Cicero: Letters to Atticus, Vol. 3 of 3
part I have no doubt about the design (I like Cluatius' design), nor
about the erection (on that I am quite determined); but I have some doubts about the place. So please consider it. I shall use all the opportunities of this enlightened age to consecrate her memory by every kind of memorial borrowed from the genius of all the masters, Greek and Latin. Perhaps it will only gall my wound: but I consider myself pledged by a kind of vow or promise; and I am more concerned about the long ages, when I shall not be here, than about my short day, which, short though it is, seems all too long to me. I have tried everything and find nothing that gives me rest. For, while I was engaged on the essay I mentioned before, I was to some extent fostering my grief. Now I reject everything and find nothing more tolerable than solitude. Philippus has not disturbed it as I feared: for after paying me a visit yesterday he returned at once to Rome.
I have sent you the letter I have written at your suggestion to Brutus. Please have it delivered with your own. However I have sent you a copy of it,
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Eius tamen misi ad te exemplum, ut, si minus placeret, ne mitteres.
Domestica quod ais ordine administrari, scribes, quae sint ea. Quaedam enim exspecto. Cocceius vide ne frustretur. Nam, Libo quod pollicetur, ut Eros scribit, non incertum puto. De sorte mea Sulpicio confido et Egnatio scilicet. De Appuleio quid est quod labores, cum sit excusatio facilis?
Tibi ad me venire, ut ostendis, vide ne non sit facile. Est enim longum iter, discedentemque te, quod celeriter tibi erit fortasse faciendum, non sine magno dolore dimittam. Sed omnia, ut voles. Ego enim, quicquid feceris, id cum recte turn etiam mea causa factum putabo.
XVIIIa
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae III Id. Mart. a. 709_]
Heri, cum ex aliorum litteris cognovissem de Antoni adventu, admiratus sum nihil esse in tuis. Sed erant pridie fortasse scriptae quam datae. Neque ista quidem curo; sed tamen opinor propter praedes suos accucurrisse.
Quod scribis Terentiam de obsignatoribus mei testamenti loqui, primum tibi persuade me istaec non curare neque esse quicquam aut parvae curae aut novae loci. Sed tamen quid simile? Illa eos non
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so that, if you don't approve of it, you may not send it.
You say my private affairs are being properly managed. Write and tell me what they are; for there are some things I am expecting to hear about. See that Cocceius does not disappoint me: for I count Libo's promise, of which Eros writes, as trustworthy. My capital of course I leave in Sulpicius' and Egnatius' hands. Why trouble yourself about Appuleius, when my excuse is so easily made?
About coming to me as you suggest, take care not to inconvenience yourself. It is a long way, and it will cost me many a pang to let you go again, when you want to go, which may happen very quickly. But just as you please. Whatever you do, I shall count it right and know you have done it for my sake.
XVIIIa
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 13_, B.C. _45_]
When I learned yesterday from other people's letters of Antony's arrival I wondered there was nothing in yours. But perhaps it was written a day earlier than it was dated. It does not matter a bit to me; but I suppose he has rushed back to save his sureties.[58]
Footnote 58:
Antony had bought Pompey's confiscated property, but had not paid for it, and his sureties were in danger of an execution on their property. Hence he returned in haste from Narbo, whither he had gone on his way to joining Caesar in Spain. Cf. the second _Philippic_, 76, 77.
You say Terentia is talking about the witnesses to my will. In the first place bear in mind that I am not troubling my head about those things, and this is no time for any new or unimportant business. But anyhow are the two cases parallel? She did
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adhibuit, quos existimavit quaesituros, nisi scissent, quid esset. Num id etiam mihi periculi fuit? Sed tamen faciat illa quod ego. Dabo meum testamentum legendum, cui voluerit; intelleget non potuisse honorificentius a me fieri de nepote, quam fecerim. Nam, quod non advocavi ad obsignandum, primum mihi non venit in mentem, deinde ea re non venit, quia nihil attinuit. Tute scis, si modo meministi, me tibi tum dixisse, ut de tuis aliquos adduceres. Quid enim opus erat multis? Equidem domesticos iusseram. Tum tibi placuit, ut mitterem ad Silium. Inde est natum, ut ad Publilium; sed necesse neutrum fuit. Hoc tu tractabis, ut tibi videbitur.
XIX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae prid. Id. Mart. a. 709_]
Est his quidem locus amoenus et in mari ipso, qui et Antio et Circeiis aspici possit; sed ineunda nobis ratio est, quem ad modum in omni mutatione dominorum, quae innumerabiles fieri possunt in infinita posteritate, si modo haec stabunt, illud quasi consecratum remanere possit. Equidem iam nihil egeo vectigalibus et parvo contentus esse possum. Cogito interdum trans Tiberim hortos aliquos parare et quidem ob hanc causam maxime: nihil enim video, quod tam celebre esse possit. Sed quos, coram videbimus, ita tamen, ut hac aestate fanum absolutum sit. Tu tamen cum Apella Chio confice de columnis.
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not invite anyone she thought would ask questions, if they did not know the contents of the will. Was I likely to be afraid of anything of the kind? However let her do what I do. I will hand over my will to anyone she likes, to read. She will find I could not have treated my grandson more handsomely than I have. As to my not calling certain people as witnesses, in the first place it never entered my mind, and in the second the reason why it never entered it, was because it was of no importance. You know, if you remember, that I told you to bring some of your friends. What need was there of many? I had asked members of my household. Then you thought I ought to send for Silius. Hence it came about that I sent for Publilius. But neither of them was necessary. Manage the point as you think fit.
XIX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 14_, B.C. _45_]
This is certainly a delightful place, right on the sea and within sight of Antium and Circeii. But we must remember how it may change hands an infinite number of times in the countless years to come, if our empire last, and must arrange that that shrine may remain as consecrated ground. For my part I don't want a large income now and can be contented with little. I think at times of buying some gardens across the Tiber, especially for this reason: I don't see any other place that can be so much frequented. But what gardens, we will consider together; provided only that the shrine must be completed this summer. However settle with Apella of Chios about the columns.
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De Cocceio et Libone quae scribis, approbo, maxime quod de iudicatu meo. De sponsu si quid perspexeris, et tamen quid procuratores Cornifici dicant, velim scire, ita ut in ea re te, cum tam occupatus sis, non multum operae velim ponere. De Antonio Balbus quoque ad me cum Oppio conscripsit, idque tibi placuisse, ne perturbarer. Illis egi gratias. Te tamen, ut iam ante ad te scripsi, scire volo me neque isto nuntio esse perturbatum nec iam ullo perturbatum iri. Pansa si hodie, ut putabas, profectus est, posthac iam incipito scribere ad me, de Bruti adventu quid exspectes, id est quos ad dies. Id, si scies, ubi iam sit, facile coniectura adsequere.
Quod ad Tironem de Terentia scribis, obsecro te, mi Attice, suscipe totum negotium. Vides et officium agi meum quoddam, cui tu es conscius, et, ut non nulli putant, Ciceronis rem. Me quidem id multo magis movet, quod mihi est et sanctius et antiquius, praesertim cum hoc alterum neque sincerum neque firmum putem fore.
XX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae Id. Mart. a. 709_]
Nondum videris perspicere, quam me nec Antonius commoverit, nec quicquam iam eius modi possit commovere. De Terentia autem scripsi ad te eis litteris, quas dederam pridie. Quod me hortaris idque a ceteris desiderari scribis, ut dissimulem me tam
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What you say about Cocceius and Libo I approve, especially as regards my serving on juries. If you have ascertained anything about my guarantee, I should like to know, and anyhow, what Cornificius' agents say, though I don't want you to take much trouble about the matter, when you are so busy. About Antony, Balbus and Oppius too have written to me saying you wished them to write, to save me from anxiety. I have thanked them. I should wish you to know however, as I have said before, that I was not disturbed at that news and shall never be disturbed at any again. If Pansa has set out to-day, as you thought, henceforth begin to tell me in your letters what you expect about Brutus' return, I mean about what day. That you can easily guess, if you know where he is at the time of writing.
As regards your letter to Tiro about Terentia, I beg you, Atticus, to undertake the whole matter. You see there is a question of my duty concerned, and you know all about that: besides, some think there is my son's interest. With me it is the first point that weighs most, as being the more sacred and the more important: especially as I don't think she is either sincere or reliable about the second.
XX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 15_, B.C. _45_]
You don't seem yet to see how little Antony disturbed me nor how little anything of that kind ever can disturb me now. About Terentia I wrote to you in the letter I sent yesterday. You exhort me and you say others want me to hide the depth of
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graviter dolere, possumne magis, quam quod totos dies consume in litteris? Quod etsi non dissimulationis, sed potius leniendi et sanandi animi causa facio, tamen, si mihi minus proficio, simulationi certe facio satis.
Minus multa ad te scripsi, quod exspectabam tuas litteras ad eas, quas pridie dederam. Exspectabam autem maxime de fano, non nihil etiam de Terentia. Velim me facias certiorem proximis litteris, Cn. Caepio, Serviliae Claudi pater, vivone patre suo naufragio perierit an mortuo, item Rutilia vivone C. Cotta, filio suo, mortua sit an mortuo. Pertinent ad eum librum, quem de luctu minuendo scripsimus.
XXI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XVI K. Apr. a. 709_]
Legi Bruti epistulam eamque tibi remisi sane non prudenter rescriptam ad ea, quae requisieras. Sed ipse viderit. Quamquam illud turpiter ignorat. Catonem primum sententiam putat de animadversione dixisse, quam omnes ante dixerant praeter Caesarem, et, cum ipsius Caesaris tam severa fuerit, qui tum praetorio loco dixerit, consularium putat leniores fuisse, Catuli, Servili, Lucullorum, Curionis, Torquati, Lepidi, Gelli, Volcaci, Figuli, Cottae, L. Caesaris, C. Pisonis, M'. Glabrionis, etiam Silani, Murenae, designatorum consulum. Cur ergo in sententiam Catonis? Quia verbis luculentioribus et pluribus rem eandem comprehenderat. Me autem hic laudat, quod rettulerim,
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my grief. Can I do so better than by spending all my days in writing? Though I do it, not to hide, but rather to soften and to heal my feelings, still, if I do myself but little good, I certainly keep up appearances.
My letter is shorter than it might be, because I am expecting your answer to mine of yesterday. I am most anxious about the shrine and a little about Terentia too. Please let me know in your next letter whether Cn. Caepio, father of Claudius' wife Servilia, perished by shipwreck during his father's life or after his death, and whether Rutilia died before or after her son C. Cotta.[59] They concern the book I have written on the lightening of grief.
Footnote 59:
Cotta was a celebrated orator, and held the consulship in 75 B.C. His mother Rutilia survived him, according to Seneca (_Consol. ad Helviam_, 16, 7).
XXI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 17_, B.C. _45_]
I have read Brutus' letter and am sending it back to you. It is not at all a sensible answer to the points in which you found him wanting. But that is his look out: though in one thing it shows disgraceful ignorance on his part. He thinks Cato was the first to deliver a speech for the punishment of the conspirators, though everybody except Caesar had spoken before him: and that, though Caesar's speech, delivered from the praetorian bench, was so severe, those of the ex-consuls, Catulus, Servilius, the Luculli, Curio, Torquatus, Lepidus, Gellius, Volcacius, Figulus, Cotta, L. Caesar, C. Piso, M'. Glabrio, and even the consuls elect Silanus and Murena, were milder. Why then was the division taken on Cato's proposal? Because he had summed up the same matter in clearer and fuller words. My merit according to Brutus lay in bringing the affair
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non quod patefecerim, quod cohortatus sim, quod denique ante, quam consulerem, ipse iudicaverim. Quae omnia quia Cato laudibus extulerat in caelum perscribendaque censuerat, idcirco in eius sententiam est facta discessio. Hic autem se etiam tribuere multum mi putat, quod scripserit "optimum consulem." Quis enim ieiunius dixit inimicus? Ad cetera vero tibi quem ad modum rescripsit! Tantum rogat, de senatus consulto ut corrigas. Hoc quidem fecisset, etiamsi a librario admonitus esset. Sed haec iterum ipse viderit.
De hortis quoniam probas, effice aliquid. Rationes meas nosti. Si vero etiam a Faberio recedit, nihil negotii est. Sed etiam sine eo posse videor contendere. Venales certe sunt Drusi, fortasse etiam Lamiani et Cassiani. Sed coram.
De Terentia non possum commodius scribere, quam tu scribis. Officium sit nobis antiquissimum. Si quid nos fefellerit, illius malo me quam mei paenitere. Oviae C. Lolli curanda sunt HS ¯C¯. Negat Eros posse sine me, credo, quod accipienda aliqua sit et danda aestimatio. Vellem, tibi dixisset. Si enim res est, ut mihi scripsit, parata, nec in eo ipso mentitur, per te confici potuit. Id cognoscas et conficias velim.
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before the House, not in finding it out, nor in urging them to take steps, nor yet in making up my own mind before I took the House's opinion. And it was because Cato extolled those actions of mine to the skies and moved that they should be put on record, that the vote was taken on his motion. Brutus again seems to think he is giving me high praise by calling me an "excellent consul." Why, has anyone, even a personal enemy, ever used a more grudging term? To the rest of your criticisms too what a poor answer he has given! He only asks you to alter the point about the decree of the Senate. He would have done as much as that at the suggestion of a clerk. But that again is his own look out.
Since you approve of the garden idea, manage it somehow. You know my resources. If I get something back[60] from Faberius, there will be no difficulty. But I think I can manage even without that. Drusus' gardens are certainly for sale, and I think those of Lamianus and Cassianus too. But, when we meet.
Footnote 60:
_Recedit_ is generally altered by editors. But for this rare sense of the word Reid compares _Pro Quinctio_, 38.
About Terentia I cannot say anything more suitable than you do in your letter. Duty must be my first consideration. If I have made a mistake, I would rather have to repent for her sake than for my own. C. Lollius' wife Ovia has to be paid 900 guineas.[61] Eros says it can't be done without me, I suppose because some property has to pass between us at a valuation.[62] I wish he had told you. For, if, as he said, the matter is arranged, and that is not precisely where he is deceiving me, it could be managed through you. Please find out and finish it.
Footnote 61:
100,000 sesterces.
Footnote 62:
_Aestimatio_ = land made over by a debtor to a creditor at a valuation.
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Quod me in forum vocas, eo vocas, unde etiam bonis meis rebus fugiebam. Quid enim mihi foro sine iudiciis, sine curia, in oculos incurrentibus iis, quos aequo animo videre non possum? Quod autem a me homines postulare scribis ut Romae sim neque mihi ut absim concedere,[63] aut aliquatenus[64] eos mihi concedere, iam pridem scito esse, cum unum te pluris quam omnes illos putem. Ne me quidem contemno meoque iudicio multo stare malo quam omnium reliquorum. Neque tamen progredior longius, quam mihi doctissimi homines concedunt; quorum scripta omnia, quaecumque sunt in eam sententiam, non legi solum, quod ipsum erat fortis aegroti, accipere medicinam, sed in mea etiam scripta transtuli, quod certe adflicti et fracti animi non fuit. Ab his me remediis noli in istam turbam vocare, ne recidam.
Footnote 63:
ut Romae ... concedere _added by old editors_.
Footnote 64:
aliquatenus _Andresen_: quatenus _MSS._
XXII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XV K. Apr. a. 709_]
De Terentia quod mihi omne onus imponis, non cognosco tuam in me indulgentiam. Ista enim sunt ipsa vulnera, quae non possum tractare sine maximo gemitu. Moderare igitur, quaeso, ut potes. Neque enim a te plus, quam potes, postulo. Potes autem, quid veri sit, perspicere tu unus. De Rutilia quoniam videris dubitare, scribes ad me, cum scies, sed quam primum, et num Clodia D. Bruto consulari, filio suo, mortuo vixerit. Id de Marcello aut certe
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In calling me back to the forum, you call me to a place I shunned even in my happy days. What have I to do with a forum, where there are no lawcourts, no Senate, and where people are continually obtruding themselves on my sight, whom I cannot endure to see? You say people are demanding my presence at Rome, and will not allow me to be absent, or at any rate only for a certain time. Rest assured that I have long held you at a higher value than them all. Myself too I do not underrate, and I far prefer to trust my own judgment than that of all the rest. However I am not going further than the wisest heads allow. I have not only read all their writings on the point, which in itself shows I am a brave invalid and take my medicine, but I have transferred them to my own work; and that certainly does not argue a mind crushed and enfeebled. Do not call me back from these remedies into that busy life, for fear I relapse.
XXII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 18_, B.C. _45_]
About Terentia, I do not recognise your usual consideration for me in throwing the whole weight of the matter on me. For those are the very wounds I cannot touch without deep groans. So please spare me, if you can. For I am not asking you more than you can do. You and you only can see what is fair. About Rutilia, as you seem to have doubts, write and let me know as soon as you know, but let that be as soon as possible: and also whether Clodia survived her son D. Brutus the ex-consul. The latter you can find out from Marcellus, or at any
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de Postumia sciri potest, illud autem de M. Cotta aut de Syro aut de Satyro.
De hortis etiam atque etiam rogo. Omnibus meis eorumque, quos scio mihi non defuturos, facultatibus (sed potero meis) enitendum mihi est. Sunt etiam, quae vendere facile possim. Sed ut non vendam eique usuram pendam, a quo emero, non plus annum, possum adsequi, quod volo, si tu me adiuvas. Paratissimi sunt Drusi; cupit enim vendere. Proximos puto Lamiae; sed abest. Tu tamen, si quid potes, odorare. Ne Silius quidem quicquam utitur suis et is[65] usuris facillime sustentabitur. Habe tuum negotium, nec, quid res mea familiaris postulet, quam ego non curo, sed quid velim, existima.
Footnote 65:
suis et is _Wesenberg_: et iis _MSS._
XXIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XIV K. Apr. a. 709_]
Putaram te aliquid novi, quod eius modi fuerat initium litterarum, "quamvis non curarem, quid in Hispania fieret, tamen te scripturum"; sed videlicet meis litteris respondisti ut de foro et de curia. Sed domus est, ut ais, forum. Quid ipsa domo mihi opus est carenti foro? Occidimus, occidimus, Attice, iam pridem nos quidem, sed nunc fatemur, posteaquam unum, quo tenebamur, amisimus. Itaque solitudinem sequor, et tamen, si qua me res isto adduxerit, enitar, si quo modo potero (potero autem), ut praeter te nemo dolorem meum sentiat, si ullo modo poterit, ne tu
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rate from Postumia, the former from M. Cotta or Syrus or Satyrus.
About the gardens I earnestly entreat your aid. I must employ all my own resources and those of friends, who I know will not desert me: but I can manage with my own. There are things I could sell easily too. But without selling anything, if I pay interest to the person from whom I buy for no more than a year, I can get what I want, if you assist me. The most available are those of Drusus, as he wants to sell. The next I think are Lamia's; but he is away. However scent out anything you can. Silius again never uses his at all, and he will very easily be satisfied with the interest. Regard it as your own business, and don't consider what suits my purse, for that I don't care, but what suits me.
XXIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 19_, B.C. _45_]
From the beginning of your letter "though I did not care what happened in Spain, still you would write," I thought you had some news from me: but I see you have answered my letter only as regards the forum and the Senate. But, you say, my house at Rome is a forum. What is the good of the house alone to me, if I have not the forum? I am dead and done for, Atticus, and have been this long while: but now I confess it, when I have lost the one link that bound me to life. So what I want is solitude. Still if in my despite anything drags me to Rome, I shall strive, if possible (and I will make it possible), to keep my grief from all eyes but yours, and, if it is anyhow possible, even from yours.
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quidem. Atque etiam illa causa est non veniendi. Meministi, quid ex te Aledius quaesierit. Qui etiam nunc molesti sunt, quid existimas, si venero?
De Terentia ita cura, ut scribis, meque hac ad maximas aegritudines accessione non maxima libera. Et, ut scias me ita dolere, ut non iaceam, quibus consulibus Carneades et ea legatio Romam venerit, scriptum est in tuo annali: haec nunc quaero quae causa fuerit. De Oropo, opinor, sed certum nescio. Et, si ita est, quae controversiae. Praeterea, qui eo tempore nobilis Epicureus fuerit Athenisque praefuerit hortis, qui etiam Athenis πολιτικοὶ fuerint illustres. Quae etiam ex Apollodori puto posse inveniri.
De Attica molestum, sed, quoniam leviter, recte esse confido. De Gamala dubium non mihi erat. Unde enim tam felix Ligus pater? Nam quid de me dicam, cui ut omnia contingant, quae volo, levar non possum?
De Drusi hortis, quanti licuisse tu scribis, id ego quoque audieram, et, ut opinor, heri ad te scripseram; sed quantiquanti, bene emitur, quod necesse est. Mihi, quoquo modo tu existimas (scio enim, ego ipse quid de me existimem), levatio quaedam est, si minus doloris, at officii debiti.
Ad Siccam scripsi, quod utitur L. Cotta. Si nihil conficietur de Transtiberinis, habet in Ostiensi Cotta
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Besides there is this reason for not coming. You remember the questions Aledius asked you. They are annoying to me even now. What do you suppose they will be, if I come?
Arrange about Terentia as you say, and rid me of this addition—though not the weightiest—to my weighty griefs and sorrows. To show you that my sorrow is not prostration, you have entered in your Chronicle the date of the visit of Carneades and that famous embassy to Rome:[66] I want to know now the cause of its coming. I think it was about Oropus: but I am not certain. And, if that is so, what was the point in question? Further, who was the most distinguished Epicurean of the time and the head of the Garden at Athens; also who were the famous politicians there? I think you can find all those things in Apollodorus' book.
Footnote 66:
Three celebrated philosophers, Carneades, Diogenes, and Critolaus, came to Rome in 155 B.C. to plead against the fine of 500 talents imposed on Athens for raiding Oropus.
It is annoying about Attica; but, as it is a mild attack, I expect it will be all right. About Gamala I had no doubt. For why was his father Ligus so fortunate? Need I mention my own case, when I am incapable of getting relief, though everything I wish were to happen.
The price you mention for Drusus' gardens I too had heard, and had written about it to you, yesterday I think. Whatever the price is, what is necessary is cheap. In my eyes, whatever you may think—for I know what I think of myself—it relieves my mind of a bounden duty, if not of sorrow.
I have written to Sicca, because he is intimate with L. Cotta. If nothing can be managed about gardens across the Tiber, Cotta has some at Ostia in
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celeberrimo loco, sed pusillum loci, ad hanc rem tamen plus etiam quam satis. Id velim cogites. Nec tamen ista pretia hortorum pertimueris. Nec mihi iam argento nec veste opus est nec quibusdam amoenis locis; hoc opus est. Video etiam, a quibus adiuvari possim. Sed loquere cum Silio; nihil enim est melius. Mandavi etiam Siccae. Rescripsit constitutum se cum eo habere. Scribet igitur ad me, quid egerit, et tu videbis.
XXIV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XIII K. Apr. a. u. c. 709_]
Bene fecit A. Silius, qui transegerit. Neque enim ei deesse volebam et, quid possem, timebam. De Ovia confice, ut scribis. De Cicerone tempus esse iam videtur; sed quaero, quod illi opus erit, Athenis permutarine possit an ipsi ferendum sit, de totaque re, quem ad modum et quando placeat, velim consideres. Publilius iturusne sit in Africam et quando, ex Aledio scire poteris. Quaeras et ad me scribas velim. Et, ut ad meas ineptias redeam, velim me certiorem facias, P. Crassus, Venuleiae filius, vivone P. Crasso consulari, patre suo, mortuus sit, ut ego meminisse videor, an post. Item quaero de Regillo, Lepidi filio, rectene meminerim patre vivo mortuum. Cispiana explicabis itemque Preciana. De Attica optime. Et ei salutem dices et Piliae.
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a very public place. They are cramped for room, but more than sufficient for this purpose. Please think of that. But don't be afraid of the price you mention for the gardens. I don't want plate or raiment or any pleasant places now: I want this. I see, too, who can help me. But speak to Silius; you can't do better. I have given Sicca a commission too. He answered that he has made an appointment with him. So he will write and tell me what he has done, and you will see to it.
XXIV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
[Sidenote: _Astura, March 20_, B.C. _45_]
I am glad Silius has settled the business: for I did not want to fail him and was afraid I might not be able to manage it. Settle about Ovia as you say. As to my son it seems high time now; but I want to know whether he can get a draft for his allowance changed at Athens or whether he must take it with him; and as regards the whole matter please consider how and when you think he ought to go. Whether Publilius is going to Africa and when, you can find out from Aledius. Please enquire and let me know. And, to return to my own nonsense, please inform me whether P. Crassus, the son of Venuleia, died in the lifetime of his father, P. Crassus the ex-consul, as I seem to remember, or after his death. I also want to know whether my recollection is right that Regillus, son of Lepidus, died in his father's lifetime. You must settle the business about Cispius and Precius. As to Attica, bravo! Pay my respects to her and to Pilia.
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XXV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
[Sidenote: _Scr. Asturae XII K. Apr. a. 709_]
Scripsit ad me diligenter Sicca de Silio seque ad te rem detulisse; quod 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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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._
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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."
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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._
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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,
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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
* * * * *
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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
* * * * *
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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.
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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.
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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
* * * * *
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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