CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VIII K. Iun. a. 709_]
De epistula ad Caesarem nobis vero semper rectissime placuit, ut isti
ante legerent. Aliter enim fuissemus et in hos inofficiosi, et in nosmet
ipsos, si illum offensuri fuimus, paene periculosi. Isti autem ingenue;
mihique gratum, quod, quid sentirent, non reticuerunt, illud vero vel
optime, quod ita multa mutari volunt, ut mihi de integro scribendi causa
non sit. Quamquam de Parthico bello quid spectare debui, nisi quod illum
velle arbitrabar? Quod enim aliud argumentum epistulae nostrae nisi
κολακεία fuit? An, si ea, quae optima putarem, suadere voluissem, oratio
mihi defuisset? Totis igitur litteris nihil opus est. Ubi enim ἐπίτευγμα
magnum nullum fieri possit, ἀπότευγμα vel non magnum molestum futurum
sit, quid opus est παρακινδυνεύειν? praesertim cum illud occurrat,
illum, cum antea nihil scripserim, existimaturum me nisi toto bello
confecto nihil scripturum fuisse. Atque etiam vereor, ne putet me hoc
quasi Catonis μείλιγμα esse voluisse. Quid quaeris? valde me paenitebat,
nec mihi in hac quidem re quicquam magis ut vellem accidere potuit, quam
quod σπουδὴ nostra non est probata. Incidissimus etiam in illos, in eis
in cognatum tuum.
* * * * *
Page 163
things are, there is certainly no need to send it. But let that be as
you like. However, I will send you a copy, perhaps from Lanuvium, unless
I happen to come to Rome. But you shall know to-morrow.
XXVII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 25_, B.C. _45_]
As for the letter to Caesar, I was always ready to let your friends read
it first. If I had not been, I should not have done my duty by them, and
should very nearly have imperilled myself, if I were likely to offend
him. But they have acted frankly, and I am thankful to them for not
concealing their feelings; but the best thing of all is that they want
to make so many alterations that there is no sense in my writing it all
over again. However, what view ought I to have taken of the Parthian war
except what I thought he wanted? Indeed what other purpose had my letter
save to kowtow to him? Do you suppose I should have been at a loss for
words, if I had wanted to give him the advice which I really thought
best? So the whole letter is unnecessary. For, when I cannot make a
_coup_, and a fiasco, however slight, would be unpleasant, why should I
run unnecessary risk? Especially as it occurs to me that, as I have not
written before, he would think I should not have written until the whole
war were over. Besides I am afraid he may think it is to sugar the pill
of my Cato. In fact I am very sorry I wrote it, and nothing could suit
my wishes better than that they do disapprove of my zeal. I should have
fallen foul of[136] Caesar's party, and among them your relative.
Footnote 136:
Or "come into contact with." _Cognatum_ refers to young Quintus.
* * * * *
Page 164
Sed redeo ad hortos. Plane illuc te ire nisi tuo magno commodo nolo;
nihil enim urget. Quicquid erit, operam in Faberio ponamus. De die tamen
auctionis, si quid scies. Eum, qui e Cumano venerat, quod et plane
valere Atticam nuntiabat et litteras se habere aiebat, statim ad te
misi.
XXVIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VII K. Iun. a. 709_]
Hortos quoniam hodie eras inspecturus, quid visum tibi sit, eras
scilicet. De Faberio autem, cum venerit. De epistula ad Ceasaremiurato,
mihi crede, non possum; nec me turpitudo deterret, etsi maxime debebat.
Quam enim turpis est adsentatio, cum vivere ipsum turpe sit nobis! Sed,
ut coepi, non me hoc turpe deterret. Ac vellem quidem (essem enim, qui
esse debebam), sed in mentem nihil venit. Nam, quae sunt ad Alexandrum
hominum eloquentium et doctorum suasiones, vides, quibus in rebus
versentur. Adulescentem incensum cupiditate verissimae gloriae,
cupientem sibi aliquid consilii dari, quod ad laudem sempiternam
valeret, cohortantur ad decus. Non deest oratio; ego quid possum? Tamen
nescio quid e quercu exsculpseram, quod videretur simile simulacri. In
eo quia non nulla erant paulo meliora quam ea, quae fiunt et facta sunt,
reprehenduntur; quod me minime paenitet. Si enim pervenissent istae
litterae, mihi crede, nos paeniteret. Quid? tu non
* * * * *
Page 165
But to return to the gardens. I don't in the least want you to go there,
unless it is quite convenient to you: for there is no hurry. Whatever
happens let us direct our efforts towards Faberius. However send me the
date of the auction, if you know it. I have sent this man, who came from
Cumae, straight on to you, as he said Attica was quite well and he had
letters.
XXVIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 26_, B.C. _45_]
As you are going to look at the garden to-day, I shall of course hear
from you to-morrow what you think of it; and about Faberius, when he has
come. About the letter to Caesar, I give you my word of honour I cannot;
it is not the shame of the thing that prevents me, though that is just
what ought. Ah, how shameful is flattery, when life alone is a disgrace!
But, as I was beginning to say, it is not the shame of it that prevents
me—I only wish it were, for then I should be the man I ought to be—but I
cannot think of anything to write. Just consider the subjects of the
letters of advice addressed to Alexander by men of eloquence and
learning. Here was a youth fired by a desire for the truest glory and
desiring to have some advice given him on the subject of eternal fame,
and they exhort him to follow honour. There is plenty to say on that:
but what can I say? However, from hard material I had rough hewn
something that seemed to me to take shape. Because there were a few
touches in it a little better than the actual facts past or present,
fault is found with them; and I don't regret it a bit. For, if the
letter had reached its destination, believe me, I should have regretted
it. Why, don't you
* * * * *
Page 166
vides ipsum illum Aristoteli discipulum summo ingenio, summa modestia,
posteaquam rex appellatus sit, superbum, crudelem, immoderatum fuisse?
Quid? tu hunc de pompa Quirini contubernalem his nostris moderatis
epistulis laetaturum putas? Ille vero potius non scripta desideret quam
scripta non probet. Postremo ut volet. Abiit illud, quod tum me
stimulabat, cum tibi dabam πρόβλημα Ἀρχιμήδειον. Multo mehercule magis
nunc opto casum illum, quem tum timebam, vel quem libebit.
Nisi quid te aliud impediet, mi optato veneris. Nicias a Dolabella magno
opere arcessitus (legi enim litteras), etsi invito me, tamen eodem me
auctore, profectus est.
Hoc manu mea. Cum quasi alias res quaererem de philologis e Nicia,
incidimus in Talnam. Ille de ingenio nihil nimis, modestum et frugi. Sed
hoc mihi non placuit. Se scire aiebat ab eo nuper petitam Cornificiam,
Q. filiam, vetulam sane et multarum nuptiarum; non esse probatum
mulieribus, quod ita reperirent, rem non maiorem ¯DCCC¯. Hoc putavi te
scire oportere.
XXIX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VI K Iun. a. 709_]
De hortis ex tuis litteris cognovi et Chrysippo. In villa, cuius
insulsitatem bene noram, video nihil
* * * * *
Page 167
see that even that pupil of Aristotle, in spite of his high ability and
his high character, became proud, cruel, and ungovernable, after he got
the title of king? How do you suppose this puppet messmate of
Quirinus[137] will like my moderate letters? Let him rather look for
what I do not write than disapprove of what I have written. In short let
it be as he pleases. What was spurring me on when I put that insoluble
problem[138] before you has all gone now. Upon my word now I should far
rather welcome the misfortune I feared then or any other.
Footnote 137:
Caesar. Cf. _Att._ XII. 45, 3.
Footnote 138:
What to write to Caesar. Cf. _Att._ XII. 40, 2.
If there is nothing to prevent you, come to me and welcome. Nicias at
Dolabella's urgent request (for I read the letter) has gone, against my
will though not against my advice.
The rest I have written myself. When I was discussing men of learning
with Nicias, we chanced to speak of Talna. He had not much to say for
his intelligence, though he gave him a good and steady character. But
there was one thing that seemed to me unsatisfactory. He said he knew he
had lately sought in marriage Cornificia, Quintus' daughter, though
quite an old woman and married more than once before; but the ladies
would not agree as they found he was not worth more than 7,000
guineas.[139] I thought you ought to know this.
Footnote 139:
800,000 sesterces.
XXIX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 27_, B.C. _45_]
I have heard all about the gardens from your letter and from Chrysippus.
I was well aware of the bad taste shown in the house, and I see there
* * * * *
Page 168
aut pauca mutata; balnearia tamen laudat maiora, de minoribus ait
hiberna effici posse. Tecta igitur ambulatiuncula addenda est; quam ut
tantam faciamus, quantam in Tusculano fecimus, prope dimidio minoris
constabit isto loco. Ad id autem, quod volumus, ἀφίδρυμα nihil aptius
videtur quam lucus, quem ego noram; sed celebritatem nullam tum habebat,
nunc audio maximam. Nihil est, quod ego malim. In hoc τὸν τῦφόν μου πρὸς
θεῶν τροποφόρησον. Reliquum est, si Faberius nobis nomen illud explicat,
noli quaerere, quanti; Othonem vincas volo. Nec tamen insaniturum illum
puto; nosse enim mihi hominem videor. Ita male autem audio ipsum esse
tractatum, ut mihi ille emptor non esse videatur. Quid enim? pateretur?
Sed quid argumentor? Si Faberianum explicas, emamus vel magno; si minus,
ne parvo quidem possumus. Clodiam igitur. A qua ipsa ob eam causam
sperare videor, quod et multo minoris sunt, et Dolabellae nomen tam
expeditum videtur, ut etiam repraesentatione confidam. De hortis satis.
Cras aut te aut causam; quam quidem puto[140] futuram Faberianam. Sed,
si poteris.
Footnote 140:
puto _added by Wesenberg_.
Ciceronis epistulam tibi remisi. O te ferreum, qui illius periculis non
moveris! Me quoque accusat. Eam tibi epistulam misi semissem.[141] Nam
illam alteram
Footnote 141:
misi semissem _Purser_: misissem _MSS._
* * * * *
Page 169
has been little or no alteration; however, he praises the larger bath
and thinks the smaller could be made into a winter snuggery. So a
covered passage would have to be added, and, if I made one the same size
as that at my place at Tusculum, the cost would be about half as much in
that district. However, for the erection we want to make nothing could
be more suitable than the grove, which I used to know well; then it was
not at all frequented, now I hear it is very much so. There is nothing I
should prefer. In this, humour my whim, in heaven's name. For the rest,
if Faberius pays that debt, don't bother about the cost; I want you to
outbid Otho: and I don't think he will bid wildly, for I fancy I know
the man. Besides I hear he has had such bad luck that I doubt if he will
buy. For would he put up with it, if he could help it?[142] But what is
the good of talking? If you get the money from Faberius, let us buy even
at a high price; if not, we cannot even at a low. So then we must fall
back on Clodia. In her case I see more grounds for hope, as her property
is worth much less, and Dolabella's debt seems so safe that I feel
confident of being able to pay in ready money. Enough about the gardens.
To-morrow I shall either see you or hear the reason why not. I expect
that will be the business with Faberius. But come, if you can.
Footnote 142:
Probably, as Manutius suggests, this means "would he endure the wrong
he has suffered, if he had any means left."
I am sending young Quintus' letter. How hard-hearted of you not to
tremble at his hair-breadth escapes. He complains about me too. I have
sent you half the letter. The other half about his
* * * * *
Page 170
de rebus gestis eodem exemplo puto. In Cumanum hodie misi tabellarium.
Ei dedi tuas ad Vestorium, quas Pharnaci dederas.
XXX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano V K. Iun. post ep. XXXI a. 709_]
Commodum ad te miseram Demean, cum Eros ad me venit. Sed in eius
epistula nihil erat novi nisi auctionem biduum. Ab ea igitur, ut
scribis, et velim confecto negotio Faberiano; quem quidem negat Eros
hodie, cras mane putat. A te colendus est; istae autem κολακεῖαι non
longe absunt a scelere. Te, ut spero, perendie.
Mi, sicunde potes, erues, qui decem legati Mummio fuerint. Polybius non
nominat. Ego memini Albinum consularem et Sp. Mummium; videor audisse ex
Hortensio Tuditanum. Sed in Libonis annali XIIII annis post praetor est
factus Tuditanus quam consul Mummius. Non sane quadrat. Volo aliquem
Olympiae aut ubi visum πολιτικὸν σύλλογον more Dicaearchi, familiaris
tui.
XXXI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano eodem die quo ep. XXX paulo ante a. 709_]
V Kal. mane accepi a Demea litteras pridie datas, ex quibus aut hodie
aut eras exspectare te deberem. Sed, ut opinor, idem ego, qui exspecto
tuum adventum, morabor te. Non enim puto tam expeditum Faberianum
negotium futurum, etiamsi est futurum,
* * * * *
Page 171
adventures I think you have in duplicate. I have sent a messenger to-day
to Cumae. I have given him your letter to Vestorius, which you had given
to Pharnaces.
XXX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 28_, B.C. _45_]
I had just sent Demeas to you, when Eros arrived. But in his letter
there was no news except that the auction lasts two days. So you will
come after it, as you say, and I hope the business with Faberius will be
settled. Eros thinks he will not settle up to-day, but will to-morrow
morning. You must be polite to him; though such kowtowing is almost
criminal. I hope you will come the day after to-morrow.
Dig out for me from somewhere, if you can, the names of Mummius' ten
legates. Polybius does not give them. I remember Albinus the ex-consul
and Sp. Mummius; and I think Hortensius told me Tuditanus. But in Libo's
annals Tuditanus was praetor fourteen years after Mummius' consulship.
That does not square at all. I am thinking of writing a kind of
political conference, held at Olympia or wherever you like, like that of
your friend Dicaearchus.
XXXI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 28_, B.C. _45_]
On the 28th in the morning Demeas delivered a letter dated the day
before, from which I ought to expect you either to-day or to-morrow.
But, I suppose, I who am looking forward to your coming, shall be the
very person who will delay it. For I don't expect the business with
Faberius will be so far settled, even if it is to be settled, that it
will not
* * * * *
Page 172
ut non habeat aliquid morae. Cum poteris igitur. Quoniam etiamnum abes,
Dicaearchi, quos scribis, libros sane velim mi mittas, addas etiam
κατάβασεως.
De epistula ad Caesarem κέκρικα; atqui[143] id ipsum, quod isti aiunt
illum scribere, se nisi constitutis rebus non iturum in Parthos, idem
ego suadebam in illa epistula. Utrum liberet, facere posse auctore me.
Hoc enim ille exspectat videlicet neque est facturus quicquam nisi de
meo consilio. Obsecro, abiciamus ista et semiliberi saltem simus; quod
adsequemur et tacendo et latendo.
Footnote 143:
atqui _Wesenberg_: atque _MSS._
Sed adgredere Othonem, ut scribis. Confice, mi Attice, istam rem. Nihil
enim aliud reperio, ubi et in foro non sim et tecum esse possim. Quanti
autem, hoc mihi venit in mentem. C. Albanius proximus est vicinus. Is
CIↃ iugerum de M. Pilio emit, ut mea memoria est, HS ¯CXV¯. Omnia
scilicet nunc minoris. Sed accedit cupiditas, in qua praeter Othonem non
puto nos ullum adversarium habituros. Sed eum ipsum tu poteris movere,
facilius etiam, si Canum haberes. O gulam insulsam! Pudet me patris.
Rescribes, si quid voles.
* * * * *
Page 173
cause some delay. So come when you can. Since you are still away, I
should like you to send me the books of Dicaearchus, which you mention,
with the _Descent_.[144]
Footnote 144:
So called because it described a visit to the cave of Trophonius in
Arcadia.
As for the letter to Caesar I have made up my mind; and yet precisely
what they say he says in his letter, that he will not go against the
Parthians until affairs are arranged here, is what I advised in my
letter. I told him he could do whichever he chose with my full leave.
For of course he wants that and won't do anything without my advice. For
heaven's sake let us give up flattery and be at least half-free; and
that we can manage by keeping quiet and out of sight.
But approach Otho, as you say, and finish that business, my dear
Atticus. For I don't see any other way of keeping away from the forum
and yet being with you. As to the price, this has just occurred to me.
The nearest neighbour is C. Albanius. He bought some 600 acres[145] of
M. Pilius, so far as I can recollect for £110,000.[146] Of course
everything has gone down in value now. But on the other side counts our
eagerness to purchase, though I don't suppose we shall have anyone
bidding against us except Otho. Him however you can influence
personally, and could still more easily, if you had Canus with you. What
senseless gluttony![147] Shame on his father! Answer, if you want to say
anything.
Footnote 145:
1,000 _jugera_.
Footnote 146:
11,500,000 sesterces.
Footnote 147:
Probably this refers to some act of young Quintus Cicero.
* * * * *
Page 174
XXXII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano IV K. Iun. a. 709_]
Alteram a te epistulam cum hodie accepissem, nolui te una mea contentum.
Tu vero age, quod scribis, de Faberio. In eo enim totum est positum id,
quod cogitamus; quae cogitatio si non incidisset, mihi crede, istuc ut
cetera non laborarem. Quam ob rem, ut facis (istuc enim addi nihil
potest), urge, insta, perfice.
Dicaearchi περὶ ψυχῆς utrosque velim mittas et καταβάσεως. Τριπολιτικὸν
non invenio et epistulam eius, quam ad Aristoxenum misit. Tres eos
libros maxime nunc vellem; apti essent ad id, quod cogito. Torquatus
Romae est. Misi, ut tibi daretur. Catulum et Lucullum, ut opinor, antea.
His libris nova prohoemia sunt addita, quibus eorum uterque laudatur.
Eas litteras volo habeas, et sunt quaedam alia. Et, quod ad te de decem
legatis scripsi, parum intellexisti, credo, quia διὰ σημείων scripseram.
De C. Tuditano enim quaerebam, quem ex Hortensio audieram fuisse in
decem. Eum video in Libonis praetorem P. Popilio, P. Rupilio coss. Annis
XIIII ante, quam praetor factus est, legatus esse potuisset, nisi
admodum sero quaestor esset factus? quod non arbitror. Video
* * * * *
Page 175
XXXII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, May 29_, B.C. _45_]
As I have received two letters from you to-day, I did not think it right
that you should content yourself with only one of mine. Pray do as you
say about Faberius. For on that depends entirely what I am thinking of.
And, if that idea had never occurred to me, believe me I should not
bother about that any more than anything else. So continue your
energy—for you cannot add to it—and push on and finish the matter.
Please send me Dicaearchus' two books _About the Soul_ and the
_Descent_. I can't find the _Mixed Constitution_[148] and the letter he
sent to Aristoxenus. I should much like to have those three books now;
they would bear on what I am planning. Torquatus[149] is in Rome. I have
sent orders for it to be given to you. Catulus and Lucullus I believe
you have already. I have added new prefaces to the books, in which each
of them is mentioned with honour. Those compositions I should like you
to have, and there are some others too. What I said about the ten
legates, you did not fully understand, I suppose because I wrote it in
shorthand.[150] I was asking about C. Tuditanus, who Hortensius told me
was one of them. I see in Libo that he was praetor in the consulship of
P. Popilius and P. Rupilius. Could he have been legate fourteen years
before he was praetor, unless he was very late in getting the
quaestorship? I don't think that was the case; for
Footnote 148:
So called because it represented the ideal State as a mixture of
monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy.
Footnote 149:
_i.e._ _De Finibus_, Bk. I., in which Torquatus is the chief speaker.
Similarly, Catulus and Lucullus are the first two books of the
_Academica_ in its first form.
Footnote 150:
Or _demi-mots_, as Tyrrell renders it.
* * * * *
Page 176
enim curules magistratus eum legitimis annis perfacile cepisse.
Postumium autem, cuius statuam in Isthmo meminisse te dicis, nesciebam
fuisse. Is autem est, qui cos. cum L. Lucullo fuit; quem tu mihi
addidisti sane ad illum σύλλογον personam idoneam. Videbis igitur, si
poteris, ceteros, ut possimus πομπεῦσαι καὶ τοῖς προσώποις.
XXXIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano III Non. Iun. a. 709_]
O neglegentiam miram! Semelne putas mihi dixisse Balbum et Faberium
professionem relatam? qui etiam eorum iussu miserim, qui profiteretur.
Ita enim oportere dicebant. Professus est Philotimus libertus. Nosti,
credo, librarium. Sed scribes et quidem confectum. Ad Faberium, ut tibi
placet, litteras misi, cum Balbo autem puto te aliquid fecisse
hodie[151] in Capitolio. In Vergilio mihi nulla est δυσωπία. Nec enim
eius causa sane debeo, et, si emero, quid erit, quod postulet? Sed
videbis, ne is tum sit in Africa ut Caelius.
Footnote 151:
hodie _Bosius_: H. _MSS._: fuisti enim _Elmore_.
De nomine tu videbis cum Cispio; sed, si Plancus destinat, tum habet res
difficultatem. Te ad me venire uterque nostrum cupit; sed ista res nullo
modo relinquenda est. Othonem quod speras posse
* * * * *
Page 177
I see he won the curule offices quite easily in the proper years. But I
did not know that Postumius, whose statue you say you remember in the
Isthmus, was one of them. He was the man who was consul with L.
Lucullus; and it is a very suitable person you have added to my
conference. So please look up the others too, if you can, that I may
make a show with my _dramatis personæ_, as well as my subject.
XXXIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 3_, B.C. _45_]
What extraordinary carelessness! Do you think it was only once that I
have been told by Balbus and Faberius that the return[152] had been
made? Why it was at their suggestion that I sent a man to make it, for
they said I ought to do so. It was my freedman Philotimus who made the
return; you know him, I think, a copyist. But you must write and let me
know it is finished. I have sent a letter as you advise to Faberius.
With Balbus I think you have made some arrangement in the Capitol
to-day. About Vergilius I have no scruples; for there is no reason why I
should have in his case; and, if I buy, what claim will he have? But see
that he may not be in Africa then like Caelius.[153]
Footnote 152:
Possibly a statement of income before the next census; or perhaps some
formality in the transference of a debt due from Faberius to Cicero.
Footnote 153:
Vergilius had sided with Pompey in Spain, and Cicero apparently is
afraid that, like Caelius, for whom cf. XIII. 3, he may not be in
Italy when applied to for payment. But the reading and the sense are
uncertain.
The debt you must look into with Cispius; but, if Plancus intends to
bid, there will be difficulties. That you should come to me would suit
us both, but that business cannot possibly be thrown up. It is
* * * * *
Page 178
vinci, sane bene narras. De aestimatione, ut scribis, cum agere
coeperimus; etsi nihil scripsit nisi de modo agri. Cum Pisone, si quid
poterit. Dicaearchi librum accepi et καταβάσεως exspecto.
... negotium dederis, reperiet ex eo libro, in quo sunt senatus consulta
Cn. Cornelio, L. Mummio coss. De Tuditano autem quod putas, εὔλογον est
tum illum, quoniam fuit ad Corinthum (non enim temere dixit Hortensius),
aut quaestorem aut tribunum mil. fuisse, idque potius credo. Tu de[154]
Antiocho scire poteris videlicet[155] etiam, quo anno quaestor aut
tribunus mil. fuerit; si neutrum, saltem,[156] in praefectis an in
contubernalibus fuerit, modo fuerit in eo bello.
Footnote 154:
fuisse ... de _as Ernesti_: idque potius fuisse. sed credo te de _M_.
Footnote 155:
videlicet _Schmidt_: vide _MSS._
Footnote 156:
saltem _Gurlitt_: ea de _M_: cadet (et) _ZO^1_, _L_ (_marg._): eadem
_O^2_.
XXXIIIa
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VII Id. Quint. a. 709_]
De Varrone loquebamur: lupus in fabula. Venit enim ad me et quidem id
temporis, ut retinendus esset. Sed ego ita egi, ut non "scinderem
paenulam" (memini enim tuum): et multi erant nosque imparati. Quid
refert? Paulo post C. Capito cum T. Carrinate. Horum ego vix attigi
paenulam. Tamen remanserunt, ceciditque belle. Sed casu
* * * * *
Page 179
welcome news that you think we can beat Otho. As you say about the
assignment, when we begin to negotiate; though he has not mentioned
anything except the extent of the ground. Discuss it with Piso in case
he can do anything. I have received Dicaearchus' book and am expecting
his _Descent_.
(If you) will commission someone, he will find out ... from the book
containing the decrees passed in the consulship of Cn. Cornelius and L.
Mummius. Your idea about Tuditanus is reasonable enough, he was either
quaestor or military tribune, since he was at Corinth at the time and
Hortensius was not speaking at random; and I think you are right. You
will be able to find out from Antiochus of course in what year he was
quaestor or military tribune. If he was neither, then he would at least
have been among the prefects or on the staff, provided he was in the war
at all.
XXXIIIa
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, July 9_, B.C. _45_]
We were talking of Varro: talk of the devil, you know, for here he came
and at such an hour that I had to ask him to stop. But I did not cling
so closely to him as to "tear his cloak" (for I remember that
phrase[157] of yours), and there were a lot of them and I was
unprepared. But what does that matter? Just afterwards came C. Capito
and T. Carrinas. Their cloaks I hardly touched; but they stayed and it
turned out all right. By chance Capito began
Footnote 157:
I follow Reid and Shuckburgh in referring this to the preceding phrase
and not to the following.
* * * * *
Page 180
sermo a Capitone de urbe augenda, a ponte Mulvio Tiberim duci secundum
montes Vaticanos, campum Martium coaedificari, illum autem campum
Vaticanum fieri quasi Martium campum. "Quid ais?" inquam; "at ego ad
tabulam, ut, si recte possem, Scapulanos hortos." "Cave facias," inquit;
"nam ista lex perferetur; vult enim Caesar." Audire me facile passus
sum, fieri autem moleste fero. Sed tu quid ais? Quamquam quid quaero?
Nosti diligentiam Capitonis in rebus novis perquirendis. Non concedit
Camillo. Facies me igitur certiorem de Idibus. Ista enim me res
adducebat. Eo adiunxeram ceteras, quas consequi tamen biduo aut triduo
post facile potero. Te tamen in via confici minime volo; quin etiam
Dionysio ignosco. De Bruto quod scribis, feci, ut ei liberum esset, quod
ad me attineret. Scripsi enim ad eum heri Idibus eius opera mihi nihil
opus esse.
XXXIV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae VI K. Sext. a. 709_]
Asturam veni VIII Kal. vesperi.[158] Vitandi enim caloris causa Lanuvi
tris horas acquieveram. Tu velim, si grave non erit, efficias, ne ante
Nonas mihi illuc veniendum sit (id potes per Egnatium Maximum),
Footnote 158:
vesperi _Schmidt_: iul. _M_.
* * * * *
Page 181
talking of the improvements of the city: the course of the Tiber is to
be diverted from the Mulvian bridge along the Vatican hills; the Campus
Martius to be built over, and the Vatican plain to be a sort of Campus
Martius. "What's that?" I said. "Why, I was going to the sale to buy
Scapula's gardens, if I could safely." "Don't you do it," he told me;
"for the law will be passed: Caesar wants it." I was not disturbed at
hearing it: but I should be annoyed, if they do it. What have you got to
say about it? However I need not ask. You know how eager a news-monger
Capito is: not even Camillus can beat him at that. So you must let me
know about the auction on the 15th: for that is what is bringing me to
town. I have combined some other things with it: but those I can easily
do two or three days later. However I don't want you to be tired out
with travelling: nay, I even excuse Dionysius. As to what you say about
Brutus, I have left it open so far as I am concerned: for yesterday I
wrote and told him that I should have no need of his help on the 15th.
XXXIV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, July 27_, B.C. _45_]
I reached Astura on the evening of the 25th: for to avoid the heat of
the day I rested three hours at Lanuvium. I should like you, if it is no
trouble, to contrive that I need not come to Rome before the 5th of next
month. You can manage it through Egnatius Maximus. The chief point is
that you
* * * * *
Page 182
illud in primis, cum Publilio me apsente[159] conficias. De quo quae
fama sit, scribes.
Footnote 159:
me apsente _Müller_: mea pene absente _M_.
[Sidenote: Terence, _Andr._ 185]
"Id populus curat scilicet!"
Non mehercule arbitror; etenim haec decantata erat fabula. Sed complere
paginam volui. Quid plura? ipse enim adsum, nisi quid tu prorogas.
Scripsi enim ad te de hortis.
XXXV, XXXVI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano III Id. Quint. a. 709_]
O rem indignam! Gentilis tuus urbem auget, quam hoc biennio primum
vidit, et ei parum magna visa est, quae etiam ipsum capere potuerit. Hac
de re igitur exspecto litteras tuas. Varroni scribis te, simul ac
venerit. Dati igitur iam sunt, nec tibi integrum est, hui, si scias,
quanto periculo tuo! Aut fortasse litterae meae te retardarunt; nisi eas
nondum legeras, cum has proximas scripsisti. Scire igitur aveo, quo modo
res se habeat.
De Bruti amore vestraque ambulatione etsi mihi nihil novi adfers, sed
idem quod saepe, tamen hoc audio libentius quo saepius, eoque mihi
iucundius est, quod tu eo laetaris, certiusque eo est, quod a te
dicitur.
* * * * *
Page 183
should settle with Publilius in my absence:[160] and about that you will
let me know what people say. "Of course the world is all agog with
that!" On my honour I don't think so; for the nine days' wonder is over.
But I wanted to fill the page. What need of more: for I am almost with
you, unless you put me off for a bit. For I have written to you about
the gardens.
Footnote 160:
About Cicero's divorce from Publilia.
XXXV, XXXVI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, July 13_, B.C. _45_]
What a shame! A countryman of yours[161] is enlarging the city, which he
had never seen two years ago, and he thinks it too small to hold the
great man alone. On that point then I am expecting a letter from you.
You say you will present my book to Varro, as soon as he arrives. So
they are already given and you have no choice left. Ah, if you but knew
what a risk you are running! Or perhaps my letter stopped you, unless
you had not read it, when you wrote your last letter. So I am eager to
know how the matter stands.
Footnote 161:
_i.e._ an Athenian.
As to Brutus' affection and your walk, though you give me no actual
news, but only a repetition of what has often happened, yet the more
often I hear it, the gladder I am; and I find it the more gratifying,
because you enjoy it, and the more certain, because you tell me of it.
* * * * *
Page 184
XXXVII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano IV Non. Sext. a. 709_]
Has alteras hodie litteras. De Xenonis nomine et de Epiroticis ¯XXXX¯
nihil potest fieri nec commodius nec aptius, quam ut scribis. Id erat
locutus mecum eodem modo Balbus minor. Nihil novi sane nisi Hirtium cum
Quinto acerrime pro me litigasse; omnibus eum locis furere maximeque in
conviviis cum multa de me tum redire ad patrem; nihil autem ab eo tam
ἀξιοπίστως dici quam alienissimos nos esse a Caesare; fidem nobis
habendam non esse, me vero etiam cavendum (φοβερὸν ἂν ἦν, nisi viderem
scire regem me animi nihil habere), Ciceronem vero meum vexari; sed id
quidem arbitratu suo. Laudationem Porciae gaudeo me ante dedisse Leptae
tabellario, quam tuas acceperim litteras. Eam tu igitur, si me amas,
curabis, si modo mittetur, isto modo mittendam Domitio et Bruto.
De gladiatoribus, de ceteris, quae scribis ἀνεμοφόρητα, facies me
cotidie certiorem. Velim, si tibi videtur, appelles Balbum et Offilium.
De auctione proscribenda equidem locutus sum cum Balbo. Placebat (puto
conscripta habere Offilium omnia; habet et Balbus) sed Balbo placebat
propinquum diem et Romae; si Caesar moraretur, posse diem differri. Sed
is quidem adesse videtur. Totum igitur considera; placet enim Vestorio.
* * * * *
Page 185
XXXVII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, Aug. 2_, B.C. _45_]
This is the second letter to-day. About Xeno's debt and the £40[162]
owing to you in Epirus, things could not happen more conveniently than
you say they are happening in your letter. Balbus the younger suggested
the same to me the other day. I have no news except that Hirtius has
been taking my part most valiantly in arguments against young Quintus.
The latter is raving about me everywhere, especially at dinner-parties,
and then he falls back on his father: nothing he says is so likely to be
believed as that we are utterly irreconcilable to Caesar; that we are
not to be trusted, and that I ought to be held in suspicion, which would
have been terrifying, if were I not aware that the king knows I have no
spirit left. He says too that my son is being bullied by me: but that he
may say as much as he likes. I am glad I sent the funeral oration of
Porcia to Lepta the messenger before I got your letter. So, as you love
me, have it sent to Domitius and Brutus in the form you suggest, if it
is to be sent at all.
Footnote 162:
4,000 sesterces.
About the gladiatorial games and the things which you call airy nothings
send me news day by day. I should like you to apply to Balbus and
Offilius, if you think fit. About giving notice of the auction I have
spoken with Balbus. He agreed—I imagine Offilius has a complete list,
and so has Balbus—well Balbus agreed for a day near at hand and for Rome
as the place: if Caesar puts off coming, the day might be deferred. But
he seems to be close at hand. So think it all over; for Vestorius is
content.
* * * * *
Page 186
XXXVIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano circ. prid. Non. Sext. a. 709_]
Ante lucem cum scriberem contra Epicureos, de eodem oleo et opera
exaravi nescio quid ad te et ante lucem dedi. Deinde, cum somno repetito
simul cum sole experrectus essem, datur mi epistula a sororis tuae
filio, quam ipsam tibi misi; cuius est principium non sine maxima
contumelia. Sed fortasse οὐκ ἐπέστησεν. Est autem sic: "Ego enim,
quicquid non belle in te dici potest—." Posse vult in me multa dici non
belle, sed ea se negat approbare. Hoc quicquam pote inpurius? Iam cetera
leges (misi enim ad te) iudicabisque. Bruti nostri cotidianis
adsiduisque laudibus, quas ab eo de nobis haberi permulti mihi
renuntiaverunt, commotum istum aliquando scripsisse aliquid ad me credo
et ad te, idque ut sciam facies. Nam ad patrem de me quid scripserit,
nescio, de matre quam pie! "Volueram," inquit, "ut quam plurimum tecum
essem, conduci mihi domum et id ad te scripseram. Neglexisti. Ita minus
multum una erimus. Nam ego istam domum videre non possum; qua de causa,
scis." Hanc autem causam pater odium matris esse dicebat. Nunc me iuva,
mi Attice, consilio, "πότερον δίκᾳ τεῖχος ὕψιον," id est utrum aperte
hominem asperner
* * * * *
Page 187
XXXVIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, circa Aug. 4_, B.C. _45_]
As I was writing against the Epicureans before daybreak, I scribbled
something or other to you by the same lamp and at the same sitting and
despatched it before daybreak. Then as I was getting up with the sun
after another sleep, I get a letter from your sister's son, which I
enclose. The beginning of it is most insulting: but perhaps he did not
stop to think. This is how it runs: "For, whatever there is to be said
to your discredit, I...." He wants me to understand there is plenty to
be said to my discredit, but he does not agree with it. Could anything
be more disgusting? You may read the rest (for I have sent it on) and
judge for yourself. I fancy it is the daily and continual complimentary
remarks which, as I hear from many, our friend Brutus is making about
us, which have provoked him into writing something to me and to you—let
me know if he has written to you. For what he has written to his father
about me I don't know: about his mother how affectionately! "I should
have liked," he says, "to be with you as much as possible and to have a
house taken for me somewhere: and so I told you. You took no notice: so
we shall not be together much: for I cannot bear the sight of your
house: you know why." His father tells me the reason is his hatred of
his mother. Now, Atticus, help me with your advice. "By honest means
shall I the high wall climb?"[163] that is to say shall I openly
renounce and
Footnote 163:
From a fragment of Pindar, as also the following Greek words.
* * * * *
Page 188
et respuam "ἢ σκολιαῖς ἀπάταις." Ut enim Pindaro sic "δίχα μοι νόος,
ἀτρέκειαν εἰπεἰν." Omnino moribus meis illud aptius, sed hoc fortasse
temporibus. Tu autem, quod ipse tibi suaseris, idem mihi persuasum
putato. Equidem vereor maxime, ne in Tusculano opprimar. In turba haec
essent faciliora. Utrum igitur Asturae? Quid, si Caesar subito? Iuva me,
quaeso, consilio. Utar eo, quod tu decreveris.
XXXIX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano Non. Sext. a. 709_]
O incredibilem vanitatem! ad patrem "domo sibi carendum propter matrem,"
ad matrem plenam pietatis. Hic autem iam languescit et ait sibi illum
iure iratum. Sed utar tuo consilio; "σκολιὰ" enim tibi video placere.
Romam, ut censes, veniam, sed invitus; valde enim in scribendo haereo.
"Brutum," inquis, "eadem." Scilicet; sed, nisi hoc esset, res me ista
non cogeret. Nec enim inde venit, unde mallem, neque diu afuit neque
ullam litteram ad me. Sed tamen scire aveo, qualis ei totius itineris
summa fuerit. Libros mihi, de quibus ad te antea scripsi, velim mittas
et maxime Φαίδρου περὶ θεῶν et περὶ Παλλάδος.[164]
Footnote 164:
περὶ Παλλάδος _Orelli_: ΠΛΛΙΔΟΣ _MSS._: παντός _Gurlitt_: Ἀπολλοδώρου
_Hirzel_.
* * * * *
Page 189
abjure the fellow, or shall I act "with wiles"? For, like Pindar's, "my
mind divided cannot truly tell." The first would suit my character best,
of course, but the second perhaps the times. But take it I have made up
my mind to do whatever you have made up your mind to do. I am horribly
afraid of being caught at Tusculum. It would be more comfortable in
company. At Astura then? What if Caesar arrives unexpectedly? Please
assist me with advice. I will do what you decide.
XXXIX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, Aug. 5_, B.C. _45_]
What incredible hypocrisy! To write to his father that "he had no home
owing to his mother," and to his mother a letter full of affection. His
father however is already cooling down and says the son has a right to
be angry with him. But I will follow your advice; for I see "crooked
ways" are what you favour. I will come to Rome, as you think I ought,
though against my will; for I cannot tear myself from my writing. You
say I shall find Brutus on the way: of course, but without this other
reason that would not be strong enough to move me. For he has not come
from the place I should wish, nor has he been long away or sent me any
letter. Still I should like to know the result of his whole journey.
Please send me the books I asked for before, especially Phaedrus _On the
Gods_ and _On Pallas_.
* * * * *
Page 190
XL
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VII aut VI Id. Sext. a. 709_]
Itane? nuntiat Brutus illum ad bonos viros? Εὐαγγέλια. Sed ubi eos? nisi
forte se suspendit. Hic autem, ut stultum[165] est. Ubi igitur
φιλοτέχνημα illud tuum, quod vidi in Parthenone, Ahalam et Brutum? Sed
quid faciat? Illud optime: "Sed ne is quidem, qui omnium flagitiorum
auctor, bene de nostro." At ego verebar, ne etiam Brutus eum diligeret;
ita enim significarat iis litteris, quas ad me: "Ast vellem aliquid
degustasses de fabulis." Sed coram, ut scribis.
Footnote 165:
stultum _Tunstall_: fultum _MSS._: futilum _Schmidt_.
Etsi quid mi auctor es? advolone an maneo? Equidem et in libris haereo
et illum his excipere nolo; ad quem, ut audio, pater hodie ad Saxa
summa[166] acrimonia. Mirum quam inimicus ibat, ut ego obiurgarem. Sed
ego ipse κεκέπφωμαι. Itaque posthac. Tu tamen vide, quid de adventu meo
censeas, et τὰ ὅλα, cras si perspici potuerint, mane statim ut sciam.
Footnote 166:
summa _inserted by Schmidt_.
* * * * *
Page 191
XL
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, Aug. 7 or 8_, B.C. _45_]
Is that so? Does Brutus really say Caesar is going over to the right
party? That is good news. But where will he find them, unless, perhaps,
he hangs himself? But how foolish it is of Brutus! Where, then, does
that masterpiece of yours, which I saw in the Parthenon, the tree of
Brutus' family from Ahala and Brutus, come in?[167] But what can he do?
It is excellent to hear that not even the man who began the whole
criminal business has a good word to say for young Quintus. Indeed, I
was beginning to be afraid that even Brutus was fond of him; for in his
letter to me he said, "But I wish you could have had a taste of his
tales." But when we meet, as you say.
Footnote 167:
The "Parthenon" was probably the name of the library in Brutus' house.
According to Nepos (_Att._ 18), Atticus compiled a pedigree of the
Junian family from its origin for Brutus.
However, what do you advise? Shall I fly to meet him or stay where I am?
For my part I am glued to my books, and I don't want to receive him
here. I hear his father has gone to-day to Saxa Rubra[168] to meet him
in a fury. He was so extraordinarily enraged against him that I
remonstrated with him. But I am capable of acting the "giddy goat" too.
So it rests with the future. Do you please see what you think about my
movements and everything else. If you can see the way to-morrow, let me
know early.
Footnote 168:
About ten miles from Rome on the Via Flaminia.
* * * * *
Page 192
XLI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VI aut V Id. Sext. a. 709_]
Ego vero Quinto epistulam ad sororem misi. Cum ille quereretur filio cum
matre bellum et se ob eam causam domo cessurum filio diceret, dixi illum
commodas ad matrem litteras, ad te nullas. Ille alterum mirabatur, de te
autem suam culpam, quod saepe graviter ad filium scripsisset de tua in
illum iniuria. Quod autem relanguisse se dicit, ego ei tuis litteris
lectis σκολιαῖς ἀπάταις significavi me non fore iratum.[169] Tum enim
mentio Canae. Omnino, si id consilium placeret, esset necesse; sed, ut
scribis, ratio est habenda gravitatis, et utriusque nostrum idem
consilium esse debet, etsi in me graviores iniuriae et certe notiores.
Si vero etiam Brutus aliquid adferet, nulla dubitatio est. Sed coram.
Magna enim res et multae cautionis. Cras igitur, nisi quid a te
commeatus.
Footnote 169:
iratum _inserted by Lambinus_.
XLII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano ex. m. Dec. a. 709_]
Venit ille ad me καὶ μάλα κατηφής. Et ego: "Σὺ δὲ δὴ τί σύννους;"
"Rogas?" inquit, "cui iter instet et iter ad bellum idque cum
periculosum tum etiam
* * * * *
Page 193
XLI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, Aug. 8 or 9_, B.C. _45_]
I sent Quintus your letter for your sister. When he complained that his
son was at daggers drawn with his mother and said he should give up the
house to his son on that account, I said young Quintus had sent an
amiable letter to his mother and none to you. He was surprised at the
first, but said it was his fault about you, as he had often written in
anger to his son about your unfairness to him. However, he said his
anger had abated, so I read your letter, and "by crooked ways" hinted
that I should not bear malice. For then he began to mention Cana.[170]
To be sure, if that plan found favour, we should have to make it up;
but, as you say, we must consider our dignity, and we ought to concert
our plans together, though his attacks on me were the worst and
certainly the most public. If Brutus, too, should come to our aid, we
need not hesitate. But we must discuss it together; for it is an
important matter and requires great caution. So to-morrow, unless you
give me furlough.
Footnote 170:
Daughter of Q. Gellius Canus. Negotiations for her marriage with young
Quintus were going on.
XLII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, Dec._ B.C. _45_]
Young Quintus has come to me very down in the mouth. So I asked, why he
had the blues. "Need you ask," said he, "when I have a journey before
me, a journey to a war, and one that is both
* * * * *
Page 194
turpe!" "Quae vis igitur?" inquam. "Aes," inquit, "alienum et tamen ne
viaticum quidem." Hoc loco ego sumpsi quiddam de tua eloquentia; nam
tacui. At ille: "Sed me maxime angit avunculus." "Quidnam?" inquam.
"Quod mihi," inquit, "iratus est." "Cur pateris?" inquam, "malo enim ita
dicere quam cur committis?" "Non patiar," inquit, "causam enim tollam."
Et ego: "Rectissume quidem; sed, si grave non est, velim scire, quid sit
causae." "Quia, dum dubitabam, quam ducerem, non satis faciebam matri;
ita ne illi quidem. Nunc nihil mihi tanti est. Faciam, quod volunt."
"Feliciter velim," inquam, "teque laudo. Sed quando?" "Nihil ad me,"
inquit, "de tempore, quoniam rem probo." "At ego," inquam, "censeo,
priusquam proficiscaris. Ita patri quoque morem gesseris." "Faciam,"
inquit, "ut censes." Hic dialogus sic conclusus est.
Sed heus tu, diem meum scis esse III Nonas Ianuarias; aderis igitur.
Scripseram iam: ecce tibi orat Lepidus, ut veniam. Opinor augures velle
habere ad templum effandum. Eatur; μὴ σκόρδου.[171] Videbimus te igitur.
Footnote 171:
μὴ σκόρδου _Tyrrell_: ΜΙΑΣΚΟΡΔΟΥ _M_: μίασμα δρύος _Gronovius_.
* * * * *
Page 195
dangerous and even disgraceful." "What is there to compel you then?" I
said. "Debt," said he, "and yet not enough money for the journey." At
that point I borrowed something from your style of eloquence: I held my
tongue. Well, he went on, "But what worries me most is my uncle." "Why?"
said I. "Because he is angry with me," he answered. "Why do you let him
be so?" I said, "for I would rather put it that way than say, Why do you
make him angry?" "I will not let him," he said, "for I will remove the
reason." I replied, "Very right of you, too; but, if it is not a serious
matter, I should like to know what the reason is." "Because my
hesitation which wife I should take annoyed my mother, and consequently
him, too. Now nothing is worth that, and I will do anything they like."
"I hope you will have luck," I said, "and I approve of your resolution.
But when are you going to do it?" "The time doesn't matter to me," said
he, "since I have made up my mind to it." "Well, I think you ought to do
it before you go," I said. "You would oblige your father, too, by doing
so." "I will do as you advise," he said; and there the conversation
ended.
But, look here, you know it is my birthday on the 3rd of January. So you
must come. I was just writing, and here is a request from Lepidus for me
to come to town. I suppose the augurs want me for consecrating a temple.
I must go; anything for a quiet life.[172] So you will see me.
Footnote 172:
Tyrrell explains this as an allusion to the proverb ἵνα μὴ σκόροδα
μηδὲ κυάμους (φάγω) (that I may not eat garlic or beans), which was
applied to persons wishing for a quiet life.
* * * * *
Page 196
XLIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano prid. Id. Quint. a. 709_]
Ego vero utar prorogatione diei, tuque humanissime fecisti, qui me
certiorem feceris, atque ita, ut eo tempore acciperem litteras, quo non
exspectarem, tuque ut ab ludis scriberes. Sunt omnino mihi quaedam
agenda Romae, sed consequemur biduo post.
XLIV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano XIII aut XII K. Sext. a. 709_]
O suavis tuas litteras! (etsi acerba pompa. Verum tamen scire omnia non
acerbum est, vel de Cotta) populum vero praeclarum, quod propter malum
vicinum ne Victoriae quidem ploditur! Brutus apud me fuit; cui quidem
valde placebat me aliquid ad Caesarem. Adnueram; sed pompa deterret. Tu
tamen ausus es Varroni dare! Exspecto, quid iudicet. Quando autem
pelleget? De Attica probo. Est quiddam etiam animum levari cum
spectatione tum etiam religionis opinione et fama. Cottam mi velim
mittas; Libonem mecum habeo et habueram ante Cascam. Brutus mihi T.
Ligari verbis nuntiavit, quod appelletur L. Corfidius in oratione
Ligariana, erratum esse meum. Sed, ut aiunt, μνημονικὸν ἁμάρτημα.
Sciebam Corfidium pernecessarium Ligariorum;
* * * * *
Page 197
XLIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, July 14_, B.C. _45_]
Yes, I will take advantage of the postponement of the day of sale; and
it was very kind of you to inform me of it, especially to let me have a
letter, when I did not expect one, and to write it at the games. There
are, to be sure, some things I have to do at Rome; but I will attend to
them two days later.
XLIV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, July 20 or 21_, B.C. _45_]
What a delightful letter yours was! Though the procession[173] was
unpleasant news; still it is not unpleasant to know everything, even
about Cotta.[174] The people were splendid not even to clap Victory
because of her bad neighbour. Brutus was staying with me and highly
approved of my writing something to Caesar. I assented; but the
procession puts me off. Have you really dared to send my book to Varro!
I am eager for his opinion. But when will he finish reading it? I agree
about Attica. It is something that the spirits are relieved by the
spectacle and by the general feeling of religious associations. I wish
you would send me Cotta; I have Libo and before that I had Casca. Brutus
brought me a message from T. Ligarius that the mention of L. Corfidius
in my speech for Ligarius is a mistake. But it is a _lapsus memoriae_,
as they say. I knew that Corfidius was extremely
Footnote 173:
A procession at the Ludi Circenses, in which Caesar's image was
carried among the gods, next to Victory.
Footnote 174:
Cotta had suggested that Caesar should adopt the title of king,
stating that the Sibylline books said Parthia could only be conquered
by a king.
* * * * *
Page 198
sed eum video ante esse mortuum. Da igitur, quaeso, negotium Pharnaci,
Antaeo, Salvio, ut id nomen ex omnibus libris tollatur.
XLV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano III Id. Sext. a. 709_]
Fuit apud me Lamia post discessum tuum epistulamque ad me attulit missam
sibi a Caesare. Quae quamquam ante data erat quam illae Diocharinae,
tamen plane declarabat illum ante ludos Romanos esse venturum. In qua
extrema scriptum erat, ut ad ludos omnia pararet, neve committeret, ut
frustra ipse properasset. Prorsus ex his litteris non videbatur esse
dubium, quin ante eam diem venturus esset, itemque Balbo, cum eam
epistulam legisset, videri Lamia dicebat.
Dies feriarum mihi additos video, sed quam multos, fac, si me amas,
sciam. De Baebio poteris et de altero vicino Egnatio.
Quod me hortaris, ut eos dies consumam in philosophia explicanda,
currentem tu quidem; sed cum Dolabella vivendum esse istis diebus vides.
Quodnisi me Torquati causa teneret, satis erat dierum, ut Puteolos
excurrere possem et ad tempus redire. Lamia quidem a Balbo, ut
videbatur, audiverat multos nummos domi esse numeratos, quos oporteret
quam primum dividi, magnum pondus argenti; auctionem praeter praedia
primo quoque tempore fieri oportere. Scribas ad me velim, quid tibi
placeat.
* * * * *
Page 199
friendly with the Ligarii; but I see he was dead before the trial. So
please get Pharnaces, Antaeus and Salvius to erase the name from all
copies.
XLV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, Aug. 11_, B.C. _45_]
Lamia was with me after you left, and brought me a letter Caesar had
sent to him. Though it was despatched earlier than those of Diochares,
still it asserted plainly that he would come before the Roman
games.[175] At the end he told him to make all preparations for the
games and not let him hurry back for nothing. From this letter there
certainly seemed no doubt that he would come before that date; and Lamia
said that Balbus thought so too, when he read the letter.
Footnote 175:
September 15-19.
I see I have some additional days' holiday, but please let me know how
many. You can find out from Baebius or your other neighbour Egnatius.
In exhorting me to spend the days in an exposition of philosophy, you
are only spurring a willing horse; but note that I have to spend those
days with Dolabella. Now, if I had not been detained on Torquatus'
business, there would have been time enough to make an excursion to
Puteoli and return in time. Lamia has heard from Balbus, it appears,
that there is a good deal of ready money in the house, which ought to be
divided as soon as possible, and a considerable amount of silver plate,
and that the auction of all but the real property ought to take place at
the earliest opportunity. Please write and tell me what you think. Upon
* * * * *
Page 200
Equidem, si ex omnibus esset eligendum, nec diligentiorem nec
officiosiorem nec mehercule nostri studiosiorem facile delegissem
Vestorio; ad quem accuratissimas litteras dedi; quod idem te fecisse
arbitror. Mihi quidem hoc satis videtur. Tu quid dicis? Unum enim
pungit, ne neglegentiores esse videamur. Exspectabo igitur tuas
litteras.
XLVI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano prid. Id. Sext. a. 709_]
Pollex quidem, ut dixerat ad Idus Sextiles, ita mihi Lanuvi pridie Idus
praesto fuit, sed plane pollex, non index. Cognosces igitur ex ipso.
Balbum conveni. Lepta enim de sua munerum[176] curatione laborans me ad
eum perduxerat. In eo autem Lanuvino, quod Lepido tradidit. Ex eo hoc
primum: "Paulo ante acceperam eas litteras, in quibus magno opere
confirmat ante ludos Romanos." Legi epistulam. Multa de meo Catone, quo
saepissime legendo se dicit copiosiorem factum, Bruti Catone lecto se
sibi visum disertum. Ex eo cognovi cretionem Cluvi (o Vestorium
neglegentem!) liberam cretionem testibus praesentibus sexaginta diebus.
Metuebam, ne ille arcessendus esset. Nunc mittendum est, ut meo
Footnote 176:
munerum _Schmidt_, _coll. Fam._ vi. 19. 2: viin _M_: vini _vulg._
* * * * *
Page 201
my word, if I had had the whole world to select from, I could hardly
have chosen a man more painstaking, more obliging, nor, I am sure, more
devoted to my interests than Vestorius. I have sent him an extremely
carefully worded letter; and I think you have done the same. I think
that is sufficient. What do you say? The one thing that bothers me is
that we may seem too careless. So I will wait for your letter.
XLVI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, Aug. 12_, B.C. _45_]
Pollex, having arranged to meet me on the 13th of August, has done so at
Lanuvium on the 12th: but he is a mere thumb, and not a pointing
finger.[177] So you must get your news from him himself. I have met
Balbus: for Lepta, being anxious about the contract for the shows, took
me to him. Well, he was in the place at Lanuvium, which he made over to
Lepidus: and the first thing he said to me was, "I have just had a
letter in which Caesar definitely asserts that he will be here before
the Roman games." I read the letter. It dilated on my _Cato_, and he
said that by reading it frequently he had increased his flow of
language, and, when he read Brutus' _Cato_, he began to think himself
eloquent. I learned from him that the formal acceptance of Cluvius'
legacy was an unconditional acceptance within sixty days before
witnesses. How careless of Vestorius not to tell me! I was afraid I
should have to send for him: but now I must
Footnote 177:
In the Latin there is a play on the proper name, which I am unable to
reproduce in English.
* * * * *
Page 202
iussu cernat. Idem igitur Pollex. Etiam de hortis Cluvianis egi cum
Balbo. Nil liberalius. Se enim statim ad Caesarem scripturum, Cluvium
autem a T. Hordeonio legare et Terentiae HS IↃↃↃ et sepulcro multisque
rebus, nihil a nobis. Subaccusa, quaeso, Vestorium. Quid minus probandum
quam Plotium unguentarium per suos pueros omnia tanto ante Balbo, illum
mi ne per meos quidem? De Cossinio doleo; dilexi hominem.
Quinto delegabo, si quid aeri meo alieno superabit et emptionibus, ex
quibus mi etiam aes alienum faciendum puto. De domo Arpini nil scio.
Vestorium nil est quod accuses. Iam enim obsignata hac epistula noctu
tabellarius noster venit, et ab eo litteras diligenter scriptas attulit
et exemplum testamenti.
XLVII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano Id. Sext. a. 709_]
"Posteaquam abs te, Agamemno," non "ut venirem" (nam id quoque fecissem,
nisi Torquatus esset), sed ut scriberem, "tetigit aures nuntius,
extemplo" instituta omisi; ea, quae in manibus habebam, abieci, quod
iusseras, edolavi. Tu velim e Pollice cognoscas
* * * * *
Page 203
commission him to accept at my orders. So this same Pollex can take the
message. I discussed Cluvius' gardens with Balbus too, and he was most
obliging. For he said he would write to Caesar at once, but that Cluvius
had subtracted from Hordeonius' legacy some £500[178] for Terentia, the
cost of his tomb and a lot of other things, but nothing from my share.
Please remonstrate with Vestorius. It is surely most out of place for
Plotius the perfumer to send his own special messengers with full
particulars to Balbus so long in advance, while Vestorius does not send
me news even by my messengers. I am sorry about Cossinius; I was fond of
him.
Footnote 178:
50,000 sesterces.
I will make over to Quintus anything that may be left after paying my
debts and making purchases, for which I am afraid I shall incur more
debt. About the house at Arpinum I know nothing.
There is no necessity to grumble at Vestorius, for to-night, after I had
sealed this letter, my messenger came bringing a letter full of details
and a copy of the will.
XLVII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, Aug. 13_, B.C. _45_]
"When from thee, Agamemnon, the message reached my ears," not "that I
should come" (though I should have done that too, if it had not been for
Torquatus), "straightway" I gave up what I had begun, threw down what I
had in hand and made a rough sketch of what you ordered.[179] I should
like you to find out from
Footnote 179:
_i.e._ he gave up working at the _De Natura Deorum_, and set about
writing a letter to Caesar.
* * * * *
Page 204
rationes nostras sumptuarias. Turpe est enim nobis illum, qualiscumque
est, hoc primo anno egere. Post moderabimur diligentius. Idem Pollex
remittendus est, ut ille cernat. Plane Puteolos non fuit eundum, cum ob
ea, quae ad te scripsi, tum quod Caesar adest. Dolabella scribit se ad
me postridie Idus. O magistrum molestum!
XLVIIa
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae III K. Sext. a. 709_]
Lepidus ad me heri vesperi litteras misit Antio. Nam ibi erat. Habet
enim domum, quam nos vendidimus. Rogat magno opere, ut sim Kal. in
senatu; me et sibi et Caesari vehementer gratum esse facturum. Puto
equidem nihil esse. Dixisset enim tibi fortasse aliquid Oppius, quoniam
Balbus est aeger. Sed tamen malui venire frustra quam desiderari, si
opus esset. Moleste ferrem postea. Itaque hodie Anti, cras ante meridiem
domi. Tu velim, nisi te impedivisti, apud nos pr. Kal. cum Pilia.
Te spero cum Publilio confecisse. Equidem Kal. in Tusculanum recurram;
me enim absente omnia cum illis transigi malo. Quinti fratris epistulam
ad te misi, non satis humane illam quidem respondentem meis litteris,
sed tamen quod tibi satis sit, ut equidem existimo. Tu videbis.
* * * * *
Page 205
Pollex the state of my exchequer. It would be a disgrace to me that my
son should run short of money in his first year, whatever he may
deserve. Afterwards we will restrict him more carefully. Pollex also
must be sent back, that Vestorius may accept the inheritance. Clearly I
ought not to have gone to Puteoli, both on account of what you say, and
because Caesar is getting near. Dolabella tells me he is coming to me on
the 14th. What a tiresome school-master!
XLVIIa
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, July 30_, B.C. _45_]
Yesterday evening I had a letter from Lepidus at Antium. That is where
he is, for he has the house I sold. He implores me to be in the Senate
on the 1st, saying that both he and Caesar would take it as a great
favour. I don't think it is of any importance; for Oppius would probably
have said something to you, as Balbus is ill. However I would rather
come for nothing, if necessary, than have my absence noticed. I should
regret it afterwards. So to-day I go to Antium, to-morrow home by
midday. I should like you and Pilia to come to dinner on the last of the
month, if you are not engaged.
I hope you have settled with Publilius. I shall rush back to Tusculum on
the 1st; for I prefer all the transactions with them to take place in my
absence. I am sending my brother's letter to you: it is not a very kind
answer to mine, but I think it should satisfy you. You will see for
yourself.
* * * * *
Page 206
XLVIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano IV Non. Sext. a. 709_]
Heri nescio quid in strepitu videor exaudisse, cum diceres te in
Tusculanum venturum. Quod utinam! iterum utinam! tuo tamen commodo.
Lepta me rogat, ut, si quid sibi opus sit, accurram; mortuus enim
Babullius. Caesar, opinor, ex uncia, etsi nihil adhuc; sed Lepta ex
triente. Veretur autem, ne non liceat tenere hereditatem, ἀλόγως omnino,
sed veretur tamen. Is igitur si accierit, accurram; si minus, non
antequam necesse erit. Tu Pollicem, cum poteris.
Laudationem Porciae tibi misi correctam. Adeo properavi, ut, si forte
aut Domitio filio aut Bruto mitteretur, haec mitteretur. Id, si tibi
erit commodum, magno opere cures velim et velim M. Varronis et Olli
mittas laudationem, Olli utique. Nam illam legi, volo tamen regustare.
Quaedam enim vix mihi credo legisse me.
XLIX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano circ. XI K. Sept. a. 709_]
Atticae primum salutem (quam equidem ruri esse arbitror; multam igitur
salutem) et Piliae. De Tigellio, si quid novi. Qui quidem, ut mihi
Gallus Fadius scripsit, μέμψιν ἀναφέρει mihi quandam iniquissimam, me
Phameae defuisse, cum eius causam recepissem.
* * * * *
Page 207
XLVIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, Aug. 2_, B.C. _45_]
Yesterday in the midst of all the noise I think I caught some remark of
yours about coming to Tusculum. I wish you would. I wish to goodness you
would: but at your convenience.
Lepta asks me to go to him, if there is any necessity: for Babullius is
dead. Caesar, I fancy, is heir to one-twelfth of his estate—though I
know nothing yet: but Lepta to a third. He is afraid he may not be
allowed to take the inheritance. It is absurd of course, but still he is
afraid. So, if he sends for me, I shall go at once: if not, not till it
is necessary. Send back Pollex, when you can.
I am sending you the funeral oration of Porcia corrected. I have hurried
about it, so that, if it should be sent to young Domitius or to Brutus,
this edition should be sent. If it is convenient, I should much like you
to see about it, and please send me the orations of M. Varro, and
Ollius, at any rate that of Ollius. I have read it, but I want to dip
into it again: for there are things in it that I can hardly believe I
read.
XLIX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, circa Aug. 22_, B.C. _45_]
First health to Attica (who I suppose is now in the country, so I wish
her a full return to health) and to Pilia too. Let me know about
Tigellius, if there is any news. According to a letter of Fadius Gallus,
he is very down on me most unjustly for deserting Phamea, when I had
undertaken his
* * * * *
Page 208
Quam quidem receperam contra pueros Octavios Cn. filios non libenter;
sed Phameae causa volebam. Erat enim, si meministi, in consulatus
petitione per te mihi pollicitus, si quid opus esset; quod ego perinde
tuebar, ac si usus essem. Is ad me venit dixitque iudicem operam dare
sibi constituisse eo die ipso, quo de Sestio nostro lege Pompeia in
consilium iri necesse erat. Scis enim dies illorum iudiciorum
praestitutos fuisse. Respondi non ignorare eum, quid ego deberem Sestio.
Quem vellet alium diem si sumpsisset, me ei non defuturum. Ita tum ille
discessit iratus. Puto me tibi narrasse. Non laboravi scilicet nec
hominis alieni iniustissimam iracundiam mihi curandam putavi. Gallo
autem narravi, cum proxime Romae fui, quid audissem, neque nominavi
Balbum minorem. Habuit suum negotium Gallus, ut scribit. Ait illum me
animi conscientia, quod Phameam destituissem, de se suspicari. Quare
tibi hactenus mando, de illo nostro, si quid poteris, exquiras, de me ne
quid labores. Est bellum aliquem libenter odisse et, quem ad modum non
omnibus dormire, ita[180] non omnibus servire. Etsi mehercule, ut tu
intellegis, magis mihi isti serviunt, si observare servire est.
Footnote 180:
non omnibus dormire, ita _added by Lambinus_.
* * * * *
Page 209
case. It went against the grain with me to take it at all against the
sons of Cn. Octavius; but for Phamea's sake I agreed.[181] For, if you
remember, when I was standing for the consulship, he sent a promise of
any assistance he could render through you; and I appreciated it as much
as if I had used it. He came to me and said the judge had undertaken to
hear his case on the very same day that the jury were bound by the
Pompeian law to settle that of our friend Sestius. For you know the days
of those cases have been fixed by law. I answered that he could not but
be aware of my obligations to Sestius. If he would choose any other day,
I would not fail him. So then he left me in a temper. I think I told you
about it. I did not bother myself about it of course, not thinking that
a perfectly unwarrantable fit of anger of a stranger concerned me.
However I told Gallus the next time I was in town what I had heard,
without mentioning young Balbus. Gallus took the matter up, as he tells
me. He says Tigellius asserts that I suspect him because of my bad
conscience about my desertion of Phamea. Accordingly I commission you to
find out what you can from young Balbus, but not to bother your head
about me. It is quite a good thing to have somebody to hate with a will,
and not to pander to everybody any more than to be asleep for
everybody.[182] Though upon my word, as you know, Caesar's party are
obsequious to me more than I to them, if attention is obsequiousness.
Footnote 181:
Or "I did also wish well to Phamea," as Shuckburgh.
Footnote 182:
In a letter of about the same date to Gallus (_Ad Fam._ VII. 24)
Cicero says, _Cipius, opinor, olim "non omnibus dormio"; sic ego non
omnibus, mi Galle, servio_. It is explained that Cipius used to shut
his eyes to his wife's barefaced amours in his presence; but when a
servant, thinking him asleep, stole a cup before his eyes, he woke up
with this remark.
* * * * *
Page 210
L
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano circ. IX K. Sept. a. 709_]
Admonitus quibusdam tuis litteris, ut ad Caesarem uberiores litteras
mittere instituerem, cum mihi Balbus nuper in Lanuvino dixisset se et
Oppium scripsisse ad Caesarem me legisse libros contra Catonem et
vehementer probasse, conscripsi de iis ipsis libris epistulam Caesari,
quae deferretur ad Dolabellam; sed eius exemplum misi ad Oppium et
Balbum, scripsique ad eos, ut tum deferri ad Dolabellam iuberent meas
litteras, si ipsi exemplum probassent. Ita mihi rescripserunt, nihil
umquam se legisse melius, epistulamque meam iusserunt dari Dolabellae.
Vestorius ad me scripsit, ut iuberem mancipio dari servo suo pro mea
parte Hetereio cuidam fundum Brinnianum, ut ipse ei Puteolis recte
mancipio dare posset. Eum servum, si tibi videbitur, ad me mittes;
opinor enim ad te etiam scripsisse Vestorium.
De adventu Caesaris idem quod a te mihi scriptum est ab Oppio et Balbo.
Miror te nihildum cum Tigellio. Velut hoc ipsum, quantum acceperit,
prorsus aveo scire, nec tamen flocci facio. Quaeris, quid cogitem de
obviam itione. Quid censes nisi Alsium? Et quidem ad Murenam de hospitio
scripseram, sed opinor cum Matio profectum. Sallustius igitur urgebitur.
Scripto iam superiore versiculo Eros mihi dixit sibi Murenam
liberalissime respondisse. Eo igitur utamur. Nam Silius culcitas non
habet. Dida autem, opinor, hospitibus totam villam concessit.
* * * * *
Page 211
L
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, circa Aug. 24_, B.C. _45_]
You suggested in one of your letters that I should set about composing a
longer letter to send to Caesar, and Balbus told me lately at Lanuvium
that he and Oppius had written to Caesar telling him I had read his
books against Cato and strongly approved of them: so I wrote a letter to
Caesar about those books to be sent to Dolabella. But I sent a copy to
Oppius and Balbus, asking them to send on my letter to Dolabella, if
they themselves approved of the copy. So they have answered that they
never read anything better and have had my letter forwarded to
Dolabella.
Vestorius has written asking me to make over my share in the property of
Brinnius to a slave of his on behalf of one Hetereius, so that he can
complete the transfer at Puteoli according to law. If you think it
right, send the slave to me; for I suppose Vestorius has written to you
too.
About Caesar's coming Oppius and Balbus tell me the same as you. I am
surprised that you have not yet had a talk with Tigellius. For instance,
I should much like to know just how much he got; however I don't really
care a straw. You ask what I think about going to meet Caesar. Where are
you thinking of, unless it is Alsium? Indeed I have written to Murena
asking him to take me in; but I suppose he has gone with Matius. So I
shall inflict myself on Sallustius.
When I had written the last line, Eros told me Murena gave him the
kindest of answers: so let me make use of him. For Silius has no
cushions, while Dida, I believe, has given up his whole villa to guests.
* * * * *
Page 212
LI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VII K. Sept. a. 709_]
Ad Caesarem quam misi epistulam, eius exemplum fugit me tum tibi
mittere. Nec id fuit, quod suspicaris, ut me puderet tui, ne ridicule
Μίκυλλος,[183] nec mehercule scripsi aliter, ac si πρὸς ἴσον ὅμοιόν que
scriberem. Bene enim existimo de illis libris, ut tibi coram. Itaque
scripsi et ἀκολακεύτως et tamen sic, ut nihil eum existimem lecturum
libentius.
Footnote 183:
Μίκυλλος _Schmidt, comparing Lucian Gall. I, Tyrann._ 14: micillus
_MSS._
De Attica nunc demum mihi est exploratum; itaque ei de integro
gratulare. Tigellium totum mihi, et quidem quam primum; nam pendeo
animi. Narrabo tibi, Quintus cras; sed, ad me an ad te, nescio. Mi
scripsit Romam VIII Kal. Sed misi, qui invitaret. Etsi hercle iam Romam
veniendum est, ne ille ante advolet.
LII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in Puteolano XII K. Ian. a. 709_]
O hospitem mihi tam gravem ἀμεταμέλητον! Fuit enim periucunde. Sed, cum
secundis Saturnalibus ad Philippum vesperi venisset, villa ita completa
a militibus est, ut vix triclinium, ubi cenaturus ipse Caesar esset,
vacaret, quippe hominum CIↃ CIↃ. Sane sum commotus, quid futurum esset
postridie; ac mihi Barba Cassius subvenit, custodes dedit. Castra in
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LI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Tusculum, Aug. 26_, B.C. _45_]
It escaped my memory to send you a copy of the letter I sent to Caesar
at the time. It was not, as you suspect, that I was ashamed of showing
it to you, for fear I should seem too much of a flatterer; nor, I assure
you, did I write otherwise than I should to an equal. For I have got a
high opinion of those books of his, as I told you when we met. So I
wrote without flattery, and yet I think he will read it with great
pleasure.
At last I have full news of Attica; so please congratulate her again.
Tell me all about Tigellius and that too as soon as possible; for I am
feeling anxious. There is one thing I must mention. Young Quintus is
coming to-morrow; but, whether to me or to you, I don't know. He wrote
to me he was coming to Rome on the 25th. I have sent someone to invite
him here. Though to be sure I must go to Rome now, for fear Caesar may
forestall me.
LII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Puteoli, Dec. 21_, B.C. _45_]
To think that my formidable guest leaves no regret behind! For indeed it
passed off splendidly. However, when he reached Philippus on the evening
of the 18th, the house was so full of soldiers that there was hardly a
room left for Caesar himself to dine in. Two thousand men if you please!
I was much disturbed as to what was going to happen the next day; and
Cassius Barba came to the rescue and gave me guards. A camp was pitched
in the fields,
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agro, villa defensa est. Ille tertiis Saturnalibus apud Philippum ad h.
VII nec quemquam admisit; rationes, opinor, cum Balbo. Inde ambulavit in
litore. Post h. VIII in balneum. Tum audivit de Mamurra, vultum non
mutavit. Unctus est, accubuit. Ἐμετικὴν agebat. Itaque et edit et bibit
ἀδεῶς et iucunde, opipare sane et apparate nec id solum, sed
"bene cocto et
condito sermone bono et, si quaeris, libenter."
Praeterea tribus tricliniis accepti οἱ περὶ αὐτὸν valde copiose.
Libertis minus lautis servisque nihil defuit. Nam lautiores eleganter
accepi. Quid multa? homines visi sumus. Hospes tamen non is, cui
diceres: "Amabo te, eodem ad me, cum revertere." Semel satis est.
Σπουδαῖον οὐδὲν in sermone, φιλόλογα multa. Quid quaeris? delectatus est
et libenter fuit. Puteolis se aiebat unum diem fore, alterum ad Baias.
Habes hospitium sive ἐπισταθμείαν odiosam mihi, dixi, non molestam. Ego
paulisper hic, deinde in Tusculanum. Dolabellae villam cum praeteriret,
omnis armatorum copia dextra, sinistra ad equum nec usquam alibi. Hoc ex
Nicia.
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and the house put under guard. On the 19th he stayed with Philippus till
one o'clock and admitted no one: at his accounts, I believe, with
Balbus. Then he walked on the shore. After two he took his bath. Then he
heard about Mamurra without changing countenance. He was anointed and
sat down to dinner. He was undergoing a course of emetics, so he ate and
drank at his pleasure without fear. It was a lordly dinner and
well-served, and not only that, but
"Well cooked, and seasoned, and, the truth to tell,
With pleasant discourse all went very well."[184]
Footnote 184:
A quotation from Lucilius.
Besides his chosen circle were entertained very liberally in three
rooms: and freedmen of lower degree and slaves could not complain of
stint. The upper sort were entertained in style. In fact, I was
somebody.[185] Still he was not the sort of guest to whom one would say:
"Be sure to look me up on the way back." Once is enough. There was no
serious talk, but plenty of literary. In a word he was pleased and
enjoyed himself. He said he would spend one day at Puteoli and another
near Baiae.
Footnote 185:
Or, as Tyrrell suggests, "we were quite friendly together," _i.e._
Caesar did not "assume the god"; or possibly even "we all felt we were
in civilised society."
There you have all about my entertainment, or billeting you might say,
objectionable, as I have said, but not uncomfortable. I am staying here
a while and then go to Tusculum. As he passed Dolabella's house and
nowhere else the whole troop formed up on the right and left of him. So
Nicias tells me.
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M. TULLI CICERONIS
EPISTULARUM AD ATTICUM
LIBER QUARTUS DECIMUS
I
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. in suburbano Mati VII Id. Apr. a. 710_]
Deverti ad illum, de quo tecum mane. Nihil perditius; explicari rem non
posse. "Etenim, si ille tali ingenio exitum non reperiebat, quis nunc
reperiet?" Quid quaeris? perisse omnia aiebat (quod haud scio an ita
sit; verum ille gaudens) adfirmabatque minus diebus XX tumultum
Gallicum. In sermonem se post Idus Martias praeterquam Lepido venisse
nemini. Ad summam non posse istaec sic abire. O prudentem Oppium! qui
nihilo minus illum desiderat, sed loquitur nihil; quod quemquam bonum
offendat. Sed haec hactenus.
Tu, quaeso, quicquid novi (multa autem exspecto), scribere ne pigrere,
in his, de Sexto satisne certum, maxime autem de Bruto nostro. De quo
quidem ille, ad quem deverti, Caesarem solitum dicere: "Magni refert,
hic quid velit, sed, quicquid volt, valde volt"; idque eum
animadvertisse, cum pro Deiotaro Nicaeae dixerit; valde vehementer eum
visum et libere dicere;
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CICERO'S LETTERS
TO ATTICUS