only with the
very place I want for my purpose, but a place to grow old in besides.
For Silius' and Drusus' places don't seem to me quite fit for a
paterfamilias. Why, I should have to spend whole days in the country
house. So I prefer the others, Otho's first and then Clodia's. If
nothing comes of it, then we must play a trick on Drusus or fall back on
the place at Tusculum.
* * * * *
Page 94
Quod domi te inclusisti, ratione fecisti; sed, quaeso, confice et te
vacuum redde nobis. Ego hinc, ut scripsi antea, postridie Idus Lanuvi,
deinde postridie in Tusculano. Contudi enim animum et fortasse vici, si
modo permansero. Scies igitur fortasse eras, summum perendie.
Sed quid est, quaeso? Philotimus nec Carteiae Pompeium teneri (qua de re
litterarum ad Clodium Patavinum missarum exemplum mihi Oppius et Balbus
miserant, se id factum arbitrari) bellumque narrat reliquum satis
magnum. Solet omnino esse Fulviniaster. Sed tamen, si quid habes. Volo
etiam de naufragio Caniniano scire quid sit.
Ego hic duo magna συντάγματα absolvi; nullo enim alio modo a miseria
quasi aberrare possum. Tu mihi, etiamsi nihil erit, quod scribas, quod
fore ita video, tamen id ipsum scribas velim, te nihil habuisse, quod
scriberes, dum modo ne his verbis.
XLV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano XVI K. Iun. a. 709_]
De Attica optime. Ἀκηδία tua me movet, etsi scribis nihil esse. In
Tusculano eo commodius ero, quod et crebrius tuas litteras accipiam et
te ipsum non numquam videbo; nam ceteroqui ἀνεκτότερα erant Asturae. Nec
haec, quae refricant, hic me magis
* * * * *
Page 95
You have done wisely in shutting yourself up at home. But please get
your business over and let me find you with some leisure again. As I
said before, I am going from here to Lanuvium on the 16th, then on the
17th to Tusculum. For I have crushed down my feelings and perhaps have
conquered them, if only it will last. So you shall hear to-morrow
perhaps, at the latest the day after.
But what is this, pray? Philotimus says Pompey is not shut in at Carteia
(about that Oppius and Balbus had sent me a copy of a letter to Clodius
of Patavium, saying they thought he was) and that there is quite an
important war yet to come. Of course he always is a parody of
Fulvinius.[81] However have you any news? I want to know the facts about
the shipwreck of Caninius too.
Footnote 81:
Of Fulvinius nothing is known, save what is inferred from this
passage, that he was a person given to spreading false reports.
I have finished two large treatises[82] here. It was the only way I
could get away from my misery. As for you, even if you have nothing to
write, which I think will be the case, write and tell me that you have
nothing to say, provided you don't use those very words.
Footnote 82:
The _Academica_ and _De Finibus_, unless, as Reid suggests, the
_Academica_ alone is meant, as that was originally divided into two
books.
XLV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 17_, B.C. _45_]
That's good news about Attica. I am worried about your listlessness,
though you say it is nothing. I shall find Tusculum more convenient, as
I shall get letters from you more frequently and see you yourself at
times: for in other respects things were more endurable at Astura. My
feelings are not
* * * * *
Page 96
angunt; etsi tamen, ubicumque sum, illa sunt mecum. De Caesare vicino
scripseram ad te, quia cognoram ex tuis litteris. Eum σύνναον Quirini
malo quam Salutis. Tu vero pervulga Hirtium. Id enim ipsum putaram, quod
scribis, ut, cum ingenium amici nostri probaretur, ὑπόθεσις vituperandi
Catonis irrideretur.
XLVI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae Id. Mai. a. 709_]
Vincam, opinor, animum et Lanuvio pergam in Tusculanum. Aut enim mihi in
perpetuum fundo illo carendum est (nam dolor idem manebit, tantum modo
occultius), aut nescio, quid intersit, utrum illuc nunc veniam an ad
decem annos. Neque enim ista maior admonitio, quam quibus adsidue
conficior et dies et noctes. "Quid ergo?" inquies, "nihil litterae?" In
hac quidem re vereor ne etiam contra; nam essem fortasse durior. Exculto
enim animo nihil agreste, nihil inhumanum est.
Tu igitur, ut scripsisti, nec id incommodo tuo. Vel binae enim poterunt
litterae. Occurram etiam, si necesse erit. Ergo id quidem, ut poteris.
* * * * *
Page 97
more harrowed by galling memories here than there; though to be sure,
wherever I am, they are with me. I wrote to you about your "neighbour"
Caesar, because I learned about it from your letters. I would rather see
him sharing the temple of Quirinus than of Safety.[83] Yes, publish
Hirtius' book. I thought the same as you say, that our friend's talent
was shown by it, while its object, blackening Cato's character, only
looked ridiculous.
Footnote 83:
A statue of Caesar with the inscription _Deo Invicto_ had been put
recently in the temple of Quirinus on the Quirinal hill, which he had
restored after its destruction by fire in 49 B.C. Atticus' house and
the temple of Salus were also on the Quirinal.
XLVI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, May 15_, B.C. _45_]
I think I shall conquer my feelings and go from Lanuvium to Tusculum.
For I must either give up that estate for ever (for my grief will remain
the same, only less visible), or it does not matter a straw whether I go
there now or ten years hence. The place will not remind me of her any
more than the thoughts that harass me day and night. "Oh!" you will say,
"so books do not help." In this respect I am afraid they make it worse:
perhaps I should have been braver without. For in a cultivated mind
there is no roughness and no insensibility.
So you will come to me as you said, and only that if convenient. A
letter apiece will be enough. I will even come to meet you, if
necessary. So that shall be as you find possible.
* * * * *
Page 98
XLVII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Lanuvi XVII K. Iun. a. 709_]
De Mustela, ut scribis, etsi magnum opus est. Eo magis delabor ad
Clodiam. Quamquam in utroque Faberianum nomen explorandum est. De quo
nihil nocuerit si aliquid cum Balbo eris locutus, et quidem, ut res est,
emere nos velle, nee posse sine isto nomine, nec audere re incerta. Sed
quando Clodia Romae futura est, et quanti rem aestimas? Eo prorsus
specto, non quin illud malim, sed et magna res est et difficile certamen
cum cupido, cum locuplete, cum herede. Etsi de cupiditate nemini
concedam; ceteris rebus inferiores sumus. Sed haec coram.
XLVIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Lanuvi XVI K. Iun. mane a. 709_]
Hirti librum, ut facis, divulga. De Philotimo idem et ego arbitrabar.
Domum tuam pluris video futuram vicino Caesare. Tabellarium meum hodie
exspectamus. Nos de Pilia et Attica certiores faciet.
Domi te libenter esse facile credo. Sed velim scire, quid tibi restet,
aut iamne confeceris. Ego te in Tusculano exspecto, eoque magis, quod
Tironi statim te venturum scripsisti et addidisti te putare opus esse.
* * * * *
Page 99
XLVII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Lanuvium, May 16_, B.C. _45_]
About Mustela, do as you say, though it will be a big business. For that
reason I incline more to Clodia; though in both cases we must find out
about Faberius' debt. There will be no harm in your speaking to Balbus
about it and telling him, what is the truth, that we want to buy, but
cannot without getting in that debt, and dare not, until something is
settled. But when is Clodia going to be in Rome, and how much do you
think it will cost? Why I turn my thoughts to it is not that I should
not prefer the other, but it is a big venture and it is difficult to
contend with one who is eager for it, rich and one of the heirs. As far
as eagerness goes, I yield to no one, but in the other respects we are
worse off. However of this when we meet.
XLVIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Lanuvium, May 17_, B.C. _45_]
Go on publishing Hirtius' book. About Philotimus I agree with you. I see
your house will go up in value now you have Caesar for a neighbour. I am
expecting my messenger to-day. He will tell me about Pilia and Attica.
I can easily believe you are glad to be at home: but I should like to
know what business you still have or if you have finished now. I am
expecting you at Tusculum, especially as you told Tiro you were coming
at once, adding that you thought it necessary.
* * * * *
Page 100
XLIX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano XIV K. Iun. a. 709_]
Sentiebam omnino, quantum mihi praesens prodesses, sed multo magis post
discessum tuum sentio. Quam ob rem, ut ante ad te scripsi, aut ego ad te
totus aut tu ad me, quod licebit.
Heri non multo post, quam tu a me discessisti, puto, quidam urbani, ut
videbantur, ad me mandata et litteras attulerunt a. C. Mario C. f. C. n.
multis verbis "agere mecum per cognationem, quae mihi secum esset, per
eum Marium, quem scripsissem, per eloquentiam L. Crassi, avi sui, ut se
defenderem," causamque suam mihi perscripsit. Rescripsi patrono illi
nihil opus esse, quondam Caesaris, propinqui eius, omnis potestas esset,
viri optimi et hominis liberalissimi; me tamen ei fauturum. O tempora!
fore, cum dubitet Curtius consulatum petere! Sed haec hactenus.
De Tirone mihi curae est. Sed iam sciam, quid agat. Heri enim misi, qui
videret; cui etiam ad te litteras dedi. Epistulam ad Ciceronem tibi
misi. Horti quam in diem proscripti sint, velim ad me scribas.
* * * * *
Page 101
XLIX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 19_, B.C. _45_]
I felt all the time how much good your presence was doing me: but I feel
it still more since you have gone. So, as I wrote to you before, either
I must come to you entirely or you to me, according as it can be
managed.
Yesterday, soon after your departure, I think, some people, who looked
like city men, brought me a message and a letter from Gaius Marius, son
and grandson of Gaius.[84] He begged me in the name of our relationship,
in the name of Marius, on whom I had written, and by the eloquence of
his grandfather, L. Crassus, to defend him: and he stated his case in
full. I wrote back that he had no need of an advocate since his relative
Caesar was omnipotent, and he was the best and most liberal of men: but
I would support him. What times these are! To think of Curtius wondering
whether to stand for the consulship. But enough of this.
Footnote 84:
An impostor named Amatias or Herophilus. He was a veterinary surgeon,
and was put to death by Antony after he had set up a column in the
forum in Caesar's memory. Marius married Julia, aunt of Caesar; their
son was adopted by Gratidia, grandmother of Cicero, and married a
daughter of L. Crassus, the orator. Hence the claims of relationship
asserted in this letter.
I am anxious about Tiro. But I shall know soon how he is, for yesterday
I sent a man to see, and I gave him a letter to you too. I have sent you
a letter for my son. Please tell me for what day the sale of the gardens
is advertised.
* * * * *
Page 102
L
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano XV K. Iun. a. 709_]
Ut me levarat tuus adventus, sic discessus adflixit. Quare, cum poteris,
id est cum Sexti auctioni operam dederis, revises nos. Vel unus dies
mihi erit utilis, quid dicam "gratus"? Ipse Romam venirem, ut una
essemus, si satis consultum quadam de re haberem.
LI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano XIII K. Iun. a. 709_]
Tironem habeo citius, quam verebar. Venit etiam Nicias, et Valerium
hodie audiebam esse venturum. Quamvis multi sint, magis tamen ero solus,
quam si unus esses. Sed exspecto te, a Peducaeo utique, tu autem
significas aliquid etiam ante. Verum id quidem, ut poteris.
De Vergilio, ut scribis. Hoc tamen velim scire, quando auctio. Epistulam
ad Caesarem mitti video tibi placere. Quid quaeris? mihi quoque hoc idem
maxime placuit, et eo magis, quod nihil est in ea nisi optimi civis, sed
ita optimi, ut tempora; quibus parere omnes πολιτικοὶ praecipiunt. Sed
scis ita nobis esse visum, ut isti ante legerent. Tu igitur id curabis.
Sed, nisi plane iis intelleges placere, mittenda non est. Id autem utrum
illi sentiant anne simulent, tu intelleges. Mihi simulatio pro
repudiatione fuerit. Τοῦτο δὲ μηλώσῃ.
* * * * *
Page 103
L
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 18_, B.C. _45_]
Your departure has depressed me as much as your arrival cheered me. So,
when you can, that is after you have attended Sextus' auction, visit me
again. Even a single day will do me good, not to speak of the pleasure.
I would come to Rome that we might be together, if I could make up my
mind satisfactorily on a certain point.
LI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 20_, B.C. _45_]
I have Tiro back with me earlier than I expected. Nicias has come too
and to-day I hear Valerius is coming. However many come, I shall be more
lonely than if you alone were here. But I expect you, at any rate after
you've finished with Peducaeus; and you give some hint of an even
earlier date. But let that be as you can.
For Vergilius, as you say. I should however like to know when the
auction is. I see you think the letter ought to be sent to Caesar. Well,
I thought so too very strongly, especially as there is nothing in it
that the most loyal of citizens might not have written; loyal, that is
to say, in the present circumstances, to which all politicians tell us
we should bow. But you know I thought your Caesarian friends ought to
read it first: so you must see to that. But, unless you feel sure they
approve of it, it must not be sent. You will know whether they really
think so or are pretending. I shall count pretence as rejection. You
must probe that point.
* * * * *
Page 104
De Caerellia quid tibi placeret, Tiro mihi narravit; debere non esse
dignitatis meae, perscriptionem tibi placere:
"Hoc métuere, alterum ín metu non pónere."
Sed et haec et multa alia coram. Sustinenda tamen, si tibi videbitur,
solutio est nominis Caerelliani, dum et de Metone et de Faberio sciamus.
LII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano XII K. Iun. a. 709_]
L. Tullium Montanum nosti, qui cum Cicerone profectus est. Ab eius
sororis viro litteras accepi Montanum Planco debere, quod praes pro
Flaminio sit, HS ¯XX¯; de ea re nescio quid te a Montano rogatum. Sane
velim, sive Plancus est rogandus, sive qua re potes illum iuvare, iuves.
Pertinet ad nostrum officium. Si res tibi forte notior est quam mihi,
aut si Plancum rogandum putas, scribas ad me velim, ut, quid rei sit et
quid rogandum, sciam. De epistula ad Caesarem quid egeris, exspecto. De
Silio non ita sane laboro. Tu mi aut Scapulanos aut Clodianos efficias
necesse est. Sed nescio quid videris dubitare de Clodia; utrum quando
veniat, an sintne venales? Sed quid est, quod audio Spintherem fecisse
divortium?
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Page 105
Tiro has told me what you think about Caerellia: that it ill suits my
dignity to be in debt, and that I should give a note of hand,
"That you should fear the one and hold the other safe!"
But of this, and much else, when we meet. However, we must hold over the
debt to Caerellia, if you agree, till we know about Meton and Faberius.
LII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 21_, B.C. _45_]
You know L. Tullius Montanus who has gone with my son. I have received a
letter from his sister's husband saying that, through going bail for
Flaminius, Montanus owes Plancus nearly £200;[85] and that he has made
some request to you about it. I should like you to assist him by
speaking to Plancus or in any other way you can. I feel under an
obligation to help him. If you know more about it than I do, or if you
think Plancus should be spoken to, I wish you would write to me, that I
may know how the matter stands, and what I ought to ask him. I am
awaiting news as to what you have done about the letter to Caesar. About
Silius I am not much concerned. You must get me either Scapula's or
Clodia's gardens. But you seem to have some doubts about Clodia. Is it
about the date of her arrival or as to whether the gardens are for sale?
But what is this that I hear about Spinther divorcing his wife?
Footnote 85:
20,000 sesterces.
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Page 106
De lingua Latina securi es animi. Dices: "Qui talia conscribis?"
Ἀπόγραφα sunt, minore labore fiunt; verba tantum adfero, quibus abundo.
LIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano XI K. Iun. a. 709_]
Ego, etsi nihil habeo, quod ad te scribam, scribo tamen, quia tecum
loqui videor. Hic nobiscum sunt Nicias et Valerius. Hodie tuas litteras
exspectabamus matutinas. Erunt fortasse alterae posmeridianae, nisi te
Epiroticae litterae impedient; quas ego non interpello. Misi ad te
epistulas ad Marcianum et ad Montanum. Eas in eundem fasciculum velim
addas, nisi forte iam dedisti.
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Page 107
Make your mind easy about the Latin language. You will say, "What, when
you write on such subjects?"[86] They are copies, and don't give me much
trouble. I only supply words, and of them I have plenty.
Footnote 86:
Atticus had commented on the difficulty of rendering Greek philosophic
terms in Latin.
LIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 22_, B.C. _45_]
Though I have nothing to say to you, I write all the same, because I
feel as though I were talking to you. Nicias and Valerius are here with
me. I am expecting a letter from you early to-day. Perhaps there will be
another in the afternoon, unless your letter to Epirus hinders you: I
don't want to interrupt that. I have sent you letters for Marcianus and
for Montanus. Please put them in the same packet, unless you have sent
it off already.
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Page 108
M. TULLI CICERONIS
EPISTULARUM AD ATTICUM
LIBER TERTIUS DECIMUS
I
CICERO ATTICO.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano X K. Iun. a. 709_]
Ad Ciceronem ita scripsisti, ut neque severius neque temperatius scribi
potuerit, nec magis quem ad modum ego maxime vellem; prudentissime etiam
ad Tullios. Quare aut ista proficient, aut aliud agamus. De pecunia vero
video a te omnem diligentiam adhiberi vel potius iam adhibitam esse.
Quod si efficis, a te hortos habebo. Nec vero ullum genus possessionis
est, quod malim, maxime scilicet ob eam causam, quae suscepta est; cuius
festinationem mihi tollis, quoniam de aestate polliceris vel potius
recipis. Deinde etiam ad καταβίωσιν maestitiamque minuendam nihil mihi
reperiri potest aptius; cuius rei cupiditas impellit me interdum, ut te
hortari velim. Sed me ipse revoco; non enim dubito, quin, quod me valde
velle putes, in eo tu me ipsum cupiditate vincas. Itaque istuc iam pro
facto habeo.
Exspecto, quid istis placeat de epistula ad Caesarem. Nicias te, ut
debet, amat vehementerque tua sui memoria delectatur. Ego vero Peducaeum
nostrum
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Page 109
CICERO'S LETTERS
TO ATTICUS