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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 01:37:38 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 01:37:38 -0700 |
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diff --git a/21200-h/21200-h.htm b/21200-h/21200-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dcec459 --- /dev/null +++ b/21200-h/21200-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,19406 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Letters of Cicero, Vol I, by Evelyn S. Shuckburgh. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 15%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 1%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: left; + color: gray; + } /* page numbers */ + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .sidenote {position: absolute; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; float: right; clear: right; font-size: smaller; right: 4%; text-align: left; width: 10%; text-indent: 0em;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .lowercase {text-transform: lowercase;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + .large {font-size: 200%;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i6 {display: block; margin-left: 6em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The Letters of Cicero, Volume 1, by Marcus Tullius Cicero + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Letters of Cicero, Volume 1 + The Whole Extant Correspodence in Chronological Order + +Author: Marcus Tullius Cicero + +Translator: Evelyn S. Shuckburgh + +Release Date: April 22, 2007 [EBook #21200] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LETTERS OF CICERO, VOLUME 1 *** + + + + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Taavi Kalju and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<h2>THE LETTERS OF</h2> + +<h1>CICERO</h1> + +<h3>THE WHOLE EXTANT CORRESPONDENCE<br /> +IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER</h3> + + +<h4>TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH</h4> + +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2>EVELYN S. SHUCKBURGH, M.A.</h2> + +<h4>LATE FELLOW OF EMMANUEL COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE<br /> +AUTHOR OF A TRANSLATION OF POLYBIUS, A HISTORY OF ROME, ETC</h4> + + +<h3>IN FOUR VOLUMES</h3> + +<h2><span class="smcap">Vol. I.</span> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 68-52</h2> + + +<h4>LONDON<br /> +GEORGE BELL AND SONS<br /> +1899</h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h5>CHISWICK PRESS:—CHARLES WHITTINGHAM AND CO.<br /> +TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE, LONDON.</h5> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p> +<h2>PREFACE</h2> + + +<p>The object of this book is to give the English-speaking public, in a +convenient form, as faithful and readable a copy as the translator was +capable of making of a document unique in the literature of antiquity. +Whether we regard the correspondence of Cicero from the point of view of +the biographer and observer of character, the historian, or the lover of +<i>belles lettres</i>, it is equally worthy of study. It seems needless to +dwell on the immense historical importance of letters written by +prominent actors in one of the decisive periods of the world's history, +when the great Republic, that had spread its victorious arms, and its +law and discipline, over the greater part of the known world, was in the +throes of its change from the old order to the new. If we would +understand—as who would not?—the motives and aims of the men who acted +in that great drama, there is nowhere that we can go with better hope of +doing so than to these letters. To the student of character also the +personality of Cicero must always have a great fascination. Statesman, +orator, man of letters, father, husband, brother, and friend—in all +these capacities he comes before us with singular vividness. In every +one of them he will doubtless rouse different feelings in different +minds. But though he will still, as he did in his lifetime, excite +vehement disapproval as well as strong admiration, he will never, I +think, appear to anyone dull or uninteresting. In the greater part of +his letters he is not posing or assuming a character; he lets us only +too frankly into his weaknesses and his vanities, as well as his +generous admirations and warm affections. Whether he is weeping, or +angry, or exulting, or eager for compliments, or vain of his abilities +and achievements, he is not a phantasm or a farceur, but a human being +with fiercely-beating pulse and hot blood.</p> + +<p>The difficulty of the task which I have been bold enough<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span> to undertake +is well known to scholars, and may explain, though perhaps not excuse, +the defects of my work. One who undertakes to express the thoughts of +antiquity in modern idiom goes to his task with his eyes open, and has +no right at every stumbling-block or pitfall to bemoan his unhappy fate. +So also with the particular difficulties presented by the great founder +of Latin style—his constant use of superlatives, his doubling and +trebling of nearly synonymous terms, the endless shades of meaning in +such common words as <i>officium</i>, <i>fides</i>, <i>studium</i>, <i>humanitas</i>, +<i>dignitas</i>, and the like—all these the translator has to take in the +day's work. Finally, there are the hard nuts to crack—often very +hard—presented by corruption of the text. Such problems, though, +relatively with other ancient works, not perhaps excessively numerous, +are yet sufficiently numerous and sufficiently difficult. But besides +these, which are the natural incidents of such work, there is the +special difficulty that the letters are frequently answers to others +which we do not possess, and which alone can fully explain the meaning +of sentences which must remain enigmatical to us; or they refer to +matters by a word or phrase of almost telegraphic abruptness, with which +the recipient was well acquainted, but as to which we are reduced to +guessing. When, however, all such insoluble difficulties are allowed +for, which after all in absolute bulk are very small, there should (if +the present version is at all worthy) be enough that is perfectly plain +to everyone, and generally of the highest interest.</p> + +<p>I had no intention of writing a commentary on the language of Cicero or +his correspondents, and my translation must, as a rule, be taken for the +only expression of my judgment formed after reading and weighing the +arguments of commentators. I meant only to add notes on persons and +things enabling the reader to use the letters for biographical, social, +and historical study. I should have liked to dedicate it by the words +<i>Boswellianus Boswellianis</i>. But I found that the difficulties of the +text compelled me to add a word here and there as to the solution of +them which I preferred, or had myself to suggest. Such notes are very +rare, and rather meant as danger signals than critical discussions. I +have followed in the main the chronological<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span> arrangement of the letters +adopted by Messrs. Tyrrell and Purser, to whose great work my +obligations are extremely numerous. If, as is the case, I have not +always been able to accept their conclusions, it is none the less true +that their brilliant labours have infinitely lightened my task, and +perhaps made it even possible.</p> + +<p>I ought to mention that I have adopted the English mode of dating, +writing, for instance, July and August, though Cicero repudiated the +former and, of course, never heard of the latter. I have also refrained +generally from attempting to represent his Greek by French, partly +because I fear I should have done it ill, and partly because it is not +in him as in an English writer who lards his sentences with French. It +is almost confined to the letters to Atticus, to whom Greek was a second +mother-tongue, and often, I think, is a quotation from him. It does not +really represent Cicero's ordinary style.</p> + +<p>One excuse for my boldness in venturing upon the work is the fact that +no complete translation exists in English. Mr. Jeans has published a +brilliant translation of a selection of some of the best of the letters. +But still it is not the whole. The last century versions of Melmoth and +Herbenden have many excellences; but they are not complete either (the +letters to Brutus, for instance, having been discovered since), and +need, at any rate, a somewhat searching revision. Besides, with many +graces of style, they may perhaps prove less attractive now than they +did a century ago. At any rate it is done, and I must bear with what +equanimity nature has given me the strictures of critics, who doubtless +will find, if so minded, many blemishes to set off against, and perhaps +outweigh, any merit my translation may have. I must bear that as well as +I may. But no critic can take from me the days and nights spent in close +communion with Rome's greatest intellect, or the endless pleasure of +solving the perpetually recurring problem of how best to transfer a +great writer's thoughts and feelings from one language to another:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Cæsar in hoc potuit iuris habere nihil."<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span></p> +<h2>LETTERS IN VOLUME I</h2> + + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='center' colspan="2">Number<br />in this<br />Translation</td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Fam. I.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XCIV_F_I_1">94</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XCV_F_I_2">95</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XCVI_F_I_3">96</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XCVII_F_I_4">97</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XCVII_F_I_5">98</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left'>b</td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CII_F_I_5_b">102</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CIII_F_I_6">103</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>7</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXIII_F_I_7">113</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>8</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXVIII_F_I_8">152</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>9</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLII_F_I_9">152</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>10</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXI_F_I_10">161</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Fam. II.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXV_F_II_1">165</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXVII_F_II_2">167</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXVIII_F_II_3">168</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXIV_F_II_4">174</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXV_F_II_5">175</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXVI_F_II_6">176</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Fam. III.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXX_F_III_1">180</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Fam. V.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XIII_F_V_I">13</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XIV_F_V_2">14</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXII_F_V_3">112</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXXVIII_F_V_4">88</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XVII_F_V_5">17</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XV_F_V_6">15</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>7</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XII_F_V_7">12</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>8</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXX_F_V_8">130</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>12</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CVIII_F_V_12">108</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>17</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXVIII_F_V_17">178</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>18</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXIX_F_V_18">179</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Fam. VII.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXVI_F_VII_1">126</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXXI_F_VII_2">181</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXXIII_F_VII_5">133</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXXV_F_VII_6">135</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>7</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXXVI_F_VII_7">136</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>8</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXXIX_F_VII_8">139</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>9</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXLIV_F_VII_9">144</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>10</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLX_F_VII_10">160</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>11</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXVI_F_VII_11">166</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>12</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXIX_F_VII_12">169</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>13</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXX_F_VII_13">170</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>14</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXI_F_VII_14">171</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>15</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXIII_F_VII_15">173</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>16</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLVI_F_VII_16">156</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>17</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXLV_F_VII_17">145</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>18</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXII_F_VII_18">172</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>23</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXV_F_VII_23">125</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>26</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XCIII_F_VII_26">93</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Fam. XIII.</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'>a</td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXIV_F_XIII_6_a">114</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'>b</td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXV_F_XIII_6_b">115</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>40</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXVIII_F_XIII_40">128</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>41</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LIV_F_XIII_41">54</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>42</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LIII_F_XIII_42">53</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>49</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXII_F_XIII_49">162</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>60</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXIII_F_XIII_60">163</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>73</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXIV_F_XIII_73">164</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>74</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXVII_F_XIII_74">127</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>75</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLXXVII_F_XIII_75">177</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Fam. XIV.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXXI_F_XIV_1">81</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXVIII_F_XIV_2">78</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXXIII_F_XIV_3">83</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXI_F_XIV_4">61</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Fam. XVI.</td> + <td align='right'>10</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'>p. <a href="#Page_386">386</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>13</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'>p. <a href="#Page_384">384</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>14</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'>p. <a href="#Page_385">385</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>16</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'>p. <a href="#Page_387">387</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Q. Fr. I.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXIX_Q_FR_I_1">29</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LII_Q_FR_I_2">52</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXV_Q_FR_I_3">65</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXI_Q_FR_I_4">71</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Q. Fr. II.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XCII_Q_FR_II_1">92</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XCIX_Q_FR_II_2">99</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CI_Q_FR_II_3">101</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CIV_Q_FR_II_4">104</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CV_Q_FR_II_5">105</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXVI_Q_FR_II_6">116</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>7</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXIX_Q_FR_II_7">119</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>8</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXII_Q_FR_II_8">122</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</a></span>"</td> + <td align='right'>9</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXXI_Q_FR_II_9">131</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>10</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXXII_Q_FR_II_10">132</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>11</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXXIV_Q_FR_II_11">134</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>12</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXXVIII_Q_FR_II_12">138</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>13</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXL_Q_FR_II_13">140</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>14</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXLI_Q_FR_II_14">141</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>15</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXLVI_Q_FR_II_15">146</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Q. Fr III.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXLVII_Q_FR_III_1">147</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXLIX_Q_FR_III_2">149</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CL_Q_FR_III_3">150</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLI_Q_FR_III_4">151</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left' rowspan="2" class="large">}</td> + <td align='right' rowspan="2"><a href="#CLIV_Q_FR_III_5-6">154</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>7</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLV_Q_FR_III_7">155</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>8</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLVIII_Q_FR_III_8">158</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>9</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLIX_Q_FR_III_9">159</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Petit. Cons.</td> + <td align='right'></td> + <td align='right'></td> + <td align='right'>p. <a href="#Page_367">367</a></td> + <td align='right'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Att. I.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#X_A_I_1">10</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XI_A_I_2">11</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#VIII_A_I_3">8</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#IX_A_I_4">9</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#I_A_I_5">1</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#II_A_I_6">2</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>7</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#III_A_I_7">3</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>8</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#V_A_I_8">5</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>9</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#IV_A_I_9">4</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>10</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#VI_A_I_10">6</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>11</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#VII_A_I_11">7</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>12</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XVI_A_I_12">16</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>13</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XVIII_A_1_13">18</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>14</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XIX_A_I_14">19</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>15</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XX_A_I_15">20</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>16</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXI_A_I_16">21</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>17</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXII_A_I_17">22</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>18</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXIII_A_I_18">23</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>19</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXIV_A_I_19">24</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>20</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXV_A_I_20">25</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Att. II.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXVI_A_II_1">26</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXVII_A_II_2">27</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXVIII_A_II_3">28</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXX_A_II_4">30</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXXI_A_II_5">31</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXXII_A_II_6">32</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>7</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXXIII_A_II_7">33</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>8</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXXIV_A_II_8">34</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>9</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXXV_A_II_9">35</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>10</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXXVII_A_II_10">37</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>11</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXXVIII_A_II_11">38</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>12</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXXVI_A_II_12">36</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>13</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XXXIX_A_II_13">39</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>14</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XL_A_II_14">40</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>15</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XLI_A_II_15">41</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>16</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XLII_A_II_16">42</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>17</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XLIII_A_II_17">43</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>18</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XLIV_A_II_18">44</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>19</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XLV_A_II_19">45</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>20</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XLVI_A_II_20">46</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>21</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XLVII_A_II_21">47</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>22</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XLVIII_A_II_22">48</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>23</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XLIX_A_II_23">49</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>24</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#L_A_II_24">50</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>25</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LI_A_II_25">51</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Att. III.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LVIII_A_III_1">58</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LVI_A_III_2">56</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LV_A_III_3">55</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LVII_A_III_4">57</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LIX_A_III_5">59</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LX_A_III_6">60</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>7</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXII_A_III_7">62</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>8</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXIII_A_III_8">63</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>9</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXIV_A_III_9">64</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>10</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXVI_A_III_10">66</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>11</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXVII_A_III_11">67</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>12</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXVIII_A_III_12">68</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>13</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXX_A_III_13">70</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>14</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXIX_A_III_14">69</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>15</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXII_A_III_15">72</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>16</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXIII_A_III_16">73</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>17</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXIV_A_III_17">74</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>18</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXV_A_III_18">75</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>19</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXVI_A_III_19">76</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>20</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXVII_A_III_20">77</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>21</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXIX_A_III_21">79</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>22</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXX_A_III_22">80</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>23</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXXII_A_III_23">82</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>24</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXXIV_A_III_24">84</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>25</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXXV_A_III_25">85</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>26</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXXVI_A_III_26">86</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>27</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXXVII_A_III_27">87</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='left'>Att. IV.</td> + <td align='right'>1</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#LXXXIX_A_IV_1">89</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>2</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XC_A_IV_2">90</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>3</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#XCI_A_IV_3">91</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'>a</td> + <td align='right'><a href="#C_A_IV_4_a">100</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>4</td> + <td align='left'>b</td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CVI_A_IV_4_b">106</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>5</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CVII_A_IV_5">107</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>6</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CIX_A_IV_6">109</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>7</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CX_A_IV_7">110</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>8</td> + <td align='left'>a</td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXI_A_IV_8_a">111</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[Pg xi]</a></span>"</td> + <td align='right'>8</td> + <td align='left'>b</td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXVII_A_IV_8_b">117</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>9</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXI_A_IV_9">121</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>10</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXX_A_IV_10">120</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>11</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXIII_A_IV_11">123</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>12</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXIV_A_IV_12">124</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>13</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXIX_A_IV_13">129</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>14</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXXXVII_A_IV_14">137</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>15</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CXLIII_A_IV_15">143</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>16</td> + <td align='left' rowspan="2" class="large">}</td> + <td align='right' rowspan="2"><a href="#CXLII_A_IV_16">142</a>,</td> + <td align='left' rowspan="2"><a href="#CXLVIII_A_IV_16_17">148</a>, <a href="#CLVII_A_IV_17">157</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>17</td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align='center'>"</td> + <td align='right'>18</td> + <td align='left'></td> + <td align='right'><a href="#CLIII_A_IV_18">153</a></td> + <td align='left'></td> +</tr> +</table></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">[Pg xiii]</a></span></p> +<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote">Ground covered by the Correspondence.</div> + +<p>The correspondence of Cicero, as preserved for us by his freedman Tiro, +does not open till the thirty-ninth year of the orator's life, and is so +strictly contemporary, dealing so exclusively with the affairs of the +moment, that little light is thrown by it on his previous life. It does +not become continuous till the year after his consulship (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62). +There are no letters in the year of the consulship itself or the year of +his canvass for the consulship (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64 and 63). It begins in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 68, +and between that date and <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65 there are only eleven letters. We +have, therefore, nothing exactly contemporaneous to help us to form a +judgment on the great event which coloured so much of his after life, +the suppression of the Catilinarian conspiracy and the execution of the +conspirators, in the last month of his consulship. But setting aside the +first eleven letters, we have from that time forward a correspondence +illustrating, as no other document in antiquity does, the hopes and +fears, the doubts and difficulties, of a keen politician living through +the most momentous period of Roman history, the period of the fall of +the Republic, beginning with Pompey's return from the East in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62, +and ending with the appearance of the young Octavian on the scene and +the formation of the Triumvirate in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 43, of whose victims Cicero was +one of the first and most illustrious. It is by his conduct and speeches +during this period that Cicero's claim to be a statesman and a patriot +must be judged, and by his writings in the same period that his place in +literature must chiefly be assigned. Before <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63 his biography, if we +had it, would be that of the advocate and the official, no doubt with +certain general views on political questions as they occurred, but not +yet committed definitely to a party, or inclined to regard politics as +the absorbing interest of his life. In his early youth his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">[Pg xiv]</a></span> hero had +been his fellow townsman Marius, in whose honour he composed a poem +about the time of taking the <i>toga virilis</i>. But it was as the +successful general, and before the days of the civil war. And though he +served in the army of Sulla in the Marsic war (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 90-88), he always +regarded his cruelties with horror, however much he may have afterwards +approved of certain points of his legislation. It was not till the +consulship that he became definitely a party man<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> and an Optimate, and +even then his feelings were much distracted by a strong +belief—strangely ill-founded—that Pompey would be as successful as a +statesman as he had been fortunate as a general. For him he had also a +warm personal attachment, which never seems to have wholly died out, in +spite of much petulance of language. This partly accounts for the +surrender of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, and his acquiescence in the policy of the +triumvirs, an acquiescence never hearty indeed, as far as Cæsar and +Crassus were concerned, but in which he consoled himself with the belief +that nothing very unconstitutional could be done while Pompey was +practically directing affairs at Rome.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">The various nature of the Correspondence.</div> + +<p>It is through this period of political change and excitement that the +correspondence will take us, with some important gaps indeed, but on the +whole fullest when it is most wanted to shew the feelings and motives +guiding the active politicians of the day, or at any rate the effect +which events had upon one eager and acute intellect and sensitive heart. +One charm of the correspondence is variety. There is almost every sort +of letter. Those to Atticus are unstudied, spontaneous, and reflect the +varying moods of the writer. At times of special excitement they follow +each other day by day, and sometimes more than once in the same day; and +the writer seems to conceal nothing, however much it might expose him to +ridicule, and to the charge of fickleness, weakness, or even cowardice. +Those addressed to other friends are sometimes familiar and playful, +some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">[Pg xv]</a></span>times angry and indignant. Some of them are careful and elaborate +state papers, others mere formal introductions and recommendations. +Business, literature, and philosophy all have their share in them; and, +what is so rare in ancient literature, the family relations of the +writer, his dealings with wife, son, and daughter, brother and nephew, +and sons-in-law, are all depicted for us, often with the utmost +frankness. After reading them we seem to know Cicero the man, as well as +Cicero the statesman and orator. The eleven letters which precede the +consulship are happily, from this point of view, addressed to Atticus. +For it was to Atticus that he wrote with the least concealment, and with +the confidence that any detail, however small, which concerned himself +would be interesting to his correspondent. It is well, therefore, that, +though we thus come into his life when it was more than half over, we +should at once hear his genuine sentiments on whatever subjects he may +be speaking. Besides his own, we have about ninety letters to Cicero +from some of the chief men of the day—Pompey, Cæsar, Cato, Brutus, +Antony, and many others. They are of very various excellence. The best +of them are by much less known men. Neither Pompey nor Cæsar were good +letter-writers, or, if the latter was so, he was too busy to use his +powers.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Cicero's position previous to the beginning of the +Correspondence in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 68.</div> + +<p>The letters begin, then, in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 68, when Cicero was in his +thirty-seventh year. He was already a man of established reputation both +as a pleader and a writer. Rhetorical treatises (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 86), translations +from Xenophon and Plato (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 84), and from the poems of Aratus (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +81), had given evidence of a varied literary interest and a promise of +future eminence, while his success as an advocate had led to the first +step in the official <i>cursus honorum</i> by his becoming a quæstor in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +75. The lot assigned Lilybæum as his sphere of work, and though the +duties of a quæstor in Sicily were not such as to bring a man's name +much before the Roman public, Cicero plumes himself, as was not unusual +with him, on the integrity and energy which he displayed in his +administration. He has indeed the honesty to tell against himself the +story of the acquaintance who, meeting him at Puteoli on his return +journey, asked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">[Pg xvi]</a></span> <span class="sidenote">Quæstor, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 75.</span> him what day he had left Rome and what was the news +there. When he answered rather crossly that he had just come from +Sicily, another acquaintance put in with "Why, of course. Didn't you +know he has just been quæstor <i>at Syracuse</i>!" At any rate he had done +sufficiently well in Lilybæum to give him his next step, the ædileship +to which he was elected <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 70, and to induce the Sicilians to apply to +him, when in that year they desired the prosecution of the extortionate +Verres. His energy and success in this business raised him, without +question, to the first rank of advocates, and pledged him to a righteous +policy in regard to the government of the provinces.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Cicero's Boyhood and Education.</div> + +<p>Still Cicero was a <i>novus homo</i>, and the jealous exclusiveness of the +great families at Rome might yet prevent his attainment of the highest +office of all. When the correspondence opens he is a candidate for the +prætorship, which he obtained without difficulty, at the head of the +poll. But his birth might still be a bar to the consulship. His father, +M. Tullius, lived at Arpinum, an ancient city of the Volscians and +afterwards of the Samnites, which had long enjoyed a partial, and from +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 188 a complete, Roman franchise, and was included in the Cornelian +tribe. Cicero's mother's name was Helvia, of whom we know nothing but +the one anecdote told by Quintus (<i>Fam.</i> xvi. 26), who says that she +used to seal the wine jars when they were emptied, so that none might be +drained without her knowing it—a testimony to her economy and careful +housewifery. His father had weak health and resided almost entirely in +his villa at Arpinum, which he had considerably enlarged, much devoted +to study and literature (<i>de Leg.</i> ii. 1). But though he apparently +possessed considerable property, giving him equestrian rank, and though +Cicero says that his family was very ancient, yet neither he nor any of +his ancestors had held Roman magistracies. Marcus and his brother +Quintus were the first of their family to do so, and both had to depend +on character and ability to secure their elections. But though the +father did nothing for his sons by holding curule office himself, he did +the best for their education that was possible. Cicero calls him +<i>optimus et prudentissimus</i>, and speaks with gratitude of what he had +done<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xvii" id="Page_xvii">[Pg xvii]</a></span> for his sons in this respect. They were sent early to Rome to the +house of C. Aculeo, a learned jurisconsult, married to a sister of +Helvia; and attended—with their cousins, the sons of Aculeo—the best +schools in the city.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> The young Marcus shewed extraordinary ability +from the first, and that avidity for reading and study which never +forsook him. As a young man he diligently attended the chambers of +renowned jurisconsults, especially those of the elder and younger +Scævola, Crassus, and Antonius, and soon found that his calling in life +was oratory. It was not till he was twenty-eight years old, +however—when he had already written much and pleaded many cases—that +he went on a visit of between two and three years to Greece, Asia, and +Rhodes, to study in the various schools of rhetoric and philosophy, and +to view their famous cities (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 79-77). It was after his return from +this tour that his age (he was now thirty-one) made the seeking of +office at Rome possible. From that time his election to the several +offices—quæstorship, ædileship, prætorship, consulship—followed +without any repulse, each in the first year of his age at which he was +legally capable of being elected.</p> + +<p>He had doubtless made the acquaintance of Titus Pomponius, afterwards +called Atticus, early in life. But it seems that it was their intimacy +at Athens (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 79), where Atticus, who was three years his senior, had +been residing for several years, that began the very close and warm +friendship which lasted with nothing but the slightest and most passing +of clouds till his death. His brother Quintus was married to Pomponia, a +sister of Atticus; but the marriage turned out unfortunately, and was a +strain upon the friendship of Cicero and Atticus rather than an +additional bond. This source of uneasiness meets us in the very first +letter of the correspondence, and crops up again and again till the +final rupture of the ill-assorted union by divorce in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 44. Nothing, +however, had apparently interrupted the correspondence of the two +friends, which had been going on for a long time before the first letter +which has been preserved.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Cicero the successful Advocate.</div> + +<p>The eleven letters, then, which date before the consulship, shew us +Cicero in full career of success as an advocate and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xviii" id="Page_xviii">[Pg xviii]</a></span> rising official, +not as yet apparently much interested in party politics, but with his +mind, in the intervals of forensic business, engaged on the adornment of +the new villa at Tusculum, the first of the numerous country residences +which his growing wealth or his heightened ideas of the dignity of his +position prompted him to purchase. Atticus is commissioned to search in +Athens and elsewhere for objects of art suitable for the residence of a +wealthy Roman, who at the same time was a scholar and man of letters. He +is beginning to feel the charm of at any rate a temporary retreat from +the constant bustle and occupations of the city. Though Cicero loved +Rome, and could hardly conceive of life unconnected with its business +and excitements,<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> and eagerly looked for news of the city in his +absence, yet there was another side to his character. His interest in +literature and philosophy was quite as genuine as his interest in the +forum and senate-house. When the season came for temporarily withdrawing +from the latter, he returned to the former with eager passion. But +Tusculum was too near Rome to secure him the quiet and solitude +necessary for study and composition. Thus, though he says (vol. i., p. +<a href="#Page_4">4</a>), "I am so delighted with my Tusculan villa that I never feel really +happy till I get there," he often found it necessary, when engaged in +any serious literary work, to seek the more complete retirement of +Formiæ, Cumæ, or Pompeii, near all of which he acquired properties, +besides an inheritance at Arpinum.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> But the important achievements in +literature were still in the future. The few letters of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 68-67 are +full of directions to Atticus for the collection of books or works of +art suitable to his house, and of matters of private interest. They are +also short and sometimes abrupt. The famous allusion to his father's +death in the second letter of this collection, contained in a single<span class="sidenote">Death of Cicero's Father.</span> +line—<i>pater nobis decessit a.d.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xix" id="Page_xix">[Pg xix]</a></span> 111 Kal. Decembris</i>—followed by +directions to Atticus as to articles of <i>vertu</i> for his villa, has much +exercised the minds of admirers, who do not like to think Cicero capable +of such a cold-hearted sentence. It is certainly very unlike his usual +manner.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> He is more apt to exaggerate than understate his emotions; +and in the first letter extant he speaks with real feeling of the death +of a cousin. Elsewhere—as we have seen—he refers to his father with +respect and gratitude. How then are we to account for such a cold +announcement? Several expedients have been hit upon. First, to change +<i>decessit</i> to <i>discessit</i>, and to refer the sentence to the father's +quitting Rome, and not life; in which case it is not easy to see why the +information is given at all. Second, to suppose it to be a mere answer +to a request for the information on the part of Atticus; in which case +the date must refer to some previous year, or the letter must be placed +considerably later, to allow of time for Atticus to hear of the death +and to write his question. In favour of the first is the fact that +Asconius (§ 82) says that Cicero lost his father when he was a candidate +for the consulship (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64). Some doubt has been thrown upon the +genuineness of the passage in Asconius; and, if that is not trustworthy, +we have nothing else to help us. On the whole I think we must leave the +announcement as it stands in all its baldness. Cicero's father had long +been an invalid, and Atticus may have been well aware that the end was +expected. He would also be acquainted with the son's feelings towards +his father, and Cicero may have held it unnecessary to enlarge upon +them. It is possible, too, that he had already written to tell Atticus +of the death and of his own feelings, but had omitted the date, which he +here supplies. Whatever may be the true explanation—impossible now to +recover—everything we know of Cicero forbids us to reckon insensibility +among his faults, or reserve in expressing his feelings among his +characteristics.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">The Prætorship, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 66.</div> + +<p>In the next year (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67) we find Cicero elected to the prætorship, +after at least two interruptions to the <i>comitia</i>,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xx" id="Page_xx">[Pg xx]</a></span> which, though not +aimed at himself, gave him a foretaste of the political troubles to come +a few years later. He is, however, at present simply annoyed at the +inconvenience, not yet apprehensive of any harm to the constitution. The +double postponement, indeed, had the effect of gratifying his vanity: +for his own name was returned three times first of the list of eight. +His prætorship (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 66) passed without any startling event. The two +somewhat meagre letters which remain belonging to this year tell us +hardly anything. Still he began more or less to define his political +position by advocating the <i>lex Manilia</i>, for putting the Mithridatic +war into the hands of Pompey; and one of his most elaborate forensic +speeches—that for Cluentius—was delivered in the course of the year: +in which also his brother Quintus was elected to the ædileship.</p> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65-64. Preparations for the Consulship.</div> + +<p>So far Cicero had risen steadily and without serious difficulty up the +official ladder. But the stress was now to come. The old families seem +not to have been so ready to oppose the rise of the <i>novus homo</i> to the +prætorship. It was the consulship on which they tried to keep a tight +hand. Accordingly, immediately after the year of his prætorship, we find +him anxiously looking out for support and inquiring who are likely to be +his competitors. The interesting point in regard to this is his +connexion with Catiline. In his speech in the senate delivered in the +following year (<i>in toga candida</i>, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64) he denounced Catiline in the +most violent language, accusing him of every conceivable crime; yet in +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65 he not only contemplated being elected with him without any +expression of disgust, but even considered whether he should not +undertake his defence on some charge that was being brought against +him—perhaps for his conduct during the Sullan proscriptions. To +whitewash Catiline is a hopeless task; and it throws a lurid light upon +the political and moral sentiments of the time to find Cicero even +contemplating such a conjunction.</p> + +<p>After this, for two years, there is a break in the correspondence. +Atticus had probably returned to Rome, and if there were letters to +others (as no doubt there were) they have been lost. A certain light is +thrown on the proceed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxi" id="Page_xxi">[Pg xxi]</a></span>ings of the year of candidature (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64) by the +essay "On the duties of a candidate," ascribed to his brother Quintus, +who was himself to be a candidate for the prætorship in the next year +(<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63). We may see from this essay that Pompey was still regarded as +the greatest and most influential man at Rome; that Catiline's character +was so atrocious in the eyes of most, that his opposition was not to be +feared; that Cicero's "newness" was a really formidable bar to his +election, and that his chief support was to be looked for from the +individuals and companies for whom he had acted as counsel, and who +hoped to secure his services in the future. The support of the nobles +was not a certainty. There had been a taint of <i>popularity</i> in some of +Cicero's utterances, and the writer urges him to convince the consulars +that he was at one with the Optimates, while at the same time aiming at +the conciliation of the equestrian order. This was, in fact, to be +Cicero's political position in the future. The party of the +Optimates—in spite of his disgust at the indifference and frivolity of +many of them—was to be his party: his favourite constitutional object +was to be to keep the equites and the senate on good terms: and his +greatest embarrassment was how to reconcile this position with his +personal loyalty to Pompey, and his views as to the reforms necessary in +the government of the provinces.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">The Consulship, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63.</div> + +<p>For the momentous year of the consulship we have no letters. His brother +Quintus was in Rome as candidate and then prætor-designate; Atticus was +also in Rome; and the business, as well as the dignity of a consul, were +against anything like ordinary correspondence. Of the earlier part of +the consulship we have little record. The speeches against Rullus were +delivered at the beginning of the year, and commit Cicero pretty +definitely to a policy as to the <i>ager publicus</i>—which was, to his +disgust, entirely reversed by the triumvirs in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59—but they do not +shew any sense of coming trouble. Cicero, however, throughout his +consulship took a very definite line against the <i>populares</i>. Not only +did he defend Rabirius Postumus, when accused by Cæsar of the +assassination of Saturninus, and address the people against offering +violence to L. Roscius on account of the unpopular<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxii" id="Page_xxii">[Pg xxii]</a></span> <i>lex theatralis</i>,<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> +but he even resisted the restoration to their civil rights of the sons +of the men proscribed by Sulla, avowedly on the ground of the necessity +of maintaining the established order, though he knew and confessed the +justice of the proposal.<a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">The Conspiracy of Catiline.</div> + +<p>Any movement, therefore, on the side of the popular party had now his +opposition with which to reckon. He professes to have known very early +in his year of office that some more than usually dangerous movement was +in contemplation. We cannot well decide from the violent denunciation of +Catiline contained—to judge from extant fragments—in the speech <i>in +toga candida</i>, how far Cicero was really acquainted with any definite +designs of his. Roman orators indulged in a violence of language so +alien from modern ideas and habits, that it is difficult to draw +definite conclusions. But it appears from Sallust that Catiline had in a +secret meeting before the elections of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64, professed an intention +of going all lengths in a revolutionary programme and, if that was the +case, Cicero would be sure to have had some secret information on the +subject. But his hands were partly tied by the fact that the <i>comitia</i> +had given him a colleague—C. Antonius—deeply implicated in Catiline's +policy, whatever it was. Pompey, whom he regarded as the champion of law +and order, was in the East: and Catiline's candidature—and it was +supposed his policy also—had had the almost open support of the richest +man in Rome, M. Licinius Crassus, and of the most influential man of the +<i>populares</i>, C. Iulius Cæsar. In the house of one or the other of them, +indeed, the meeting at which Catiline first unfolded his purposes was +believed to have been held. Still Catiline had not been guilty of any +overt act which enabled Cicero to attack him. He had, indeed, been +informed, on very questionable authority, that Catiline had made a plot +to assassinate him while holding the elections, and he made a +considerable parade of taking precautions for his safety—letting it be +seen that he wore a cuirass under his toga, and causing his house to be +guarded by the younger members of his party. The elections,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxiii" id="Page_xxiii">[Pg xxiii]</a></span> according +to Plutarch, had at least been once postponed from the ordinary time in +July, though this has been denied.<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> At any rate it was not till they +had taken place and Catiline had been once more rejected, that any +definite step is alleged to have been taken by him, such as Cicero could +lay hold of to attack him. On the 20th of October, in the senate, Cicero +made a speech warning the Fathers of the impending danger, and on the +21st called upon Catiline for an explanation in their presence. But, +after all, even the famous meeting of the 5th of November, in the house +of M. Porcius Læca, betrayed to Cicero by Fulvia, the mistress of Q. +Curius, would not have sufficed as grounds for the denunciation of the +first extant speech against Catiline (7th of November), if it had not +been for something else. For some months past there had been rumours of +risings in various parts of Italy; but by the beginning of November it +was known that C. Manlius (or Mallius) had collected a band of +desperadoes near Fæsulæ, and, having established there a camp on the +27th of October, meant to advance on Rome. Manlius had been a centurion +in Sulla's army, and had received an allotment of confiscated land in +Etruria; but, like others, had failed to prosper. The movement was one +born of discontent with embarrassments which were mostly brought about +by extravagance or incompetence. But the rapidity with which Manlius was +able to gather a formidable force round him seems to shew that there +were genuine grievances also affecting the agricultural classes in +Etruria generally. At any rate there was now no doubt that a formidable +disturbance was brewing; the senate voted that there was a <i>tumultus</i>, +authorized the raising of troops, and named commanders in the several +districts affected. It was complicity in this rising that Cicero now +sought to establish against Catiline and his partisans in Rome. The +report of the meeting in the house of Læca gave him the pretext for his +first step—a fiery denunciation of Catiline in the senate on the 7th of +November. Catiline left Rome, joined the camp of Manlius, and assumed +the ensigns of <i>imperium</i>. That he was allowed thus to leave<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxiv" id="Page_xxiv">[Pg xxiv]</a></span> the city +is a proof that Cicero had as yet no information enabling him to act at +once. It was the right of every citizen to avoid standing a trial by +going into exile. Catiline was now under notice of prosecution for +<i>vis</i>, and when leaving Rome he professed to be going to Marseilles, +which had the <i>ius exilii</i>. But when it was known that he had stopped +short at Fæsulæ, the senate at once declared both him and Manlius +<i>hostes</i>, and authorized the consuls to proceed against them. The +expedition was intrusted to Antonius, in spite of his known sympathy +with Catiline, while Cicero was retained with special powers to protect +the city. The result is too well known to be more than glanced at here. +Catiline's partisans were detected by letters confided to certain envoys +of the Allobroges, which were held to convict them of the guilt of +treason, as instigating Catiline to march on Rome, and the senate of the +Allobroges to assist the invasion by sending cavalry to Fæsulæ.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Execution of the conspirators, December, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63. Its legal +grounds and consequences.</div> + +<p>The decree of the senate, <i>videant consules, etc.</i>, had come to be +considered as reviving the full <i>imperium</i> of the consul, and investing +him with the power of life and death over all citizens. Cicero acted on +this (questionable) constitutional doctrine. He endeavoured, indeed, to +shelter himself under the authority of a senatorial vote. But the senate +never had the power to try or condemn a citizen. It could only record +its advice to the consul. The whole legal responsibility for the +condemnation and death of the conspirators, arrested in consequence of +these letters, rested on the consul. To our moral judgment as to +Cicero's conduct it is of primary importance to determine whether or not +these men were guilty: to his legal and constitutional position it +matters not at all. Nor was that point ever raised against him. The +whole question turns on whether the doctrine was true that the <i>senatus +consultum ultimum</i> gave the consul the right of inflicting death upon +citizens without trial, <i>i.e.</i>, without appeal to the people, on the +analogy of the dictator <i>seditionis sedandæ causa</i>, thus practically +defeating that most ancient and cherished safeguard of Roman liberty, +the <i>ius provocationis</i>. The precedents were few, and scarcely such as +would appeal to popular<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxv" id="Page_xxv">[Pg xxv]</a></span> approval. The murder of Tiberius Gracchus had +been <i>ex post facto</i> approved by the senate in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 133-2. In the case +of Gaius Gracchus, in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 121, the senate had voted <i>uti consul Opimius +rempublicam defenderet</i>, and in virtue of that the consul had authorized +the killing of Gaius and his friends: thus for the first time exercising +<i>imperium sine provocatione</i>. Opimius had been impeached after his year +of office, but acquitted, which the senate might claim as a confirmation +of the right, in spite of the <i>lex</i> of Gaius Gracchus, which confirmed +the right of <i>provocatio</i> in all cases. In <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 100 the tribune +Saturninus and the prætor Glaucia were arrested in consequence of a +similar decree, which this time joined the other magistrates to the +consuls as authorized to protect the Republic: their death, however, was +an act of violence on the part of a mob. Its legality had been impugned +by Cæsar's condemnation of Rabirius, as <i>duovir capitalis</i>, but to a +certain extent confirmed by the failure to secure his conviction on the +trial of his appeal to the people. In <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 88 and 83 this decree of the +senate was again passed, in the first case in favour of Sulla against +the tribune Sulpicius, who was in consequence put to death; and in the +second case in favour of the consuls (partisans of Marius) against the +followers of Sulla. Again in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 77 the decree was passed in +consequence of the insurrection of the proconsul Lepidus, who, however, +escaped to Sardinia and died there.</p> + +<p>In every case but one this decree had been passed against the popular +party. The only legal sanction given to the exercise of the <i>imperium +sine provocatione</i> was the acquittal of the consul Opimius in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 120. +But the jury which tried that case probably consisted entirely of +senators, who would not stultify their own proceedings by condemning +him. To rely upon such precedents required either great boldness (never +a characteristic of Cicero), or the most profound conviction of the +essential righteousness of the measure, and the clearest assurance that +the safety of the state—the supreme law—justified the breach of every +constitutional principle. Cicero was not left long in doubt as to +whether there would be any to question his proceeding. On the last day +of the year, when about to address the people, as was customary, on +laying down his consulship,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxvi" id="Page_xxvi">[Pg xxvi]</a></span> the tribune Q. Cæcilius Metellus Nepos +forbade him to speak, on the express ground that he "had put citizens to +death uncondemned"—<i>quod cives indemnatos necavisset</i>. Cicero consoled +himself with taking the required oath as to having observed the laws, +with an additional declaration that he had "saved the state." +Nevertheless, he must have felt deeply annoyed and alarmed at the action +of Metellus, for he had been a <i>legatus</i> of Pompey, and was supposed to +represent his views, and it was upon the approbation and support of +Pompey, now on the eve of his return from the East, that Cicero +particularly reckoned.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Letters after <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63.</div> + +<p>The letters in our collection now recommence. The first of the year +(<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62) is one addressed to Pompey, expressing some discontent at the +qualified manner in which he had written on recent events, and affirming +his own conviction that he had acted in the best interests of the state +and with universal approval. But indeed the whole correspondence to the +end of Cicero's exile is permeated with this subject directly or +indirectly. His quarrel with Metellus Nepos brought upon him a +remonstrance from the latter's brother (or cousin), Metellus Celer +(Letters XIII, XIV), and when the correspondence for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61 opens, we +find him already on the eve of the quarrel with Publius Clodius which +was to bring upon him the exile of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Publius Clodius Pulcher.</div> + +<p><span class="smcap">P. Clodius Pulcher</span> was an extreme instance of a character not uncommon +among the nobility in the last age of the Republic. Of high birth, and +possessed of no small amount of ability and energy, he belonged by +origin and connexion to the Optimates; but he regarded politics as a +game to be played for his personal aggrandizement, and public office as +a means of replenishing a purse drained by boundless extravagance and +self-indulgence. His record had been bad. He had accompanied his +brother-in-law Lucullus, or had joined his staff, in the war with +Mithridates, and had helped to excite a mutiny in his army in revenge +for some fancied slight. He had then gone to Cilicia, where another +brother-in-law, Q. Marcus Rex, was proprætor, and while commanding a +fleet under him had fallen into the hands of pirates, and when freed +from them had gone<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxvii" id="Page_xxvii">[Pg xxvii]</a></span>—apparently in a private capacity—to Antioch, where +he again excited a mutiny of Syrian troops engaged in a war against the +Arabians (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 70-65). On his return to Rome he attempted to make +himself conspicuous by prosecuting Catiline, but accepted a bribe to +withdraw. In <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64, on the staff of the governor of Gallia +Narbonensis, he is accused of having enriched himself with plunder. For +a time after that he was still acting as a member of the party of the +Optimates; seems to have supported Cicero during the Catiline +conspiracy; and in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62 stood for the quæstorship and was elected. +His violation of the mysteries was alleged to have been committed in +December of that year, and before he could go to the province allotted +to him as quæstor in Sicily he had to stand a trial for sacrilege. Such +an offence—penetrating in disguise into the house of the Pontifex +Maximus, when his wife was engaged in the secret rites of the Bona +Dea—would place him under a curse, and not only prevent his entering +upon his quæstorship, but would disfranchise and politically ruin him. +Clodius would seem not to have been a person of sufficient character or +importance to make this trial a political event. But not only had he +powerful backers, but his opponents also, by proposing an innovation in +the manner of selecting the jurors for trying him, had managed to give a +spurious political importance to the case. One of the most brilliant of +the early letters (<a href="#XV_F_V_6">XV</a>, p. <a href="#Page_37">37</a>) gives us a graphic picture of the trial. +Clodius was acquitted and went to his province, but returned in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60, +apparently prepared for a change of parties. Cicero and he had +quarrelled over the trial. He had said sarcastic things about the sacred +consulship, and Cicero had retaliated by bitter speeches in the senate, +and by giving evidence at the trial of having seen Clodius in Rome three +hours before he professed to have been at Interamna, on the day of the +alleged sacrilege. It is perhaps possible that his alibi may have been +true in substance, for he may have been well out of Rome on his way to +Interamna after seeing Cicero. But, however that may be, he nourished a +grudge against Cicero, which he presently had an opportunity of +satisfying. The year of his return to Rome from Sicily (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60) was the +same as that of Cæsar's return from Spain. Pompey—who had returned the +year<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxviii" id="Page_xxviii">[Pg xxviii]</a></span> before—was at enmity with the senate on account of the +difficulties raised to the confirmation of his <i>acta</i> and the allotments +for his veterans. Cæsar had a grievance because of the difficulties put +in the way of his triumph. The two coalesced, taking in the millionaire +Crassus, to form a triumvirate or coalition of three, with a view to +getting measures they desired passed, and offices for themselves or +their partisans. This was a great blow to Cicero, who clung feverously +to Pompey as a political leader, but could not follow him in a coalition +with Cæsar: for he knew that the object of it was a series of measures +of which he heartily disapproved. His hope of seeing Pompey coming to +act as acknowledged leader of the Optimates was dashed to the ground. He +could not make up his mind wholly to abandon him, or, on the other hand, +to cut himself adrift from the party of Optimates, to whose policy he +had so deeply committed himself. Clodius was troubled by no such +scruples. Perhaps Cæsar had given him substantial reasons for his change +of policy. At any rate, from this time forward he acts as an extreme +<i>popularis</i>—much too extreme, as it turned out, for Pompey's taste. As +a patrician his next step in the official ladder would naturally have +been the ædileship. But that peaceful office did not suit his present +purpose. The tribuneship would give him the right to bring forward +measures in the <i>comitia tributa</i>, such as he desired to pass, and would +in particular give him the opportunity of attacking Cicero. The +difficulty was that to become tribune he must cease to be a patrician. +He could only do that by being adopted into a plebeian gens. He had a +plebeian ready to do it in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59. But for a man who was <i>sui iuris</i> to +be adopted required a formal meeting of the old <i>comitia curiata</i>, and +such a meeting required the presence of an augur, as well as some kind +of sanction of the pontifices. Cæsar was Pontifex Maximus, and Pompey +was a member of the college of augurs. Their influence would be +sufficient to secure or prevent this being done. Their consent was, it +appears, for a time withheld. But Cæsar was going to Gaul at the end of +his consulship, and desired to have as few powerful enemies at Rome +during his absence as possible. Still he had a personal feeling for +Cicero, and when it was known that one of Clodius's objects<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxix" id="Page_xxix">[Pg xxix]</a></span> in seeking +to become a plebeian and a tribune was to attack him, Cæsar offered him +two chances of honourable retreat—first as one of the commissioners to +administer his land law, and again as one of his <i>legati</i> in Gaul. But +Cicero would not accept the first, because he was vehemently opposed to +the law itself: nor the second, because he had no taste for provincial +business, even supposing the proconsul to be to his liking; and because +he could not believe that P. Clodius would venture to attack him, or +would succeed if he did. Cæsar's consulship of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59 roused his worst +fears for the Republic; and, though he thought little of the +statesmanship or good sense of Cæsar's hostile colleague Bibulus, he was +thoroughly disgusted with the policy of the triumvirs, with the +contemptuous treatment of the senate, with the high-handed disregard of +the auspices—by means of which Bibulus tried to invalidate the laws and +other <i>acta</i> of Cæsar—and with the armed forces which Pompey brought +into the <i>campus</i>, nominally to keep order, but really to overawe the +<i>comitia</i>, and secure the passing of Cæsar's laws. Nor was it in his +nature to conceal his feelings. Speaking early in the year in defence of +his former colleague, C. Antonius, accused of <i>maiestas</i> for his conduct +in Macedonia, he expressed in no doubtful terms his view of the +political situation. Within a few hours the words were reported to the +triumvirs, and all formalities were promptly gone through for the +adoption of Clodius. Cæsar himself presided at the <i>comitia curiata</i>, +Pompey attended as augur, and the thing was done in a few minutes. Even +then Cicero does not appear to have been alarmed, or to have been fully +aware of what the object of Publius was. While on his usual spring visit +to his seaside villas in April (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59), he expressed surprise at +hearing from the young Curio that Clodius was a candidate for the +tribuneship (vol. i., p. <a href="#Page_99">99</a>). His surprise no doubt was more or less +assumed: he must have understood that Clodius's object in the adoption +was the tribunate, and must have had many uneasy reflexions as to the +use which he would make of the office when he got it. Indeed there was +not very much doubt about it, for Publius openly avowed his intentions. +We have accordingly numerous references, in the letters to Atticus, to +Cicero's doubts about the course he ought to adopt. Should he accept +Cæsar's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxx" id="Page_xxx">[Pg xxx]</a></span> offer of a legation in Gaul, or a free and votive legation? +Should he stay in Rome and fight it out? The latter course was the one +on which he was still resolved in July, when Clodius had been, or was on +the point of being, elected tribune (p. <a href="#Page_110">110</a>). He afterwards wavered (p. +<a href="#Page_113">113</a>), but was encouraged by the belief that all the "orders" were +favourable to him, and were becoming alienated from the triumvirs (pp. +<a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>), especially after the affair of Vettius (pp. <a href="#Page_122">122-124</a>), and by +the friendly disposition of many of the colleagues of Clodius in the +tribuneship. With such feelings of confidence and courage the letters of +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59 come to an end.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">The Exile, April, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58—August, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57.</div> + +<p>The correspondence only opens again in April of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, when the worst +has happened. Clodius entered upon his tribuneship on the 10th of +December, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, and lost little time in proposing a law to the +<i>comitia</i> for the trial of any magistrate guilty of putting citizens to +death without trial (<i>qui cives indemnatos necavisset</i>). The wording of +the law thus left it open to plead that it applied only to such act as +occurred after its enactment, for the pluperfect <i>necavisset</i> in the +dependent clause answers to the future perfect in a direct one. And this +was the interpretation that Cæsar, while approving the law itself, +desired to put upon it.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> He again offered Cicero a legation in Gaul, +but would do nothing for him if he stayed in Rome; while Pompey, who had +been profuse in promises of protection, either avoided seeing Cicero, or +treated his abject entreaties with cold disdain.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> Every citizen, by a +humane custom at Rome, had the right of avoiding a prosecution by +quitting the city and residing in some town which had the <i>ius exilii</i>. +It is this course that we find Cicero already entered upon when the +correspondence of the year begins. In the letters of this year of exile +he continually reproaches himself with not having stayed and even +supported the law, in full confidence that it could not be applied to +himself. He attributes his having taken the less courageous course to +the advice of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxi" id="Page_xxxi">[Pg xxxi]</a></span> friends, who were actuated by jealousy and a desire +to get rid of him. Even Atticus he thinks was timid, at the best, in +advising his retirement. It is the only occasion in all the +correspondence in which the least cloud seems to have rested on the +perfect friendship of the two men. Atticus does not appear to have shewn +any annoyance at the querulous remarks of his friend. He steadily +continued to write, giving information and advice, and made no +difficulty in supplying his friend with money. During Cicero's absence +Atticus became still more wealthy than before by inheriting the estates +of his cross-grained uncle Cæcilius. But he was always careful as to the +investment of his money and he would not, perhaps, have been so ready to +trust Cicero, had he not felt confidence in the ultimate recovery of his +civil status. Still his confidence was peculiarly welcome at a time +which would have been otherwise one of great pressure. For Clodius had +followed up Cicero's retirement with the usual <i>lex</i> in regard to +persons leaving Rome to avoid a trial—a prohibition "of fire and water" +within a fixed distance from Italy, which involved the confiscation of +all his property in Italy. His villas were dismantled, his town house +pulled down, and a vote of the people obtained by Clodius for the +consecration of its site as a <i>templum</i> dedicated to Liberty, and a +scheme was formed and the work actually commenced for occupying part of +it by an extension of an existing porticus or colonnade (the <i>porticus +Catuli</i>) to contain a statue of Liberty. That this consecration was +regular is shewn by the pleas by which it was afterwards sought to +reverse it.<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> When Cicero was recalled the question came before the +pontifices, who decided that the consecration was not valid unless it +had been done by the "order of the people." It could not be denied on +the face of it that there had been such an order. Cicero was obliged to +resort to the plea that Clodius's adoption had been irregular and +invalid, that therefore he was not legally a tribune, and could not take +an order of the people. Finally, the senate seems to have decided that +its restoration to Cicero was part of the general <i>restitutio in +integrum</i> voted by the <i>comitia centuriata</i>; and a sum of money was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxii" id="Page_xxxii">[Pg xxxii]</a></span> +assigned to him for the rebuilding of the house. Clodius refused to +recognize the validity of this decree of the senate, and attempted by +violence to interrupt the workmen engaged on the house. We have a lively +picture of this in Letter <a href="#XCI_A_IV_3">XCI</a> (vol. i., pp. <a href="#Page_194">194-196</a>).</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Letters of the Exile (Letters LV-LXXXVIII).</div> + +<p>The letters from Cicero as an exile are painful reading for those who +entertain a regard for his character. It was not unnatural, indeed, that +he should feel it grievously. He had so completely convinced himself of +the extraordinary value of his services to the state, of the importance +of his position in Roman politics, and of the view that the Optimates +would take of the necessity of retaining him, that to see himself +treated like a fraudulent or unsuccessful provincial governor, of no +importance to anyone but himself, was a bitter blow to his self-esteem. +The actual loss was immense. His only means were now the amount of money +he had been able to take with him, or was able to borrow. All was gone +except such property as his wife retained in her own right. He was a +dependent upon her, instead of being her support and the master of his +own household. The services of freedmen—readily rendered when he was +prosperous—would now be a matter of favour and personal attachment, +which was not always sufficient to retain them. The "life and light" of +the city, in which no man ever took a more eager interest and delight, +were closed to him. He was cut off from his family, and from familiar +intercourse with friends, on both of which he was much dependent for +personal happiness. Lastly, wherever he lived, he lived, as it were, on +sufferance, no longer an object of respect as a statesman, or the source +of help to others by his eloquence. But, disagreeable as all this was to +a man of Cicero's sensitive vanity, there was something still worse. +Even in towns which were the legal distance from Italy he could not +safely stay, if they were within the jurisdiction of one of his personal +enemies, or contained other exiles, who owed him an ill turn. He was +protected by no law, and more than one instance of such a man's falling +a victim to an enemy's dagger is recorded. Cicero's first idea was to go +to Malta: but Malta was for some purposes in the jurisdiction of the +governor of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxiii" id="Page_xxxiii">[Pg xxxiii]</a></span> Sicily, and the governor of Sicily (C. Vergilius<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a>) +objected to his passing through Sicily or staying at Malta. We have no +reason for supposing Vergilius personally hostile to Cicero, but he may +have thought that Cicero's services to the Sicilians in the case of +Verres would have called out some expression of feeling on their part in +his favour, which would have been awkward for a Roman governor. Cicero +therefore crossed to Epirus, and travelled down the Egnatian road to +Thessalonica. This was the official capital of the province of +Macedonia, and the quæstor in Macedonia, Gnæus Plancius, met Cicero at +Dyrrachium, invited him to fix his residence there with him, and +accompanied him on his journey. Here he stayed till November in a state +of anxiety and distress, faithfully reflected in his letters, waiting to +hear how far the elections for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57 would result in putting his +friends in office, and watching for any political changes that would +favour his recall: but prepared to go still farther to Cyzicus, if the +incoming governor, L. Calpurnius Piso, who, as consul in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58 with +Gabinius, had shewn decided animus against him, should still retain that +feeling in Macedonia. Events, however, in Rome during the summer and +autumn of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58 gave him better hopes. Clodius, by his violent +proceedings, as well as by his legislation, had alienated Pompey, and +caused him to favour Cicero's recall. Of the new consuls Lentulus was +his friend, and Q. Cæcilius Metellus Nepos (who as tribune in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63-62 +had prevented his speech when laying down his consulship) consented to +waive all opposition. A majority of the new tribunes were also +favourable to him, especially P. Sestius and T. Annius Milo; and in +spite of constant ups and downs in his feelings of confidence, he had on +the whole concluded that his recall was certain to take place. Towards +the end of November he therefore travelled back to Dyrrachium, a <i>libera +civitas</i> in which he had many friends, and where he thought he might be +safe, and from which he could cross to Italy as soon as he heard of the +law for his recall having been passed. Here, however, he was kept +waiting through many months of anxiety. Clodius had managed to make his +recall as difficult as possible. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxiv" id="Page_xxxiv">[Pg xxxiv]</a></span> had, while tribune, obtained an +order from the people forbidding the consuls to bring the subject before +the senate, and Piso and Gabinius had during their year of office +pleaded that law as a bar to introducing the question.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">The Recall, August, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57.</div> + +<p>The new consuls were not, or did not consider themselves, so bound, and +Lentulus having brought the subject forward, the senate early passed a +resolution that Cicero's recall was to take precedence of all other +business. In accordance with the resolution of the senate, a law was +proposed by the consul Lentulus in the <i>comitia centuriata</i>, and +probably one by Milo to the <i>tributa</i>. But Clodius, though no longer +armed with the tribuneship, was not yet beaten. He obtained the aid of +some gladiators belonging to his brother Appius, and more than once +interrupted and dispersed an assembly of the <i>comitia</i>. In the riots +thus occasioned blood was shed on both sides, and Cicero's brother +Quintus on one occasion nearly lost his life. This was the beginning of +the series of violent contests between Clodius and Milo, only ended by +the murder of the former on the Appian road in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52. But Clodius was +a candidate for the ædileship in this year (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57), and could be +barred from that office legally by a prosecution for <i>vis</i>, of which +Milo gave notice against him. It was, perhaps, a desire to avoid this, +as much as fear of Milo's counter exhibition of violence, that at length +caused him to relax in his opposition, or at any rate to abstain from +violently interrupting the <i>comitia</i>. Accordingly, on the 4th of August, +the law proposed by both consuls, and supported by Pompey, was passed +unanimously by the centuries. Cicero, we must presume, had received +trustworthy information that this was to be the case (shewing that some +understanding had been come to with Clodius, or there would have been no +certainty of his not violently dispersing the <i>comitia</i> again), for on +that same day he set sail from Dyrrachium and landed at Brundisium on +the 5th. His triumphant return to Rome is described in the eighty-ninth +letter of this collection. For Pompey's share in securing it he +expressed, and seems really to have felt, an exaggerated gratitude, +which still influenced him in the unhappy months of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 49, when he was +hesitating as to joining him beyond seas in the civil war.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxv" id="Page_xxxv">[Pg xxxv]</a></span></p> + +<p>But though Clodius had somehow been prevented from hindering his recall, +he by no means relaxed his hostility. He not only tried to excite the +populace against him by arguing that the scarcity and consequent high +price of corn, from which the people were at that time suffering, was in +some way attributable to Cicero's policy, but he also opposed the +restoration of his house; and when a decree of the senate was passed in +Cicero's favour on that point, brought his armed ruffians to prevent the +workmen from going on with the rebuilding, as well as to molest Cicero +himself (vol. i., p. <a href="#Page_195">195</a>). This was followed by a determined opposition +by Milo to the holding of the elections for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, until his +prosecution of Clodius <i>de vi</i> should have been tried. Clodius, however, +was acquitted,<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> and, being elected ædile, immediately commenced a +counter accusation against Milo for <i>vis</i>. He impeached him before the +<i>comitia</i> in February (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56), on which occasion Pompey spoke in +Milo's defence in the midst of a storm of interruptions got up by the +friends of Clodius (vol. i., pp. <a href="#Page_214">214</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>). Milo was also acquitted, and +the rest of Clodius's ædileship seems to have passed without farther +acts of open violence.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Cicero and the Triumvirs.</div> + +<p>But Cicero had now other causes of anxiety. He had spoken in favour of +the commission offered to Pompey in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57 for superintending the +corn-supply of Rome (<i>cura annonæ</i>). Pompey was to have fifteen legates, +a good supply of ships and men, and considerable powers in all +corn-growing countries in the Mediterranean. Cicero supported this, +partly from gratitude to Pompey, but partly also from a wish to promote +his power and influence against the ever-increasing influence and fame +of Cæsar. He secretly hoped that a jealousy might grow up between them; +that Pompey would be drawn closer to the Optimates; and that the union +of the triumvirate might be gradually weakened and finally disappear. +Pompey was thoroughly offended and alarmed by the insults offered him by +the Clodian mob, and by Clodius's own denunciations of him; and if he +could be convinced that these were suggested or approved by Cæsar or +Crassus, it would go far to withdraw him from friendship<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxvi" id="Page_xxxvi">[Pg xxxvi]</a></span> with either of +them. With Crassus, indeed, he had never been on cordial terms: it was +only Cæsar's influence that had caused him to form any union with him. +Cæsar, on the other hand, was likely to be uneasy at the great powers +which the <i>cura annonæ</i> put into Pompey's hands; and at the possible +suggestion of offering him the dictatorship, if the Clodian riots became +quite intolerable. On the whole, Cicero thought that he saw the element +of a very pretty quarrel, from which he hoped that the result might be +"liberty"—the orderly working of the constitution, that is, without the +irregular supremacy of anyone, at any rate of anyone of the popular +party. He had, however, a delicate part to play. He did not wish or dare +to break openly with Cæsar, or to speak too openly to Pompey; and he was +conscious that the intemperance, folly, or indifference of many of the +Optimates made it difficult to reckon on their support, and made that +support a very questionable benefit if accorded. But though his letters +of this period are full of expressions indicating doubt of Pompey and +irritation with him, yet he seems still to have spoken of him with +warmth on public occasions, while he avoided mentioning Cæsar, or spoke +of him only in cold terms.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Renewal of the Triumvirate at Luca, April, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, and +Cicero's change of policy.</div> + +<p>The hope, however, of detaching Pompey from Cæsar was dashed by the +meeting at Luca in April, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, at which a fresh arrangement was made +for the mutual advantage of the triumvirs. Cæsar got the promise of the +introduction of a law giving him an additional five years of command in +Gaul, with special privileges as to his candidature for the consulship +of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 48; while Pompey and Crassus bargained for a second consulship +in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, and the reversion of the Spains (to be held as a single +province) and Syria respectively, each for five years. The care taken +that none of the three should have <i>imperium</i> overlapping that of the +others was indeed a sign of mutual distrust and jealousy. But the +bargain was made with sufficient approval of the members of the party +crowding Luca to secure its being carried out by the <i>comitia</i>. The +union seemed stronger than ever; and Cicero at length resolved on a +great change of attitude. Opposition to the triumvirs had been +abandoned, he saw,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxvii" id="Page_xxxvii">[Pg xxxvii]</a></span> by the very party for whom he had been incurring the +enmity of Pompey and Cæsar. Why should he hold out any longer? "Since +those who have no power," he writes to Atticus in April, "refuse me +their affection, let me take care to secure the affection of those who +have power. You will say, 'I could have wished that you had done so +before.' I know you did wish it, and that I have made a real ass of +myself."<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> This is the first indication in the letters of the change. +But it was soon to be publicly avowed. The opposition to the consulship +of Pompey and Crassus was so violent that no election took place during +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, and they were only elected under the presidency of <i>interreges</i> +at the beginning of February, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55. But by the <i>lex Sempronia</i> the +senate was bound to name the consular provinces—<i>i.e.</i>, the provinces +to be governed by the incoming consuls after their year of +office—before the elections, and in his speech on the subject (<i>de +Provinciis Consularibus</i>), delivered apparently in July, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, +Cicero, while urging that Piso and Gabinius should have successors +appointed to them in Macedonia and Syria, took occasion to announce and +defend his own reconciliation with Cæsar, and to support his continuance +in the governorship of Gaul. Shortly afterwards, when defending the +citizenship of L. Cornelius Balbus, he delivered a glowing panegyric on +Pompey's character and services to the state. This was followed by a +complete abstention from any farther opposition to the carrying out of +Cæsar's law for the allotment of the Campanian land—a subject which he +had himself brought before the senate only a short time before, and on +which he really continued to feel strongly.<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> Cicero's most elaborate +defence of his change of front is contained in a long letter to P. +Lentulus Spinther, written two years afterwards.<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> The gist of it is +much the same as the remark to Atticus already<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxviii" id="Page_xxxviii">[Pg xxxviii]</a></span> quoted. "Pompey and +Cæsar were all-powerful, and could not be resisted without civil +violence, if not downright civil war. The Optimates were feeble and +shifty, had shewn ingratitude to Cicero himself, and had openly favoured +his enemy Clodius. Public peace and safety must be the statesman's chief +object, and almost any concession was to be preferred to endangering +these." Nevertheless, we cannot think that Cicero was ever heartily +reconciled to the policy, or the unconstitutional preponderance of the +triumvirs. He patched up some sort of reconciliation with Crassus, and +his personal affection for Pompey made it comparatively easy for him to +give him a kind of support. Cæsar was away, and a correspondence filled +on both sides with courteous expressions could be maintained without +seriously compromising his convictions. But Cicero was never easy under +the yoke. From <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55 to <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52 he sought several opportunities for a +prolonged stay in the country, devoting himself—in default of +politics—to literature. The fruits of this were the <i>de Oratore</i> and +the <i>de Republica</i>, besides poems on his own times and on his +consulship. Still he was obliged from time to time to appear in the +forum and senate-house, and in various ways to gratify Pompey and Cæsar. +It must have been a great strain upon his loyalty to this new political +friendship when, in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, Pompey called upon him to undertake the +defence of P. Vatinius, whom he had not long before attacked so fiercely +while defending Sestius. Vatinius had been a tribune in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, acting +entirely in Cæsar's interests, and Cicero believed him to have been his +enemy both in the matter of his exile and in the opposition to his +recall. He had denounced him in terms that would have made it almost +impossible, one would think, to have spoken in his defence in any cause +whatever. At best he represented all that Cicero most disliked in +politics; and on this very election, to the prætorship, for which he was +charged with bribery (<i>de sodalitiis</i>), Cicero had already spoken in +strongly hostile terms in the senate. For now undertaking his defence he +has, in fact, no explanation to give to Lentulus (vol. i., p. <a href="#Page_319">319</a>), and +he was long sore at having been forced to do it. Through <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54 and 53 +he was busied with his <i>de Republica</i>, and was kept more in touch with +Cæsar by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xxxix" id="Page_xxxix">[Pg xxxix]</a></span><span class="sidenote">Quintus Cicero in Gaul.</span> the fact that his brother Quintus was serving as <i>legatus</i> to +the latter in Britain and Gaul, and that his friend Trebatius +(introduced by himself) was seeking for promotion and profit in Cæsar's +camp. But even his brother's service with Cæsar did not eventually +contribute to the formation of cordial feeling on his part towards +Cæsar, whom he could not help admiring, but never really liked. For +Quintus, though he distinguished himself by his defence of his camp in +the autumn of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, lost credit and subjected himself to grave rebuke +by the disaster incurred in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, near Aduatuca (<i>Tongres</i>), brought +about by disregarding an express order of Cæsar's. There is no allusion +to this in the extant correspondence, but a fragment of letter from +Cæsar to Cicero (<i>neque pro cauto ac diligente se castris +continuit</i><a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a>), seems to shew that Cæsar had written sharply to Cicero +on his brother's <i>faux pas</i>, and after this time, though Cicero met +Cæsar at Ravenna in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52, and consented to support the bill allowing +him to stand for the consulship in his absence,<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> there is apparent in +his references to him a return to the cold or critical tone of former +times. But of course there were other reasons.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Pompey's third Consulship and the trial of Milo, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52.</div> + +<p>Pompey's six months' sole consulship of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52 ("that divine third +consulship"), the rumour of his dictatorship, and the growing +determination of the Optimates to play off Pompey against Cæsar (Crassus +having disappeared) and to insist on Cæsar resigning his province and +army before the end of his ten years' tenure, and before standing for a +second consulship, caused Cicero's hope of a final dissolution of the +unconstitutional compact to revive again; and made him draw more and +more closely to Pompey as the chief hope of the <i>boni</i>. In the beginning +of the year he had found himself in opposition, or quasi-opposition, to +Pompey in regard to the prosecution of Milo for the murder of Clodius. +But though in the previous year he had declared that the election of +Milo to the consulship was of the utmost importance to his own position +and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xl" id="Page_xl">[Pg xl]</a></span> safety of the state,<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> now that it was rendered impossible by +Milo's condemnation, he seems to have placed all his hopes on Pompey. +Unfortunately, there is here a break in the correspondence. There is no +letter of the last six months of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, and only four (perhaps only +three) of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52.<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> So that the riots which prevented Milo's +election, the death of Clodius and the riots following it, and the +consequent sole consulship of Pompey, with the latter's new legislation +and the trial of Milo—all have to be sought for elsewhere. The last +letter of this volume and of this year, addressed to M. Marius in +December, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52, alludes to the condemnation of Milo, and to the +numerous prosecutions following it. "Here, in Rome, I am so distracted +by the number of trials, the crowded courts, and the new legislation, +that I daily offer prayers that there may be no intercalation."<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">Cicero appointed Proconsul of Cilicia, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 51-50.</div> + +<p>When the correspondence opens again in the spring of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 51 an event +has happened, of no particular importance in itself, but of supreme +interest to Cicero, and very fortunate for the readers of the +correspondence. One of Pompey's new laws ordained that no one was to +take a province till the fifth year after laying down his consulship or +prætorship. Pompey broke his own law by keeping his province, the +Spains—his position in regard to them was altogether exceptional—but, +in order to carry out the law in other cases, the senate arranged that +ex-consuls and ex-prætors who had not been to provinces should in turn +draw lots for vacant governorships. Cicero and Bibulus appear to have +been the senior <i>consulares</i> in that position, and with much reluctance +Cicero allowed his name to be cast into the urn. He drew Cilicia and +Bibulus Syria. He says that his motive was a desire to obey the wishes +of the senate. Another motive may have been a desire to be away from +Rome while the controversy as to Cæsar's retirement from his province +was settled, and to retrieve a position of some political importance, +which he had certainly not increased during the last few years. When it +came to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xli" id="Page_xli">[Pg xli]</a></span> actual start, however, he felt all the <i>gêne</i> of the +business—the formation and control of his staff, the separation from +friends, and the residence far from the "light and life" of Rome, among +officials who were certainly commonplace and probably corrupt, and +amidst a population, perhaps acute and accomplished, but certainly +servile and ill content, and in some parts predatory and barbarous. At +the best, they would be emphatically provincial, in a dreary sense of +the word. He felt unequal to the worry and bore of the whole business, +and reproached himself with the folly of the undertaking. Of course, +this regret is mingled with his usual self-congratulation on the purity +with which he means to manage his province. But even that feeling is not +strong enough to prevent his longing earnestly to have the period of +banishment as short as possible, or to prevent the alarm with which he +hears of a probable invasion by the Parthians. One effect of his almost +two years' absence from Rome was, I think, to deprive him of the power +of judging clearly of the course of events. He had constant intelligence +and excellent correspondents—especially Cælius—still he could not +really grasp what was going on under the surface: and when he returned +to find the civil war on the point of breaking out, he was, after all, +taken by surprise, and had no plan of action ready. This, as well as his +government of the province, will be fully illustrated in the next volume +of the correspondence.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class="sidenote">Cicero's Correspondents.</div> + +<p>The persons to whom the chief letters are addressed in this volume, +besides Atticus, are Cicero's brother Quintus and P. Lentulus Spinther. +There are two excellent letters to M. Marius, and one very interesting, +though rather surprising, epistle to L. Lucceius. Others of more than +average interest are to Terentia, M. Fadius Gallus, C. Scribonius Curio, +and Tiro.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Titus Pomponius Atticus.</div> + +<p><span class="smcap">Atticus</span> (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 109-32) is a man of whom we should be glad to know more +than we do. He was the friend of all the leading men of the day—Pompey, +Cæsar, Cicero, Antony, Brutus—father-in-law of Agrippa, and survived to +be a constant correspondent of Augustus, between <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 43 and his death +in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 32. He was spared and respected by both<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xlii" id="Page_xlii">[Pg xlii]</a></span> sides in the civil +wars, from Sulla to the Second Triumvirate. The secret of his success +seems to have been that he was no man's rival. He resolutely declined +all official employment, even on the staff of his brother-in-law Quintus +Cicero. He committed himself to no side in politics, and, not being in +the senate, had no occasion by vote or speech to wound the feelings of +anyone. So, too, though he cared for literature, it was rather as a +friendly critic of others than as an author. He did, it is true, compile +some books on Roman history, on historical portraits, and certain family +biographies; but they were not such as made him a rival of any of his +contemporaries. They were rather the productions of a rich amateur, who +had leisure to indulge a quasi-literary taste, without any thought of +joining the ranks of professed writers. Thirdly, he had great wealth, +partly inherited, partly acquired by prudent speculation in the purchase +of town properties, or in loans to states or public bodies on fair +terms: and this wealth was at the service of his friends, but not in the +lavish or reckless manner, which often earns only ingratitude without +being of any permanent service to the recipients. He lent money, but +expected to be repaid even by his brother-in-law. And this prudence +helped to retain the confidence, while his sympathetic temperament +secured the liking, of most. Again, he had the valuable knack of +constantly replenishing the number of his friends among men junior to +himself. His character attracted the liking of Sulla, who was +twenty-seven years his senior, and he remained the close friend of his +contemporaries Hortensius and Cicero (the former five years his senior, +the latter three years his junior) till the day of their death. But we +also find him on intimate terms with Brutus, twenty-four, and Octavian, +forty-six years junior to himself. Lastly, he was not too much at Rome. +More than twenty years of his earlier manhood (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 87-65) were spent in +Greece, principally at Athens, partly in study and partly in business. +And Athens at this time, long deprived of political importance, had +still the charm not only of its illustrious past, but also of its +surviving character as the home of culture and refinement. When he at +length returned to Rome in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65, he had already purchased a property +in Epirus, near Buthrotum (see p. <a href="#Page_3">3</a>), where he built a villa, in which +he continued to spend a considerable part of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xliii" id="Page_xliii">[Pg xliii]</a></span> remaining years. This +was sufficiently remote, not only from Rome, but from the summer +residences of the Roman nobles, to secure his isolation from the +intrigues and enmities of Roman society. He did not indeed—as who +does?—always escape giving offence. At the very beginning of the +correspondence we hear of his vain attempts to mollify the anger of L. +Lucceius—how incurred we do not know; and Quintus Cicero, of whose +sharp temper we hear so much, was on more than one occasion on the point +of a rupture with him. But his family life was generally as pleasing as +his connexion with his friends. With his mother, who lived to a great +age, he boasted that he had never been reconciled, because he had never +quarrelled. He was the only one who could get on with the crusty uncle +Cæcilius. In the delicate matter of his sister Pomponia's differences +with her husband Quintus Cicero, he seems to have acted with kindness as +well as prudence; and though he married late in life (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, when he +was in his fifty-third year), he appears to have made an excellent +husband to Pilia and a very affectionate father to his daughter. His +unwearied sympathy with the varied moods of Cicero—whether of +exultation, irritation, or despair—and the entire confidence which +Cicero feels that he will have that sympathy in every case, are +creditable to both. It is only between sincere souls that one can speak +to the other as to a second self, as Cicero often alleges that he does +to Atticus.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Quintus Tullius Cicero.</div> + +<p>Of <span class="smcap">Quintus Cicero</span>, the next most important correspondent in this volume, +we get a fairly clear picture. Four years younger than his famous +brother (b. <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 102), he followed him at the due distance up the ladder +of official promotion to the prætorship, to which he was elected in the +year of his elder's consulship. There, however, Quintus stopped. He +never seems to have stood for the consulship. He had no oratorical +genius to give him reputation in the forum, nor were his literary +productions of any value, either for style or originality. His abilities +for administration, as shewn in his three years' government of Asia, +appear to have been respectable, but were marred by faults of temper, +which too often betrayed him into extreme violence of language. In +military command he shewed courage and energy in defending his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xliv" id="Page_xliv">[Pg xliv]</a></span> camp in +the rising of the Gauls in the winter of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54-53; but he spoilt the +reputation thus gained by the mistake committed in the autumn of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +53, which cost the loss of a considerable number of troops, and all but +allowed the roving Germans to storm his camp. He remained another year +in Gaul, but did nothing to retrieve this mistake. In military affairs +fortune rarely forgives. In politics he seems to have contented himself +generally with saying ditto to his brother. And this continued to be the +case up to Pharsalia. After that, finding himself on the losing side, he +turned somewhat fiercely upon the brother, whom he regarded as having +misled him; and for a time there was a miserable breach between them, +which, however, did not last very long. When the end came it found the +brothers united in heart as in misfortune. His private happiness was +marred by an uncongenial marriage. Pomponia—sister of Atticus—seems to +have been as high-tempered as her husband, and less placable. The +constant quarrels between them exercised the patience both of Cicero and +Atticus, and crops up all through the correspondence. One effect of them +was the loss of all control over their son, who, being called upon to +smooth over the differences between father and mother, naturally took up +at an early age a line of his own, and shewed a disposition to act +independently of his elders.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">Terentia.</div> + +<p>The letters to <span class="smcap">Terentia</span> do not fill much space in the correspondence, +and are rarely interesting. Married about <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 80, Cicero seems to have +lived in harmony with her at least till the time of his return from +exile, during which unhappy period he acknowledges the activity of her +exertions in support of his recall, and the drain which his ruin was +making upon her resources. Terentia had a large private fortune, and +apparently used it liberally in his service. Nevertheless, immediately +on his return from exile, there seems to have been some cause of +coldness between the husband and wife. He darkly alludes to certain +domestic troubles in the first letter to Atticus written from Rome (vol +i., p. <a href="#Page_189">189</a>), and repeats the hint in the next (p. <a href="#Page_193">193</a>). When he landed +at Brundisium it was Tullia, not Terentia, who came to meet him (p. +<a href="#Page_187">187</a>), and for some time after she appears to be presiding in his house +rather than Terentia (see pp. <a href="#Page_224">224</a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>). Whatever the cause<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xlv" id="Page_xlv">[Pg xlv]</a></span> of this +coldness was, however, it appears to have been removed for a time. He +kept up a correspondence with her while he was in Cilicia (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 51-50), +and though he does not seem pleased at her having arranged the marriage +of Tullia with Dolabella, he addresses her warmly when about to return, +and was met by her on landing. During the five or six months that +followed, before Cicero left Italy to join Pompey, there is no +indication of any alienation: but the short notes from Pompey's camp, +and in the first half of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 47, are cold and conventional, and on his +return to Brundisium after Pharsalia, and during his lengthened stay +there, he appears to have declined to allow her to come and see him. +Soon after his return to Rome, in September, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 47, matters came to a +climax. Perhaps some of the mischief was caused by the mismanagement or +dishonesty of Terentia's steward, Philotimus, of whom we hear a good +deal in the letters from Cilicia: but whatever was the origin of the +quarrel, Cicero asserts that on his return he found his affairs in a +state of utter disorder. It may well have been that, like other +adherents to the losing cause, he had to suffer from loss of any +property that could be easily laid hands on in Rome, and that Terentia +had had no power to save it. But Cicero, rightly or wrongly, attributed +the embarrassment which he found awaiting him to his wife. He says in a +letter to Gnæus Plancius:<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> "I should not have taken any new step at a +time of such general disaster had I not on my return found my private +affairs in as sorry a position as the public. The fact is, that when I +saw that, owing to the criminal conduct of those to whom my life and +fortunes ought, in return for my never-to-be-forgotten services, to have +been their dearest object, there was nothing safe within the walls of my +house, nothing that was not the subject of some intrigue, I made up my +mind that I must arm myself by the faithful support of new marriage +connexions against the perfidy of the old." This is a lame excuse for a +man of sixty separating from the companion of his whole manhood, and in +the eyes of Roman Society it was rendered still more questionable by a +prompt marriage with a young girl, rich, and his own ward: from whom, +however, he soon again divorced himself, angered, it is said, by her +want of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xlvi" id="Page_xlvi">[Pg xlvi]</a></span> feeling at the death of Tullia. Terentia long survived her +husband, living, we are told, to be over a hundred years old. Divorce +was, of course, not regarded in these days of the Republic as it had +once been, or as it is now among ourselves; still we should have been +glad, both for his fame and his happiness, if the few years remaining to +him had not had this additional cloud. A man of sixty embarking on such +matrimonial enterprise is not a dignified spectacle, or one pleasing to +gods and men.</p> + +<p>The other correspondents may be dismissed in few words.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther.</div> + +<p><span class="smcap">P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther</span>, to whom some of the longest letters are +addressed, represents the high aristocracy, to which Cicero wished to +commend himself, though seeing keenly the weakness which underlay their +magnificence. The part played by Lentulus in politics had been showy, +but never founded on steadfast principle. He owed his earlier promotions +to Cæsar's influence, but in his consulship of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57 had taken the +side of the aristocracy in promoting the recall of Cicero, though he had +gone against their sentiment by supporting Pompey's appointment to the +<i>cura annonæ</i>. But as he was going to Cilicia in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, Lentulus +wished to have the lucrative task of restoring Ptolemy Auletes to the +throne of Egypt, from which he had been righteously driven by his +subjects. Therefore it was all to the good that Pompey should have +business at home preventing him from taking this in hand. How Lentulus +was baulked in this desire will appear in the letters. He no doubt had +his full share of the <i>Lentulitas</i> distinguishing his family. But all +was forgiven by Cicero to a man who had promoted his recall, and he +takes great pains to justify to Lentulus his own change of policy in +regard to the triumvirs after <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56. When the civil war began Lentulus +joined Domitius at Corfinium, and with him fell into Cæsar's hands, and +was dismissed unharmed. He afterwards joined Pompey in Epirus, intent on +succeeding Cæsar as Pontifex Maximus, as soon as the latter had been +satisfactorily disposed of. After Pharsalia he sought refuge at Rhodes, +but was refused sanctuary by the islanders, and was eventually put to +death, though we do not know by whom (<i>Att.</i> xi. 13; <i>Fam.</i> ix. 18).<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xlvii" id="Page_xlvii">[Pg xlvii]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">M. Fadius Gallus, M. Marius, L. Lucceius, C. Scribonius +Curio, C. Trebatius Testa.</div> + +<p><span class="smcap">M. Fadius Gallus</span>, the Epicurean, and <span class="smcap">M. Marius</span>, the valetudinarian and +wit, were among friends valued for their personal and agreeable +qualities rather than for any public or political importance attaching +to them. The same may be said of <span class="smcap">L. Lucceius</span>, of whose Roman history +Cicero thought so well, that he wrote a remarkable letter begging for an +honourable place in it for his consulship, as Pliny did to Tacitus.<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> +<span class="smcap">C. Scribonius Curio</span>, son of a great friend of Cicero, after a <i>jeunesse +orageuse</i>, returned to Rome from his quæstorship in Asia, in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, to +take up the inheritance of his father, which he quickly dissipated. +Cicero seems to have had a high idea of his abilities, and to have +believed him capable of taking the lead of the Optimates. But in his +tribuneship of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 51-50 he disappointed all such hopes by openly +joining Cæsar's party, and resisting all attempts to recall him. He +joined Cæsar at Ravenna as soon as his tribuneship was out, and urged +him to march on Rome. In <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 49 he was sent to secure Sicily and +Africa. The first he did, but in the second he perished in battle +against the senatorial governor and king Iuba. Cicero's relation to <span class="smcap">C. +Trebatius Testa</span>, a learned jurisconsult, was apparently that of a patron +or tutor, who, thinking that he has found a young man of ability, +endeavours to push him. He sent him with a letter of introduction to +Cæsar, who was good-natured, though rather sarcastic as to the scope for +legal abilities to be found in Gaul. He gave him, however, a military +tribuneship, without exacting military duties, and apparently kept on +good terms with him, for he employed him in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 49 to communicate his +wish to Cicero as to his remaining at Rome. Cicero's letters to him, +though numerous, are not among the most interesting. They are full of +banter of a rather forced and dull kind; and Cicero was evidently +annoyed to find that his scheme for advancing Trebatius in Cæsar's +province had not been very successful. The friendship, however, survived +the civil war, and we find Cicero in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 44 dedicating his <i>Topica</i> to +Trebatius.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"<span class="smcap">Tullius</span>, of all the sons of royal Rome<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That are, or have been, or are yet to come,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Most skilled to plead, most learned in debate,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Catullus hails thee, small as thou art great.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Take thou from him his thanks, his fond regards,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The first of patrons from the least of bards."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p><span style="margin-left: 15em;"><span class="smcap">Catullus</span>, xlix. (J. E. S.)</span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CICERO'S LETTERS</h2> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>ERRATA IN VOL. I.</h3> + + +<p> +Page 107, note 3, last line, <i>dele</i> note of interrogation after "expenses."<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 193, note 4, last line, <i>for</i> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 45 <i>lege</i> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 46.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">" 253, Letter CXXII, <i>for</i> <span class="smcap lowercase">A IV</span>, 1, <i>lege</i> <span class="smcap lowercase">A IV</span>, 2.</span><br /> +</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> +<h2>CICERO'S LETTERS</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="I_A_I_5" id="I_A_I_5"></a>I (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 5</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 68. Coss., L. Cæcilius Metellus, Q. Marcius Rex.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>This opening of the correspondence finds Cicero, now in his +thirty-ninth year, in the midst of his official career. He had +already been quæstor (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 75) and ædile (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 69), and was looking +forward to his election to the prætorship in the next year (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +67). He had already risen almost to the highest place in his +profession as advocate, and had partly delivered, partly published +his great indictment of Verres only a year ago. He is married to +Terentia (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 80), and has one daughter, Tullia or Tulliola, born +on August 5, probably the next year (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 79). His intimacy with T. +Pomponius Atticus (three years his senior), perhaps begun at +school, had lasted at least eleven years, from the time when he met +him at Athens (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 79), and with him had been initiated in the +Eleusinian mysteries (<i>de Leg.</i> 2, § 36). There too they had both +seen much of the writer's cousin Lucius, whose death he deplores in +this letter (<i>de Fin.</i> 5, § 1). Atticus had lived abroad in Athens +and Epirus, with occasional visits home from <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 88 to <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65, in +which latter year he seems to have returned for a more lengthened +stay (Nep. <i>Att.</i> 4). The two friends have already corresponded +frequently, but this is the first letter preserved.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 68, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 38</div> + +<p>We are such intimate friends that more than almost anyone else you can +appreciate the grief as well as the actual public and private loss that +the death of my cousin Lucius is to me. There is absolutely no +gratification which any human being can receive from the kindly +character of another that I have not been accustomed to receive from +him. I am sure, therefore, that you will share my grief. For, in the +first place, whatever affects me affects you; and in the second place, +you have yourself lost in him a friend and connexion of the highest +character and most obliging<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> disposition, who was attached to you from +personal inclination, as well as from my conversation.</p> + +<p>As to what you say in your letter about your sister,<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> she will +herself bear me witness what pains I have taken that my brother Quintus +should show her proper affection. Thinking him somewhat inclined to be +angry with her, I wrote to him in such a way as I thought would not hurt +his feelings as a brother, while giving him some good advice as my +junior, and remonstrating with him as being in the wrong. The result is +that, from frequent letters since received from him, I feel confident +that everything is as it ought and as we should wish it to be.</p> + +<p>As to the frequency of my letters you have no ground for your complaint. +The fact is our good sister Pomponia never informed me of there being a +courier ready to take a letter. Farthermore, I never chanced to know of +anyone going to Epirus,<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> and I was not till recently informed of your +being at Athens.</p> + +<p>Again, as to the business of Acutilius which you had left in my hands. I +had settled it on my first visit to Rome after your departure. But it +turned out that, in the first place, there was no urgency in the matter, +and, in the second place, as I felt confidence in your judgment, I +preferred that Peducæus<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> rather than myself should advise you by +letter on the subject. For having submitted my ears to Acutilius for +several days (and I think you know his style), I should scarcely have +regarded it as a hardship to write you a letter describing his +grumblings after patiently enduring the bore (and it <i>was</i> rather a +bore, I can tell you) of hearing them. Moreover, though you find fault +with me, allow me to observe that I have had only one letter from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> you, +though you had greater leisure for writing, and more opportunity of +sending letters.</p> + +<p>As to what you say in your letter, "Even if anyone is inclined to be +offended with you, I ought to bring him to a better mind"—I understand +to what you allude, and I have not neglected the matter. But the truth +is that the extent of his displeasure is something surprising. However, +I have not omitted to say anything there was to say in your behalf: but +on what points I am to hold out your wishes, I consider, ought to be my +guide. If you will write me word distinctly what they are, you will find +that I have had no desire to be more exacting, and in the future shall +be no more yielding, than you wish.<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></p> + +<p>As to the business of Tadius. He tells me that you have written him word +that there was no need of farther trouble, since the property is secured +by prescription. I am surprised that you do not know that in the case of +a statutory wardship of an unmarried girl prescription cannot be +pleaded.<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></p> + +<p>I am glad you like your purchase in Epirus. What I commissioned you to +get for me, and anything you see suitable to my Tusculan villa, I should +be glad if you will, as you say in your letter, procure for me, only +don't put yourself to any inconvenience. The truth is, there is no other +place that gives me complete rest after all my worries and hard work.</p> + +<p>I am expecting my brother Quintus every day. Terentia has a severe +attack of rheumatism. She is devoted to you, to your sister, and your +mother, and adds her kindest regards in a postscript. So does my pet +Tulliola. Love me, and be assured that I love you as a brother.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="II_A_I_6" id="II_A_I_6"></a>II (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 6</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, December</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 68, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 38</div> + +<p>I won't give you any excuse hereafter for accusing me of neglecting to +write. It is you that must take care that with all your leisure you keep +up with me.</p> + +<p>Rabirius's house at Naples,<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a>for the improvement of which you have +designs drawn out and completed in imagination, has been bought by M. +Fonteius<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> for 130,000 sesterces (about £1,040). I wished you to know +this in case you were still hankering after it.</p> + +<p>We may be quite satisfied, I think, with my brother's feelings towards +Pomponia. He is with her at present in his villa at Arpinum, and has +Decimus Turanius with him, who is great in <i>belles lettres</i>.</p> + +<p>The date of my father's death was the 28th of November.</p> + +<p>That is about all my news. If you light on any articles of <i>vertu</i> +suitable for a gymnasium, which would look well in the place you wot +of,<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> please don't let them slip. I am so delighted with my Tusculan +villa that I never feel really happy till I get there. Let me know +exactly what you are doing and intending to do about everything.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="III_A_I_7" id="III_A_I_7"></a>III (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 7</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, December</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 68, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 38</div> + +<p>All's well at your mother's,<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> and I keep an eye on her. I have +undertaken to pay L. Cincius 20,400 sesterces<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> to your credit on the +Ides of February. Pray see that I receive at the earliest possible +opportunity what you say in your letters that you have bought and +secured for me. I should also be very much obliged if you would, as you +promised, think over the means of securing the library for me. My hope +of getting the one enjoyment which I care for, when I come to retire, +depends entirely on your kindness.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="IV_A_I_9" id="IV_A_I_9"></a>IV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 9</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67. Coss., C. Calpurnius Piso, M. Acilius Glabrio.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The year of Cicero's election to the prætorship. It is the year +also of Pompey's great commission by the <i>lex Gabinia</i> against the +Pirates. But Cicero does not seem as yet much concerned with +"foreign politics."</p></div> + + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 39</div> + +<p>I get letters from you far too seldom considering that you can much more +easily find people starting for Rome than I to Athens: considering, too, +that you are more certain of my being at Rome than I of your being at +Athens. For instance, it is owing to this uncertainty on my part that +this very letter is somewhat short, because not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> being sure as to where +you are, I don't choose my confidential talk to fall into strange hands. +The Megaric statues and the Hermæ, which you mentioned in your letters, +I am waiting for impatiently. Anything you have of the same kind which +may strike you as worthy of my "Academia," do not hesitate to send, and +have complete confidence in my money-chest. My present delight is to +pick up anything particularly suitable to a "gymnasium." Lentulus +promises the use of his ships. I beg you to be zealous in these matters. +Thyillus begs you (and I also at his request) to get him some writings +of the Eumolpidæ.<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="V_A_I_8" id="V_A_I_8"></a>V (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 8</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 39</div> + +<p>All well at your house. Your mother and sister are regarded with +affection by me and my brother Quintus. I have spoken to Acutilius. He +says that he has not heard from his agent, and professes surprise that +you should make any difficulty of his having refused to guarantee you +against farther demands. As to the business of Tadius, the announcement +in your letter that you have settled the matter out of court I saw +gratified and pleased him very much. That friend of mine<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a>—a most +excellent man, upon my honour, and most warmly attached to me—is very +angry with you. If I could but know how much you care about it, I should +be able to decide how much trouble I am to take in the matter. I have +paid L. Cincius the 20,400 sesterces<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> for the Megaric statues in +accordance with your letter to me. As to your Hermæ of Pentelic marble +with bronze heads, about which you wrote to me—I have fallen in love +with them on the spot. So pray send both them and the statues, and +anything else that may appear to you to suit the place you wot of, my +passion, and your taste—as large a supply and as early as possible. +Above all, anything you think appropriate to a gymnasium and terrace. I +have such a passion for things of this sort that while I expect +assistance from you, I must expect something like rebuke from others. If +Lentulus has no vessel there, put them on board anyone you please. My +pet Tulliola claims your present and duns me as your security. I am +resolved, however, to disown the obligation rather than pay up for you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="VI_A_I_10" id="VI_A_I_10"></a>VI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 10</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Tusculum</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT. 39</span></div> + +<p>"Being in my Tusculan villa" (that's for your "being in the +Ceramicus")—however, I being there, a courier sent by your sister +arrived from Rome and delivered me a letter from you, announcing at the +same time that the courier who was going to you started that very +afternoon. The result is that, though I do send <i>an</i> answer, I am forced +by the shortness of the time to write only these few words. First, as to +softening my friend's feeling towards you, or even reconciling him +outright, I pledge you my word to do so. Though I have been attempting +it already on my own account, I will now urge the point more earnestly +and press him closer, as I think I gather from your letter that you are +so set upon it. This much I should like you to realize, that he is very +deeply offended; but since I cannot see any serious ground for it, I +feel confident that he will do as I wish and yield to my influence. As +for my statues and Hermeracles, pray put them on board, as you say in +your letter, at your very<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> earliest convenience, and anything else you +light upon that may seem to you appropriate to the place you wot of, +especially anything you think suitable to a palæstra and gymnasium. I +say this because I am sitting there as I write, so that the very place +itself reminds me. Besides these, I commission you to get me some +medallions to let into the walls of my little entrance-court, and two +engraved stone-curbs. Mind you don't engage your library to anyone, +however keen a lover you may find; for I am hoarding up my little +savings expressly to secure that resource for my old age. As to my +brother, I trust that all is as I have ever wished and tried to make it. +There are many signs of that result—not least that your sister is +<i>enceinte</i>. As for my election, I don't forget that I left the question +entirely to you, and I have all along been telling our common friends +that I have not only not asked you to come, but have positively +forbidden you to do so, because I understood that it was much more +important to you to carry through the business you have now in hand, +than it is to me to have you at my election. I wish you therefore to +feel as though you had been sent to where you are in my interests. Nay, +you will find me feeling towards you, and hear of it from others, +exactly as though my success were obtained not only in your presence, +but by your direct agency.</p> + +<p>Tulliola gives notice of action against you. She is dunning me as your +surety.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="VII_A_I_11" id="VII_A_I_11"></a>VII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 11</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT. 39</span></div> + +<p>I was doing so before spontaneously, and have been since greatly stirred +by your two letters, with their earnest expressions to the same effect. +Besides, Sallustius has been always at my side to prompt me to spare no +pains to induce Lucceius to be reconciled to you. But after doing +every<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>thing that could be done, not only did I fail to renew his old +feelings towards you, but I could not even succeed in eliciting the +reason of his alienation. On his part, however, he keeps harping on that +arbitration case of his, and the other matters which I knew very well +before you left Rome were causing him offence. Still, he has certainly +got something else fixed deeper in his mind; and this no letters <i>from</i> +you, and no commissioning of me will obliterate as easily as you will do +in a personal interview, I don't mean merely by your words, but by the +old familiar expression of your face—if only you think it worth while, +as you will if you will listen to me, and be willing to act with your +habitual kindness. Finally, you need not wonder why it is that, whereas +I intimated in my letters that I felt hopeful of his yielding to my +influence, I now appear to have no such confidence; for you can scarcely +believe how much more stubborn his sentiment appears to me than I +expected, and how much more obstinate he is in this anger. However, all +this will either be cured when you come, or will only be painful to the +party in fault.</p> + +<p>As to the sentence in your letter, "you suppose by this time I am +prætor-elect," let me tell you that there is no class of people at Rome +so harassed by every kind of unreasonable difficulty as candidates for +office; and that no one knows when the elections will be.<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> However, +you will hear all this from Philadelphus. Pray despatch at the earliest +opportunity what you have bought for my "Academia." I am surprisingly +delighted with the mere thought of that place, to say nothing of its +actual occupation. Mind also not to let anyone else have your books. +Reserve them, as you say in your letter, for me. I am possessed with the +utmost longing for them, as I am with a loathing for affairs of every +other kind, which you will find in an incredibly worse position than +when you left them.<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="VIII_A_I_3" id="VIII_A_I_3"></a>VIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 3</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 66. Coss., M. Æmilius Lepidus, L. Volcatius Tullus.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>In this year Cicero was prætor, and delivered his first extant +public speech (<i>apud populum</i>) in support of the <i>lex Manilia</i>, +which gave Pompey the command in the Mithridatic War with the +provinces of Asia and Bithynia. The strict Optimates opposed it. +Cicero supported it on the grounds of the importance of the war and +the proofs Pompey had already given of military ability, courage, +personal prestige, and good fortune. He takes occasion to point out +the mischief done to the Roman name by oppressive or fraudulent +governors and imperators. In this same year he delivered one of his +ablest speeches in court in defending A. Cluentius Habitus on a +charge of poisoning. At the consular elections this year the two +first elected were disabled for bribery.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, January</span></h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 66, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 40</div> + +<p>I have to inform you of the death of your grandmother from pining at +your long absence, and at the same time because she was afraid that the +Latin towns would revolt and fail to bring the victims up the Alban +Mount. I presume that L. Saufeius will send you a letter of condolence +on the subject.<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> I am expecting you here in the course of January—is +it a mere rumour or does it come from letters of yours to others? For to +me you have not mentioned the subject. The statues which you got for me +have been landed at Caieta. I haven't seen them, for I have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> been unable +to leave Rome. I have sent a man to clear the freightage. I am +exceedingly obliged to you for having taken so much trouble to get them, +and so reasonably. As to your frequent remarks in your letters about +pacifying my friend, I have done everything I could and tried every +expedient; but he is inveterate against you to a surprising degree, on +what suspicions, though I think you have been told, you shall yet learn +from me when you come. I failed to restore Sallustius<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> to his old +place in his affections, and yet he was on the spot. I tell you this +because the latter used to find fault with me in regard to you. Well, he +has found by personal experience that <i>he</i> is not so easy to pacify, and +that on my part no zeal has been lacking either on his or your behalf. I +have betrothed Tulliola to C. Piso Frugi, son of Lucius.<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="IX_A_I_4" id="IX_A_I_4"></a>IX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 4</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 41</div> + +<p>You keep on making me expect you again and again. Only the other day, +when I thought you on the point of arriving, I was suddenly put off by +you till Quintilis (July). Now, however, I <i>do</i> think that you should +come at the time you mention if you possibly can. You will thereby be in +time for my brother Quintus's election, will pay me a long-deferred +visit, and will settle the dispute with Acutilius. This latter Peducæus +also suggested my mentioning to you, for I think it is full time that +you settled that affair. My good offices are at your service and always +have been so. Here at Rome I have conducted the case of Gaius Macer with +a popular approval surpassing belief and unparalleled. Though I had been +inclined to take a lenient view of his case, yet I gained much more +substantial advantage from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> the popular approval on his condemnation +than I should have got from his gratitude if he had been acquitted.<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> +I am very glad to hear what you say about the Hermathena. It is an +ornament appropriate to my "Academia" for two reasons: Hermes is a sign +common to all gymnasia, Minerva specially of this particular one. So I +would have you, as you say, adorn the place with the other objects also, +and the more the better. The statues which you sent me before I have not +yet seen. They are in my villa at Formiæ, whither I am at this moment +thinking of going. I shall get them all transferred to my Tusculan +villa. If I find myself with more than I want there I shall begin +adorning Caieta. Please reserve your books, and don't despair of my +being able to make them mine. If I succeed in that, I am superior to +Crassus in wealth and look down on everybody's manors and pastures.<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="X_A_I_1" id="X_A_I_1"></a>X (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 1</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65. Coss., L. Aurelius Cotta, L. Manlius Torquatus.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The election to the consulship is not till the next year (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64), +but Cicero is already making preparation for it, and looking out +for support. In July his only son was born. He does not refer to +the so-called "first Catilinarian conspiracy," but mentions +Catiline as a possible competitor, and even contemplates defending +him on some charge brought against him to prevent his standing for +the consulship.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, July</span></h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 41</div> + +<p>The state of things in regard to my candidature, in which I know that +you are supremely interested, is this, as far as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> can be as yet +conjectured. The only person actually canvassing is P. Sulpicius +Galba.<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> He meets with a good old-fashioned refusal without reserve or +disguise. In the general opinion this premature canvass of his is not +unfavourable to my interests; for the voters generally give as a reason +for their refusal that they are under obligations to me. So I hope my +prospects are to a certain degree improved by the report getting about +that my friends are found to be numerous. My intention was to begin my +own canvass just at the very time that Cincius<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> tells me that your +servant starts with this letter, namely, in the <i>campus</i> at the time of +the tribunician elections on the 17th of July. My fellow candidates, to +mention only those who seem certain, are Galba and Antonius and Q. +Cornificius.<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> At this I imagine you smiling or sighing. Well, to make +you positively smite your forehead, there <i>are</i> people who actually +think that Cæsonius<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> will stand. I don't think Aquilius will, for he +openly disclaims it and has alleged as an excuse his health and his +leading position at the bar. Catiline will certainly be a candidate, if +you can imagine a jury finding that the sun does not shine at noon. As +for Aufidius and Palicanus,<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> I don't think you will expect to hear +from me about them. Of the candidates for this year's election Cæsar is +considered certain. Thermus is looked upon as the rival of Silanus.<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> +These latter are so weak both in friends and reputation that it seems +<i>pas impossible</i> to bring in Curius over their heads. But no one else +thinks so. What seems most to my interests is that Thermus should get<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> +in with Cæsar. For there is none of those at present canvassing who, if +left over to my year, seems likely to be a stronger candidate, from the +fact that he is commissioner of the <i>via Flaminia</i>, and when that has +been finished, I shall be greatly relieved to have seen him elected +consul this election.<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> Such in outline is the position of affairs in +regard to candidates up to date. For myself I shall take the greatest +pains to carry out all the duties of a candidate, and perhaps, as Gaul +seems to have a considerable voting power, as soon as business at Rome +has come to a standstill I shall obtain a <i>libera legatio</i> and make an +excursion in the course of September to visit Piso,<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> but so as not to +be back later than January. When I have ascertained the feelings of the +nobility I will write you word. Everything else I hope will go smoothly, +at any rate while my competitors are such as are now in town. You must +undertake to secure for me the <i>entourage</i> of our friend Pompey, since +you are nearer than I. Tell him I shall not be annoyed if he doesn't +come to my election.<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> So much for that business. But there is a +matter for which I am very anxious that you should forgive me. Your +uncle Cæcilius having been defrauded of a large sum of money by P. +Varius, began an action against his cousin A. Caninius Satyrus for the +property which (as he alleged) the latter had received from Varius by a +collusive sale. He was joined in this action by the other creditors, +among whom were Lucullus and P. Scipio, and the man whom they thought +would be official receiver if the property was put up for sale, Lucius +Pontius; though it is ridiculous to be talking about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> a receiver at this +stage in the proceedings. Cæcilius asked me to appear for him against +Satyrus. Now, scarcely a day passes that Satyrus does not call at my +house. The chief object of his attentions is L. Domitius,<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> but I am +next in his regard. He has been of great service both to myself and to +my brother Quintus in our elections. I was very much embarrassed by my +intimacy with Satyrus as well as that with Domitius, on whom the success +of my election depends more than on anyone else. I pointed out these +facts to Cæcilius; at the same time I assured him that if the case had +been one exclusively between himself and Satyrus, I would have done what +he wished. As the matter actually stood, all the creditors being +concerned—and that too men of the highest rank, who, without the aid of +anyone specially retained by Cæcilius, would have no difficulty in +maintaining their common cause—it was only fair that he should have +consideration both for my private friendship and my present situation. +He seemed to take this somewhat less courteously than I could have +wished, or than is usual among gentlemen; and from that time forth he +has entirely withdrawn from the intimacy with me, which was only of a +few day's standing.<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> Pray forgive me, and believe that I was +prevented by nothing but natural kindness from assailing the reputation +of a friend in so vital a point at a time of such very great distress, +considering that he had shewn me every sort of kindness and attention. +But if you incline to the harsher view of my conduct, take it that the +interests of my canvass prevented me. Yet, even granting that to be so, +I think you should pardon me, "since not for sacred beast or oxhide +shield."<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a> You see in fact the position I am in, and how necessary I +regard it, not only to retain but even to acquire all possible sources +of popularity. I hope I have justified myself in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> your eyes, I am at any +rate anxious to have done so. The Hermathena you sent I am delighted +with: it has been placed with such charming effect that the whole +gymnasium seems arranged specially for it.<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> I am exceedingly obliged +to you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XI_A_I_2" id="XI_A_I_2"></a>XI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ATHENS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, July</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 41</div> + +<p>I have to inform you that on the day of the election of L. Iulius Cæsar +and C. Marcius Figulus to the consulship, I had an addition to my family +in the shape of a baby boy. Terentia doing well.</p> + +<p>Why such a time without a letter from you? I have already written to you +fully about my circumstances. At this present time I am considering +whether to undertake the defence of my fellow candidate, Catiline.<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> +We have a jury to our minds with full consent of the prosecutor. I hope +that if he is acquitted he will be more closely united with me in the +conduct of our canvass; but if the result be otherwise I shall bear it +with resignation. Your early return is of great importance to me, for +there is a very strong idea<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> prevailing that some intimate friends of +yours, persons of high rank, will be opposed to my election. To win me +their favour I see that I shall want you very much. Wherefore be sure to +be in Rome in January, as you have agreed to be.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62. Coss., D. Iunius Silanus, L. Licinius Murena.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>We have no letters to or from Cicero in the years <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64 and +63,<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> partly, no doubt, because Atticus was in Rome a great deal +during these years. We take up the correspondence, therefore, after +an interval of two years, which in many respects were the most +important in Cicero's life. In <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64 he attained his chief +ambition by being elected to the consulship, but we have little +trace of his public actions that year, only the fragments of one +speech remaining, in defence of Q. Gallius on a charge of +<i>ambitus</i>. The animus of the popular party, however, is shewn by +the prosecution of some surviving partisans of Sulla on charges of +homicide, among them Catiline, who by some means escaped conviction +(Dio, xxxvii. 10). In the year of the consulship (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63) some of +Cicero's most important speeches were delivered. The three on the +agrarian proposals of Rullus present him to us for the first time +as discussing an important question of home politics, the disposal +of the <i>ager publicus</i>, a question which had become again prominent +owing to the great additions made to it by the confiscations of +Sulla. He also defended C. Rabirius, prosecuted by Iulius Cæsar for +the murder of Saturninus as long ago as <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 100, and later in the +year defended Murena on a charge of <i>ambitus</i>. Finally, the three +Catilinarian speeches illustrate the event which coloured the whole +of Cicero's life. In <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62 his brother Quintus was prætor and +Cicero defended in his court P. Sulla, accused of complicity with +Catiline. On the 29th of December (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63) the tribune Q. Cæcilius +Metellus Nepos prevented Cicero from making a speech when laying +down his consulship, and went on to propose summoning Pompey to +Rome, "to protect the lives of the citizens." This led to scenes of +violence, and Metellus fled to Pompey, who reached Italy late in +the year <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62 from the East.</p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XII_F_V_7" id="XII_F_V_7"></a>XII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, 7</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO CN. POMPEIUS MAGNUS</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + +<p class="center"><i>M. Tullius Cicero, son of Marcus, greets Cn. Pompeius, son of Cneius, +Imperator.</i></p> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62. <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 44</div> + +<p>If you and the army are well I shall be glad. From your official +despatch I have, in common with everyone else, received the liveliest +satisfaction; for you have given us that strong hope of peace, of which, +in sole reliance on you, I was assuring everyone. But I must inform you +that your old enemies—now posing as your friends—have received a +stunning blow by this despatch, and, being disappointed in the high +hopes they were entertaining, are thoroughly depressed. Though your +private letter to me contained a somewhat slight expression of your +affection, yet I can assure you it gave me pleasure: for there is +nothing in which I habitually find greater satisfaction than in the +consciousness of serving my friends; and if on any occasion I do not +meet with an adequate return, I am not at all sorry to have the balance +of kindness in my favour. Of this I feel no doubt—even if my +extraordinary zeal in your behalf has failed to unite you to me—that +the interests of the state will certainly effect a mutual attachment and +coalition between us. To let you know, however, what I missed in your +letter I will write with the candour which my own disposition and our +common friendship demand. I did expect <i>some</i> congratulation in your +letter on my achievements, for the sake at once of the ties between us +and of the Republic. This I presume to have been omitted by you from a +fear of hurting anyone's feelings. But let me tell you that what I did +for the salvation of the country is approved by the judgment and +testimony of the whole world. You are a much greater man than Africanus, +but I am not much inferior to Lælius either; and when you come home you +will recognize that I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> have acted with such prudence and spirit, that +you will not be ashamed of being coupled with me in politics as well as +in private friendship.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XIII_F_V_I" id="XIII_F_V_I"></a>XIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, I</span>)</h2> + +<h3>Q. METELLUS CELER TO CICERO</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cisalpine Gaul</span></h4> + +<p class="center"><i>Q. Metellus Celer, son of Quintus, proconsul, greets M. Tullius +Cicero.</i><a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></p> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62. <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 44</div> + +<p>If you are well I am glad. I had thought, considering our mutual regard +and the reconciliation effected between us, that I was not likely to be +held up to ridicule in my absence, nor my brother attacked by you in his +civil existence and property for the sake of a mere word. If his own +high character was not a sufficient protection to him, yet either the +position of our family, or my own loyal conduct to you and the Republic, +ought to have been sufficient to support him. As it is, I see that he +has been ruined and I abandoned by the last people in the world who +ought to have done so. I am accordingly in sorrow and wearing mourning +dress, while actually in command of a province and army and conducting a +war. And seeing that your conduct in this affair has neither been +reasonable nor in accordance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> with the milder methods of old times, you +must not be surprised if you live to repent it. I did not expect to find +you so fickle towards me and mine. For myself, meanwhile, neither family +sorrow nor ill-treatment by any individual shall withdraw me from the +service of the state.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XIV_F_V_2" id="XIV_F_V_2"></a>XIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO Q. METELLUS (IN CISALPINE GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + +<p class="center"><i>M. Tullius, son of Marcus, to Q. Metellus Celer, son of Quintus, +proconsul, wishes health.</i></p> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 44</div> + +<p>If you and the army are well I shall be glad. You say in your letter +that you "thought, considering our mutual regard and the reconciliation +effected between us, that you were not likely to be held up to ridicule +by me." To what you refer I do not clearly understand, but I suspect +that you have been informed that, while arguing in the senate that there +were many who were annoyed at my having saved the state, I said that +your relations, whose wishes you had been unable to withstand, had +induced you to pass over in silence what you had made up your mind you +ought to say in the senate in my praise. But while saying so I also +added this—that the duty of supporting the Republic had been so divided +between us that I was defending the city from internal treachery and the +crime of its own citizens, you Italy from armed enemies and covert +conspiracy;<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> yet that this association in a task so noble and so +glorious had been imperilled by your relations, who, while you had been +complimented by me in the fullest and most laudatory terms, had been +afraid of any display of mutual regard on your part being put to my +credit. As this sentence betrayed how much I had looked forward to your +speech, and how mistaken I had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> been in that expectation, my speech +caused some amusement, and was received with a moderate amount of +laughter; but the laugh was not against you, it was rather at my +mistake, and at the open and <i>naïve</i> confession of my eagerness to be +commended by you. Surely it cannot but be a compliment to you that in +the hour of my greatest triumph and glory I yet wished for some +testimony of approval from your lips. As to your expression, +"considering our mutual regard"—I don't know your idea of what is +"mutual" in friendship; mine is an equal interchange of good feeling. +Now if I were to mention that I passed over a province for your sake, +you might think me somewhat insincere; for, in point of fact, it suited +my convenience, and I feel more and more every day of my life the +advantage and pleasure which I have received from that decision. But +this I do say—the moment I had announced in public meeting my refusal +of a province, I began at once thinking how I might hand it on to you. I +say nothing as to the circumstances of your allotment: I only wish you +to suspect that nothing was done in that matter by my colleague without +my cognizance. Recall the other circumstances: how promptly I summoned +the senate on that day after the lots had been drawn, at what a length I +spoke about you. You yourself said at the time that my speech was not +merely complimentary to you, but absolutely a reflexion on your +colleagues. Farther, the decree of the senate passed on that day has +such a preamble that, so long as it is extant, there can never be any +doubt of my services to you. Subsequently, when you had gone out of +town, I would have you recall my motions in the senate, my speeches in +public meetings, my letters to yourself. And having reviewed all these +together, I would like you to judge yourself whether you think that your +approach to Rome the last time you came quite shewed an adequate return +for all these services.<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> Again, as to your expression, "the +reconciliation effected between us"—I do not understand why you speak +of "reconciliation" in the case of a friendship that had never been +broken. As to what you say, that your brother Metellus ought not "to +have been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> attacked by me for a mere word," in the first place I would +like to assure you that your feeling and fraternal partiality—so full +of human kindness and natural affection—meet with my warmest +approbation; in the next place I must claim your indulgence if I have in +any matter opposed your brother in the interests of the Republic, for my +devotion to the Republic is paramount. If, however, it is my personal +safety that I have defended against a most ruthless assault of his, I +think you should be content that I make no complaint even to you of your +brother's injurious conduct. Now, when I had become aware that he was +deliberately making every preparation to use his tribunician office to +my ruin, I appealed to your wife Claudia<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> and your sister Mucia<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> +(of whose kindness to me for the sake of my friendship with Pompey I had +satisfied myself by many instances) to deter him from that injurious +conduct. And yet, as I am sure you have heard, on the last day of +December he inflicted upon me—a consul and the preserver of my +country—an indignity such as was never inflicted upon the most disloyal +citizen in the humblest office: that is to say, he deprived me when +laying down my office of the privilege of addressing the people—an +indignity, however, which after all redounded to my honour. For, upon +his forbidding me to do anything but take the oath, I pronounced an oath +at once the most absolutely true and the most glorious in a loud +voice—an oath which the people swore also in a loud voice to be +absolutely true. Though I had actually suffered this signal indignity, I +yet on that same day sent common friends to Metellus to persuade him to +alter his resolution; to whom he answered that he was no longer free to +do so. And, in fact, a short time previously he <i>had</i> said in a public +meeting that a man who had punished others without trial ought not +himself to be allowed the privilege of speech. What a model of +consistency! What an admirable citizen! So he deemed the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> man who had +saved the senate from massacre, the city from the incendiary, Italy from +war, deserving of the same penalty as that inflicted by the senate, with +the unanimous approval of all loyal citizens, upon those who had +intended to set fire to the city, butcher magistrates and senate, and +stir up a formidable war! Accordingly, I did withstand your brother +Metellus to his face: for on the 1st of January, in the senate, I +maintained a debate with him on the state of the Republic, such as +taught him that he had to contend with a man of courage and firmness. On +the 3rd of January,<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> on again opening the debate, he kept harping on +me and threatening me at every third word of his speech; nor could any +intention be more deliberate than his was to overthrow me by any means +in his power, not by calm and judicial argument, but by violence and +mere browbeating. If I had not shewn some boldness and spirit in +opposing his intemperate attack, would not everyone have concluded that +the courage I had displayed in my consulship was the result of accident +rather than design? If you did not know that Metellus was contemplating +these measures in regard to me, you must consider that you have been +kept in the dark by your brother on matters of the utmost importance: +if, on the other hand, he did intrust any part of his designs to you, +then surely I ought to be regarded by you as a man of placable and +reasonable temper for not addressing a word of reproach to you even on +such occurrences as these. Understanding then that it was by no "mere +word" (as you express it) of Metellus that I was roused, but by his +deliberate policy and extraordinary animosity towards me, next observe +my forbearance—if "forbearance" is the name to be given to irresolution +and laxity under a most galling indignity. I never once delivered a vote +in a speech against your brother: every time a motion was before the +house I assented without rising to those whose proposal appeared to me +to be the mildest. I will also add that, though in the circumstances +there was no obligation upon me to do so, yet so far from raising +objections I actually did my best to secure that my enemy,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> because he +was your brother, should be relieved from penalties by a decree of the +senate.<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> Wherefore I have not "attacked" your brother, but only +defended myself from your brother's attack; nor have I been "fickle" (to +quote your word), but, on the contrary, so constant, that I remained +faithful to my friendship to you, though left without any sign of +kindness from you. For instance, at this moment, though your letter +amounts almost to a threat, I am writing back an answer such as you see. +I not only pardon your vexation, I even applaud it in the highest +degree; for my own heart tells me how strong is the influence of +fraternal affection. I ask you in your turn to put a liberal +construction upon my vexation, and to conclude that when attacked by +your relatives with bitterness, with brutality, and without cause, I not +only ought not to retract anything, but, in a case of that kind, should +even be able to rely upon the aid of yourself and your army. I have +always wished to have you as a friend: I have taken pains to make you +understand that I am a warm friend to you. I abide by that sentiment, +and shall abide by it as long as <i>you</i> will let me; and I shall more +readily cease to be angry with your brother for love of you, than I +shall from anger with him abate in the smallest degree my kindness for +you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XV_F_V_6" id="XV_F_V_6"></a>XV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, 6</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO P. SESTIUS<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a> (IN MACEDONIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, December</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 44</div> + +<p>Decius the copyist has been to see me, and begged me to try and secure +that no successor should be appointed to you this turn. Though I +regarded him as a man of good<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> character and attached to you, yet, +remembering the tenor of your previous letter to me, I could not feel +certain that the wishes of a cautious man of the world like yourself had +undergone so complete a change. But after your wife Cornelia had called +on Terentia, and I had had a conversation with Q. Cornelius, I took care +to be present at every meeting of the senate, and found that the +greatest trouble was to make Fufius the tribune, and the others to whom +you had written, believe me rather than your own letters. The whole +business has, after all, been postponed till January, but there is no +difficulty about it. Roused by your congratulations—for in a letter +sometime ago you wished me good luck on the completion of my purchase of +a house from Crassus—I have bought that very house for 3,500 sestertia +(about £28,000), a good while subsequent to your congratulation. +Accordingly, you may now look upon me as being so deeply in debt as to +be eager to join a conspiracy if anyone would admit me! But, partly from +personal dislike they shut their doors in my face and openly denounce me +as the punisher of conspiracy, partly are incredulous and afraid that I +am setting a trap for them! Nor do they suppose that a man can be short +of money who has relieved the money-lenders from a state of siege. In +point of fact, money is plentiful at six per cent., and the success of +my measures has caused me to be regarded as a good security. Your own +house, and all the details of its construction, I have examined and +strongly approve. As for Antonius,<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> though everyone notices his want +of attention to my interests, I have nevertheless defended him in the +senate with the utmost earnestness and persistence, and have made a +strong impression on the senate by my language as well as by my personal +prestige. Pray write to me more frequently.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XVI_A_I_12" id="XVI_A_I_12"></a>XVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 12</span>)</h2> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 61. Coss., M. Papius Piso, M. Valerius Messalla.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The letters of this year are much concerned with the sacrilege of +P. Clodius, who, it was alleged, had been detected in disguise in +the house of the Pontifex Maximus Iulius Cæsar, when his wife was +celebrating the mysteries of the Bona Dea, from which males were +excluded. His trial was made the occasion of bitter party +struggles, and by giving evidence in contradiction of Clodius's +alibi Cicero incurred his enmity, and eventually, therefore, his +own exile. Quintus is proprætor in Asia, Cæsar in Spain. Pompey +reached Rome early this year. The <i>ordo equester</i> is much irritated +with the senate on the question of the contracts for the collection +of the Asiatic taxes.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 1 January</span></h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT</span>. 45</div> + +<p>The Teucris<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> business hangs fire, and Cornelius has not called on +Terentia since. I suppose I must have recourse to Considius, Axius, and +Selicius:<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> for his nearest relations can't get a penny out of +Cæcilius<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a> under twelve per cent. But to return to my first remark: I +never saw anything more shameless, artful, and dilatory. "I am on the +point of sending my freedman," "I have commissioned Titus"—excuses and +delays at every turn! But perhaps it is a case of <i>l'homme propose</i>,<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> +for Pompey's advance couriers tell me that he means to move in the +senate that a successor to Antonius ought to be named, and the prætor +intends to bring the proposal before the people at the same time. The +facts are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> such that I cannot defend him in view of the opinion either +of the aristocrats or the people, and, what is more than anything else, +that I have no wish to do so. For a thing has happened into the truth of +which I charge you to look thoroughly. I have a freedman, who is a +worthless fellow enough; I mean Hilarus, an accountant and a client of +your own. The interpreter Valerius gives me this information about him, +and Thyillus writes me word that he has been told the same story: that +the fellow is with Antonius, and that Antonius, in exacting money +payments, frequently remarks that a part is being collected for me, and +that I have sent a freedman to look after our common interests. I felt +exceedingly disturbed, and yet could not believe it; but at any rate +there has been some gossip of the sort. Pray look into the whole matter, +learn the truth, find out the author, and get the empty-headed idiot out +of the country, if you possibly can. Valerius mentions Cn. Plancius as +the origin of this gossip. I trust you thoroughly to investigate and +find out what is at the bottom of it. I have good reason to believe that +Pompey is most kindly disposed to me. His divorce of Mucia is strongly +approved.<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> I suppose you have heard that P. Clodius, son of Appius, +was caught in woman's clothes at Gaius Cæsar's house, while the state +function was going on, and that he was saved and got out by means of a +maid-servant; and that the affair is causing immense scandal. I feel +sure you will be sorry for it.<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> I have nothing else to tell you. And, +indeed, at the moment of writing, I am in considerable distress: for a +delightful youth, my reader Sosthenes, has just died, and his death has +affected me more than that of a slave should, I think, do. Pray write +often. If you have no news, write just what comes uppermost.</p> + +<p>1 January, in the consulship of M. Messalla and M. Piso.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XVII_F_V_5" id="XVII_F_V_5"></a>XVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, 5</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. ANTONIUS (IN MACEDONIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, January</span></h4> + +<p class="center"><i>M. Cicero wishes health to Gaius Antonius, son of Marcus, Imperator.</i></p> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 61, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT</span>. 45</div> + +<p>Though I had resolved to write you nothing but formal letters of +introduction (not because I felt that they had much weight with you, but +to avoid giving those who asked me for them an idea that there had been +any diminution in our friendship), yet since Titus Pomponius is starting +for your province, who knows better than anyone else all that I feel and +have done for you, who desires your friendship and is most devotedly +attached to me, I thought I must write something, especially as I had no +other way of satisfying Pomponius himself. Were I to ask from you +services of the greatest moment, it ought not to seem surprising to +anyone: for you have not wanted from me any that concerned your +interests, honour, or position. That no return has been made by you for +these you are the best witness: that something even of a contrary nature +has proceeded from you I have been told by many. I say "told," for I do +not venture to say "discovered,"<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> lest I should chance to use the +word which people tell me is often falsely attributed to me by you. But +the story which has reached my ears I would prefer your learning from +Pomponius (who was equally hurt by it) rather than from my letter. How +singularly loyal my feelings have been to you the senate and Roman +people are both witnesses. How far you have been grateful to me you may +yourself estimate: how much you owe me the rest of the world estimates. +I was induced to do what I did for you at first by affection, and +afterwards by consistency. Your future, believe me, stands in need of +much greater zeal on my part,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> greater firmness and greater labour.<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a> +These labours, unless it shall appear that I am throwing away and +wasting my pains, I shall support with all the strength I have; but if I +see that they are not appreciated, I shall not allow you—the very +person benefited<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a>—to think me a fool for my pains. What the meaning +of all this is you will be able to learn from Pomponius. In commending +Pomponius to you, although I am sure you will do anything in your power +for his own sake, yet I do beg that if you have any affection for me +left, you will display it all in Pomponius's business. You can do me no +greater favour than that.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XVIII_A_1_13" id="XVIII_A_1_13"></a>XVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A 1, 13</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 27 January</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 45</div> + +<p>I have now received three letters from you—one by the hands of M. +Cornelius, which you gave him, I think, at Three Taverns; a second which +your host at Canusium delivered to me; a third dated, according to you, +from on board your pinnace, when the cable was already slipped.<a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a> They +were all three, to use a phrase from the schools of rhetoric flavoured +with the salt of learning, and illumined with the marks of affection. In +these letters, indeed, I am urgently pressed by you to send answers, but +what renders me rather dilatory in this respect is the difficulty of +finding a trustworthy carrier. How few of these gentry are able to +convey a letter rather weightier than usual without lightening it by +skimming its contents! Besides, I do not always care to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> send<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a> +whenever anyone is starting for Epirus: for I suppose that, having +offered victims before your Amaltheia,<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a> you at once started for the +siege of Sicyon. And yet I am not even certain when you start to visit +Antonius or how much time you are devoting to Epirus. Accordingly, I +don't venture to trust either Achæans or Epirotes with a letter somewhat +more outspoken than usual. Now some events <i>have</i> occurred since you +left me worth my writing to you, but they must not be trusted to the +risk of a letter being lost, opened, or intercepted.</p> + +<p>Well, then, to begin with: I was not called upon to speak first, and the +pacifier of the Allobroges<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a> was preferred to me, and though this met +with some murmurs of disapprobation from the senate, I was not sorry it +was done. For I am thereby freed from any obligation to shew respect to +an ill-conditioned man, and am at liberty to support my position in the +Republic in spite of him. Besides, the second place has a dignity almost +equal to that of <i>princeps senatus</i>, and does not put one under too much +of an obligation to the consul. The third called on was Catulus; the +fourth, if you want to go still farther, Hortensius. The consul +himself<a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a> is a man of a small and ill-regulated mind, a mere buffoon +of that splenetic kind which raises a laugh even in the absence of wit: +it is his face rather than his facetiousness<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> that causes merriment: +he takes practically no part in public business, and is quite alienated +from the Optimates. You need expect no service to the state from him, +for he has not the will to do any, nor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> fear any damage, for he hasn't +the courage to inflict it. His colleague, however, treats me with great +distinction, and is also a zealous supporter of the loyalist party. For +the present their disagreement has not come to much; but I fear that +this taint may spread farther. For I suppose you have heard that when +the state function was being performed in Cæsar's house a man in woman's +dress got in,<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a> and that the Vestals having performed the rite again, +mention was made of the matter in the senate by Q. Cornificius—he was +the first, so don't think that it was one of us consulars—and that on +the matter being referred by a decree of the senate to the [Virgins and] +pontifices, they decided that a sacrilege had been committed: that then, +on a farther decree of the senate, the consuls published a bill: and +that Cæsar divorced his wife. On this question Piso, from friendship for +P. Clodius, is doing his best to get the bill promulgated by himself +(though in accordance with a decree of the senate and on a point of +religion) rejected. Messalla as yet is strongly for severe measures. The +loyalists hold aloof owing to the entreaties of Clodius: bands of +ruffians are being got together: I myself, at first a stern Lycurgus, am +becoming daily less and less keen about it: Cato is hot and eager. In +short, I fear that between the indifference of the loyalists and the +support of the disloyal it may be the cause of great evils to the +Republic. However, your great friend<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a>—do you know whom I mean?—of +whom you said in your letter that, "not venturing to blame me, he was +beginning to be complimentary," is now to all appearance exceedingly +fond of me, embraces me, loves and praises me in public, while in secret +(though unable to disguise it) he is jealous of me. No good-breeding, no +straightforwardness, no political morality, no distinction, no courage, +no liberality! But on these points I will write to you more minutely at +another time; for in the first place I am not yet quite sure about them, +and in the next place I dare not intrust a letter on such weighty +matters to such a casual nobody's son as this messenger.</p> + +<p>The prætors have not yet drawn their lots for the provinces. The matter +remains just where you left it. The description<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> of the scenery of +Misenum and Puteoli which you ask for I will include in my speech.<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a> I +had already noticed the mistake in the date, 3rd of December. The points +in my speeches which you praise, believe me, I liked very much myself, +but did not venture to say so before. Now, however, as they have +received your approval, I think them much more "Attic" than ever. To the +speech in answer to Metellus<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a> I have made some additions. The book +shall be sent you, since affection for me gives you a taste for +rhetoric. What news have I for you? Let me see. Oh, yes! The consul +Messalla has bought Antonius's house for 3,400 sestertia (about +£27,200). What is that to me? you will say. Why, thus much. The price +has convinced people that I made no bad bargain, and they begin to +understand that in making a purchase a man may properly use his friends' +means to get what suits his position. The Teucris affair drags on, yet I +have hopes. Pray settle the business you have in hand. You shall have a +more outspoken letter soon.</p> + +<p>27 January, in the consulship of M. Messalla and M. Piso.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XIX_A_I_14" id="XIX_A_I_14"></a>XIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 14</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 13 February</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 61, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT</span>. 45</div> + +<p>I fear it may seem affectation to tell you how occupied I have been; but +I am so distracted with business that I have only just found time for +this short letter, and that has been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> stolen from the most urgent +engagements. I have already described to you Pompey's first public +speech—it did not please the poor, nor satisfy the disloyal, nor find +favour with the wealthy, nor appear sound to the loyalists; accordingly, +he is down in the world.<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a> Presently, on the instigation of the consul +Piso, that most insignificant of tribunes, Fufius, brought Pompey on to +the platform. The meeting was in the <i>circus Flaminius</i>, and there was +in the same place that day a crowd of market people—a kind of <i>tiers +état</i>.<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> He asked him to say whether he approved of the jurymen being +selected by the prætor, to form a panel for the prætor himself to +employ. That was the regulation made by the senate in the matter of +Clodius's sacrilege. Thereupon Pompey made a highly "aristocratic" +speech, and replied (and at great length) that in all matters the +authority of the senate was of the greatest weight in his eyes and had +always been so. Later on the consul Messalla in the senate asked Pompey +his opinion as to the sacrilege and the bill that had been published. +His speech in the senate amounted to a general commendation of all +decrees of the house, and when he sat down he said to me, "I think my +answer covers your case also."<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a> When Crassus observed that Pompey had +got a cheer from the idea in men's minds that he approved my consulship, +he rose also to his feet and delivered a speech in the most +complimentary terms on my consulship, going so far as to say that he +owed it to me that he was still a senator, a citizen, nay, a free man; +and that he never beheld wife, home, or country without beholding the +fruits of my conduct. In short: that whole topic, which I am wont to +paint in various colours in my speeches (of which you are the +Aristarchus), the fire, the sword—you know my paint-pots—he elaborated +to the highest pitch. I was sitting next to Pompey. I noticed that he +was agitated, either at Crassus earning the gratitude which he had +himself neglected, or to think that my achieve<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>ments were, after all, of +such magnitude that the senate was so glad to hear them praised, +especially by a man who was the less under an obligation to praise me, +because in everything I ever wrote<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a> my praise of Pompey was +practically a reflexion on him. This day has brought me very close to +Crassus, and yet in spite of all I accepted with pleasure any +compliment—open or covert—from Pompey. But as for my own speech, good +heavens! how I did "put it on" for the benefit of my new auditor Pompey! +If I ever did bring every art into play, I did then—period, transition, +enthymeme, deduction—everything. In short, I was cheered to the echo. +For the subject of my speech was the dignity of the senate, its harmony +with the equites, the unanimity of Italy, the dying embers of the +conspiracy, the fall in prices, the establishment of peace. You know my +thunder when these are my themes. It was so loud, in fact, that I may +cut short my description, as I think you must have heard it even in +Epirus. The state of things at Rome is this: the senate is a perfect +Areopagus. You cannot conceive anything firmer, more grave, or more +high-spirited. For when the day came for proposing the bill in +accordance with the vote of the senate, a crowd of our dandies with +their chin-tufts assembled, all the Catiline set, with Curio's girlish +son at their head, and implored the people to reject it. Moreover, Piso +the consul, who formally introduced the bill, spoke against it. +Clodius's hired ruffians had filled up the entrances to the voting +boxes. The voting tickets were so manipulated that no "ayes" were +distributed. Hereupon imagine Cato hurrying to the rostra, delivering an +admirable invective against the consul, if we can call that an +"invective" which was really a speech of the utmost weight and +authority, and in fact containing the most salutary advice.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> He is +followed to the same effect by your friend Hortensius, and many +loyalists besides, among whom, however, the contribution of Favonius was +conspicuous. By this rally of the Optimates the <i>comitia</i> is dissolved, +the senate summoned. On the question being put in a full house—in spite +of the opposition of Piso, and in spite of Clodius throwing himself at +the feet of the senators one after the other—that the consuls should +exhort the people to pass the bill, about fifteen voted with Curio, who +was against any decree being passed; on the other side there were fully +four hundred. So the vote passed. The tribune Fufius then gave in.<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a> +Clodius delivered some wretched speeches to the people, in which he +bestowed some injurious epithets on Lucullus, Hortensius, C. Piso, and +the consul Messalla; me he only charged with having "discovered" +everything.<a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a> In regard to the assignation of provinces to the +prætors, the hearing legations, and other business, the senate voted +that nothing should be brought before it till the bill had been brought +before the people. There's the state of things at Rome for you. Yet pray +listen to this one thing more which has surpassed my hopes. Messalla is +a superlatively good consul, courageous, firm, painstaking; he praises, +shows attachment to, and imitates me. That other one (Piso) is the less +mischievous because of one vice—he is lazy, sleepy, unbusiness-like, an +utter <i>fainéant</i>, but in intention he is so disaffected that he has +begun to loathe Pompey since he made the speech in which some praise was +bestowed on the senate. Accordingly, he has alienated all the loyalists +to a remarkable degree. And his action is not dictated by love for +Clodius more than by a taste for a profligate policy and a profligate +party. But he has nobody among the magistrates like himself, with the +single exception of the tribune Fufius. The tribunes are excellent, and +in Cornutus we have a quasi-Cato. Can I say more?</p> + +<p>Now to return to private matters. "Teucris" has ful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>filled her +promise.<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a> Pray execute the commission you undertook. My brother +Quintus, who purchased the remaining three-fourths of the house in the +Argiletum for 725 sestertia (about £5,800), is now trying to sell his +Tusculan property, in order to purchase, if he can, the town house of +Pacilius. Make it up with Lucceius! I see that he is all agog to stand +for the consulship. I will do my best. Be careful to let me know exactly +how you are, where you are, and how your business goes on.</p> + +<p>13 February.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XX_A_I_15" id="XX_A_I_15"></a>XX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 15</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 15 March</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 45</div> + +<p>You have heard that my dearest brother Quintus has got Asia; for I do +not doubt that rumour has conveyed the news to you quicker than a letter +from any of us. Now then, considering how desirous of a good reputation +he and I have ever been, and how unusually Philhellenic we are and have +the reputation of being, and considering how many there are whose enmity +we have incurred for the sake of the Republic, "call to mind all your +valour,"<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> to secure us the praise and affection of all concerned. I +will write at greater length to you on these points in the letter which +I shall give to Quintus himself.<a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a> Please let me know what you have +done about the business I confided to you, and also in your own affair; +for I have had no letter from you since you left Brundisium. I am very +anxious to hear how you are.</p> + +<p>15 March.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XXI_A_I_16" id="XXI_A_I_16"></a>XXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 16</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome (May)</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 61, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT</span>. 45</div> + +<p>You ask me what has happened about the trial, the result of which was so +contrary to the general expectation, and at the same time you want to +know how I came to make a worse fight of it than usual. I will answer +the last first, after the manner of Homer.<a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a> The fact is that, so long +as I had to defend the authority of the senate,<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a> I battled with such +gallantry and vigour that there were shouts of applause and crowds round +me in the house ringing with my praise. Nay, if you ever thought that I +shewed courage in political business, you certainly would have admired +my conduct in that cause. For when the culprit had betaken himself to +public meetings, and had made an invidious use of my name, immortal +gods! What battles! What havoc! What sallies I made upon Piso, Curio, on +the whole of that set! How I fell upon the old men for their +instability, on the young for their profligacy! Again and again, so help +me heaven! I regretted your absence not only as the supporter of my +policy, but as the spectator also of my admirable fighting. However, +when Hortensius hit on the idea of a law as to the sacrilege being +proposed by the tribune Fufius, in which there was no difference from +the bill of the consul except as to the kind of jurymen—on that point, +however, the whole question turned—and got it carried by sheer +fighting, because he had persuaded himself and others that <i>he</i> could +not get an acquittal no matter who were the jurymen, I drew in my sails, +seeing the neediness of the jurors, and gave no evidence beyond what was +so notorious and well attested that I could not omit it.<a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a> Therefore, +if you ask the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> reason of the acquittal—to return at length to the +former of the two questions—it was entirely the poverty and low +character of the jury. But that this was possible was entirely the +result of Hortensius's policy. In his alarm lest Fufius should veto the +law which was to be proposed in virtue of a senatorial decree, he failed +to see that it was better that the culprit should be left under a cloud +of disgrace and dishonour than that he should be trusted to the +discretion of a weak jury. But in his passionate resentment he hastened +to bring the case into court, saying that a leaden sword was good enough +to cut <i>his</i> throat. But if you want to know the history of the trial, +with its incredible verdict, it was such that Hortensius's policy is now +blamed by other people after the event, though I disapproved of it from +the first. When the rejection of jurors had taken place, amidst loud +cheers and counter-cheers—the accuser like a strict censor rejecting +the most worthless, the defendant like a kind-hearted trainer of +gladiators all the best—as soon as the jury had taken their seats, the +loyalists at once began to feel distrust. There never was a seedier lot +round a table in a gambling hell. Senators under a cloud, equites out at +elbows, tribunes who were not so much made of money as "collectors" of +it, according to their official title.<a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> However, there were a few +honest men in the panel, whom he had been unable to drive off it by +rejection, and they took their seats among their uncongenial comrades +with gloomy looks and signs of emotion, and were keenly disgusted at +having to rub elbows with such rascals. Hereupon, as question after +question was referred to the panel in the preliminary proceedings, the +severity of the decisions passes belief: there was no disagreement in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> +voting, the defendant carried none of his points, while the accuser got +even more than he asked. He was triumphant. Need I say more? Hortensius +would have it that he was the only one of us who had seen the truth. +There was not a man who did not think it impossible for him to stand his +trial without being condemned a thousand times over. Farther, when I was +produced as a witness, I suppose you have been told how the shouts of +Clodius's supporters were answered by the jury rising to their feet to +gather round me, and openly to offer their throats to P. Clodius in my +defence. This seemed to me a greater compliment than the well-known +occasion when your fellow citizens<a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98"></a><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a> stopped Xenocrates from taking an +oath in the witness-box, or when, upon the accounts of Metellus +Numidicus<a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99"></a><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a> being as usual handed round, a Roman jury refused to look +at them. The compliment paid me, I repeat, was much greater. +Accordingly, as the jurymen were protecting me as the mainstay of the +country, it was by their voices that the defendant was overwhelmed, and +with him all his advocates suffered a crushing blow. Next day my house +was visited by as great a throng as that which escorted me home when I +laid down the consulship. Our eminent Areopagites then exclaimed that +they would not come into court unless a guard was assigned them. The +question was put to the whole panel: there was only one vote against the +need of a guard. The question is brought before the senate: the decree +is passed in the most solemn and laudatory terms: the jurymen are +complimented: the magistrates are commissioned to carry it out: no one +thought that the fellow would venture on a defence. "Tell me, ye Muses, +now how first the fire befell!"<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100"></a><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a> You know Bald-head, the Nanneian +millionaire,<a name="FNanchor_101_101" id="FNanchor_101_101"></a><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> that panegyrist of mine, whose com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>plimentary oration +I have already mentioned to you in a letter. In two days' time, by the +agency of a single slave, and one, too, from a school of gladiators, he +settled the whole business—he summoned them to an interview, made a +promise, offered security, paid money down. Still farther, good heavens, +what a scandal! even favours from certain ladies, and introductions to +young men of rank, were thrown in as a kind of <i>pourboire</i> to some of +the jurors. Accordingly, with the loyalists holding completely aloof, +with the forum full of slaves, twenty-five jurors were yet found so +courageous that, though at the risk of their lives, they preferred even +death to producing universal ruin. There were thirty-one who were more +influenced by famine than fame. On seeing one of these latter Catulus +said to him, "Why did you ask us for a guard? Did you fear being robbed +of the money?" There you have, as briefly as I could put it, the nature +of the trial and the cause of the acquittal.</p> + +<p>Next you want to know the present state of public affairs and of my own. +That settlement of the Republic—firmly established by my wisdom, as you +thought, as I thought by God's—which seemed fixed on a sure foundation +by the unanimity of all loyalists and the influence of my +consulship—that I assure you, unless some God take compassion on us, +has by this one verdict escaped from our grasp: if "verdict" it is to be +called, when thirty of the most worthless and dissolute fellows in Rome +for a paltry sum of money obliterate every principle of law and justice, +and when that which every man—I had almost said every animal—knows to +have taken place, a Thalna, a Plautus, and a Spongia, and other scum of +that sort decide not to have taken place. However, to console you as to +the state of the Republic, rascaldom is not as cheerful and exultant in +its victory as the disloyal hoped after the infliction of such a wound +upon the Republic. For they fully expected that when religion, morality, +the honour of juries, and the prestige of the senate had sustained such +a crushing fall, victorious profligacy and lawless lust would openly +exact vengeance from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> all the best men for the mortification which the +strictness of my consulship had branded in upon all the worst. And it is +once more I—for I do not feel as if I were boasting vaingloriously when +speaking of myself to you, especially in a letter not intended to be +read by others—it was I once more, I say, who revived the fainting +spirits of the loyalists, cheering and encouraging each personally. +Moreover, by my denunciations and invectives against those corrupt +jurors I left none of the favourers and supporters of that victory a +word to say for themselves. I gave the consul Piso no rest anywhere, I +got him deprived of Syria, which had been already plighted to him, I +revived the fainting spirit of the senate and recalled it to its former +severity. I overwhelmed Clodius in the senate to his face, both in a set +speech, very weighty and serious, and also in an interchange of +repartees, of which I append a specimen for your delectation. The rest +lose all point and grace without the excitement of the contest, or, as +you Greeks call it, the ἀγών. Well, at the meeting of the +senate on the 15th of May, being called on for my opinion, I spoke at +considerable length on the high interests of the Republic, and brought +in the following passage by a happy inspiration: "Do not, Fathers, +regard yourselves as fallen utterly, do not faint, because you have +received one blow. The wound is one which I cannot disguise, but which I +yet feel sure should not be regarded with extreme fear: to fear would +shew us to be the greatest of cowards, to ignore it the greatest of +fools. Lentulus was twice acquitted, so was Catiline, a third such +criminal has now been let loose by jurors upon the Republic. You are +mistaken, Clodius: it is not for the city but for the prison that the +jurors have reserved you, and their intention was not to retain you in +the state, but to deprive you of the privilege of exile. Wherefore, +Fathers, rouse up all your courage, hold fast to your high calling. +There still remains in the Republic the old unanimity of the loyalists: +their feelings have been outraged, their resolution has not been +weakened: no fresh mischief has been done, only what was actually +existing has been discovered. In the trial of one profligate many like +him have been detected."—But what am I about? I have copied almost a +speech into a letter. I return to the duel of words. Up gets our +dandified young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> gentleman, and throws in my teeth my having been at +Baiæ. It wasn't true, but what did that matter to him? "It is as though +you were to say," replied I, "that I had been in disguise!" "What +business," quoth he, "has an Arpinate with hot baths?" "Say that to your +patron," said I, "who coveted the watering-place of an Arpinate."<a name="FNanchor_102_102" id="FNanchor_102_102"></a><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> +For you know about the marine villa. "How long," said he, "are we to put +up with this king?" "Do you mention a king," quoth I, "when Rex<a name="FNanchor_103_103" id="FNanchor_103_103"></a><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a> +made no mention of you?" He, you know, had swallowed the inheritance of +Rex in anticipation. "You have bought a house," says he. "You would +think that he said," quoth I, "you have bought a jury." "They didn't +trust you on your oath," said he. "Yes," said I, "twenty-five jurors did +trust me, thirty-one didn't trust you, for they took care to get their +money beforehand." Here he was overpowered by a burst of applause and +broke down without a word to say.</p> + +<p>My own position is this: with the loyalists I hold the same place as +when you left town, with the tagrag and bobtail of the city I hold a +much better one than at your departure. For it does me no harm that my +evidence appears not to have availed. Envy has been let blood without +causing pain, and even more so from the fact that all the supporters of +that flagitious proceeding confess that a perfectly notorious fact has +been hushed up by bribing the jury. Besides, the wretched starveling +mob, the blood-sucker of the treasury, imagines me to be high in the +favour of Magnus—and indeed we have been mutually united by frequent +pleasant intercourse to such an extent, that our friends the boon +companions of the conspiracy, the young chin-tufts, speak of him in +ordinary conversation as Gnæus Cicero. Accordingly, both in the circus +and at the gladiatorial games, I received a remarkable ovation without a +single cat-call. There is at present a lively anticipation of the +elections, in which, contrary to everybody's wishes, our friend Magnus +is pushing the claims of Aulus's son;<a name="FNanchor_104_104" id="FNanchor_104_104"></a><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a> and in that matter his +weapons are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> neither his prestige nor his popularity, but those by which +Philip said that any fortress could be taken—if only an ass laden with +gold could make its way up into it. Farthermore, that precious consul, +playing as it were second fiddle to Pompey,<a name="FNanchor_105_105" id="FNanchor_105_105"></a><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a> is said to have +undertaken the business and to have bribery agents at his house, which I +don't believe. But two decrees have already passed the house of an +unpopular character, because they are thought to be directed against the +consul on the demand of Cato and Domitius<a name="FNanchor_106_106" id="FNanchor_106_106"></a><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a>—one that search should +be allowed in magistrates' houses, and a second, that all who had +bribery agents in their houses were guilty of treason. The tribune Lurco +also, having entered on his office irregularly in view of the Ælian law, +has been relieved from the provisions both of the Ælian and Fufian laws, +in order to enable him to propose his law on bribery, which he +promulgated with correct auspices though a cripple.<a name="FNanchor_107_107" id="FNanchor_107_107"></a><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a> Accordingly, +the <i>comitia</i> have been postponed to the 27th of July. There is this +novelty in his bill, that a man who has promised money among the tribes, +but not paid it, is not liable, but, if he has paid, he is liable for +life to pay 3,000 sesterces to each tribe. I remarked that P. Clodius +had obeyed this law by anticipation, for he was accustomed to promise, +and not pay. But observe! Don't you see that the consulship of which we +thought so much, which Curio used of old to call an apotheosis, if this +Afranius is elected, will become a mere farce and mockery? Therefore I +think one should play the philosopher, as you in fact do, and not care a +straw for your consulships!</p> + +<p>You say in your letter that you have decided not to go to Asia. For my +part I should have preferred your going, and I fear that there may be +some offence<a name="FNanchor_108_108" id="FNanchor_108_108"></a><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> given in that matter. Nevertheless, I am not the man +to blame you, especially con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>sidering that I have not gone to a province +myself. I shall be quite content with the inscriptions you have placed +in your Amaltheium,<a name="FNanchor_109_109" id="FNanchor_109_109"></a><a href="#Footnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> especially as Thyillus has deserted me and +Archias written nothing about me. The latter, I am afraid, having +composed a Greek poem on the Luculli, is now turning his attention to +the Cæcilian drama.<a name="FNanchor_110_110" id="FNanchor_110_110"></a><a href="#Footnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a> I have thanked Antonius on your account, and I +have intrusted the letter to Mallius. I have heretofore written to you +more rarely because I had no one to whom I could trust a letter, and was +not sure of your address. I have puffed you well. If Cincius should +refer any business of yours to me, I will undertake it. But at present +he is more intent on his own business, in which I am rendering him some +assistance. If you mean to stay any length of time in one place you may +expect frequent letters from me: but pray send even more yourself. I +wish you would describe your Amaltheium to me, its decoration and its +plan; and send me any poems or stories you may have about +Amaltheia.<a name="FNanchor_111_111" id="FNanchor_111_111"></a><a href="#Footnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a> I should like to make a copy of it at Arpinum. I will +forward you something of what I have written. At present there is +nothing finished.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XXII_A_I_17" id="XXII_A_I_17"></a>XXII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 17</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 5 December</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 45</div> + +<p>Your letter, in which you inclose copies of his letters, has made me +realize that my brother Quintus's feelings have undergone many +alternations, and that his opinions and judgments have varied widely +from time to time.<a name="FNanchor_112_112" id="FNanchor_112_112"></a><a href="#Footnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a> This has not only caused me all the pain which +my extreme affection for both of you was bound to bring, but it has also +made me wonder what can have happened to cause my brother Quintus such +deep offence, or such an extraordinary change of feeling. And yet I was +already aware, as I saw that you also, when you took leave of me, were +beginning to suspect, that there was some lurking dissatisfaction, that +his feelings were wounded, and that certain unfriendly suspicions had +sunk deep into his heart. On trying on several previous occasions, but +more eagerly than ever after the allotment of his province, to assuage +these feelings, I failed to discover on the one hand that the extent of +his offence was so great as your letter indicates; but on the other I +did not make as much progress in allaying it as I wished. However, I +consoled myself with thinking that there would be no doubt of his seeing +you at Dyrrachium, or somewhere in your part of the country: and, if +that happened, I felt sure and fully persuaded that everything would be +made smooth between you, not only by conversation and mutual +explanation, but by the very sight of each other in such an interview. +For I need not say in writing to you, who know it quite well, how kind +and sweet-tempered my brother is, as ready to forgive as he is sensitive +in taking offence. But it most unfortunately happened that you did not +see him anywhere. For the impression he had received from the artifices +of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> others had more weight with him than duty or relationship, or the +old affection so long existing between you, which ought to have been the +strongest influence of all. And yet, as to where the blame for this +misunderstanding resides, I can more easily conceive than write: since I +am afraid that, while defending my own relations, I should not spare +yours. For I perceive that, though no actual wound was inflicted by +members of the family, they yet could at least have cured it. But the +root of the mischief in this case, which perhaps extends farther than +appears, I shall more conveniently explain to you when we meet. As to +the letter he sent to you from Thessalonica,<a name="FNanchor_113_113" id="FNanchor_113_113"></a><a href="#Footnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a> and about the language +which you suppose him to have used both at Rome among your friends and +on his journey, I don't know how far the matter went, but my whole hope +of removing this unpleasantness rests on your kindness. For if you will +only make up your mind to believe that the best men are often those +whose feelings are most easily irritated and appeased, and that this +quickness, so to speak, and sensitiveness of disposition are generally +signs of a good heart; and lastly—and this is the main thing—that we +must mutually put up with each other's gaucheries (shall I call them?), +or faults, or injurious acts, then these misunderstandings will, I hope, +be easily smoothed away. I beg you to take this view, for it is the +dearest wish of my heart (which is yours as no one else's can be) that +there should not be one of my family or friends who does not love you +and is not loved by you.</p> + +<p>That part of your letter was entirely superfluous, in which you mention +what opportunities of doing good business in the provinces or the city +you let pass at other times as well as in the year of my consulship: for +I am thoroughly persuaded of your unselfishness and magnanimity, nor did +I ever think that there was any difference between you and me except in +our choice of a career. Ambition led me to seek official advancement, +while another and perfectly laudable resolution led you to seek an +honourable privacy. In the true glory, which is founded on honesty, +industry, and piety, I place neither myself nor anyone else above you. +In affection towards myself, next to my brother<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> and immediate family, I +put you first. For indeed, indeed I have seen and thoroughly appreciated +how your anxiety and joy have corresponded with the variations of my +fortunes. Often has your congratulation added a charm to praise, and +your consolation a welcome antidote to alarm. Nay, at this moment of +your absence, it is not only your advice—in which you excel—but the +interchange of speech—in which no one gives me so much delight as you +do—that I miss most, shall I say in politics, in which circumspection +is always incumbent on me, or in my forensic labour, which I formerly +sustained with a view to official promotion, and nowadays to maintain my +position by securing popularity, or in the mere business of my family? +In all these I missed you and our conversations before my brother left +Rome, and still more do I miss them since. Finally, neither my work nor +rest, neither my business nor leisure, neither my affairs in the forum +or at home, public or private, can any longer do without your most +consolatory and affectionate counsel and conversation. The modest +reserve which characterizes both of us has often prevented my mentioning +these facts; but on this occasion it was rendered necessary by that part +of your letter in which you expressed a wish to have yourself and your +character "put straight" and "cleared" in my eyes. Yet, in the midst of +all this unfortunate alienation and anger, there is one fortunate +circumstance—that your determination of not going to a province was +known to me and your other friends, and had been at various times before +distinctly expressed by yourself; so that your not being his guest may +be attributed to your personal tastes and judgments, not to the quarrel +and rupture between you. And so those ties which have been broken will +be restored, and ours which have been so religiously preserved will +retain all their old inviolability.</p> + +<p>At Rome I find politics in a shaky condition; everything is +unsatisfactory and foreboding change. For I have no doubt you have been +told that our friends, the equites, are all but alienated from the +senate. Their first grievance was the promulgation of a bill on the +authority of the senate for the trial of such as had taken bribes for +giving a verdict. I happened not to be in the house when that decree was +passed, but when I found that the equestrian order was indignant at it, +and yet refrained from openly saying so, I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> remonstrated with the +senate, as I thought, in very impressive language, and was very weighty +and eloquent considering the unsatisfactory nature of my cause. But here +is another piece of almost intolerable coolness on the part of the +equites, which I have not only submitted to, but have even put in as +good a light as possible! The companies which had contracted with the +censors for Asia complained that in the heat of the competition they had +taken the contract at an excessive price; they demanded that the +contract should be annulled. I led in their support, or rather, I was +second, for it was Crassus who induced them to venture on this demand. +The case is scandalous, the demand a disgraceful one, and a confession +of rash speculation. Yet there was a very great risk that, if they got +no concession, they would be completely alienated from the senate. Here +again I came to the rescue more than anyone else, and secured them a +full and very friendly house, in which I, on the 1st and 2nd of +December, delivered long speeches on the dignity and harmony of the two +orders. The business is not yet settled, but the favourable feeling of +the senate has been made manifest: for no one had spoken against it +except the consul-designate, Metellus; while our hero Cato had still to +speak, the shortness of the day having prevented his turn being reached. +Thus I, in the maintenance of my steady policy, preserve to the best of +my ability that harmony of the orders which was originally my joiner's +work; but since it all now seems in such a crazy condition, I am +constructing what I may call a road towards the maintenance of our +power, a safe one I hope, which I cannot fully describe to you in a +letter, but of which I will nevertheless give you a hint. <i>I cultivate +close intimacy with Pompey</i>. I foresee what you will say. I will use all +necessary precautions, and I will write another time at greater length +about my schemes for managing the Republic. You must know that Lucceius +has it in his mind to stand for the consulship at once; for there are +said to be only two candidates in prospect. Cæsar is thinking of coming +to terms with him by the agency of Arrius, and Bibulus also thinks he +may effect a coalition with him by means of C. Piso.<a name="FNanchor_114_114" id="FNanchor_114_114"></a><a href="#Footnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a> You<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> smile? +This is no laughing matter, believe me. What else shall I write to you? +What? I have plenty to say, but must put it off to another time. If you +mean to wait till you hear, let me know. For the moment I am satisfied +with a modest request, though it is what I desire above everything—that +you should come to Rome as soon as possible.</p> + +<p>5 December.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXIII_A_I_18" id="XXIII_A_I_18"></a>XXIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 18</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60. Coss., Q. Cæcilius Metellus Celer, L. Afranius.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>This was the year in which Cæsar, returning from his proprætorship +in Spain, found Pompey in difficulties with the senate (1) as to +the confirmation <i>en bloc</i> of his <i>acta</i> in the East, (2) as to the +assignation of lands to his veterans; and being met with opposition +himself as to the triumph that he claimed, and his candidatureship +for the consulship, he formed with Pompey and Crassus the agreement +known as the first triumvirate. Cicero saw his favourite political +object, the <i>concordia ordinum</i>, threatened by any opposition to +the triumvirate, which he yet distrusted as dangerous to the +constitution. We shall find him, therefore, vacillating between +giving his support to its policy or standing by the extreme +Optimates. P. Clodius is taking measures to be adopted into a +plebeian gens, in order to stand for the tribuneship. Quintus is +still in Asia. Pompey's triumph had taken place in the previous +September.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 20 January</span></h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 46</div> + +<p>Believe me there is nothing at this moment of which I stand so much in +need as a man with whom to share all that causes me anxiety: a man to +love me; a man of sense to whom I can speak without affectation, +reserve, or conceal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>ment. For my brother is away—that most open-hearted +and affectionate of men. Metellus is not a human being, but</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Mere sound and air, a howling wilderness."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>While you, who have so often lightened my anxiety and my anguish of soul +by your conversation and advice, who are ever my ally in public affairs, +my confidant in all private business, the sharer in all my conversations +and projects—where are you? So entirely am I abandoned by all, that the +only moments of repose left me are those which are spent with my wife, +pet daughter, and sweet little Cicero. For as to those friendships with +the great, and their artificial attractions, they have indeed a certain +glitter in the outside world, but they bring no private satisfaction. +And so, after a crowded morning <i>levée</i>, as I go down to the forum +surrounded by troops of friends, I can find no one out of all that crowd +with whom to jest freely, or into whose ear I can breathe a familiar +sigh. Therefore I wait for you, I long for you, I even urge on you to +come; for I have many anxieties, many pressing cares, of which I think, +if I once had your ears to listen to me, I could unburden myself in the +conversation of a single walk. And of my private anxieties, indeed, I +shall conceal all the stings and vexations, and not trust them to this +letter and an unknown letter-carrier. These, however—for I don't want +you to be made too anxious—are not very painful: yet they are +persistent and worrying, and are not put to rest by the advice or +conversation of any friend. But in regard to the Republic I have still +the same courage and purpose, though it has again and again of its own +act eluded treatment.<a name="FNanchor_115_115" id="FNanchor_115_115"></a><a href="#Footnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a> For should I put briefly what has occurred +since you left, you would certainly exclaim that the Roman empire cannot +be maintained much longer. Well, after your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> departure our first scene, +I think, was the appearance of the Clodian scandal, in which having, as +I thought, got an opportunity of pruning licentiousness and keeping our +young men within bounds, I exerted myself to the utmost, and lavished +all the resources of my intellect and genius, not from dislike to an +individual, but from the hope of not merely correcting, but of +completely curing the state. The Republic received a crushing blow when +this jury was won over by money and the opportunity of debauchery. See +what has followed! We have had a consul inflicted upon us, whom none +except us philosophers can look at without a sigh. What a blow that is! +Though a decree of the senate has been passed about bribery and the +corruption of juries, no law has been carried; the senate has been +harassed to death, the Roman knights alienated. So that one year has +undermined two buttresses of the Republic, which owed their existence to +me, and me alone; for it has at once destroyed the prestige of the +senate and broken up the harmony of the orders. And now enter this +precious year! It was inaugurated by the suspension of the annual rites +of Iuventas;<a name="FNanchor_116_116" id="FNanchor_116_116"></a><a href="#Footnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> for Memmius initiated M. Lucullus's wife in some rites +of his own! Our Menelaus, being annoyed at that, divorced his wife. Yet +the old Idæan shepherd had only injured Menelaus; our Roman Paris +thought Agamemnon as proper an object of injury as Menelaus.<a name="FNanchor_117_117" id="FNanchor_117_117"></a><a href="#Footnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a> Next +there is a certain tribune named C. Herennius, whom you, perhaps, do not +even know—and yet you may know him, for he is of your tribe, and his +father Sextus used to distribute money to your tribesmen—this person is +trying to transfer P. Clodius to the plebs, and is actually proposing a +law to authorize the whole people to vote in Clodius's affair in the +<i>campus</i>.<a name="FNanchor_118_118" id="FNanchor_118_118"></a><a href="#Footnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> I have given him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> a characteristic reception in the +senate, but he is the thickest-skinned fellow in the world. Metellus is +an excellent consul, and much attached to me, but he has lowered his +influence by promulgating (though only for form's sake) an identical +bill about Clodius. But the son of Aulus,<a name="FNanchor_119_119" id="FNanchor_119_119"></a><a href="#Footnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a> God in heaven! What a +cowardly and spiritless fellow for a soldier! How well he deserves to be +exposed, as he is, day after day to the abuse of Palicanus!<a name="FNanchor_120_120" id="FNanchor_120_120"></a><a href="#Footnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> +Farther, an agrarian law has been promulgated by Flavius, a poor +production enough, almost identical with that of Plotius. But meanwhile +a genuine statesman is not to be found, even "in a dream." The man who +could be one, my friend Pompey—for such he is, as I would have you +know—defends his twopenny embroidered toga<a name="FNanchor_121_121" id="FNanchor_121_121"></a><a href="#Footnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> by saying nothing. +Crassus never risks his popularity by a word. The others you know +without my telling you. They are such fools that they seem to expect +that, though the Republic is lost, their fish-ponds will be safe. There +is one man who does take some trouble, but rather, as it seems to me, +with consistency and honesty, than with either prudence or +ability—Cato. He has been for the last three months worrying those +unhappy <i>publicani</i>, who were formerly devoted to him, and refuses to +allow of an answer being given them by the senate. And so we are forced +to suspend all decrees on other subjects until the <i>publicani</i> have got +their answer. For the same reason I suppose even the business of the +foreign embassies will be postponed. You now understand in what stormy +water we are: and as from what I have written to you in such strong +terms you have a view also of what I have not written, come back to me, +for it is time you did. And though the state of affairs to which I +invite you is one to be avoided, yet let<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> your value for me so far +prevail, as to induce you to come there even in these vexatious +circumstances. For the rest I will take care that due warning is given, +and a notice put up in all places, to prevent you being entered on the +census as absent; and to get put on the census just before the +lustration is the mark of your true man of business.<a name="FNanchor_122_122" id="FNanchor_122_122"></a><a href="#Footnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a> So let me see +you at the earliest possible moment. Farewell.</p> + +<p>20 January in the Consulship of Q. Metellus and L. Afranius.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXIV_A_I_19" id="XXIV_A_I_19"></a>XXIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 19</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 15 March</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 46</div> + +<p>It is not only if I had as much leisure as you, but also if I chose to +send letters as short as yours usually are, should I easily beat you and +be much the more regular in writing. But, in fact, it is only one more +item in an immense and inconceivable amount of business, that I allow no +letter to reach you from me without its containing some definite sketch +of events and the reflexions arising from it. And in writing to you, as +a lover of your country, my first subject will naturally be the state of +the Republic; next, as I am the nearest object of your affection, I will +also write about myself, and tell you what I think you will not be +indisposed to know. Well then, in public affairs for the moment the +chief subject of interest is the disturbance in Gaul. For the Ædui—"our +brethren"<a name="FNanchor_123_123" id="FNanchor_123_123"></a><a href="#Footnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a>—have recently fought a losing battle, and the Helvetii +are undoubtedly in arms and making raids upon our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> province.<a name="FNanchor_124_124" id="FNanchor_124_124"></a><a href="#Footnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> The +senate has decreed that the two consuls should draw lots for the Gauls, +that a levy should be held, all exemptions from service be suspended, +and legates with full powers be sent to visit the states in Gaul, and +see that they do not join the Helvetii. The legates are Quintus Metellus +Creticus,<a name="FNanchor_125_125" id="FNanchor_125_125"></a><a href="#Footnote_125_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a> L. Flaccus,<a name="FNanchor_126_126" id="FNanchor_126_126"></a><a href="#Footnote_126_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a> and lastly—a case of "rich unguent on +lentils"—Lentulus, son of Clodianus.<a name="FNanchor_127_127" id="FNanchor_127_127"></a><a href="#Footnote_127_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a> And while on this subject I +cannot omit mentioning that when among the consulars my name was the +first to come up in the ballot, a full meeting of the senate declared +with one voice that I must be kept in the city. The same occurred to +Pompey after me; so that we two appeared to be kept at home as pledges +of the safety of the Republic. Why should I look for the "bravos" of +others when I get these compliments at home? Well, the state of affairs +in the city is as follows. The agrarian law is being vehemently pushed +by the tribune Flavius, with the support of Pompey, but it has nothing +popular about it except its supporter. From this law I, with the full +assent of a public meeting, proposed to omit all clauses which adversely +affected private rights. I proposed to except from its operation such +public land as had been so in the consulship of P. Mucius and L. +Calpurnius.<a name="FNanchor_128_128" id="FNanchor_128_128"></a><a href="#Footnote_128_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a> I proposed to confirm the titles of holders of those to +whom Sulla had actually assigned lands. I proposed to retain the men of +Volaterræ and Arretium—whose lands<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> Sulla had declared forfeited but +had not allotted—in their holdings. There was only one section in the +bill that I did not propose to omit, namely, that land should be +purchased with this money from abroad, the proceeds of the new revenues +for the next five years.<a name="FNanchor_129_129" id="FNanchor_129_129"></a><a href="#Footnote_129_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a> But to this whole agrarian scheme the +senate was opposed, suspecting that some novel power for Pompey was +aimed at. Pompey, indeed, had set his heart on getting the law passed. +I, however, with the full approval of the applicants for land, +maintained the holdings of all private owners—for, as you know, the +landed gentry form the bulk of our party's forces—while I nevertheless +satisfied the people and Pompey (for I wanted to do that also) by the +purchase clause; for, if that was put on a sound footing, I thought that +two advantages would accrue—the dregs might be drawn from the city, and +the deserted portions of Italy be repeopled. But this whole business was +interrupted by the war, and has cooled off. Metellus is an exceedingly +good consul, and much attached to me. That other one is such a ninny +that he clearly doesn't know what to do with his purchase.<a name="FNanchor_130_130" id="FNanchor_130_130"></a><a href="#Footnote_130_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a> This is +all my public news, unless you regard as touching on public affairs the +fact that a certain Herennius, a tribune, and a fellow tribesman of +yours—a fellow as unprincipled as he is needy—has now begun making +frequent proposals for transferring P. Clodius to the plebs; he is +vetoed by many of his colleagues. That is really, I think, all the +public news.</p> + +<p>For my part, ever since I won what I may call the splendid and immortal +glory of the famous fifth of December<a name="FNanchor_131_131" id="FNanchor_131_131"></a><a href="#Footnote_131_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a> (though it was accompanied by +the jealousy and hostility of many), I have never ceased to play my part +in the Republic in the same lofty spirit, and to maintain the position I +then inaugurated and took upon myself. But when, first, by the acquittal +of Clodius I clearly perceived the insecurity and rotten state of the +law courts; and, secondly, when I saw that it took so little to alienate +my friends the <i>publicani</i> from the senate—though with me personally +they had no quarrel;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> and, thirdly, that the rich (I mean your friends +the fish-breeders) did not disguise their jealousy of me, I thought I +must look out for some greater security and stronger support. So, to +begin with, I have brought the man who had been too long silent on my +achievements, Pompey himself, to such a frame of mind as not once only +in the senate, but many times and in many words, to ascribe to me the +preservation of this empire and of the world. And this was not so +important to me—for those transactions are neither so obscure as to +need testimony, nor so dubious as to need commendation—as to the +Republic; for there were certain persons base enough to think that some +misunderstanding would arise between me and Pompey from a difference of +opinion on these measures. With him I have united myself in such close +intimacy that both of us can by this union be better fortified in his +own views, and more secure in his political position. However, the +dislike of the licentious dandies, which had been roused against me, has +been so far softened by a conciliatory manner on my part, that they all +combine to show me marked attention. In fine, while avoiding +churlishness to anyone, I do not curry favour with the populace or relax +any principle; but my whole course of conduct is so carefully regulated, +that, while exhibiting an example of firmness to the Republic, in my own +private concerns—in view of the instability of the loyalists, the +hostility of the disaffected, and the hatred of the disloyal towards +me—I employ a certain caution and circumspection, and do not allow +myself, after all, to be involved in these new friendships so far but +that the famous refrain of the cunning Sicilian frequently sounds in my +ears:<a name="FNanchor_132_132" id="FNanchor_132_132"></a><a href="#Footnote_132_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Keep sober and distrust: these wisdom's sinews!"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Of my course and way of life, therefore, you see, I think, what may be +called a sketch or outline. Of your own business, however, you +frequently write to me, but I cannot at the moment supply the remedy you +require. For that decree of the senate was passed with the greatest +unanimity on the part of the rank and file,<a name="FNanchor_133_133" id="FNanchor_133_133"></a><a href="#Footnote_133_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a> though without the +support of any of us consulars. For as to your seeing my name at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> the +foot of the decree, you can ascertain from the decree itself that the +subject put to the vote at the time was a different one, and that this +clause about "free peoples" was added without good reason. It was done +by P. Servilius the younger,<a name="FNanchor_134_134" id="FNanchor_134_134"></a><a href="#Footnote_134_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a> who delivered his vote among the last, +but it cannot be altered after such an interval of time. Accordingly, +the meetings, which at first were crowded, have long ceased to be held. +If you have been able, notwithstanding, by your insinuating address to +get a trifle of money out of the Sicyonians, I wish you would let me +know.<a name="FNanchor_135_135" id="FNanchor_135_135"></a><a href="#Footnote_135_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> I have sent you an account of my consulship written in Greek. +If there is anything in it which to a genuine Attic like yourself seems +to be un-Greek or unscholarly, I shall not say as Lucullus said to you +(at Panhormus, was it not?) about his own history, that he had +interspersed certain barbarisms and solecisms for the express purpose of +proving that it was the work of a Roman. No, if there is anything of +that sort in my book, it will be without my knowledge and against my +will. When I have finished the Latin version I will send it to you; and +thirdly, you may expect a poem on the subject, for I would not have any +method of celebrating my praise omitted by myself. In this regard pray +do not quote "Who will praise his sire?"<a name="FNanchor_136_136" id="FNanchor_136_136"></a><a href="#Footnote_136_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a> For if there is anything +in the world to be preferred to this, let it receive its due meed of +praise, and I mine of blame for not selecting another theme for my +praise. However, what I write is not panegyric but history. My brother +Quintus clears himself to me in a letter, and asserts that he has never +said a disparaging word of you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> to anyone. But this we must discuss face +to face with the greatest care and earnestness: only <i>do</i> come to see me +again at last! This Cossinius, to whom I intrust my letter, seems to me +a very good fellow, steady, devoted to you, and exactly the sort of man +which your letter to me had described.</p> + +<p>15 March.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXV_A_I_20" id="XXV_A_I_20"></a>XXV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A I, 20</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 13 May</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 46</div> + +<p>On my return to Rome from my villa at Pompeii on the 12th of May, our +friend Cincius handed me your letter dated 13th February. It is this +letter of yours which I will now proceed to answer. And first let me say +how glad I am that you have fully understood my appreciation of +you;<a name="FNanchor_137_137" id="FNanchor_137_137"></a><a href="#Footnote_137_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a> and next how excessively rejoiced I am that you have been so +extremely reasonable in regard to those particulars in which you +thought<a name="FNanchor_138_138" id="FNanchor_138_138"></a><a href="#Footnote_138_138" class="fnanchor">[138]</a> that I and mine had behaved unkindly, or with insufficient +consideration for your feelings: and this I regard as a proof of no +common affection, and of the most excellent judgment and wisdom. +Wherefore, since you have written to me in a tone so delightful, +considerate, friendly and kind, that I not only have no call to press +you any farther, but can never even hope to meet from you or any other +man with so much gentleness and good nature, I think the very best +course I can pursue is not to say another word on the subject in my +letters. When we meet, if the occasion should arise, we will discuss it +together.</p> + +<p>As to what you say about politics, your suggestions indeed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> are both +affectionate and wise, and the course you suggest does not differ +substantially from my own policy—for I must neither budge an inch from +the position imposed upon me by my rank, nor must I without forces of my +own enter the lines of another, while that other, whom you mention in +your letter, has nothing large-minded about him, nothing lofty, nothing +which is not abject and time-serving. However, the course I took was, +after all, perhaps not ill-calculated for securing the tranquillity of +my own life; but, by heaven, I did greater service to the Republic than, +by suppressing the attacks of the disloyal, I did to myself, when I +brought conviction home to the wavering mind of a man of the most +splendid fortune, influence and popularity, and induced him to +disappoint the disloyal and praise my acts. Now if I had been forced to +sacrifice consistency in this transaction, I should not have thought +anything worth that price; but the fact is that I have so worked the +whole business, that I did not seem to be less consistent from my +complacency to him, but that he appeared to gain in character by his +approbation of me. In everything else I am so acting, and shall continue +so to act, as to prevent my seeming to have done what I did do by mere +chance. My friends the loyalists, the men at whom you hint, and that +"Sparta" which you say has fallen to my lot,<a name="FNanchor_139_139" id="FNanchor_139_139"></a><a href="#Footnote_139_139" class="fnanchor">[139]</a> I will not only never +desert, but even if I am deserted by her, I shall still stand by my +ancient creed. However, please consider this, that since the death of +Catulus I am holding this road for the loyalists without any garrison or +company. For as Rhinton, I think, says:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Some are stark naught, and some care not at all."<a name="FNanchor_140_140" id="FNanchor_140_140"></a><a href="#Footnote_140_140" class="fnanchor">[140]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>However, how our friends the fish-breeders<a name="FNanchor_141_141" id="FNanchor_141_141"></a><a href="#Footnote_141_141" class="fnanchor">[141]</a> envy me I will write you +word another time, or will reserve it till we meet. But from the +senate-house nothing shall ever tear me: either because that course is +the right one, or because it is most to my interests, or because I am +far from being dissatisfied with the estimation in which I am held by +the senate.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> + +<p>As to the Sicyonians, as I wrote to you before,<a name="FNanchor_142_142" id="FNanchor_142_142"></a><a href="#Footnote_142_142" class="fnanchor">[142]</a> there is not much +to be hoped for in the senate. For there is no one now to lay a +complaint before it. Therefore, if you are waiting for that, you will +find it a tedious business. Fight some other way if you can. At the time +the decree was passed no one noticed who would be affected by it, and +besides the rank and file of the senators voted in a great hurry for +that clause. For cancelling the senatorial decree the time is not yet +ripe, because there are none to complain of it, and because also many +are glad to have it so, some from spite, some from a notion of its +equity. Your friend Metellus is an admirable consul: I have only one +fault to find with him—he doesn't receive the news from Gaul of the +restoration of peace with much pleasure. He wants a triumph, I suppose. +I could have wished a little less of that sort of thing: in other +respects he is splendid. But the son of Aulus behaves in such a way, +that his consulship is not a consulship but a stigma on our friend +Magnus. Of my writings I send you my consulship in Greek completed. I +have handed that book to L. Cossinius. My Latin works I think you like, +but as a Greek you envy this Greek book. If others write treatises on +the subject I will send them to you, but I assure you that, as soon as +they have read mine, some how or other they become slack. To return to +my own affairs, L. Papirius Pætus, an excellent man and an admirer of +mine, has presented me with the books left him by Servius Claudius. As +your friend Cincius told me that I could take them without breaking the +<i>lex Cincia</i><a name="FNanchor_143_143" id="FNanchor_143_143"></a><a href="#Footnote_143_143" class="fnanchor">[143]</a>, I told him that I should have great pleasure in +accepting them, if he brought them to Italy. Wherefore, as you love me, +as you know that I love you, do try by means of friends, clients, +guests, or even your freedmen or slaves, to prevent the loss of a single +leaf. For I am in urgent need of the Greek books which I suspect, and of +the Latin books which I know, that he left: and more and more every day +I find repose in such studies every moment left to me from my labours in +the forum. You will, I say, do me a very great favour, if you will be as +zealous in this matter as you ever are in matters in which you suppose +me to feel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> strongly; and Pætus's own affairs I recommend to your +kindness for which he thanks you extremely. A prompt visit from yourself +is a thing which I do not merely ask for, I advise it.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXVI_A_II_1" id="XXVI_A_II_1"></a>XXVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 1</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN GREECE)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, June</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 46</div> + +<p>On the 1st of June, as I was on my way to Antium, and eagerly getting +out of the way of M. Metellus's gladiators, your boy met me, and +delivered to me a letter from you and a history of my consulship written +in Greek.<a name="FNanchor_144_144" id="FNanchor_144_144"></a><a href="#Footnote_144_144" class="fnanchor">[144]</a> This made me glad that I had some time before delivered +to L. Cossinius a book, also written in Greek, on the same subject, to +take to you. For if I had read yours first you might have said that I +had pilfered from you. Although your essay (which I have read with +pleasure) seemed to me just a trifle rough and bald, yet its very +neglect of ornament is an ornament in itself, as women were once thought +to have the best perfume who used none. My book, on the other hand, has +exhausted the whole of Isocrates's unguent case, and all the paint-boxes +of his pupils, and even Aristotle's colours. This, as you tell me in +another letter, you glanced over at Corcyra, and afterwards I suppose +received it from Cossinius.<a name="FNanchor_145_145" id="FNanchor_145_145"></a><a href="#Footnote_145_145" class="fnanchor">[145]</a> I should not have ventured to send it +to you until I had slowly and fastidiously revised it. However, +Posidonius, in his letter of acknowledgment from Rhodes, says that as he +read my memoir, which I had sent him with a view to his writing on the +same subject with more elaboration, he was not only not incited to +write, but absolutely made afraid to do so. In a word, I have routed the +Greeks. Accordingly, as a general rule, those who were pressing me for +material to work up, have now ceased to bother me. Pray, if you like the +book, see to there being copies at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> Athens and other Greek towns;<a name="FNanchor_146_146" id="FNanchor_146_146"></a><a href="#Footnote_146_146" class="fnanchor">[146]</a> +for it may possibly throw some lustre on my actions. As for my poor +speeches, I will send you both those you ask for and some more also, +since what I write to satisfy the studious youth finds favour, it seems, +with you also. [For it suited my purpose<a name="FNanchor_147_147" id="FNanchor_147_147"></a><a href="#Footnote_147_147" class="fnanchor">[147]</a>—both because it was in +his Philippics that your fellow citizen Demosthenes gained his +reputation, and because it was by withdrawing from the mere +controversial and forensic style of oratory that he acquired the +character of a serious politician—to see that I too should have +speeches that may properly be called <i>consular</i>. Of these are, first, +one delivered on the 1st of January in the senate, a second to the +people on the agrarian law, a third on Otho, a fourth for Rabirius, a +fifth on the Sons of the Proscribed, a sixth when I declined a province +in public meeting, a seventh when I allowed Catiline to escape, which I +delivered the day after Catiline fled, a ninth in public meeting on the +day that the Allobroges made their revelation, a tenth in the senate on +the 5th of December. There are also two short ones, which may be called +fragments, on the agrarian law. This whole cycle I will see that you +have. And since you like my writings as well as my actions, from these +same rolls you will learn both what I have done and what I have said—or +you should not have asked for them, for I did not make you an offer of +them.]</p> + +<p>You ask me why I urge you to come home, and at the same time you +intimate that you are hampered by business affairs, and yet say that you +will nevertheless hasten back, not only if it is needful, but even if I +desire it. Well, there is certainly no absolute necessity, yet I do +think you might plan the periods of your tour somewhat more +conveniently. Your absence is too prolonged, especially as you are in a +neighbouring country, while yet I cannot enjoy your society,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> nor you +mine. For the present there is peace, but if my young friend +Pulcher's<a name="FNanchor_148_148" id="FNanchor_148_148"></a><a href="#Footnote_148_148" class="fnanchor">[148]</a> madness found means to advance a little farther, I should +certainly summon you from your present sojourn. But Metellus is offering +him a splendid opposition and will continue to do so. Need I say more? +He is a truly patriotic consul and, as I have ever thought, naturally an +honest man. That person, however, makes no disguise, but avowedly +desires to be elected tribune. But when the matter was mooted in the +senate, I cut the fellow to pieces, and taunted him with his +changeableness in seeking the tribuneship at Rome after having given out +at Hera, in Sicily,<a name="FNanchor_149_149" id="FNanchor_149_149"></a><a href="#Footnote_149_149" class="fnanchor">[149]</a> that he was a candidate for the ædileship; and +went on to say that we needn't much trouble ourselves, for that he would +not be permitted to ruin the Republic any more as a plebeian, than +patricians like him had been allowed to do so in my consulship. +Presently, on his saying that he had completed the journey from the +straits in seven days, and that it was impossible for anyone to have +gone out to meet him, and that he had entered the city by night,<a name="FNanchor_150_150" id="FNanchor_150_150"></a><a href="#Footnote_150_150" class="fnanchor">[150]</a> +and making a great parade of this in a public meeting, I remarked that +that was nothing new for him: seven days from Sicily to Rome, three +hours from Rome to Interamna!<a name="FNanchor_151_151" id="FNanchor_151_151"></a><a href="#Footnote_151_151" class="fnanchor">[151]</a> Entered by night, did he? so he did +before! No one went to meet him? neither did anyone on the other +occasion, exactly when it should have been done! In short, I bring our +young upstart to his bearings, not only by a set and serious speech, but +also by repartees of this sort. Accordingly, I have come now to rally +him and jest with him in quite a familiar manner. For instance, when we +were escorting a candidate, he asked me "whether I had been accustomed +to secure Sicilians places at the gladiatorial shows?" "No," said I. +"Well, I intend to start the practice," said he, "as their new patron; +but my sister,<a name="FNanchor_152_152" id="FNanchor_152_152"></a><a href="#Footnote_152_152" class="fnanchor">[152]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> who has the control of such a large part of the +consul's space, wont give me more than a single foot." "Don't grumble," +said I, "about one of your sister's feet; you may lift the other also." +A jest, you will say, unbecoming to a consular. I confess it, but I +detest that woman—so unworthy of a consul. For</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"A shrew she is and with her husband jars,<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>and not only with Metellus, but also with Fabius,<a name="FNanchor_153_153" id="FNanchor_153_153"></a><a href="#Footnote_153_153" class="fnanchor">[153]</a> because she is +annoyed at their interference in this business.<a name="FNanchor_154_154" id="FNanchor_154_154"></a><a href="#Footnote_154_154" class="fnanchor">[154]</a> You ask about the +agrarian law: it has completely lost all interest, I think. You rather +chide me, though gently, about my intimacy with Pompey. I would not have +you think that I have made friends with him for my own protection; but +things had come to such a pass that, if by any chance we had quarrelled, +there would inevitably have been violent dissensions in the state. And +in taking precautions and making provision against that, I by no means +swerved from my well-known loyalist policy, but my object was to make +him more of a loyalist and induce him to drop somewhat of his +time-serving vacillation: and he, let me assure you, now speaks in much +higher terms of my achievements (against which many had tried to incite +him) than of his own. He testifies that while he served the state well, +I preserved it. What if I even make a better citizen of Cæsar,<a name="FNanchor_155_155" id="FNanchor_155_155"></a><a href="#Footnote_155_155" class="fnanchor">[155]</a> who +has now the wind full in his sails—am I doing so poor a service to the +Republic? Farthermore, if there was no one to envy me, if all, as they +ought to be, were my supporters, nevertheless a preference should still +be given to a treatment that would cure the diseased parts of the state, +rather than to the use of the knife. As it is, however, since the +knighthood, which I once stationed on the slope of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> the Capitoline,<a name="FNanchor_156_156" id="FNanchor_156_156"></a><a href="#Footnote_156_156" class="fnanchor">[156]</a> +with you as their standard-bearer and leader, has deserted the senate, +and since our leading men think themselves in a seventh heaven, if there +are bearded mullets in their fish-ponds that will come to hand for food, +and neglect everything else, do not you think that I am doing no mean +service if I secure that those who have the power, should not have the +will, to do any harm? As for our friend Cato, you do not love him more +than I do: but after all, with the very best intentions and the most +absolute honesty, he sometimes does harm to the Republic. He speaks and +votes as though he were in the Republic of Plato, not in the scum of +Romulus. What could be fairer than that a man should be brought to trial +who has taken a bribe for his verdict? Cato voted for this: the senate +agreed with him. The equites declared war on the senate, not on me, for +I voted against it. What could be a greater piece of impudence than the +equites renouncing the obligations of their contract? Yet for the sake +of keeping the friendship of the order it was necessary to submit to the +loss. Cato resisted and carried his point. Accordingly, though we have +now had the spectacle of a consul thrown into prison,<a name="FNanchor_157_157" id="FNanchor_157_157"></a><a href="#Footnote_157_157" class="fnanchor">[157]</a> of riots +again and again stirred up, not one of those moved a finger to help, +with whose support I and the consuls that immediately followed me were +accustomed to defend the Republic. "Well, but," say you, "are we to pay +them for their support?" What are we to do if we can't get it on any +other terms? Are we to be slaves to freedmen or even slaves? But, as you +say, <i>assez de sérieux!</i> Favonius<a name="FNanchor_158_158" id="FNanchor_158_158"></a><a href="#Footnote_158_158" class="fnanchor">[158]</a> carried my tribe with better +credit than his own; he lost that of Lucceius. His accusation of +Nasica<a name="FNanchor_159_159" id="FNanchor_159_159"></a><a href="#Footnote_159_159" class="fnanchor">[159]</a> was not creditable, but was conducted with moderation: he +spoke so badly that he appeared when in Rhodes to have ground at the +mills more than at the lessons of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> Molon.<a name="FNanchor_160_160" id="FNanchor_160_160"></a><a href="#Footnote_160_160" class="fnanchor">[160]</a> He was somewhat angry +with me because I appeared for the defence: however, he is now making up +to me again on public grounds. I will write you word how Lucceius is +getting on when I have seen Cæsar, who will be here in a couple of days. +The injury done you by the Sicyonians you attribute to Cato and his +imitator Servilius.<a name="FNanchor_161_161" id="FNanchor_161_161"></a><a href="#Footnote_161_161" class="fnanchor">[161]</a> Why? did not that blow reach many excellent +citizens? But since the senate has so determined, let us commend it, and +not be in a minority of one.<a name="FNanchor_162_162" id="FNanchor_162_162"></a><a href="#Footnote_162_162" class="fnanchor">[162]</a> My "Amaltheia"<a name="FNanchor_163_163" id="FNanchor_163_163"></a><a href="#Footnote_163_163" class="fnanchor">[163]</a> is waiting and +longing for you. My Tusculan and Pompeian properties please me +immensely, except that they have overwhelmed me—me, the scourge of +debt!—not exactly in Corinthian bronze, but in the bronze which is +current in the market.<a name="FNanchor_164_164" id="FNanchor_164_164"></a><a href="#Footnote_164_164" class="fnanchor">[164]</a> In Gaul I hope peace is restored. My +"Prognostics,"<a name="FNanchor_165_165" id="FNanchor_165_165"></a><a href="#Footnote_165_165" class="fnanchor">[165]</a> along with my poor speeches, expect shortly. Yet +write and tell me what your ideas are as to returning. For Pomponia sent +a message to me that you would be at Rome some time in July. That does +not agree with your letter which you wrote to me about your name being +put on the census roll. Pætus, as I have already told you, has presented +me with all books left by his brother. This gift of his depends upon +your seeing to it with care. Pray, if you love me, take measures for +their preservation and transmission to me. You could do me no greater +favour, and I want the Latin books preserved with as much care as the +Greek. I shall look upon them as virtually a present from yourself. I +have written to Octavius:<a name="FNanchor_166_166" id="FNanchor_166_166"></a><a href="#Footnote_166_166" class="fnanchor">[166]</a> I had not said anything to him about you +by word of mouth; for I did not suppose that you carried on your +business in that province, or look upon you in the light of general +money-lender: but I have written, as in duty bound, with all +seriousness.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XXVII_A_II_2" id="XXVII_A_II_2"></a>XXVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (ON HIS WAY TO ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Tusculum</span> (<span class="smcap">December</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 46</div> + +<p>Take care of my dear nephew Cicero, I beg of you. I seem to share his +illness. I am engaged on the "Constitution of Pellene," and, by heaven, +have piled up a huge heap of Dicæarchus at my feet.<a name="FNanchor_167_167" id="FNanchor_167_167"></a><a href="#Footnote_167_167" class="fnanchor">[167]</a> What a great +man! You may learn much more from him than from Procilius. His +"Constitution of Corinth" and "Constitution of Athens" I have, I think, +at Rome. Upon my word, you will say, if you read these, "What a +remarkable man!" Herodes, if he had any sense, would have read him +rather than write a single letter himself.<a name="FNanchor_168_168" id="FNanchor_168_168"></a><a href="#Footnote_168_168" class="fnanchor">[168]</a> He has attacked me by +letter; with you I see he has come to close quarters. I would have +joined a conspiracy rather than resisted one, if I had thought that I +should have to listen to him as my reward. As to Lollius, you must be +mad. As to the wine, I think you are right.<a name="FNanchor_169_169" id="FNanchor_169_169"></a><a href="#Footnote_169_169" class="fnanchor">[169]</a> But look here! Don't +you see that the Kalends are approaching, and no Antonius?<a name="FNanchor_170_170" id="FNanchor_170_170"></a><a href="#Footnote_170_170" class="fnanchor">[170]</a> That the +jury is being empanelled? For so they send me word. That Nigidius<a name="FNanchor_171_171" id="FNanchor_171_171"></a><a href="#Footnote_171_171" class="fnanchor">[171]</a> +threatens in public meeting that he will personally cite any juror who +does not appear? However, I should be glad if you would write me word +whether you have heard anything about the return of Antonius; and since +you don't mean to come here, dine with me in any case on the 29th. Mind +you do this, and take care of your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XXVIII_A_II_3" id="XXVIII_A_II_3"></a>XXVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 3</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (ON HIS WAY TO ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">December</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 46</div> + +<p>First, I have good news for you, as I think. Valerius has been +acquitted. Hortensius was his counsel. The verdict is thought to have +been a favour to Aulus's son; and "Epicrates,"<a name="FNanchor_172_172" id="FNanchor_172_172"></a><a href="#Footnote_172_172" class="fnanchor">[172]</a> I suspect, has been +up to some mischief. I didn't like his boots and his white +leggings.<a name="FNanchor_173_173" id="FNanchor_173_173"></a><a href="#Footnote_173_173" class="fnanchor">[173]</a> What it is I shall know when you arrive. When you find +fault with the narrow windows, let me tell you that you are criticising +the Cyropædeia.<a name="FNanchor_174_174" id="FNanchor_174_174"></a><a href="#Footnote_174_174" class="fnanchor">[174]</a> For when I made the same remark, Cyrus used to +answer that the views of the gardens through broad lights were not so +pleasant. For let α be the eye, βγ the object seen, +δ and ε the rays ... you see the rest.<a name="FNanchor_175_175" id="FNanchor_175_175"></a><a href="#Footnote_175_175" class="fnanchor">[175]</a> For if +sight resulted from the impact of images,<a name="FNanchor_176_176" id="FNanchor_176_176"></a><a href="#Footnote_176_176" class="fnanchor">[176]</a> the images would be in +great difficulties with a narrow entrance: but, as it is, that +"effusion" of rays gets on quite nicely. If you have any other fault to +find you won't get off without an answer, unless it is something that +can be put right without expense.</p> + +<p>I now come to January and my "political attitude," in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> which, after the +manner of the Socratics, I shall put the two sides; at the end, however, +as they were wont to do, the one which I approve. It is, indeed, a +matter for profound reflexion. For I must either firmly oppose the +agrarian law—which will involve a certain struggle, but a struggle full +of glory—or I must remain altogether passive, which is about equivalent +to retiring to Solonium<a name="FNanchor_177_177" id="FNanchor_177_177"></a><a href="#Footnote_177_177" class="fnanchor">[177]</a> or Antium; or, lastly, I must actually +assist the bill, which I am told Cæsar fully expects from me without any +doubt. For Cornelius has been with me (I mean Cornelius Balbus,<a name="FNanchor_178_178" id="FNanchor_178_178"></a><a href="#Footnote_178_178" class="fnanchor">[178]</a> +Cæsar's intimate), and solemnly assured me that he meant to avail +himself of my advice and Pompey's in everything, and intended to +endeavour to reconcile Crassus with Pompey.<a name="FNanchor_179_179" id="FNanchor_179_179"></a><a href="#Footnote_179_179" class="fnanchor">[179]</a> In this last course +there are the following advantages: a very close union with Pompey, and, +if I choose, with Cæsar also; a reconciliation with my political +enemies, peace with the common herd, ease for my old age. But the +conclusion of the third book of my own poem has a strong hold on me:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Meanwhile the tenor of thy youth's first spring,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which still as consul thou with all thy soul<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all thy manhood heldest, see thou keep,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And swell the chorus of all good men's praise."<a name="FNanchor_180_180" id="FNanchor_180_180"></a><a href="#Footnote_180_180" class="fnanchor">[180]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>These verses Calliope herself dictated to me in that book, which +contains much written in an "aristocratic" spirit, and I cannot, +therefore, doubt that I shall always hold that</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"The best of omens is our country's cause."<a name="FNanchor_181_181" id="FNanchor_181_181"></a><a href="#Footnote_181_181" class="fnanchor">[181]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>But let us reserve all this for our walks during the Com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>pitalia<a name="FNanchor_182_182" id="FNanchor_182_182"></a><a href="#Footnote_182_182" class="fnanchor">[182]</a>. +Remember the day before the Compitalia. I will order the bath to be +heated, and Terentia is going to invite Pomponia. We will add your +mother to the party. Please bring me Theophrastus <i>de Ambitione</i> from my +brother's library.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXIX_Q_FR_I_1" id="XXIX_Q_FR_I_1"></a>XXIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR I, 1</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Quintus Cicero was prætor in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62. In <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61 (March) he went +out to "Asia" as proprætor; his first year of office would be up in +March, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60, but his governorship was, as was very common, +extended till March, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59. Towards the end of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60 the senate +seems to have arranged not to appoint his successor, that is, he +would be left in office till about March, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58. It is in view of +this third year of office that Cicero writes this essay-letter to +him on the duties of a provincial governor. Apparently Quintus had +faults of temper which had caused some scandals to reach Rome. We +have seen how he was one of the few who managed to quarrel with +Atticus; and in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 48 we shall find how fiercely he resented the +exercise of his brother's influence which had led him to take the +losing side, which from his attachment to Cæsar he may have been +half inclined to think the wrong side. His constant squabbles with +his wife (though the fault was evidently in great part hers) also +go towards forming our conclusion about him that, with some ability +and honesty, he was <i>un peu difficile</i>.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">December</span>)</h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 46</div> + +<p>I. Though I have no doubt that many messengers, and even common rumour, +with its usual speed, will anticipate this letter, and that you will +already have heard from others that a third year has been added to my +loss and your labour, yet I thought you ought to receive from me also +the news of this tiresome circumstance. For not in one, but in several +of my previous letters, in spite of others having given up the idea in +despair, I gave you hope of being able at an early date to quit your +province, not only that I might as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> long as possible cheer you with a +pleasurable belief, but also because I and the prætors took such pains +in the matter, that I felt no misgiving as to the possibility of its +being arranged. As it is, since matters have so turned out that neither +the prætors by the weight of their influence, nor I by my earnest +efforts, have been able to prevail, it is certainly difficult not to be +annoyed, yet our minds, practised as they are in conducting and +supporting business of the utmost gravity, ought not to be crushed or +weakened by vexation. And since men ought to feel most vexed at what has +been brought upon them by their own fault, it is I who ought in this +matter to be more vexed than you. For it is the result of a fault on my +part, against which you had protested both in conversation at the moment +of your departure, and in letters since, that your successor was not +named last year. In this, while consulting for the interests of our +allies, and resisting the shameless conduct of some merchants, and while +seeking the increase of our reputation by your virtues, I acted +unwisely, especially as I made it possible for that second year to +entail a third. And as I confess the mistake to have been mine, it lies +with your wisdom and kindness to remedy it, and to see that my +imprudence is turned to advantage by your careful performance of your +duties. And truly, if you exert yourself in every direction to earn +men's good word, not with a view to rival others, but henceforth to +surpass yourself, if you rouse your whole mind and your every thought +and care to the ambition of gaining a superior reputation in all +respects, believe me, one year added to your labour will bring us, nay, +our posterity also, a joy of many years' duration. Wherefore I begin by +entreating you not to let your soul shrink and be cast down, nor to +allow yourself to be overpowered by the magnitude of the business as +though by a wave; but, on the contrary, to stand upright and keep your +footing, or even advance to meet the flood of affairs. For you are not +administering a department of the state, in which fortune reigns +supreme, but one in which a well-considered policy and an attention to +business are the most important things. But if I had seen you receiving +the prolongation of a command in a great and dangerous war, I should +have trembled in spirit, because I should have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> known that the dominion +of fortune over us had been at the same time prolonged. As it is, +however, a department of the state has been intrusted to you in which +fortune occupies no part, or, at any rate, an insignificant one, and +which appears to me to depend entirely on your virtue and self-control. +We have no reason to fear, as far as I know, any designs of our enemies, +any actual fighting in the field, any revolts of allies, any default in +the tribute or in the supply of corn, any mutiny in the army: things +which have very often befallen the wisest of men in such a way, that +they have been no more able to get the better of the assault of fortune, +than the best of pilots a violent tempest. You have been granted +profound peace, a dead calm: yet if the pilot falls asleep, it may even +so overwhelm him, though if he keeps awake it may give him positive +pleasure. For your province consists, in the first place, of allies of a +race which, of all the world, is the most civilized; and, in the second +place, of citizens, who, either as being <i>publicani</i>, are very closely +connected with me, or, as being traders who have made money, think that +they owe the security of their property to my consulship.</p> + +<p>II. But it may be said that among even such men as these there occur +serious disputes, many wrongful acts are committed, and hotly contested +litigation is the result. As though I ever thought that you had no +trouble to contend with! I know that the trouble is exceedingly great, +and such as demands the very greatest prudence; but remember that it is +prudence much more than fortune on which, in my opinion, the result of +your trouble depends. For what trouble is it to govern those over whom +you are set, if you do but govern yourself? That may be a great and +difficult task to others, and indeed it is most difficult: to you it has +always been the easiest thing in the world, and indeed ought to be so, +for your natural disposition is such that, even without discipline, it +appears capable of self-control; whereas a discipline has, in fact, been +applied that might educate the most faulty of characters. But while you +resist, as you do, money, pleasure, and every kind of desire yourself, +there will, I am to be told, be a risk of your not being able to +suppress some fraudulent banker or some rather over-extortionate +tax-collector! For as to the Greeks, they will think, as they behold the +innocence of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> your life, that one of the heroes of their history, or a +demigod from heaven, has come down into the province. And this I say, +not to induce you to act thus, but to make you glad that you are acting +or have acted so. It is a splendid thing to have been three years in +supreme power in Asia without allowing statue, picture, plate, napery, +slave, anyone's good looks, or any offer of money—all of which are +plentiful in your province—to cause you to swerve from the most +absolute honesty and purity of life. What can be imagined so striking or +so desirable as that a virtue, a command over the passions, a +self-control such as yours, are not remaining in darkness and obscurity, +but have been set in the broad daylight of Asia, before the eyes of a +famous province, and in the hearing of all nations and peoples? That the +inhabitants are not being ruined by your progresses, drained by your +charges, agitated by your approach? That there is the liveliest joy, +public and private, wheresoever you come, the city regarding you as a +protector and not a tyrant, the private house as a guest and not a +plunderer?</p> + +<p>III. But in these matters I am sure that mere experience has by this +time taught you that it is by no means sufficient to have these virtues +yourself, but that you must keep your eyes open and vigilant, in order +that in the guardianship of your province you may be considered to vouch +to the allies, the citizens, and the state, not for yourself alone, but +for all the subordinates of your government. However, you have in the +persons of your <i>legati</i> men likely to have a regard for their own +reputation. Of these in rank, position, and age Tubero is first; who, I +think, particularly as he is a writer of history, could select from his +own Annals many whom he would like and would be able to imitate. +Allienus, again, is ours, as well in heart and affection, as in his +conformity to our principles. I need not speak of Gratidius: I am sure +that, while taking pains to preserve his own reputation, his fraternal +affection for us makes him take pains for ours also.<a name="FNanchor_183_183" id="FNanchor_183_183"></a><a href="#Footnote_183_183" class="fnanchor">[183]</a> Your quæstor +is not of your own selection, but the one assigned you by lot. He is +bound both to act with pro<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>priety of his own accord, and to conform to +the policy and principles which you lay down. But should any one of +these adopt a lower standard of conduct, you should tolerate such +behaviour, if it goes no farther than a breach, in his private capacity, +of the rules by which he was bound, but not if it goes to the extent of +employing for gain the authority which you granted him as a promotion. +For I am far from thinking, especially since the moral sentiments of the +day are so much inclined to excessive laxity and self-seeking, that you +should investigate every case of petty misconduct, and thoroughly +examine every one of these persons; but that you should regulate your +confidence by the trustworthiness of its recipient. And among such +persons you will have to vouch for those whom the Republic has itself +given you as companions and assistants in public affairs, at least +within the limits which I have before laid down.</p> + +<p>IV. In the case, however, of those of your personal staff or official +attendants whom you have yourself selected to be about you—who are +usually spoken of as a kind of prætor's cohort—we must vouch, not only +for their acts, but even for their words. But those you have with you +are the sort of men of whom you may easily be fond when they are acting +rightly, and whom you may very easily check when they shew insufficient +regard for your reputation. By these, when you were raw to the work, +your frank disposition might possibly have been deceived—for the better +a man is the less easily does he suspect others of being bad—now, +however, let this third year witness an integrity as perfect as the two +former, but still more wary and vigilant. Listen to that only which you +are supposed to listen to; don't let your ears be open to whispered +falsehoods and interested suggestions. Don't let your signet ring be a +mere implement, but, as it were, your second self: not the minister of +another's will, but a witness of your own. Let your marshal hold the +rank which our ancestors wished him to hold, who, looking upon this +place as not one of profit, but of labour and duty, scarcely ever +conferred it upon any but their freedmen, whom they indeed controlled +almost as absolutely as their slaves. Let the lictor be the dispenser of +your clemency, not his own; and let the fasces and axes which they carry +before you constitute ensigns rather of rank than of power. Let it, in +fact,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> be known to the whole province that the life, children, fame, and +fortunes of all over whom you preside are exceedingly dear to you. +Finally, let it be believed that you will, if you detect it, be hostile +not only to those who have accepted a bribe, but to those also who have +given it. And, indeed, no one will give anything, if it is made quite +clear that nothing is usually obtained from you through those who +pretend to be very influential with you. Not, however, that the object +of this discourse is to make you over-harsh or suspicious towards your +staff. For if any of them in the course of the last two years has never +fallen under suspicion of rapacity, as I am told about Cæsius and +Chærippus and Labeo—and think it true, because I know them—there is no +authority, I think, which may not be intrusted to them, and no +confidence which may not be placed in them with the utmost propriety, +and in anyone else like them. But if there is anyone of whom you have +already had reason to doubt, or concerning whom you have made some +discovery, in such a man place no confidence, intrust him with no +particle of your reputation.</p> + +<p>V. If, however, you have found in the province itself anyone, hitherto +unknown to us, who has made his way into intimacy with you, take care +how much confidence you repose in him; not that there may not be many +good provincials, but, though we may hope so, it is risky to be +positive. For everyone's real character is covered by many wrappings of +pretence and is concealed by a kind of veil: face, eyes, expression very +often lie, speech most often of all. Wherefore, how can you expect to +find in that class<a name="FNanchor_184_184" id="FNanchor_184_184"></a><a href="#Footnote_184_184" class="fnanchor">[184]</a> any who, while foregoing for the sake of money +all from which we can scarcely tear ourselves away,<a name="FNanchor_185_185" id="FNanchor_185_185"></a><a href="#Footnote_185_185" class="fnanchor">[185]</a> will yet love +you sincerely and not merely pretend to do so from interested motives? I +think, indeed, it is a hard task to find such men, especially if we +notice that the same persons care nothing for almost any man out of +office, yet always with one consent shew affection for the prætors. But +of this class, if by chance you have discovered any one to be fonder of +you—for it may so happen—than of your office, such a man indeed gladly +admit upon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> your list of friends: but if you fail to perceive that, +there is no class of people you must be more on your guard against +admitting to intimacy, just because they are acquainted with all the +ways of making money, do everything for the sake of it, and have no +consideration for the reputation of a man with whom they are not +destined to pass their lives. And even among the Greeks themselves you +must be on your guard against admitting close intimacies, except in the +case of the very few, if such are to be found, who are worthy of ancient +Greece. As things now stand, indeed, too many of them are untrustworthy, +false, and schooled by long servitude in the arts of extravagant +adulation. My advice is that these men should all be entertained with +courtesy, but that close ties of hospitality or friendship should only +be formed with the best of them: excessive intimacies with them are not +very trustworthy—for they do not venture to oppose our wishes—and they +are not only jealous of our countrymen, but of their own as well.</p> + +<p>VI. And now, considering the caution and care that I would shew in +matters of this kind—in which I fear I may be somewhat +over-severe—what do you suppose my sentiments are in regard to slaves? +Upon these we ought to keep a hold in all places, but especially in the +provinces. On this head many rules may be laid down, but this is at once +the shortest and most easily maintained—that they should behave during +your progresses in Asia as though you were travelling on the Appian way, +and not suppose that it makes any difference whether they have arrived +at Tralles or Formiæ. But if, again, any one of your slaves is +conspicuously trustworthy, employ him in your domestic and private +affairs; but in affairs pertaining to your office as governor, or in any +department of the state, do not let him lay a finger. For many things +which may, with perfect propriety, be intrusted to slaves, must yet not +be so intrusted, for the sake of avoiding talk and hostile remark. But +my discourse, I know not how, has slipped into the didactic vein, though +that is not what I proposed to myself originally. For what right have I +to be laying down rules for one who, I am fully aware, in this subject +especially, is not my inferior in wisdom, while in experience he is even +my superior? Yet, after all, if your actions had the additional weight +of my approval, I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> thought that they would seem more satisfactory to +yourself. Wherefore, let these be the foundations on which your public +character rests: first and foremost your own honesty and self-control, +then the scrupulous conduct of all your staff, the exceedingly cautious +and careful selection in regard to intimacies with provincials and +Greeks, the strict and unbending government of your slaves. These are +creditable even in the conduct of our private and everyday business: in +such an important government, where morals are so debased and the +province has such a corrupting influence, they must needs seem divine. +Such principles and conduct on your part are sufficient to justify the +strictness which you have displayed in some acts of administration, +owing to which I have encountered certain personal disputes with great +satisfaction, unless, indeed, you suppose me to be annoyed by the +complaints of a fellow like Paconius—who is not even a Greek, but in +reality a Mysian or Phrygian—or by the words of Tuscenius, a madman and +a knave, from whose abominable jaws you snatched the fruits of a most +infamous piece of extortion with the most complete justice.</p> + +<p>VII. These and similar instances of your strict administration in your +province we shall find difficulty in justifying, unless they are +accompanied by the most perfect integrity: wherefore let there be the +greatest strictness in your administration of justice, provided only +that it is never varied from favour, but is kept up with impartiality. +But it is of little avail that justice is administered by yourself with +impartiality and care, unless the same is done by those to whom you have +intrusted any portion of this duty. And, indeed, in my view there is no +very great variety of business in the government of Asia: the entire +province mainly depends on the administration of justice. In it we have +the whole theory of government, especially of provincial government, +clearly displayed: all that a governor has to do is to shew consistency +and firmness enough, not only to resist favouritism, but even the +suspicion of it. To this also must be added courtesy in listening to +pleaders, consideration in pronouncing a decision, and painstaking +efforts to convince suitors of its justice, and to answer their +arguments. It is by such habits that C. Octavius has recently made +himself<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> very popular;<a name="FNanchor_186_186" id="FNanchor_186_186"></a><a href="#Footnote_186_186" class="fnanchor">[186]</a> in whose court, for the first time,<a name="FNanchor_187_187" id="FNanchor_187_187"></a><a href="#Footnote_187_187" class="fnanchor">[187]</a> the +lictor did not interfere, and the marshal kept silence, while every +suitor spoke as often and as long as he chose. In which conduct he would +perhaps have been thought over-lax, had it not been that this laxity +enabled him to maintain the following instance of severity. The +partisans of Sulla were forced to restore what they had taken by +violence and terrorism. Those who had made inequitable decrees, while in +office, were now as private citizens forced to submit to the principles +they had established. This strictness on his part would have been +thought harsh, had it not been rendered palatable by many sweetening +influences of courtesy. But if this gentleness was sufficient to make +him popular at Rome, where there is such haughtiness of spirit, such +unrestrained liberty, such unlimited licence of individuals, and, in +fine, so many magistrates, so many means of obtaining protection, such +vast power in the hands of the popular assembly, and such influence +exercised by the senate, how welcome must a prætor's courtesy be in +Asia, in which there is such a numerous body of citizens and allies, so +many cities, so many communities, all hanging on one man's nod, and in +which there are no means of protection, no one to whom to make a +complaint, no senate, no popular assembly! Wherefore it requires an +exalted character, a man who is not only equitable from natural impulse, +but who has also been trained by study and the refinements of a liberal +education, so to conduct himself while in the possession of such immense +power, that those over whom he rules should not feel the want of any +other power.</p> + +<p>VIII. Take the case of the famous Cyrus, portrayed by Xenophon, not as +an historical character, but as a model of righteous government, the +serious dignity of whose character is represented by that philosopher as +combined with a peculiar courtesy. And, indeed, it is not without reason +that our hero Africanus used perpetually to have those books in his +hands, for there is no duty pertaining to a careful and equitable +governor which is not to be found in them. Well, if <i>he</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> cultivated +those qualities, though never destined to be in a private station, how +carefully ought those to maintain them to whom power is given with the +understanding that it must be surrendered, and given by laws under whose +authority they must once more come? In my opinion all who govern others +are bound to regard as the object of all their actions the greatest +happiness of the governed. That this is your highest object, and has +been so since you first landed in Asia, has been published abroad by +consistent rumour and the conversation of all. It is, let me add, not +only the duty of one who governs allies and citizens, but even of one +who governs slaves and dumb animals, to serve the interests and +advantage of those under him. In this point I notice that everyone +agrees that you take the greatest pains: no new debt is being contracted +by the states, while many have been relieved by you from a heavy and +long-standing one. Several cities that had become dilapidated and almost +deserted—of which one was the most famous state in Ionia, the other in +Caria, Samus and Halicarnassus—have been given a new life by you: there +is no party fighting, no civil strife in the towns: you take care that +the government of the states is administered by the best class of +citizens: brigandage is abolished in Mysia; murder suppressed in many +districts; peace is established throughout the province; and not only +the robberies usual on highways and in country places, but those more +numerous and more serious ones in towns and temples, have been +completely stopped: the fame, fortunes, and repose of the rich have been +relieved of that most oppressive instrument of prætorial +rapacity—vexatious prosecution; the expenses and tribute of the states +are made to fall with equal weight on all who live in the territories of +those states: access to you is as easy as possible: your ears are open +to the complaints of all: no man's want of means or want of friends +excludes him, I don't say from access to you in public and on the +tribunal, but even from your house and chamber: in a word, throughout +your government there is no harshness or cruelty—everywhere clemency, +mildness, and kindness reign supreme.</p> + +<p>IX. What an immense benefit, again, have you done in having liberated +Asia from the tribute exacted by the ædiles a measure which cost me some +violent controversies! For<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> if one of our nobles complains openly that +by your edict, "No moneys shall be voted for the games," you have robbed +him of 200 sestertia, what a vast sum of money would have been paid, had +a grant been made to the credit of every magistrate who held games, as +had become the regular custom! However, I stopped these complaints by +taking up this position—what they think of it in Asia I don't know, in +Rome it meets with no little approval and praise—I refused to accept a +sum of money which the states had decreed for a temple and monument in +our honour, though they had done so with the greatest enthusiasm in view +both of my services and of your most valuable benefactions; and though +the law contained a special and distinct exception in these words, "that +it was lawful to receive for temple or monument"; and though again the +money was not going to be thrown away, but would be employed on +decorating a temple, and would thus appear to have been given to the +Roman people and the immortal Gods rather than to myself—yet, in spite +of its having desert, law, and the wishes of those who offered the gift +in its favour, I determined that I must not accept it, for this reason +among others, namely, to prevent those, to whom such an honour was +neither due nor legal, from being jealous. Wherefore adhere with all +your heart and soul to the policy which you have hitherto adopted—that +of being devoted to those whom the senate and people of Rome have +committed and intrusted to your honour and authority, of doing your best +to protect them, and of desiring their greatest happiness. Even if the +lot had made you governor of Africans, or Spaniards, or +Gauls—uncivilized and barbarous nations—it would still have been your +duty as a man of feeling to consult for their interests and advantage, +and to have contributed to their safety. But when we rule over a race of +men in which civilization not only exists, but from which it is believed +to have spread to others, we are bound to repay them, above all things, +what we received from them. For I shall not be ashamed to go so +far—especially as my life and achievements have been such as to exclude +any suspicion of sloth or frivolity—as to confess that, whatever I have +accomplished, I have accomplished by means of those studies and +principles which have been transmitted to us in Greek literature and +schools of thought. Wherefore, over and above the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> general good faith +which is due to all men, I think we are in a special sense under an +obligation to that nation, to put in practice what it has taught us +among the very men by whose maxims we have been brought out of +barbarism.</p> + +<p>X. And indeed Plato, the fountain-head of genius and learning, thought +that states would only be happy when scholars and philosophers began +being their rulers, or when those who were their rulers had devoted all +their attention to learning and philosophy. It was plainly this union of +power and philosophy that in his opinion might prove the salvation of +states. And this perhaps has at length fallen to the fortune of the +whole empire: certainly it has in the present instance to your province, +to have a man in supreme power in it, who has from boyhood spent the +chief part of his zeal and time in imbibing the principles of +philosophy, virtue, and humanity. Wherefore be careful that this third +year, which has been added to your labour, may be thought a prolongation +of prosperity to Asia. And since Asia was more fortunate in retaining +you than I was in my endeavour to bring you back, see that my regret is +softened by the exultation of the province. For if you have displayed +the very greatest activity in earning honours such as, I think, have +never been paid to anyone else, much greater ought your activity to be +in preserving these honours. What I for my part think of honours of that +kind I have told you in previous letters. I have always regarded them, +if given indiscriminately, as of little value, if paid from interested +motives, as worthless: if, however, as in this case, they are tributes +to solid services on your part, I hold you bound to take much pains in +preserving them. Since, then, you are exercising supreme power and +official authority in cities, in which you have before your eyes the +consecration and apotheosis of your virtues, in all decisions, decrees, +and official acts consider what you owe to those warm opinions +entertained of you, to those verdicts on your character, to those +honours which have been rendered you. And what you owe will be to +consult for the interests of all, to remedy men's misfortunes, to +provide for their safety, to resolve that you will be both called and +believed to be the "father of Asia."</p> + +<p>XI. However, to such a resolution and deliberate policy on your part the +great obstacle are the <i>publicani</i>: for, if<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> we oppose them, we shall +alienate from ourselves and from the Republic an order which has done us +most excellent service, and which has been brought into sympathy with +the Republic by our means; if, on the other hand, we comply with them in +every case, we shall allow the complete ruin of those whose interests, +to say nothing of their preservation, we are bound to consult. This is +the one difficulty, if we look the thing fairly in the face, in your +whole government. For disinterested conduct on one's own part, the +suppression of all inordinate desires, the keeping a check upon one's +staff, courtesy in hearing causes, in listening to and admitting +suitors—all this is rather a question of credit than of difficulty: for +it does not depend on any special exertion, but rather on a mental +resolve and inclination. But how much bitterness of feeling is caused to +allies by that question of the <i>publicani</i> we have had reason to know in +the case of citizens who, when recently urging the removal of the +port-dues in Italy, did not complain so much of the dues themselves, as +of certain extortionate conduct on the part of the collectors. +Wherefore, after hearing the grievances of citizens in Italy, I can +comprehend what happens to allies in distant lands. To conduct oneself +in this matter in such a way as to satisfy the <i>publicani</i>, especially +when contracts have been undertaken at a loss, and yet to preserve the +allies from ruin, seems to demand a virtue with something divine in it, +I mean a virtue like yours. To begin with, that they are subject to tax +at all, which is their greatest grievance, ought not to be thought so by +the Greeks, because they were so subject by their own laws without the +Roman government. Again, they cannot despise the word <i>publicanus</i>, for +they have been unable to pay the assessment according to Sulla's +poll-tax without the aid of the publican. But that Greek <i>publicani</i> are +not more considerate in exacting the payment of taxes than our own may +be gathered from the fact that the Caunii, and all the islands assigned +to the Rhodians by Sulla, recently appealed to the protection of the +senate, and petitioned to be allowed to pay their tax to us rather than +to the Rhodians. Wherefore neither ought those to revolt at the name of +a <i>publicanus</i> who have always been subject to tax, nor those to despise +it who have been unable to make up the tribute by themselves,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> nor those +to refuse his services who have asked for them. At the same time let +Asia reflect on this, that if she were not under our government, there +is no calamity of foreign war or internal strife from which she would be +free. And since that government cannot possibly be maintained without +taxes, she should be content to purchase perpetual peace and +tranquillity at the price of a certain proportion of her products.</p> + +<p>XII. But if they will fairly reconcile themselves to the existence and +name of publican, all the rest may be made to appear to them in a less +offensive light by your skill and prudence. They may, in making their +bargains with the <i>publicani</i>, not have regard so much to the exact +conditions laid down by the censors as to the convenience of settling +the business and freeing themselves from farther trouble. You also may +do, what you have done splendidly and are still doing, namely, dwell on +the high position of the <i>publicani</i>, and on your obligations to that +order, in such a way as—putting out of the question all considerations +of your <i>imperium</i> and the power of your official authority and +dignity—to reconcile the Greeks with the <i>publicani</i>, and to beg of +those, whom you have served eminently well, and who owe you everything, +to suffer you by their compliance to maintain and preserve the bonds +which unite us with the <i>publicani</i>. But why do I address these +exhortations to you, who are not only capable of carrying them out of +your own accord without anyone's instruction, but have already to a +great extent thoroughly done so? For the most respectable and important +companies do not cease offering me thanks daily, and this is all the +more gratifying to me because the Greeks do the same. Now it is an +achievement of great difficulty to unite in feeling things which are +opposite in interests, aims, and, I had almost said, in their very +nature. But I have not written all this to instruct you—for your wisdom +requires no man's instruction—but it has been a pleasure to me while +writing to set down your virtues, though I have run to greater length in +this letter than I could have wished, or than I thought I should.</p> + +<p>XIII. There is one thing on which I shall not cease from giving you +advice, nor will I, as far as in me lies, allow your praise to be spoken +of with a reservation. For all who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> come from your province do make one +reservation in the extremely high praise which they bestow on your +virtue, integrity, and kindness—it is that of sharpness of temper. That +is a fault which, even in our private and everyday life, seems to +indicate want of solidity and strength of mind; but nothing, surely, can +be more improper than to combine harshness of temper with the exercise +of supreme power. Wherefore I will not undertake to lay before you now +what the greatest philosophers say about anger, for I should not wish to +be tedious, and you can easily ascertain it yourself from the writings +of many of them: but I don't think I ought to pass over what is the +essence of a letter, namely, that the recipient should be informed of +what he does not know. Well, what nearly everybody reports to me is +this: they usually say that, as long as you are not out of temper, +nothing can be pleasanter than you are, but that when some instance of +dishonesty or wrong-headedness has stirred you, your temper rises to +such a height that no one can discover any trace of your usual kindness. +Wherefore, since no mere desire for glory, but circumstances and fortune +have brought us upon a path of life which makes it inevitable that men +will always talk about us, let us be on our guard, to the utmost of our +means and ability, that no glaring fault may be alleged to have existed +in us. And I am not now urging, what is perhaps difficult in human +nature generally, and at our time of life especially, that you should +change your disposition and suddenly pluck out a deeply-rooted habit, +but I give you this hint: if you cannot completely avoid this failing, +because your mind is surprised by anger before cool calculation has been +able to prevent it, deliberately prepare yourself beforehand, and daily +reflect on the duty of resisting anger, and that, when it moves your +heart most violently, it is just the time for being most careful to +restrain your tongue. And that sometimes seems to me to be a greater +virtue than not being angry at all. For the latter is not always a mark +of superiority to weakness, it is sometimes the result of dullness; but +to govern temper and speech, however angry you may be, or even to hold +your tongue and keep your indignant feelings and resentment under +control, although it may not be a proof of perfect wisdom, yet requires +no ordinary force of character. And,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> indeed, in this respect they tell +me that you are now much more gentle and less irritable. No violent +outbursts of indignation on your part, no abusive words, no insulting +language are reported to me: which, while quite alien to culture and +refinement, are specially unsuited to high power and place. For if your +anger is implacable, it amounts to extreme harshness; if easily +appeased, to extreme weakness. The latter, however, as a choice of +evils, is, after all, preferable to harshness.</p> + +<p>XIV. But since your first year gave rise to most talk in regard to this +particular complaint—I believe because the wrong-doing, the +covetousness, and the arrogance of men came upon you as a surprise, and +seemed to you unbearable —while your second year was much milder, +because habit and reflexion, and, as I think, my letters also, rendered +you more tolerant and gentle, the third ought to be so completely +reformed, as not to give even the smallest ground for anyone to find +fault. And here I go on to urge upon you, not by way of exhortation or +admonition, but by brotherly entreaties, that you would set your whole +heart, care, and thought on the gaining of praise from everybody and +from every quarter. If, indeed, our achievements were only the subject +of a moderate amount of talk and commendation, nothing eminent, nothing +beyond the practice of others, would have been demanded of you. As it +is, however, owing to the brilliancy and magnitude of the affairs in +which we have been engaged, if we do not obtain the very highest +reputation from your province, it seems scarcely possible for us to +avoid the most violent abuse. Our position is such that all loyalists +support us, but demand also and expect from us every kind of activity +and virtue, while all the disloyal, seeing that we have entered upon a +lasting war with them, appear contented with the very smallest excuse +for attacking us. Wherefore, since fortune has allotted to you such a +theatre as Asia, completely packed with an audience, of immense size, of +the most refined judgment, and, moreover, naturally so capable of +conveying sound, that its expressions of opinion and its remarks reach +Rome, put out all your power, I beseech you, exert all your energies to +appear not only to have been worthy of the part we played here, but to +have surpassed everything done there by your high qualities.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> + +<p>XV. And since chance has assigned to me among the magistracies the +conduct of public business in the city, to you that in a province, if my +share is inferior to no one's, take care that yours surpasses others. At +the same time think of this: we are not now working for a future and +prospective glory, but are fighting in defence of what has been already +gained; which indeed it was not so much an object to gain as it is now +our duty to defend. And if anything in me could be apart from you, I +should desire nothing more than the position which I have already +gained. The actual fact, however, is that unless all your acts and deeds +in your province correspond to my achievements, I shall think that I +have gained nothing by those great labours and dangers, in all of which +you have shared. But if it was you who, above all others, assisted me to +gain a most splendid reputation, you will certainly also labour more +than others to enable me to retain it. You must not be guided by the +opinions and judgments of the present generation only, but of those to +come also: and yet the latter will be a more candid judgment, for it +will not be influenced by detraction and malice. Finally, you should +think of this—that you are not seeking glory for yourself alone (and +even if that were the case, you still ought not to be careless of it, +especially as you had determined to consecrate the memory of your name +by the most splendid monuments), but you have to share it with me, and +to hand it down to our children. In regard to which you must be on your +guard lest by any excess of carelessness you should seem not only to +have neglected your own interests, but to have begrudged those of your +family also.</p> + +<p>XVI. And these observations are not made with the idea of any speech of +mine appearing to have roused you from your sleep, but to have rather +"added speed to the runner." For you will continue to compel all in the +future, as you have compelled them in the past, to praise your equity, +self-control, strictness, and honesty. But from my extreme affection I +am possessed with a certain insatiable greed for glory for you. However, +I am convinced that, as Asia should now be as well-known to you as each +man's own house is to himself, and since to your supreme good sense such +great experience has now been added, there is nothing that affects +reputation which you do not know as well as possible yourself, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> +which does not daily occur to your mind without anybody's exhortation. +But I, who when I read your writing seem to hear your voice, and when I +write to you seem to be talking to you, am therefore always best pleased +with your longest letter, and in writing am often somewhat prolix +myself. My last prayer and advice to you is that, as good poets and +painstaking actors always do, so you should be most attentive in the +last scenes and conclusion of your function and business, so that this +third year of your government, like a third act in a play, may appear to +have been the most elaborated and most highly finished. You will do that +with more ease if you will think that I, whom you always wished to +please more than all the world besides, am always at your side, and am +taking part in everything you say and do. It remains only to beg you to +take the greatest care of your health, if you wish me and all your +friends to be well also.</p> + +<p>Farewell.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXX_A_II_4" id="XXX_A_II_4"></a>XXX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 4</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59. Coss., C. Iulius Cæsar, M. Calpurnius Bibulus.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>This year was a crucial one in the history of the Republic, and +also of Cicero particularly. It witnessed the working of the +agreement entered into in the previous year between Pompey, Cæsar, +and Crassus, to secure their several objects, commonly called the +First Triumvirate. The determined enmity of the consuls to each +other, the high-handed conduct of Cæsar in regard to the senate, +his ultimate appointment to the unusual period of five years' +government of the Gauls and Illyricum, were so many blows at the +old constitution; and scarcely less offensive to the Catonian +Optimates were the agrarian laws passed in favour of Pompey's +veterans, the forcing of his <i>acta</i> through the senate, and the +arrangement whereby he too was eventually to have the consulship +again, and an extended period of provincial government. Cicero was +distracted by hesitation. He had pinned his faith on Pompey's +ultimate opposition to Cæsar, and yet did not wholly trust him, and +was fully aware of the unpracticable nature of Cato and the +weakness of the Optimates. The triumvirs had an instrument for +rendering him helpless in Clodius, but Cicero could not believe +that they would use it, or that his services to the state could be +so far forgotten as to make danger possible. We shall find him, +then, wholly absorbed in the question as to how far he is to give +into or oppose the triumvirs. It is not till the end of the year +that he begins to see the real danger ahead. We have one extant<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> +oration of this year—<i>pro Flacco</i>—which was not much to his +credit, for Flaccus had evidently been guilty of extortion in Asia. +He also defended the equally guilty C. Antonius in a speech which +brought upon him the vengeance of the triumvirs, but it is happily +lost.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Tusculum</span> (<span class="smcap">April</span>)</h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>I am exceedingly obliged to you for sending me Serapio's book, of which +indeed, between you and me, I scarcely understood a thousandth part. I +have ordered the money for it to be paid you at once, that you may not +put it down to the cost of presentation copies. But as I have mentioned +the subject of money, I will beg you to try to come to a settlement with +Titinius in any way you can. If he doesn't stand by his own proposal, +what I should like best is that what he bought at too dear a rate should +be returned, if that can be done with Pomponia's consent: if that too is +impossible, let the money be paid rather than have any difficulty. I +should be very glad if you would settle this before you leave Rome, with +your usual kindness and exactness.</p> + +<p>So Clodius, you say, is for Tigranes? I only wish he would go—on the +same terms as the Skepsian!<a name="FNanchor_188_188" id="FNanchor_188_188"></a><a href="#Footnote_188_188" class="fnanchor">[188]</a> But I don't grudge him the job; for a +more convenient time for my taking a "free legation" is when my brother +Quintus shall have settled down again, as I hope, into private life, and +I shall have made certain how that "priest of the Bona Dea"<a name="FNanchor_189_189" id="FNanchor_189_189"></a><a href="#Footnote_189_189" class="fnanchor">[189]</a> intends +to behave. Meanwhile I shall find my pleasure in the Muses with a mind +undisturbed, or rather glad and cheerful; for it will never occur to me +to envy Crassus or to regret that I have not been false to myself. As to +geography, I will try to satisfy you, but I promise nothing for +certain.<a name="FNanchor_190_190" id="FNanchor_190_190"></a><a href="#Footnote_190_190" class="fnanchor">[190]</a> It is a difficult business, but nevertheless, as you bid +me, I will take<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> care that this country excursion produces something for +you. Mind you let me know any news you have ferreted out, and especially +who you think will be the next consuls. However, I am not very curious; +for I have determined not to think about politics. I have examined +Terentia's woodlands. What need I say? If there was only a Dodonean oak +in them, I should imagine myself to be in possession of Epirus. About +the 1st of the month I shall be either at Formiæ or Pompeii.<a name="FNanchor_191_191" id="FNanchor_191_191"></a><a href="#Footnote_191_191" class="fnanchor">[191]</a> If I +am not at Formiæ, pray, an you love me, come to Pompeii. It will be a +great pleasure to me and not much out of the way for you. About the +wall, I have given Philotimus orders not to put any difficulty in the +way of your doing whatever you please. I think, however, you had better +call in Vettius.<a name="FNanchor_192_192" id="FNanchor_192_192"></a><a href="#Footnote_192_192" class="fnanchor">[192]</a> In these bad times, when the life of all the best +men hangs on a thread, I value one summer's enjoyment of my Palatine +<i>palæstra</i> rather highly; but, of course, the last thing I should wish +would be that Pomponia and her boy should live in fear of a falling +wall.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXXI_A_II_5" id="XXXI_A_II_5"></a>XXXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 5</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Antium</span> (<span class="smcap">April</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>I wish very much, and have long wished, to visit Alexandria, and at the +same time to get away from here, where people are tired of me, and +return when they have begun to feel my loss—but at such a time and at +the bidding of such statesmen!<a name="FNanchor_193_193" id="FNanchor_193_193"></a><a href="#Footnote_193_193" class="fnanchor">[193]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"I fear to face the men of Troy<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Trojan matrons with their trailing robes."<a name="FNanchor_194_194" id="FNanchor_194_194"></a><a href="#Footnote_194_194" class="fnanchor">[194]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>For what would my friends the Optimates say—if there are such persons +left? That I had accepted a bribe to change my views?</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Polydamas the first would lay the charge."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>I mean my friend Cato, who is as good as a hundred thousand in my eyes. +What, too, will history say of me six hundred years hence? I am much +more afraid of that than of the petty gossip of the men of to-day. But, +I think, I had better lie low and wait. For if it is really offered to +me, I shall be to a certain extent in a position of advantage, and then +will be the time to weigh the matter. There is, upon my word, a certain +credit even in refusing. Wherefore, if Theophanes<a name="FNanchor_195_195" id="FNanchor_195_195"></a><a href="#Footnote_195_195" class="fnanchor">[195]</a> by chance has +consulted you on the matter, do not absolutely decline. What I am +expecting to hear from you is, what Arrius says, and how he endures +being left in the lurch,<a name="FNanchor_196_196" id="FNanchor_196_196"></a><a href="#Footnote_196_196" class="fnanchor">[196]</a> and who are intended to be consuls—is it +Pompey and Crassus, or, as I am told in a letter, Servius Sulpicius with +Gabinius?—and whether there are any new laws or anything new at all; +and, since Nepos<a name="FNanchor_197_197" id="FNanchor_197_197"></a><a href="#Footnote_197_197" class="fnanchor">[197]</a> is leaving Rome, who is to have the augurship—the +one bait by which those personages could catch me! You see what a high +price I put on myself! Why do I talk about such things, which I am eager +to throw aside, and to devote myself heart and soul to philosophy. That, +I tell you, is my intention. I could wish I had done so from the first. +Now, however, that I have found by experience the hollowness of what I +thought so splendid, I am thinking of doing business exclusively with +the Muses. In spite of that, please give me in your next some more +definite information about Curtius and who is intended to fill his +place, and what is doing about P. Clodius, and, in fact, take your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> time +and tell me everything as you promise; and pray write me word what day +you think of leaving Rome, in order that I may tell you where I am +likely to be: and send me a letter at once on the subjects of which I +have written to you. I look forward much to hearing from you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXXII_A_II_6" id="XXXII_A_II_6"></a>XXXII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 6</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Antium</span> (<span class="smcap">April</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>As to my promise to you in a former letter that there should be some +product of this country excursion, I cannot confirm it to any great +extent: for I have become so attached to idleness that I cannot be torn +from its arms. Accordingly, I either enjoy myself with books, of which I +have a delightful stock at Antium, or I just count the waves—for the +rough weather prevents my shrimping! From writing my mind positively +recoils. For the geographical treatise, upon which I had settled, is a +serious undertaking: so severely is Eratosthenes, whom I had proposed as +my model, criticised by Serapio and Hipparchus: what think you will be +the case if Tyrannio<a name="FNanchor_198_198" id="FNanchor_198_198"></a><a href="#Footnote_198_198" class="fnanchor">[198]</a> is added to the critics? And, by Hercules, the +subject is difficult of explanation and monotonous, and does not seem to +admit of as much embellishment as I thought, and, in short—which is the +chief point—any excuse for being idle seems to me a good one: for I am +even hesitating as to settling at Antium and spending the rest of my +life there, where, indeed, I would rather have been a duovir<a name="FNanchor_199_199" id="FNanchor_199_199"></a><a href="#Footnote_199_199" class="fnanchor">[199]</a> than +at Rome. You, indeed, have done more wisely in having made yourself a +home at Buthrotum. But, believe me, next to that free town of yours +comes the borough of the Antiates. Could you have believed that there +could be a town so near Rome,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> where there are many who have never seen +Vatinius? Where there is no one besides myself who cares whether one of +the twenty commissioners<a name="FNanchor_200_200" id="FNanchor_200_200"></a><a href="#Footnote_200_200" class="fnanchor">[200]</a> is alive and well? Where no one intrudes +upon me, and yet all are fond of me? This, this is the place to play the +statesman in! For yonder, not only am I not allowed to do so, but I am +sick of it besides. Accordingly, I will compose a book of secret memoirs +for your ear alone in the style of Theopompus, or a more acrid one +still.<a name="FNanchor_201_201" id="FNanchor_201_201"></a><a href="#Footnote_201_201" class="fnanchor">[201]</a> Nor have I now any politics except to hate the disloyal, and +even that without any bitterness, but rather with a certain enjoyment in +writing. But to return to business: I have written to the city quæstors +about my brother's affair. See what they say to it, whether there is any +hope of the cash in <i>denarii</i>, or whether we are to be palmed off with +Pompeian <i>cistophori</i>.<a name="FNanchor_202_202" id="FNanchor_202_202"></a><a href="#Footnote_202_202" class="fnanchor">[202]</a> Farthermore, settle what is to be done about +the wall. Is there anything else? Yes! Let me know when you are thinking +of starting.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXXIII_A_II_7" id="XXXIII_A_II_7"></a>XXXIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 7</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Antium</span> (<span class="smcap">April</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>About the geography I will think again and again. But you ask for two of +my speeches, one of which I did not care to write out because I had +ended it abruptly, the other because I did not want to praise the man I +did not like. But that, too, I will see about. At all events, something +shall be forthcoming to prevent your thinking that I have been +absolutely idle. I am quite delighted to hear what you tell me about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> +Publius; pray ferret out the whole story, and bring it to me when you +come, and meanwhile write anything you may make out or suspect, and +especially as to what he is going to do about the legation. For my part, +before reading your letter, I was anxious that the fellow should go, +not, by heaven, in order to avoid his impeachment—for I am wonderfully +keen to try issues with him—but it seemed to me that, if he had secured +any popularity by becoming a plebeian, he would thereby lose it. "Well, +why did you transfer yourself to the Plebs? Was it to make a call on +Tigranes? Tell me: do the kings of Armenia refuse to receive +patricians?" In a word, I had polished up my weapons to tear this +embassy of his to pieces. But if he rejects it, and thus moves the anger +of those proposers and augurs of the <i>lex curiata</i>,<a name="FNanchor_203_203" id="FNanchor_203_203"></a><a href="#Footnote_203_203" class="fnanchor">[203]</a> it will be a +fine sight! By Hercules, to speak the truth, our friend Publius is being +treated a little contemptuously! In the first place, though he was once +the only man at Cæsar's house, he is not now allowed to be one in +twenty:<a name="FNanchor_204_204" id="FNanchor_204_204"></a><a href="#Footnote_204_204" class="fnanchor">[204]</a> in the next place, one legation had been promised him and +another has been given. The former fine fat one<a name="FNanchor_205_205" id="FNanchor_205_205"></a><a href="#Footnote_205_205" class="fnanchor">[205]</a> for the levying of +money is reserved, I presume, for Drusus of Pisaurum or for the gourmand +Vatinius: this latter miserable business, which might be very well done +by a courier, is given to him, and his tribuneship deferred till it +suits them. Irritate the fellow, I beg you, as much as you can. The one +hope of safety is their mutual disagreement, the beginning of which I +have got scent of from Curio. Moreover, Arrius is fuming at being +cheated out of the consulship. Megabocchus and our blood-thirsty young +men are most violently hostile. May there be added to this, I pray, may +there be added, this quarrel about the augurate! I hope I shall often +have some fine letters to send you on these subjects. But I want to know +the meaning of your dark<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> hint that some even of the <i>quinqueviri</i><a name="FNanchor_206_206" id="FNanchor_206_206"></a><a href="#Footnote_206_206" class="fnanchor">[206]</a> +are speaking out. What can it be? If there is anything in it, there is +more hope than I had thought. And I would not have you believe that I +ask you these questions "with any view to action,"<a name="FNanchor_207_207" id="FNanchor_207_207"></a><a href="#Footnote_207_207" class="fnanchor">[207]</a> because my heart +is yearning to take part in practical politics. I was long ago getting +tired of being at the helm, even when it was in my power. And now that I +am forced to quit the ship, and have not cast aside the tiller, but have +had it wrenched out of my hands, my only wish is to watch their +shipwreck from the shore: I desire, in the words of your favourite +Sophocles,</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i6">"And safe beneath the roof<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To hear with drowsy ear the plash of rain."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>As to the wall, see to what is necessary. I will correct the mistake of +Castricius, and yet Quintus had made it in his letter to me 15,000, +while now to your sister he makes it 30,000.<a name="FNanchor_208_208" id="FNanchor_208_208"></a><a href="#Footnote_208_208" class="fnanchor">[208]</a> Terentia sends you her +regards: my boy Cicero commissions you to give Aristodemus the same +answer for him as you gave for his cousin, your sister's son.<a name="FNanchor_209_209" id="FNanchor_209_209"></a><a href="#Footnote_209_209" class="fnanchor">[209]</a> I +will not neglect your reminder about your Amaltheia.<a name="FNanchor_210_210" id="FNanchor_210_210"></a><a href="#Footnote_210_210" class="fnanchor">[210]</a> Take care of +your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XXXIV_A_II_8" id="XXXIV_A_II_8"></a>XXXIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 8</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Antium, April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>When I had been eagerly expecting a letter from you as usual till +evening, lo and behold a message that slaves have come from Rome. I +summon them: I ask if they have any letters. "No," say they. "What do +you say," said I, "nothing from Pomponius?" Frightened to death by my +voice and look, they confessed that they had received one, and that it +had been lost on the journey. Need I say more? I was intensely annoyed. +For no letter has come from you for the last few days without something +in it important and entertaining. In these circumstances, if there was +anything in the letter, dated 15th April, worth telling, pray write at +once, that I may not be left in ignorance; but if there was nothing but +banter, repeat even that for my benefit. And let me inform you that +young Curio has been to call on me. What he said about Publius agreed +exactly with your letter. He himself, moreover, wonderfully "holds our +proud kings in hate."<a name="FNanchor_211_211" id="FNanchor_211_211"></a><a href="#Footnote_211_211" class="fnanchor">[211]</a> He told me that the young men generally were +equally incensed, and could not put up with the present state of things. +If there is hope in them, we are in a good way. My opinion is that we +should leave things to take their course. I am devoting myself to my +memoir. However, though you may think me a Saufeius,<a name="FNanchor_212_212" id="FNanchor_212_212"></a><a href="#Footnote_212_212" class="fnanchor">[212]</a> I am really +the laziest fellow in the world. But get into your head my several +journeys, that you may settle where you intend to come and see me. I +intend to arrive at my Formian house on the Parilia (21st April).<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> Next, +since you think that at this time I ought to leave out luxurious +Crater,<a name="FNanchor_213_213" id="FNanchor_213_213"></a><a href="#Footnote_213_213" class="fnanchor">[213]</a> on the 1st of May I leave Formiæ, intending to reach Antium +on the 3rd of May. For there are games at Antium from the 4th to the 6th +of May, and Tullia wants to see them. Thence I think of going to +Tusculum, thence to Arpinum, and be at Rome on the 1st of June. Be sure +that we see you at Formiæ or Antium, or at Tusculum. Rewrite your +previous letter for me, and add something new.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXXV_A_II_9" id="XXXV_A_II_9"></a>XXXV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 9</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Antium, May</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>Cæcilius<a name="FNanchor_214_214" id="FNanchor_214_214"></a><a href="#Footnote_214_214" class="fnanchor">[214]</a> the quæstor having suddenly informed me that he was +sending a slave to Rome, I write these hurried lines in order to get out +of you the wonderful conversations with Publius, both those of which you +write, and that one which you keep dark, and assert that it would be too +long to write your answer to him; and, still farther, the one that has +not yet been held, which that Iuno of a woman<a name="FNanchor_215_215" id="FNanchor_215_215"></a><a href="#Footnote_215_215" class="fnanchor">[215]</a> is to report to you +when she gets back from Solonium. I wish you to believe that there can +be nothing I should like more. If, however, the compact made about me is +not kept, I am in a seventh heaven to think that our friend the +Jerusalemitish plebeian-maker<a name="FNanchor_216_216" id="FNanchor_216_216"></a><a href="#Footnote_216_216" class="fnanchor">[216]</a> will learn what a fine return he has +made to my brilliant speeches, of which you may expect a splendid +recantation. For, as well as I can guess, if that profligate is in +favour with our tyrants, he will be able to crow not only<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> over the +"cynic consular,"<a name="FNanchor_217_217" id="FNanchor_217_217"></a><a href="#Footnote_217_217" class="fnanchor">[217]</a> but over your Tritons of the fish-ponds +also.<a name="FNanchor_218_218" id="FNanchor_218_218"></a><a href="#Footnote_218_218" class="fnanchor">[218]</a> For I shall not possibly be an object of anybody's jealousy +when robbed of power and of my influence in the senate. If, on the other +hand, he should quarrel with them, it will not suit his purpose to +attack me. However, let him attack. Charmingly, believe me, and with +less noise than I had thought, has the wheel of the Republic revolved: +more rapidly, anyhow, than it should have done owing to Cato's error, +but still more owing to the unconstitutional conduct of those who have +neglected the auspices, the Ælian law, the Iunian, the Licinian, the +Cæcilian and Didian,<a name="FNanchor_219_219" id="FNanchor_219_219"></a><a href="#Footnote_219_219" class="fnanchor">[219]</a> who have squandered all the safeguards of the +constitution, who have handed over kingdoms as though they were private +estates to tetrachs,<a name="FNanchor_220_220" id="FNanchor_220_220"></a><a href="#Footnote_220_220" class="fnanchor">[220]</a> and immense sums of money to a small coterie. +I see plainly now the direction popular jealousy is taking, and where it +will finally settle. Believe that I have learnt nothing from experience, +nothing from Theophrastus,<a name="FNanchor_221_221" id="FNanchor_221_221"></a><a href="#Footnote_221_221" class="fnanchor">[221]</a> if you don't shortly see the time of our +government an object of regret. For if the power of the senate was +disliked, what do you think will be the case<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> when it has passed, not to +the people, but to three unscrupulous men? So let them then make whom +they choose consuls, tribunes, and even finally clothe Vatinius's wen +with the double-dyed purple<a name="FNanchor_222_222" id="FNanchor_222_222"></a><a href="#Footnote_222_222" class="fnanchor">[222]</a> of the priesthood, you will see before +long that the great men will be not only those who have made no false +step,<a name="FNanchor_223_223" id="FNanchor_223_223"></a><a href="#Footnote_223_223" class="fnanchor">[223]</a> but even he who did make a mistake, Cato. For, as to myself, +if your comrade Publius will let me, I think of playing the sophist: if +he forces me, I shall at least defend myself, and, as is the trick of my +trade, I publicly promise to</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Strike back at him who first is wroth with me."<a name="FNanchor_224_224" id="FNanchor_224_224"></a><a href="#Footnote_224_224" class="fnanchor">[224]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>May the country only be on my side: it has had from me, if not more than +its due, at least more than it ever demanded. I would rather have a bad +passage with another pilot than be a successful pilot to such ungrateful +passengers. But this will do better when we meet. For the present take +an answer to your questions. I think of returning to Antium from Formiæ +on the 3rd of May. From Antium I intend to start for Tusculum on the 7th +of May. But as soon as I have returned from Formiæ (I intend to be there +till the 29th of April) I will at once inform you. Terentia sends +compliments, and "Cicero the little greets Titus the Athenian."<a name="FNanchor_225_225" id="FNanchor_225_225"></a><a href="#Footnote_225_225" class="fnanchor">[225]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXXVI_A_II_12" id="XXXVI_A_II_12"></a>XXXVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 12</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Tres Tabernæ, 12 April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>Are they going to deny that Publius has been made a plebeian? This is +indeed playing the king, and is utterly intolerable. Let Publius send +some men to witness and seal my affidavit: I will take an oath that my +friend Gnæus,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> the colleague of Balbus, told me at Antium that he had +been present as augur to take the auspices. Two delightful letters from +you delivered at the same time! For which I do not know what I am to pay +you by way of reward for good news. That I owe you for them I candidly +confess. But observe the coincidence. I had just made my way from Antium +on to the <i>via Appia</i> at Three Taverns,<a name="FNanchor_226_226" id="FNanchor_226_226"></a><a href="#Footnote_226_226" class="fnanchor">[226]</a> on the very day of the +Cerealia (18th April), when my friend Curio meets me on his way from +Rome. At the same place and the same moment comes a slave from you with +letters. The former asked me whether I hadn't heard the news? I said, +"No." "Publius," says he, "is a candidate for the tribuneship." "You +don't mean it?" "Yes, I do," says he, "and at daggers drawn with Cæsar. +His object is to rescind his acts." "What says Cæsar?" said I. "He +denies having proposed any <i>lex</i> for his adoption." Then he poured forth +about his own hatred, and that of Memmius and Metellus Nepos. I embraced +the youth and said good-bye to him, hastening to your letters. A fig for +those who talk about a "living voice"! What a much clearer view I got of +what was going on from your letters than from his talk! About the +current rumours of the day, about the designs of Publius, about "Iuno's" +trumpet calls, about Athenio who leads his roughs, about his letter to +Gnæus, about the conversation of Theophanes and Memmius. Besides, how +eager you have made me to hear about the "fast" dinner party which you +mention! I am greedy in curiosity, yet I do not feel at all hurt at your +not writing me a description of the symposium: I would rather hear it by +word of mouth. As to your urging me to write something, my material +indeed is growing, as you say, but the whole is still in a state of +fermentation—"new wine in the autumn." When the liquor has settled down +and become clarified, I shall know better what to write. And even if you +cannot get it from me at once, you shall be the first to have it: only +for some time you must keep it to yourself. You are quite right to like +Dicæarchus; he is an excellent writer, and a much better citizen than +these rulers of ours who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> reverse his name.<a name="FNanchor_227_227" id="FNanchor_227_227"></a><a href="#Footnote_227_227" class="fnanchor">[227]</a> I write this letter at +four o'clock in the afternoon of the Cerealia (12th April), immediately +after reading yours, but I shall despatch it, I think, to-morrow, by +anyone I may chance to meet on the road. Terentia is delighted with your +letter, <i>et Cicéron le philosophe salue Titus l'homme d'état</i>.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXXVII_A_II_10" id="XXXVII_A_II_10"></a>XXXVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 10</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Appii Forum,<a name="FNanchor_228_228" id="FNanchor_228_228"></a><a href="#Footnote_228_228" class="fnanchor">[228]</a> April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>Please admire my consistency. I am determined not to be at the games at +Antium: for it is somewhat of a solecism to wish to avoid all suspicion +of frivolity, and yet suddenly to be shewn up as travelling for mere +amusement, and that of a foolish kind. Wherefore I shall wait for you +till the 7th of May at Formiæ. So now let me know what day we shall see +you. From Appii Forum, ten o'clock. I sent another a short time ago from +Three Taverns.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXXVIII_A_II_11" id="XXXVIII_A_II_11"></a>XXXVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 11</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Formiæ, April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>I tell you what it is: I feel myself a downright exile since arriving at +Formiæ. For at Antium there was never a day that I didn't know what was +going on at Rome better than<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> those who were there. For your letters +used to shew me not only what was doing at Rome, but the actual +political situation also—and not only that, but also what was likely to +happen. Now, unless I snatch a bit of news from some passing traveller, +I can learn nothing at all. Wherefore, though I am expecting you in +person, yet pray give this boy, whom I have ordered to hurry back to me +at once, a bulky letter, crammed not only with all occurrences, but with +what you think about them; and be careful to let me know the day you are +going to leave Rome. I intend staying at Formiæ till the 6th of May. If +you don't come there by that day, I shall perhaps see you at Rome. For +why should I invite you to Arpinum?</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"A rugged soil, yet nurse of hardy sons:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No dearer land can e'er my eyes behold."<a name="FNanchor_229_229" id="FNanchor_229_229"></a><a href="#Footnote_229_229" class="fnanchor">[229]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>So much for this. Take care of your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XXXIX_A_II_13" id="XXXIX_A_II_13"></a>XXXIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 13</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Formiæ, April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>What an abominable thing! No one gave you my letter written on the spot +at Three Taverns in answer to your delightful letters! But the fact is +that the packet into which I had put it arrived at my town house on the +same day as I wrote it, and has been brought back to me to Formiæ. +Accordingly, I have directed the letter meant for you to be taken back +again, to shew you how pleased I was with yours. So you say that the +talk has died out at Rome! I thought so: but, by Hercules, it hasn't +died out in the country, and it has come to this, that the very country +can't stand the despotism you have got at Rome. When you come to +"Læstrygonia of the distant gates"<a name="FNanchor_230_230" id="FNanchor_230_230"></a><a href="#Footnote_230_230" class="fnanchor">[230]</a>—I mean Formiæ—what loud<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> +murmurs! what angry souls! what unpopularity for our friend Magnus! His +surname is getting as much out of fashion as the "Dives" of Crassus. +Believe me, I have met no one here to take the present state of things +as quietly as I do. Wherefore, credit me, let us stick to philosophy. I +am ready to take my oath that there is nothing to beat it. If you have a +despatch to send to the Sicyonians,<a name="FNanchor_231_231" id="FNanchor_231_231"></a><a href="#Footnote_231_231" class="fnanchor">[231]</a> make haste to Formiæ, whence I +think of going on the 6th of May.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XL_A_II_14" id="XL_A_II_14"></a>XL (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 14</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Formiæ, April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT</span>. 47.</div> + +<p>How you rouse my curiosity as to what Bibulus says, as to your +conversation with "Iuno," and even as to your "fast" dinner party! +Therefore make haste to come, for my ears are thirsty for news. However, +there is nothing which I think is now more to be dreaded by me than that +our dear Sampsiceramus, finding himself belaboured by the tongues of +all, and seeing these proceedings easy to upset, should begin striking +out. For myself, I have so completely lost all nerve, that I prefer a +despotism, with the existing peace, to a state of war with the best +hopes in the world. As to literary composition, to which you frequently +urge me, it is impossible! My house is a basilica rather than a villa, +owing to the crowds of visitors from Formiæ. But (you'll say) do I +really compare the Æmilian tribe to the crowd in a basilica?<a name="FNanchor_232_232" id="FNanchor_232_232"></a><a href="#Footnote_232_232" class="fnanchor">[232]</a> Well, +I say nothing about the common ruck<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>—the rest of them don't bother me +after ten o'clock: but C. Arrius is my next door neighbour, or rather, +he almost lives in my house, and even declares that the reason for his +not going to Rome is that he may spend whole days with me here +philosophizing! And then, lo and behold, on my other side is Sebosus, +that friend of Catulus! Which way am I to turn? By heaven, I would start +at once for Arpinum, only that I see that the most convenient place to +await your visit is Formiæ: but only up to the 6th of May! For you see +with what bores my ears are pestered. What a splendid opportunity, with +such fellows in the house, if anyone wanted to buy my Formian +property!<a name="FNanchor_233_233" id="FNanchor_233_233"></a><a href="#Footnote_233_233" class="fnanchor">[233]</a> And in spite of all this am I to make good my words, "Let +us attempt something great, and requiring much thought and leisure"? +However, I <i>will</i> do something for you, and not spare my labour.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XLI_A_II_15" id="XLI_A_II_15"></a>XLI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 15</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Formiæ, April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>As you say, things are as shifting (I see) in public affairs as in your +letter; still, that very variety of talk and opinion has a charm for me. +For I seem to be at Rome when I am reading your letter, and, as is the +regular thing in questions of such importance, to hear something first +on one side and then on the other. But what I can't make out is +this—what he can possibly hit upon to settle the land question without +encountering opposition. Again, as to Bibulus's firmness in putting off +the <i>comitia</i>, it only conveys the expression of his own views, without +really offering any remedy for the state of the Republic. Upon my word, +my only hope is in Publius!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> Let him become, let him become a tribune by +all means, if for no other reason, yet that you may be brought back from +Epirus! For I don't see how you can possibly afford to miss him, +especially if he shall elect to have a wrangle with me! But, seriously, +if anything of the sort occurs, you would, I am certain, hurry back. But +even supposing this not to be the case, yet whether he runs amuck or +helps to raise the state, I promise myself a fine spectacle, if only I +may enjoy it with you sitting by my side.<a name="FNanchor_234_234" id="FNanchor_234_234"></a><a href="#Footnote_234_234" class="fnanchor">[234]</a> Just as I was writing +these words, enter Sebosus! I had scarcely got out a sigh when "Good +day," says Arrius. This is what you call going out of town! I shall +really be off to</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"My native mountains and my childhood's haunts."<a name="FNanchor_235_235" id="FNanchor_235_235"></a><a href="#Footnote_235_235" class="fnanchor">[235]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>In fine, if I can't be alone I would rather be with downright +countryfolk than with such ultra-cockneys. However, I shall, since you +don't say anything for certain, wait for you up to the 5th of May. +Terentia is much pleased with the attention and care you have bestowed +on her controversy with Mulvius. She is not aware that you are +supporting the common cause of all holders of public land. Yet, after +all, <i>you</i> do pay something to the <i>publicani</i>; she declines to pay even +that,<a name="FNanchor_236_236" id="FNanchor_236_236"></a><a href="#Footnote_236_236" class="fnanchor">[236]</a> and, accordingly, she and Cicero—most conservative of +boys—send their kind regards.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XLII_A_II_16" id="XLII_A_II_16"></a>XLII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 16</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Formiæ, 29 April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>On the day before the Kalends of May, when I had dined and was just +going to sleep, the letter was delivered to me containing your news +about the Campanian land. You needn't ask: at first it gave me such a +shock that there was no more sleep for me, though that was the result of +thought rather than pain. On reflexion, however, the following ideas +occurred to me. In the first place, from what you had said in your +previous letter—"that you had heard from a friend of his<a name="FNanchor_237_237" id="FNanchor_237_237"></a><a href="#Footnote_237_237" class="fnanchor">[237]</a> that a +proposal was going to be made which would satisfy everybody"—I had +feared some very sweeping measure, but I don't think this is anything of +the sort. In the next place, by way of consolation, I persuaded myself +that the hope of a distribution of land is now all centred on the +Campanian territory.<a name="FNanchor_238_238" id="FNanchor_238_238"></a><a href="#Footnote_238_238" class="fnanchor">[238]</a> That land cannot support more than 5,000, so +as to give ten <i>iugera</i> apiece:<a name="FNanchor_239_239" id="FNanchor_239_239"></a><a href="#Footnote_239_239" class="fnanchor">[239]</a> the rest of the crowd of expectants +must necessarily be alienated from them. Besides, if there is anything +that more than another could inflame the feeling of the aristocrats, who +are, I notice, already irritated, it is this; and all the more that with +port-dues in Italy abolished,<a name="FNanchor_240_240" id="FNanchor_240_240"></a><a href="#Footnote_240_240" class="fnanchor">[240]</a> and the Campanian land divided, what +home revenue is there except the five per cent. on manumissions? And +even that, I think, it will only take a single trumpery harangue, +cheered by our lackeys, to throw away<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> also. What our friend Gnæus can +be thinking of I can't imagine—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"For still he blows, and with no slender pipe,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But furious blasts by no mouth-band restrained"—<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>to be induced to countenance such a measure as that. For hitherto he has +fenced with these questions: "he approved Cæsar's laws, but Cæsar must +be responsible for his proceedings in carrying them"; "he himself was +satisfied with the agrarian law"; "whether it could be vetoed by a +tribune or no was nothing to do with him"; "he thought the time had come +for the business of the Alexandrine king to be settled"; "it was no +business of his to inquire whether Bibulus had been watching the sky on +that occasion or no"; "as to the <i>publicani</i>, he had been willing to +oblige that order"; "what was going to happen if Bibulus came down to +the forum at that time he could not have guessed."<a name="FNanchor_241_241" id="FNanchor_241_241"></a><a href="#Footnote_241_241" class="fnanchor">[241]</a> But now, my +Sampsiceramus, what will you say to this? That you have secured us a +revenue from the Antilibanus and removed that from the Campanian land? +Well, how do you mean to vindicate that? "I shall coerce you," says he, +"by means of Cæsar's army." You won't coerce me, by Hercules, by your +army so much as by the ingratitude of the so-called <i>boni</i>, who have +never made me any return, even in words, to say nothing of substantial +rewards. But if I had put out my strength against that coterie, I should +certainly have found some way of holding my own against them. As things +are, in view of the controversy between your friend Dicæarchus and my +friend Theophrastus—the former recommending the life of action, the +latter the life of contemplation—I think I have already obeyed both. +For as to Dicæarchus, I think I have satisfied his requirements; at +present my eyes are fixed on the school which not only allows of my +abstaining from business, but blames me for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> not having always done so. +Wherefore let me throw myself, my dear Titus, into those noble studies, +and let me at length return to what I ought never to have left.</p> + +<p>As to what you say about Quintus's letter, when he wrote to me he was +also "in front a lion and behind a ——."<a name="FNanchor_242_242" id="FNanchor_242_242"></a><a href="#Footnote_242_242" class="fnanchor">[242]</a> I don't know what to say +about it; for in the first lines of his letter he makes such a +lamentation over his continuance in his province, that no one could help +being affected: presently he calms down sufficiently to ask me to +correct and edit his Annals. However, I would wish you to have an eye to +what you mention, I mean the duty on goods transferred from port to +port. He says that by the advice of his council he has referred the +question to the senate. He evidently had not read my letter, in which +after having considered and investigated the matter, I had sent him a +written opinion that they were not payable.<a name="FNanchor_243_243" id="FNanchor_243_243"></a><a href="#Footnote_243_243" class="fnanchor">[243]</a> If any Greeks have +already arrived at Rome from Asia on that business, please look into it +and, if you think it right, explain to them my opinion on the subject. +If, to save the good cause in the senate, I can retract, I will gratify +the <i>publicani</i>: but if not, to be plain with you, I prefer in this +matter the interests of all Asia and the merchants; for it affects the +latter also very seriously. I think it is a matter of great importance +to us. But you will settle it. Are the quæstors, pray, still hesitating +on the <i>cistophorus</i> question?<a name="FNanchor_244_244" id="FNanchor_244_244"></a><a href="#Footnote_244_244" class="fnanchor">[244]</a> If nothing better is to be had, +after trying everything in our power, I should be for not refusing even +the lowest offer. I shall see you at Arpinum and offer you country +entertainment, since you have despised this at the seaside.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XLIII_A_II_17" id="XLIII_A_II_17"></a>XLIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 17</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Formiæ, May</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>I quite agree with your letter. Sampsiceramus is getting up a +disturbance. We have everything to fear. He is preparing a despotism and +no mistake about it. For what else is the meaning of that sudden +marriage union,<a name="FNanchor_245_245" id="FNanchor_245_245"></a><a href="#Footnote_245_245" class="fnanchor">[245]</a> the Campanian land affair, the lavish expenditure +of money? If these measures were final, even then the mischief had been +very great; but the nature of the case makes finality impossible. For +how could these measures possibly give them any pleasure in themselves? +They would never have gone so far as this unless they had been paving +the way for other fatal steps. Immortal Gods!—But, as you say, at +Arpinum about the 10th of May we will not weep over these questions, +lest the hard work and midnight oil I have spent over my studies shall +turn out to have been wasted, but discuss them together calmly. For I am +not so much consoled by a sanguine disposition as by philosophic +"indifference,"<a name="FNanchor_246_246" id="FNanchor_246_246"></a><a href="#Footnote_246_246" class="fnanchor">[246]</a> which I call to my aid in nothing so much as in our +civil and political business. Nay, more, whatever vanity or sneaking +love of reputation there is lurking in me—for it is well to know one's +faults—is tickled by a certain pleasurable feeling. For it used to +sting me to the heart to think that centuries hence the services of +Sampsiceramus to the state would loom larger than my own. That anxiety, +at least, is now put to rest. For he is so utterly fallen that, in +comparison with him, Curius might seem to be standing erect after his +fall.<a name="FNanchor_247_247" id="FNanchor_247_247"></a><a href="#Footnote_247_247" class="fnanchor">[247]</a> But all this when we meet. Yet, as far as I can see, you will +be at Rome when I come. I shall not be at all sorry for that, if you +can<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> conveniently manage it. But if you come to see me, as you say in +your letter, I wish you would fish out of Theophanes how +"Arabarches"<a name="FNanchor_248_248" id="FNanchor_248_248"></a><a href="#Footnote_248_248" class="fnanchor">[248]</a> is disposed to me. You will, of course, inquire with +your usual zeal, and bring me the result to serve as a kind of +suggestion for the line of conduct I am to adopt. From his conversation +we shall be able to get an inkling of the whole situation.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XLIV_A_II_18" id="XLIV_A_II_18"></a>XLIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 18</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (ON HIS WAY TO EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>I have received several letters from you, which shewed me with what +eagerness and anxiety you desired to know the news. We are bound hard +and fast on every side, and are no longer making any difficulty as to +being slaves, but fearing death and exile as though greater evils, +though they are in fact much smaller ones. Well, this is the +position—one unanimously groaned over, but not relieved by a word from +anyone. The object, I surmise, of the men in power is to leave nothing +for anyone to lavish. The only man who opens his mouth and openly +disapproves is the young Curio. He is loudly cheered, and greeted in the +forum in the most complimentary manner, and many other tokens of +goodwill are bestowed on him by the loyalists; while Fufius<a name="FNanchor_249_249" id="FNanchor_249_249"></a><a href="#Footnote_249_249" class="fnanchor">[249]</a> is +pursued with shouts, jeers, and hisses. From such circumstances it is +not hope but indignation that is increased, for you see the citizens +allowed to express their sentiments, but debarred from carrying them out +with any vigour. And to omit details, the upshot is that there is now no +hope, I don't say of private persons, but even of the magistrates being +ever free again. Nevertheless, in spite of this policy of repression,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> +conversation, at least in society and at dinner tables, is freer than it +was. Indignation is beginning to get the better of fear, though that +does not prevent a universal feeling of despair. For this Campanian +law<a name="FNanchor_250_250" id="FNanchor_250_250"></a><a href="#Footnote_250_250" class="fnanchor">[250]</a> contains a clause imposing an oath to be taken by candidates in +public meeting, that they will not suggest any tenure of public land +other than that provided in the Julian laws. All the others take the +oath without hesitation: Laterensis<a name="FNanchor_251_251" id="FNanchor_251_251"></a><a href="#Footnote_251_251" class="fnanchor">[251]</a> is considered to have shewn +extraordinary virtue in retiring from his canvass for the tribuneship to +avoid the oath. But I don't care to write any more about politics. I am +dissatisfied with myself, and cannot write without the greatest pain. I +hold my own position with some dignity, considering the general +repression, but considering my achievements in the past, with less +courage than I should like. I am invited by Cæsar in a very gentlemanly +manner to accept a legation, to act as <i>legatus</i> to himself, and even an +"open votive legation" is offered me. But the latter does not give +sufficient security, since it depends too much on the scrupulousness of +Pulchellus<a name="FNanchor_252_252" id="FNanchor_252_252"></a><a href="#Footnote_252_252" class="fnanchor">[252]</a> and removes me just when my brother is returning;<a name="FNanchor_253_253" id="FNanchor_253_253"></a><a href="#Footnote_253_253" class="fnanchor">[253]</a> +the former offers better security and does not prevent my returning when +I please. I am retaining the latter, but do not think I shall use it. +However, nobody knows about it. I don't like running away; I am itching +to fight. There is great warmth of feeling for me. But I don't say +anything positive: you will please not to mention it. I am, in fact, +very anxious<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> about the manumission of Statius<a name="FNanchor_254_254" id="FNanchor_254_254"></a><a href="#Footnote_254_254" class="fnanchor">[254]</a> and some other +things, but I have become hardened by this time. I could wish, or rather +ardently desire, that you were here: then I should not want advice or +consolation. But anyhow, be ready to fly hither directly I call for you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XLV_A_II_19" id="XLV_A_II_19"></a>XLV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 19</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">July</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>I have many causes for anxiety, both from the disturbed state of +politics and from the personal dangers with which I am threatened. They +are very numerous; but nothing gives me more annoyance than the +manumission of Statius: "To think that he should have no reverence for +my authority! But of authority I say nothing—that he should have no +fear of a quarrel with me, to put it mildly!"<a name="FNanchor_255_255" id="FNanchor_255_255"></a><a href="#Footnote_255_255" class="fnanchor">[255]</a> But what I am to do I +don't know, nor indeed is there so much in the affair as you would think +from the talk about it. For myself, I am positively incapable of being +angry with those I love deeply. I only feel vexed, and that to a +surprising degree. Other vexations are on really important matters. The +threats of Clodius and the conflicts before me touch me only slightly. +For I think I can either confront them with perfect dignity or decline +them without any embarrassment. You will say, perhaps, "Enough of +dignity, like the proverb, 'Enough of the oak':<a name="FNanchor_256_256" id="FNanchor_256_256"></a><a href="#Footnote_256_256" class="fnanchor">[256]</a> an you love me, +take thought for safety!" Ah, dear me, dear me, why are you not here? +Nothing, certainly, could have escaped you. I, perhaps, am somewhat +blinded, and too much affected by my high ideal. I assure you there +never<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> was anything so scandalous, so shameful, so offensive to all +sorts, conditions and ages of men alike, as the present state of +affairs. It is more so, by Hercules, than I could have wished, but not +more than I had expected. Your <i>populares</i> have now taught even usually +quiet men to hiss. Bibulus is praised to the skies: I don't know why, +but he has the same sort of applause as his</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Who by delays restored alone our State."<a name="FNanchor_257_257" id="FNanchor_257_257"></a><a href="#Footnote_257_257" class="fnanchor">[257]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Pompey—the man I loved—has, to my infinite sorrow, ruined his own +reputation. They hold no one by affection, and I fear they will be +forced to use terror. I, however, refrain from hostility to their cause +owing to my friendship for him, and yet I cannot approve, lest I should +stultify my own past. The feeling of the people was shewn as clearly as +possible in the theatre and at the shows. For at the gladiators both +master and supporters were overwhelmed with hisses. At the games of +Apollo the actor Diphilus made a pert allusion to Pompey, in the words:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"By our misfortunes thou art—Great."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>He was encored countless times. When he delivered the line,</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"The time will come when thou wilt deeply mourn<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That self-same valour,"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>the whole theatre broke out into applause, and so on with the rest. For +the verses do seem exactly as though they were written by some enemy of +Pompey's to hit the time. "If neither laws nor customs can control," +etc., caused great sensation and loud shouts. Cæsar having entered as +the applause died away, he was followed by the younger Curio. The latter +received an ovation such as used to be given to Pompey when the +constitution was still intact. Cæsar was much annoyed. A despatch is +said to have been sent flying off to Pompey at Capua.<a name="FNanchor_258_258" id="FNanchor_258_258"></a><a href="#Footnote_258_258" class="fnanchor">[258]</a> <i>They</i> are +offended with the equites, who rose to their feet and cheered Curio, and +are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> at war with everybody. They are threatening the Roscian law,<a name="FNanchor_259_259" id="FNanchor_259_259"></a><a href="#Footnote_259_259" class="fnanchor">[259]</a> +and even the corn law.<a name="FNanchor_260_260" id="FNanchor_260_260"></a><a href="#Footnote_260_260" class="fnanchor">[260]</a> There has been a great hubbub altogether. +For my part, I should have preferred their doings being silently +ignored; but that, I fear, won't be allowed. Men are indignant at what +nevertheless must, it seems, be put up with. The whole people have +indeed now one voice, but its strength depends rather on exasperation +than anything to back it up. Farthermore, our Publius is threatening me: +he is hostile, and a storm is hanging over my head which should bring +you post haste to town. I believe that I am still firmly supported by +the same phalanx of all loyal or even tolerably loyal men which +supported me when consul. Pompey displays no common affection for me. He +also asserts that Clodius is not going to say a word about me. In which +he is not deceiving me, but is himself deceived. Cosconius having died, +I am invited to fill his place.<a name="FNanchor_261_261" id="FNanchor_261_261"></a><a href="#Footnote_261_261" class="fnanchor">[261]</a> That would indeed be a case of +"invited to a dead man's place." I should have been beneath contempt in +the eyes of the world, and nothing could be conceived less likely to +secure that very "personal safety" of which you speak. For those +commissioners are disliked by the loyalists, and so I should have +retained my own unpopularity with the disloyal, with the addition of +that attaching to others. Cæsar wishes me to accept a legateship under +him. This is a more honourable method of avoiding the danger. But I +don't wish to avoid it. What do I want, then? Why, I prefer fighting. +However, I have not made up my mind. Again I say, Oh that you were here! +However, if it is absolutely necessary I will summon you. What else is +there to say? What else? This, I think: I am certain that all is lost. +For why mince matters any longer? But I write this in haste, and,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> by +Hercules, in rather a nervous state. On some future occasion I will +either write to you at full length, if I find a very trustworthy person +to whom to give a letter, or if I write darkly you will understand all +the same. In these letters I will be Lælius, you Furius; the rest shall +be in riddles. Here I cultivate Cæcilius,<a name="FNanchor_262_262" id="FNanchor_262_262"></a><a href="#Footnote_262_262" class="fnanchor">[262]</a> and pay him assiduous +attention. I hear Bibulus's edicts have been sent to you. Our friend +Pompey is hot with indignation and wrath at them.<a name="FNanchor_263_263" id="FNanchor_263_263"></a><a href="#Footnote_263_263" class="fnanchor">[263]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XLVI_A_II_20" id="XLVI_A_II_20"></a>XLVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 20</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">July</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>I have done everything I could for Anicatus, as I understood was your +wish. Numestius, in accordance with your earnestly expressed letter, I +have adopted as a friend. Cæcilius I look after diligently in all ways +possible. Varro<a name="FNanchor_264_264" id="FNanchor_264_264"></a><a href="#Footnote_264_264" class="fnanchor">[264]</a> does all I could expect for me. Pompey loves me and +regards me as a dear friend. "Do you believe that?" you will say. I do: +he quite convinces me. But seeing that men of the world in all +histories, precepts, and even verses, are for ever bidding one be on +one's guard and forbidding belief, I carry out the former—"to be on my +guard"—the latter—"to disbelieve"<a name="FNanchor_265_265" id="FNanchor_265_265"></a><a href="#Footnote_265_265" class="fnanchor">[265]</a>—I cannot carry out. Clodius is +still threatening me with danger. Pompey asserts that there is no +danger. He swears it. He even adds that he will himself be murdered by +him sooner than I injured.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> The negotiation is going on. As soon as +anything is settled I will write you word. If I have to fight, I will +summon you to share in the work. If I am let alone, I won't rout you out +of your "Amaltheia." About politics I will write briefly: for I am now +afraid lest the very paper should betray me. Accordingly, in future, if +I have anything more to write to you, I shall clothe it in covert +language. For the present the state is dying of a novel disorder; for +although everybody disapproves of what has been done, complains, and is +indignant about it, and though there is absolutely no difference of +opinion on the subject, and people now speak openly and groan aloud, yet +no remedy is applied: for we do not think resistance possible without a +general slaughter, nor see what the end of concession is to be except +ruin. Bibulus is exalted to the skies as far as admiration and affection +go. His edicts and speeches are copied out and read. He has reached the +summit of glory in a novel way. There is now nothing so popular as the +dislike of the popular party. I have my fears as to how this will end. +But if I ever see my way clearly in anything, I will write to you more +explicitly. For yourself, if you love me as much as I am sure you do, +take care to be ready to come in all haste as soon as I call for you. +But I do my best, and shall do so, to make it unnecessary. I said I +would call you Furius in my letters, but it is not necessary to change +your name. I'll call myself Lælius and you Atticus, but I will use +neither my own handwriting nor seal, if the letter happens to be such as +I should not wish to fall into the hands of a stranger. Diodotus is +dead; he has left me perhaps 1,000 sestertia. Bibulus has postponed the +elections to the 18th of October, in an edict expressed in the vein of +Archilochus.<a name="FNanchor_266_266" id="FNanchor_266_266"></a><a href="#Footnote_266_266" class="fnanchor">[266]</a> I have received the books from Vibius: he is a +miserable poet,<a name="FNanchor_267_267" id="FNanchor_267_267"></a><a href="#Footnote_267_267" class="fnanchor">[267]</a> but yet he is not without some knowledge nor wholly +useless. I am going to copy the book out and send it back.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XLVII_A_II_21" id="XLVII_A_II_21"></a>XLVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 21</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">July</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>Why should I write to you on the Republic in detail? It is utterly +ruined; and is, so far, in a worse state than when you left it, that +then a despotism seemed to be oppressing it which was popular with the +multitude, and though offensive to the loyalists, yet short of actual +mischief; but now all on a sudden they have become so universally hated, +that I tremble to think what will be the end of it. For we have had +experience of those men's resentment and violence, who have ruined +everything in their anger against Cato; yet they were employing such +slow poisons, that it seemed as though our end might be painless. Now, +however, I fear they have been exasperated by the hisses of the crowd, +the talk of the respectable classes, and the murmurs of Italy. For my +part, I was in hopes, as I often used actually to say to you, that the +wheel of the state chariot had made its revolution with scarcely any +noise and leaving scarcely any visible rut; and it would have been so, +if people could only have waited till the storm had blown over. But +after sighing in secret for a long time they all began, first to groan, +and at last to talk and shout. Accordingly, that friend of ours, +unaccustomed to being unpopular, always used to an atmosphere of praise, +and revelling in glory, now disfigured in body and broken in spirit, +does not know which way to turn; sees that to go on is dangerous, to +return a betrayal of vacillation; has the loyalists his enemies, the +disloyal themselves not his friends. Yet see how soft-hearted I am. I +could not refrain from tears when, on the 25th of July, I saw him making +a speech on the edicts of Bibulus. The man who in old times had been +used to bear himself in that place with the utmost confidence and +dignity, surrounded by the warmest affection of the people, amidst +universal favour—how humble, how cast down he was then! How ill-content +with himself, to say<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> nothing of how unpleasing to his audience! Oh, +what a spectacle! No one could have liked it but Crassus—no one else in +the world! Not I, for considering his headlong descent from the stars, +he seemed to me to have lost his footing rather than to have been +deliberately following a path; and, as Apelles, if he had seen his +Venus, or Protogenes his Ialysus daubed with mud, would, I presume, have +felt great sorrow, so neither could I behold without great sorrow a man, +portrayed and embellished with all the colours of my art, suddenly +disfigured. Although no one thought, in view of the Clodius business, +that I was bound to be his friend, yet so great was my affection for +him, that no amount of injury was capable of making it run dry. The +result is that those Archilochian edicts of Bibulus against him are so +popular, that one can't get past the place where they are put up for the +crowd of readers, and so deeply annoying to himself that he is pining +with vexation. To me, by Hercules, they are distressing, both because +they give excessive pain to a man whom I have always loved, and because +I fear lest one so impulsive and so quick to strike, and so unaccustomed +to personal abuse, may, in his passionate resentment, obey the dictates +of indignation and anger. I don't know what is to be the end of Bibulus. +As things stand at present he is enjoying a wonderful reputation. For on +his having postponed the <i>comitia</i> to October, as that is a measure +which is always against the popular feeling, Cæsar had imagined that the +assembly could be induced by a speech of his to go to Bibulus's house; +but after a long harangue full of seditious suggestions, he failed to +extract a word from anyone. In short, they feel that they do not possess +the cordial goodwill of any section: all the more must we fear some act +of violence. Clodius is hostile to us. Pompey persists in asserting that +he will do nothing against me. It is risky for me to believe that, and I +am preparing myself to meet his attack. I hope to have the warmest +feelings of all orders on my side. I have personally a longing for you, +and circumstances also demand your presence at that time. I shall feel +it a very great addition to my policy, to my courage, and, in a word, to +my safety, if I see you in time. Varro does all I can expect. Pompey +talks like an angel. I have hopes that I shall come off with flying +colours, or at any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> rate without being molested. Be sure and tell me how +you are, how you are amusing yourself, and what settlement you have come +to with the Sicyonians.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XLVIII_A_II_22" id="XLVIII_A_II_22"></a>XLVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 22</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">July)</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>How I wished you had stayed at Rome! I am sure you would have stayed if +you had foreseen what was going to happen. For then we should have had +no difficulty in keeping "Pulchellus" in order, or at least should have +known what he was going to do. As things are, he darts about, talks like +a madman, never sticks to anything: threatens now this one and now that: +seems likely, in reality, to do whatever turns up. When he sees how +unpopular the present state of things is, he seems to intend an attack +upon the authors of it; but when he again recalls their power and +armies, he transfers his hostility to the loyalists. Me personally he +threatens at one time with violence, at another with impeachment. With +him Pompey has remonstrated, and, as he tells me himself—for I have no +other evidence—has urgently remonstrated, pointing out that he would +himself lie under the extreme imputation of perfidy and unprincipled +conduct, if any danger to me were created by the man whom he had himself +armed by acquiescing in his becoming a plebeian: that both he and +Appius<a name="FNanchor_268_268" id="FNanchor_268_268"></a><a href="#Footnote_268_268" class="fnanchor">[268]</a> had pledged themselves in regard to me: if Clodius did not +respect that, he should shew such annoyance that everyone would +understand that he valued my friendship above everything. Having said +this and much else to the same effect, he told me that the fellow at +first argued against it at great length and for a long time, but +eventually gave way and declared that he would do nothing against his +wishes. Nevertheless, he has not ceased since then speaking of me with +the greatest bitterness. But even<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> if he had not done so, I should have +felt no confidence in him, but should have been making every +preparation, as in fact I am doing. As it is, I am so conducting myself +that every day the affections of people towards me and the strength of +my position are enhanced. I don't touch politics in any shape or way; I +employ myself with the greatest assiduity in pleading causes and in my +regular forensic business.<a name="FNanchor_269_269" id="FNanchor_269_269"></a><a href="#Footnote_269_269" class="fnanchor">[269]</a> And this I feel is extremely gratifying, +not only to those who enjoy my services, but also to the people +generally. My house is crowded; I am met by processions; the memory of +my consulship is renewed; men's feelings are clearly shewn: my hopes are +so raised, that the struggle hanging over me seems at times one from +which I need not shrink. Now is the time that I need your advice, your +love and fidelity. Wherefore come post haste! Everything will be easy +for me if I have you. I can carry on many negotiations through our +friend Varro, which will be on firmer ground with you to back them up; a +great deal can be elicited from Publius himself, and be brought to my +knowledge, which cannot possibly be kept concealed from you; a great +deal also—but it is absurd to enumerate particulars, when I want you +for everything. I would like you to be convinced of this above all, that +everything will be simplified for me if I see you: but it all turns on +this coming to pass <i>before</i> he enters on his office. I think that if +you are here while Crassus is egging on Pompey—as you can get out of +Clodius himself, by the agency of "Iuno,"<a name="FNanchor_270_270" id="FNanchor_270_270"></a><a href="#Footnote_270_270" class="fnanchor">[270]</a> how far they are acting +in good faith—we shall escape molestation, or at any rate not be left +under a delusion. You don't stand in need of entreaties or urgency from +me. You understand what my wish is, and what the hour and the importance +of the business demand. As to politics, I can tell you nothing except +that everybody<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> entertains the greatest detestation for those who are +masters of everything. There is, however, no hope of a change. But, as +you easily understand, Pompey himself is discontented and extremely +dissatisfied with himself. I don't see clearly what issue to expect: but +certainly such a state of affairs seems likely to lead to an outbreak of +some sort. Alexander's books<a name="FNanchor_271_271" id="FNanchor_271_271"></a><a href="#Footnote_271_271" class="fnanchor">[271]</a>—a careless writer and a poor poet, +and yet not without some useful information—I have sent back to you. I +have had pleasure in admitting Numerius Numestius to my friendship, and +I find him a man of character and good sense, worthy of your +recommendation.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XLIX_A_II_23" id="XLIX_A_II_23"></a>XLIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 23</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">July or August</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>I don't think you have ever before read a letter of mine not written by +my own hand. You will be able to gather from that how I am distracted +with business. For as I had not a moment to spare and was obliged to +take a walk in order to refresh my poor voice, I have dictated this +while walking. The first thing, then, which I wish you to know is that +our friend "Sampsiceramus" is exceedingly dissatisfied with his +position, and desires to be restored to the place from which he has +fallen; that he confides his annoyance to me, and is without disguise +seeking for a remedy—which I don't think can be found. The second thing +is that all on that side, whether promoters or mere hangers-on, are +falling out of fashion, though no one opposes them: there never was a +greater unanimity of feeling or talk everywhere. For myself (for I am +sure you wish to know it) I take part in no political deliberations, and +have devoted myself entirely to my forensic business and work. Thereby, +as may easily be understood, I have frequent occasion to refer to my +past achievements and to express my regret. But the brother of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> our +"Iuno" is giving utterance to all kinds of alarming threats, and, while +disclaiming them to "Sampsiceramus," makes an open avowal and parade of +them to others. Wherefore, loving me as much as I know you do, if you +are asleep, wake up; if you are standing, start walking; if you are +walking, set off running; if you are running, take wings and fly. You +can scarcely believe how much I confide in your advice and wisdom, and +above all in your affection and fidelity. The importance of the +interests involved perhaps demands a long disquisition, but the close +union of our hearts is contented with brevity. It is of very great +importance to me that, if you can't be at Rome at the elections, you +should at least be here after his election is declared.<a name="FNanchor_272_272" id="FNanchor_272_272"></a><a href="#Footnote_272_272" class="fnanchor">[272]</a> Take care +of your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="L_A_II_24" id="L_A_II_24"></a>L (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 24</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">July or August</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>In the letter which I delivered to Numestius I begged you to come back, +in the most urgent and vehement terms it was possible to use. To the +speed which I then enjoined even add something if you possibly can. And +yet do not be agitated, for I know you well, and am not ignorant of "how +love is all compact of thought and fear." But the matter, I hope, is +going to be less formidable in the end than it was at its beginning. +That fellow Vettius, our old informer, promised Cæsar, as far as I can +make out, that he would secure young Curio being brought under some +suspicion of guilt. Accordingly, he wormed his way into intimacy with +the young man, and having, as is proved, often met him, at last went the +length of telling him that he had resolved by the help of his slaves to +make an attack upon Pompey and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> assassinate him. Curio reported this to +his father, the latter to Pompey. The matter was reported to the senate. +Vettius, on being brought in, at first denied that he had ever had any +appointment with Curio. However, he did not long stick to that, but +immediately claimed the protection of the state as giving information. +There was a shout of "no" to this;<a name="FNanchor_273_273" id="FNanchor_273_273"></a><a href="#Footnote_273_273" class="fnanchor">[273]</a> but he went on to state that +there had been a confederacy of young men under the leadership of Curio, +to which Paullus had at first belonged, and Q. Cæpio (I mean +Brutus<a name="FNanchor_274_274" id="FNanchor_274_274"></a><a href="#Footnote_274_274" class="fnanchor">[274]</a>) and Lentulus, son of the flamen, with the privity of his +father: that afterwards C. Septimius, secretary to Bibulus, had brought +him a dagger from Bibulus. That made the whole thing ridiculous, as +though Vettius would have been at a loss for a dagger unless the consul +had given him one; and it was all the more scouted because on the 5th of +May Bibulus had told Pompey to be on his guard against plots; on which +occasion Pompey had thanked him. Young Curio, being brought into the +senate, spoke in answer to the allegations of Vettius; and on this +particular occasion the strongest thing against Vettius was his having +said that the plan of the young men was to attack Pompey in the forum, +with the help of Gabinius's gladiators,<a name="FNanchor_275_275" id="FNanchor_275_275"></a><a href="#Footnote_275_275" class="fnanchor">[275]</a> and that in this the +ring-leader was Paullus, who was ascertained to have been in Macedonia +at that time. A decree of the senate is passed that "Vettius, having +confessed to having 'worn a dagger,'<a name="FNanchor_276_276" id="FNanchor_276_276"></a><a href="#Footnote_276_276" class="fnanchor">[276]</a> should be cast into prison; +that anyone releasing him would be guilty of treason to the state." The +opinion generally held is that the whole affair had been arranged. +Vettius was to be caught in the forum with a dagger, and his slaves also +with weapons, and he was then to offer to lay an information; and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> this +would have been carried out, had not the Curios given Pompey previous +information. Presently the decree of the senate was read in public +assembly. Next day, however, Cæsar—the man who formerly as prætor had +bidden Q. Catulus<a name="FNanchor_277_277" id="FNanchor_277_277"></a><a href="#Footnote_277_277" class="fnanchor">[277]</a> speak on the ground below—now brought Vettius on +to the rostra, and placed him on an elevation to which Bibulus, though +consul, was prevented from aspiring. Here that fellow said exactly what +he chose about public affairs, and, having come there primed and +instructed, first struck Cæpio's name out of his speech, though he had +named him most emphatically in the senate, so that it was easy to see +that a night and a nocturnal intercession<a name="FNanchor_278_278" id="FNanchor_278_278"></a><a href="#Footnote_278_278" class="fnanchor">[278]</a> had intervened: next he +named certain men on whom he had not cast even the slightest suspicion +in the senate: L. Lucullus, by whom he said that C. Fannius was usually +sent to him—the man who on a former occasion had backed a prosecution +of Clodius; L. Domitius, whose house had been agreed on as the +headquarters of the conspirators. Me he did not <i>name</i>, but he said that +"an eloquent consular, who lived near the consul, had said to him that +there was need of some Servilius Ahala or Brutus being found."<a name="FNanchor_279_279" id="FNanchor_279_279"></a><a href="#Footnote_279_279" class="fnanchor">[279]</a> He +added at the very end, on being recalled by Vatinius after the assembly +had been dismissed, that he had been told by Curio that my son-in-law +Piso was privy to these proceedings, as M. Laterensis also. At present +Vettius is on trial for "violence" before Crassus Dives,<a name="FNanchor_280_280" id="FNanchor_280_280"></a><a href="#Footnote_280_280" class="fnanchor">[280]</a> and when +condemned he intends to claim the impunity of an informer; and if he +obtains that, there seem likely to be some prosecutions. I don't despise +the danger, for I never despise any danger, but neither do I much fear +it. People indeed shew very great affection for me, but I am quite tired +of life: such<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> a scene of misery is it all. It was only the other day +that we were fearing a massacre, which the speech of that gallant old +man Q. Considius prevented:<a name="FNanchor_281_281" id="FNanchor_281_281"></a><a href="#Footnote_281_281" class="fnanchor">[281]</a> now this one, which we might have +feared any day, has suddenly turned up. In short, nothing can be more +unfortunate than I, or more fortunate than Catulus, both in the +splendour of his life and in the time of his death. However, in the +midst of these miseries I keep my spirit erect and undismayed, and +maintain my position in a most dignified manner and with great caution. +Pompey bids me have no anxiety about Clodius, and shews the most cordial +goodwill to me in everything he says. I desire to have you to suggest my +policy, to be the partner in my anxieties, and to share my every +thought. Therefore I have commissioned Numestius to urge you, and I now +entreat you with the same or, if possible, greater earnestness, to +literally fly to us. I shall breathe again when I once see you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LI_A_II_25" id="LI_A_II_25"></a>LI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A II, 25</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">July or August</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>When I have praised any one of your friends to you I should like you +tell him that I have done so. For instance, you know I lately wrote to +you about Varro's kindness to me, and that you wrote me back word that +the circumstance gave you the greatest delight. But I should have +preferred your writing to him and saying that he was doing all I could +expect—not because he was, but in order that he might do so. For he is +a man of astonishing whims, as you know, "tortuous and no +wise——."<a name="FNanchor_282_282" id="FNanchor_282_282"></a><a href="#Footnote_282_282" class="fnanchor">[282]</a> But I stick to the rule "Follies of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> those in power," +etc.<a name="FNanchor_283_283" id="FNanchor_283_283"></a><a href="#Footnote_283_283" class="fnanchor">[283]</a> But, by Hercules, that other friend of yours, Hortalus—with +what a liberal hand, with what candour, and in what ornate language has +he praised me to the skies, when speaking of the prætorship of Flaccus +and that incident of the Allobroges.<a name="FNanchor_284_284" id="FNanchor_284_284"></a><a href="#Footnote_284_284" class="fnanchor">[284]</a> I assure you nothing could +have been more affectionate, complimentary, or more lavishly expressed. +I very much wish that you would write and tell him that I sent you word +of it. Yet why write? I think you are on your way and are all but here. +For I have urged you so strongly to come in my previous letters. I am +expecting you with great impatience, longing for you very much; nor do I +call for you more than circumstances themselves and the state of the +times. Nothing can be more desperate than the position of politics, +nothing more unpopular than the authors of it, I—as I think, hope, and +imagine—am safe behind a rampart of goodwill of the strongest kind. +Wherefore fly to me: you will either relieve me from all annoyance or +will share it. My letter is all the shorter because, as I hope, I shall +be able in a very short time to talk over what I want to say face to +face. Take care of your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LII_Q_FR_I_2" id="LII_Q_FR_I_2"></a>LII (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR I, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span>, 26 <span class="smcap">October</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>Statius arrived at my house on the 25th October. His arrival gave me +uneasiness, because you said in your letter that you would be plundered +by your household in his absence. However, I thought it a very happy +circumstance that he anticipated the expectation of his arrival, and the +company that would have assembled to meet him, if he had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> left the +province with you, and had not appeared before. For people have +exhausted their remarks, and many observations have been made and done +with of the "Nay, but I looked for a mighty man"<a name="FNanchor_285_285" id="FNanchor_285_285"></a><a href="#Footnote_285_285" class="fnanchor">[285]</a> kind, which I am +glad to have all over before you come. But as for the motive for your +sending him—that he might clear himself with me—that was not at all +necessary. For, to begin with, I had never suspected him, nor in what I +wrote to you about him was I expressing my own judgment; but since the +interest and safety of all of us who take part in public business +depends, not on truth alone, but on report also, I wrote you word of +what people were saying, not what I thought myself. How prevalent and +how formidable that talk was Statius ascertained himself on his arrival. +For he was present when certain persons at my house gave vent to some +complaints on that very subject, and had the opportunity of perceiving +that the observations of the malevolent were being directed at himself +especially. But it used to annoy me most when I was told that he had +greater influence with you, than your sober time of life and the wisdom +of a governor required. How many people, do you suppose, have solicited +me to give them a letter of introduction to Statius? How often, do you +suppose, has he himself, while talking without reserve to me, made such +observations as, "I never approved of that," "I told him so," "I tried +to persuade him," "I warned him not to"? And even if these things shew +the highest fidelity, as I believe they do, since that is your judgment, +yet the mere appearance of a freedman or slave enjoying such influence +cannot but lower your dignity: and the long and short of it is—for I am +in duty bound not to say anything without good grounds, nor to keep back +anything from motives of policy—that Statius has supplied all the +material for the gossip of those who wished to decry you; that formerly +all that could be made out was that certain persons were angry at your +strictness; but that after his manumission the angry had something to +talk about.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> + +<p>Now I will answer the letters delivered to me by L. Cæsius, whom, as I +see you wish it, I will serve in every way I can. One of them is about +Zeuxis of Blaundus, whom you say was warmly recommended to you by me +though a most notorious matricide. In this matter, and on this subject +generally, please listen to a short statement, lest you should by chance +be surprised at my having become so conciliatory towards Greeks. Seeing, +as I did, that the complaints of Greeks, because they have a genius for +deceit, were allowed an excessive weight, whenever I was told of any of +them making complaint of you, I appeased them by every means in my +power. First, I pacified the Dionysopolitans, who were very bitter: +whose chief man, Hermippus, I secured not only by my conversation, but +by treating him as a friend. I did the same to Hephæstus of Apameia; the +same to that most untrustworthy fellow, Megaristus of Antandrus; the +same to Nicias of Smyrna; I also embraced with all the courtesy I +possessed the most trumpery of men, even Nymphôn of Colophôn. And all +this I did from no liking for these particular people, or the nation as +a whole: I was heartily sick of their fickleness and obsequiousness, of +feelings that are not affected by our kindness, but by our position.</p> + +<p>But to return to Zeuxis. When he was telling me the same story as you +mention in your letter about what M. Cascellius had said to him in +conversation, I stopped him from farther talk, and admitted him to my +society. I cannot, however, understand your virulence when you say that, +having sewn up in the parricide's-sack two Mysians at Smyrna, you +desired to display a similar example of your severity in the upper part +of your province, and that, therefore, you had wished to inveigle Zeuxis +into your hands by every possible means. For if he had been brought into +court, he ought perhaps not to have been allowed to escape: but there +was no necessity for his being hunted out and inveigled by soft words to +stand a trial, as you say in your letter—especially as he is one whom I +learn daily, both from his fellow citizens and from many others, to be a +man of higher character than you would expect from such an obscure town +as his.<a name="FNanchor_286_286" id="FNanchor_286_286"></a><a href="#Footnote_286_286" class="fnanchor">[286]</a> But, you will say, it is only Greeks<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> to whom I am +indulgent. What! did not I do everything to appease L. Cæcilius? What a +man! how irritable! how violent! In fact, who is there except +Tuscenius,<a name="FNanchor_287_287" id="FNanchor_287_287"></a><a href="#Footnote_287_287" class="fnanchor">[287]</a> whose case admitted of no cure, have I not softened? See +again, I have now on my hands a shifty, mean fellow, though of +equestrian rank, called Catienus: even he is going to be smoothed down. +I don't blame you for having been somewhat harsh to his father, for I am +quite sure you have acted with good reason: but what need was there of a +letter of the sort which you sent to the man himself? "That the man was +rearing the cross for himself from which you had already pulled him off +once; that you would take care to have him smoked to death, and would be +applauded by the whole province for it." Again, to a man named C. +Fabius—for that letter also T. Catienus is handing round—"that you +were told that the kidnapper Licinius, with his young kite of a son, was +collecting taxes." And then you go on to ask Fabius to burn both father +and son alive if he can; if not, to send them to you, that they may be +burnt to death by legal sentence. That letter sent by you in jest to C. +Fabius, if it really is from you, exhibits to ordinary readers a +violence of language very injurious to you. Now, if you will refer to +the exhortations in all my letters, you will perceive that I have never +found fault with you for anything except harshness and sharpness of +temper, and occasionally, though rarely, for want of caution in the +letters you write. In which particulars, indeed, if my influence had had +greater weight with you than a somewhat excessive quickness of +disposition, or a certain enjoyment in indulging temper, or a faculty +for epigram and a sense of humour, we should certainly have had no cause +for dissatisfaction. And don't you suppose that I feel no common +vexation when I am told how Vergilius is esteemed, and your neighbour<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> +C. Octavius?<a name="FNanchor_288_288" id="FNanchor_288_288"></a><a href="#Footnote_288_288" class="fnanchor">[288]</a> For if you only excel your neighbours farther up +country, in Cilicia and Syria, that is a pretty thing to boast of! And +that is just the sting of the matter, that though the men I have named +are not more blameless than yourself, they yet outdo you in the art of +winning favour, though they know nothing of Xenophon's Cyrus or +Agesilaus; from which kings, in the exercise of their great office, no +one ever heard an irritable word. But in giving you this advice, as I +have from the first, I am well aware how much good I have done.<a name="FNanchor_289_289" id="FNanchor_289_289"></a><a href="#Footnote_289_289" class="fnanchor">[289]</a></p> + +<p>Now, however, as you are about to quit your province, pray do leave +behind you—as I think you are now doing—as pleasant a memory as +possible. You have a successor of very mild manners; in other respects, +on his arrival, you will be much missed. In sending letters of +requisition, as I have often told you, you have allowed yourself to be +too easily persuaded. Destroy, if you can, all such as are inequitable, +or contrary to usage, or contradictory to others. Statius told me that +they were usually put before you ready written, read by himself, and +that, if they were inequitable, he informed you of the fact: but that +before he entered your service there had been no sifting of letters; +that the result was that there were volumes containing a selection of +letters, which were usually adversely criticised.<a name="FNanchor_290_290" id="FNanchor_290_290"></a><a href="#Footnote_290_290" class="fnanchor">[290]</a> On this subject I +am not going to give you any advice at this time of day, for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> it is too +late; and you cannot but be aware that I have often warned you in +various ways and with precision. But I have, on a hint from Theopompus, +intrusted him with this message to you: do see by means of persons +attached to you, which you will find no difficulty in doing, that the +following classes of letters are destroyed—first, those that are +inequitable; next, those that are contradictory; then those expressed in +an eccentric or unusual manner; and lastly, those that contain +reflexions on anyone. I don't believe all I hear about these matters, +and if, in the multiplicity of your engagements, you have let certain +things escape you, now is the time to look into them and weed them out. +I have read a letter said to have been written by your nomenclator Sulla +himself, which I cannot approve: I have read some written in an angry +spirit. But the subject of letters comes in pat: for while this sheet of +paper was actually in my hands, L. Flavius, prætor-designate and a very +intimate friend, came to see me. He told me that you had sent a letter +to his agents, which seemed to me most inequitable, prohibiting them +from taking anything from the estate of the late L. Octavius Naso, whose +heir L. Flavius is, until they had paid a sum of money to C. Fundanius; +and that you had sent a similar letter to the Apollonidenses, not to +allow any payment on account of the estate of the late Octavius till the +debt to Fundanius had been discharged. It seems to me hardly likely that +you have done this; for it is quite unlike your usual good sense. The +heir not to take anything? What if he disowns the debt? What if he +doesn't owe it at all? Moreover, is the prætor wont to decide whether a +debt is due?<a name="FNanchor_291_291" id="FNanchor_291_291"></a><a href="#Footnote_291_291" class="fnanchor">[291]</a> Don't I, again, wish well to Fundanius? Am I not his +friend? Am I not touched with compassion? No one more so: but in certain +matters the course of law is so clear as to leave no place for personal +feeling. And Flavius told me that expressions were used in the letter,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> +which he said was yours, to the effect that you would "either thank them +as friends, or make yourself disagreeable to them as enemies." In short, +he was much annoyed, complained of it to me in strong terms, and begged +me to write to you as seriously as I could. This I am doing, and I do +strongly urge you again and again to withdraw your injunction to +Flavius's agents about taking money from the estate, and not to lay any +farther injunction on the Apollonidenses contrary to the rights of +Flavius. Pray do everything you can for the sake of Flavius and, indeed, +of Pompey also. I would not, upon my honour, have you think me liberal +to him at the expense of any inequitable decision on your part: but I do +entreat you to leave behind you some authority, and some memorandum of a +decree or of a letter under your hand, so framed as to support the +interests and cause of Flavius. For the man, who is at once very +attentive to me, and tenacious of his own rights and dignity, is feeling +extremely hurt that he has not prevailed with you either on the grounds +of personal friendship or of legal right; and, to the best of my belief, +both Pompey and Cæsar have, at one time or another, commended the +interests of Flavius to you, and Flavius has written to you personally, +and certainly I have. Wherefore, if there is anything which you think +you ought to do at my request, let it be this. If you love me, take +every care, take every trouble, and insure Flavius's cordial thanks both +to yourself and myself. I cannot use greater earnestness in making any +request than I use in this.</p> + +<p>As to what you say about Hermias, it has been in truth a cause of much +vexation to me. I wrote you a letter in a rather unbrotherly spirit, +which I dashed off in a fit of anger and now wish to recall, having been +irritated by what Lucullus's freedman told me, immediately after hearing +of the bargain. For this letter, which was not expressed in a brotherly +way, you ought to have brotherly feeling enough to make allowance. As to +Censorinus, Antonius, the Cassii, Scævola—I am delighted to hear from +you that you possess their friendship. The other contents of that same +letter of yours were expressed more strongly than I could have wished, +such as your "with my ship at least well trimmed"<a name="FNanchor_292_292" id="FNanchor_292_292"></a><a href="#Footnote_292_292" class="fnanchor">[292]</a> and your "die<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> +once for all."<a name="FNanchor_293_293" id="FNanchor_293_293"></a><a href="#Footnote_293_293" class="fnanchor">[293]</a> You will find those expressions to be unnecessarily +strong. My scoldings have always been very full of affection. They +mention certain things for complaint,<a name="FNanchor_294_294" id="FNanchor_294_294"></a><a href="#Footnote_294_294" class="fnanchor">[294]</a> but these are not important, +or rather, are quite insignificant. For my part, I should never have +thought you deserving of the least blame in any respect, considering the +extreme purity of your conduct, had it not been that our enemies are +numerous. Whatever I have written to you in a tone of remonstrance or +reproach I have written from a vigilant caution, which I maintain, and +shall maintain; and I shall not cease imploring you to do the same. +Attalus of Hypæpa has begged me to intercede with you that you should +not prevent his getting the money paid which has been decreed for a +statue of Q. Publicius. In which matter I both ask as a favour and urge +as a duty, that you should not consent to allow the honour of a man of +his character, and so close a friend of mine, to be lowered or hindered +by your means. Farthermore, Licinius, who is known to you, a slave of my +friend Æsopus, has run away. He has been at Athens, living in the house +of Patron the Epicurean as a free man. Thence he has made his way to +Asia. Afterwards a certain Plato of Sardis, who is often at Athens, and +happened to be at Athens at the time that Licinius arrived there, having +subsequently learnt by a letter from Æsopus that he was an escaped +slave, arrested the fellow, and put him into confinement at Ephesus; but +whether into the public prison, or into a slave mill, we could not +clearly make out from his letter. But since he is at Ephesus, I should +be obliged if you would trace him in any manner open to you, and with +all care<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> either [send him] or bring him home with you. Don't take into +consideration the fellow's value: such a good-for-nothing is worth very +little; but Æsopus is so much vexed at his slave's bad conduct and +audacity, that you can do him no greater favour than by being the means +of his recovering him.</p> + +<p>Now for the news that you chiefly desire. We have so completely lost the +constitution that Cato,<a name="FNanchor_295_295" id="FNanchor_295_295"></a><a href="#Footnote_295_295" class="fnanchor">[295]</a> a young man of no sense, but yet a Roman +citizen and a Cato, scarcely got off with his life because, having +determined to prosecute Gabinius for bribery, when the prætors could not +be approached for several days, and refused to admit anyone to their +presence, he mounted the rostra in public meeting and called Pompey an +"unofficial dictator." No one ever had a narrower escape of being +killed. From this you may see the state of the whole Republic. People, +however, shew no inclination to desert my cause. They make wonderful +professions, offers of service, and promises: and, indeed, I have the +highest hopes and even greater spirit—so that I hope to get the better +in the struggle, and feel confident in my mind that, in the present +state of the Republic, I need not fear even an accident. However, the +matter stands thus: if Clodius gives notice of an action against me, the +whole of Italy will rush to my support, so that I shall come off with +many times greater glory than before; but if he attempts the use of +violence, I hope, by the zeal not only of friends but also of opponents, +to be able to meet force with force. All promise me the aid of +themselves, their friends, clients, freedmen, slaves, and, finally, of +their money. Our old regiment of loyalists is warm in its zeal and +attachment to me. If there were any who had formerly been comparatively +hostile or lukewarm, they are now uniting themselves with the loyalists +from hatred to these despots. Pompey makes every sort of promise, and so +does Cæsar: but my confidence in them is not enough to induce me to drop +any of my preparations. The tribunes-designate are friendly to us. The +consuls-designate make excellent professions. Some of the new prætors +are very friendly and very brave citizens—Domitius, Nigidius, Mem<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>mius, +Lentulus<a name="FNanchor_296_296" id="FNanchor_296_296"></a><a href="#Footnote_296_296" class="fnanchor">[296]</a>—the others are loyalists also, but these are eminently +so. Wherefore keep a good heart and high hopes. However, I will keep you +constantly informed on particular events as they occur from day to day.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LIII_F_XIII_42" id="LIII_F_XIII_42"></a>LIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIII, 42</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO L. CULLEOLUS (IN ILLYRICUM)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span><a name="FNanchor_297_297" id="FNanchor_297_297"></a><a href="#Footnote_297_297" class="fnanchor">[297]</a></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>My friend L. Lucceius,<a name="FNanchor_298_298" id="FNanchor_298_298"></a><a href="#Footnote_298_298" class="fnanchor">[298]</a> the most delightful fellow in the world, has +expressed in my presence amazingly warm thanks to you, saying that you +have given most complete and liberal promises to his agents. Since your +words have roused such gratitude in him, you may imagine how grateful he +will be for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> the thing itself, when, as I hope, you will have performed +your promise. In any case the people of Bullis have shewn that they +intend to do Lucceius right according to the award of Pompey. But we +have very great need of the additional support of your wishes, +influence, and prætorian authority. That you should give us these I beg +you again and again. And this will be particularly gratifying to me, +because Lucceius's agents know, and Lucceius himself gathered from your +letter to him, that no one's influence has greater weight with you than +mine. I ask you once more, and reiterate my request, that he may find +that to be the case by practical experience.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LIV_F_XIII_41" id="LIV_F_XIII_41"></a>LIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIII, 41</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO L. CULLEOLUS (IN ILLYRICUM)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 47</div> + +<p>In what you have done for the sake of L. Lucceius, I wish you to be +fully aware that you have obliged a man who will be exceedingly +grateful; and that, while this is very much the case with Lucceius +himself, so also Pompey as often as he sees me—and he sees me very +often—thanks you in no common terms. I add also, what I know will be +exceedingly gratifying to you, that I am myself immensely delighted with +your kindness to Lucceius. For the rest, though I have no doubt that as +you acted before for my sake, so now, for the sake of your own +consistency, you will abide by your liberal intentions, yet I reiterate +my request to you with all earnestness, that what you first gave us +reason to hope, and then actually carried out, you would be so good as +to see extended and brought to a final completion by your means. I +assure you, and I pledge my credit to it, that such a course will be +exceedingly gratifying to both Lucceius and Pompey, and that you will be +making a most excellent investment with them. About politics, and about +the business going on here, and what we are all thinking about, I wrote +to you in full detail a few days ago, and delivered the letter to your +servants. Farewell.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> +<h2>LETTERS IN EXILE</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58. Coss., L. Piso, A. Gabinius.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>We have no record in Cicero's correspondence of the final measures +taken by Clodius against him. We find him when the correspondence +for this year opens on his way to exile: all his boasts of staying +and fighting have been thrown to the winds. Clodius, indeed, had +not simply done what Cicero expected at the worst—impeached him. +He had gone more systematically to work. Among other measures +calculated to win popularity, he proposed a modification of the +<i>lex Ælia Fufia</i>, declaring it illegal for a magistrate to stop +legislative <i>comitia</i> by "watching the sky." Thus freed from one +hindrance, he next proposed and carried a law for the prosecution +of any magistrate who had put a citizen to death without trial +(<i>qui indemnatos cives necavisset</i>). Cicero at once recognized his +danger: if the people voted this law, a jury could scarcely fail to +condemn. The triumvirs would do nothing. Pompey, after all his +promises, avoided seeing Cicero as much as possible: Cæsar offered +him a <i>legatio</i> again; and though he spoke against giving the law a +retrospective effect, he could not consistently object to the law +itself, and shewed no sign of desiring to shelter Cicero, except on +his consenting to leave Rome. Cicero then adopted the course which +was open to all citizens threatened with a prosecution—that of +going away from Rome—and started apparently with the view of going +to Malta. Whether it was wise or not, Cicero afterwards lamented +having taken this course, and thought that he had better have +braved the danger and stood his trial. It at any rate facilitated +the next move of Clodius, who proposed and carried a bill +forbidding Cicero "fire and water" within 500 (afterwards reduced +to 400) miles of Italy, and confiscating his property. Accordingly, +Cicero had to go much farther than he had intended. He crossed from +Brundisium to Dyrrachium, and proceeded along the <i>via Egnatia</i> to +its terminus at Thessalonica, where he spent the autumn, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58. +In November, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, he returned to Dyrrachium, ready for the +recall which he heard was imminent. Meanwhile his town house was +destroyed, its site made a <i>templum</i>, and a statue of Liberty set +up in it, and his villas at Tusculum and Antium dismantled. The +dangers of his position are not exaggerated in his letters, and may +account for much of their melancholy tone. He had lost the +protection of the laws, and any one of his many enemies meeting him +might have killed him with practical impunity. He seems to have +left Rome in April.</p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LV_A_III_3" id="LV_A_III_3"></a>LV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 3</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Vibo, April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>I hope I may see the day when I shall thank you for having compelled me +to remain alive! At present I thoroughly repent it. But I beg you to +come and see me at Vibo at once, to which town I have for several +reasons directed my journey.<a name="FNanchor_299_299" id="FNanchor_299_299"></a><a href="#Footnote_299_299" class="fnanchor">[299]</a> But if you will only come there, I +shall be able to consult you about my entire journey and exile. If you +don't do so, I shall be surprised, but I feel sure you will.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LVI_A_III_2" id="LVI_A_III_2"></a>LVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Nares Lucanæ,<a name="FNanchor_300_300" id="FNanchor_300_300"></a><a href="#Footnote_300_300" class="fnanchor">[300]</a> April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>The reason for having come this journey is that there was no place where +I could be independent except on Sica's estate,<a name="FNanchor_301_301" id="FNanchor_301_301"></a><a href="#Footnote_301_301" class="fnanchor">[301]</a> especially till the +bill is emended,<a name="FNanchor_302_302" id="FNanchor_302_302"></a><a href="#Footnote_302_302" class="fnanchor">[302]</a> and at the same time because I find that from this +spot I can reach Brundisium, if you were only with me, but without you I +cannot stay in those parts owing to Autronius.<a name="FNanchor_303_303" id="FNanchor_303_303"></a><a href="#Footnote_303_303" class="fnanchor">[303]</a> At present, as I +said in my previous letter, if you will come to me, we shall<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> be able to +form a plan for the whole business. I know the journey is troublesome, +but the whole calamity is full of troubles. I cannot write more, I am so +heart-broken and dejected. Take care of your health.</p> + +<p>From Nares Lucanæ, 8 April.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LVII_A_III_4" id="LVII_A_III_4"></a>LVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 4</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Near Vibo, April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>I hope you will attribute my sudden departure from Vibo, whither I had +asked you come, to my unhappiness rather than to fickleness. A copy of +the bill for my ruin was brought to me, in which the correction of which +I had been told was to the effect that I might legally remain anywhere +beyond 400 miles. Since I was not allowed to go yonder,<a name="FNanchor_304_304" id="FNanchor_304_304"></a><a href="#Footnote_304_304" class="fnanchor">[304]</a> I set out +towards Brundisium before the day for carrying the bill had come, both +to prevent Sica, in whose house I was staying, from being ruined,<a name="FNanchor_305_305" id="FNanchor_305_305"></a><a href="#Footnote_305_305" class="fnanchor">[305]</a> +and because I was prevented from residing at Malta. So now make haste to +catch me up, if only I shall find any welcome there.<a name="FNanchor_306_306" id="FNanchor_306_306"></a><a href="#Footnote_306_306" class="fnanchor">[306]</a> At present I +receive kind invitations. But about the rest of my journey I am nervous. +Truly, my dear Pomponius, I am very sorry I consented to live: in which +matter you exercised the chief influence with me. But of these things +when we meet. Only be sure and come.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LVIII_A_III_1" id="LVIII_A_III_1"></a>LVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 1</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">From the neighbourhood of Thurium, on the way to Brundisium, April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>I always thought that it was of great importance to me that you should +be with me: but when I read the bill, then, indeed, I understood that +there could be nothing more desirable for me than that you should +overtake me as soon as possible, in order that, if after quitting Italy +I should have to travel through Epirus, I might avail myself of your +protection and that of your friends; or, if I had to adopt any other +plan, I might come to some definite resolution in accordance with your +opinion. Wherefore I beg you to do your best to overtake me promptly, +which will be easier for you to do since the law about the province of +Macedonia has now been passed.<a name="FNanchor_307_307" id="FNanchor_307_307"></a><a href="#Footnote_307_307" class="fnanchor">[307]</a> I would urge you at greater length +were it not that with you facts speak for me.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LIX_A_III_5" id="LIX_A_III_5"></a>LIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 5</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thurium, 10 April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>Terentia thanks you frequently and very warmly. That is a great comfort +to me. I am the most miserable man alive, and am being worn out with the +most poignant sorrow. I don't know what to write to you. For if you are +at Rome, it is now too late for you to reach me; but if you are on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> +road, we shall discuss together all that needs to be discussed when you +have overtaken me. All I ask you is to retain the same affection for me, +since it was always myself you loved. For I am the same man: my enemies +have taken what was mine, they have not taken myself. Take care of your +health.</p> + +<p>From Thurium, 10 April.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LX_A_III_6" id="LX_A_III_6"></a>LX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 6</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">On the way to Tarentum, 18 April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>I had felt certain of seeing you at Tarentum or Brundisium, and that was +of importance to me in many respects: among others, as to my being able +to stay in Epirus and consult you about the future. My disappointment in +this is only another item in the long list of my misfortunes.<a name="FNanchor_308_308" id="FNanchor_308_308"></a><a href="#Footnote_308_308" class="fnanchor">[308]</a> I +mean to go to Asia, to Cyzicus for choice. I commend my family to you. I +am very wretched and can scarcely support my life.</p> + +<p>From near Tarentum, 17 April.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXI_F_XIV_4" id="LXI_F_XIV_4"></a>LXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIV, 4</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO TERENTIA, TULLIOLA, AND YOUNG CICERO (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Brundisium, 29 April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>Yes, I do write to you less often than I might, because, though I am +always wretched, yet when I write to you or read a letter from you, I am +in such floods of tears that I cannot endure it. Oh, that I had clung +less to life! I should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> at least never have known real sorrow, or not +much of it, in my life. Yet if fortune has reserved for me <i>any</i> hope of +recovering at any time any position again, I was not utterly wrong to do +so: if these miseries are to be permanent, I only wish, my dear, to see +you as soon as possible and to die in your arms, since neither gods, +whom you have worshipped with such pure devotion, nor men, whom I have +ever served, have made us any return. I have been thirteen days at +Brundisium in the house of M. Lænius Flaccus, a very excellent man, who +has despised the risk to his fortunes and civil existence in comparison +to keeping me safe, nor has been induced by the penalty of a most +iniquitous law to refuse me the rights and good offices of hospitality +and friendship. May I some time have the opportunity of repaying him! +Feel gratitude I always shall. I set out from Brundisium on the 29th of +April,<a name="FNanchor_309_309" id="FNanchor_309_309"></a><a href="#Footnote_309_309" class="fnanchor">[309]</a> and intend going through Macedonia to Cyzicus. What a fall! +What a disaster! What can I say? Should I ask you to come—a woman of +weak health and broken spirit? Should I refrain from asking you? Am I to +be without you, then? I think the best course is this: if there is any +hope of my restoration, stay to promote it and push the thing on: but +if, as I fear, it proves hopeless, pray come to me by any means in your +power. Be sure of this, that if I have you I shall not think myself +wholly lost. But what is to become of my darling Tullia? You must see to +that now: I can think of nothing. But certainly, however things turn +out, we must do everything to promote that poor little girl's married +happiness and reputation. Again, what is my boy Cicero to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> do? Let him, +at any rate, be ever in my bosom and in my arms.<a name="FNanchor_310_310" id="FNanchor_310_310"></a><a href="#Footnote_310_310" class="fnanchor">[310]</a> I can't write +more. A fit of weeping hinders me. I don't know how you have got on; +whether you are left in possession of anything, or have been, as I fear, +entirely plundered. Piso, as you say, I hope will always be our friend. +As to the manumission of the slaves you need not be uneasy. To begin +with, the promise made to yours was that you would treat them according +as each severally deserved. So far Orpheus has behaved well, besides him +no one very markedly so. With the rest of the slaves the arrangement is +that, if my property is forfeited, they should become my freedmen, +supposing them to be able to maintain at law that status.<a name="FNanchor_311_311" id="FNanchor_311_311"></a><a href="#Footnote_311_311" class="fnanchor">[311]</a> But if my +property remained in my ownership, they were to continue slaves, with +the exception of a very few. But these are trifles. To return to your +advice, that I should keep up my courage and not give up hope of +recovering my position, I only wish that there were any good grounds for +entertaining such a hope. As it is, when, alas! shall I get a letter +from you? Who will bring it me? I would have waited for it at +Brundisium, but the sailors would not allow it, being unwilling to lose +a favourable wind. For the rest, put as dignified a face on the matter +as you can, my dear Terentia. Our life is over: we have had our day: it +is not any fault of ours that has ruined us, but our virtue. I have made +no false step, except in not losing my life when I lost my honours. But +since our children preferred my living, let us bear everything else, +however intolerable. And yet I, who encourage you, cannot encourage +myself. I have sent that faithful fellow Clodius Philhetærus home, +because he was hampered with weakness of the eyes. Sallustius seems +likely to outdo everybody in his attentions. Pescennius is exceedingly +kind to me; and I have hopes that he will always be attentive to you. +Sica had said that he would accompany me; but he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> has left Brundisium. +Take the greatest possible care of your health, and believe me that I am +more affected by your distress than my own. My dear Terentia, most +faithful and best of wives, and my darling little daughter, and that +last hope of my race, Cicero, good-bye!</p> + +<p>29 April, from Brundisium.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXII_A_III_7" id="LXII_A_III_7"></a>LXII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 7</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Brundisium, 29 April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>I arrived at Brundisium on the 17th of April. On that day your slaves +delivered me your letter, and some other slaves, on the next day but +one, brought me another. As to your invitation and advice to stay at +your house in Epirus, your kindness is most gratifying, and far from +being a novelty. It is a plan that would have exactly suited my wishes, +if I might have spent all my time there: for I loathe a crowd of +visitors, I can scarcely bear the light, and that solitude, especially +in a spot so familiar, would have been the reverse of disagreeable. But +to put up there as a mere stage in my journey! In the first place it is +far out of my way, and in the next it is only four days from Autronius +and the rest, and in the third place you are not there. Had I been going +to reside permanently, a fortified castle would have been an advantage, +but to one only passing through it is unnecessary. Why, if I had not +been afraid, I should have made for Athens<a name="FNanchor_312_312" id="FNanchor_312_312"></a><a href="#Footnote_312_312" class="fnanchor">[312]</a>—there were +circumstances that made me much wish to go—but as it is, I have enemies +in the neighbourhood, you are not there, and I fear they<a name="FNanchor_313_313" id="FNanchor_313_313"></a><a href="#Footnote_313_313" class="fnanchor">[313]</a> might hold +even that town not to be the legal distance from Italy, nor do you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> +mention by what day I am to expect you. As to your urging me to remain +alive, you carry one point—that I should not lay violent hands upon +myself: the other you cannot bring to pass—that I should not regret my +policy and my continuance in life. For what is there to attach me to it, +especially if the hope which accompanied me on my departure is +non-existent? I will not attempt to enumerate all the miseries into +which I have fallen through the extreme injustice and unprincipled +conduct, not so much of my enemies, as of those who were jealous of me, +because I do not wish to stir up a fresh burst of grief in myself, or +invite you to share the same sorrow. I say this deliberately—that no +one was ever afflicted with so heavy a calamity, that no one had ever +greater cause to wish for death; while I have let slip the time when I +might have sought it most creditably. Henceforth death can never heal, +it can only end my sorrow.<a name="FNanchor_314_314" id="FNanchor_314_314"></a><a href="#Footnote_314_314" class="fnanchor">[314]</a> In politics I perceive that you collect +all circumstances that you think may inspire me with a hope of a change: +and though they are insignificant, yet, since you will have it so, let +us have patience. In spite of what you say, you will catch us up if you +make haste. For I will either come into Epirus to be near you, or I will +travel slowly through Candavia.<a name="FNanchor_315_315" id="FNanchor_315_315"></a><a href="#Footnote_315_315" class="fnanchor">[315]</a> My hesitation about Epirus is not +caused by vacillation on my part, but by the fact that I do not know +where I am likely to see my brother. As to him, I neither know how I am +to see him, nor how I shall let him go. That is the greatest and most +distressing of all my distresses. I would indeed have written to you +oftener, and at greater length, had it not been that sorrow, while it +has affected all parts of my intellect, has above all entirely destroyed +my faculty for this kind of writing. I long to see you. Take care of +your health.</p> + +<p>Brundisium, 29 April.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXIII_A_III_8" id="LXIII_A_III_8"></a>LXIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 8</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 29 May</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>I wrote to you at Brundisium, when on the point of starting, the reasons +for my not going to Epirus: namely, the proximity of Achaia, which was +full of enemies of the most unscrupulous character, and secondly, the +difficulty of leaving it when I wished to resume my journey. Added to +this, while I was at Dyrrachium two messages reached me: the first, that +my brother was coming from Ephesus to Athens by ship; the second, that +he was coming through Macedonia by land. Accordingly, I sent a message +to meet him at Athens, telling him to come thence to Thessalonica. I +myself continued my journey, and arrived at Thessalonica on the 23rd of +May, but have no certain intelligence about his journey except that he +had left Ephesus some time ago. At present I am feeling very nervous as +to what steps are being taken at Rome. Although you say in one of your +letters, dated the 15th of May, that you hear that he will be vigorously +prosecuted, in another you say that things are calming down. But then +the latter is dated a day before the former; which makes me all the more +anxious. So while my own personal sorrow is every day tearing my heart +and wearing out my strength, this additional anxiety indeed scarcely +leaves me any life at all. However, the voyage itself was very +difficult, and he perhaps, being uncertain where I was, has taken some +other course. For my freedman Phaetho saw nothing of him. Phaetho was +driven by the wind from Ilium<a name="FNanchor_316_316" id="FNanchor_316_316"></a><a href="#Footnote_316_316" class="fnanchor">[316]</a> to Macedonia, and met me at Pella. +How formidable other circumstances are I am fully aware, and I don't +know what to say to you. I fear everything, nor is there any misery +which would not seem possible in my present unfortunate position. +Miserable as I still am in the midst of my heavy trials and sorrows, now +that this anxiety<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> is added to them, I remain at Thessalonica in a state +of suspense without venturing upon any step whatever.</p> + +<p>Now to answer you. I have not seen Cæcilius Trypho. I comprehend from +your letter what you and Pompey have been saying. That any movement in +politics is impending I cannot see as clearly as you either see, or +perhaps only suggest for my consolation. For, as the case of Tigranes +was passed over, all hope of a rupture is at an end.<a name="FNanchor_317_317" id="FNanchor_317_317"></a><a href="#Footnote_317_317" class="fnanchor">[317]</a> You bid me +thank Varro: I will do so; also Hypsæus.<a name="FNanchor_318_318" id="FNanchor_318_318"></a><a href="#Footnote_318_318" class="fnanchor">[318]</a> As to your advice not to +go farther off till the <i>acta</i><a name="FNanchor_319_319" id="FNanchor_319_319"></a><a href="#Footnote_319_319" class="fnanchor">[319]</a> of the month of May reach me, I +think I shall do as you suggest. But where to stay? I have not yet come +to any decision. And indeed my mind is so uneasy about Quintus, that I +can determine on nothing. However, I will let you know immediately. From +the incoherent nature of my letters I think you will understand the +agitation of my mind, caused not so much by my misery, though I have +been overwhelmed by an incredible and unparalleled calamity, as by the +recollection of my blunder. For by whose unprincipled advice I was egged +on and betrayed you certainly now perceive,<a name="FNanchor_320_320" id="FNanchor_320_320"></a><a href="#Footnote_320_320" class="fnanchor">[320]</a> and oh that you had +perceived it before, and had not given your whole mind to lamentation +along with me! Wherefore, when you are told that I am prostrate and +unmanned with grief, consider that I am more distressed at my own folly +than at the result of it, in having believed a man whom I did not think +to be treacherous. My writing is impeded both by the re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>collection of my +own disasters, and by my alarm about my brother. Yes, pray look after +and direct all the affairs you mention. Terentia expresses the warmest +gratitude to you. I have sent you a copy of the letter which I have +written to Pompey.</p> + +<p>Thessalonica, 29 May.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXIV_A_III_9" id="LXIV_A_III_9"></a>LXIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 9</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 13 June</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>My brother Quintus having quitted Asia before the 1st of May, and +arrived at Athens on the 15th, he would have to make great haste to +prevent proceedings being commenced against him in his absence, +supposing there to be some one who was not content with the misfortunes +we have already sustained. Accordingly, I preferred that he should hurry +on to Rome rather than come to me; and at the same time—for I will tell +you the truth, and it will give you a notion of the extent of my +wretchedness—I could not make up my mind to see him, devotedly attached +to me as he is, and a man of most tender feelings, or to obtrude upon +him my miseries and ruin in all their wretchedness, or to endure their +being seen by him. And I was besides afraid of what certainly would have +happened—that he would not have had the resolution to leave me. I had +ever before my eyes the time when he would either have to dismiss his +lictors,<a name="FNanchor_321_321" id="FNanchor_321_321"></a><a href="#Footnote_321_321" class="fnanchor">[321]</a> or be violently torn from my arms. The prospect of this +bitter pain I have avoided by the other bitter pain of not seeing my +brother. It is all you, who advised me to continue living, that have +forced me into this distressful position. Accordingly, I am paying the +penalty of my error. However, I am sustained by your letter, from which +I easily perceive how high your own hopes are. This did give me some +consolation, but only, after all, till you passed from the mention of +Pompey<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> to the passage beginning "Now try and win over Hortensius and +men of that sort." In heaven's name, my dear Pomponius, don't you yet +perceive by whose means, by whose treachery, by whose dishonest advice, +I have been ruined? But all this I will discuss with you when we meet. I +will only say this much, which I think you know: it is not my enemies, +but my jealous rivals, that have ruined me. Now, however, if things are +really as you hope, I will keep up my spirits, and will rely upon the +hope on which you bid me rely. But if, as I myself think, this proves +illusory, what I was not allowed to do at the best time shall be done at +a worse.<a name="FNanchor_322_322" id="FNanchor_322_322"></a><a href="#Footnote_322_322" class="fnanchor">[322]</a> Terentia often expresses her gratitude to you. For myself +one of my miseries also consists in fear—the business of my unhappy +brother. If I could only know how it stands, I should know what I ought +to do. Personally, the hope of the advantages and of the letters you +mention keeps me still, as you advise, at Thessalonica. If I get any +news, I shall know what I ought to do about the rest. Yes, if, as you +say in your letter, you left Rome on the 1st of June, you will soon see +us. I have sent you a letter which I wrote to Pompey.</p> + +<p>Thessalonica, 15 June.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXV_Q_FR_I_3" id="LXV_Q_FR_I_3"></a>LXV (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR I, 3</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (ON HIS WAY TO ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 15 June</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>Brother! Brother! Brother! did you really fear that I had been induced +by some angry feeling to send slaves to you without a letter? Or even +that I did not wish to see you? I to be angry with you! Is it possible +for me to be angry with you? Why, one would think that it was you that +brought me low! Your enemies, your unpopularity, that miserably ruined +me, and not I that unhappily ruined you! The fact is, the much-praised +consulate of mine has deprived me of you, of children, country, fortune; +from you I should hope it will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> have taken nothing but myself. Certainly +on your side I have experienced nothing but what was honourable and +gratifying: on mine you have grief for my fall and fear for your own, +regret, mourning, desertion. <i>I</i> not wish to see you? The truth is +rather that I was unwilling to be seen by you. For you would not have +seen your brother—not the brother you had left, not the brother you +knew, not him to whom you had with mutual tears bidden farewell as he +followed you on your departure for your province: not a trace even or +faint image of him, but rather what I may call the likeness of a living +corpse. And oh that you had sooner seen me or heard of me as a corpse! +Oh that I could have left you to survive, not my life merely, but my +undiminished rank! But I call all the gods to witness that the one +argument which recalled me from death was, that all declared that to +some extent your life depended upon mine. In which matter I made an +error and acted culpably. For if I had died, that death itself would +have given clear evidence of my fidelity and love to you. As it is, I +have allowed you to be deprived of my aid, though I am alive, and with +me still living to need the help of others; and my voice, of all others, +to fail when dangers threatened my family, which had so often been +successfully used in the defence of the merest strangers. For as to the +slaves coming to you without a letter, the real reason (for you see that +it was not anger) was a deadness of my faculties, and a seemingly +endless deluge of tears and sorrows. How many tears do you suppose these +very words have cost me? As many as I know they will cost you to read +them! Can I ever refrain from thinking of you or ever think of you +without tears? For when I miss you, is it only a brother that I miss? +Rather it is a brother of almost my own age in the charm of his +companionship, a son in his consideration for my wishes, a father in the +wisdom of his advice! What pleasure did I ever have without you, or you +without me? And what must my case be when at the same time I miss a +daughter: How affectionate! how modest! how clever! The express image of +my face, of my speech, of my very soul! Or again a son, the prettiest +boy, the very joy of my heart? Cruel inhuman monster that I am, I +dismissed him from my arms better schooled in the world than I could +have wished: for the poor child began to understand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> what was going on. +So, too, your own son, your own image, whom my little Cicero loved as a +brother, and was now beginning to respect as an elder brother! Need I +mention also how I refused to allow my unhappy wife—the truest of +helpmates—to accompany me, that there might be some one to protect the +wrecks of the calamity which had fallen on us both, and guard our common +children? Nevertheless, to the best of my ability, I did write a letter +to you, and gave it to your freedman Philogonus, which, I believe, was +delivered to you later on; and in this I repeated the advice and +entreaty, which had been already transmitted to you as a message from me +by my slaves, that you should go on with your journey and hasten to +Rome. For, in the first place, I desired your protection, in case there +were any of my enemies whose cruelty was not yet satisfied by my fall. +In the next place, I dreaded the renewed lamentation which our meeting +would cause: while I could not have borne your departure, and was afraid +of the very thing you mention in your letter—that you would be unable +to tear yourself away. For these reasons the supreme pain of not seeing +you—and nothing more painful or more wretched could, I think, have +happened to the most affectionate and united of brothers—was a less +misery than would have been such a meeting followed by such a parting. +Now, if you can, though I, whom you always regarded as a brave man, +cannot do so, rouse yourself and collect your energies in view of any +contest you may have to confront. I hope, if my hope has anything to go +upon, that your own spotless character and the love of your fellow +citizens, and even remorse for my treatment, may prove a certain +protection to you. But if it turns out that you are free from personal +danger, you will doubtless do whatever you think can be done for me. In +that matter, indeed, many write to me at great length and declare that +they have hopes; but I personally cannot see what hope there is, since +my enemies have the greatest influence, while my friends have in some +cases deserted, in others even betrayed me, fearing perhaps in my +restoration a censure on their own treacherous conduct. But how matters +stand with you I would have you ascertain and report to me. In any case +I shall continue to live as long as you shall need me, in view of any +danger you may<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> have to undergo: longer than that I cannot go on in this +kind of life. For there is neither wisdom nor philosophy with sufficient +strength to sustain such a weight of grief. I know that there has been a +time for dying, more honourable and more advantageous; and this is not +the only one of my many omissions, which, if I should choose to bewail, +I should merely be increasing your sorrow and emphasizing my own +stupidity. But one thing I am not bound to do, and it is in fact +impossible—remain in a life so wretched and so dishonoured any longer +than your necessities, or some well-grounded hope, shall demand. For I, +who was lately supremely blessed in brother, children, wife, wealth, and +in the very nature of that wealth, while in position, influence, +reputation, and popularity, I was inferior to none, however +distinguished—I cannot, I repeat, go on longer lamenting over myself +and those dear to me in a life of such humiliation as this, and in a +state of such utter ruin. Wherefore, what do you mean by writing to me +about negotiating a bill of exchange? As though I were not now wholly +dependent on your means! And that is just the very thing in which I see +and feel, to my misery, of what a culpable act I have been guilty in +squandering to no purpose the money which I received from the treasury +in your name,<a name="FNanchor_323_323" id="FNanchor_323_323"></a><a href="#Footnote_323_323" class="fnanchor">[323]</a> while you have to satisfy your creditors out of the +very vitals of yourself and your son. However, the sum mentioned in your +letter has been paid to M. Antonius, and the same amount to Cæpio. For +me the sum at present in my hands is sufficient for what I contemplate +doing. For in either case—whether I am restored or given up in +despair—I shall not want any more money. For yourself, if you are +molested, I think you should apply to Crassus and Calidius. I don't know +how far Hortensius is to be trusted. Myself, with the most elaborate +pretence of affection and the closest daily intimacy, he treated with +the most utter want of principle and the most consummate treachery, and +Q. Arrius helped him in it: acting under whose advice, promises, and +injunctions, I was left helpless to fall into this disaster. But this +you will keep dark for fear they might injure you. Take care also—and +it is on this account that I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> think you should cultivate Hortensius +himself by means of Pomponius—that the epigram on the <i>lex +Aurelia</i><a name="FNanchor_324_324" id="FNanchor_324_324"></a><a href="#Footnote_324_324" class="fnanchor">[324]</a> attributed to you when candidate for the ædileship is not +proved by false testimony to be yours. For there is nothing that I am so +afraid of as that, when people understand how much pity for me your +prayers and your acquittal will rouse, they may attack you with all the +greater violence. Messalla I reckon as really attached to you: Pompey I +regard as still pretending only. But may you never have to put these +things to the test! And that prayer I would have offered to the gods had +they not ceased to listen to prayers of mine. However, I do pray that +they may be content with these endless miseries of ours; among which, +after all, there is no discredit for any wrong thing done—sorrow is the +beginning and end, sorrow that punishment is most severe when our +conduct has been most unexceptionable. As to my daughter and yours and +my young Cicero, why should I recommend them to you, my dear brother? +Rather I grieve that their orphan state will cause you no less sorrow +than it does me. Yet as long as you are uncondemned they will not be +fatherless. The rest, by my hopes of restoration and the privilege of +dying in my fatherland, my tears will not allow me to write! Terentia +also I would ask you to protect, and to write me word on every subject. +Be as brave as the nature of the case admits.</p> + +<p>Thessalonica, 13 June.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXVI_A_III_10" id="LXVI_A_III_10"></a>LXVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 10</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 17 June</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>The public transactions up to the 25th of May I have learnt from your +letter. I am waiting for the rest, as you advised, at Thessalonica; and +when they arrive I shall be better able to decide where to be. For if +there is any reason, if any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> action is being taken, if I shall see any +hopes, I shall either wait in the same place or go to your house; but +if, as you say, these hopes have vanished into air, I shall look out for +something else. At present you do not give me any indication except the +disagreement of those friends of yours, which, however, arises between +them on every kind of subject rather than myself. Therefore I don't see +what good it is to me. However, as long as you all will have me hope, I +shall obey you. For as to your scoldings so frequent and so severe, and +your saying that I am faint-hearted, I would ask you what misery is +there so heavy as not to be included in my disfranchisement? Did anyone +ever fall from such a high position, in so good a cause, with such +endowments of genius, wisdom and popularity, with such powerful supports +from all loyalists? Can I forget what I was, and not feel what I am? Of +what honour, of what glory, of what children, of what means, of what a +brother I am deprived? This last, indeed, to draw your attention to a +new kind of disaster—though I valued him, and always had done so, more +than myself—I have avoided seeing, lest I should behold his grief and +mourning, or lest I—whom he had left in the highest prosperity—should +obtrude myself upon him in a state of ruin and humiliation. I pass over +the other particulars that are past bearing: for I am prevented by my +tears. And here, let me ask, am I to be blamed for my grief, or for the +unfortunate mistake of not retaining these advantages (and I could +easily have done so, had not a plot for my destruction been hatched +within my own walls), or at least of not losing them without losing my +life at the same time? My purpose in writing these words is that you +should rather console me, as you do, than think me deserving of +correction or chiding; and the reason of the comparative brevity of my +letters is, in the first place, that I am hindered by outbursts of +sorrow, and, in the second place, that I have news to expect from Rome +rather than any to communicate myself. But when that news arrives I will +let you know my plans. Pray, as you have done hitherto, write<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> to me on +as many subjects as possible, that I may not be ignorant of any possible +thing there is to know.</p> + +<p>Thessalonica, 17 June.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXVII_A_III_11" id="LXVII_A_III_11"></a>LXVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 11</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 27 June</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>I have been kept at Thessalonica up to this time as well by your letter +and some good news (which, however, did not rest on the best authority), +and the expectation of hearing from you all at Rome, as by the fact that +you advised my doing so. When I receive the letters which I expect, if +there turns out to be the hope which rumour brings me, I shall go to +your house;<a name="FNanchor_325_325" id="FNanchor_325_325"></a><a href="#Footnote_325_325" class="fnanchor">[325]</a> if otherwise, I will inform you of what I have done. +Pray go on, as you are doing, and help me by your exertions, advice, and +influence. Cease now consoling me, but yet don't chide me; for when you +do that, I fail to recognize your affection and regret! Yet I believe +you to be so distressed yourself at my wretchedness, that it is not +within anyone's power to console you. Give your support to Quintus, my +best and kindest of brothers. Pray write to me fully on everything.</p> + +<p>27 June.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXVIII_A_III_12" id="LXVIII_A_III_12"></a>LXVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 12</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 17 July</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>Well, you argue earnestly as to what hope is to be entertained, and +especially through the action of the senate, and yet you mention that +the clause of the bill is being posted up, in virtue of which the +subject is forbidden to be men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>tioned in the senate. Accordingly, not a +word is said about it. In these circumstances you find fault with me for +distressing myself, when the fact is I am already more distressed than +anybody ever was, as you know very well. You hold out hope as a +consequence of the elections. What hope can there be with the same man +tribune, and a consul-designate who is my enemy?<a name="FNanchor_326_326" id="FNanchor_326_326"></a><a href="#Footnote_326_326" class="fnanchor">[326]</a> But you have dealt +me a blow in what you say about my speech having got abroad.<a name="FNanchor_327_327" id="FNanchor_327_327"></a><a href="#Footnote_327_327" class="fnanchor">[327]</a> Pray +do your best to heal that wound, as you express it. I did indeed write +one some time ago, in a fit of anger at what he had first composed +against me; but I had taken such pains to suppress it, that I thought it +would never get into circulation. How it has leaked out I cannot think. +But since the occasion never arose for my having a word of dispute with +him, and since it appears to me to be more carelessly written than my +other speeches, I think it might be maintained not to be by me. Pray +look after this if you think I can do anything to remedy the mischief; +but if my ruin is inevitable, I don't so much care about it. I am still +lying idle in the same place, without conversation, without being able +to think. Though, as you say, I have "intimated" to you my desire that +you should come to me, yet it is now clear to me<a name="FNanchor_328_328" id="FNanchor_328_328"></a><a href="#Footnote_328_328" class="fnanchor">[328]</a> that you are doing +me useful service where you are, but could not give me even a word of +relief here. I cannot write any more, nor have I anything to say: I am +rather waiting to hear from you all.</p> + +<p>Thessalonica, 17 July.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXIX_A_III_14" id="LXIX_A_III_14"></a>LXIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 14</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 21 July</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>From your letter I am full of anxiety to hear what Pompey's view is of +my case, or what he professes to be his view. The elections, I presume, +are over; and when they were over you say that he was of opinion that my +case should be mooted. If I seem foolish to you for entertaining hopes, +it is at your bidding that I do so: yet I know that you have in your +letters been usually inclined rather to check me and my hopes. Now pray +write distinctly what your view is. I know that I have fallen into this +distress from numerous errors of my own. If certain accidents have in +any degree corrected those errors, I shall be less sorry that I +preserved my life then and am still living. Owing to the constant +traffic along the road<a name="FNanchor_329_329" id="FNanchor_329_329"></a><a href="#Footnote_329_329" class="fnanchor">[329]</a> and the daily expectation of political +change, I have as yet not removed from Thessalonica. But now I am being +forced away, not by Plancius—for he, indeed, wishes to keep me +here—but by the nature of the place, which is not at all calculated for +the residence of a disfranchised man in such a state of sorrow. I have +not gone to Epirus, as I had said I would, because all of a sudden the +messages and letters that arrived have all indicated it to be +unnecessary for me to be in the immediate neighbourhood of Italy. From +this place, as soon as I have heard something about the elections, I +shall set my face towards Asia, but to what particular part I am not yet +certain: however, you shall know.</p> + +<p>Thessalonica, 21 July.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXX_A_III_13" id="LXX_A_III_13"></a>LXX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 13</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 5 August</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>As to my having written you word that I meant to go to Epirus, I changed +my plan when I saw that my hope was vanishing and fading away, and did +not remove from Thessalonica. I resolved to remain there until I heard +from you on the subject mentioned in your last letter, namely, that +there was going to be some motion made in the senate on my case +immediately after the elections, and that Pompey had told you so. +Wherefore, as the elections are over and I have no letter from you, I +shall consider it as though you had written to say that nothing has come +of it, and I shall not feel annoyed at having been buoyed up by a hope +which did not keep me long in suspense. But the movement, which you said +in your letter that you foresaw as likely to be to my advantage, people +arriving here tell me will not occur.<a name="FNanchor_330_330" id="FNanchor_330_330"></a><a href="#Footnote_330_330" class="fnanchor">[330]</a> My sole remaining hope is in +the tribunes-designate: and if I wait to see how that turns out, you +will have no reason to think of me as having been wanting to my own +cause or the wishes of my friends. As to your constantly finding fault +with me for being so overwhelmed by my misfortune, you ought to pardon +me when you see that I have sustained a more crushing blow than anyone +you have ever seen or heard of. As to your saying that you are told that +my intellect in even affected by grief, that is not so; my intellect is +quite sound. Oh that it had been as much so in the hour of danger! when +I found those, to whom I thought my safety was the dearest object of +their life, most bitterly and unfeelingly hostile: who, when they saw +that I had somewhat lost my balance from fear, left nothing undone which +malice and treachery could suggest in giving me the final push, to my +utter ruin. Now, as I must go to Cyzicus,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> where I shall get letters +more rarely, I beg you to write me word all the more carefully of +everything you may think I ought to know. Be sure you are affectionate +to my brother Quintus: if in all my misery I still leave him with rights +undiminished, I shall not consider myself utterly ruined.</p> + +<p>5 August.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXI_Q_FR_I_4" id="LXXI_Q_FR_I_4"></a>LXXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR I, 4</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, August</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>I beg you, my dear brother, if you and all my family have been ruined by +my single misfortune, not to attribute it to dishonesty and bad conduct +on my part, rather than to short-sightedness and the wretched state I +was in. I have committed no fault except in trusting those whom I +believed to be bound by the most sacred obligation not to deceive me, or +whom I thought to be even interested in not doing so. All my most +intimate, nearest and dearest friends were either alarmed for themselves +or jealous of me: the result was that all I lacked was good faith on the +part of my friends and caution on my own.<a name="FNanchor_331_331" id="FNanchor_331_331"></a><a href="#Footnote_331_331" class="fnanchor">[331]</a> But if your own blameless +character and the compassion of the world prove sufficient to preserve +you at this juncture from molestation, you can, of course, observe +whether any hope of restoration is left for me. For Pomponius, Sestius, +and my son-in-law Piso have caused me as yet to stay at Thessalonica, +forbidding me, on account of certain impending movements, to increase my +distance. But in truth I am awaiting the result more on account of their +letters than from any firm hope of my own. For what can I hope with an +enemy possessed of the most formidable power, with my detractors masters +of the state, with friends unfaithful, with numbers of people jealous? +However, of the new tribunes there is one, it is true, most warmly +attached to me—Sestius—and I hope Curius, Milo, Fadius,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> Fabricius; +but still there is Clodius in violent opposition, who even when out of +office will be able to stir up the passions of the mob by the help of +that same gang, and then there will be found some one also to veto the +bill.</p> + +<p>Such a state of things was not put before me when I was leaving Rome, +but I often used to be told that I was certain to return in three days +with the greatest <i>éclat</i>. "What made you go, then?" you will say. What, +indeed! Many circumstances concurred to throw me off my balance—the +defection of Pompey, the hostility of the consuls, and of the prætors +also, the timidity of the <i>publicani</i>, the armed bands. The tears of my +friends prevented me seeking refuge in death, which would certainly have +been the best thing for my honour, the best escape from unbearable +sorrows. But I have written to you on this subject in the letter I gave +to Phaetho. Now that you have been plunged into griefs and troubles, +such as no one ever was before, if the compassion of the world can +lighten our common misfortune, you will, it seems, score a success +beyond belief! But if we are both utterly ruined—ah me!—I shall have +been the absolute destruction of my whole family, to whom I used to be +at least no discredit! But pray, as I said in a previous letter to you, +look into the business, test it thoroughly, and write to me with the +candour which our situation demands, and not as your affection for me +would dictate. I shall retain my life as long as I shall think that it +is in your interest for me to do so, or that it ought to be preserved +with a view to future hope. You will find Sestius most friendly to us, +and I believe that Lentulus, the coming consul, will also be so for your +sake. However, deeds are not so easy as words. You will see what is +wanted and what the truth is. On the whole, supposing that no one takes +advantage of your unprotected position and our common calamity, it is by +your means, or not at all, that something may be effected. But even if +your enemies have begun to annoy you, don't flinch: for <i>you</i> will be +attacked by legal process, not by swords. However, I hope that this may +not occur. I beg you to write me back word on all subjects, and to +believe that though I have less spirit and resource than in old times, I +have quite as much affection and loyalty.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXXII_A_III_15" id="LXXII_A_III_15"></a>LXXII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 15</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 17 August</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>On the 13th of August I received four letters from you: one in which you +urge me in a tone of reproof to be less weak; a second, in which you say +that Crassus's freedman has told you about my anxiety and leanness; a +third, in which you describe the proceedings in the senate; a fourth on +the subject of Varro's assurances to you as to the friendly feelings of +Pompey.</p> + +<p>To the first my answer is this: though I do grieve, yet I keep all my +mental faculties, and it is precisely that which vexes me—I have no +opportunity and no one with whom to employ so sound an intellect. For if +you cannot find yourself separated from one individual like myself +without sorrow, what do you think must be my case, who am deprived both +of you and of everyone else? And if you, while still in possession of +all your rights, miss me, to what an extent do you think those rights +are missed by me? I will not enumerate the things of which I have been +despoiled, not only because you are not ignorant of them, but also lest +I should reopen my own sorrow. I only assert this, that never did anyone +in an unofficial position possess such great advantages, or fall into +such great miseries. Moreover, lapse of time not only does not soften +this grief, it even enhances it. For other sorrows are softened by age, +this one cannot but be daily increased both by my sense of present +misery and the recollection of my past life. For it is not only property +or friends that I miss, but myself. For what am I? But I will not allow +myself either to wring your soul with my complaints, or to place my +hands too often on my wounds. For as to your defence of those whom I +said had been jealous of me, and among them Cato, I indeed think that he +was so far removed from that crime, that I am above all things sorry +that the pretended zeal of others had more influence with me than his +honesty. As for your excuses<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> for the others, they ought to be excused +in my eyes if they are so in yours. But all this is an old story now. +Crassus's freedman, I think, spoke without any real sincerity. In the +senate you say that the debate was satisfactory. But what about Curio? +Hasn't he read that speech? I can't make out how it got into +circulation! But Axius, in describing the proceedings of the same day, +does not speak so highly of Curio.<a name="FNanchor_332_332" id="FNanchor_332_332"></a><a href="#Footnote_332_332" class="fnanchor">[332]</a> But he may be omitting +something; I know you have certainly not written anything except what +actually occurred. Varro's talk gives me some hope of Cæsar, and would +that Varro himself would throw himself into the cause! Which he +certainly will do, both of his own accord and under pressure from you. +For myself, if fortune ever grants me the enjoyment of you all and of my +country, I will at least take care that you shall, above all the rest of +my friends, have cause to be glad: and I will so discharge all the +duties of affection and friendship, which (to confess the truth) have +not heretofore been conspicuous, that you shall regard me as restored to +yourself as much as to my brother and my children. If I have in any way +sinned in my conduct to you, or rather since I have done so, pardon me. +For I have sinned more grievously against myself. And I do not write +this to you because I know you not to feel deeply for my misfortune: but +certainly if it had been a matter of <i>obligation</i> with you, and had +always been so, to love me as much as you do and have done, you would +never have allowed me to lack that judgment with which you are so well +supplied,<a name="FNanchor_333_333" id="FNanchor_333_333"></a><a href="#Footnote_333_333" class="fnanchor">[333]</a> nor would you have allowed me to be persuaded that the +passing of the bill for the "colleges" was to our advantage.<a name="FNanchor_334_334" id="FNanchor_334_334"></a><a href="#Footnote_334_334" class="fnanchor">[334]</a> But +you did nothing but weep over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> my sorrow, as though you were my second +self. This was indeed a sign of your affection: but what might have been +done, if I had earned it at your hands—the spending by you of days and +nights in thinking out the course I ought to have pursued—that was +omitted, owing to my own culpable imprudence, not yours. Now if, I don't +say you only, but if there had been anyone to urge me, when alarmed at +Pompey's ungenerous answer,<a name="FNanchor_335_335" id="FNanchor_335_335"></a><a href="#Footnote_335_335" class="fnanchor">[335]</a> not to adopt that most degrading +course—and you are the person that, above all others, could have done +it—I should either have died honourably, or we should have been living +to-day triumphant. In this you must forgive me. For I find much greater +fault with myself, and only call you in question afterwards, as at once +my second self and the sharer in my error; and, besides, if I am ever +restored, our mistake will seem still less in my eyes, and to you at +least I shall be endeared by your own kindness, since there is none on +my side.<a name="FNanchor_336_336" id="FNanchor_336_336"></a><a href="#Footnote_336_336" class="fnanchor">[336]</a> There is something in the suggestion you mentioned as +having been made in your conversation with Culleo as to a +<i>privilegium</i>,<a name="FNanchor_337_337" id="FNanchor_337_337"></a><a href="#Footnote_337_337" class="fnanchor">[337]</a> but by far the better course is to have the law +repealed. For if no one vetoes it, what course can be safer? But if +anyone is found to prohibit its passing, he will be equally able to veto +a decree of the senate. Nor is there need for the repeal of anything +else. For the previous law did not touch me: and if, on its publication, +I had chosen to speak in its favour, or to ignore it, as it ought to +have been ignored, it could not have done me any harm at all.<a name="FNanchor_338_338" id="FNanchor_338_338"></a><a href="#Footnote_338_338" class="fnanchor">[338]</a> It +was at this point<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> first that my judgment failed to assist me, nay, even +did me harm. Blind, blind, I say, was I in laying aside my senator's +toga, and in entreating the people; it was a fatal step to take before +some attack had been begun upon me by name.<a name="FNanchor_339_339" id="FNanchor_339_339"></a><a href="#Footnote_339_339" class="fnanchor">[339]</a> But I am harping on the +past: it is, however, for the purpose of advising you, if any action is +to be taken, not to touch that law, in which there are many provisions +in the interests of the people. But it is foolish for me to be laying +down rules as to what you are to do and how. I only wish that something +may be done! And it is on that point that your letter displays much +reserve: I presume, to prevent my being too much agitated by despair. +For what action do you see possible to be taken, or in what way? Through +the senate? But you yourself told me that Clodius had fixed upon the +doorpost of the senate-house a certain clause in the law, "that it might +neither be put to the house nor mentioned."<a name="FNanchor_340_340" id="FNanchor_340_340"></a><a href="#Footnote_340_340" class="fnanchor">[340]</a> How could +Domitius,<a name="FNanchor_341_341" id="FNanchor_341_341"></a><a href="#Footnote_341_341" class="fnanchor">[341]</a> therefore, say that he would bring it before the house? +How came it about also that Clodius held his tongue, when those you +mention in your letter both spoke on the subject and demanded that a +motion should be brought in? But if you go to the people—can it be +carried except with the unanimous approval of the tribunes? What about +my property? What about my house? Will it be possible to have it +restored? Or, if that cannot, how can I be? Unless you see these +difficulties on the way to be solved, what is the hope to which you +invite me? But if, again, there is no hope, what sort of life is there +for me? So I await at Thessalonica the gazette of the proceedings of the +1st of August, in accordance with which I shall decide whether to take +refuge on your estate, in order at once to avoid seeing people I don't +want to see, to see you, according to your letter, and to be nearer at +hand in case of any motion being made (and this I understand is in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> +accordance with your view and that of my brother Quintus), or to depart +for Cyzicus. Now, my dear Pomponius, since you imparted to me none of +your wisdom in time to save me, either because you had made up your mind +that I had judgment enough of my own, or that you owed me nothing beyond +being by my side; and since, betrayed, beguiled, and hurried into a +snare as I was, I neglected all my defences, abandoned and left Italy, +which was everywhere on the <i>qui vive</i> to defend me, and surrendered +myself and mine into the hands of enemies while you looked on and said +nothing, though, even if you were not my superior in mental power, you +were at least in less of a fright: now, if you can, raise the fallen, +and in that way assist me! But if every avenue is barred, take care that +I know that also, and cease at length either to scold me or to offer +your kindly-meant consolations. If I had meant to impeach your good +faith, I should not have chosen your roof, of all others, to which to +trust myself: it is my own folly that I blame for having thought that +your love for me was exactly what I could have wished it to be:<a name="FNanchor_342_342" id="FNanchor_342_342"></a><a href="#Footnote_342_342" class="fnanchor">[342]</a> for +if that had been so, you would have displayed the same good faith, but +greater circumspection; at least, you would have held me back when +plunging headlong into ruin, and would not have had to encounter the +labours which you are now enduring in saving the wrecks of my fortunes. +Wherefore do be careful to look into, examine thoroughly, and write +fully everything that occurs, and resolve (as I am sure you do) that I +shall be <i>some one</i>, since I cannot now be the man I was and the man I +might have been; and lastly, believe that in this letter it is not you, +but myself that I have accused. If there are any people to whom you +think that letters ought to be delivered in my name, pray compose them +and see them delivered.</p> + +<p>17 August.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXXIII_A_III_16" id="LXXIII_A_III_16"></a>LXXIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 16</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 19 August</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>My whole journey is in suspense till I receive letters from you all of +the 1st of August. For if there turns out to be any hope, I am for +Epirus: if not, I shall make for Cyzicus or some other place. Your +letter is cheerful<a name="FNanchor_343_343" id="FNanchor_343_343"></a><a href="#Footnote_343_343" class="fnanchor">[343]</a> indeed, but at the same time, the oftener I read +it, the more it weakens the suggested ground for hope, so that it is +easy to see that you are trying to minister at once to consolation and +to truth. Accordingly, I beg you to write to me exactly what you know +and exactly what you think.</p> + +<p>19 August.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXIV_A_III_17" id="LXXIV_A_III_17"></a>LXXIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 17</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 4 September</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>News of my brother Quintus of an invariably gloomy nature reached me +from the 3rd of June up to the 29th of August. On that day, however, +Livineius, a freedman of Lucius Regulus, came to me by the direction of +Regulus himself.<a name="FNanchor_344_344" id="FNanchor_344_344"></a><a href="#Footnote_344_344" class="fnanchor">[344]</a> He announced that absolutely no notice whatever +had been given of a prosecution, but that there had, nevertheless, been +some talk about the son of C. Clodius.<a name="FNanchor_345_345" id="FNanchor_345_345"></a><a href="#Footnote_345_345" class="fnanchor">[345]</a> He also<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> brought me a letter +from my brother Quintus. But next day came the slaves of Sestius, who +brought me a letter from you not so positive in regard to this alarm as +the conversation of Livineius had been. I am rendered very anxious in +the midst of my own endless distress, and the more so as Appius<a name="FNanchor_346_346" id="FNanchor_346_346"></a><a href="#Footnote_346_346" class="fnanchor">[346]</a> has +the trial of the case. As to other circumstances mentioned in the same +letter by you in connexion with my hopes, I understand that things are +going less well than other people represent them. I, however, since we +are now not far from the time at which the matter will be decided, will +either go to your house or will still remain somewhere in this +neighbourhood. My brother writes me word that his interests are being +supported by you more than by anyone else. Why should I urge you to do +what you are already doing? or offer you thanks which you do not expect? +I only pray that fortune may give us the opportunity of enjoying our +mutual affection in security. I am always very anxious to get your +letters, in which I beg you not to be afraid of your minuteness boring +me, or your plain speaking giving me pain.</p> + +<p>4 September.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXV_A_III_18" id="LXXV_A_III_18"></a>LXXV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 18</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica</span> (<span class="smcap">September</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>You raised no little flutter in my mind when you said in your letter +that Varro had assured you as a friend that Pompey would certainly take +up my case, and that as soon as he had received a letter from Cæsar, +which he was expecting, he would even name some one to formally carry +out the business. Was that all mere talk, or was the letter from Cæsar +hostile? Is there some ground for hope? You mentioned, too, that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> Pompey +had also used the expression "after the elections." Pray, as you can +conceive the severity of the troubles by which I am prostrated, and as +you must think it natural to your kindness to do so, inform me fully as +to the whole state of my case. For my brother Quintus, dear good fellow, +who is so much attached to me, fills his letters with hopeful +expressions, fearing, I suppose, my entirely losing heart. Whereas your +letters vary in tone; for you won't have me either despair or cherish +rash hopes. I beseech you to let me know everything as far as you can +detect the truth.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXVI_A_III_19" id="LXXVI_A_III_19"></a>LXXVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 19</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 15 September</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>As long as my letters from you all continued to be of such a nature as +to keep expectation alive, I was bound to Thessalonica by hope and eager +longing: afterwards, when all political measures for this year appeared +to me to be over, I yet determined not to go to Asia, both because a +crowd of people is disagreeable to me, and because, in case any movement +was set on foot by the new magistrates, I was unwilling to be far off. +Accordingly, I resolved to go to your house in Epirus, not because the +natural features of the country mattered to me, shunning as I do the +light of day altogether, but because it will be most grateful to my +feelings to set out from a harbour of yours to my restoration; and, if +that restoration is denied me, there is no place where I shall with +greater ease either support this most wretched existence or (which is +much better) rid myself of it. I shall be in a small society: I shall +shake off the crowd. Your letters have never raised me to such a pitch +of hope as those of others; and yet my hopes have always been less warm +than your letters. Nevertheless, since a beginning has been made in the +case, of whatever sort and from whatever motive, I will not disappoint +the sad and touching entreaties of my best and only<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> brother, nor the +promises of Sestius and others, nor the hopes of my most afflicted wife, +nor the entreaties of my most unhappy Tulliola, as well as your own +loyal letter. Epirus will furnish me with a road to restoration or to +that other alternative mentioned above. I beg and entreat of you, Titus +Pomponius, as you see that I have been despoiled by the treachery of men +of all that most adds splendour to life, of all that can most gratify +and delight the soul, as you see that I have been betrayed and cast away +by my own advisers, as you understand that I have been forced to ruin +myself and my family—help me by your compassion, and support my brother +Quintus, who is still capable of being saved; protect Terentia and my +children. For myself, if you think it possible that you may see me at +Rome, wait for me; if not, come to see me if you can, and make over to +me just so much of your land as may be covered by my corpse. Finally, +send slaves to me with letters as soon and as often as possible.</p> + +<p>15 September.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXVII_A_III_20" id="LXXVII_A_III_20"></a>LXXVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 20</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 4 October</span></h4> + +<p><i>Cicero greets Q. Cæcilius Pomponianus Atticus, son of Quintus.</i><a name="FNanchor_347_347" id="FNanchor_347_347"></a><a href="#Footnote_347_347" class="fnanchor">[347]</a></p> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>That this is now the case, and that your uncle has done what he ought to +have done, I approve in the strongest manner possible: I will say I am +"glad," when circumstances shall admit of my using such a word. Ah me! +how<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> well everything would have been going if my own spirit, my own +judgment, and the good faith of those on whom I relied had not failed +me! But I won't review these circumstances lest I increase my sorrow. +Yet I feel sure that it occurs to your mind what a life ours was, how +delightful, how dignified. To recover this, in the name of fortune, +bestow all your energies, as I know you do, and take care that I keep +the birthday of my return in your delightful house with you and my +family. For this hope and expectation, though now put before me as being +very strong, I yet wished to wait in your home in Epirus; but my letters +are such as to make me think it better not to be in the same +neighbourhood. What you say in your letter about my town house and about +Curio's speech is exactly true. Under the general act of restoration, if +only that is accorded me, everything will be included, of which I care +for nothing more than for my house. But I don't give you any precise +injunction, I trust myself wholly to your affection and honour. I am +very glad to hear that you have extricated yourself from every +embarrassment in view of so large an inheritance. As to your promise to +employ your means in securing my restoration, though I am in all points +assisted by you above all others, yet I quite see what a support that +is, and I fully understand that you are undertaking and can carry on +many departments of my cause, and do not need to be asked to do so. You +tell me not to suspect that your feelings have been at all affected by +acts of commission or omission on my part towards you—well, I will obey +you and will get rid of that anxiety; yet I shall owe you all the more +from the fact that your kind consideration for me has been on a higher +level than mine for you. Please tell me in your letters whatever you +see, whatever you make out, whatever is being done in my case, and +exhort all your friends to help in promoting my recall. The bill of +Sestius<a name="FNanchor_348_348" id="FNanchor_348_348"></a><a href="#Footnote_348_348" class="fnanchor">[348]</a> does not shew sufficient regard for my dignity or +sufficient caution.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> For the proposed law ought to mention me by name, +and to contain a carefully expressed clause about my property. Pray see +to it.</p> + +<p>Thessalonica, 4 October.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXVIII_F_XIV_2" id="LXXVIII_F_XIV_2"></a>LXXVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIV, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO TERENTIA (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 5 October</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT</span>. 48</div> + +<p>Greetings to Terentia, and Tulliola, and Cicero. Don't suppose that I +write longer letters to anyone else, unless some one has written at +unusual length to me, whom I think myself bound to answer. For I have +nothing to write about, and there is nothing at such a time as this that +I find it more difficult to do. Moreover, to you and my dear Tulliola I +cannot write without many tears. For I see you reduced to the greatest +misery—the very people whom I desired to be ever enjoying the most +complete happiness, a happiness which it was my bounden duty to secure, +and which I should have secured if I had not been such a coward. Our +dear Piso I love exceedingly for his noble conduct. I have to the best +of my ability encouraged him by letter to proceed, and thanked him, as I +was bound to do. I gather that you entertain hopes in the new tribunes. +We shall have reason to depend on that, if we may depend on Pompey's +goodwill, but yet I am nervous about Crassus. I gather that you have +behaved in every respect with the greatest courage and most loyal +affection, nor am I surprised at it; but I grieve that the position +should be such that my miseries are relieved by such heavy ones on your +part. For a kind friend of ours, Publius Valerius, has told me in a +letter which I could not read without violent weeping, how you had been +dragged from the temple of Vesta to the Valerian bank.<a name="FNanchor_349_349" id="FNanchor_349_349"></a><a href="#Footnote_349_349" class="fnanchor">[349]</a> To think of +it, my dear, my love!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> You from whom everybody used to look for +help!<a name="FNanchor_350_350" id="FNanchor_350_350"></a><a href="#Footnote_350_350" class="fnanchor">[350]</a> That you, my Terentia, should now be thus harassed, thus +prostrate in tears and humiliating distress! And that this should be +brought about by my fault, who have preserved the rest of the citizens +only to perish myself! As to what you say about our town house, or +rather its site, I shall not consider myself fully restored, until it +has also been restored for me. However, these things are not yet within +our grasp. I am only sorry that you, impoverished and plundered as you +are, should be called upon to bear any part of the present expenses. Of +course, if the business is successfully accomplished we shall get +everything back: but if the same evil fortune keeps us down, will you be +so foolish as to throw away even the poor remains of your fortune?<a name="FNanchor_351_351" id="FNanchor_351_351"></a><a href="#Footnote_351_351" class="fnanchor">[351]</a> +I beseech you, my life, as far as expense goes, allow others to bear it, +who are well able if they are only willing to do so; and do not, as you +love me, try your delicate constitution. For I have you day and night +before my eyes: I see you eagerly undertaking labours of every kind: I +fear you cannot endure them. Yet I see that everything depends on you! +Wherefore, to enable us to attain what you hope and are striving for, +attend carefully to your health. <i>I</i> don't know to whom to write except +to those who write to me, or to those about whom you say something in +your letters. I will not go farther off, since that is your wish, but +pray send me a letter as often as possible, especially if there is +anything on which we may safely build our hope. Good-bye, my loves, +good-bye!</p> + +<p>Thessalonica, 5 October.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXXIX_A_III_21" id="LXXIX_A_III_21"></a>LXXIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 21</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica, 28 October</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT</span>. 48</div> + +<p>It is exactly thirty days to the writing of this letter since I have +heard from you. Well, my present intention is, as I have told you, to go +into Epirus and there by preference to await whatever may turn up. I beg +you to write to me with the utmost openness whatever you perceive to be +the state of the case, and whether it is for good or evil, and also to +send a letter, as you say, in my name to whomsoever you think it +necessary.</p> + +<p>28 October.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXX_A_III_22" id="LXXX_A_III_22"></a>LXXX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 22</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Thessalonica and Dyrrachium, 27 November</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT</span>. 48</div> + +<p>Though my brother Quintus and Piso have given me a careful account of +what has been done, yet I could have wished that your engagements had +not hindered you from writing fully to me, as has been your custom, what +was on foot and what you understood to be the facts. Up to the present, +Plancius<a name="FNanchor_352_352" id="FNanchor_352_352"></a><a href="#Footnote_352_352" class="fnanchor">[352]</a> keeps me here by his generous treatment, though I have +several times already made an effort to go to Epirus. He has conceived a +hope, which I do not share, that we may possibly quit the province +together: he hopes that that may redound greatly to his credit. But as +soon as news shall come that soldiers are on their way hither,<a name="FNanchor_353_353" id="FNanchor_353_353"></a><a href="#Footnote_353_353" class="fnanchor">[353]</a> I +shall have to insist on quitting him. And as soon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> as I do that I will +at once send you word, that you may know where I am. Lentulus,<a name="FNanchor_354_354" id="FNanchor_354_354"></a><a href="#Footnote_354_354" class="fnanchor">[354]</a> in +his own peculiar zeal for my cause, which he manifests by action and +promises and writings, gives me some hope of Pompey's friendly feelings. +For you have often told me in your letters that the latter was wholly +devoted to him. As to Metellus,<a name="FNanchor_355_355" id="FNanchor_355_355"></a><a href="#Footnote_355_355" class="fnanchor">[355]</a> my brother has written me word that +by your agency as much has been accomplished as he had hoped. My dear +Pomponius, fight hard that I may be allowed to live with you and my own +family, and write me everything that occurs. I am heavy with sorrow and +regret for all my dear ones, who have always been dearer to me than +myself. Take care of your health.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Dyrrachium, 27 November. As, if I went through Thessaly into Epirus, I +should have been likely to be a very long time without any intelligence, +and as I have warm friends in the people of Dyrrachium, I have come to +them, after writing the former part of this letter at Thessalonica. When +I turn my face from this town towards your house I will let you know, +and for your part I would have you write me everything with the utmost +particularity, whatever its nature. I am now expecting some definite +step or the abandonment of all hope.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXXI_F_XIV_1" id="LXXXI_F_XIV_1"></a>LXXXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIV, 1</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO TERENTIA</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Partly Written at Thessalonica, partly at Dyrrachium, 28 November</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote">B.C. 58, ÆT. 48</div> + +<p>Greetings to his Terentia, Tulliola, and Cicero. I learn, both from the +letters of many and the conversation of all whom I meet, that you are +shewing a virtue and courage surpassing belief; and that you give no +sign of fatigue<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> in mind or body from your labours. Ah me! To think that +a woman of your virtue, fidelity, uprightness, and kindness should have +fallen into such troubles on my account! And that my little Tullia +should reap such a harvest of sorrow from the father, from whom she used +to receive such abundant joys! For why mention my boy Cicero, who from +the first moment of conscious feeling has been made aware of the +bitterest sorrows and miseries? And if, as you say, I had thought these +things the work of destiny, I could have borne them somewhat more +easily, but they were really all brought about by my own fault, in +thinking myself beloved by those who were really jealous of me, and in +not joining those who really wanted me.<a name="FNanchor_356_356" id="FNanchor_356_356"></a><a href="#Footnote_356_356" class="fnanchor">[356]</a> But if I had followed my +own judgment, and had not allowed the observations of friends, who were +either foolish or treacherous, to have such great influence with me, we +should have been living at the height of bliss. As it is, since friends +bid us hope, I will do my best to prevent my weakness of health from +failing to second your efforts. I fully understand the magnitude of the +difficulty, and how much easier it will turn out to have been to stay at +home than to get back. However, if we have all the tribunes on our side, +if we find Lentulus as zealous as he appears to be, if, finally, we have +Pompey and Cæsar, there is no reason to despair. About our slaves,<a name="FNanchor_357_357" id="FNanchor_357_357"></a><a href="#Footnote_357_357" class="fnanchor">[357]</a> +we will do what you say is the opinion of our friends. As to this place, +by this time the epidemic has taken its departure; but while it lasted, +it did not touch me. Plancius, the kindest of men, desires me to stay +with him and still keeps me from departing. I wanted to be in a less +frequented district in Epirus, to which neither Hispo<a name="FNanchor_358_358" id="FNanchor_358_358"></a><a href="#Footnote_358_358" class="fnanchor">[358]</a> nor soldiers +would come, but as yet Plancius keeps me from going; he hopes that he +may possibly quit his province for Italy in my company. And if ever I +see that day, and come once more into your arms, and if I ever recover +you all and myself, I shall consider that I have reaped a sufficient +harvest both of your piety and my own. Piso's<a name="FNanchor_359_359" id="FNanchor_359_359"></a><a href="#Footnote_359_359" class="fnanchor">[359]</a> kindness, virtue, and +affection toward us all are so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> great that nothing can surpass them. I +hope his conduct may be a source of pleasure to him, a source of glory I +see clearly that it will be. I did not mean to find fault with you about +my brother Quintus, but I wished that you all, especially considering +how few there are of you, should be as closely united as possible. Those +whom you wished me to thank I have thanked, and told them that my +information came from you. As to what you say in your letter, my dear +Terentia, about your intention of selling the village, alas! in heaven's +name, what will become of you? And if the same ill-fortune continues to +pursue us, what will become of our poor boy? I cannot write the rest—so +violent is my outburst of weeping, and I will not reduce you to the same +tearful condition. I only add this: if my friends remain loyal to me, +there will be no lack of money; if not, you will not be able to effect +our object out of your own purse. In the name of our unhappy fortunes, +beware how we put the finishing stroke to the boy's ruin. If he has +something to keep him from absolute want, he will need only moderate +character and moderate luck to attain the rest. See to your health, and +mind you send me letter-carriers, that I may know what is going on and +what you are all doing. I have in any case only a short time to wait. +Give my love to Tulliola and Cicero. Good-bye.</p> + +<p>Dyrrachium,<a name="FNanchor_360_360" id="FNanchor_360_360"></a><a href="#Footnote_360_360" class="fnanchor">[360]</a> 27 November.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>P.S.—I have come to Dyrrachium both because it is a free state, very +kindly disposed to me, and the nearest point to Italy.<a name="FNanchor_361_361" id="FNanchor_361_361"></a><a href="#Footnote_361_361" class="fnanchor">[361]</a> But if the +crowded condition of the place offends me, I shall take myself elsewhere +and I will write you word.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXXXII_A_III_23" id="LXXXII_A_III_23"></a>LXXXII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 23</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Dyrrachium, 29 November</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>On the 26th of November I received three letters from you, one dated +25th of October, in which you exhort me to await the month of January +with a good heart, and write at length on such topics as you think tend +to encourage my hopes—as to the zeal of Lentulus, the goodwill of +Metellus, and the general policy of Pompey. In the second letter, +contrary to your usual custom, you append no date, but give sufficient +indication of the time of its writing. For the law having been published +by the eight tribunes, you mention that you wrote this letter on the +very same day, that is, the 29th of October,<a name="FNanchor_362_362" id="FNanchor_362_362"></a><a href="#Footnote_362_362" class="fnanchor">[362]</a> and you say what good +you think that publication has done. In regard to which, if my +restoration is to be despaired of along with this law, I would have you +think in your affection for me that my fruitless exertions are pitiable +rather than foolish: but if there is any ground for hope, try and secure +that my cause may be hereafter supported with greater attention to +details by the new magistrates. For this bill of the old tribunes<a name="FNanchor_363_363" id="FNanchor_363_363"></a><a href="#Footnote_363_363" class="fnanchor">[363]</a> +had three clauses, of which the one relating to my return was carelessly +drafted. For nothing is restored to me except my citizenship and +senatorial rank: which, in the circumstances of my position, suffices +me, but it does not escape your observation what special provisions will +have to be made, and in what manner. The second clause is the usual +one—"If anything be done in virtue of this law against other +laws."<a name="FNanchor_364_364" id="FNanchor_364_364"></a><a href="#Footnote_364_364" class="fnanchor">[364]</a> But observe, my dear Pomponius, what the object of the third +clause is, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> by whom it has been put in. For you know that Clodius +provided that it should be scarcely possible, or rather altogether +impossible, for his law to be deprived of validity either by senate or +people. But you must see that the penal provisions of such laws as are +repealed have never been observed. For in that case hardly any law could +be repealed at all—for there is no law which does not hedge itself in +by trying to make repeal difficult—but when a law is repealed, so is +the clause meant to prevent its repeal. Now, though this is in truth the +case, since it has been the universal doctrine and practice, our eight +tribunes introduced the following clause: <i>If any provision is contained +in this bill which, in view of existing laws or plebiscites</i> (<i>i.e.</i>, +Clodius's law), <i>it is not lawful without incurring penalty, now or +heretofore, whether to publish, repeal, amend, or supersede, or whereby +he who has so published or amended would be liable to penalty or +fine—such provision is not enacted by this law</i>. And observe that this +contingency did not touch the case of those eight tribunes, for they +were not bound by a law emanating from their own body.<a name="FNanchor_365_365" id="FNanchor_365_365"></a><a href="#Footnote_365_365" class="fnanchor">[365]</a> Which makes +one the more suspicious of some evil intention, since they have added a +clause which did not affect themselves, but was against my interests: so +that the new tribunes, if they happened to be somewhat timid, would +think it still more necessary to employ the clause.<a name="FNanchor_366_366" id="FNanchor_366_366"></a><a href="#Footnote_366_366" class="fnanchor">[366]</a> And Clodius did +not fail to notice this. For he said in the public meeting of November +the third, that by this clause a limit to their legal powers was laid +down for the tribunes-designate; and yet it cannot escape your notice +that in no law is there a clause of the sort: whereas, if it had been +necessary, everybody would have employed it in repealing a law. How this +point came to escape Ninnius<a name="FNanchor_367_367" id="FNanchor_367_367"></a><a href="#Footnote_367_367" class="fnanchor">[367]</a> and the rest, pray find out, and who +introduced the clause, and how it was that the eight tribunes did not +hesitate to bring my case before the senate—which implies that they did +not think that clause of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> the law binding—and were yet so cautious in +their proposal for its repeal, as to be afraid (though not personally +liable) of what need not be taken into consideration, even by those who +are bound by the law. This clause I would not have the new tribunes +propose; however, let them only carry something, no matter what: I shall +be content with the single clause recalling me, so long only as the +business is done. I have for some time been feeling ashamed of writing +at such length; for I fear by the time you read this it will be all up +with any hopes, so that this minute criticism of mine may seem pitiable +to you and ridiculous to others. But if there is any ground for hope, +pray look at the law which Visellius<a name="FNanchor_368_368" id="FNanchor_368_368"></a><a href="#Footnote_368_368" class="fnanchor">[368]</a> drafted for T. Fadius. I like +it very much: for that of our friend Sestius, which you say has your +approbation, I don't like.</p> + +<p>The third letter is dated 12th of November, in which you explain with +wisdom and care what the circumstances are which seem to cause a +postponement of my affair, and about Crassus, Pompey, and the rest. +Accordingly, I beg you, if there is any hope that the matter can be +settled by the zeal of the loyalists, by the exertion of influence, and +by getting numbers on our side, to endeavour to break through all +difficulties at a rush, to throw your whole weight into the attempt, and +incite others to do the same. But if, as I perceive from your +conjectures as well as my own, there is no hope left, I beg and implore +you to cherish my brother Quintus, whom I to our mutual misery have +ruined, and not allow him to do anything to himself which would be to +the detriment of your sister's son. My little Cicero, to whom, poor boy! +I leave nothing but prejudice and the blot upon my name, pray protect to +the best of your power. Terentia, that most afflicted of women, sustain +by your kindness. I shall start for Epirus as soon as I have received +news of the first days of the new tribunate.<a name="FNanchor_369_369" id="FNanchor_369_369"></a><a href="#Footnote_369_369" class="fnanchor">[369]</a> Pray describe fully to +me in your next letter what sort of a beginning is made.</p> + +<p>29 November.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXXXIII_F_XIV_3" id="LXXXIII_F_XIV_3"></a>LXXXIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIV, 3</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO TERENTIA (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Dyrrachium, 29 November</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>Greetings to his Terentia, Tulliola, and Cicero. I have received three +letters from the hands of Aristocritus, which I almost obliterated with +tears. For I am thoroughly weakened with sorrow, my dear Terentia, and +it is not my own miseries that torture me more than yours—and yours, my +children! Moreover, I am more miserable than you in this, that whereas +the disaster is shared by us both, yet the fault is all my own. It was +my duty to have avoided the danger by accepting a legation,<a name="FNanchor_370_370" id="FNanchor_370_370"></a><a href="#Footnote_370_370" class="fnanchor">[370]</a> or to +resist it by careful management and the resources at my command, or to +fall like a brave man. Nothing was more pitiful, more base, or more +unworthy of myself than the line I actually took. Accordingly, it is +with shame as well as grief that I am overpowered. For I am ashamed of +not having exhibited courage and care to a most excellent wife and most +darling children. I have, day and night, before my eyes the mourning +dresses, the tears of you all, and the weakness of your own health, +while the hope of recall presented to me is slender indeed. Many are +hostile, nearly all jealous. To expel me had been difficult, to keep me +out is easy. However, as long as you entertain any hope, I will not give +way, lest all should seem lost by my fault. As to your anxiety for my +personal safety, that is now the easiest thing in the world for me, for +even my enemies desire me to go on living in this utter wretchedness. I +will, however, do as you bid me. I have thanked the friends you desired +me to thank, and I have delivered the letters to Dexippus, and have +mentioned that you had informed me of their kindness. That our Piso has +shewn surprising zeal and kindness to us I can see for myself, but +everybody also tells me of it. God grant that I may be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> allowed, along +with you and our children, to enjoy the actual society of such a +son-in-law! For the present our one remaining hope is in the new +tribunes, and that, too, in the first days of their office; if the +matter is allowed to get stale, it is all over with us. It is for that +reason that I have sent Aristocritus back to you at once, in order that +you may be able to write to me on the spot as to the first official +steps taken, and the progress of the whole business; although I have +also given Dexippus orders to hurry back here at once, and I have sent a +message to my brother to despatch letter-carriers frequently. For the +professed object of my being at Dyrrachium at the present juncture is +that I may hear as speedily as possible what is being done; and I am in +no personal danger, for this town has always been defended by me. When I +am told that enemies are on their way here I shall retire into Epirus. +As to your coming to me, as you say you will if I wish it—for my part, +knowing that a large part of this burden is supported by you, I should +like you to remain where you are. If you succeed in your attempt I must +come to you: but if, on the other hand—but I needn't write the rest. +From your first, or at most, your second letter, I shall be able to +decide what I must do. Only be sure you tell me everything with the +greatest minuteness, although I ought now to be looking out for some +practical step rather than a letter. Take care of your health, and +assure yourself that nothing is or has ever been dearer to me than you +are. Good-bye, my dear Terentia, whom I seem to see before my eyes, and +so am dissolved in tears. Good-bye!</p> + +<p>29 November.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXXXIV_A_III_24" id="LXXXIV_A_III_24"></a>LXXXIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 24</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Dyrrachium, 10 December</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 48</div> + +<p>When, some time ago, I received letters from you all stating that with +your consent the vote for the expenses of the consular provinces had +been taken, though I was nervous as to the result of the measure, I yet +hoped that you saw some good reason for it beyond what I could see: but +when I was informed by word of mouth and by letters that this policy of +yours was strongly censured, I was much disturbed, because the hope +which I had cherished, faint as it was, seemed completely destroyed. For +if the tribunes are angry with us, what hope can there be? And, indeed, +they seem to have reason to be angry, since they, who had undertaken my +cause, have not been consulted on the measure; while by your assenting +to it they have been deprived of all the legitimate influence of their +office: and that though they profess that it was for my sake that they +wished to have the vote for the outfit of the consuls under their +control, not in order to curtail their freedom of action, but in order +to attach them to my cause:<a name="FNanchor_371_371" id="FNanchor_371_371"></a><a href="#Footnote_371_371" class="fnanchor">[371]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> that as things stand now, supposing +the consuls to choose to take part against me, they can do so without +let or hindrance, but if they wish to do anything in my favour they are +powerless if the tribunes object. For as to what you say in your letter, +that, if your party had not consented, they would have obtained their +object by a popular vote—that would have been impossible against the +will of the tribunes.<a name="FNanchor_372_372" id="FNanchor_372_372"></a><a href="#Footnote_372_372" class="fnanchor">[372]</a> So I fear, on the one hand, that I have lost +the favour of the tribunes; and on the other, even supposing that favour +to remain, that the tie has been lost by which the consuls were to be +attached. Added to this is another disadvantage, the abandonment of the +weighty resolution—as, indeed, it was reported to me—that the senate +should pass no decree until my case had been decided, and that, too, in +the case of a measure which was not only not urgent, but even contrary +to custom and unprecedented. For I think there is no precedent for +voting the provincial outfit of magistrates when still only designate: +so that, since in a matter like this the firm line<a name="FNanchor_373_373" id="FNanchor_373_373"></a><a href="#Footnote_373_373" class="fnanchor">[373]</a> on which my +cause had been taken up has been infringed, there is now no reason why +any decree should not be passed. It is not surprising that those friends +to whom the question was referred assented, for it was difficult to find +anyone to express an opinion openly against proposals so advantageous to +two consuls. It would in any case have been difficult not to be +complaisant to such a warm friend as Lentulus, or to Metellus after the +exceedingly kind way in which he put aside his quarrel with me. But I +fear that, while failing to keep a hold on them, we have lost the +tribunes. How this matter has occurred, and in what position the whole +business stands, I would have you write to me, and in the same spirit as +before: for your outspoken candour, even if not altogether pleasant, is +yet what I prefer.</p> + +<p>10 December.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXXXV_A_III_25" id="LXXXV_A_III_25"></a>LXXXV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 25</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (? IN EPIRUS<a name="FNanchor_374_374" id="FNanchor_374_374"></a><a href="#Footnote_374_374" class="fnanchor">[374]</a>)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Dyrrachium (December)</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT</span> 48</div> + +<p>After you left me I received a letter from Rome, from which I see +clearly that I must rot away in this state of disfranchisement: for I +can't believe (don't be offended at my saying so) that you would have +left town at this juncture, if there had been the least hope left of my +restoration. But I pass over this, that I may not seem to be ungrateful +and to wish everything to share my own ruin. All I ask of you is what +you have faithfully promised, that you will appear before the 1st of +January wherever I may be.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXXVI_A_III_26" id="LXXXVI_A_III_26"></a>LXXXVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 26</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57. Coss., P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, Q. Cæcilius +Metellus Nepos.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The new year found Cicero still at Dyrrachium, waiting for the law +to pass for his recall, which (owing chiefly to the riotous +opposition of Clodius) did not pass till the 5th of August. We have +no letters in the interval between January and August, but a few +lively ones recounting the nature of his return (4th of September), +and four speeches dealing with his position and that of his +property. He seems at once to have attached himself to Pompey, and +to have promoted his appointment as <i>præfectus annonæ</i>.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (? IN EPIRUS<a href="#Footnote_374_374" class="fnanchor">[374]</a>)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Dyrrachium, January</span></h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 49</div> + +<p>I have received a letter from my brother Quintus inclosing the decree of +the senate passed concerning me. My intention is to await the time for +legislation, and, if the law is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> defeated, I shall avail myself of the +resolution of the senate,<a name="FNanchor_375_375" id="FNanchor_375_375"></a><a href="#Footnote_375_375" class="fnanchor">[375]</a> and prefer to be deprived of my life +rather than of my country. Make haste, I beg, to come to me.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXXVII_A_III_27" id="LXXXVII_A_III_27"></a>LXXXVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A III, 27</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (? AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Dyrrachium (After 25 January)</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 49</div> + +<p>From your letter and from the bare facts I see that I am utterly +ruined.<a name="FNanchor_376_376" id="FNanchor_376_376"></a><a href="#Footnote_376_376" class="fnanchor">[376]</a> I implore you, in view of my deplorable position, to stand +by my family in whatever respect they shall need your help. I shall, as +you say, see you soon.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="LXXXVIII_F_V_4" id="LXXXVIII_F_V_4"></a>LXXXVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, 4</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO Q. METELLUS THE CONSUL (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Dyrrachium (January)</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 49</div> + +<p>A letter from my brother Quintus, and one from my friend Titus +Pomponius, had given me so much hope, that I depended on your assistance +no less than on that of your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> colleague. Accordingly, I at once sent you +a letter in which, as my present position required, I offered you thanks +and asked for the continuance of your assistance. Later on, not so much +the letters of my friends, as the conversation of travellers by this +route, indicated that your feelings had undergone a change; and that +circumstance prevented my venturing to trouble you with letters. Now, +however, my brother Quintus has sent me a copy which he had made of your +exceedingly kind speech delivered in the senate. Induced by this I have +attempted to write to you, and I do ask and beg of you, as far as I may +without giving you offence, to preserve your own friends along with me, +rather than attack me to satisfy the unreasonable vindictiveness of your +connexions. You have, indeed, conquered yourself so far as to lay aside +your own enmity for the sake of the Republic: will you be induced to +support that of others <i>against</i> the interests of the Republic? But if +you will in your clemency now give me assistance, I promise you that I +will be at your service henceforth: but if neither magistrates, nor +senate, nor people are permitted to aid me, owing to the violence which +has proved too strong for me, and for the state as well, take care +lest—though you may wish the opportunity back again for retaining all +and sundry in their rights—you find yourself unable to do so, because +there will be nobody to be retained.<a name="FNanchor_377_377" id="FNanchor_377_377"></a><a href="#Footnote_377_377" class="fnanchor">[377]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="LXXXIX_A_IV_1" id="LXXXIX_A_IV_1"></a>LXXXIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 1</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome (September)</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 49</div> + +<p>Directly I arrived at Rome, and there was anyone to whom I could safely +intrust a letter for you, I thought the very first thing I ought to do +was to congratulate you in your absence on my return. For I knew, to +speak candidly, that though in giving me advice you had not been more +courageous or far-seeing than myself, nor—considering my devotion to +you in the past—too careful in protecting me from disaster, yet that +you—though sharing in the first instance in my mistake, or rather +madness, and in my groundless terror—had nevertheless been deeply +grieved at our separation, and had bestowed immense pains, zeal, care, +and labour in securing my return. Accordingly, I can truly assure you of +this, that in the midst of supreme joy and the most gratifying +congratulations, the one thing wanting to fill my cup of happiness to +the brim is the sight of you, or rather your embrace; and if I ever +forfeit that again, when I have once got possession of it, and if, too, +I do not exact the full delights of your charming society that have +fallen into arrear in the past, I shall certainly consider myself +unworthy of this renewal of my good fortune.</p> + +<p>In regard to my political position, I have resumed what I thought there +would be the utmost difficulty in recovering—my brilliant standing at +the bar, my influence in the senate, and a popularity with the loyalists +even greater than I desired. In regard, however, to my private +property—as to which you are well aware to what an extent it has been +crippled, scattered, and plundered—I am in great difficulties, and +stand in need, not so much of your means (which I look upon as my own), +as of your advice for collecting and restoring to a sound state the +fragments that remain. For the present, though I believe everything +finds its way to you in the letters of your friends, or even by +messengers and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> rumour, yet I will write briefly what I think you would +like to learn from my letters above all others. On the 4th of August I +started from Dyrrachium, the very day on which the law about me was +carried. I arrived at Brundisium on the 5th of August. There my dear +Tulliola met me on what was her own birthday, which happened also to be +the name-day of the colony of Brundisium and of the temple of Safety, +near your house. This coincidence was noticed and celebrated with warm +congratulations by the citizens of Brundisium. On the 8th of August, +while still at Brundisium, I learnt by a letter from Quintus that the +law had been passed at the <i>comitia centuriata</i> with a surprising +enthusiasm on the part of all ages and ranks, and with an incredible +influx of voters from Italy. I then commenced my journey, amidst the +compliments of the men of highest consideration at Brundisium, and was +met at every point by legates bearing congratulations. My arrival in the +neighbourhood of the city was the signal for every soul of every order +known to my nomenclator coming out to meet me, except those enemies who +could not either dissemble or deny the fact of their being such. On my +arrival at the Porta Capena, the steps of the temples were already +thronged from top to bottom<a name="FNanchor_378_378" id="FNanchor_378_378"></a><a href="#Footnote_378_378" class="fnanchor">[378]</a> by the populace; and while their +congratulations were displayed by the loudest possible applause, a +similar throng and similar applause accompanied me right up to the +Capitol, and in the forum and on the Capitol itself there was again a +wonderful crowd. Next day, in the senate, that is, the 5th of September, +I spoke my thanks to the senators. Two days after that—there having +been a very heavy rise in the price of corn, and great crowds having +flocked first to the theatre and then to the senate-house, shouting out, +at the instigation of Clodius, that the scarcity of corn was my +doing—meetings of the senate being held on those days to discuss the +corn question, and Pompey being called upon to undertake the management +of its supply in the common talk not only of the plebs, but of the +aristocrats also, and being himself desirous of the commission, when the +people at large called upon me by name to support a decree to that +effect,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> I did so, and gave my vote in a carefully-worded speech. The +other consulars, except Messalla and Afranius, having absented +themselves on the ground that they could not vote with safety to +themselves, a decree of the senate was passed in the sense of my motion, +namely, that Pompey should be appealed to to undertake the business, and +that a law should be proposed to that effect. This decree of the senate +having been publicly read, and the people having, after the senseless +and new-fangled custom that now prevails, applauded the mention of my +name,<a name="FNanchor_379_379" id="FNanchor_379_379"></a><a href="#Footnote_379_379" class="fnanchor">[379]</a> I delivered a speech. All the magistrates present, except one +prætor and two tribunes, called on me to speak.<a name="FNanchor_380_380" id="FNanchor_380_380"></a><a href="#Footnote_380_380" class="fnanchor">[380]</a> Next day a full +senate, including all the consulars, granted everything that Pompey +asked for. Having demanded fifteen legates, he named me first in the +list, and said that he should regard me in all things as a second self. +The consuls drew up a law by which complete control over the corn-supply +for five years throughout the whole world was given to Pompey. A second +law is drawn up by Messius,<a name="FNanchor_381_381" id="FNanchor_381_381"></a><a href="#Footnote_381_381" class="fnanchor">[381]</a> granting him power over all money, and +adding a fleet and army, and an <i>imperium</i> in the provinces superior to +that of their governors. After that our consular law seems moderate +indeed: that of Messius is quite intolerable. Pompey professes to prefer +the former; his friends the latter. The consulars led by Favonius +murmur: I hold my tongue, the more so that the pontifices have as yet +given no answer in regard to my house.<a name="FNanchor_382_382" id="FNanchor_382_382"></a><a href="#Footnote_382_382" class="fnanchor">[382]</a> If they annul the +consecration I shall have a splendid site. The consuls, in accordance +with a decree of the senate, will value the cost of the building that +stood upon it; but if the pontifices decide otherwise, they will pull +down the Clodian building, give out a contract in their own name (for a +temple), and value to me the cost of a site and house. So our affairs +are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"For happy though but ill, for ill not worst."<a name="FNanchor_383_383" id="FNanchor_383_383"></a><a href="#Footnote_383_383" class="fnanchor">[383]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>In regard to money matters I am, as you know, much embarrassed. Besides, +there are certain domestic troubles, which I do not intrust to writing. +My brother Quintus I love as he deserves for his eminent qualities of +loyalty, virtue, and good faith. I am longing to see you, and beg you to +hasten your return, resolved not to allow me to be without the benefit +of your advice. I am on the threshold, as it were, of a second life. +Already certain persons who defended me in my absence begin to nurse a +secret grudge at me now that I am here, and to make no secret of their +jealousy. I want you very much.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XC_A_IV_2" id="XC_A_IV_2"></a>XC (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome (October)</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 49</div> + +<p>If by any chance you get letters less frequently from me than from +others, I beg you not to put it down to my negligence, or even to my +engagements; for though they are very heavy, there can be none +sufficient to stop the course of our mutual affection and of the +attention I owe to you. The fact is that, since my return to Rome, this +is only the second time that I have been told of anyone to whom I could +deliver a letter, and accordingly this is my second letter to you. In my +former I described the reception I had on my return, what my political +position was, and how my affairs were.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"For happy though but ill, for ill not worst."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>The despatch of that letter was followed by a great controversy about my +house. I delivered a speech before the pontifices on the 29th of +September. I pleaded my cause with care, and if I ever was worth +anything as a speaker, or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> even if I never was on any other occasion, on +this one at any rate my indignation at the business, and the importance +of it, did add a certain vigour to my style.<a name="FNanchor_384_384" id="FNanchor_384_384"></a><a href="#Footnote_384_384" class="fnanchor">[384]</a> Accordingly, the +rising generation must not be left without the benefit of this speech, +which I shall send you all the same, even if you don't want it.<a name="FNanchor_385_385" id="FNanchor_385_385"></a><a href="#Footnote_385_385" class="fnanchor">[385]</a> The +decree of the pontifices was as follows: "If neither by order of the +people nor vote of the plebs the party alleging that he had dedicated +had been appointed by name to that function, nor by order of the people +or vote of the plebs had been commanded to do so, we are of opinion that +the part of the site in question may be restored to M. Tullius without +violence to religion." Upon this I was at once congratulated—for no one +doubted that my house was thereby adjudged to me—when all on a sudden +that fellow mounts the platform to address a meeting, invited to speak +by Appius,<a name="FNanchor_386_386" id="FNanchor_386_386"></a><a href="#Footnote_386_386" class="fnanchor">[386]</a> and announces at once to the people that the pontifices +had decided in his favour,<a name="FNanchor_387_387" id="FNanchor_387_387"></a><a href="#Footnote_387_387" class="fnanchor">[387]</a> but that I was endeavouring to take +forcible possession; he exhorts them to follow himself and Appius to +defend their own shrine of Liberty.<a name="FNanchor_388_388" id="FNanchor_388_388"></a><a href="#Footnote_388_388" class="fnanchor">[388]</a> Hereupon, when even those +credulous hearers partly wondered and partly laughed at the fellow's mad +folly, I resolved not to go near the place until such time as the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> +consuls by decree of the senate had given out the contract for restoring +the colonnade of Catulus.<a name="FNanchor_389_389" id="FNanchor_389_389"></a><a href="#Footnote_389_389" class="fnanchor">[389]</a> On the 1st of October there was a full +meeting of the senate. All the pontifices who were senators were invited +to attend, and Marcellinus,<a name="FNanchor_390_390" id="FNanchor_390_390"></a><a href="#Footnote_390_390" class="fnanchor">[390]</a> who is a great admirer of mine, being +called on to speak first, asked them what was the purport of their +decree. Then M. Lucullus, speaking for all his colleagues, answered that +the pontifices were judges of a question of religion, the senate of the +validity of a law: that he and his colleagues had given a decision on a +point of religion; in the senate they would with the other senators +decide on the law. Accordingly, each of them, when asked in their proper +order for their opinion, delivered long arguments in my favour. When it +came to Clodius's turn, he wished to talk out the day, and he went on +endlessly; however, after he had spoken for nearly three hours, he was +forced by the loud expression of the senate's disgust to finish his +speech at last. On the decree in accordance with the proposal of +Marcellinus passing the senate against a minority of one, Serranus +interposed his veto.<a name="FNanchor_391_391" id="FNanchor_391_391"></a><a href="#Footnote_391_391" class="fnanchor">[391]</a> At once both consuls referred the question of +Serranus's veto to the senate. After some very resolute speeches had +been delivered—"that it was the decision of the senate that the house +should be restored to me": "that a contract should be given out for the +colonnade of Catulus": "that the resolution of the house should be +supported by all the magistrates": "that if any violence occurred, the +senate would consider it to be the fault of the magistrate who vetoed +the decree of the senate"—Serranus became thoroughly frightened, and +Cornicinus repeated his old farce: throwing off his toga, he flung +himself at his son-in-law's feet.<a name="FNanchor_392_392" id="FNanchor_392_392"></a><a href="#Footnote_392_392" class="fnanchor">[392]</a> The former demanded a night for +consideration.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> They would not grant it: for they remembered the 1st of +January. It was, however, at last granted with difficulty on my +interposition. Next day the decree of the senate was passed which I send +you. Thereupon the consuls gave out a contract for the restoration of +the colonnade of Catulus: the contractors immediately cleared that +portico of his away to the satisfaction of all.<a name="FNanchor_393_393" id="FNanchor_393_393"></a><a href="#Footnote_393_393" class="fnanchor">[393]</a> The buildings of my +house the consuls, by the advice of their assessors, valued at 2,000,000 +sesterces (about £16,000).<a name="FNanchor_394_394" id="FNanchor_394_394"></a><a href="#Footnote_394_394" class="fnanchor">[394]</a> The rest was valued very stingily. My +Tusculan villa at 500,000 sesterces (about £4,000): my villa at Formiæ +at 250,000 sesterces (about £2,000)—an estimate loudly exclaimed +against not only by all the best men, but even by the common people. You +will say, "What was the reason?" They for their part say it was my +modesty—because I would neither say no, nor make any violent +expostulation. But that is not the real cause: for that indeed in itself +would have been in my favour.<a name="FNanchor_395_395" id="FNanchor_395_395"></a><a href="#Footnote_395_395" class="fnanchor">[395]</a> But, my dear Pomponius, those very +same men, I tell you, of whom you are no more ignorant than myself, +having clipped my wings, are unwilling that they should grow again to +their old size. But, as I hope, they are already growing again. Only +come to me! But this, I fear, may be retarded by the visit of your and +my friend Varro. Having now heard the actual course of public business, +let me inform you of what I have in my thoughts besides. I have allowed +myself to be made <i>legatus</i> to Pompey, but only on condition that +nothing should stand in the way of my being entirely free either to +stand, if I choose, for the censorship—if the next consuls hold a +censorial election—or to assume<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> a "votive commission" in connexion +with nearly any fanes or sacred groves.<a name="FNanchor_396_396" id="FNanchor_396_396"></a><a href="#Footnote_396_396" class="fnanchor">[396]</a> For this is what falls in +best with our general policy and my particular occasions. But I wished +the power to remain in my hands of <i>either</i> standing for election, <i>or</i> +at the beginning of the summer of going out of town: and meanwhile I +thought it not disadvantageous to keep myself before the eyes of the +citizens who had treated me generously. Well, such are my plans in +regard to public affairs; my domestic affairs are very intricate and +difficult. My town house is being built: you know how much expense and +annoyance the repair of my Formian villa occasions me, which I can +neither bear to relinquish nor to look at. I have advertised my Tusculan +property for sale; I don't much care for a suburban residence.<a name="FNanchor_397_397" id="FNanchor_397_397"></a><a href="#Footnote_397_397" class="fnanchor">[397]</a> The +liberality of friends has been exhausted in a business which brought me +nothing but dishonour: and this you perceived though absent, as did +others on the spot, by whose zeal and wealth I could easily have +obtained all I wanted, had only my supporters allowed it.<a name="FNanchor_398_398" id="FNanchor_398_398"></a><a href="#Footnote_398_398" class="fnanchor">[398]</a> In this +respect I am now in serious difficulty. Other causes of anxiety are +somewhat more of the <i>tacenda</i> kind.<a name="FNanchor_399_399" id="FNanchor_399_399"></a><a href="#Footnote_399_399" class="fnanchor">[399]</a> My<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> brother and daughter treat +me with affection. I am looking forward to seeing you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XCI_A_IV_3" id="XCI_A_IV_3"></a>XCI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 3</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 24 November</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 49</div> + +<p>I am very well aware that you long to know what is going on here, and +also to know it from me, not because things done before the eyes of the +whole world are better realized when narrated by my hand than when +reported to you by the pens or lips of others, but because it is from my +letters that you get what you want—a knowledge of <i>my</i> feelings in +regard to the occurrences, and what at such a juncture is the state of +my mind, or, in a word, the conditions in which I am living. On the 3rd +of November the workmen were driven from the site of my house by armed +ruffians: the <i>porticus Catuli</i>,<a name="FNanchor_400_400" id="FNanchor_400_400"></a><a href="#Footnote_400_400" class="fnanchor">[400]</a> which was being rebuilt on a +contract given out by the consuls, in accordance with a decree of the +senate, and had nearly reached the roof, was battered down: the house of +my brother Quintus<a name="FNanchor_401_401" id="FNanchor_401_401"></a><a href="#Footnote_401_401" class="fnanchor">[401]</a> was first smashed with volleys of stones thrown +from my site, and then set on fire by order of Clodius, firebrands +having been thrown into it in the sight of the whole town, amidst loud +exclamations of indignation and sorrow, I will not say of the +loyalists—for I rather think there <i>are</i> none—but of simply every +human being. That madman runs riot: thinks after this mad prank of +nothing short of murdering his opponents: canvasses the city street by +street: makes open offers of freedom to slaves. For the fact is that up +to this time, while trying to avoid prosecution,<a name="FNanchor_402_402" id="FNanchor_402_402"></a><a href="#Footnote_402_402" class="fnanchor">[402]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> he had a case, +difficult indeed to support, and obviously bad, but still a case: he +might have denied the facts, he might have shifted the blame on others, +he might even have pleaded that some part of his proceedings had been +legal. But after such wrecking of buildings, incendiaries, and wholesale +robberies as these, being abandoned by his supporters, he hardly retains +on his side Decimus the marshal,<a name="FNanchor_403_403" id="FNanchor_403_403"></a><a href="#Footnote_403_403" class="fnanchor">[403]</a> or Gellius; takes slaves into his +confidence; sees that, even if he openly assassinates everyone he wishes +to, he will not have a worse case before a court of law than he has at +present. Accordingly, on the 11th of November, as I was going down the +Sacred Way, he followed me with his gang. There were shouts, +stone-throwing, brandishing of clubs and swords, and all this without a +moment's warning. I and my party stepped aside into Tettius Damio's +vestibule: those accompanying me easily prevented his roughs from +getting in. He might have been killed himself.<a name="FNanchor_404_404" id="FNanchor_404_404"></a><a href="#Footnote_404_404" class="fnanchor">[404]</a> But I am now on a +system of cure by regimen: I am tired of surgery. The fellow, seeing +that what everybody called for was not his prosecution but his instant +execution, has since made all your Catilines seem models of +respectability.<a name="FNanchor_405_405" id="FNanchor_405_405"></a><a href="#Footnote_405_405" class="fnanchor">[405]</a> For on the 12th of November he tried to storm and +set fire to Milo's house, I mean the one on Germalus:<a name="FNanchor_406_406" id="FNanchor_406_406"></a><a href="#Footnote_406_406" class="fnanchor">[406]</a> and so openly +was this done, that at eleven o'clock in the morning he brought men +there armed with shields and with their swords drawn, and others with +lighted torches. He had himself occupied the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> house of P. Sulla<a name="FNanchor_407_407" id="FNanchor_407_407"></a><a href="#Footnote_407_407" class="fnanchor">[407]</a> as +his headquarters from which to conduct the assault upon Milo's. +Thereupon Q. Flaccus led out some gallant fellows from Milo's other +house (the <i>Anniana</i>): killed the most notorious bravoes of all +Clodius's gang: wanted to kill Clodius himself; but my gentleman took +refuge in the inner part of Sulla's house. The next thing was a meeting +of the senate on the 14th. Clodius stayed at home: Marcellinus<a name="FNanchor_408_408" id="FNanchor_408_408"></a><a href="#Footnote_408_408" class="fnanchor">[408]</a> was +splendid: all were keen. Metellus<a name="FNanchor_409_409" id="FNanchor_409_409"></a><a href="#Footnote_409_409" class="fnanchor">[409]</a> talked the business out by an +obstructive speech, aided by Appius, and also, by Hercules! by your +friend on whose firmness you wrote me such a wonderfully true letter! +Sestius<a name="FNanchor_410_410" id="FNanchor_410_410"></a><a href="#Footnote_410_410" class="fnanchor">[410]</a> was fuming. Afterwards the fellow vows vengeance on the +city if his election is stopped. Marcellinus's resolution having been +exposed for public perusal (he had read it from a written copy, and it +embraced our entire case—the prosecution was to include his violent +proceedings on the site of my house, his arson, his assault on me +personally, and was to take place before the elections), he put up a +notice that he intended to watch the sky during all comitial days.<a name="FNanchor_411_411" id="FNanchor_411_411"></a><a href="#Footnote_411_411" class="fnanchor">[411]</a> +Public speeches of Metellus disorderly,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> of Appius hot-headed, of +Publius stark mad. The upshot, however, was that, had not Milo served +his notice of bad omens in the <i>campus</i>, the elections would have been +held. On the 19th of November Milo arrived on the <i>campus</i> before +midnight with a large company. Clodius, though he had picked gangs of +runaway slaves, did not venture into the <i>campus</i>. Milo stopped there +till midday,<a name="FNanchor_412_412" id="FNanchor_412_412"></a><a href="#Footnote_412_412" class="fnanchor">[412]</a> to everybody's great delight and his own infinite +credit: the movement of the three brethren<a name="FNanchor_413_413" id="FNanchor_413_413"></a><a href="#Footnote_413_413" class="fnanchor">[413]</a> ended in their own +disgrace; their violence was crushed, their madness made ridiculous. +However, Metellus demands that the obstructive notice should be served +on him next day in the forum: "there was no need to come to the <i>campus</i> +before daybreak: he would be in the <i>comitium</i> at the first hour of the +day."<a name="FNanchor_414_414" id="FNanchor_414_414"></a><a href="#Footnote_414_414" class="fnanchor">[414]</a> Accordingly, on the 20th Milo came to the forum before +sunrise. Metellus at the first sign of dawn was stealthily hurrying to +the <i>campus</i>, I had almost said by by-lanes: Milo catches our friend up +"between the groves"<a name="FNanchor_415_415" id="FNanchor_415_415"></a><a href="#Footnote_415_415" class="fnanchor">[415]</a> and serves his notice. The latter returned +greeted with loud and insulting remarks by Q. Flaccus. The 21st was a +market day.<a name="FNanchor_416_416" id="FNanchor_416_416"></a><a href="#Footnote_416_416" class="fnanchor">[416]</a> For two days no public meeting. I am writing this +letter on the 23rd at three o'clock in the morning. Milo is already in +possession of the <i>campus</i>. The candidate Marcellus<a name="FNanchor_417_417" id="FNanchor_417_417"></a><a href="#Footnote_417_417" class="fnanchor">[417]</a> is snoring so +loud that I can hear him next door. I am told that Clodius's vestibule +is completely deserted: there are a few ragged fellows there and a +canvas lantern.<a name="FNanchor_418_418" id="FNanchor_418_418"></a><a href="#Footnote_418_418" class="fnanchor">[418]</a> His party complains<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> that I am the adviser of the +whole business: they little know the courage and wisdom of that hero! +His gallantry is astonishing. Some recent instances of his superhuman +excellence I pass over; but the upshot is this: I don't think the +election will take place. I think Publius will be brought to trial by +Milo—unless he is killed first. If he once puts himself in his way in a +riot, I can see that he will be killed by Milo himself. The latter has +no scruple about doing it; he avows his intention; he isn't at all +afraid of what happened to me, for <i>he</i> will never listen to the advice +of a jealous and faithless friend, nor trust a feeble aristocrat. In +spirit, at any rate, I am as vigorous as in my zenith, or even more so; +in regard to money I am crippled. However, the liberality of my brother +I have, in spite of his protests, repaid (as the state of my finances +compelled) by the aid of my friends, that I might not be drained quite +dry myself. What line of policy to adopt in regard to my position as a +whole, I cannot decide in your absence: wherefore make haste to town.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XCII_Q_FR_II_1" id="XCII_Q_FR_II_1"></a>XCII (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 1</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN SARDINIA<a name="FNanchor_419_419" id="FNanchor_419_419"></a><a href="#Footnote_419_419" class="fnanchor">[419]</a>)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">10 December</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 49</div> + +<p>The letter which you have already read I had sent off in the morning. +But Licinius was polite enough to call on me in the evening after the +senate had risen, that, in case of any business having been done there, +I might, if I thought good, write an account of it to you. The senate +was fuller than I had thought possible in the month of December just<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> +before the holidays. Of us consulars there were P. Servilius, M. +Lucullus, Lepidus, Volcatius, Glabrio: the two consuls-designate; the +prætors. We were a really full house: two hundred in all.<a name="FNanchor_420_420" id="FNanchor_420_420"></a><a href="#Footnote_420_420" class="fnanchor">[420]</a> Lupus had +excited some interest.<a name="FNanchor_421_421" id="FNanchor_421_421"></a><a href="#Footnote_421_421" class="fnanchor">[421]</a> He raised the question of the Campanian land +in considerable detail. He was listened to in profound silence. You are +not unaware what material that subject affords. He omitted none of the +points which I had made in this business.<a name="FNanchor_422_422" id="FNanchor_422_422"></a><a href="#Footnote_422_422" class="fnanchor">[422]</a> There were some sharp +thrusts at Cæsar, some denunciations of Gellius, some appeals to the +absent Pompey. After concluding his speech at a late hour, he said that +he would not ask for our votes lest he might burden us with a personal +controversy; he quite understood the sentiments of the senate from the +denunciations of past times and the silence on the present occasion. +Milo spoke. Lupus begins the formula of dismissal,<a name="FNanchor_423_423" id="FNanchor_423_423"></a><a href="#Footnote_423_423" class="fnanchor">[423]</a> when Marcellinus +says: "Don't infer from our silence, Lupus, what we approve or +disapprove of at this particular time. As far as I am concerned, and I +think it is the same with the rest, I am only silent because I do not +think it suitable that the case of the Campanian land should be debated +in Pompey's absence." Then Lupus said that he would not detain the +senate.<a href="#Footnote_423_423" class="fnanchor">[423]</a> Racilius rose and began bringing before the house the case +of the proposed prosecutions. He calls upon Marcellinus, of course, +first;<a name="FNanchor_424_424" id="FNanchor_424_424"></a><a href="#Footnote_424_424" class="fnanchor">[424]</a> who, after complaining in serious tones of the Clodian +incendiaries, massacres, and stonings, proposed a resolution that +"Clodius himself should, under the superintendence of the prætor +urbanus, have his jury allotted to him; that the elections should be +held only when the allotment of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> jurors<a name="FNanchor_425_425" id="FNanchor_425_425"></a><a href="#Footnote_425_425" class="fnanchor">[425]</a> had been completed; that +whoever stopped the trials would be acting against the interests of the +state."<a name="FNanchor_426_426" id="FNanchor_426_426"></a><a href="#Footnote_426_426" class="fnanchor">[426]</a> The proposal having been received with warm approval, Gaius +Cato<a name="FNanchor_427_427" id="FNanchor_427_427"></a><a href="#Footnote_427_427" class="fnanchor">[427]</a>—as did also Cassius—spoke against it, with very emphatic +murmurs of disapprobation on the part of the senate, when he proposed to +hold the elections before the trials. Philippus supported Lentulus.<a name="FNanchor_428_428" id="FNanchor_428_428"></a><a href="#Footnote_428_428" class="fnanchor">[428]</a> +After that Racilius called on me first of the unofficial senators for my +opinion.<a name="FNanchor_429_429" id="FNanchor_429_429"></a><a href="#Footnote_429_429" class="fnanchor">[429]</a> I made a long speech upon the whole story of P. Clodius's +mad proceedings and murderous violence: I impeached him as though he +were on his trial, amidst frequent murmurs of approbation from the whole +senate. My speech was praised at considerable length, and, by Hercules! +with no little oratorical skill by Antistius Vetus, who also supported +the priority of the legal proceedings, and declared that he should +consider it of the first importance. The senators were crossing the +floor in support of this view,<a name="FNanchor_430_430" id="FNanchor_430_430"></a><a href="#Footnote_430_430" class="fnanchor">[430]</a> when Clodius, being called on, began +trying to talk out the sitting. He spoke in furious terms of having been +attacked by Racilius in an unreasonable and discourteous manner. Then +his roughs on the Græcostasis<a name="FNanchor_431_431" id="FNanchor_431_431"></a><a href="#Footnote_431_431" class="fnanchor">[431]</a> and the steps of the house suddenly +raised<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> a pretty loud shout, in wrath, I suppose, against Q. Sextilius +and the other friends of Milo. At this sudden alarm we broke up with +loud expressions of indignation on all sides. Here are the transactions +of one day for you: the rest, I think, will be put off to January. Of +all the tribunes I think Racilius is by far the best: Antistius also +seems likely to be friendly to me: Plancius, of course, is wholly ours. +Pray, if you love me, be careful and cautious about sailing in December.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XCIII_F_VII_26" id="XCIII_F_VII_26"></a>XCIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 26</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO M. FADIUS GALLUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Tusculum</span><a name="FNanchor_432_432" id="FNanchor_432_432"></a><a href="#Footnote_432_432" class="fnanchor">[432]</a> (? <span class="smcap">December</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 49</div> + +<p>Having been suffering for nine days past from a severe disorder of the +bowels, and being unable to convince those who desired my services that +I was ill because I had no fever, I fled to my Tusculan villa, after +having, in fact, observed for two days so strict a fast as not even to +drink a drop of water. Accordingly, being thoroughly reduced by weakness +and hunger, I was more in want of your services than I thought mine +could be required by you. For myself, while shrinking from all +illnesses, I especially shrink from that in regard to which the Stoics +attack your friend Epicurus for saying that "he suffered from strangury +and pains in the bowels"—the latter of which complaints they attribute +to gluttony, the former to a still graver indulgence. I had been really +much afraid of dysentery. But either the change of residence, or the +mere relaxation of anxiety, or perhaps the natural abatement of the +complaint from lapse of time, seems to me to have done me good. However, +to prevent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> your wondering how this came about, or in what manner I let +myself in for it, I must tell you that the sumptuary law, supposed to +have introduced plain living, was the origin of my misfortune. For +whilst your epicures wish to bring into fashion the products of the +earth, which are not forbidden by the law, they flavour mushrooms, +<i>petits choux</i>, and every kind of pot-herb so as to make them the most +tempting dishes possible.<a name="FNanchor_433_433" id="FNanchor_433_433"></a><a href="#Footnote_433_433" class="fnanchor">[433]</a> Having fallen a victim to these in the +augural banquet at the house of Lentulus, I was seized with a violent +diarrhœa, which, I think, has been checked to-day for the first time. +And so I, who abstain from oysters and lampreys without any difficulty, +have been beguiled by beet and mallows. Henceforth, therefore, I shall +be more cautious. Yet, having heard of it from Anicius<a name="FNanchor_434_434" id="FNanchor_434_434"></a><a href="#Footnote_434_434" class="fnanchor">[434]</a>—for he saw +me turning sick—you had every reason not only for sending to inquire, +but even for coming to see me. I am thinking of remaining here till I am +thoroughly restored, for I have lost both strength and flesh. However, +if I can once get completely rid of my complaint, I shall, I hope, +easily recover these.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XCIV_F_I_1" id="XCIV_F_I_1"></a>XCIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 1</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56. Coss., Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus, L. +Marcius Philippus.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>In the year <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56 the growing differences between the triumvirs +were temporarily composed at the meeting at Luca, and Cicero made +up his mind that the only course for him to pursue was to attach +himself to them, as the party of the <i>boni</i> had not, as he hoped, +taken advantage of those differences to attach Pompey to themselves +as a leader against Cæsar. His recantation is indicated in the +speeches <i>de Provinciis Consularibus</i> and <i>pro Balbo</i>, in which he +practically supports part, at least, of the arrangements of Luca.</p></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> + + +<h3>TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER<a name="FNanchor_435_435" id="FNanchor_435_435"></a><a href="#Footnote_435_435" class="fnanchor">[435]</a> (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 13 January</span></h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>Whatever attention or affection I may shew you, though it may seem +sufficient in the eyes of others, can never seem sufficient in my own. +For such has been the magnitude of your services to me that, inasmuch as +you never rested till my affair was brought to a conclusion, while I +cannot effect the same in your cause,<a name="FNanchor_436_436" id="FNanchor_436_436"></a><a href="#Footnote_436_436" class="fnanchor">[436]</a> I regard my life as a burden. +The difficulties are these. The king's agent, Hammonius, is openly +attacking us by bribery. The business is being carried out by means of +the same money-lenders as it was when you were in town. Such people as +wish it done for the king's sake—and they are few—are all for +intrusting the business to Pompey. The senate supports the trumped-up +religious scruple, not from any respect to religion, but from +ill-feeling towards him, and disgust at the king's outrageous bribery. I +never cease advising and instigating Pompey—even frankly finding fault +with and admonishing him—to avoid what would be a most discreditable +imputation.<a name="FNanchor_437_437" id="FNanchor_437_437"></a><a href="#Footnote_437_437" class="fnanchor">[437]</a> But he really leaves no room for either entreaties or +admonitions from me. For, whether in everyday conversation or in the +senate, no one could support your cause with greater eloquence, +seriousness, zeal, and energy than he has done, testifying in the +highest terms to your services<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> to himself and his affection for you. +Marcellinus, you know, is incensed with his flute-playing majesty.<a name="FNanchor_438_438" id="FNanchor_438_438"></a><a href="#Footnote_438_438" class="fnanchor">[438]</a> +In everything, saving and excepting this case of the king, he professes +the intention of being your champion. We take what he gives: nothing can +move him from his motion as to the religious difficulty, which he made +up his mind to bring, and has, in fact, brought several times before the +senate. The debate up to the Ides (for I am writing early in the morning +of the Ides<a name="FNanchor_439_439" id="FNanchor_439_439"></a><a href="#Footnote_439_439" class="fnanchor">[439]</a>) has been as follows: Hortensius and I and Lucullus +voted for yielding to the religious scruple as far as concerned the +army,<a name="FNanchor_440_440" id="FNanchor_440_440"></a><a href="#Footnote_440_440" class="fnanchor">[440]</a> for otherwise there was no possibility of getting the matter +through, but, in accordance with the decree already passed on your own +motion, were for directing you to restore the king, "so far as you may +do so without detriment to the state": so that while the religious +difficulty prohibits the employment of an army, the senate might still +retain you as the person authorized. Crassus votes for sending three +legates, not excluding Pompey: for he would allow them to be selected +even from such as are at present in possession of <i>imperium</i>.<a name="FNanchor_441_441" id="FNanchor_441_441"></a><a href="#Footnote_441_441" class="fnanchor">[441]</a> +Bibulus is for three legates selected from men without <i>imperium</i>. The +other consulars agree with the latter, except Servilius, who says that +he ought not to be restored at all: and Volcatius, who on the motion of +Lupus votes for giving the business to Pompey: and Afranius, who agrees +with Volcatius. This last fact increases the suspicion as to Pompey's +wishes: for it was noticed that Pompey's intimates agreed with +Volcatius. We are in a very great difficulty: the day seems going +against us. The notorious colloguing and eagerness of Libo and Hypsæus, +and the earnestness displayed by Pompey's intimates, have produced an +impression that Pompey desires it; and those who don't want him to have +it are at the same time annoyed with your having put power into his +hands.<a name="FNanchor_442_442" id="FNanchor_442_442"></a><a href="#Footnote_442_442" class="fnanchor">[442]</a> I have the less influence in the case<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> because I am under an +obligation to you. Moreover, whatever influence I might have had is +extinguished by the idea people entertain as to Pompey's wishes, for +they think they are gratifying him. We are in much the same position as +we were long before your departure: now, as then, the sore has been +fomented secretly by the king himself and by the friends and intimates +of Pompey, and then openly irritated by the consulars, till the popular +prejudice has been excited to the highest pitch. All the world shall +recognize my loyalty, and your friends on the spot shall see my +affection for you though you are absent. If there were any good faith in +those most bound to shew it, we should be in no difficulty at all.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XCV_F_I_2" id="XCV_F_I_2"></a>XCV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 15 January</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>Nothing was done on the 13th of January in the senate, because the day +was to a great extent spent in an altercation between the consul +Lentulus and the tribune Caninius. On that day I also spoke at +considerable length, and thought that I made a very great impression on +the senate by dwelling on your affection for the house. Accordingly, +next day we resolved that we would deliver our opinions briefly: for it +appeared to us that the feelings of the senate had been softened towards +us—the result not only of my speech, but of my personal appeal and +application to individual senators. Accordingly, the first proposition, +that of Bibulus, having been delivered, that three legates should +restore the king: the second, that of Hortensius, that you should +restore him without an army: the third, that of Volcatius, that Pompey +should do it, a demand was made that the proposal of Bibulus should be +taken in two parts.<a name="FNanchor_443_443" id="FNanchor_443_443"></a><a href="#Footnote_443_443" class="fnanchor">[443]</a> As far as he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> dealt with the religious +difficulty—a point which was now past being opposed—his motion was +carried; his proposition as to three legates was defeated by a large +majority. The next was the proposition of Hortensius. Thereupon the +tribune Lupus, on the ground that he had himself made a proposal about +Pompey, starts the contention that he ought to divide the house before +the consuls. His speech was received on all sides by loud cries of "No": +for it was both unfair and unprecedented. The consuls would not give in, +and yet did not oppose with any vigour. Their object was to waste the +day, and in that they succeeded:<a name="FNanchor_444_444" id="FNanchor_444_444"></a><a href="#Footnote_444_444" class="fnanchor">[444]</a> for they saw very well that many +times the number would vote for the proposal of Hortensius, although +they openly professed their agreement with Volcatius. Large numbers were +called upon for their opinion, and that, too, with the assent of the +consuls: for they wanted the proposal of Bibulus carried. This dispute +was protracted till nightfall, and the senate was dismissed. I happened +to be dining with Pompey on that day, and I seized the opportunity—the +best I have ever had, for since your departure I have never occupied a +more honourable position in the senate than I had on that day—of +talking to him in such a way, that I think I induced him to give up +every other idea and resolve to support your claims. And, indeed, when I +actually hear him talk, I acquit him entirely of all suspicion of +personal ambition: but when I regard his intimates of every rank, I +perceive, what is no secret to anybody, that this whole business has +been long ago corruptly manipulated by a certain coterie, not without +the king's own consent and that of his advisers.</p> + +<p>I write this on the 15th of January, before daybreak. To-day there is to +be a meeting of the senate. We shall maintain, as I hope, our position +in the senate as far as it is possible to do so in such an age of +perfidy and unfair deal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>ing. As to an appeal to the people on the +subject, we have, I think, secured that no proposition can be brought +before them without neglect of the auspices or breach of the laws, or, +in fine, without downright violence.<a name="FNanchor_445_445" id="FNanchor_445_445"></a><a href="#Footnote_445_445" class="fnanchor">[445]</a> The day before my writing +these words a resolution of the senate on these matters of the most +serious character was passed, and though Cato and Caninius vetoed it, it +was nevertheless written out.<a name="FNanchor_446_446" id="FNanchor_446_446"></a><a href="#Footnote_446_446" class="fnanchor">[446]</a> I suppose it has been sent to you. On +all other matters I will write and tell you what has been done, whatever +it is, and I will see that everything is carried out with the most +scrupulous fairness as far as my caution, labour, attention to details, +and influence can secure it.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XCVI_F_I_3" id="XCVI_F_I_3"></a>XCVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 3</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (? <span class="smcap">January</span>)</h4> + +<p class="center"><i>M. Cicero presents his compliments to P. Lentulus, proconsul.</i></p> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>Aulus Trebonius, who has important business in your province, both of +wide extent and sound, is an intimate friend of mine of many years' +standing. As before this he has always, both from his brilliant position +and the recommendations of myself and his other friends, enjoyed the +highest popularity in the province, so at the present time, trusting to +your affection for me and our close ties, he feels sure that this letter +of mine will give him a high place in your esteem. That he may not be +disappointed in that hope I earnestly beg of you, and I commend to you +all his business concerns, his freedmen, agents, and servants; and +specially<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> that you will confirm the decrees made by T. Ampius in his +regard, and treat him in all respects so as to convince him that my +recommendation is no mere ordinary one.<a name="FNanchor_447_447" id="FNanchor_447_447"></a><a href="#Footnote_447_447" class="fnanchor">[447]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XCVII_F_I_4" id="XCVII_F_I_4"></a>XCVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 4</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, January</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>Though in the senate of the 15th of January we made a most glorious +stand, seeing that on the previous day we had defeated the proposal of +Bibulus about the three legates, and the only contest left was with the +proposal of Volcatius, yet the business was spun out by our opponents by +various obstructive tactics. For we were carrying our view in a full +senate, in spite of the multifarious devices and inveterate jealousy of +those who were for transferring the cause of the king from you to some +one else. That day we found Curio very bitterly opposed, Bibulus much +more fair, almost friendly even. Caninius and Cato declared that they +would not propose any law before the elections. By the <i>lex Pupia</i>, as +you know, no senate could be held before the 1st of February, nor in +fact during the whole of February,<a name="FNanchor_448_448" id="FNanchor_448_448"></a><a href="#Footnote_448_448" class="fnanchor">[448]</a> unless the business of the +legations were finished or adjourned. How<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>ever, the Roman people are +generally of opinion that the pretext of a trumped-up religious scruple +has been introduced by your jealous detractors, not so much to hinder +you, as to prevent anyone from wishing to go to Alexandria with a view +of getting the command of an army. However, everyone thinks that the +senate has had a regard for your position. For there is no one that is +ignorant of the fact that it was all the doing of your opponents that no +division took place: and if they, under the pretext of a regard for the +people, but really from the most unprincipled villainy, attempt to carry +anything, I have taken very good care that they shall not be able to do +so without violating the auspices or the laws, or, in fact, without +absolute violence. I don't think I need write a word either about my own +zeal or the injurious proceedings of certain persons. For why should I +make any display myself—since, if I were even to shed my blood in +defence of your position, I should think that I had not covered a tithe +of your services to me? Or why complain of the injurious conduct of +others, which I cannot do without the deepest pain? I cannot at all +pledge myself to you as to the effect of open violence, especially with +such feeble magistrates; but, open violence out of the question, I can +assure you that you will retain your high position, if the warmest +affections both of the senate and the Roman people can secure it to you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="XCVII_F_I_5" id="XCVII_F_I_5"></a>XCVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 5</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, February</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>Though the first wish of my heart is that my warmest gratitude to you +should be recognized first of all by yourself and then by everybody +else, yet I am deeply grieved that such a state of things has followed +your departure as to give you occasion, in your absence, to test the +loyalty and good disposition towards you both of myself and others. That +you see and feel that men are shewing the same loyalty in main<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>taining +your position as I experienced in the matter of my restoration, I have +understood from your letter. Just when I was depending most securely on +my policy, zeal, activity and influence in the matter of the king, there +was suddenly sprung on us the abominable bill of Cato's,<a name="FNanchor_449_449" id="FNanchor_449_449"></a><a href="#Footnote_449_449" class="fnanchor">[449]</a> to hamper +all our zeal and withdraw our thoughts from a lesser anxiety to a most +serious alarm. However, in a political upset of that kind, though there +is nothing that is not a source of terror yet the thing to be chiefly +feared is treachery: and Cato, at any rate, whatever happens, we have no +hesitation in opposing. As to the business of Alexandria and the cause +of the king, I can only promise you thus much, that I will to the utmost +of my power satisfy both you, who are absent, and your friends who are +here. But I fear the king's cause may either be snatched from our hands +or abandoned altogether, and I cannot easily make up my mind which of +the two alternatives I would least wish. But if the worst comes to the +worst, there is a third alternative, which is not wholly displeasing +either to Selicius<a name="FNanchor_450_450" id="FNanchor_450_450"></a><a href="#Footnote_450_450" class="fnanchor">[450]</a> or myself—namely, that we should not let the +matter drop, and yet should not allow the appointment, in spite of our +protests, to be transferred to the man to whom it is now regarded as +practically transferred.<a name="FNanchor_451_451" id="FNanchor_451_451"></a><a href="#Footnote_451_451" class="fnanchor">[451]</a> We will take the utmost care not to omit +struggling for any point that it seems possible to maintain, and not to +present the appearance of defeat if we have in any case failed to +maintain it. You must shew your wisdom and greatness of mind by +regarding your fame and high position as resting on your virtue, your +public services, and the dignity of your character, and by believing +that, if the perfidy of certain individuals has deprived you of any of +those honours which fortune has lavished on you, it will be more +injurious to them than to you. I never let any opportunity slip either +of acting or thinking for your interests. I avail myself of the aid of +Q. Selicius in everything: nor do I think that there is any one of all +your friends either shrewder, or more faithful, or more attached to you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="XCIX_Q_FR_II_2" id="XCIX_Q_FR_II_2"></a>XCIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN SARDINIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 18 January</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>It was not from the multiplicity of business, though I am very much +engaged, but from a slight inflammation of the eyes that I was induced +to dictate this letter, and not, as is my usual habit, write it with my +own hand. And, to begin with, I wish to excuse myself to you on the very +point on which I accuse you. For no one up to now has asked me "whether +I have any commands for Sardinia"—I think you often have people who +say, "Have you any commands for Rome?" As to what you have said in your +letters to me about the debt of Lentulus and Sestius, I have spoken with +Cincius.<a name="FNanchor_452_452" id="FNanchor_452_452"></a><a href="#Footnote_452_452" class="fnanchor">[452]</a> However the matter stands, it is not the easiest in the +world. But surely Sardinia must have some special property for recalling +one's memory of the past. For just as the famous Gracchus—as +augur—after arriving in that province remembered something that had +happened to him, when holding the elections in the Campus Martius, in +violation of the auspices, so you appear to me to have recalled at your +ease in Sardinia the design of Numisius and the debts due to Pomponius. +As yet I have made no purchase. Culleo's auction has taken place: there +was no purchaser for his Tusculan property. If very favourable terms +were to be offered, I should perhaps not let it slip. About your +building I do not fail to press Cyrus.<a name="FNanchor_453_453" id="FNanchor_453_453"></a><a href="#Footnote_453_453" class="fnanchor">[453]</a> I hope he will do his duty. +But everything goes on somewhat slowly, owing to the prospect of that +madman's ædileship.<a name="FNanchor_454_454" id="FNanchor_454_454"></a><a href="#Footnote_454_454" class="fnanchor">[454]</a> For it seems that the legislative assembly will +take place without delay: it has been fixed for the 20th of January. +However, I would not have you uneasy. Every precaution shall be taken by +me. In regard to the Alexandrine king, a decree of the senate was passed +declaring<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> it dangerous to the Republic that he should be restored "with +a host." The point remaining to be decided in the senate being whether +Lentulus or Pompey should restore him, Lentulus seemed on the point of +carrying the day. In that matter I did justice to my obligations to +Lentulus marvellously well, while at the same time splendidly gratifying +Pompey's wishes: but the detractors of Lentulus contrived to talk the +matter out by obstructive speeches. Then followed the comitial days, on +which a meeting of the senate was impossible. What the villainy of the +tribunes is going to accomplish I cannot guess; I suspect, however, that +Caninius will carry his bill by violence.<a name="FNanchor_455_455" id="FNanchor_455_455"></a><a href="#Footnote_455_455" class="fnanchor">[455]</a> In this business I cannot +make out what Pompey really wishes. What his <i>entourage</i> desire +everybody sees. Those who are financing the king are openly advancing +sums of money against Lentulus. There seems no doubt that the commission +has been taken out of Lentulus's hands, to my very great regret, +although he has done many things for which I might, if it were not for +superior considerations, be justly angry with him. I hope, if it is +consistent with your interests, that you will embark as soon as +possible, when the weather is fair and settled, and come to me. For +there are countless things, in regard to which I miss you daily in every +possible way. Your family and my own are well.</p> + +<p>18 January.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="C_A_IV_4_a" id="C_A_IV_4_a"></a>C (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 4</span> a)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (RETURNING FROM EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 28 January</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>I was charmed to see Cincius when he called on me on the 28th of January +before daybreak. For he told me that you were in Italy and that he was +sending slaves to you. I did not like them to go without a letter from +me; not that I had anything to say to you, especially as you are all but +here, but that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> I might express merely this one thing—that your arrival +is most delightful and most ardently wished for by me. Wherefore fly to +us with the full assurance that your affection for me is fully +reciprocated. The rest shall be reserved for our meeting. I write in +great haste. The day you arrive, mind, you and your party are to dine +with me.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CI_Q_FR_II_3" id="CI_Q_FR_II_3"></a>CI (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 3</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN SARDINIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 12 February</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>I have already told you the earlier proceedings; now let me describe +what was done afterwards. The legations were postponed from the 1st of +February to the 13th. On the former day our business was not brought to +a settlement. On the 2nd of February Milo appeared for trial. Pompey +came to support him. Marcellus spoke on being called upon by me.<a name="FNanchor_456_456" id="FNanchor_456_456"></a><a href="#Footnote_456_456" class="fnanchor">[456]</a> We +came off with flying colours. The case was adjourned to the 7th. +Meanwhile (in the senate), the legations having been postponed to the +13th, the business of allotting the quæstors and furnishing the outfit +of the prætors was brought before the house. But nothing was done, +because many speeches were interposed denouncing the state of the +Republic. Gaius Cato published his bill for the recall of Lentulus, +whose son thereupon put on mourning. On the 7th Milo appeared. Pompey +spoke, or rather wished to speak. For as soon as he got up Clodius's +ruffians raised a shout, and throughout his whole speech he was +interrupted, not only by hostile cries, but by personal abuse and +insulting remarks. However, when he had finished his speech—for he +shewed great courage in these circumstances, he was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> not cowed, he said +all he had to say, and at times had by his commanding presence even +secured silence for his words—well, when he had finished, up got +Clodius. Our party received him with such a shout—for they had +determined to pay him out—that he lost all presence of mind, power of +speech, or control over his countenance. This went on up to two +o'clock—Pompey having finished his speech at noon—and every kind of +abuse, and finally epigrams of the most outspoken indecency were uttered +against Clodius and Clodia. Mad and livid with rage Clodius, in the very +midst of the shouting, kept putting the questions to his claque: "Who +was it who was starving the commons to death?" His ruffians answered, +"Pompey." "Who wanted to be sent to Alexandria?" They answered, +"Pompey." "Who did they wish to go?" They answered, "Crassus." The +latter was present at the time with no friendly feelings to Milo. About +three o'clock, as though at a given signal, the Clodians began spitting +at our men. There was an outburst of rage. They began a movement for +forcing us from our ground. Our men charged: his ruffians turned tail. +Clodius was pushed off the rostra: and then we too made our escape for +fear of mischief in the riot. The senate was summoned into the Curia: +Pompey went home. However, I did not myself enter the senate-house, lest +I should be obliged either to refrain from speaking on matters of such +gravity, or in defending Pompey (for he was being attacked by Bibulus, +Curio, Favonius, and Servilius the younger) should give offence to the +loyalists. The business was adjourned to the next day. Clodius fixed the +Quirinalia (17 of February) for his prosecution. On the 8th the senate +met in the temple of Apollo, that Pompey might attend. Pompey made an +impressive speech. That day nothing was concluded. On the 9th in the +temple of Apollo a decree passed the senate "that what had taken place +on the 7th of February was treasonable." On this day Cato warmly +inveighed against Pompey, and throughout his speech arraigned him as +though he were at the bar. He said a great deal about me, to my disgust, +though it was in very laudatory terms. When he attacked Pompey's perfidy +to me, he was listened to in profound silence on the part of my enemies. +Pompey answered him boldly with a palpable allusion to Crassus, and said +outright that "he would take<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> better precautions to protect his life +than Africanus had done, whom C. Carbo had assassinated."<a name="FNanchor_457_457" id="FNanchor_457_457"></a><a href="#Footnote_457_457" class="fnanchor">[457]</a> +Accordingly, important events appear to me to be in the wind. For Pompey +understands what is going on, and imparts to me that plots are being +formed against his life, that Gaius Cato is being supported by Crassus, +that money is being supplied to Clodius, that both are backed by Crassus +and Curio, as well as by Bibulus and his other detractors: that he must +take extraordinary precautions to prevent being overpowered by that +demagogue—with a people all but wholly alienated, a nobility hostile, a +senate ill-affected, and the younger men corrupt. So he is making his +preparations and summoning men from the country. On his part, Clodius is +rallying his gangs: a body of men is being got together for the +Quirinalia. For that occasion we are considerably in a majority, owing +to the forces brought up by Pompey himself: and a large contingent is +expected from Picenum and Gallia, to enable us to throw out Cato's bills +also about Milo and Lentulus.</p> + +<p>On the 10th of February an indictment was lodged against Sestius for +bribery by the informer Cn. Nerius, of the Pupinian tribe, and on the +same day by a certain M. Tullius for riot.<a name="FNanchor_458_458" id="FNanchor_458_458"></a><a href="#Footnote_458_458" class="fnanchor">[458]</a> He was ill. I went at +once, as I was bound to do, to his house, and put myself wholly at his +service: and that was more than people expected, who thought that I had +good cause for being angry with him. The result is that my extreme +kindness and grateful disposition are made manifest both to Sestius +himself and to all the world, and I shall be as good as my word. But +this same informer Nerius also named Cn. Lentulus Vatia and C. Cornelius +to the commissioners.<a name="FNanchor_459_459" id="FNanchor_459_459"></a><a href="#Footnote_459_459" class="fnanchor">[459]</a> On the same day a decree passed the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> senate +"that political clubs and associations should be broken up, and that a +law in regard to them should be brought in, enacting that those who did +not break off from them should be liable to the same penalty as those +convicted of riot."</p> + +<p>On the 11th of February I spoke in defence of Bestia<a name="FNanchor_460_460" id="FNanchor_460_460"></a><a href="#Footnote_460_460" class="fnanchor">[460]</a> on a charge of +bribery before the prætor Cn. Domitius,<a name="FNanchor_461_461" id="FNanchor_461_461"></a><a href="#Footnote_461_461" class="fnanchor">[461]</a> in the middle of the forum +and in a very crowded court; and in the course of my speech I came to +the incident of Sestius, after receiving many wounds in the temple of +Castor, having been preserved by the aid of Bestia. Here I took occasion +to pave the way beforehand for a refutation of the charges which are +being got up against Sestius, and I passed a well-deserved encomium upon +him with the cordial approval of everybody. He was himself very much +delighted with it. I tell you this because you have often advised me in +your letters to retain the friendship of Sestius. I am writing this on +the 12th of February before daybreak: the day on which I am to dine with +Pomponius on the occasion of his wedding.</p> + +<p>Our position in other respects is such as you used to cheer my +despondency by telling me it would be—one of great dignity and +popularity: this is a return to old times for you and me effected, my +brother, by your patience, high character, loyalty, and, I may also add, +your conciliatory manners. The house of Licinius, near the grove of +Piso,<a name="FNanchor_462_462" id="FNanchor_462_462"></a><a href="#Footnote_462_462" class="fnanchor">[462]</a> has been taken for you. But, as I hope, in a few months' +time, after the 1st of July, you will move into your own. Some excellent +tenants, the Lamiæ, have taken your house in Carinæ.<a name="FNanchor_463_463" id="FNanchor_463_463"></a><a href="#Footnote_463_463" class="fnanchor">[463]</a> I have +received no letter from you since the one dated Olbia. I am anxious to +hear how you are and what you find to amuse you, but above all to see +you yourself as soon as possible. Take care of your health, my dear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> +brother, and though it is winter time, yet reflect that after all it is +Sardinia that you are in.<a name="FNanchor_464_464" id="FNanchor_464_464"></a><a href="#Footnote_464_464" class="fnanchor">[464]</a></p> + +<p>15 February.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CII_F_I_5_b" id="CII_F_I_5_b"></a>CII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 5</span> b)</h2> + +<h3>TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>What is being done and has been done here I imagine you know from +letters of numerous correspondents and from messengers: but what are +still matters for conjecture, and seem likely to take place, I think I +ought to write and tell you. After Pompey had been roughly treated with +shouts and insulting remarks, while speaking before the people on the +7th of February in defence of Milo, and had been accused in the senate +by Cato in exceedingly harsh and bitter terms amidst profound silence, +he appeared to me to be very much upset in his mind. Accordingly, he +seems to me to have quite given up any idea of the Alexandrine +business—which, as far as we are concerned, remains exactly where it +was, for the senate has taken nothing from you except what, owing to the +same religious difficulty, cannot be granted to anyone else. My hope and +my earnest endeavour now is that the king, when he understands that he +cannot obtain what he had in his mind—restoration by Pompey—and that, +unless restored by you, he will be abandoned, and neglected, should pay +you a visit.<a name="FNanchor_465_465" id="FNanchor_465_465"></a><a href="#Footnote_465_465" class="fnanchor">[465]</a> This he will do without any hesitation, if Pompey +gives the least hint of his approval. But you know that man's deliberate +ways and obstinate reserve. However, I will omit nothing that may +contribute to that result. The other injurious proceedings instituted by +Cato I shall, I hope, have no difficulty in resisting. I perceive that +none of the consulars are friendly to you except Hortensius and +Lucullus; the rest are either hostile,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> without openly shewing it, or +undisguisedly incensed. Keep a brave and high spirit, and feel confident +that the result will be to utterly repulse the attack of a most +contemptible fellow, and to retain your high position and fame.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CIII_F_I_6" id="CIII_F_I_6"></a>CIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 6</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>What is going on you will learn from Pollio,<a name="FNanchor_466_466" id="FNanchor_466_466"></a><a href="#Footnote_466_466" class="fnanchor">[466]</a> who not only was +engaged in all the transactions, but was the leader in them. In my own +deep distress, occasioned by the course your business has taken,<a name="FNanchor_467_467" id="FNanchor_467_467"></a><a href="#Footnote_467_467" class="fnanchor">[467]</a> I +am chiefly consoled by the hope which makes me strongly suspect that the +dishonest practices of men will be defeated both by the measures of your +friends and by mere lapse of time, which must have a tendency to weaken +the plans of your enemies and of traitors. In the second place, I derive +a ready consolation from the memory of my own dangers, of which I see a +reflexion in your fortunes. For though your position is attacked in a +less important particular than that which brought mine to the ground, +yet the analogy is so strong, that I trust you will pardon me if I am +not frightened at what you did not yourself consider ought to cause +alarm. But shew yourself the man I have known you to be, to use a Greek +expression, "since your nails were soft."<a name="FNanchor_468_468" id="FNanchor_468_468"></a><a href="#Footnote_468_468" class="fnanchor">[468]</a> The injurious conduct of +men will, believe me, only make your greatness more conspicuous. Expect +from me the greatest zeal and devotion in everything: I will not falsify +your expectation.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CIV_Q_FR_II_4" id="CIV_Q_FR_II_4"></a>CIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 4 AND PART OF 6</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN SARDINIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, March</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>Our friend Sestius was acquitted on the 11th of March, and, what was of +great importance to the Republic—that there should be no appearance of +difference of opinion in a case of that sort—was acquitted unanimously. +As to what I had often gathered from your letters, that you were anxious +about—that I should not leave any loophole for abuse to an unfriendly +critic on the score of my being ungrateful, if I did not treat with the +utmost indulgence his occasional wrong-headedness—let me tell you that +in this trial I established my character for being the most grateful of +men. For in conducting the defence I satisfied in the fullest manner +possible a man of difficult temper, and, what he above all things +desired, I cut up Vatinius (by whom he was being openly attacked) just +as I pleased, with the applause of gods and men. And, farther, when our +friend Paullus<a name="FNanchor_469_469" id="FNanchor_469_469"></a><a href="#Footnote_469_469" class="fnanchor">[469]</a> was brought forward as a witness against Sestius, he +affirmed that he would lay an information against Vatinius<a name="FNanchor_470_470" id="FNanchor_470_470"></a><a href="#Footnote_470_470" class="fnanchor">[470]</a> if +Licinius Macer hesitated to do so, and Macer, rising from Sestius's +benches, declared that he would not fail. Need I say more? That impudent +swaggering fellow Vatinius was overwhelmed with confusion and thoroughly +discredited.</p> + +<p>That most excellent boy, your son Quintus, is getting on splendidly with +his education. I notice this the more because Tyrannio<a name="FNanchor_471_471" id="FNanchor_471_471"></a><a href="#Footnote_471_471" class="fnanchor">[471]</a> gives his +lessons in my house. The building of both your house and mine is being +pushed on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> energetically. I have caused half the money to be paid to +your contractor. I hope before winter we may be under the same roof. As +to our Tullia, who, by Hercules, is very warmly attached to you, I hope +I have settled her engagement with Crassipes.<a name="FNanchor_472_472" id="FNanchor_472_472"></a><a href="#Footnote_472_472" class="fnanchor">[472]</a> There are two days +after the Latin festival which are barred by religion.<a name="FNanchor_473_473" id="FNanchor_473_473"></a><a href="#Footnote_473_473" class="fnanchor">[473]</a> Otherwise +the festival of Iuppiter Latiaris has come to an end.</p> + +<p>The affluence which you often mention I feel the want of to a certain +extent; but while I welcome it if it comes to me, I am not exactly +beating the covert for it.<a name="FNanchor_474_474" id="FNanchor_474_474"></a><a href="#Footnote_474_474" class="fnanchor">[474]</a> I am building in three places, and am +patching up my other houses. I live somewhat more lavishly than I used +to do. I am obliged to do so. If I had you with me I should give the +builders full swing for a while.<a name="FNanchor_475_475" id="FNanchor_475_475"></a><a href="#Footnote_475_475" class="fnanchor">[475]</a> But this too (as I hope) we shall +shortly talk over together.</p> + +<p>The state of affairs at Rome is this: Lentulus Marcellinus is splendid +as consul, and his colleague does not put any difficulty in his way: he +is so good, I repeat, that I have never seen a better. He deprived them +of all the comitial days; for even the Latin festival is being +repeated,<a name="FNanchor_476_476" id="FNanchor_476_476"></a><a href="#Footnote_476_476" class="fnanchor">[476]</a> nor were thanksgiving days wanting.<a name="FNanchor_477_477" id="FNanchor_477_477"></a><a href="#Footnote_477_477" class="fnanchor">[477]</a> In this way the +passing of most mischievous laws is prevented, especially that of +Cato,<a name="FNanchor_478_478" id="FNanchor_478_478"></a><a href="#Footnote_478_478" class="fnanchor">[478]</a> on whom, however, our friend Milo played a very pretty trick. +For that defender of the employment of gladiators and beast-fighters had +bought some beast-fighters from Cosconius and Pomponius, and had never +appeared in public without them in their full armour. He could not +afford to maintain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> them, and accordingly had great difficulty in +keeping them together. Milo found this out. He commissioned an +individual, with whom he was not intimate, to buy this troop from Cato +without exciting his suspicion. As soon as it had been removed, +Racilius—at this time quite the only real tribune—revealed the truth, +acknowledged that the men had been purchased for himself—for this is +what they had agreed—and put up a notice that he intended to sell +"Cato's troop." This notice caused much laughter. Accordingly, Lentulus +has prevented Cato from going on with his laws, and also those who +published bills of a monstrous description about Cæsar, with no tribune +to veto them. Caninius's proposal, indeed, about Pompey has died a +natural death. For it is not approved of in itself, and our friend +Pompey is also spoken of with great severity for the breach of his +friendship with Publius Lentulus. He is not the man he was. The fact is +that to the lowest dregs of the populace his support of Milo gives some +offence, while the aristocrats are dissatisfied with much that he omits +to do, and find fault with much that he does. This is the only point, +however, in which I am not pleased with Marcellinus—that he handles him +too roughly. Yet in this he is not going counter to the wishes of the +senate: consequently I am the more glad to withdraw from the +senate-house and from politics altogether. In the courts I have the same +position as I ever had: never was my house more crowded. One untoward +circumstance has occurred owing to Milo's rashness—the acquittal of +Sext. Clodius<a name="FNanchor_479_479" id="FNanchor_479_479"></a><a href="#Footnote_479_479" class="fnanchor">[479]</a>—whose prosecution at this particular time, and by a +weak set of accusers, was against my advice. In a most corrupt panel his +conviction failed by only three votes. Consequently the people clamour +for a fresh trial, and he must surely be brought back into court. For +people will not put up with it, and seeing that, though pleading before +a panel of his own kidney, he was all but condemned, they look upon him +as practically condemned. Even in this matter the unpopularity of Pompey +was an obstacle in our path. For the votes of the senators were largely +in his favour, those of the knights were equally divided, while the +<i>tribuni ærarii</i> voted for his condemna<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>tion. But for this <i>contretemps</i> +I am consoled by the daily condemnations of my enemies, among whom, to +my great delight, Servius<a name="FNanchor_480_480" id="FNanchor_480_480"></a><a href="#Footnote_480_480" class="fnanchor">[480]</a> got upon the rocks: the rest are utterly +done for. Gaius Cato declared in public meeting that he would not allow +the elections to be held, if he were deprived of the days for doing +business with the people. Appius has not yet returned from his visit to +Cæsar. I am looking forward with extraordinary eagerness to a letter +from you. Although I know the sea is still closed, yet they tell me that +certain persons have, nevertheless, arrived from Olbia full of your +praises, and declaring you to be very highly thought of in the province. +They said also that these persons reported that you intended to cross as +soon as navigation became possible. That is what I desire: but although +it is yourself, of course, that I most look forward to, yet meanwhile I +long for a letter. Farewell, my dear brother.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CV_Q_FR_II_5" id="CV_Q_FR_II_5"></a>CV (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 5 AND PARTS OF 6 AND 7</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN SARDINIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 8 April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>I have already sent you a letter containing the information of my +daughter Tullia having been betrothed to Crassipes on the 4th of April, +and other intelligence public and private. The following are the events +since then. On the 5th of April, by a decree of the senate, a sum of +money amounting to 40,000 sestertia (about £320,000) was voted to Pompey +for the business of the corn-supply. But on the same day there was a +vehement debate on the Campanian land, the senators making almost as +much noise as a public meeting. The shortness of money and the high +price of corn increased the exasperation. Nor will I omit the following: +the members of the colleges of the Capitolini and the Mercuriales<a name="FNanchor_481_481" id="FNanchor_481_481"></a><a href="#Footnote_481_481" class="fnanchor">[481]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> +expelled from their society a Roman knight named M. Furius Flaccus, a +man of bad character: the expulsion took place when he was at the +meeting, and though he threw himself at the feet of each member.</p> + +<p>On the 6th of April, the eve of my departure from town, I gave a +betrothal party to Crassipes. That excellent boy, your and my Quintus, +was not at the banquet owing to a very slight indisposition. On the 7th +of April I visited Quintus and found him quite restored. He talked a +good deal and with great feeling about the quarrels between our wives. +What need I say more? Nothing could have been pleasanter. Pomponia, +however, had some complaints to make of you also: but of this when we +meet. After leaving your boy I went to the site of your house: the +building was going on with a large number of workmen. I urged the +contractor Longilius to push on. He assured me that he had every wish to +satisfy us. The house will be splendid, for it can be better seen now +than we could judge from the plan: my own house is also being built with +despatch. On this day I dined with Crassipes. After dinner I went in my +sedan to visit Pompey at his suburban villa. I had not been able to call +on him in the daytime as he was away from home. However, I wished to see +him, because I am leaving Rome to-morrow, and he is on the point of +starting for Sardinia. I found him at home and begged him to restore you +to us as soon as possible. "Immediately," he said. He is going to start, +according to what he said, on the 11th of April, with the intention of +embarking at Livorno or Pisa.<a name="FNanchor_482_482" id="FNanchor_482_482"></a><a href="#Footnote_482_482" class="fnanchor">[482]</a> Mind, my dear brother, that, as soon +as he arrives, you seize the first opportunity of setting sail, provided +only that the weather is favourable. I write this on the 8th of April +before daybreak, and am on the point of starting on my journey, with the +intention of stopping to-day with Titus Titius at Anagnia. To-morrow I +think of being at Laterium,<a name="FNanchor_483_483" id="FNanchor_483_483"></a><a href="#Footnote_483_483" class="fnanchor">[483]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> thence, after five days in Arpinum, +going to my Pompeian house, just looking in upon my villa at Cumæ on my +return journey, with the view—since Milo's trial has been fixed for the +7th of May—of being at Rome on the 6th, and of seeing you on that day, +I hope, dearest and pleasantest of brothers. I thought it best that the +building at Arcanum<a name="FNanchor_484_484" id="FNanchor_484_484"></a><a href="#Footnote_484_484" class="fnanchor">[484]</a> should be suspended till your return. Take good +care, my dear brother, of your health, and come as soon as possible.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CVI_A_IV_4_b" id="CVI_A_IV_4_b"></a>CVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 4</span> b)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (RETURNING FROM EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Antium</span> (<span class="smcap">April</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>It will be delightful if you come to see us here. You will find that +Tyrannio has made a wonderfully good arrangement of my books, the +remains of which are better than I had expected. Still, I wish you would +send me a couple of your library slaves for Tyrannio to employ as +gluers, and in other subordinate work, and tell them to get some fine +parchment to make title-pieces, which you Greeks, I think, call +"sillybi." But all this is only if not inconvenient to you. In any case, +be sure you come yourself, if you can halt for a while in such a place, +and can persuade Pilia<a name="FNanchor_485_485" id="FNanchor_485_485"></a><a href="#Footnote_485_485" class="fnanchor">[485]</a> to accompany you. For that is only fair, and +Tullia is anxious that she should come. My word! You have purchased a +fine troop! Your gladiators, I am told, fight superbly. If you had +chosen to let them out you would have cleared your expenses by the last +two spectacles. But we will talk about this later on. Be sure to come, +and, as you love me, see about the library slaves.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CVII_A_IV_5" id="CVII_A_IV_5"></a>CVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 5</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Antium</span> (<span class="smcap">April</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>Do you really mean it? Do you think that there is anyone by whom I +prefer to have what I write read and approved of before yourself? "Why, +then, did I send it to anyone before you?" I was pressed by the man to +whom I sent it, and had no copy. And—well! I am nibbling at what I +must, after all, swallow—my "recantation"<a name="FNanchor_486_486" id="FNanchor_486_486"></a><a href="#Footnote_486_486" class="fnanchor">[486]</a> did seem to me a trifle +discreditable! But good-bye to straightforward, honest, and high-minded +policy! One could scarcely believe the amount of treachery there is in +those leaders of the state, as they wish to be, and might be, if they +had any principle of honour in them. I had felt it, known it—taken in, +abandoned, and cast aside by them, as I had been! and yet my purpose +still was to stick by them in politics. They were the same men as they +ever had been. At last, on your advice, my eyes have been opened. You +will say that your advice only extended to action, not to writing also. +The truth is that I wanted to bind myself to this new combination, that +I might have no excuse for slipping back to those who, even at a time +when I could claim their compassion, never cease being jealous of me. +However, I kept within due limits in my subject, when I did put pen to +paper. I shall launch out more copiously if <i>he</i> shews that he is glad +to receive it, and those make wry faces who are angry at my possessing +the villa which once belonged to Catulus, without reflecting that I +bought it from Vettius: who say that I ought not to have built a town +house, and declare that I ought to have sold.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> But what is all this to +the fact that, when I have delivered senatorial speeches in agreement +with their own views, their chief pleasure has yet been that I spoke +contrary to Pompey's wishes? Let us have an end of it. Since those who +have no power refuse me their affection, let us take care to secure the +affection of those who have power. You will say, "I could have wished +that you had done so before." I know you did wish it, and that I have +made a real ass of myself. But now the time has come to shew a little +affection for myself, since I can get none from them on any terms.</p> + +<p>I am much obliged to you for frequently going to see my house. +Crassipes<a name="FNanchor_487_487" id="FNanchor_487_487"></a><a href="#Footnote_487_487" class="fnanchor">[487]</a> swallows up my money for travelling. Tullia will go +straight to your suburban villa.<a name="FNanchor_488_488" id="FNanchor_488_488"></a><a href="#Footnote_488_488" class="fnanchor">[488]</a> That seems the more convenient +plan. Consequently she will be at your town house the next day: for what +can it matter to you? But we shall see. Your men have beautified my +library by making up the books and appending title-slips. Please thank +them.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CVIII_F_V_12" id="CVIII_F_V_12"></a>CVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, 12</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO L. LUCCEIUS<a name="FNanchor_489_489" id="FNanchor_489_489"></a><a href="#Footnote_489_489" class="fnanchor">[489]</a></h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Arpinum</span> (<span class="smcap">April</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>I have often tried to say to you personally what I am about to write, +but was prevented by a kind of almost clownish bashfulness. Now that I am +not in your presence I shall speak out more boldly: a letter does not +blush. I am inflamed with an inconceivably ardent desire, and one, as I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> +think, of which I have no reason to be ashamed, that in a history +written by <i>you</i> my name should be conspicuous and frequently mentioned +with praise. And though you have often shewn me that you meant to do so, +yet I hope you will pardon my impatience. For the style of your +composition, though I had always entertained the highest expectations of +it, has yet surpassed my hopes, and has taken such a hold upon me, or +rather has so fired my imagination, that I was eager to have my +achievements as quickly as possible put on record in your history. For +it is not only the thought of being spoken of by future ages that makes +me snatch at what seems a hope of immortality, but it is also the desire +of fully enjoying in my lifetime an authoritative expression of your +judgment, or a token of your kindness for me, or the charm of your +genius. Not, however, that while thus writing I am unaware under what +heavy burdens you are labouring in the portion of history you have +undertaken, and by this time have begun to write. But because I saw that +your history of the Italian and Civil Wars was now all but finished, and +because also you told me that you were already embarking upon the +remaining portions of your work, I determined not to lose my chance for +the want of suggesting to you to consider whether you preferred to weave +your account of me into the main context of your history, or whether, as +many Greek writers have done—Callisthenes, the Phocian War; Timæus, the +war of Pyrrhus; Polybius, that of Numantia; all of whom separated the +wars I have named from their main narratives—you would, like them, +separate the civil conspiracy from public and external wars. For my +part, I do not see that it matters much to my reputation, but it does +somewhat concern my impatience, that you should not wait till you come +to the proper place, but should at once anticipate the discussion of +that question as a whole and the history of that epoch. And at the same +time, if your whole thoughts are engaged on one incident and one person, +I can see in imagination how much fuller your material will be, and how +much more elaborately worked out. I am quite aware, however, what little +modesty I display, first, in imposing on you so heavy a burden (for your +engagements may well prevent your compliance with my request), and in +the second place, in asking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> you to shew me off to advantage. What if +those transactions are not in your judgment so very deserving of +commendation? Yet, after all, a man who has once passed the border-line +of modesty had better put a bold face on it and be frankly impudent. And +so I again and again ask you outright, both to praise those actions of +mine in warmer terms than you perhaps feel, and in that respect to +neglect the laws of history. I ask you, too, in regard to the personal +predilection, on which you wrote in a certain introductory chapter in +the most gratifying and explicit terms—and by which you shew that you +were as incapable of being diverted as Xenophon's Hercules by +Pleasure—not to go against it, but to yield to your affection for me a +little more than truth shall justify. But if I can induce you to +undertake this, you will have, I am persuaded, matter worthy of your +genius and your wealth of language. For from the beginning of the +conspiracy to my return from exile it appears to me that a +moderate-sized monograph might be composed, in which you will, on the +one hand, be able to utilize your special knowledge of civil +disturbances, either in unravelling the causes of the revolution or in +proposing remedies for evils, blaming meanwhile what you think deserves +denunciation, and establishing the righteousness of what you approve by +explaining the principles on which they rest: and on the other hand, if +you think it right to be more outspoken (as you generally do), you will +bring out the perfidy, intrigues, and treachery of many people towards +me. For my vicissitudes will supply you in your composition with much +variety, which has in itself a kind of charm, capable of taking a strong +hold on the imagination of readers, when you are the writer. For nothing +is better fitted to interest a reader than variety of circumstance and +vicissitudes of fortune, which, though the reverse of welcome to us in +actual experience, will make very pleasant reading: for the untroubled +recollection of a past sorrow has a charm of its own. To the rest of the +world, indeed, who have had no trouble themselves, and who look upon the +misfortunes of others without any suffering of their own, the feeling of +pity is itself a source of pleasure. For what man of us is not +delighted, though feeling a certain compassion too, with the death-scene +of Epaminondas at Mantinea? He, you know, did not allow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> the dart to be +drawn from his body until he had been told, in answer to his question, +that his shield was safe, so that in spite of the agony of his wound he +died calmly and with glory. Whose interest is not roused and sustained +by the banishment and return of Themistocles?<a name="FNanchor_490_490" id="FNanchor_490_490"></a><a href="#Footnote_490_490" class="fnanchor">[490]</a> Truly the mere +chronological record of the annals has very little charm for us—little +more than the entries in the <i>fasti</i>: but the doubtful and varied +fortunes of a man, frequently of eminent character, involve feelings of +wonder, suspense, joy, sorrow, hope, fear: if these fortunes are crowned +with a glorious death, the imagination is satisfied with the most +fascinating delight which reading can give. Therefore it will be more in +accordance with my wishes if you come to the resolution to separate from +the main body of your narrative, in which you embrace a continuous +history of events, what I may call the drama of my actions and fortunes: +for it includes varied acts, and shifting scenes both of policy and +circumstance. Nor am I afraid of appearing to lay snares for your favour +by flattering suggestions, when I declare that I desire to be +complimented and mentioned with praise by you above all other writers. +For you are not the man to be ignorant of your own powers, or not to be +sure that those who withhold their admiration of you are more to be +accounted jealous, than those who praise you flatterers. Nor, again, am +I so senseless as to wish to be consecrated to an eternity of fame by +one who, in so consecrating me, does not also gain for himself the glory +which rightfully belongs to genius. For the famous Alexander himself did +not wish to be painted by Apelles, and to have his statue made by +Lysippus above all others, merely from personal favour to them, but +because he thought that their art would be a glory at once to them and +to himself. And, indeed, those artists used to make images of the person +known to strangers: but if such had never existed, illustrious men would +yet be no less illustrious. The Spartan Agesilaus, who would not allow a +portrait of himself to be painted or a statue made, deserves to be +quoted as an example quite as much as those<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> who have taken trouble +about such representations: for a single pamphlet of Xenophon's in +praise of that king has proved much more effective than all the +portraits and statues of them all. And, moreover, it will more redound +to my present exultation and the honour of my memory to have found my +way into your history, than if I had done so into that of others, in +this, that I shall profit not only by the genius of the writer—as +Timoleon did by that of Timæus, Themistocles by that of Herodotus—but +also by the authority of a man of a most illustrious and +well-established character, and one well known and of the first repute +for his conduct in the most important and weighty matters of state; so +that I shall seem to have gained not only the fame which Alexander on +his visit to Sigeum said had been bestowed on Achilles by Homer, but +also the weighty testimony of a great and illustrious man. For I like +that saying of Hector in Nævius, who not only rejoices that he is +"praised," but adds, "and by one who has himself been praised." But if I +fail to obtain my request from you, which is equivalent to saying, if +you are by some means prevented—for I hold it to be out of the question +that you would <i>refuse</i> a request of mine—I shall perhaps be forced to +do what certain persons have often found fault with, write my own +panegyric, a thing, after all, which has a precedent of many illustrious +men. But it will not escape your notice that there are the following +drawbacks in a composition of that sort: men are bound, when writing of +themselves, both to speak with greater reserve of what is praiseworthy, +and to omit what calls for blame. Added to which such writing carries +less conviction, less weight; many people, in fine, carp at it, and say +that the heralds at the public games are more modest, for after having +placed garlands on the other recipients and proclaimed their names in a +loud voice, when their own turn comes to be presented with a garland +before the games break up, they call in the services of another herald, +that they may not declare themselves victors with their own voice. I +wish to avoid all this, and, if you undertake my cause, I shall avoid +it: and, accordingly, I ask you this favour. But why, you may well ask, +when you have already often assured me that you intended to record in +your book with the utmost minuteness the policy and events of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> my +consulship, do I now make this request to you with such earnestness and +in so many words? The reason is to be found in that burning desire, of +which I spoke at the beginning of my letter, for something <i>prompt</i>: +because I am in a flutter of impatience, both that men should learn what +I am from your books, while I am still alive, and that I may myself in +my lifetime have the full enjoyment of my little bit of glory. What you +intend doing on this subject I should like you to write me word, if not +troublesome to you. For if you do undertake the subject, I will put +together some notes of all occurrences: but if you put me off to some +future time, I will talk the matter over with you. Meanwhile, do not +relax your efforts, and thoroughly polish what you have already on the +stocks, and—continue to love me.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CIX_A_IV_6" id="CIX_A_IV_6"></a>CIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 6</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">From the Country</span> (<span class="smcap">April-May</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>Of course I am as sorry about Lentulus as I am bound to be: we have lost +a good patriot and a great man, one who to great strength of character +united a culture equally profound. My consolation is a miserable one, +but still it is a consolation—that I do not grieve on his account: I +don't mean in the sense of Saufeius and your Epicurean friends, but, by +Hercules, because he loved his country so deeply, that he seems to me to +have been snatched away by a special favour of providence from its +conflagration. For what could be more humiliating than the life we are +living, especially mine? For as to yourself, though by nature a +politician, you have yet avoided having any servitude peculiar to +yourself: you merely come under an appellation common to us all.<a name="FNanchor_491_491" id="FNanchor_491_491"></a><a href="#Footnote_491_491" class="fnanchor">[491]</a> +But <i>I</i>, who, if I say what I ought about the Republic, am looked on as +mad, if what expediency<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> dictates, as a slave, and if I say nothing, as +utterly crushed and helpless—what must I be suffering? Suffer, indeed, +I do, and all the more keenly that I cannot even shew my pain without +appearing ungrateful. Again: what if I should choose a life of +inactivity and take refuge in the harbour of retired leisure? +Impossible! Rather war and the camp! Am I to serve in the ranks after +refusing to be a general? I suppose I must. For I perceive you, too, +think so, you whom I wish that I had always obeyed. All that is left to +me now is, "You have drawn Sparta: make the best of it!" But, by +heavens, I can't: and I feel for Philoxenus,<a name="FNanchor_492_492" id="FNanchor_492_492"></a><a href="#Footnote_492_492" class="fnanchor">[492]</a> who preferred a return +to gaol. However, in my present retirement I am thinking over how to +express my rejection of the old policy, and when we meet you will +strengthen me in it.</p> + +<p>I notice that you have written to me at frequent intervals, but I +received all the letters at once. This circumstance increased my grief. +For I had read three to begin with, in which the report of Lentulus was +that he was a little better. Then came the thunderbolt of the fourth. +But it is not he, as I said, who is to be pitied, but we who are so +callous as to live on.<a name="FNanchor_493_493" id="FNanchor_493_493"></a><a href="#Footnote_493_493" class="fnanchor">[493]</a> You remind me to write that essay on +Hortensius: I have digressed into other subjects, but have not forgotten +your charge. But, by heaven, at the first line I shrank from the task, +lest I, who seem to have acted foolishly in resenting his intemperate +conduct as a friend, should once more be foolishly rendering his +injurious treatment of me conspicuous, if I wrote anything; and at the +same time lest my high <i>morale</i>, manifested in my actions, should be +somewhat obscured in my writing, and this mode of taking satisfaction<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> +should seem to imply a certain instability. But we shall see. Only be +sure to write me something as often as possible. I sent a letter to +Lucceius asking him to write the history of my consulship: be sure you +get it from him, for it is a very pretty bit of writing, and urge him to +use despatch, and thank him for having written me an answer saying that +he would do so. Go and see my house as often as you can. Say something +to Vestorius:<a name="FNanchor_494_494" id="FNanchor_494_494"></a><a href="#Footnote_494_494" class="fnanchor">[494]</a> for he is acting very liberally in regard to me.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CX_A_IV_7" id="CX_A_IV_7"></a>CX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 7</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Arpinum</span> (<span class="smcap">April-May</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>Nothing could be better timed than your letter, which much relieved the +anxiety I was feeling about that excellent boy, our Quintus. Two hours +earlier Chærippus had arrived: his news was simply awful. As to what you +say about Apollonius, why, heaven confound him! a Greek and turn +bankrupt! Thinks he may do what Roman knights do! For, of course, +Terentius is within his rights! As to Metellus—<i>de mortuis</i>, +etc.<a name="FNanchor_495_495" id="FNanchor_495_495"></a><a href="#Footnote_495_495" class="fnanchor">[495]</a>—yet there has been no citizen die these many years past who +----. Well, I am willing to warrant your getting the money: for what +have you to fear, whomsoever he made his heir, unless it were Publius? +But he has, in fact, made a respectable man his heir, though he was +himself ——! Wherefore in this business you will not have to open your +money-chest: another time you will be more cautious. Please see to my +instructions about my house: hire some guards: give Milo a hint.<a name="FNanchor_496_496" id="FNanchor_496_496"></a><a href="#Footnote_496_496" class="fnanchor">[496]</a> +The Arpinates<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> grumble amazingly about Laterium.<a name="FNanchor_497_497" id="FNanchor_497_497"></a><a href="#Footnote_497_497" class="fnanchor">[497]</a> Well, what can I +say? I was much annoyed myself, but "to words of mine he gave no +heed."<a name="FNanchor_498_498" id="FNanchor_498_498"></a><a href="#Footnote_498_498" class="fnanchor">[498]</a> For the rest, take care of young Cicero and love him as +always.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXI_A_IV_8_a" id="CXI_A_IV_8_a"></a>CXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 8</span> a)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Antium (April-May)</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>There were many things in your letter which pleased me, but nothing more +than your "dish of cheese and salt fish"!<a name="FNanchor_499_499" id="FNanchor_499_499"></a><a href="#Footnote_499_499" class="fnanchor">[499]</a> For as to what you say +about the sale,</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Boast not yourself before you see the end."<a name="FNanchor_500_500" id="FNanchor_500_500"></a><a href="#Footnote_500_500" class="fnanchor">[500]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>I can find nothing in the way of a building for you in the +neighbourhood. In the town there is something of the sort, though it is +doubtful whether it is for sale, and, in fact, close to my own house. +Let me tell you that Antium is the Buthrotum of Rome, just what your +Buthrotum is to Corcyra. Nothing can be quieter, cooler, or +prettier—"be this mine own dear home."<a name="FNanchor_501_501" id="FNanchor_501_501"></a><a href="#Footnote_501_501" class="fnanchor">[501]</a> Moreover, since Tyrannio +has arranged my books for me, my house seems to have had a soul added to +it; in which matter your Dionysius and Menophilus were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> of wonderful +service. Nothing can be more charming than those bookcases of yours, +since the title-slips have shewn off the books. Good-bye. I should like +you to write me word about the gladiators, but only if they fight well, +I don't want to know about them if they were failures.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXII_F_V_3" id="CXII_F_V_3"></a>CXII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, 3</span>)</h2> + +<h3>FROM Q. METELLUS NEPOS (IN SPAIN)</h3> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>The insults of a most outrageous person, with which he loads me in +frequent public speeches, are alleviated by your kind services to me; +and as they are of little weight as coming from a man of that character, +they are regarded by me with contempt, and I am quite pleased by an +interchange of persons to regard you in the light of a cousin.<a name="FNanchor_502_502" id="FNanchor_502_502"></a><a href="#Footnote_502_502" class="fnanchor">[502]</a> Him +I don't wish even to remember, though I have twice saved his life in his +own despite. Not to be too troublesome to you about my affairs, I have +written to Lollius as to what I want done about my provincial accounts, +with a view to his informing and reminding you. If you can, I hope you +will preserve your old goodwill to me.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXIII_F_I_7" id="CXIII_F_I_7"></a>CXIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 7</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">October</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>I have read your letter in which you say that you are obliged for the +frequent information I give you about all current events, and for the +clear proof you have of my kindness to yourself. The latter—the +regarding you with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> warm affection—it is my duty to do, if I wish to +maintain the character which you desired for me; the former it is a +pleasure to do, namely, separated as we are by length of space and time, +to converse with you as frequently as possible by means of letters. But +if this shall occur less frequently than you expect, the reason will be +that my letters are of such a kind that I dare not trust them to +everybody promiscuously. As often as I get hold of trustworthy persons +to whom I may safely deliver them, I will not omit to do so. As to your +question about each particular person's loyalty and friendly feelings +towards you, it is difficult to speak in regard to individuals. I can +venture on this one assertion, which I often hinted to you before, and +now write from close observation and knowledge—that certain persons, +and those, above all others, who were most bound and most able to help +you, have been exceedingly jealous of your claims: and that, though the +point in question is different, your present position is exceedingly +like what mine was some time ago in this, that those whom you had +attacked on public grounds now openly assail you, while those whose +authority, rank, and policy you had defended, are not so much mindful of +your kindness as enemies to your reputation. In these circumstances, as +I wrote you word before, I perceive that Hortensius is very warmly your +friend, Lucullus anxious to serve you: while of the magistrates L. +Racilius shews special loyalty and affection. For my taking up the +cudgels for you, and advocating your claims, would seem in the eyes of +most people to be the measure of my obligation to you rather than of my +deliberate opinion. Besides these I am, in fact, not able to bear +witness to any one of the consulars shewing zeal or kindness or friendly +feeling towards you. For you are aware that Pompey, who is very +frequently accustomed, not on my instigation but of his own accord, to +confide in me about you, did not often attend the senate during these +discussions. It is true your last letter, as I could easily conceive, +was very gratifying to him. To me, indeed, your reasonableness, or +rather your extreme wisdom, seemed not only charming, but simply +admirable. For by that letter you retained your hold on a man of lofty +character, who was bound to you by the signal generosity of your conduct +towards him, but who was entertaining some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> suspicions that, owing to +the impression prevailing among certain persons as to his own ambitious +desires, you were alienated from him. I always thought that he wished to +support your reputation, even in that very dubious episode of Caninius's +proposal;<a name="FNanchor_503_503" id="FNanchor_503_503"></a><a href="#Footnote_503_503" class="fnanchor">[503]</a> but when he had read your letter, I could plainly see +that he was thinking with his whole soul of you, your honours, and your +interests. Wherefore look upon what I am going to write as written after +frequent discussions with him, in accordance with his opinion, and with +the weight of his authority. It is this: "That, since no senatorial +decree exists taking the restoration of the Alexandrine king out of your +hands, and since the resolution written out upon that restoration +(which, as you are aware, was vetoed) to the effect that no one was to +restore the king at all,<a name="FNanchor_504_504" id="FNanchor_504_504"></a><a href="#Footnote_504_504" class="fnanchor">[504]</a> has rather the weight of a measure adopted +by men in anger than of a deliberate decision of the senate—you can +yourself see, since you are in possession of Cilicia and Cyprus,<a name="FNanchor_505_505" id="FNanchor_505_505"></a><a href="#Footnote_505_505" class="fnanchor">[505]</a> +what it is within your power to effect and secure; and that, if +circumstances seem to make it possible for you to occupy Alexandria and +Egypt, it is for your own dignity and that of the empire that, after +having first placed the king at Ptolemais or some neighbouring place, +you should proceed with fleet and army to Alexandria, in order that, +when you have secured it by restoring peace and placing a garrison in +it, Ptolemy may go back to his kingdom: thus it will be brought about +that he is restored at once by your agency, as the senate originally +voted, and without a 'host,' as those who are scrupulous about religion +said was the order of the Sibyl."</p> + +<p>But though both he and I agreed in this decision, we yet thought that +men would judge of your policy by its result: if it turns out as we wish +and desire, everybody will say that you acted wisely and courageously; +if any hitch occurs, those same men will say that you acted ambitiously +and rashly. Wherefore what you really can do it is not so easy for us to +judge as for you, who have Egypt almost within sight. For us, our view +is this: if you are certain that you can get<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> possession of that +kingdom, you should not delay: if it is doubtful, you should not make +the attempt. I can guarantee you this, that, if you succeed, you will be +applauded by many while abroad, by all when you return. I see great +danger in any failure, on account of the senatorial resolution and the +religious scruple that have been introduced into the question. But for +me, as I exhort you to snatch at what is certain to bring you credit, so +I warn you against running any risks, and I return to what I said at the +beginning of my letter—that men will judge all you do, not so much from +the policy which prompted it as from its result. But if this method of +procedure appears to you to be dangerous, our opinion is that, if the +king fulfils his obligations to those of your friends, who throughout +your province and sphere of government have lent him money, you should +assist him both with troops and supplies: such is the nature and +convenient situation of your province, that you either secure his +restoration by giving him aid, or hinder it by neglecting to do so. In +carrying out this policy you will perceive better and more easily than +anyone else what the actual state of affairs, the nature of the case, +and the circumstances of the hour admit: what our opinion was I thought +that I was the person, above all others, to tell you.</p> + +<p>As to your congratulations to myself on my present position, on my +intimacy with Milo, on the frivolity and impotency of Clodius—I am not +at all surprised that, like a first-rate artist, you take pleasure in +the brilliant works of your own hands. However, people's +wrong-headedness—I don't like to use a harsher word—surpasses belief; +they might have secured me by their sympathy in a cause in which they +were all equally interested, yet they have alienated me by their +jealousy: for by their carping and most malicious criticisms I must tell +you that I have been all but driven from that old political standpoint +of mine, so long maintained, not, it is true, so far as to forget my +position, but far enough to admit at length some consideration for my +personal safety also. Both might have been amply secured if there had +been any good faith, any solidity in our consulars: but such is the +frivolity of most of them, that they do not so much take pleasure in my +political consistency, as offence at my brilliant position. I am the +more outspoken in writing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> this to you, because you lent your support, +not only to my present position, which I obtained through you, but also +long ago to my reputation and political eminence, when they were, so to +speak, but just coming into existence; and at the same time because I +see that it was not, as I used formerly to think, my want of curule +pedigree that excited prejudice: for I have noticed in your case, one of +the noblest of the land, a similar exhibition of base jealousy, and +though they did not object to class you among the <i>noblesse</i>, they were +unwilling that you should take any higher flight. I rejoice that your +fortune has been unlike mine: for there is a great difference between +having one's reputation lowered and one's personal safety abandoned to +the enemy. In my case it was your noble conduct that prevented me from +being too much disgusted with my own; for you secured that men should +consider more to have been added to my future glory than had been taken +from my present fortune. As for you—instigated both by your kindness to +myself and my affection for you, I urge you to use all your care and +industry to obtain the full glory, for which you have burned with such +generous ardour from boyhood, and never, under anyone's injurious +conduct, to bend that high spirit of yours, which I have always admired +and always loved. Men have a high opinion of you; they loudly praise +your liberality; they vividly remember your consulship. You must surely +perceive how much more marked, and how much more prominent these +sentiments will be, if backed up by some considerable repute from your +province and your government. However, in every administrative act which +you have to perform by means of your army and in virtue of your +<i>imperium</i>, I would have you reflect on these objects long before you +act, prepare yourself with a view to them, turn them over in your mind, +train yourself to obtain them, and convince yourself that you can with +the greatest ease maintain the highest and most exalted position in the +state. This you have always looked for, and I am sure you understand +that you have attained it. And that you may not think this exhortation +of mine meaningless or adopted without reason, I should explain that the +consideration which has moved me to make it was the conviction that you +required to be warned by the incidents, which our careers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> have had in +common, to be careful for the rest of your life as to whom to trust and +against whom to be on your guard.</p> + +<p>As to your question about the state of public affairs—there is the most +profound difference of opinion, but the energy is all on one side. For +those who are strong in wealth, arms, and material power, appear to me +to have scored so great a success from the stupidity and fickleness of +their opponents, that they are now the stronger in moral weight as well. +Accordingly, with very few to oppose them, they have got everything +through the senate, which they never expected to get even by the popular +vote without a riot: for a grant for military pay and ten legates have +been given to Cæsar by decree,<a name="FNanchor_506_506" id="FNanchor_506_506"></a><a href="#Footnote_506_506" class="fnanchor">[506]</a> and no difficulty has been made of +deferring the nomination of his successor, as required by the Sempronian +law.<a name="FNanchor_507_507" id="FNanchor_507_507"></a><a href="#Footnote_507_507" class="fnanchor">[507]</a> I say the less to you on this point, because this position of +public affairs is no pleasure to me: I mention it, however, in order to +urge you to learn, while you can do so without suffering for it, the +lesson which I myself, though devoted from boyhood to every kind of +reading, yet learnt rather from bitter experience than from study, that +we must neither consider our personal safety to the exclusion of our +dignity, nor our dignity to the exclusion of our safety.</p> + +<p>In your congratulations as to my daughter and Crassipes I am obliged to +you for your kindness, and do indeed expect and hope that this connexion +may be a source of pleasure to us. Our dear Lentulus, a young man who +gives such splendid promise of the highest qualities, be sure you +instruct both in those accomplishments which you have yourself ever been +forward in pursuing, and also, above all, in the imitation of yourself: +he can study in no better school than that. He holds a very high place +in my regard and affection, as well because he is yours, as because he +is worthy of such a father, and because he is devoted to me, and has +always been so.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXIV_F_XIII_6_a" id="CXIV_F_XIII_6_a"></a>CXIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIII, 6</span> a)</h2> + +<h3>Q. VALERIUS ORCA (PROCONSUL IN AFRICA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">May</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>If you are well I shall be glad. I am quite well. I presume that you +will remember that, when escorting you on the commencement of your +official journey,<a name="FNanchor_508_508" id="FNanchor_508_508"></a><a href="#Footnote_508_508" class="fnanchor">[508]</a> I mentioned to you in the presence of Publius +Cuspius, and also afterwards urged you privately at some length, that +whomsoever I might recommend to you as connexions of his, you should +regard as among connexions of my own. You, as was to be expected from +your extreme regard and uninterrupted attentions to me, undertook to do +this for me with the utmost liberality and kindness. Cuspius, who is +most careful in his duties towards all connected with him, takes a +surprising interest in the well-being of certain persons of your +province, because he has been twice in Africa when presiding over the +very large concerns of his revenue-company. Accordingly, this patronage +of his, which he exercises on their behalf, I am accustomed as far as I +can to back up by such means and influence as I possess. Wherefore I +thought it necessary to explain to you in this letter why I give letters +of introduction to all the friends of Cuspius. In future letters I will +merely append the mark<a name="FNanchor_509_509" id="FNanchor_509_509"></a><a href="#Footnote_509_509" class="fnanchor">[509]</a> agreed upon between you and me, and at the +same time indicate that he is one of Cuspius's friends. But the +recommendation which I have resolved to subscribe to in this present +letter, let me tell you, is more serious than any of them. For P. +Cuspius has pressed me with particular earnestness to recommend Lucius +Iulius to you as warmly as possible. I appear to be barely able to +satisfy his eagerness by using the words which I generally use when most +in earnest. He asks for something<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> out of the common way from me, and +thinks I have a special knack in that style of writing. I have promised +him to produce a masterpiece of commendation—a specimen of my choicest +work. Since I cannot reach that standard, however, I would beg you to +make him think that some astonishing effect has been produced by the +style of my letter. You will secure that, if you treat him with all the +liberality which your kindness can suggest and your official power make +feasible—I don't mean merely in the way of material assistance, but +also in words and even in looks: and what influence such things have in +a province I could have wished that you had already learnt by +experience, though I have an idea that you soon will do so. This man +himself, whom I am recommending to you, I believe to be thoroughly +worthy of your friendship, not only because Cuspius says so (though that +should be enough), but because I know the keenness of his judgment of +men and in the selection of his friends. I shall soon be able to judge +what has been the effect of this letter, and shall, I feel certain, have +reason to thank you. For myself, I shall with zeal and care see to all +that I think to be your wish or to concern your interests. Take care of +your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXV_F_XIII_6_b" id="CXV_F_XIII_6_b"></a>CXV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIII, 6</span> b)</h2> + +<h3>TO Q. VALERIUS ORCA (PROCONSUL IN AFRICA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">May</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>P. Cornelius, who delivers you this letter, has been recommended to me +by P. Cuspius, for whose sake you are thoroughly informed from me how +much I desire and am bound to do. I earnestly beg you that Cuspius may +have as great, early, and frequent occasion as possible to thank me for +this introduction.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXVI_Q_FR_II_6" id="CXVI_Q_FR_II_6"></a>CXVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 6</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (RETURNING FROM SARDINIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, May</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 50</div> + +<p>How delighted I was to get your letter! It had been expected by me at +first, it is true, only with longing, but recently with alarm also. And, +in fact, let me tell you that this is the only letter which has reached +me since the one brought me by your sailor and dated Olbia. But let +everything else, as you say, be reserved till we can talk it over +together. One thing, however, I cannot put off: on the 15th of May the +senate covered itself with glory by refusing Gabinius a <i>supplicatio</i>. +Procilius<a name="FNanchor_510_510" id="FNanchor_510_510"></a><a href="#Footnote_510_510" class="fnanchor">[510]</a> vows that such a slight was never inflicted on anyone. +Out of doors there is much applause. To me, gratifying as it is on its +own account, it is even more so because it was done when I was not in +the house. For it was an unbiassed<a name="FNanchor_511_511" id="FNanchor_511_511"></a><a href="#Footnote_511_511" class="fnanchor">[511]</a> judgment of the senate, without +any attack or exercise of influence on my part. The debate previously +arranged for the 15th and 16th, namely, the question of the Campanian +land, did not come on. In this matter I don't quite see way.<a name="FNanchor_512_512" id="FNanchor_512_512"></a><a href="#Footnote_512_512" class="fnanchor">[512]</a> But I +have said more than I meant to say: for it is best reserved till we +meet. Goodbye, best and most longed-for of brothers! Fly to me. Our boys +both share my prayer: of course, you will dine with me the day of your +arrival.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXVII_A_IV_8_b" id="CXVII_A_IV_8_b"></a>CXVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 8</span> b)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55. Coss., Cu. Pompeius Magnus, M. Licinius Crassus.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>In this year Cicero devoted much of his time and energy to the +composition of the <i>de Oratore</i>. He was glad to be away from Rome, +for though he had resolved to give up his opposition to the +triumvirs, he was never really happy in supporting or even +witnessing their policy, and the first letter betrays his +sentiments as to the way in which the consuls had secured their +election. His fear of an autocracy, however, seems now to be +directed rather to Pompey than Cæsar; nor was he at all charmed by +the splendour of the games given at the opening of Pompey's new +theatre. The only extant speech is that against L. Calpurnius Piso +(consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58) who had been recalled from Macedonia.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Tusculum</span><a name="FNanchor_513_513" id="FNanchor_513_513"></a><a href="#Footnote_513_513" class="fnanchor">[513]</a> (<span class="smcap">January</span>)</h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>Apenas had scarcely left me, when your letter came. Really? Do you +suppose he won't propose his law?<a name="FNanchor_514_514" id="FNanchor_514_514"></a><a href="#Footnote_514_514" class="fnanchor">[514]</a> Pray speak a little louder: I +seem scarcely to have caught what you said. But let me know it at once, +if it is all the same to you, that is! Well, since an additional day has +been assigned to the games, I am all the more content to spend that day +with Dionysius. About Trebonius I cordially agree with you. About +Domitius,<a name="FNanchor_515_515" id="FNanchor_515_515"></a><a href="#Footnote_515_515" class="fnanchor">[515]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"I swear by Ceres that no single fig<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was e'er so like another,"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>as his case to mine, either in the sameness of persons, the +unexpectedness of it, or the futility of the loyalists. There is one +difference—he has brought it upon himself. For as to the misfortune +itself, I rather think mine is the less grievous. For what could be more +mortifying than that a man, who has been consul-designate, so to speak, +ever since he was born, should fail in securing his election? Especially +when he is the only (plebeian) candidate, or at most had but one +opponent. If it is also the fact, which I rather think it is, that +<i>he</i><a name="FNanchor_516_516" id="FNanchor_516_516"></a><a href="#Footnote_516_516" class="fnanchor">[516]</a> has in the register of his pocket-book some equally long pages +of future, no less than of past consuls, what more humiliating position +than our friend's, except that of the Republic? My first information +about Natta<a name="FNanchor_517_517" id="FNanchor_517_517"></a><a href="#Footnote_517_517" class="fnanchor">[517]</a> was from your letter: I couldn't bear the man. As to +your question about my poem: what if it is all agog to escape from my +hands? Well? Would you permit it? About Fabius Luscus—I was just going +to speak of him: the man was always very cordial to me, and I never had +any cause to dislike him; for he is intelligent, very well-behaved, and +serviceable enough. As I was seeing nothing of him, I supposed him to be +out of town: but was told by this fellow Gavius of Firmum, that he was +at Rome, and had never been away. It made a disagreeable impression on +me. "Such a trifle as that?" you will say. Well, he had told me a good +deal of which there could be no doubt as to these brothers of Firmum. +What it is that has made him hold aloof from me, if he has done so, I +have no idea.</p> + +<p>As to your advice to me to act "diplomatically" and keep to the "outside +course"—I will obey you. But I want still more worldly wisdom, for +which, as usual, I shall come to you. Pry small things out from +Fabius,<a name="FNanchor_518_518" id="FNanchor_518_518"></a><a href="#Footnote_518_518" class="fnanchor">[518]</a> if you can get at him, and pick the brains of your guest, +and write me word on these points and all others every day. When there +is nothing for you to write, write and say so. Take care of your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXVIII_F_I_8" id="CXVIII_F_I_8"></a>CXVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 8</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">January</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>What debates have taken place in the senate, what determination has been +come to in your business, and what Pompey has undertaken to do, all this +you will best learn from Marcus Plætorius, who has not only been engaged +in these matters, but has even taken the lead in them, and left nothing +undone which the greatest affection for you, the greatest good sense, +and the greatest care could do. From the same man you will ascertain the +general position of public affairs, which are of such a nature as is not +easy to put in writing. They are, it is true, all in the power of our +friends, and to such an extent that it does not seem probable that the +present generation will witness a change. For my part, as in duty bound, +as you advised, and as personal affection and expediency compel, I am +attaching myself to the fortunes of the man whose alliance you thought +you must court when my fortunes were in question. But you must feel how +difficult it is to put away a political conviction, especially when it +happens to be right and proved up to the hilt. However, I conform myself +to the wishes of him from whom I cannot dissent with any dignity: and +this I do not do, as perhaps some may think, from insincerity; for +deliberate purpose and, by heaven! affection for Pompey are so powerful +with me, that whatever is to his interest, and whatever he wishes, +appears to me at once to be altogether right and reasonable. Nor, as I +think, would even his opponents be wrong if, seeing that they cannot +possibly be his equals, they were to cease to struggle against him. For +myself I have another consolation—my character is such that all the +world thinks me justified beyond all others, whether I support Pompey's +views, or hold my tongue, or even, what is above everything else to my +taste, return to my literary pursuits. And this last I certainly shall +do, if my friendship for this same man permits it. For those objects +which I had at one time in view, after having held the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> highest offices +and endured the greatest fatigues—the power of intervening with dignity +in the debates of the senate, and a free hand in dealing with public +affairs—these have been entirely abolished, and not more for me than +for all. For we all have either to assent to a small clique, to the +utter loss of our dignity, or to dissent to no purpose. My chief object +in writing to you thus is that you may consider carefully what line you +will also take yourself. The whole position of senate, law courts, and +indeed of the entire constitution has undergone a complete change. The +most we can hope for is tranquillity: and this the men now in supreme +power seem likely to give us, if certain persons<a name="FNanchor_519_519" id="FNanchor_519_519"></a><a href="#Footnote_519_519" class="fnanchor">[519]</a> shew somewhat more +tolerance of their despotism. The old consular prestige, indeed, of a +courageous and consistent senator we must no longer think of: that has +been lost by the fault of those who have alienated from the senate both +an order once very closely allied to it, and an individual of the most +illustrious character. But to return to what more immediately affects +your interests—I have ascertained that Pompey is warmly your friend, +and with him as consul, to the best of my knowledge and belief, you will +get whatever you wish. In this he will have me always at his elbow, and +nothing which affects you shall be passed over by me. Nor, in fact, +shall I be afraid of boring him, for he will be very glad for his own +sake to find me grateful to him. I would have you fully persuaded that +there is nothing, however small, affecting your welfare that is not +dearer to me than every interest of my own. And entertaining these +sentiments, I can satisfy myself indeed, as far as assiduity is +concerned, but in actual achievement I cannot do so, just because I +cannot reach any proportion of your services to me, I do not say by +actual return in kind, but by any return even of feeling. There a report +that you have won a great victory.<a name="FNanchor_520_520" id="FNanchor_520_520"></a><a href="#Footnote_520_520" class="fnanchor">[520]</a> Your despatch is anxiously +awaited, and I have already talked to Pompey about it. When it arrives, +I will shew my zeal by calling on the magistrates and members of the +senate: and in everything else which may concern you, though I shall +strive for more than I can achieve, I shall yet do less than I ought.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXIX_Q_FR_II_7" id="CXIX_Q_FR_II_7"></a>CXIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 7</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN THE COUNTRY)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>I thought you would like my book:<a name="FNanchor_521_521" id="FNanchor_521_521"></a><a href="#Footnote_521_521" class="fnanchor">[521]</a> that you like it as much as you +say I am greatly delighted. As to your hint about my Urania and your +advice to remember the speech of Iupiter,<a name="FNanchor_522_522" id="FNanchor_522_522"></a><a href="#Footnote_522_522" class="fnanchor">[522]</a> which comes at the end of +that book, I do indeed remember it, and that whole passage was aimed at +myself rather than at the rest of the world. Nevertheless, the day after +you started I went long before daybreak with Vibullius to call on +Pompey; and upon addressing him on the subject of the works and +inscriptions in your honour,<a name="FNanchor_523_523" id="FNanchor_523_523"></a><a href="#Footnote_523_523" class="fnanchor">[523]</a> he answered me very kindly, gave me +great hopes, said he would like to talk to Crassus about it, and advised +me to do so too. I joined in escorting Crassus to his house on his +assuming the consulate: he undertook the affair, and said that Clodius +would at this juncture have something that he wanted to get by means of +himself and Pompey: he thought that, if I did not baulk Clodius's views, +I might get what I wanted without any opposition. I left the matter +entirely in his hands and told him that I would do exactly as he wished. +Publius Crassus the younger was present at this conversation, who, as +you know, is very warmly attached to me. What Clodius wants is an +honorary mission (if not by decree of the senate, then by popular vote) +to Byzantium or to Brogitarus, or to both.<a name="FNanchor_524_524" id="FNanchor_524_524"></a><a href="#Footnote_524_524" class="fnanchor">[524]</a> There is a good deal of +money in it. It is a thing I don't trouble myself about much, even if I +don't get what I am trying to get. Pompey, however, has spoken<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> to +Crassus. They seem to have taken the business in hand. If they carry it +through, well and good: if not, let us return to my "Iupiter."</p> + +<p>On the 11th of February a decree passed the senate as to bribery on the +motion of Afranius, against which I had spoken when you were in the +house. To the loudly expressed disapprobation of the senate the consuls +did not go on with the proposals of those who, while agreeing with +Afranius's motion, added a rider that after their election the prætors +were to remain private citizens for sixty days.<a name="FNanchor_525_525" id="FNanchor_525_525"></a><a href="#Footnote_525_525" class="fnanchor">[525]</a> On that day they +unmistakably threw over Cato. In short, they manage everything their own +way, and wish all the world to understand it to be so.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXX_A_IV_10" id="CXX_A_IV_10"></a>CXX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 10</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cumæ, 20 April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>At Puteoli there is a great report that Ptolemy has been restored. If +you have any more certain news, I should like to know it. I am here +devouring the library of Faustus.<a name="FNanchor_526_526" id="FNanchor_526_526"></a><a href="#Footnote_526_526" class="fnanchor">[526]</a> Perhaps you thought I was +feasting on the beauties of Puteoli and the Lucrine lake. Well, I have +them too. But I declare to heaven that the more I am debarred from the +enjoyment of ordinary pleasures, owing to the political situation, the +more do I find support and refreshment in literature; and I would rather +be sitting in that charming seat of yours, under your bust of Aristotle, +than in <i>their</i><a name="FNanchor_527_527" id="FNanchor_527_527"></a><a href="#Footnote_527_527" class="fnanchor">[527]</a> curule<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> chair, and be taking a stroll with you +rather than with the great man<a name="FNanchor_528_528" id="FNanchor_528_528"></a><a href="#Footnote_528_528" class="fnanchor">[528]</a> with whom I see I shall have to +walk. But as to that walk, let fortune look to it, or god, if there is +any god who cares for such things. I wish, when possible, you would come +and see my walk and Spartan bath, and the buildings planned by Cyrus, +and would urge Philotimus to make haste, that I may have something to +match with yours in that department.<a name="FNanchor_529_529" id="FNanchor_529_529"></a><a href="#Footnote_529_529" class="fnanchor">[529]</a> Pompey came to his Cuman +property on the Parilia (19th April). He at once sent a man to me with +his compliments. I am going to call on him on the morning of the 20th, +as soon as I have written this letter.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXI_A_IV_9" id="CXXI_A_IV_9"></a>CXXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 9</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cumæ, 28 April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>I should much like to know whether the tribunes are hindering the census +by stopping business with their bad omens<a name="FNanchor_530_530" id="FNanchor_530_530"></a><a href="#Footnote_530_530" class="fnanchor">[530]</a> (for there is a rumour to +that effect), and what they are doing and contriving as to the +censorship altogether. I have had an interview with Pompey here. He +talked a good deal to me about politics. He is not at all satisfied with +himself, to judge from what he says—one is obliged to put in that +proviso in his case. He thinks very little of Syria as a province; talks +a good deal about Spain—here, too, I must add, "to judge from what he +says," and, I think, his whole conversation requires that reservation, +and to be ticketed as Phocylides did his verses—καὶ τόδε +Φωκυλίδου.<a name="FNanchor_531_531" id="FNanchor_531_531"></a><a href="#Footnote_531_531" class="fnanchor">[531]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> He expressed gratitude to you for undertaking to +arrange the statues:<a name="FNanchor_532_532" id="FNanchor_532_532"></a><a href="#Footnote_532_532" class="fnanchor">[532]</a> towards myself he was, by Hercules, most +effusively cordial. He even came to my Cuman house to call on me. +However, the last thing he seemed to wish was that Messalla should stand +for the consulship: that is the very point on which I should like to +hear what you know. I am much obliged by your saying that you will +recommend my fame to Lucceius, and for your frequent inspection of my +house. My brother Quintus has written to tell me that, as you have that +dear boy, his son Quintus, staying with you, he intends coming to your +house on the 7th of May. I left my Cuman villa on the 26th of April. +That night I spent at Naples with Pætus. I write this very early on the +27th, on my road to my Pompeian house.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXII_Q_FR_II_8" id="CXXII_Q_FR_II_8"></a>CXXII (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 8</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cumæ</span> (<span class="smcap">April</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>Afraid that you will interrupt me—you? In the first place, if I were as +busy as you think, do you know what interruption means? Have you taken a +lesson from Ateius?<a name="FNanchor_533_533" id="FNanchor_533_533"></a><a href="#Footnote_533_533" class="fnanchor">[533]</a> So help me heaven, in my eyes you give <i>me</i> a +lesson in a kind of learning which I never enjoy unless you are with me. +Why, that you should talk to me, interrupt me, argue against me, or +converse with me, is just what I should like. Nothing could be more +delightful! Never, by Hercules, did any crazy poet read with greater +zest his last composition than I listen to you, no matter what business +is in hand, public or private, rural or urban. But it was all owing to +my foolish scrupulousness that I did not carry you off with me when I +was leaving town. You confronted me the first time with an unanswerable +excuse—the health of my son: I was silenced. The second time it was +both boys, yours and mine: I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> acquiesced.<a name="FNanchor_534_534" id="FNanchor_534_534"></a><a href="#Footnote_534_534" class="fnanchor">[534]</a> Now comes a delightful +letter, but with this drop of gall in it—that you seem to have been +afraid, and still to be afraid, that you might bore me. I would go to +law with you if it were decent to do so; but, by heaven! if ever I have +a suspicion of such a feeling on your part, I can only say that I shall +begin to be afraid of boring <i>you</i> at times, when in your company. [I +perceive that you have sighed at this. 'Tis the way of the world: "But +if you lived on earth" ...I will never finish the quotation and say, +"Away with all care!"<a name="FNanchor_535_535" id="FNanchor_535_535"></a><a href="#Footnote_535_535" class="fnanchor">[535]</a> Marius,<a name="FNanchor_536_536" id="FNanchor_536_536"></a><a href="#Footnote_536_536" class="fnanchor">[536]</a> again, I should certainly have +forced into my sedan—I don't mean that famous one of Ptolemy that +Anicius got hold of:<a name="FNanchor_537_537" id="FNanchor_537_537"></a><a href="#Footnote_537_537" class="fnanchor">[537]</a> for I remember when I was conveying him from +Naples to Baiæ in Anicius's eight-bearer sedan, with a hundred armed +guards in our train, I had a real good laugh when Marius, knowing +nothing of his escort, suddenly drew back the curtains of the sedan—he +was almost dead with fright and I with laughing; well, this same friend, +I say, I should at least have carried off, to secure, at any rate, the +delicate charm of that old-fashioned courtesy, and of a conversation +which is the essence of culture. But I did not like to invite a man of +weak health to a villa practically without a roof, and which even now it +would be a compliment to describe as unfinished. It would indeed be a +special treat to me to have the enjoyment of him here also. For I assure +you that the neighbourhood of Marius makes the sunshine of that other +country residence of mine.<a name="FNanchor_538_538" id="FNanchor_538_538"></a><a href="#Footnote_538_538" class="fnanchor">[538]</a> I will see about getting him put up in +the house of Anicius. For I myself, though a student, can live with +workpeople in the house. I get this philosophy, not from Hymettus, but +from Arpinum.<a name="FNanchor_539_539" id="FNanchor_539_539"></a><a href="#Footnote_539_539" class="fnanchor">[539]</a> Marius is feebler in health<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> and constitution. As to +interrupting my book<a name="FNanchor_540_540" id="FNanchor_540_540"></a><a href="#Footnote_540_540" class="fnanchor">[540]</a>—I shall take from you just so much time for +writing as you may leave me. I only hope you'll leave me none at all, +that my want of progress may be set down to your encroachment rather +than to my idleness! In regards to politics, I am sorry that you worry +yourself too much, and are a better citizen than Philoctetes, who, on +being wronged himself, was anxious for the very spectacle<a name="FNanchor_541_541" id="FNanchor_541_541"></a><a href="#Footnote_541_541" class="fnanchor">[541]</a> that I +perceive gives you pain. Pray hasten hither: I will console you and wipe +all sorrow from your eyes: and, as you love me, bring Maruis. But haste, +haste, both of you! There is a garden at my house.<a name="FNanchor_542_542" id="FNanchor_542_542"></a><a href="#Footnote_542_542" class="fnanchor">[542]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXIII_A_IV_11" id="CXXIII_A_IV_11"></a>CXXIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 11</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cumæ</span> (<span class="smcap">April</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>I was delighted with your two letters which I received together on the +26th. Go on with the story. I long to know all the facts of what you +write about. Also I should like you to find out what this means: you can +do so from Demetrius. Pompey told me that he was expecting Crassus in +his Alban villa on the 27th: that as soon as he arrived, they were going +at once to Rome to settle accounts with the <i>publicani</i>. I asked, +"During the gladiatorial exhibitions?" He answered, "Before they were +begun." What that means I wish you would send me word either at once, if +you know, or when he has reached Rome. I am engaged here in devouring +books with the aid of that wonderful fellow Dionysius,<a name="FNanchor_543_543" id="FNanchor_543_543"></a><a href="#Footnote_543_543" class="fnanchor">[543]</a> for, by +Hercules, that is what he seems to me to be. He sends compliments to you +and all your party.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"No bliss so great as knowing all that is."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Wherefore indulge my thirst for knowledge by telling what happened on +the first and on the second day of the shows: what about the +censors,<a name="FNanchor_544_544" id="FNanchor_544_544"></a><a href="#Footnote_544_544" class="fnanchor">[544]</a> what about Appius,<a name="FNanchor_545_545" id="FNanchor_545_545"></a><a href="#Footnote_545_545" class="fnanchor">[545]</a> what about that she-Appuleius of +the people?<a name="FNanchor_546_546" id="FNanchor_546_546"></a><a href="#Footnote_546_546" class="fnanchor">[546]</a> Finally, pray write me word what you are doing +yourself. For, to tell the truth, revolutions don't give me so much +pleasure as a letter from you. I took no one out of town with me except +Dionysius: yet I am in no fear of wanting conversation—so delightful do +I find that youth. Pray give my book to Lucceius.<a name="FNanchor_547_547" id="FNanchor_547_547"></a><a href="#Footnote_547_547" class="fnanchor">[547]</a> I send you the +book of Demetrius of Magnesia,<a name="FNanchor_548_548" id="FNanchor_548_548"></a><a href="#Footnote_548_548" class="fnanchor">[548]</a> that there may be a messenger on the +spot to bring me back a letter from you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXIV_A_IV_12" id="CXXIV_A_IV_12"></a>CXXIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 12</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cumæ, April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>Egnatius<a name="FNanchor_549_549" id="FNanchor_549_549"></a><a href="#Footnote_549_549" class="fnanchor">[549]</a> is at Rome. But I spoke strongly to him at Antium about +Halimetus's business. He assured me that he would speak seriously to +Aquilius.<a name="FNanchor_550_550" id="FNanchor_550_550"></a><a href="#Footnote_550_550" class="fnanchor">[550]</a> You will see the man therefore, if you please. I think I +can scarcely be ready for Macro:<a name="FNanchor_551_551" id="FNanchor_551_551"></a><a href="#Footnote_551_551" class="fnanchor">[551]</a> for I see that the auction at +Larinum is on the Ides and the two days following. Pray forgive me for +that, since you think so much of Macro. But, as you love me, dine<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> with +me on the 2nd, and bring Pilia. You must absolutely do so. On the 1st I +think of dining at Crassipes' suburban villa as a kind of inn. I thus +elude the decree of the senate. Thence to my town house after dinner, so +as to be ready to be at Milo's in the morning.<a name="FNanchor_552_552" id="FNanchor_552_552"></a><a href="#Footnote_552_552" class="fnanchor">[552]</a> There, then, I shall +see you, and shall march you on with me. My whole household sends you +greeting.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXV_F_VII_23" id="CXXV_F_VII_23"></a>CXXV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 23</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO M. FADIUS GALLUS</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">May</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>I had only just arrived from Arpinum when your letter was delivered to +me; and from the same bearer I received a letter from Arrianus,<a name="FNanchor_553_553" id="FNanchor_553_553"></a><a href="#Footnote_553_553" class="fnanchor">[553]</a> in +which there was this most liberal offer, that when he came to Rome he +would enter my debt to him on whatever day I chose. Pray put yourself in +my place: is it consistent with your modesty or mine, first to prefer a +request as to the day, and then to ask more than a year's credit? But, +my dear Gallus, everything would have been easy, if you had bought the +things I wanted, and only up to the price that I wished. However, the +purchases which, according to your letter, you have made shall not only +be ratified by me, but with gratitude besides: for I fully understand +that you have displayed zeal and affection in purchasing (because you +thought them worthy of me) things which pleased yourself—a man, as I +have ever thought, of the most fastidious judgment in all matters of +taste. Still, I should like Damasippus<a name="FNanchor_554_554" id="FNanchor_554_554"></a><a href="#Footnote_554_554" class="fnanchor">[554]</a> to abide by his decision: +for there<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> is absolutely none of those purchases that I care to have. +But you, being unacquainted with my habits, have bought four or five of +your selection at a price at which I do not value any statues in the +world. You compare your Bacchæ with Metellus's Muses. Where is the +likeness? To begin with, I should never have considered the Muses worth +all that money, and I think all the Muses would have approved my +judgment: still, it would have been appropriate to a library, and in +harmony with my pursuits. But Bacchæ! What place is there in my house +for them? But, you will say, they are pretty. I know them very well and +have often seen them. I would have commissioned you definitely in the +case of statues known to me, if I had decided on them. The sort of +statues that I am accustomed to buy are such as may adorn a place in a +<i>palæstra</i> after the fashion of gymnasia.<a name="FNanchor_555_555" id="FNanchor_555_555"></a><a href="#Footnote_555_555" class="fnanchor">[555]</a> What, again, have I, the +promoter of peace, to do with a statue of Mars? I am glad there was not +a statue of Saturn also: for I should have thought these two statues had +brought me debt! I should have preferred some representation of Mercury: +I might then, I suppose, have made a more favourable bargain with +Arrianus. You say you meant the table-stand<a name="FNanchor_556_556" id="FNanchor_556_556"></a><a href="#Footnote_556_556" class="fnanchor">[556]</a> for yourself; well, if +you like it, keep it. But if you have changed your mind I will, of +course, have it. For the money you have laid out, indeed, I would rather +have purchased a place of call at Tarracina,<a name="FNanchor_557_557" id="FNanchor_557_557"></a><a href="#Footnote_557_557" class="fnanchor">[557]</a> to prevent my being +always a burden on my host. Altogether I perceive that the fault is with +my freedman, whom I had distinctly commissioned to purchase certain +definite things, and also with Iunius, whom I think you know, an +intimate friend of Arrianus. I have constructed some new sitting-rooms +in a miniature colonnade on my Tusculan property. I want to ornament +them with pictures: for if I take pleasure in anything of that sort it +is in painting. However, if I am to have what you have bought, I should +like you to inform me where they are, when hey are to be fetched, and by +what<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> kind of conveyance. For if Damasippus doesn't abide by his +decision, I shall look for some would-be Damasippus,<a name="FNanchor_558_558" id="FNanchor_558_558"></a><a href="#Footnote_558_558" class="fnanchor">[558]</a> even at a +loss.</p> + +<p>As to what you say about the house, as I was going out of town I +intrusted the matter to my daughter Tullia:<a name="FNanchor_559_559" id="FNanchor_559_559"></a><a href="#Footnote_559_559" class="fnanchor">[559]</a> for it was at the very +hour of my departure that I got your letter. I also discussed the matter +with your friend Nicias, because he is, as you know, intimate with +Cassius. On my return, however, before I got your last letter, I asked +Tullia what she had done. She said that she had approached Licinia<a name="FNanchor_560_560" id="FNanchor_560_560"></a><a href="#Footnote_560_560" class="fnanchor">[560]</a> +(though I think Cassius is not very intimate with his sister), and that +she at once said that she could not venture, in the absence of her +husband (Dexius is gone to Spain), to change houses without his being +there and knowing about it. I am much gratified that you should value +association with me and my domestic life so highly, as, in the first +place, to take a house which would enable you to live not only near me, +but absolutely with me, and, in the second place, to be in such a hurry +to make this change of residence. But, upon my life, I do not yield to +you in eagerness for that arrangement. So I will try every means in my +power. For I see the advantage to myself, and, indeed, the advantages to +us both. If I succeed in doing anything, I will let you know. Mind you +also write me word back on everything, and let me know, if you please, +when I am to expect you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXXVI_F_VII_1" id="CXXVI_F_VII_1"></a>CXXVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 1</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO M. MARIUS (AT CUMÆ)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">October?</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>If some bodily pain or weakness of health has prevented your coming to +the games, I put it down to fortune rather than your own wisdom: but if +you have made up your mind that these things which the rest of the world +admires are only worthy of contempt, and, though your health would have +allowed of it, you yet were unwilling to come, then I rejoice at both +facts—that you were free from bodily pain, and that you had the sound +sense to disdain what others causelessly admire. Only I hope that some +fruit of your leisure may be forthcoming, a leisure, indeed, which you +had a splendid opportunity of enjoying to the full, seeing that you were +left almost alone in your lovely country. For I doubt not that in that +study of yours, from which you have opened a window into the Stabian +waters of the bay, and obtained a view of Misenum, you have spent the +morning hours of those days in light reading, while those who left you +there were watching the ordinary farces<a name="FNanchor_561_561" id="FNanchor_561_561"></a><a href="#Footnote_561_561" class="fnanchor">[561]</a> half asleep. The remaining +parts of the day, too, you spent in the pleasures which you had yourself +arranged to suit your own taste, while we had to endure whatever had met +with the approval of Spurius Mæcius.<a name="FNanchor_562_562" id="FNanchor_562_562"></a><a href="#Footnote_562_562" class="fnanchor">[562]</a> On the whole, if you care to +know, the games were most splendid, but not to your taste. I judge from +my own. For, to begin with, as a special honour to the occasion, those +actors had come back to the stage who, I thought, had left it for their +own. Indeed, your favourite, my friend Æsop, was in such a state that no +one could say a word against his retiring from the profession. On the +beginning to recite the oath his voice failed him at the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> words "If I +knowingly deceive." Why should I go on with the story? You know all +about the rest of the games, which hadn't even that amount of charm +which games on a moderate scale generally have: for the spectacle was so +elaborate as to leave no room for cheerful enjoyment, and I think you +need feel no regret at having missed it. For what is the pleasure of a +train of six hundred mules in the "Clytemnestra," or three thousand +bowls in the "Trojan Horse," or gay-coloured armour of infantry and +cavalry in some battle? These things roused the admiration of the +vulgar; to you they would have brought no delight. But if during those +days you listened to your reader Protogenes, so long at least as he read +anything rather than my speeches, surely you had far greater pleasure +than any one of us. For I don't suppose you wanted to see Greek or Oscan +plays, especially as you can see Oscan farces in your senate-house over +there, while you are so far from liking Greeks, that you generally won't +even go along the Greek road to your villa. Why, again, should I suppose +you to care about missing the athletes, since you disdained the +gladiators? in which even Pompey himself confesses that he lost his +trouble and his pains. There remain the two wild-beast hunts, lasting +five days, magnificent—nobody denies it—and yet, what pleasure can it +be to a man of refinement, when either a weak man is torn by an +extremely powerful animal, or a splendid animal is transfixed by a +hunting spear? Things which, after all, if worth seeing, you have often +seen before; nor did I, who was present at the games, see anything the +least new. The last day was that of the elephants, on which there was a +great deal of astonishment on the part of the vulgar crowd, but no +pleasure whatever. Nay, there was even a certain feeling of compassion +aroused by it, and a kind of belief created that that animal has +something in common with mankind.<a name="FNanchor_563_563" id="FNanchor_563_563"></a><a href="#Footnote_563_563" class="fnanchor">[563]</a> However, for my part, during this +day, while the theatrical exhibitions were on, lest by chance you should +think me too blessed, I almost split my lungs in defending your friend +Caninius Gallus.<a name="FNanchor_564_564" id="FNanchor_564_564"></a><a href="#Footnote_564_564" class="fnanchor">[564]</a> But if the people were as in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>dulgent to me as they +were to Æsop, I would, by heaven, have been glad to abandon my +profession and live with you and others like us. The fact is I was tired +of it before, even when both age and ambition stirred me on, and when I +could also decline any defence that I didn't like; but now, with things +in the state that they are, there is no life worth having. For, on the +one hand, I expect no profit of my labour; and, on the other, I am +sometimes forced to defend men who have been no friends to me, at the +request of those to whom I am under obligations. Accordingly, I am on +the look-out for every excuse for at last managing my life according to +my own taste, and I loudly applaud and vehemently approve both you and +your retired plan of life: and as to your infrequent appearances among +us, I am the more resigned to that because, were you in Rome, I should +be prevented from enjoying the charm of your society, and so would you +of mine, if I have any, by the overpowering nature of my engagements; +from which, if I get any relief—for entire release I don't expect—I +will give even you, who have been studying nothing else for many years, +some hints as to what it is to live a life of cultivated enjoyment. Only +be careful to nurse your weak health and to continue your present care +of it, so that you may be able to visit my country houses and make +excursions with me in my litter. I have written you a longer letter than +usual, from superabundance, not of leisure, but of affection, because, +if you remember, you asked me in one of your letters to write you +something to prevent you feeling sorry at having missed the games. And +if I have succeeded in that, I am glad: if not, I yet console myself +with this reflexion, that in future you will both come to the games and +come to see me, and will not leave your hope of enjoyment dependent on +my letters.<a name="FNanchor_565_565" id="FNanchor_565_565"></a><a href="#Footnote_565_565" class="fnanchor">[565]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXXVII_F_XIII_74" id="CXXVII_F_XIII_74"></a>CXXVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIII, 74</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO Q. PHILIPPUS (PROCONSUL IN ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>Though, considering your attention to me and our close ties, I have no +doubt of your remembering my recommendation, yet I again and again +recommend to you the same L. Oppius, my intimate friend who is now in +Rome, and the business of L. Egnatius, my very intimate friend who is +now abroad. With the latter my connexion and intimacy are so strong, +that I could not be more anxious if the business were my own. Wherefore +I shall be highly gratified if you take the trouble too make him feel +that I have as high a place in your affections as I think I have. You +cannot oblige me more than by doing so: and I beg you warmly to do it.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXVIII_F_XIII_40" id="CXXVIII_F_XIII_40"></a>CXXVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIII, 40</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO Q. ANCHARIUS (PROCONSUL IN MACEDONIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>Lucius and Gaius, sons of Lucius Aurelius, with whom, as with their +excellent father, I am most intimately acquainted, I recommend to you +with more than usual earnestness, as young men endowed with the best +qualities, as being very closely allied to myself, and as being in the +highest degree worthy of your friendship. If any recommendations of mine +have ever had influence with you, as I know that many have had much, I +beg you to let this one have it. If you treat them with honour and +kindness, you will not only have attached to yourself two very grateful +and excellent young men, but you will also have done me the very +greatest favour.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXXIX_A_IV_13" id="CXXIX_A_IV_13"></a>CXXIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 13</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Tusculum, 15 November</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 51</div> + +<p>I see that you know of my arrival at Tusculum on the 14th of November. I +found Dionysius there. I wish to be at Rome on the 17th. Why do I say +"wish"? Rather I am forced to be so. Milo's wedding. There is some idea +of an election. Even supposing that to be confirmed,<a name="FNanchor_566_566" id="FNanchor_566_566"></a><a href="#Footnote_566_566" class="fnanchor">[566]</a> I am glad to +have been absent from the wrangling debates which I am told have taken +place in the senate. For I should either have defended him, which would +have been against my opinion, or have deserted him whom I was bound to +defend. But, by Hercules, describe to me to the utmost of your power +those events, and the present state of politics, and how the consuls +stand this bother. I am very ravenous for news, and, to tell you the +truth, I feel no confidence in anything. Our friend Crassus indeed, +people say, started in his official robes with less dignity than in the +old times did L. Paullus,<a name="FNanchor_567_567" id="FNanchor_567_567"></a><a href="#Footnote_567_567" class="fnanchor">[567]</a> at the same time of life as he is, and, +like him, in his second consulship. What a sorry fellow! About my +oratorical books, I have been working hard. They have been long in hand +and much revised: you can get them copied.<a name="FNanchor_568_568" id="FNanchor_568_568"></a><a href="#Footnote_568_568" class="fnanchor">[568]</a> I again beg of you an +outline sketch of the present situation, that I may not arrive in Rome +quite a stranger.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXXX_F_V_8" id="CXXX_F_V_8"></a>CXXX (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, 8</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54. Coss., L. Domitius Ahenobarbus, Ap. Claudius +Pulcher.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>During this year politics were comparatively uneventful. Crassus +was gone to Syria. Pompey should have gone to Spain, but at the +request of the senate he stayed near Rome, and in the autumn his +wife Iulia died, thus breaking one strong tie between him and +Cæsar. Quintus Cicero went as <i>legatus</i> to Cæsar and accompanied +him to Britain. Cicero himself kept up a correspondence with Cæsar, +and seems to nurse his friendship with him with an almost feverish +eagerness, which, however, lacks spontaneity. He was engaged this +year in composing his treatise on the Republic.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO M. LICINIUS CRASSUS (ON HIS WAY TO SYRIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">January</span>)</h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>I have no doubt all your friends have written to tell you what zeal I +displayed on the ——<a name="FNanchor_569_569" id="FNanchor_569_569"></a><a href="#Footnote_569_569" class="fnanchor">[569]</a> in the defence, or you might call it the +promotion, of your official position. For it was neither half-hearted +nor inconspicuous, nor of a sort that could be passed over in silence. +In fact, I maintained a controversy against both the consuls and many +consulars with a vehemence such as I have never shewn in any cause +before, and I took upon myself the standing defence of all your honours, +and paid the duty I owed to our friendship—long in arrear, but +interrupted by the great complexity of events—to the very utmost. Not, +believe me, that the will to shew you attention and honour was ever +wanting to me; but certain pestilent persons—vexed at another's +fame—did at times alienate you from me, and sometimes changed my +feelings towards you. But I have got the opportunity, for which I had +rather wished than hoped, of shewing you in the very height of your +prosperity that I remember our mutual kindness and am faithful to our +friendship. For I have secured not only that your whole family, but that +the entire city should know that you have no warmer friend than myself. +Accordingly, that most<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> noble of women, your wife, as well as your two +most affectionate, virtuous, and popular sons, place full confidence in +my counsel, advice, zeal, and public actions; and the senate and Roman +people understand that in your absence there is nothing upon which you +can so absolutely count and depend as upon my exertions, care, +attention, and influence in all matters which affect your interests. +What has been done and is being done in the senate I imagine that you +are informed in the letters from members of your family. For myself, I +am very anxious that you should think and believe that I did not stumble +upon the task of supporting your dignity from some sudden whim or by +chance, but that from the first moment of my entering on public life I +have always looked out to see how I might be most closely united to you. +And, indeed, from that hour I never remember either my respect for you, +or your very great kindness and liberality to me, to have failed. If +certain interruptions of friendship have occurred, based rather on +suspicion than fact, let them, as groundless and imaginary, be uprooted +from our entire memory and life. For such is your character, and such I +desire mine to be, that, fate having brought us face to face with the +same condition of public affairs, I would fain hope that our union and +friendship will turn out to be for the credit of us both. Wherefore how +much consideration should in your judgment be shewn to me, you will +yourself decide, and that decision, I hope, will be in accordance with +my position in the state. I, for my part, promise and guarantee a +special and unequalled zeal in every service which may tend to your +honour and reputation. And even if in this I shall have many rivals, I +shall yet easily surpass them all in the judgment of the rest of the +world as well as that of your sons, for both of whom I have a particular +affection; but while equally well-disposed to Marcus, I am more entirely +devoted to Publius for this reason, that, though he always did so from +boyhood, he is at this particular time treating me with the respect and +affection of a second father.</p> + +<p>I would have you believe that this letter will have the force of a +treaty, not of a mere epistle; and that I will most sacredly observe and +most carefully perform what I hereby promise and undertake. The defence +of your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> political position which I have taken up in your absence I will +abide by, not only for the sake of our friendship, but also for the sake +of my own character for consistency. Therefore I thought it sufficient +at this time to tell you this—that if there was anything which I +understood to be your wish or for your advantage or for your honour, I +should do it without waiting to be asked; but that if I received a hint +from yourself or your family on any point, I should take care to +convince you that no letter of your own or any request from any of your +family has been in vain. Wherefore I would wish you to write to me on +all matters, great, small, or indifferent, as to a most cordial friend; +and to bid your family so to make use of my activity, advice, authority, +and influence in all business matters—public or private, forensic or +domestic, whether your own or those of your friends, guests, or +clients—that, as far as such a thing is possible, the loss of your +presence may be lessened by my labour.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXXI_Q_FR_II_9" id="CXXXI_Q_FR_II_9"></a>CXXXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 9</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN THE COUNTRY)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>Your note by its strong language has drawn out this letter. For as to +what actually occurred on the day of your start, it supplied me with +absolutely no subject for writing. But as when we are together we are +never at a loss for something to say, so ought our letters at times to +digress into loose chat. Well then, to begin, the liberty of the +Tenedians has received short shrift,<a name="FNanchor_570_570" id="FNanchor_570_570"></a><a href="#Footnote_570_570" class="fnanchor">[570]</a> no one speaking for them +except myself, Bibulus, Calidius, and Favonius. A complimentary +reference to you was made by the legates from Magnesia and Sipylum, they +saying that you were the man who alone<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> had resisted the demand of L. +Sestius Pansa.<a name="FNanchor_571_571" id="FNanchor_571_571"></a><a href="#Footnote_571_571" class="fnanchor">[571]</a> On the remaining days of this business in the +senate, if anything occurs which you ought to know, or even if there is +nothing, I will write you something every day. On the 12th I will not +fail you or Pomponius. The poems of Lucretius are as you say—with many +flashes of genius, yet very technical.<a name="FNanchor_572_572" id="FNanchor_572_572"></a><a href="#Footnote_572_572" class="fnanchor">[572]</a> But when you return, ... if +you succeed in reading the <i>Empedoclea</i> of Sallustius, I shall regard +you as a hero, yet scarcely human.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXXII_Q_FR_II_10" id="CXXXII_Q_FR_II_10"></a>CXXXII (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 10</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN THE COUNTRY)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>I am glad you like my letter: however, I should not even now have had +anything to write about, if I had not received yours. For on the 12th, +when Appius had got together a thinly-attended meeting of the senate, +the cold was so great that he was compelled by the general clamour<a name="FNanchor_573_573" id="FNanchor_573_573"></a><a href="#Footnote_573_573" class="fnanchor">[573]</a> +to dismiss us. As to the Commagenian, because I have blown that +proposition to the winds, Appius makes wonderful advances to me both +personally and through Pomponius; for he sees that if I adopt a similar +style of discussion in the other business, February will not bring him +anything in. And<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> certainly I did chaff him pretty well, and not only +wrenched from his grasp that petty township of his—situated in the +territory of Zeugma on the Euphrates<a name="FNanchor_574_574" id="FNanchor_574_574"></a><a href="#Footnote_574_574" class="fnanchor">[574]</a>—but also raised a loud laugh +by my satire on the man's purple-edged toga, which he had been granted +when Cæsar was consul.<a name="FNanchor_575_575" id="FNanchor_575_575"></a><a href="#Footnote_575_575" class="fnanchor">[575]</a> "His wish," said I, "for a renewal of the +same honour, to save the yearly re-dying of his purple-edged toga, I do +not think calls for any decree of the house; but you, my lords, who +could not endure that the Bostrian<a name="FNanchor_576_576" id="FNanchor_576_576"></a><a href="#Footnote_576_576" class="fnanchor">[576]</a> should wear the <i>toga prætexta</i>, +will you allow the Commagenian to do so?" You see the style of chaff, +and the line I took. I spoke at length against the petty princeling, +with the result that he was utterly laughed out of court. Alarmed by +this exhibition, as I said, Appius is making up to me. For nothing could +be easier than to explode the rest of his proposals. But I will not go +so far as to trip him up, lest he appeal to the god of hospitality, and +summon all his Greeks—it is they who make us friends again. I will do +what Theopompus wants. I had forgotten to write to you about Cæsar: for +I perceive what sort of letter you have been expecting. But the fact is, +he has written word to Balbus that the little packet of letters, in +which mine and Balbus's were packed, had been so drenched with rain that +he was not even aware that there was a letter from me. He had, however, +made out a few words of Balbus's letter, to which he answered as +follows: "I perceive that you have written something about Cicero, which +I have not fully made out: but, as far I could guess, it was of a kind +that I thought was more to be wished than hoped for." Accordingly, I +afterwards sent Cæsar a duplicate copy of the letter. Don't be put off +by that passage<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> about his want of means. In answer to it I wrote back +saying that he must not stop payment from any reliance on my money +chest, and descanted playfully on that subject, in familiar terms and +yet without derogating from my dignity. His good feeling towards us, +however, according to all accounts, is marked. The letter, indeed, on +the point of which you expect to hear, will almost coincide with your +return:<a name="FNanchor_577_577" id="FNanchor_577_577"></a><a href="#Footnote_577_577" class="fnanchor">[577]</a> the other business of each day I will write on condition of +your furnishing me with letter-carriers. However, such cold weather is +threatening,<a name="FNanchor_578_578" id="FNanchor_578_578"></a><a href="#Footnote_578_578" class="fnanchor">[578]</a> that there is very great danger that Appius may find +his house frost-bitten and deserted!<a name="FNanchor_579_579" id="FNanchor_579_579"></a><a href="#Footnote_579_579" class="fnanchor">[579]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXXIII_F_VII_5" id="CXXXIII_F_VII_5"></a>CXXXIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 5</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO CÆSAR (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>Cicero greets Cæsar, <i>imperator</i>. Observe how far I have convinced +myself that you are my second self, not only in matters which concern me +personally, but even in those which concern my friends. It had been my +intention to take Gaius Trebatius with me for whatever destination I +should be leaving town, in order to bring him home again honoured as +much as my zeal and favour could make him. But when Pompey remained at +home longer than I expected, and a certain hesitation on my part (with +which you are not unacquainted) appeared to hinder, or at any rate to +retard, my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> departure,<a name="FNanchor_580_580" id="FNanchor_580_580"></a><a href="#Footnote_580_580" class="fnanchor">[580]</a> I presumed upon what I will now explain to +you. I begin to wish that Trebatius should look to you for what he had +hoped from me, and, in fact, I have been no more sparing of my promises +of goodwill on your part than I had been wont to be of my own. Moreover, +an extraordinary coincidence has occurred which seems to support my +opinion and to guarantee your kindness. For just as I was speaking to +our friend Balbus<a name="FNanchor_581_581" id="FNanchor_581_581"></a><a href="#Footnote_581_581" class="fnanchor">[581]</a> about this very Trebatius at my house, with more +than usual earnestness, a letter from you was handed to me, at the end +of which you say: "Miscinius Rufus,<a name="FNanchor_582_582" id="FNanchor_582_582"></a><a href="#Footnote_582_582" class="fnanchor">[582]</a> whom you recommend to me, I +will make king of Gaul, or, if you choose, put him under the care of +Lepta. Send me some one else to promote." I and Balbus both lifted our +hands in surprise: it came so exactly in the nick of time, that it +appeared to be less the result of mere chance than something +providential. I therefore send you Trebatius, and on two grounds, first +that it was my spontaneous idea to send him, and secondly because you +have invited me to do so. I would beg you, dear Cæsar, to receive him +with such a display of kindness as to concentrate on his single person +all that you can be possibly induced to bestow for my sake upon my +friends. As for him I guarantee—not in the sense of that hackneyed +expression of mine, at which, when I used it in writing to you about +Milo, you very properly jested, but in good Roman language such as sober +men use—that no honester, better, or more modest man exists. Added to +this, he is at the top of his profession as a jurisconsult, possesses an +unequalled memory, and the most profound learning. For such a man I ask +neither a tribuneship, prefecture, nor any definite office, I ask only<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> +your goodwill and liberality: and yet I do not wish to prevent your +complimenting him, if it so please you, with even these marks of +distinction. In fact, I transfer him entirely from my hand, so to speak, +to yours, which is as sure a pledge of good faith as of victory. Excuse +my being somewhat importunate, though with a man like you there can +hardly be any pretext for it—however, I feel that it will be allowed to +pass. Be careful of your health and continue to love me as ever.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXXIV_Q_FR_II_11" id="CXXXIV_Q_FR_II_11"></a>CXXXIV (<span class="smcap">Q FR II, 11 [13]</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN THE COUNTRY)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">15 February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>Your "black snow"<a name="FNanchor_583_583" id="FNanchor_583_583"></a><a href="#Footnote_583_583" class="fnanchor">[583]</a> made me laugh, and I am very glad that you are in +a cheerful frame of mind and ready for a joke. As to Pompey, I agree +with you, or rather you agree with me. For, as you know, I have long +been singing the praises of your Cæsar. Believe me, he is very close to +my heart, and I am not going to let him slip from his place. Now for the +history of the Ides (13th). It was Cælius's tenth day.<a name="FNanchor_584_584" id="FNanchor_584_584"></a><a href="#Footnote_584_584" class="fnanchor">[584]</a> Domitius had +not obtained a full panel. I am afraid that foul ruffian, Servius Pola, +will appear for the prosecution. For our friend Cælius has a dead set +made at him by the Clodian gens. There is nothing certain as yet, but I +am afraid. On the same day there was a full house for the case of the +Tyrians: the <i>publicani</i> of Syria appeared in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> large numbers against +them. Gabinius was abused roundly:<a name="FNanchor_585_585" id="FNanchor_585_585"></a><a href="#Footnote_585_585" class="fnanchor">[585]</a> the <i>publicani</i> were also +denounced by (the consul) Domitius for having escorted him on his start +on horseback. Our friend Lucius Lamia was somewhat insolent: for on +Domitius saying, "It is your fault, equites of Rome, that such things +have happened: for you give verdicts laxly," he said, "Yes, we give +verdicts, but you senators give evidence of character."<a name="FNanchor_586_586" id="FNanchor_586_586"></a><a href="#Footnote_586_586" class="fnanchor">[586]</a> Nothing was +done that day: the house stood adjourned at nightfall. On the comitial +days which follow the Quirinalia (17th February), Appius holds the view +that he is not prevented by the <i>lex Pupia</i> from holding a meeting of +the senate, and that by the <i>lex Gabinia</i> he is even compelled to have a +meeting for the legations from the 1st of February to the 1st of +March.<a name="FNanchor_587_587" id="FNanchor_587_587"></a><a href="#Footnote_587_587" class="fnanchor">[587]</a> And so the elections are supposed to be put off till March. +Nevertheless, on these comitial days the tribunes say that they will +bring forward the case of Gabinius.<a name="FNanchor_588_588" id="FNanchor_588_588"></a><a href="#Footnote_588_588" class="fnanchor">[588]</a> I collect every item of +intelligence, that I may have some news to tell you: but, as you see, I +am short of material. Accordingly, I return to Callisthenes and +Philistus, in whom I see that you have been wallowing. Callisthenes is a +commonplace and hackneyed piece of business, like a good many Greeks. +The Sicilian is a first-rate writer, terse, sagacious, concise, almost a +minor Thucydides;<a name="FNanchor_589_589" id="FNanchor_589_589"></a><a href="#Footnote_589_589" class="fnanchor">[589]</a> but which of his two books you have—for these +are two works—I don't know. That about Dionysius is my favourite. For +Dionysius himself is a magnificent intriguer, and was familiarly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> known +to Philistus. But as to your postscript—are you really going in for +writing history? You have my blessing on your project: and since you +furnish me with letter-carriers, you shall hear to-day's transactions on +the Lupercalia (15th February). Enjoy yourself with our dear boy to your +heart's content.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXXV_F_VII_6" id="CXXXV_F_VII_6"></a>CXXXV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 6</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cumæ</span> (<span class="smcap">April</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>In all my letters to Cæsar or Balbus there is a sort of statutory +appendix containing a recommendation of you, and not one of the ordinary +kind, but accompanied by some signal mark of my warm feeling towards +you. See only that you get rid of that feeble regret of yours for the +city and city ways, and carry out with persistence and courage what you +had in your mind when you set out. We, your friends, shall pardon your +going away for that purpose as much as</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"The wealthy noble dames who held the Corinthian peak"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>pardoned Medea, whom, with hands whitened to the utmost with chalk, she +persuaded not to think ill of her for being absent from her fatherland: +for</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Many have served themselves abroad and served the state as well;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many have spent their lives at home to be but counted fools."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>In which latter category you would have certainly been, had I not forced +you abroad. But I will write more another time. You who learnt to look +out for others, look out, while in Britain, that you are not yourself +taken in by the charioteers; and, since I have begun quoting the +<i>Medea</i>, remember this line:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"The sage who cannot serve himself is vainly wise I ween."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Take care of your health.<a name="FNanchor_590_590" id="FNanchor_590_590"></a><a href="#Footnote_590_590" class="fnanchor">[590]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXXXVI_F_VII_7" id="CXXXVI_F_VII_7"></a>CXXXVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 7</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (ON HIS WAY TO GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cumæ</span> (<span class="smcap">April or May</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>For my part, I never cease recommending you, but I am eager to know from +you how far my recommendation is of service. My chief hope is in Balbus, +to whom I write about you with the greatest earnestness and frequency. +It often excites my wonder that I don't hear from you as often as +from my brother Quintus. In Britain I am told there is no gold or +silver. If that turns out to be the case, I advise you to capture a +war-chariot and hasten back to us at the earliest opportunity. But +if—letting Britain alone—we can still obtain what we want, take care +to get on intimate terms with Cæsar. In that respect my brother will be +of much use to you, so will Balbus, but most of all, believe me, your +own modesty and industry. You have an <i>imperator</i> of the most liberal +character, your age is exactly the best one for employment, and your +recommendation at any rate is quite unique, so that all you have to fear +is not doing yourself full justice.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXXVII_A_IV_14" id="CXXXVII_A_IV_14"></a>CXXXVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 14</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (ON A JOURNEY)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cumæ</span> (<span class="smcap">May</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>Our friend Vestorius<a name="FNanchor_591_591" id="FNanchor_591_591"></a><a href="#Footnote_591_591" class="fnanchor">[591]</a> has informed me by letter that you are +believed to have left Rome on the 10th of May—later<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> than you said that +you intended—because you had not been very well. If you are now better +I rejoice indeed. I wish you would write to your town house, ordering +your books to be at my service just as if you were at home, especially +those of Varro. For I have occasion to use some passages of those books +in reference to those which I have in hand, and which, I hope, will meet +with your strong approval.<a name="FNanchor_592_592" id="FNanchor_592_592"></a><a href="#Footnote_592_592" class="fnanchor">[592]</a> Pray, if by chance you have any news, +principally from my brother Quintus, next from Cæsar, and, finally, +anything about the elections or about politics—for you have an +excellent nose for such things—write and tell me about them: if you +have no news, nevertheless write something. For a letter from you never +yet seemed to me either ill-timed or too long-winded. But above all I +beg that, when your business and your whole tour has been concluded to +your mind, you will come back to us as soon as possible. Give my +compliments to Dionysius. Take care of your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXXVIII_Q_FR_II_12" id="CXXXVIII_Q_FR_II_12"></a>CXXXVIII (<span class="smcap">Q FR II, 12 [14]</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cumæ</span> (<span class="smcap">May</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>I have up to now received two letters from you, one just as I was +leaving town, the other dated Ariminum: others which you say in your +letter that you have sent I have not received. I am having a fairly +pleasant time (except that you are not here) at Cumæ and Pompeii, and +intend staying in these parts till the 1st of June. I am writing the +treatise of which I spoke to you, "On the Republic," a very bulky and +laborious work. But if it turns out as I wish, it will be labour well +bestowed, and if not I shall toss it into the very sea which I have +before my eyes as I write, and set to work on something else; since to +do nothing is beyond my power. I will carefully observe your instruction +both as to attaching certain persons to myself and not alienating +certain others.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> But my chief care will be to see your son, or rather +our son, if possible, every day at any rate, and to watch the progress +of his education as often as possible; and, unless he declines my help, +I will even offer to be his instructor, a practice to which I have +become habituated in the leisure of these days while bringing my own +boy, the younger Cicero, on. Yes, do as you say in your letter, what, +even if you had not said so, I know you do with the greatest +care—digest, follow up, and carry out my instructions. For my part, +when I get to Rome, I will let no letter-carrier of Cæsar go without a +letter for you. During these days you must excuse me: there has been no +one to whom I could deliver a letter until the present bearer M. Orfius, +a Roman knight, a man that is my friend as well from personal +consideration as because he comes from the <i>municipium</i> of Atella,<a name="FNanchor_593_593" id="FNanchor_593_593"></a><a href="#Footnote_593_593" class="fnanchor">[593]</a> +which you know is under my patronage. Accordingly, I recommend him to +you with more than common warmth, as a man in a brilliant position in +his own town and looked up to even beyond it. Pray attach him to +yourself by your liberal treatment of him: he is a military tribune in +your army. You will find him grateful and attentive. I earnestly beg you +to be very friendly to Trebatius.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXXXIX_F_VII_8" id="CXXXIX_F_VII_8"></a>CXXXIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 8</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">June</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>Cæsar has written me a very courteous letter saying that he has not yet +seen as much of you as he could wish, owing to his press of business, +but that he certainly will do so. I have answered his letter and told +him how much obliged I shall be if he bestows on you as much attention, +kindness, and liberality as he can. But I gathered from your letters +that you are in somewhat too great a hurry: and at the same time I +wondered why you despised the profits of a military<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> tribuneship, +especially as you are exempted from the labour of military duty. I shall +express my discontent to Vacerra and Manilius: for I dare not say a word +to Cornelius,<a name="FNanchor_594_594" id="FNanchor_594_594"></a><a href="#Footnote_594_594" class="fnanchor">[594]</a> who is responsible for your unwise conduct, since you +profess to have learnt legal wisdom from him. Rather press on your +opportunity and the means put into your hands, than which none better +will ever be found. As to what you say of the jurist Precianus, I never +cease recommending you to him; for he writes me word that you owe him +thanks. Be sure to let me know to what that refers. I am waiting for a +letter from you dated "Britain."<a name="FNanchor_595_595" id="FNanchor_595_595"></a><a href="#Footnote_595_595" class="fnanchor">[595]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXL_Q_FR_II_13" id="CXL_Q_FR_II_13"></a>CXL (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 13</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">3 June</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>On the 2nd of June, the day of my return to Rome, I received your letter +dated Placentia: then next day another dated Blandeno, along with a +letter from Cæsar filled full of courteous, earnest, and pleasant +expressions. These expressions are indeed valuable, or rather <i>most</i> +valuable, as tending very powerfully to secure our reputation and +exalted position in that state. But believe me—for you know my +heart—that what I value most in all this I already possess, that is, +first of all, your active contribution to our common position; and, +secondly, all that warm affection of Cæsar for me, which I prefer to all +the honours which he desires me to expect at his hands. His letter too, +despatched at the same time as your own—which begins by saying what +pleasure your arrival and the renewed memory of our old affection had +given him, and goes on to say that he will take care that, in the midst +of my sorrow and regret at losing you, I shall have reason to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> glad +that you are with him of all people—gave me extraordinary delight. +Wherefore you, of course, are acting in a truly brotherly spirit when +you exhort me, though, by heaven, I am now indeed forward enough to do +so, to concentrate all my attentions upon him alone. Yes, I will do so, +indeed, with a burning zeal: and perhaps I shall manage to accomplish +what is frequently the fortune of travellers when they make great haste, +who, if they have got up later than they intended, have, by increasing +their speed, arrived at their destination sooner than if they had waked +up before daylight. Thus I, since I have long overslept myself in +cultivating that great man, though you, by heaven, often tried to wake +me up, will make up for my slowness with horses and (as you say he likes +my poem) a poet's chariots. Only let me have Britain to paint in colours +supplied by yourself, but with my own brush. But what am I saying? What +prospect of leisure have I, especially as I remain at Rome in accordance +with his request? But I will see. For perhaps, as usual, my love for you +will overcome all difficulties. For my having sent Trebatius to him he +even thanks me in very witty and polite terms, remarking that there was +no one in the whole number of his staff who knew how to draw up a +recognizance. I have asked him for a tribuneship for M. Curtius—since +Domitius (the consul) would have thought that he was being laughed at, +if my petition had been addressed to him, for his daily assertion is +that he hasn't the appointment of so much as a military tribune: he even +jested in the senate at his colleague Appius as having gone to visit +Cæsar,<a name="FNanchor_596_596" id="FNanchor_596_596"></a><a href="#Footnote_596_596" class="fnanchor">[596]</a> that he might get from him at least one tribuneship. But my +request was for next year, for that was what Curtius wished. Whatever +line you think I ought to take in politics and in treating my opponents, +be sure I shall take, and shall be "gentler than any ear-lap." Affairs +at Rome stand thus; there is some hope of the elections taking place, +but it is an uncertain one. There is some latent idea of a +dictatorship,<a name="FNanchor_597_597" id="FNanchor_597_597"></a><a href="#Footnote_597_597" class="fnanchor">[597]</a> but neither is that confirmed. There is profound calm +in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> forum, but it is rather the calm of decrepitude than content. +The opinions I express in the senate are of a kind to win the assent of +others rather than my own:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Such the effects of miserable war."<a name="FNanchor_598_598" id="FNanchor_598_598"></a><a href="#Footnote_598_598" class="fnanchor">[598]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXLI_Q_FR_II_14" id="CXLI_Q_FR_II_14"></a>CXLI (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 14</span> [15 b])</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">July</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>Well! this time I'll use a good pen, well-mixed ink, and superfine +paper. For you say you could hardly read my previous letter, for which, +my dear brother, the reason was none of those which you suppose. For I +was not busy, nor agitated, nor out of temper with some one: but it is +always my way to take the first pen that turns up and use it as if it +were a good one. But now attend, best and dearest of brothers, to my +answer to what you wrote in this same short letter in such a very +business-like way. On this subject you beg that I should write back to +you with brotherly candour, without concealment, or reserve, or +consideration for your feelings—I mean whether you are to hasten home, +as we had talked of, or to stay where you are, if there is any excuse +for doing so, in order to extricate yourself from your embarrassments. +If, my dear Quintus, it were some small matter on which you were asking +my opinion, though I should have left it to you to do what you chose, I +should yet have shewn you what mine was. But on this subject your +question amounts to this—what sort of year I expect the next to be? +Either quite undisturbed as far as we are concerned, or at any rate one +that will find us in the highest state of preparation for defence. This +is shewn by the daily throng at my house, my reception in the forum, the +cheers which greet me in the theatre. My friends feel no anxiety, +because they know the strength of my position in my hold upon the +favour<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> both of Cæsar and Pompey. These things give me entire +confidence. But if some furious outbreak of that madman occurs, +everything is ready for crushing him. This is my feeling, my deliberate +opinion: I write to you with entire confidence. I bid you have no +doubts, and I do so with no intention of pleasing you, but with +brotherly frankness. Therefore, while I should wish you to come at the +time you arranged, for the sake of the pleasure we should have in each +other's society, yet I prefer the course you yourself think the better +one. I, too, think these objects of great importance—ample means for +yourself and extrication from your load of debt. Make up your mind to +this, that, free from embarrassments, we should be the happiest people +alive if we keep well. For men of our habits the deficiency is small, +and such as can be supplied with the greatest ease, granted only that we +keep our health.</p> + +<p>There is an enormous recrudescence of bribery. Never was there anything +equal to it. On the 15th of July the rate of interest rose from four to +eight per cent., owing to the compact made by Memmius with the consul +Domitius:<a name="FNanchor_599_599" id="FNanchor_599_599"></a><a href="#Footnote_599_599" class="fnanchor">[599]</a> I wish Scaurus could get the better of it. Messalla is +very shaky. I am not exaggerating—they arrange to offer as much as +10,000 sestertia (about £80,000) for the vote of the first century. The +matter is a burning scandal. The candidates for the tribuneship have +made a mutual compact—having deposited 500 sesteria (about £4,000) +apiece with Cato, they agree to conduct their canvass according to his +direction, with the understanding that anyone offending against it is to +be condemned by him. If this election then turns out to be pure, Cato +will have been of more avail than all laws and jurors put together.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXLII_A_IV_16" id="CXLII_A_IV_16"></a>CXLII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 16 AND PART OF 17</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS OR ON HIS JOURNEY TO ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (? <span class="smcap">24 June</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>The bare fact of my letter being by the hand of an amanuensis will be a +sign of the amount of my engagements. I have no fault to find with you +as to the number of your letters, but most of them told me nothing +except where you were, or at most shewed by the fact that they came from +you that no harm had happened to you. Of this class of letters there +were two which gave me very great pleasure, dated by you from Buthrotum +almost at the same time: for I was anxious to know that you had had a +favourable crossing. But this constant supply of your letters did not +give me so much pleasure by the richness of their contents as by their +frequency. The one which your guest, M. Paccius, delivered to me was +important and full of matter. I will therefore answer it. And this is +the first thing I have to say: I have shewn Paccius, both by word and +deed, what weight a recommendation from you has: accordingly, he is +among my intimate friends, though unknown to me before. Now for the +rest. Varro, of whom you write, shall be got in somewhere, if I can but +find a place for him.<a name="FNanchor_600_600" id="FNanchor_600_600"></a><a href="#Footnote_600_600" class="fnanchor">[600]</a> But you know the style of my Dialogues: just +as in those "On the Orator," which you praise to the skies, a mention of +anyone by the interlocutors was impossible, unless he had been known to +or heard of by them, so in the "Dialogue on the Republic," which I have +begun, I have put the discussion in the mouths of Africanus, Philus, +Lælius, and Manilius. I have added two young men, Q. Tubero and P. +Rutilius, and the two sons-in-law of Lælius, Scævola and Fannius. So I +am thinking how (since I employ introductions to each book, as +Aristotle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> does in what he calls his "Exoterics") to contrive some +pretext for naming your friend in a natural way, as I understand is your +wish. May I only be enabled to carry out my attempt! For, as you cannot +but observe, I have undertaken a subject wide, difficult, and requiring +the utmost leisure—the very thing that, above all others, I lack. In +those books which you commend you complain of the absence of Scævola +among the speakers. Well, I did not withdraw him without a set purpose, +but I did exactly what that god of our idolatry, Plato, did in his +Republic. When Socrates had come to the Piræus on a visit to Cephalus, a +wealthy and cheerful old man, during all the introductory conversation +the old man takes part in the discussion; then, after having himself +made a speech very much to the point, he says that he wants to go away +to attend on the religious rites, and does not return again. I believe +Plato hardly thought that it would be quite natural, if he kept a man of +that age any longer in a conversation so protracted. I thought that I +was bound to be still more careful in the case of Scævola, who was at +the age and with the broken health as you remember he then was, and who +had enjoyed such high offices, that it was scarcely in accordance with +etiquette for him to be staying several days in the Tusculan villa of +Crassus. Besides, the conversation in the first book was not unconnected +with Scævola's special pursuits: the other books, as you know, contain a +technical discussion. In such I was unwilling that that facetious +veteran, as you know he was, should take part.</p> + +<p>As to Pilia's business, which you mention, I will see to it. For the +matter is quite clear, as you say, from the information supplied by +Aurelianus, and in managing it I shall have also an opportunity of +glorifying myself in my Tullia's eyes. I am supporting Vestorius: for I +know that it gratifies you, and I am careful that he would understand +that to be the case. But do you know the sort of man he is? Though he +has two such good-natured people to deal with, nothing can exceed his +impracticability. Now as to what you ask about Gaius Cato. You know that +he was acquitted under the <i>lex Iunia Licinia</i>:<a name="FNanchor_601_601" id="FNanchor_601_601"></a><a href="#Footnote_601_601" class="fnanchor">[601]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> I have to tell you +that he will be acquitted under the <i>lex Fufia</i>,<a name="FNanchor_602_602" id="FNanchor_602_602"></a><a href="#Footnote_602_602" class="fnanchor">[602]</a> and not so much to +the satisfaction of his defenders as of his accusers. However, he has +become reconciled to myself and Milo. Drusus has had notice of +prosecution by Lucretius. The 3rd of July is the day fixed for +challenging his jurors. About Procilius<a name="FNanchor_603_603" id="FNanchor_603_603"></a><a href="#Footnote_603_603" class="fnanchor">[603]</a> there are sinister +rumours—but you know what the courts are. Hirrus is on good terms with +Domitius.<a name="FNanchor_604_604" id="FNanchor_604_604"></a><a href="#Footnote_604_604" class="fnanchor">[604]</a> The senatorial decree which the present consuls have +carried about the provinces—"whoever henceforth, etc."—does not seem +to me likely to have any effect.</p> + +<p>As to your question about Messalla, I don't know what to say: I have +never seen candidates so closely matched. Messalla's means of support +you know. Scaurus has had notice of prosecution from Triarius. If you +ask me, no great feeling of sympathy for him has been roused. Still, his +ædileship is remembered with some gratitude, and he has a certain hold +on the country voters from the memory of his father. The two remaining +plebeian candidates have compensating advantages which make them about +equal: Domitius Calvinus is strong in friends, and is farther supported +by his very popular exhibition of gladiators; Memmius finds favour with +Cæsar's veterans and relies on Pompey's client towns in Gaul. If this +does not avail him, people think that some tribune will be found to push +off the elections till Cæsar comes back, especially since Cato has been +acquitted.</p> + +<p>I have answered your letter brought by Paccius: now for the rest. From +my brother's letter I gather surprising indications of Cæsar's affection +for me, and they have been confirmed by a very cordial letter from Cæsar +himself. The result of the British war is a source of anxiety. For it is +ascertained that the approaches to the island are protected by +astonishing masses of cliff. Moreover, it is now known that there isn't +a pennyweight of silver in that island, nor any hope of booty except +from slaves, among whom I don't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> suppose you can expect any instructed +in literature or music.</p> + +<p>Paullus has almost brought his basilica in the forum to the roof, using +the same columns as were in the ancient building: the part for which he +gave out a contract he is building on the most magnificent scale.<a name="FNanchor_605_605" id="FNanchor_605_605"></a><a href="#Footnote_605_605" class="fnanchor">[605]</a> +Need I say more? Nothing could be more gratifying or more to his glory +than such a monument. Accordingly, the friends of Cæsar—I mean myself +and Oppius, though you burst with anger—have thought nothing of 60,000 +sestertia (about £480,000) for that monument, which you used to speak of +in such high terms, in order to enlarge the forum and extend it right up +to the Hall of Liberty. The claims of private owners could not be +satisfied for less. We will make it a most glorious affair. For in the +Campus Martius we are about to erect voting places for the <i>comitia +tributa</i>, of marble and covered, and to surround them with a lofty +colonnade a mile in circumference: at the same time the <i>Villa Publica</i> +will also be connected with these erections.<a name="FNanchor_606_606" id="FNanchor_606_606"></a><a href="#Footnote_606_606" class="fnanchor">[606]</a> You will say: "What +good will this monument do me?" But why should I trouble myself about +that? I have told you all the news at Rome: for I don't suppose you want +to know about the lustrum, of which there is now no hope,<a name="FNanchor_607_607" id="FNanchor_607_607"></a><a href="#Footnote_607_607" class="fnanchor">[607]</a> or about +the trials which are being held under the (Cincian) law.<a name="FNanchor_608_608" id="FNanchor_608_608"></a><a href="#Footnote_608_608" class="fnanchor">[608]</a></p> + +<p>Now allow yourself to be scolded, if you deserve it. For you say in the +letter from Buthrotum, delivered to me by C. Decimus, that you think you +will have to go to Asia. There did not, by Hercules, seem to me to be +anything that made it matter in the least whether you did the business +by agents or in person; or anything to make you go so often and so far +from your friends. But I could have wished that I had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> urged this on you +before you had taken any step. For I certainly should have had some +influence on you. As things are, I will suppress the rest of my +scolding. May it only have some effect in hastening your return! The +reason of my not writing oftener to you is the uncertainty I am in as to +where you are or are going to be. However, I thought I ought to give +this letter to a chance messenger, because he seemed to be likely to see +you. Since you think you really will go to Asia, pray tell me by what +time we may expect you back, and what you have done about Eutychides.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXLIII_A_IV_15" id="CXLIII_A_IV_15"></a>CXLIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 15</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 27 July</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>I am glad about Eutychides, who, using your old <i>prænomen</i> and your new +<i>nomen</i>, will be called Titus Cæcilius, just as Dionysius, from a +combination of your names and mine, is Marcus Pomponius. I am, by +Hercules, exceedingly gratified that Eutychides has had cause to know +your kindness to me, and that the sympathy he shewed me in the time of +my sorrow was neither unnoticed at the time nor afterwards forgotten by +me. I suppose you were obliged to undertake your journey to Asia. For +you never would have been willing, without the most urgent cause, to be +so far from so many persons and things which you love so much, and which +give you so much delight. But the speed of your return will shew your +kindness and love for your friends. Yet I fear lest the rhetorician +Clodius, by his charms, and Pituanius, that excellent scholar, as he is +said to be, and now, indeed, so wholly devoted to Greek letters, may +detain you. But if you would shew the feelings of a man, come back to us +at the time you promised. You will, after all, be able to enjoy their +society at Rome, when they get there safe. You say you desire something +in the way of a letter from me: I have written, and, indeed, on many +subjects—everything detailed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> like a journal—but, as I conjecture from +your not having, as it seems, remained long in Epirus, I suppose it has +not reached you. Moreover, my letters to <i>you</i> are generally of such a +kind, that I don't like to put them in anyone's hands, unless I can feel +certain that he will deliver them to you.</p> + +<p>Now for affairs at Rome. On the 4th of July Sufenas and Cato were +acquitted, Procilius condemned. From which we have learnt that our +treble-distilled Areopagites care not a rush for bribery, elections, +<i>interregnum, lèse majesté</i>, or, in fact, for the state generally; but +that they would rather that a father of a family were not murdered on +his own hearth-stone—and even that preference not very decided. There +were twenty-two votes for acquittal, twenty-nine for condemnation!<a name="FNanchor_609_609" id="FNanchor_609_609"></a><a href="#Footnote_609_609" class="fnanchor">[609]</a> +Publius, no doubt by an eloquent peroration in his speech for the +prosecution, had quickened the feelings of the jurors! Herbalus<a name="FNanchor_610_610" id="FNanchor_610_610"></a><a href="#Footnote_610_610" class="fnanchor">[610]</a> was +in the case, and behaved as usual. I said never a word. For my little +girl, who is unwell, was afraid of offending Publius's feelings. After +this was over the people of Reate conducted me to their Temple, to plead +their cause against the people of Interamna before the consul and ten +commissioners, because the Veline Lake, which had been drained by Manius +Curius by cutting away the mountain, flowed into the Nar, by which means +the famous Rosia has been reclaimed from the swamp, though still fairly +moist.<a name="FNanchor_611_611" id="FNanchor_611_611"></a><a href="#Footnote_611_611" class="fnanchor">[611]</a> I lived with Axius, who took me also to visit Seven Waters. +I returned to Rome on the 9th of July for the sake of Fonteius. I +entered the theatre. At first I was greeted with loud and general +applause—but don't take any notice of that, I was a fool to mention +it—then I turned my attention to Antiphon. He had been manumitted +before being brought on to the stage. Not to keep you in suspense, he +bore away the palm. But there never was anything so dwarfish, so +destitute of voice, so—— But keep<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> this to yourself. However, in the +<i>Andromache</i> he was just taller than Astyanax: among the rest he had not +one of his own height. You next ask about Arbuscula: she had a great +success. The games were splendid and much liked. The wild-beast hunt was +put off to a future occasion. Next follow me into the <i>campus</i>. Bribery +is raging: "and I a sign to you will tell."<a name="FNanchor_612_612" id="FNanchor_612_612"></a><a href="#Footnote_612_612" class="fnanchor">[612]</a> The rate of interest +from being four percent, on the 15th of July has gone up to eight +percent. You will say, "Well, <i>I</i> don't mind that."<a name="FNanchor_613_613" id="FNanchor_613_613"></a><a href="#Footnote_613_613" class="fnanchor">[613]</a> What a man! +What a citizen! Memmius is supported by all Cæsar's influence. The +consuls have formed a coalition between him and Domitius (Calvinus) on +terms which I dare not commit to paper. Pompey rages, remonstrates, +backs Scaurus, but whether only ostensibly or from the heart people +don't feel sure. No one takes the lead: money reduces all to the same +level. Messalla's chance is at a low ebb: not because he is wanting in +spirit or friends, but because this coalition of the consuls, as well as +Pompey's opposition, stands in his way. I think the result will be a +postponement of the elections. The tribunician candidates have taken an +oath to conduct their canvass according to the direction of Cato. They +have deposited with him 500 sestertia apiece, on condition that whoever +Cato condemns should forfeit it, and that it should be paid over to his +competitors. I write this the day before the elections are to take +place. But on the 28th of July, if they have taken place, and if the +letter-carrier has not started, I will write you an account of the whole +<i>comitia</i>: and, if they are conducted without corruption, Cato by +himself will have been more efficacious than all laws and jurors put +together. I have undertaken to defend Messius, who has been recalled +from his legation: for Appius had named him <i>legatus</i> to Cæsar. +Servilius ordered his attendance in an edict. His jurors are to be from +the tribes Pomptina, Velina, and Mæcia. It is a sharp fight: however, it +is going fairly well. After that I have to prepare myself for Drusus, +then for Scaurus. Very high-sounding title-slips are being prepared for +my speeches! Perhaps even the consuls-designate will be added to the +list of my clients: and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> if Scaurus is not one of them, he will find +himself in serious difficulties in this trial. Judging from my brother +Quintus's letter, I suspect that by this time he is in Britain. I await +news of him with anxiety. We have certainly gained one advantage—many +unmistakable indications enable us to feel sure that we are in the +highest degree liked and valued by Cæsar. Please give my compliments to +Dionysius, and beg and exhort him to come as soon as possible, that he +may continue the instruction of my son and of myself as well.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXLIV_F_VII_9" id="CXLIV_F_VII_9"></a>CXLIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 9</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">September</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>It is a long time since I heard how you were getting on: for you don't +write, nor have I written to you for the last two months. As you were +not with my brother Quintus I did not know where to send a letter, or to +whom to give it. I am anxious to know how you are and where you mean to +winter. For my part, my opinion is that you should do so with Cæsar; but +I have not ventured to write to him owing to his mourning.<a name="FNanchor_614_614" id="FNanchor_614_614"></a><a href="#Footnote_614_614" class="fnanchor">[614]</a> I would +rather you put off your return to us, so long as you come with fuller +pockets. There is nothing to make you hurry home, especially since +"Battara"<a name="FNanchor_615_615" id="FNanchor_615_615"></a><a href="#Footnote_615_615" class="fnanchor">[615]</a> is dead. But you are quite capable of thinking for +yourself. I desire to know what you have settled. There is a certain Cn. +Octavius or Cn. Cornelius, a friend of yours,</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Of highest race begot, a son of Earth."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>He has frequently asked me to dinner, because he knows that you are an +intimate friend of mine. At present he has not succeeded in getting me: +however, I am much obliged to him.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXLV_F_VII_17" id="CXLV_F_VII_17"></a>CXLV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 17</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">September</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>From what I gather from your letter I have thanked my brother Quintus, +and can besides at last heartily commend you, because you at length seem +to have come to some fixed resolution. For I was much put out by your +letters in the first months of your absence, because at times you seemed +to me—pardon the expression—to be light-minded in your longing for the +city and city life, at others timid in undertaking military work, and +often even a little inclined to presumption—a thing as unlike your +usual self as can be. For, as though you had brought a bill of exchange, +and not a letter of recommendation to your commander-in-chief, you were +all in a hurry to get your money and return home; and it never occurred +to you that those who went to Alexandria<a name="FNanchor_616_616" id="FNanchor_616_616"></a><a href="#Footnote_616_616" class="fnanchor">[616]</a> with real bills of +exchange have as yet not been able to get a farthing. If I looked only +to my own interests, I should wish, above all things, to have you with +me: for I used to find not only pleasure of no ordinary kind in your +society, but also much advantage from your advice and active assistance. +But since from your earliest manhood you had devoted yourself to my +friendship and protection, I thought it my duty not only to see that you +came to no harm, but to advance your fortunes and secure your promotion. +Accordingly, as long as I thought I should be going abroad to a +province, I am sure you remember the voluntary offers I made you. After +that plan had been changed, perceiving that I was being treated by Cæsar +with the highest consideration, and was regarded by him with unusual +affection, and knowing as I did his incredible liberality and +unsurpassed loyalty to his word, I recommended you to him in the +weightiest and most earnest words at my com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>mand. And he accepted this +recommendation in a gratifying manner, and repeatedly indicated to me in +writing, and shewed you by word and deed, that he had been powerfully +affected by my recommendation. Having got such a man as your patron, if +you believe me to have any insight, or to be your well-wisher, do not +let him go; and if by chance something at times has annoyed you, when +from being busy or in difficulties he has seemed to you somewhat slow to +serve you, hold on and wait for the end, which I guarantee will be +gratifying and honourable to you. I need not exhort you at any greater +length: I only give you this warning, that you will never find a better +opportunity, if you let this slip, either of securing the friendship of +a most illustrious and liberal man, or of enjoying a wealthier province +or a more suitable time of life. "Quintus Cornelius concurred," as you +say in your law books. I am glad you didn't go to Britain, because you +have been saved some hard work, and I the necessity of listening to your +stories about that expedition. Pray write to me at full length as to +where you are going to winter, and what your hopes and present position +are.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXLVI_Q_FR_II_15" id="CXLVI_Q_FR_II_15"></a>CXLVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR II, 15</span>)</h2> + + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN BRITAIN)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">September</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>When you receive a letter from me by the hand of an amanuensis, you may +be sure that I have not even a little leisure; when by my own—a little. +For let me tell you that in regard to causes and trials in court, I have +never been closer tied, and that, too, at the most unhealthy season of +the year, and in the most oppressively hot weather. But these things, +since you so direct me, I must put up with, and must not seem to have +come short of the ideas and expectations which you and Cæsar entertain +of me, especially since, even if it were somewhat difficult not to do +that, I am yet likely from this labour to reap great popularity and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span> +prestige. Accordingly, as you wish me to do, I take great pains not to +hurt anyone's feelings, and to secure being liked even by those very men +who are vexed at my close friendship with Cæsar, while by those who are +impartial, or even inclined to this side, I may be warmly courted and +loved. When some very violent debates took place in the senate on the +subject of bribery for several days, because the candidates for the +consulship had gone to such lengths as to be past all bearing, I was not +in the house. I have made up my mind not to attempt any cure of the +political situation without powerful protection. The day I write this +Drusus has been acquitted on a charge of collusion by the <i>tribuni +ærarii</i>, in the grand total by four votes, for the majority of senators +and equites were for condemnation. On the same day I am to defend +Vatinius. That is an easy matter. The <i>comitia</i> have been put off to +September. Scaurus's trial will take place immediately, and I shall not +fail to appear for him. I don't like your "Sophoclean Banqueters" at +all, though I see that you played your part with a good grace.<a name="FNanchor_617_617" id="FNanchor_617_617"></a><a href="#Footnote_617_617" class="fnanchor">[617]</a> I +come now to a subject which, perhaps, ought to have been my first. How +glad I was to get your letter from Britain! I was afraid of the ocean, +afraid of the coast of the island. The other parts of the enterprise I +do not underrate; but yet they inspire more hope than fear, and it is +the suspense rather than any positive alarm that renders me uneasy. You, +however, I can see, have a splendid subject for description, topography, +natural features of things and places, manners, races, battles, your +commander himself—what themes for your pen! I will gladly, as you +request, assist you in the points you mention, and will send you the +verses you ask for, that is, "An owl to Athens."<a name="FNanchor_618_618" id="FNanchor_618_618"></a><a href="#Footnote_618_618" class="fnanchor">[618]</a> But, look you! I +think you are keeping me in the dark. Tell me, my dear brother, what +Cæsar thinks of my verses. For he wrote before to tell me he had read my +first book. Of the first part, he said that he had never read anything +better even in Greek: the rest, up to a particular passage, somewhat +"careless"<a name="FNanchor_619_619" id="FNanchor_619_619"></a><a href="#Footnote_619_619" class="fnanchor">[619]</a>—that is his word. Tell me the truth—is it the +subject-matter or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span> the "style" that he does not like? You needn't be +afraid: I shall not admire myself one whit the less. On this subject +speak like a lover of truth, and with your usual brotherly frankness.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXLVII_Q_FR_III_1" id="CXLVII_Q_FR_III_1"></a>CXLVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR III, 1</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN BRITAIN)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Arpinum and Rome, 28 September</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>After extraordinarily hot weather—I never remember greater heat—I have +refreshed myself at Arpinum, and enjoyed the extreme loveliness of the +river during the days of the games, having left my tribesmen under the +charge of Philotimus.<a name="FNanchor_620_620" id="FNanchor_620_620"></a><a href="#Footnote_620_620" class="fnanchor">[620]</a> I was at Arcanum on the 10th of September. +There I found Mescidius and Philoxenus, and saw the water, for which +they were making a course not far from your villa, running quite nicely, +especially considering the extreme drought, and they said that they were +going to collect it in much greater abundance. Everything is right with +Herus. In your Manilian property I came across Diphilus outdoing himself +in dilatoriness. Still, he had nothing left to construct, except baths, +and a promenade, and an aviary. I liked that villa very much, because +its paved colonnade<a name="FNanchor_621_621" id="FNanchor_621_621"></a><a href="#Footnote_621_621" class="fnanchor">[621]</a> gives it an air of very great dignity. I never +appreciated this till now that the colonnade itself has been all laid +open, and the columns have been polished. It all depends—and this I +will look to—upon the stuccoing being prettily done. The pavements +seemed to be being well laid. Certain of the ceilings I did not like, +and ordered them to be changed. As to the place in which they say that +you write word that a small entrance hall is to be built—namely, in the +colonnade—I liked it better as it is. For I did not think there was +space sufficient for an entrance hall; nor is it usual to have one, +except in those buildings which have a larger court; nor could it have +bedrooms and apartments of that kind attached<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> to it. As it is, from the +very beauty of its arched roof, it will serve as an admirable summer +room. However, if you think differently, write back word as soon as +possible. In the bath I have moved the hot chamber to the other corner +of the dressing-room, because it was so placed that its steampipe was +immediately under the bedrooms. A fair-sized bedroom and a lofty winter +one I admired very much, for they were both spacious and +well-situated—on the side of the promenade nearest to the bath. +Diphilus had placed the columns out of the perpendicular, and not +opposite each other. These, of course, he shall take down; he will learn +some day to use the plumb-line and measure. On the whole, I hope +Diphilus's work will be completed in a few months: for Cæsius, who was +with me at the time, keeps a very sharp look-out upon him.</p> + +<p>Thence I started straight along the <i>via Vitularia</i> to your Fufidianum, +the estate which we bought for you a few weeks ago at Arpinum for +100,000 sesterces (about £800). I never saw a shadier spot in +summer—water springs in many parts of it, and abundant into the +bargain. In short, Cæsius thought that you would easily irrigate fifty +<i>iugera</i> of the meadow land. For my part, I can assure you of this, +which is more in my line, that you will have a villa marvellously +pleasant, with the addition of a fish-pond, spouting fountains, a +<i>palæstra</i>, and a shrubbery. I am told that you wish to keep this +Bovillæ estate. You will determine as you think good. Calvus said that, +even if the control of the water were taken from you, and the right of +drawing it off were established by the vendor, and thus an easement were +imposed on that property, we could yet maintain the price in case we +wished to sell. He said that he had agreed with you to do the work at +three sesterces a foot, and that he had stepped it, and made it three +miles. It seemed to me more. But I will guarantee that the money could +nowhere be better laid out. I had sent for Cillo from Venafrum, but on +that very day four of his fellow servants and apprentices had been +crushed by the falling in of a tunnel at Venafrum. On the 13th of +September I was at Laterium. I examined the road, which appeared to me +to be so good as to seem almost like a high road, except a hundred and +fifty paces—for I measured it myself from the little bridge at the +temple of Furina, in the direction of Satricum. There they had put<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span> down +dust, not gravel (this shall be changed), and that part of the road is a +very steep incline. But I understood that it could not be taken in any +other direction, particularly as you did not wish it to go through the +property of Locusta or Varro. The latter alone had made the road very +well where it skirted his own property. Locusta hadn't touched it; but I +will call on him at Rome, and think I shall be able to stir him up, and +at the same time I shall ask M. Taurus, who is now at Rome, and whom I +am told promised to allow you to do so, about making a watercourse +through his property. I much approved of your steward Nicephorius, and I +asked him what orders you had given about that small building at +Laterium, about which you spoke to me. He told me in answer that he had +himself contracted to do the work for sixteen sestertia (about £128), +but that you had afterwards made many additions to the work, but nothing +to the price, and that he had therefore given it up. I quite approve, by +Hercules, of your making the additions you had determined upon; although +the villa as it stands seems to have the air of a philosopher, meant to +rebuke the extravagance of other villas. Yet, after all, that addition +will be pleasing. I praised your landscape gardener: he has so covered +everything with ivy, both the foundation-wall of the villa and the +spaces between the columns of the walk, that, upon my word, those Greek +statues seemed to be engaged in fancy gardening, and to be shewing off +the ivy. Finally, nothing can be cooler or more mossy than the +dressing-room of the bath. That is about all I have to say about country +matters. The gardener, indeed, as well as Philotimus and Cincius are +pressing on the ornamentation of your town house; but I also often look +in upon it myself, as I can do without difficulty. Wherefore don't be at +all anxious about that.</p> + +<p>As to your always asking me about your son, of course I "excuse you"; +but I must ask you to "excuse" me also, for I don't allow that you love +him more than I do. And oh that he had been with me these last few days +at Arpinum, as he had himself set his heart on being, and as I had no +less done! As to Pomponia, please write and say that, when I go out of +town anywhere, she is to come with me and bring the boy. I'll do wonders +with him, if I get him to myself when I am at leisure: for at Rome there +is no time to breathe. You<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> know I formerly promised to do so for +nothing. What do you expect with such a reward as you promise me? I now +come to your letters which I received in several packets when I was at +Arpinum. For I received three from you in one day, and, indeed, as it +seemed, despatched by you at the same time—one of considerable length, +in which your first point was that my letter to you was dated earlier +than that to Cæsar. Oppius at times cannot help this: the reason is +that, having settled to send letter-carriers, and having received a +letter from me, he is hindered by something turning up, and obliged to +despatch them later than he had intended; and I don't take the trouble +to have the day altered on a letter which I have once handed to him. You +write about Cæsar's extreme affection for us. This affection you must on +your part keep warm, and I for mine will endeavour to increase it by +every means in my power. About Pompey, I am carefully acting, and shall +continue to act, as you advise. That my permission to you to stay longer +is a welcome one, though I grieve at your absence and miss you +exceedingly, I am yet partly glad. What you can be thinking of in +sending for such people as Hippodamus and some others, I do not +understand. There is not one of those fellows that won't expect a +present from you equal to a suburban estate. However, there is no reason +for your classing my friend Trebatius with them. I sent him to Cæsar, +and Cæsar has done all I expected. If he has not done quite what <i>he</i> +expected himself, I am not bound to make it up to him, and I in like +manner free and absolve you from all claims on his part. Your remark, +that you are a greater favourite with Cæsar every day, is a source of +undying satisfaction to me. As to Balbus, who, as you say, promotes that +state of things, he is the apple of my eye. I am indeed glad that you +and my friend Trebonius like each other. As to what you say about the +military tribuneship, I, indeed, asked for it definitely for Curtius, +and Cæsar wrote back definitely to say that there was one at Curtius's +service, and chided me for my modesty in making the request. If I have +asked one for anyone else—as I told Oppius to write and tell Cæsar—I +shall not be at all annoyed by a refusal, since those who pester me for +letters <i>are</i> annoyed at a refusal from me. I like Curtius, as I have +told him, not only<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> because you asked me to do so, but from the +character you gave of him; for from your letter I have gathered the zeal +he shewed for my restoration. As for the British expedition, I conclude +from your letter that we have no occasion either for fear or exultation. +As to public affairs, about which you wish Tiro to write to you, I have +written to you hitherto somewhat more carelessly than usual, because I +knew that all events, small or great, were reported to Cæsar. I have now +answered your longest letter.</p> + +<p>Now hear what I have to say to your small one. The first point is about +Clodius's letter to Cæsar. In that matter I approve of Cæsar's policy, +in not having given way to your request so far as to write a single word +to that Fury. The next thing is about the speech of Calventius +"Marius."<a name="FNanchor_622_622" id="FNanchor_622_622"></a><a href="#Footnote_622_622" class="fnanchor">[622]</a> I am surprised at your saying that you think I ought to +answer it, particularly as, while no one is likely to read that speech, +unless I write an answer to it, every schoolboy learns mine against him +as an exercise. My books, all of which you are expecting, I have begun, +but I cannot finish them for some days yet. The speeches for Scaurus and +Plancius which you clamour for I have finished. The poem to Cæsar, which +I had begun, I have cut short. I will write what you ask me for, since +your poetic springs are running dry, as soon as I have time.</p> + +<p>Now for the third letter. It is very pleasant and welcome news to hear +from you that Balbus is soon coming to Rome, and so well +accompanied!<a name="FNanchor_623_623" id="FNanchor_623_623"></a><a href="#Footnote_623_623" class="fnanchor">[623]</a> and will stay with me continuously till the 15th of +May. As to your exhorting me in the same letter, as in many previous +ones, to ambition and labour, I shall, of course, do as you say: but +when am I to enjoy any real life?</p> + +<p>Your fourth letter reached me on the 13th of September,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> dated on the +10th of August from Britain. In it there was nothing new except about +your <i>Erigona</i>, and if I get that from Oppius I will write and tell you +what I think of it. I have no doubt I shall like it.<a name="FNanchor_624_624" id="FNanchor_624_624"></a><a href="#Footnote_624_624" class="fnanchor">[624]</a> Oh yes! I had +almost forgotten to remark as to the man who, you say in your letter, +had written to Cæsar about the applause given to Milo—I am not +unwilling that Cæsar should think that it was as warm as possible. And +in point of fact it was so, and yet that applause, which is given to +him, seems in a certain sense to be given to me.<a name="FNanchor_625_625" id="FNanchor_625_625"></a><a href="#Footnote_625_625" class="fnanchor">[625]</a></p> + +<p>I have also received a very old letter, but which was late in coming +into my hands, in which you remind me about the temple of Tellus and the +colonnade of Catulus. Both of these matters are being actively carried +out. At the temple of Tellus I have even got your statue placed. So, +again, as to your reminder about a suburban villa and gardens, I was +never very keen for one, and now my town house has all the charm of such +a pleasure-ground. On my arrival in Rome on the 18th of September I +found the roof on your house finished: the part over the sitting-rooms, +which you did not wish to have many gables, now slopes gracefully +towards the roof of the lower colonnade. Our boy, in my absence, did not +cease working with his rhetoric master. You have no reason for being +anxious about his education, for you know his ability, and I see his +application. Everything else I take it upon myself to guarantee, with +full consciousness that I am bound to make it good.</p> + +<p>As yet there are three parties prosecuting Gabinius: first, L. Lentulus, +son of the <i>flamen</i>, who has entered a prosecution for <i>lèse +majesté</i>;<a name="FNanchor_626_626" id="FNanchor_626_626"></a><a href="#Footnote_626_626" class="fnanchor">[626]</a> secondly, Tib. Nero, with good names at the back of his +indictment; thirdly, C. Memmius the tribune in conjunction with L. +Capito. He came to the walls of the city on the 19th of September, +undignified and neglected to the last degree. But in the present state +of the law courts I do not venture to be confident of anything. As Cato +is unwell, he has not yet been formally indicted for extortion. Pompey<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> +is trying hard to persuade me to be reconciled to him, but as yet he has +not succeeded at all, nor, if I retain a shred of liberty, will he +succeed. I am very anxious for a letter from you. You say that you have +been told that I was a party to the coalition of the consular +candidates—it is a lie. The compacts made in that coalition, afterwards +made public by Memmius, were of such a nature that no loyal man ought to +have been a party to them;<a name="FNanchor_627_627" id="FNanchor_627_627"></a><a href="#Footnote_627_627" class="fnanchor">[627]</a> nor at the same time was it possible for +me to be a party to a coalition from which Messalla was excluded, who is +thoroughly satisfied with my conduct in every particular, as also, I +think, is Memmius. To Domitius himself I have rendered many services, +which he desired and asked of me. I have put Scaurus under a heavy +obligation by my defence of him. It is as yet very uncertain both when +the elections will be and who will be consuls.</p> + +<p>Just as I was folding up this epistle letter-carriers arrived from you +and Cæsar (20th September) after a journey of twenty days. How anxious I +was! How painfully I was affected by Cæsar's most kind letter!<a name="FNanchor_628_628" id="FNanchor_628_628"></a><a href="#Footnote_628_628" class="fnanchor">[628]</a> But +the kinder it was, the more sorrow did his loss occasion me. But to turn +to your letter. To begin with, I reiterate my approval of your staying +on, especially as, according to your account, you have consulted Cæsar +on the subject. I wonder that Oppius has anything to do with Publius, +for I advised against it. Farther on in your letter you say that I am +going to be made <i>legatus</i> to Pompey on the 13th of September: I have +heard nothing about it, and I wrote to Cæsar to tell him that neither +Vibullius nor Oppius had delivered his message to Pompey about my +remaining at home. Why, I know not. However, it was I who restrained +Oppius from doing so, because it was Vibullius who should take the +leading part in that matter: for with him Cæsar had communicated +personally, with Oppius only by letter. I indeed can have no "second +thoughts"<a name="FNanchor_629_629" id="FNanchor_629_629"></a><a href="#Footnote_629_629" class="fnanchor">[629]</a> in matters connected with Cæsar. He comes next after you +and our children in my regard, and not much after. I think I act in this +with deliberate<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> judgment, for I have by this time good cause for it, +yet warm personal feeling no doubt does influence me also.</p> + +<p>Just as I had written these last words—which are by my own hand—your +boy came in to dine with me, as Pomponia was dining out. He gave me your +letter to read, which he had received shortly before—a truly +Aristophanic mixture of jest and earnest, with which I was greatly +charmed.<a name="FNanchor_630_630" id="FNanchor_630_630"></a><a href="#Footnote_630_630" class="fnanchor">[630]</a> He gave me also your second letter, in which you bid him +cling to my side as a mentor. How delighted he was with those letters! +And so was I. Nothing could be more attractive than that boy, nothing +more affectionate to me!—This, to explain its being in another +handwriting, I dictated to Tiro while at dinner.</p> + +<p>Your letter gratified Annalis very much, as shewing that you took an +active interest in his concerns, and yet assisted him with exceedingly +candid advice. Publius Servilius the elder, from a letter which he said +he had received from Cæsar, declares himself highly obliged to you for +having spoken with the greatest kindness and earnestness of his devotion +to Cæsar. After my return to Rome from Arpinum I was told that +Hippodamus had started to join you. I cannot say that I was surprised at +his having acted so discourteously as to start to join you without a +letter from me: I only say this, that I was annoyed. For I had long +resolved, from an expression in your letter, that if I had anything I +wished conveyed to you with more than usual care, I should give it to +him: for, in truth, into a letter like this, which I send you in an +ordinary way, I usually put nothing that, if it fell into certain hands, +might be a source of annoyance. I reserve myself for Minucius and +Salvius and Labeo. Labeo will either be starting late or will stay here +altogether. Hippodamus did not even ask me whether he could do anything +for me. T. Penarius sends me a kind letter about you: says that he is +exceedingly charmed with your literary pursuits, conversation, and above +all by your dinners. He was always a favourite of mine, and I see a good +deal of his brother. Wherefore continue, as you have begun, to admit the +young man to your intimacy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span></p> + +<p>From the fact of this letter having been in hand during many days, owing +to the delay of the letter-carriers, I have jotted down in it many +various things at odd times, as, for instance, the following. Titus +Anicius has mentioned to me more than once that he would not hesitate to +buy a suburban property for you, if he found one. In these remarks of +his I find two things surprising: first, that when you write to him +about buying a suburban property, you not only don't write to me to that +effect, but write even in a contrary sense; and, secondly, that in +writing to him you totally forget his letters which you shewed me at +Tusculum, and as totally the rule of Epicharmus, "Notice how he has +treated another":<a name="FNanchor_631_631" id="FNanchor_631_631"></a><a href="#Footnote_631_631" class="fnanchor">[631]</a> in fact, that you have quite forgotten, as I +think, the lesson conveyed by the expression of his face, his +conversation, and his spirit. But this is your concern. As to a suburban +property, be sure to let me know your wishes, and at the same time take +care that that fellow doesn't get you into trouble. What else have I to +say? Anything? Yes, there is this: Gabinius entered the city by night on +the 27th of September, and to-day, at two o'clock, when he ought to have +appeared on his trial for <i>lèse majesté</i>, in accordance with the edict +of C. Alfius, he was all but crushed to the earth by a great and +unanimous demonstration of the popular hatred. Nothing could exceed his +humiliating position. However, Piso comes next to him. So I think of +introducing a marvellous episode into my second book<a name="FNanchor_632_632" id="FNanchor_632_632"></a><a href="#Footnote_632_632" class="fnanchor">[632]</a>—Apollo +declaring in the council of the gods what sort of return that of the two +commanders was to be, one of whom had lost, and the other sold his army. +From Britain I have a letter of Cæsar's dated the 1st of September, +which reached me on the 27th, satisfactory enough as far as the British +expedition is concerned, in which, to prevent my wondering at not +getting one from you, he tells me that you were not with him when he +reached the coast. To that letter I made no reply, not even a formal +congratulation, on account of his mourning. Many, many wishes, dear +brother, for your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CXLVIII_A_IV_16_17" id="CXLVIII_A_IV_16_17"></a>CXLVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 17 AND PARTS OF 16</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (ABROAD)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 1 October</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>You think I imagine that I write more rarely to you than I used to do +from having forgotten my regular habit and purpose, but the fact is +that, perceiving your locality and journeys to be equally uncertain, I +have never intrusted a letter to anyone—either for Epirus, or Athens, +or Asia, or anywhere else—unless he was going expressly to you. For my +letters are not of the sort to make their non-delivery a matter of +indifference; they contain so many confidential secrets that I do not as +a rule trust them even to an amanuensis, for fear of some jest leaking +out in some direction or another.</p> + +<p>The consuls are in a blaze of infamy because Gaius Memmius, one of the +candidates, read out in the senate a compact which he and his fellow +candidate, Domitius Calvinus, had made with the consuls—that both were +to forfeit to the consuls 40 sestertia apiece (in case they were +themselves elected consuls), if they did not produce three augurs to +depose that they had been present at the passing of a <i>lex curiata</i>, +which, in fact, had not been passed; and two consulars to depose to +having helped to draft a decree for furnishing the consular provinces, +though there had not even been a meeting of the senate at all.<a name="FNanchor_633_633" id="FNanchor_633_633"></a><a href="#Footnote_633_633" class="fnanchor">[633]</a> As +this compact was alleged not to have been a mere verbal one, but to +have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> been drawn up with the sums to be paid duly entered, formal orders +for payment, and written attestations of many persons, it was, on the +suggestion of Pompey, produced by Memmius, but with the names +obliterated. It has made no difference to Appius—he had no character to +lose! To the other consul it was a real knock-down blow, and he is, I +assure you, a ruined man. Memmius, however, having thus dissolved the +coalition, has lost all chance of election, and is by this time in a +worse position than ever, because we are now informed that his +revelation is strongly disapproved of by Cæsar. Our friend Messalla and +his fellow candidate, Domitius Calvinus, have been very liberal to the +people. Nothing can exceed their popularity. They are certain to be +consuls. But the senate has passed a decree that a "trial with closed +doors" should be held before the elections in respect to each of the +candidates severally by the panels already allotted to them all. The +candidates are in a great fright. But certain jurors—among them +Opimius, Veiento, and Rantius—appealed to the tribunes to prevent their +being called upon to act as jurors without an order of the people<a name="FNanchor_634_634" id="FNanchor_634_634"></a><a href="#Footnote_634_634" class="fnanchor">[634]</a>. +The business goes on. The <i>comitia</i> are post<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span>poned by a decree of the +senate till such time as the law for the "trial with closed doors" is +carried. The day for passing the law arrived. Terentius vetoed it. The +consuls, having all along conducted this business in a half-hearted kind +of way, referred the matter back to the senate. Hereupon—Bedlam! my +voice being heard with the rest. "Aren't you wise enough to keep quiet, +after all?" you will say. Forgive me: I can hardly restrain myself. But, +nevertheless, was there ever such a farce? The senate had voted that the +elections should not be held till the law was passed: that, in case of a +tribunician veto, the whole question should be referred to them afresh. +The law is introduced in a perfunctory manner: is vetoed, to the great +relief of the proposers: the matter is referred to the senate. Upon that +the senate voted that it was for the interest of the state that the +elections should be held at the earliest possible time!</p> + +<p>Scaurus, who had been acquitted a few days before,<a name="FNanchor_635_635" id="FNanchor_635_635"></a><a href="#Footnote_635_635" class="fnanchor">[635]</a> after a most +elaborate speech from me on his behalf—when all the days up to the 29th +of September (on which I write this) had one after the other been +rendered impossible for the <i>comitia</i> by notices of ill omens put in by +Scævola—paid the people what they expected at his own house, tribe by +tribe. But all the same, though his liberality was more generous, it was +not so acceptable as that of the two mentioned above, who had got the +start of him. I could have wished to see your face when you read +this;<a name="FNanchor_636_636" id="FNanchor_636_636"></a><a href="#Footnote_636_636" class="fnanchor">[636]</a> for I am certain you entertain some hope that these +transactions will occupy a great many weeks! But there is to be a +meeting of the senate to-day, that is, the 1st of October—for day is +already breaking. There no one will speak his mind except Antius and +Favonius,<a name="FNanchor_637_637" id="FNanchor_637_637"></a><a href="#Footnote_637_637" class="fnanchor">[637]</a> for Cato is ill. Don't be afraid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span> about me: nevertheless, +I make no promises. Is there anything else you want to know? Anything? +Yes, the trials, I think. Drusus and Scaurus<a name="FNanchor_638_638" id="FNanchor_638_638"></a><a href="#Footnote_638_638" class="fnanchor">[638]</a> are believed not to +have been guilty. Three candidates are thought likely to be prosecuted: +Domitius Calvinus by Memmius, Messalla by Q. Pompeius Rufus, +Scaurus<a name="FNanchor_639_639" id="FNanchor_639_639"></a><a href="#Footnote_639_639" class="fnanchor">[639]</a> by Triarius or by L. Cæsar. "What will you be able to say +for them?" quoth you. May I die if I know! In those books<a name="FNanchor_640_640" id="FNanchor_640_640"></a><a href="#Footnote_640_640" class="fnanchor">[640]</a> +certainly, of which you speak so highly, I find no suggestion.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CXLIX_Q_FR_III_2" id="CXLIX_Q_FR_III_2"></a>CXLIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR III, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, October</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>In the evening of the 10th of October Salvius started on board ship for +Ostia with the things you wished sent to you from home. On that same day +Memmius<a name="FNanchor_641_641" id="FNanchor_641_641"></a><a href="#Footnote_641_641" class="fnanchor">[641]</a> gave Gabinius such a splendid warning in public meeting +that Calidius couldn't say a word for him. To-morrow (which is strictly +the day after to-morrow, for I am writing before daybreak) there is a +trial before Cato for the selection of his prosecutor between Memmius, +Tiberius Nero, and Gaius and Lucius, sons of M. Antonius. I think the +result will be in favour of Memmius, though a strong case is being made +out for Nero. In short, he is in a fairly tight fix, unless our friend +Pompey, to the disgust of gods and men, upsets the whole concern. Let me +give you a specimen of the fellow's impudence, and extract <i>something</i> +amusing from the public disasters. Gabinius having given out wherever he +came that he was demanding a triumph, and having suddenly, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> +excellent general! invaded the city of his enemies by night,<a name="FNanchor_642_642" id="FNanchor_642_642"></a><a href="#Footnote_642_642" class="fnanchor">[642]</a> did +not venture to enter the senate. Meanwhile, exactly on the tenth day, on +which he was bound to report the number of the enemy and of his own +soldiers who had been killed, he slunk into the house, which was very +thinly attended. When he made as if to go out, he was stopped by the +consuls. The <i>publicani</i> were introduced. The fellow was assailed on +every side, and my words stinging him more than all, he lost patience, +and in a voice quivering with anger called me "Exile." +Thereupon—Heavens! I never had such a compliment paid me in all my +life!—the senate rose up to a man with a loud shout and made a menacing +movement in his direction: the <i>publicani</i> made an equal noise and a +similar movement. In fine, they all behaved exactly as you would have +done. It is the leading topic of conversation out of the house. However, +I refrain from prosecuting, with difficulty, by Hercules! yet refrain I +do: either because I don't want to quarrel with Pompey—the impending +question of Milo is enough in that direction—or because we have no +jurors worthy of the name. I fear a fiasco: besides, there is the +ill-will of certain persons to me, and I am afraid my conducting the +prosecution might give him some advantage: besides, I do not despair of +the thing being done both without me and yet partly through my +assistance. All the candidates for the consulships have had prosecutions +for bribery lodged against them: Domitius Calvinus by Memmius (the +tribune), Memmius (the candidate) by Q. Acutius, an excellent young man +and a good lawyer, Messalla by Q. Pompeius, Scaurus by Triarius. The +affair causes great commotion, because it is a plain alternative between +shipwreck for the men concerned or for the laws. Pressure is being +applied to prevent the trials taking place. It looks like an +<i>interregnum</i> again. The consuls desire to hold the <i>comitia</i>: the +accused don't wish it, and especially Memmius, because he hopes that +Cæsar's approach<a name="FNanchor_643_643" id="FNanchor_643_643"></a><a href="#Footnote_643_643" class="fnanchor">[643]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> may secure him the consulship. But he is at a +very low ebb. Domitius, with Messalla as his colleague, I think is a +certainty. Scaurus has lost his chance. Appius declares that he will +relieve Lentulus even without a curiate law,<a name="FNanchor_644_644" id="FNanchor_644_644"></a><a href="#Footnote_644_644" class="fnanchor">[644]</a> and, indeed, he +distinguished himself amazingly that day (I almost forgot to mention it) +in an attack upon Gabinius. He accused him of <i>lèse majesté</i>, and gave +the names of his witnesses without Gabinius answering a word. That is +all the public news. At home all is well: your house itself is being +proceeded with by the contractors with fair expedition.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CL_Q_FR_III_3" id="CL_Q_FR_III_3"></a>CL (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR III, 3</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">October</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>The writing of an amanuensis must shew you the amount of my engagements. +I assure you that no day passes without my appearing for the defence of +some one. Accordingly, all composition or reflexion I reserve for the +hour of my walk. So stands my business: matters at home, however, are +everything I could wish. Our boys are well, diligent in their studies, +and affectionate to me and each other. The decoration of both of our +houses is still in hand: but your rural works at Arcanum and Laterium +are now completed. For the rest, as to the water and the road, I went +into the case thoroughly, in a certain letter of mine, without omitting +any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span>thing. But, in truth, the anxiety which is now giving me great +uneasiness and pain is that for a period of fifty days I have heard +nothing from you or from Cæsar—nothing has found its way from those +parts, either in the shape of a letter, or even of a rumour. Moreover, +both the sea and land out there make me uneasy, and I never cease +imagining, as one does when one's affections are deeply involved, all +that I least desire. Wherefore I do not, indeed, for the present ask you +to write me an account of yourself and your doings, for that you never +omit doing when possible, but I wish you to know this—that I have +scarcely ever been so anxious for anything as at the moment of writing I +am for a letter from you. Now for what is going on in politics. One day +after another for the <i>comitia</i> is struck out by notices of bad omens, +to the great satisfaction of all the loyalists: so great is the scandal +in which the consuls are involved, owing to the suspicion of their +having bargained for a bribe from the candidates. The four candidates +for the consulship are all arraigned: their cases are difficult of +defence, but I shall do my best to secure the safety of our friend +Messalla—and that is inseparable from the acquittal of the others. +Publius Sulla has accused Gabinius of bribery—his stepson Memmius, his +cousin Cæcilius, and his son Sulla backing the indictment. L. Torquatus +put in his claim to the conduct of the prosecution, and, to everybody's +satisfaction, failed to establish it. You ask, "What will become of +Gabinius?" We shall know in three days' time about the charge of <i>lèse +majesté</i>. In that case he is at a disadvantage from the hatred +entertained by all classes for him; witnesses against him as damaging as +can be: accusers in the highest degree inefficient: the panel of jurors +of varied character: the president a man of weight and decision—Alfius: +Pompey active in soliciting the jurors on his behalf. What the result +will be I don't know; I don't see, however, how he can maintain a +position in the state. I shew no rancour in promoting his destruction, +and await the result with the utmost good temper. That is nearly all the +news. I will add this one item: your boy (who is mine also) is +exceedingly devoted to his rhetoric master Pæonius, a man, I think, of +great experience in his profession, and of very good character. But you +are aware that my method of instruction aims at a somewhat more<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span> +scholarly and philosophical style.<a name="FNanchor_645_645" id="FNanchor_645_645"></a><a href="#Footnote_645_645" class="fnanchor">[645]</a> Accordingly I, for my part, am +unwilling that his course of training should be interrupted, and the boy +himself seems to be more drawn to that declamatory style, and to like it +better; and as that was the style in which I was myself initiated, let +us allow him to follow in my path, for I feel sure it will eventually +bring him to the same point; nevertheless, if I take him with me +somewhere in the country, I shall guide him to the adoption of my system +and practice. For you have held out before me a great reward, which it +certainly shall not be my fault if I fail to fully obtain. I hope you +will write and tell me most carefully in what district you are going to +pass the winter, and what your prospects are.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLI_Q_FR_III_4" id="CLI_Q_FR_III_4"></a>CLI (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR III, 4</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 24 October</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>Gabinius has been acquitted. Nothing could be more absolutely futile +than his accuser, Lentulus, and the backers of the indictment, or more +corrupt than the jury. Yet, after all, had it not been for incredible +exertions and entreaties on Pompey's part, and even an alarming rumour +of a dictatorship, he would not have been able to answer even Lentulus; +for even as it was, with such an accuser and such a jury, he had +thirty-two votes out of seventy recorded against him. This trial is +altogether so scandalous, that he seems certain to be convicted in the +other suits, especially in that for extortion. But you must see that the +Republic, the senate, the law courts are mere cyphers, and that not one +of us has any constitutional position at all. What else should I tell +you about the jurors? Two men of prætorian rank were on the +panel—Domitius Calvinus, who voted for acquittal so openly that +everybody could see; and Cato, who, as soon as the voting tablets had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span> +been counted, withdrew from the ring of people, and was the first to +tell Pompey the news. Some people—for instance, Sallust—say that I +ought to have been the prosecuting counsel. Was I to have exposed myself +to such a jury as this? What would have been my position, if he had +escaped when I conducted the case? But there were other considerations +which influenced me. Pompey would have looked upon it as a contest with +me, not for that man's safety, but for his own position: he would have +entered the city;<a name="FNanchor_646_646" id="FNanchor_646_646"></a><a href="#Footnote_646_646" class="fnanchor">[646]</a> it would have become a downright quarrel; I +should have seemed like a Pacideianus matched with the Samnite +Æserninus<a name="FNanchor_647_647" id="FNanchor_647_647"></a><a href="#Footnote_647_647" class="fnanchor">[647]</a>—he would, perhaps, have bitten off my ear,<a name="FNanchor_648_648" id="FNanchor_648_648"></a><a href="#Footnote_648_648" class="fnanchor">[648]</a> and at +least he would have become reconciled to Clodius. For my part, +especially if you do not disapprove of it, I strongly approve my own +policy. That great man, though his advancement had been promoted by +unparalleled exertions on my part, and though I owed him nothing, while +he owed me all, yet could not endure that I should differ from him in +politics—to put it mildly—and, when in a less powerful position, +shewed me what he could do against me when in my zenith. At this time of +day, when I don't even care to be influential, and the Republic +certainly has no power to do anything, while he is supreme in +everything, was I to enter upon a contest with him? For that is what I +should have had to have done. I do not think that you hold me bound to +have undertaken it. "Then, as an alternative," says the grave Sallust, +"you should have defended him, and have made that concession to Pompey's +earnest wish, for he begged you very hard to do so." An ingenious friend +is Sallust, to give me the alternative of a dangerous quarrel or undying +infamy! I, however, am quite pleased with the middle course which I have +steered; and another gratifying circumstance is that, when I had given +my evidence with the utmost solemnity, in accordance with my honour and +oath, the defendant said that, if he retained his right to remain in the +city, he would repay me, and did not attempt to cross-question me.</p> + +<p>As to the verses which you wish me to compose, it is true<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> that I am +deficient in industry in regard to them, which requires not only time, +but also a mind free from all anxiety, but I am also wanting in +inspiration. For I am not altogether without anxiety as to the coming +year, though without fear. At the same time, and, upon my word, I speak +without irony, I consider you a greater master of that style of writing +than myself. As to filling up your Greek library, effecting interchanges +of books, and purchasing Latin books, I should be very glad that your +wishes should be carried out, especially as they would be very useful to +me. But I have no one to employ for myself in such a business: for such +books as are really worth getting are not for sale, and purchases cannot +be effected except by an agent who is both well-informed and active. +However, I will give orders to Chrysippus and speak to Tyrannio. I will +inquire what Scipio has done about the treasury. I will see that what +seems to be the right thing is done. As to Ascanio, do what you like: I +shall not interfere. As to a suburban property, I commend your not being +in a hurry, but I advise your having one. I write this on the 24th of +October, the day of the opening of the games, on the point of starting +for my Tusculan villa, and taking my dear young Cicero with me as though +to school (a school not for sport, but for learning), since I did not +wish to be at any greater distance from town, because I purposed +supporting Pomptinus's<a name="FNanchor_649_649" id="FNanchor_649_649"></a><a href="#Footnote_649_649" class="fnanchor">[649]</a> claim of a triumph on the 3rd of November. +For there will be, in fact, some little difficulty; as the prætors, Cato +and Servilius,<a name="FNanchor_650_650" id="FNanchor_650_650"></a><a href="#Footnote_650_650" class="fnanchor">[650]</a> threaten to forbid it, though I don't know what they +can do. For he will have on his side Appius the consul, some prætors and +tribunes. Still, they do threaten—and among the foremost Q. Scævola, +"breathing war."<a name="FNanchor_651_651" id="FNanchor_651_651"></a><a href="#Footnote_651_651" class="fnanchor">[651]</a> Most delightful and dearest of brothers, take good +care of your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLII_F_I_9" id="CLII_F_I_9"></a>CLII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 9</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO P. LENTULUS SPINTHER (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">October</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>M. Cicero desires his warmest regards to P. Lentulus, <i>imperator</i>.<a name="FNanchor_652_652" id="FNanchor_652_652"></a><a href="#Footnote_652_652" class="fnanchor">[652]</a> +Your letter was very gratifying to me, from which I gathered that you +fully appreciated my devotion to you: for why use the word kindness, +when even the word "devotion" itself, with all its solemn and holy +associations, seems too weak to express my obligations to you? As for +your saying that my services to you are gratefully accepted, it is you +who in your overflowing affection make things, which cannot be omitted +without criminal negligence, appear deserving of even gratitude. +However, my feelings towards you would have been much more fully known +and conspicuous, if, during all this time that we have been separated, +we had been together, and together at Rome. For precisely in what you +declare your intention of doing—what no one is more capable of doing, +and what I confidently look forward to from you—that is to say, in +speaking in the senate, and in every department of public life and +political activity, we should together have been in a very strong +position (what my feelings and position are in regard to politics I will +explain shortly, and will answer the questions you ask), and at any rate +I should have found in you a supporter, at once most warmly attached and +endowed with supreme wisdom, while in me you would have found an +adviser, perhaps not the most unskilful in the world, and at least both +faithful and devoted to your interests. However, for your own sake, of +course, I rejoice, as I am bound to do, that you have been greeted with +the title of <i>imperator</i>, and are holding your province and victorious +army after a successful campaign. But certainly, if you had been here, +you would have enjoyed to a fuller extent and more directly the benefit +of the services which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> I am bound to render you. Moreover, in taking +vengeance on those whom you know in some cases to be your enemies, +because you championed the cause of my recall, in others to be jealous +of the splendid position and renown which that measure brought you, I +should have done you yeoman's service as your associate. However, that +perpetual enemy of his own friends, who, in spite of having been +honoured with the highest compliments on your part, has selected you of +all people for the object of his impotent and enfeebled violence, has +saved me the trouble by punishing himself. For he has made attempts, the +disclosure of which has left him without a shred, not only of political +position, but even of freedom of action.<a name="FNanchor_653_653" id="FNanchor_653_653"></a><a href="#Footnote_653_653" class="fnanchor">[653]</a> And though I should have +preferred that you should have gained your experience in my case alone, +rather than in your own also, yet in the midst of my regret I am glad +that you have learnt what the fidelity of mankind is worth, at no great +cost to yourself, which I learnt at the price of excessive pain. And I +think that I have now an opportunity presented me, while answering the +questions you have addressed to me, of also explaining my entire +position and view. You say in your letter that you have been informed +that I have become reconciled to Cæsar and Appius, and you add that you +have no fault to find with that. But you express a wish to know what +induced me to defend and compliment Vatinius. In order to make my +explanation plainer I must go a little farther back in the statement of +my policy and its grounds.</p> + +<p>Well, Lentulus! At first—after the success of your efforts for my +recall—I looked upon myself as having been restored not alone to my +friends, but to the Republic also; and seeing that I owed you an +affection almost surpassing belief, and every kind of service, however +great and rare, that could be bestowed on your person, I thought that to +the Republic, which had much assisted you in restoring me, I at least +was bound to entertain the feeling which I had in old times<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> shewed +merely from the duty incumbent on all citizens alike, and not as an +obligation incurred by some special kindness to myself. That these were +my sentiments I declared to the senate when you were consul, and you had +yourself a full view of them in our conversations and discussions. Yet +from the very first my feelings were hurt by many circumstances, when, +on your mooting the question of the full restoration of my position, I +detected the covert hatred of some and the equivocal attachment of +others. For you received no support from them either in regard to my +monuments, or the illegal violence by which, in common with my brother, +I had been driven from my house; nor, by heaven, did they shew the +goodwill which I had expected in regard to those matters which, though +necessary to me owing to the shipwreck of my fortune, were yet regarded +by me as least valuable—I mean as to indemnifying me for my losses by +decree of the senate. And though I saw all this—for it was not +difficult to see—yet their present conduct did not affect me with so +much bitterness as what they had done for me did with gratitude. And +therefore, though according to your own assertion and testimony I was +under very great obligation to Pompey, and though I loved him not only +for his kindness, but also from my own feelings, and, so to speak, from +my unbroken admiration of him, nevertheless, without taking any account +of his wishes, I abode by all my old opinions in politics.<a name="FNanchor_654_654" id="FNanchor_654_654"></a><a href="#Footnote_654_654" class="fnanchor">[654]</a> With +Pompey sitting in court,<a name="FNanchor_655_655" id="FNanchor_655_655"></a><a href="#Footnote_655_655" class="fnanchor">[655]</a> upon his having entered the city to give +evidence in favour of Sestius, and when the witness Vatinius had +asserted that, moved by the good fortune and success of Cæsar, I had +begun to be his friend, I said that I preferred the fortune of Bibulus, +which he thought a humiliation, to the triumphs and victories of +everybody else; and I said during the examination of the same witness, +in another part of my speech, that the same men had prevented Bibulus +from leaving his house as had forced me from mine: my whole +cross-examination, indeed, was nothing but a denunciation of his +tribuneship;<a name="FNanchor_656_656" id="FNanchor_656_656"></a><a href="#Footnote_656_656" class="fnanchor">[656]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> and in it I spoke throughout with the greatest +freedom and spirit about violence, neglect of omens, grants of royal +titles. Nor, indeed, in the support of this view is it only of late that +I have spoken: I have done so consistently on several occasions in the +senate. Nay, even in the consulship of Marcellinus and Philippus,<a name="FNanchor_657_657" id="FNanchor_657_657"></a><a href="#Footnote_657_657" class="fnanchor">[657]</a> +on the 5th of April the senate voted on my motion that the question of +the Campanian land should be referred to a full meeting of the senate on +the 15th of May. Could I more decidedly invade the stronghold of his +policy, or shew more clearly that I forgot my own present interests, and +remembered my former political career? On my delivery of this proposal a +great impression was made on the minds not only of those who were bound +to have been impressed, but also of those of whom I had never expected +it. For, after this decree had passed in accordance with my motion, +Pompey, without shewing the least sign of being offended with me, +started for Sardinia and Africa, and in the course of that journey +visited Cæsar at Luca. There Cæsar complained a great deal about my +motion, for he had already seen Crassus at Ravenna also, and had been +irritated by him against me. It was well known that Pompey was much +vexed at this, as I was told by others, but learnt most definitely from +my brother. For when Pompey met him in Sardinia, a few days after +leaving Luca, he said: "You are the very man I want to see; nothing +could have happened more conveniently. Unless you speak very strongly to +your brother Marcus, you will have to pay up what you guaranteed on his +behalf."<a name="FNanchor_658_658" id="FNanchor_658_658"></a><a href="#Footnote_658_658" class="fnanchor">[658]</a> I need not go on. He grumbled a great deal: mentioned his +own services to me: recalled what he had again and again said to my +brother himself about the "acts" of Cæsar, and what my brother had +undertaken in regard to me; and called my brother himself to witness +that what he had done in regard to my recall he had done with the +consent of Cæsar: and asked him to commend to me the latter's policy and +claims, that I should not attack, even if I would not or could not +support them. My brother having conveyed these remarks<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> to me, and +Pompey having, nevertheless, sent Vibullius to me with a message, +begging me not to commit myself on the question of the Campanian land +till his return, I reconsidered my position and begged the state itself, +as it were, to allow me, who had suffered and done so much for it, to +fulfil the duty which gratitude to my benefactors and the pledge which +my brother had given demanded, and to suffer one whom it had ever +regarded as an honest citizen to shew himself an honest man. Moreover, +in regard to all those motions and speeches of mine which appeared to be +giving offence to Pompey, the remarks of a particular set of men, whose +names you must surely guess, kept on being reported to me; who, while in +public affairs they were really in sympathy with my policy, and had +always been so, yet said that they were glad that Pompey was +dissatisfied with me, and that Cæsar would be very greatly exasperated +against me. This in itself was vexatious to me: but much more so was the +fact that they used, before my very eyes, so to embrace, fondle, make +much of, and kiss my enemy—mine do I say? rather the enemy of the laws, +of the law courts, of peace, of his country, of all loyal men!—that +they did not indeed rouse my bile, for I have utterly lost all that, but +imagined they did. In these circumstances, having, as far as is possible +for human prudence, thoroughly examined my whole position, and having +balanced the items of the account, I arrived at a final result of all my +reflexions, which, as well as I can, I will now briefly put before you.</p> + +<p>If I had seen the Republic in the hands of bad or profligate citizens, +as we know happened during the supremacy of Cinna, and on some other +occasions, I should not under the pressure, I don't say of rewards, +which are the last things to influence me, but even of danger, by which, +after all, the bravest men are moved, have attached myself to their +party, not even if their services to me had been of the very highest +kind. As it is, seeing that the leading statesman in the Republic was +Pompey, a man who had gained this power and renown by the most eminent +services to the state and the most glorious achievements, and one of +whose position I had been a supporter from my youth up, and in my +prætorship and consulship an active promoter also, and seeing that this +same statesman had assisted me, in his own person by the weight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span> of his +influence and the expression of his opinion, and, in conjunction with +you, by his counsels and zeal, and that he regarded my enemy as his own +supreme enemy in the state—I did not think that I need fear the +reproach of inconsistency, if in some of my senatorial votes I somewhat +changed my standpoint, and contributed my zeal to the promotion of the +dignity of a most distinguished man, and one to whom I am under the +highest obligations. In this sentiment I had necessarily to include +Cæsar, as you see, for their policy and position were inseparably +united. Here I was greatly influenced by two things—the old friendship +which you know that I and my brother Quintus have had with Cæsar, and +his own kindness and liberality, of which we have recently had clear and +unmistakable evidence both by his letters and his personal attentions. I +was also strongly affected by the Republic itself, which appeared to me +to demand, especially considering Cæsar's brilliant successes, that +there should be no quarrel maintained with these men, and indeed to +forbid it in the strongest manner possible. Moreover, while entertaining +these feelings, I was above all shaken by the pledge which Pompey had +given for me to Cæsar, and my brother to Pompey. Besides, I was forced +to take into consideration the state maxim so divinely expressed by our +master Plato—"Such as are the chief men in a republic, such are ever +wont to be the other citizens." I called to mind that in my consulship, +from the very 1st of January, such a foundation was laid of +encouragement for the senate, that no one ought to have been surprised +that on the 5th of December there was so much spirit and such commanding +influence in that house. I also remember that when I became a private +citizen up to the consulship of Cæsar and Bibulus, when the opinions +expressed by me had great weight in the senate, the feeling among all +the loyalists was invariable. Afterwards, while you were holding the +province of hither Spain with <i>imperium</i> and the Republic had no genuine +consuls, but mere hucksters of provinces, mere slaves and agents of +sedition, an accident threw my head as an apple of discord into the +midst of contending factions and civil broils. And in that hour of +danger, though a unanimity was displayed on the part of the senate that +was surprising, on the part of all Italy surpassing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> belief, and of all +the loyalists unparalleled, in standing forth in my defence, I will not +say what happened—for the blame attaches to many, and is of various +shades of turpitude—I will only say briefly that it was not the rank +and file, but the leaders, that played me false. And in this matter, +though some blame does attach to those who failed to defend me, no less +attaches to those who abandoned me: and if those who were frightened +deserve reproach, if there are such, still more are those to be blamed +who pretended to be frightened. At any rate, my policy is justly to be +praised for refusing to allow my fellow citizens (preserved by me and +ardently desiring to preserve me) to be exposed while bereft of leaders +to armed slaves, and for preferring that it should be made manifest how +much force there might be in the unanimity of the loyalists, if they had +been permitted to champion my cause before I had fallen, when after that +fall they had proved strong enough to raise me up again. And the real +feelings of these men you not only had the penetration to see, when +bringing forward my case, but the power to encourage and keep alive. In +promoting which measure—I will not merely not deny, but shall always +remember also and gladly proclaim it—you found certain men of the +highest rank more courageous in securing my restoration than they had +been in preserving me from my fall: and, if they had chosen to maintain +that frame of mind, they would have recovered their own commanding +position along with my salvation. For when the spirit of the loyalists +had been renewed by your consulship, and they had been roused from their +dismay by the extreme firmness and rectitude of your official conduct; +when, above all, Pompey's support had been secured; and when Cæsar, too, +with all the prestige of his brilliant achievements, after being +honoured with unique and unprecedented marks of distinction and +compliments by the senate, was now supporting the dignity of the house, +there could have been no opportunity for a disloyal citizen of outraging +the Republic.</p> + +<p>But now notice, I beg, what actually ensued. First of all, that intruder +upon the women's rites, who had shewn no more respect for the Bona Dea +than for his three sisters, secured immunity by the votes of those men +who, when a tribune wished by a legal action to exact penalties from a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> +seditious citizen by the agency of the loyalists, deprived the Republic +of what would have been hereafter a most splendid precedent for the +punishment of sedition. And these same persons, in the case of the +monument, which was not mine, indeed—for it was not erected from the +proceeds of spoils won by me, and I had nothing to do with it beyond +giving out the contract for its construction—well, they allowed this +monument of the senate's to have branded upon it the name of a public +enemy, and an inscription written in blood. That those men wished my +safety rouses my liveliest gratitude, but I could have wished that they +had not chosen to take my bare safety into consideration, like doctors, +but, like trainers, my strength and complexion also! As it is, just as +Apelles perfected the head and bust of his Venus with the most elaborate +art, but left the rest of her body in the rough, so certain persons only +took pains with my head, and left the rest of my body unfinished and +unworked. Yet in this matter I have falsified the expectation, not only +of the jealous, but also of the downright hostile, who formerly +conceived a wrong opinion from the case of Quintus Metellus, son of +Lucius—the most energetic and gallant man in the world, and in my +opinion of surpassing courage and firmness—who, people say, was much +cast down and dispirited after his return from exile.<a name="FNanchor_659_659" id="FNanchor_659_659"></a><a href="#Footnote_659_659" class="fnanchor">[659]</a> Now, in the +first place, we are asked to believe that a man who accepted exile with +entire willingness and remarkable cheerfulness, and never took any pains +at all to get recalled, was crushed in spirit about an affair in which +he had shewn more firmness and constancy than anyone else, even than the +pre-eminent M. Scaurus himself!<a name="FNanchor_660_660" id="FNanchor_660_660"></a><a href="#Footnote_660_660" class="fnanchor">[660]</a> But, again, the account they had +received, or rather the conjectures they were indulging in about him, +they now transferred to me, imagining that I should be more than usually +broken in spirit: whereas, in fact, the Republic was inspiring me with +even greater courage than I had ever had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span> before, by making it plain +that I was the one citizen it could not do without; and by the fact that +while a bill proposed by only one tribune had recalled Metellus, the +whole state had joined as one man in recalling me—the senate leading +the way, the whole of Italy following after, eight of the tribunes +publishing the bill, a consul putting the question at the centuriate +assembly, all orders and individuals pressing it on, in fact, with all +the forces at its command. Nor is it the case that I afterwards made any +pretension, or am making any at this day, which can justly offend +anyone, even the most malevolent: my only effort is that I may not fail +either my friends or those more remotely connected with me in either +active service, or counsel, or personal exertion. This course of life +perhaps offends those who fix their eyes on the glitter and show of my +professional position, but are unable to appreciate its anxieties and +laboriousness.</p> + +<p>Again, they make no concealment of their dissatisfaction on the ground +that in the speeches which I make in the senate in praise of Cæsar I am +departing from my old policy. But while giving explanations on the +points which I put before you a short time ago, I will not keep till the +last the following, which I have already touched upon. You will not +find, my dear Lentulus, the sentiments of the loyalists the same as you +left them—strengthened by my consulship, suffering relapse at intervals +afterwards, crushed down before your consulship, revived by you: they +have now been abandoned by those whose duty it was to have maintained +them: and this fact they, who in the old state of things as it existed +in our day used to be called <i>Optimates</i>, not only declare by look and +expression of countenance, by which a false pretence is easiest +supported, but have proved again and again by their actual sympathies +and votes. Accordingly, the entire view and aim of wise citizens, such +as I wish both to be and to be reckoned, must needs have undergone a +change. For that is the maxim of that same great Plato, whom I +emphatically regard as my master: "Maintain a political controversy only +so far as you can convince your fellow citizens of its justice: never +offer violence to parent or fatherland."<a name="FNanchor_661_661" id="FNanchor_661_661"></a><a href="#Footnote_661_661" class="fnanchor">[661]</a> He, it is true, alleges +this as his motive for having abstained from politics, because,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> having +found the Athenian people all but in its dotage, and seeing that it +could not be ruled by persuasion, or by anything short of compulsion, +while he doubted the possibility of persuasion, he looked upon +compulsion as criminal. My position was different in this: as the people +was not in its dotage, nor the question of engaging in politics still an +open one for me, I was bound hand and foot. Yet I rejoiced that I was +permitted in one and the same cause to support a policy at once +advantageous to myself and acceptable to every loyalist. An additional +motive was Cæsar's memorable and almost superhuman kindness to myself +and my brother, who thus would have deserved my support whatever he +undertook; while as it is, considering his great success and his +brilliant victories, he would seem, even if he had not behaved to me as +he has, to claim a panegyric from me. For I would have you believe that, +putting you aside, who were the authors of my recall, there is no one by +whose good offices I would not only confess, but would even rejoice, to +have been so much bound.</p> + +<p>Having explained this matter to you, the questions you ask about +Vatinius and Crassus are easy to answer. For, since you remark about +Appius, as about Cæsar, "that you have no fault to find," I can only say +that I am glad you approve my policy. But as to Vatinius, in the first +place there had been in the interval a reconciliation effected through +Pompey, immediately after his election to the prætorship, though I had, +it is true, impugned his canditature in some very strong speeches in the +senate, and yet not so much for the sake of attacking him as of +defending and complimenting Cato. Again, later on, there followed a very +pressing request from Cæsar that I should undertake his defence. But my +reason for testifying to his character I beg you will not ask, either in +the case of this defendant or of others, lest I retaliate by asking you +the same question when you come home: though I can do so even before you +return: for remember for whom you sent a certificate of character from +the ends of the earth. However, don't be afraid, for those same persons +are praised by myself, and will continue to be so. Yet, after all, there +was also the motive spurring me on to undertake his defence, of which, +during the trial, when I appeared for him, I remarked that I was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> doing +just what the parasite in the <i>Eunuchus</i> advised the captain to do:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"As oft as she names Phædria, you retort<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Pamphila. If ever she suggest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Do let us have in Phædria to our revel:'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Quoth you, 'And let us call on Pamphila<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To sing a song.' If she shall praise <i>his</i> looks,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Do you praise <i>hers</i> to match them: and, in fine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Give tit for tat, that you may sting her soul."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>So I asked the jurors, since certain men of high rank, who had also done +me very great favours, were much enamoured of my enemy, and often under +my very eyes in the senate now took him aside in grave consultation, now +embraced him familiarly and cheerfully—since these men had their +Publius, to grant me another Publius, in whose person I might repay a +slight attack by a moderate retort.<a name="FNanchor_662_662" id="FNanchor_662_662"></a><a href="#Footnote_662_662" class="fnanchor">[662]</a> And, indeed, I am often as good +as my word, with the applause of gods and men. So much for Vatinius. Now +about Crassus. I thought I had done much to secure his gratitude in +having, for the sake of the general harmony, wiped out by a kind of +voluntary act of oblivion all his very serious injuries, when he +suddenly undertook the defence of Gabinius, whom only a few days before +he had attacked with the greatest bitterness. Nevertheless, I should +have borne that, if he had done so without casting any offensive +reflexions on me. But on his attacking me, though I was only arguing and +not inveighing against him, I fired up not only, I think, with the +passion of the moment—for that perhaps would not have been so hot—but +the smothered wrath at his many wrongs to me, of which I thought I had +wholly got rid, having, unconsciously to myself, lingered in my soul, it +suddenly shewed itself in full force. And it was at this precise time +that certain persons (the same whom I frequently indicate by a sign or +hint), while declaring that they had much enjoyed my outspoken style, +and had never before fully realized that I was restored to the Republic +in all my old character, and when my conduct of that controversy had +gained me much credit outside the house also, began saying that they +were glad both that he was now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span> my enemy, and that those who were +involved with him would never be my friends. So when their ill-natured +remarks were reported to me by men of most respectable character, and +when Pompey pressed me as he had never done before to be reconciled to +Crassus, and Cæsar wrote to say that he was exceedingly grieved at that +quarrel, I took into consideration not only my circumstances, but my +natural inclination: and Crassus, that our reconciliation might, as it +were, be attested to the Roman people, started for his province, it +might almost be said, from my hearth. For he himself named a day and +dined with me in the suburban villa of my son-in-law Crassipes. On this +account, as you say that you have been told, I supported his cause in +the senate, which I had undertaken on Pompey's strong recommendation, as +I was bound in honour to do.</p> + +<p>I have now told you with what motives I have supported each measure and +cause, and what my position is in politics as far as I take any part in +them: and I would wish you to make sure of this—that I should have +entertained the same sentiments, if I had been still perfectly +uncommitted and free to choose. For I should not have thought it right +to fight against such overwhelming power, nor to destroy the supremacy +of the most distinguished citizens, even if it had been possible; nor, +again, should I have thought myself bound to abide by the same view, +when circumstances were changed and the feelings of the loyalists +altered, but rather to bow to circumstances. For the persistence in the +same view has never been regarded as a merit in men eminent for their +guidance of the helm of state; but as in steering a ship one secret of +the art is to run before the storm, even if you cannot make the harbour; +yet, when you can do so by tacking about, it is folly to keep to the +course you have begun rather than by changing it to arrive all the same +at the destination you desire: so while we all ought in the +administration of the state to keep always in view the object I have +very frequently mentioned, peace combined with dignity, we are not bound +always to use the same language, but to fix our eyes on the same object. +Wherefore, as I laid down a little while ago, if I had had as free a +hand as possible in everything, I should yet have been no other than I +now am in politics. When, moreover, I am at once<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> induced to adopt these +sentiments by the kindness of certain persons, and driven to do so by +the injuries of others, I am quite content to think and speak about +public affairs as I conceive best conduces to the interests both of +myself and of the Republic. Moreover, I make this declaration the more +openly and frequently, both because my brother Quintus is Cæsar's +legate, and because no word of mine, however trivial, to say nothing of +any act, in support of Cæsar has ever transpired, which he has not +received with such marked gratitude, as to make me look upon myself as +closely bound to him. Accordingly, I have the advantage of his +popularity, which you know to be very great, and his material resources, +which you know to be immense, as though they were my own. Nor do I think +that I could in any other way have frustrated the plots of unprincipled +persons against me, unless I had now combined with those protections, +which I have always possessed, the goodwill also of the men in power. I +should, to the best of my belief, have followed this same line of policy +even if I had had you here. For I well know the reasonableness and +soberness of your judgment: I know your mind, while warmly attached to +me, to be without a tinge of malevolence to others, but on the contrary +as open and candid as it is great and lofty. I have seen certain persons +conduct themselves towards you as you might have seen the same persons +conduct themselves towards me. The same things that have annoyed me +would certainly have annoyed you. But whenever I shall have the +enjoyment of your presence, you will be the wise critic of all my plans: +you who took thought for my safety will also do so for my dignity. Me, +indeed, you will have as the partner and associate in all your actions, +sentiments, wishes—in fact, in everything; nor shall I ever in all my +life have any purpose so steadfastly before me, as that you should +rejoice more and more warmly every day that you did me such eminent +service.</p> + +<p>As to your request that I would send you any books I have written since +your departure, there are some speeches, which I will give Menocritus, +not so very many, so don't be afraid! I have also written—for I am now +rather withdrawing from oratory and returning to the gentler Muses, +which now give me greater delight than any others, as they have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> done +since my earliest youth—well, then, I have written in the Aristotelian +style, at least that was my aim, three books in the form of a discussion +in dialogue "On the Orator," which, I think, will be of some service to +your Lentulus. For they differ a good deal from the current maxims, and +embrace a discussion on the whole oratorical theory of the ancients, +both that of Aristotle and Isocrates. I have also written in verse three +books "On my own Times," which I should have sent you some time ago, if +I had thought they ought to be published—for they are witnesses, and +will be eternal witnesses, of your services to me and of my +affection—but I refrained because I was afraid, not of those who might +think themselves attacked, for I have been very sparing and gentle in +that respect, but of my benefactors, of whom it were an endless task to +mention the whole list. Nevertheless, the books, such as they are, if I +find anyone to whom I can safely commit them, I will take care to have +conveyed to you: and as far as that part of my life and conduct is +concerned, I submit it entirely to your judgment. All that I shall +succeed in accomplishing in literature or in learning—my old favourite +relaxations—I shall with the utmost cheerfulness place before the bar +of your criticism, for you have always had a fondness for such things. +As to what you say in your letter about your domestic affairs, and all +you charge me to do, I am so attentive to them that I don't like being +reminded, can scarcely bear, indeed, to be asked without a very painful +feeling. As to your saying, in regard to Quintus's business, that you +could not do anything last summer, because you were prevented by illness +from crossing to Cilicia, but that you will now do everything in your +power to settle it, I may tell you that the fact of the matter is that, +if he can annex this property, my brother thinks that he will owe to you +the consolidation of this ancestral estate. I should like you to write +about all your affairs, and about the studies and training of your son +Lentulus (whom I regard as mine also) as confidentially and as +frequently as possible, and to believe that there never has been anyone +either dearer or more congenial to another than you are to me, and that +I will not only make you feel that to be the case, but will make all the +world and posterity itself to the latest generation aware of it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span></p> + +<p>Appius used some time back to repeat in conversation, and afterwards +said openly, even in the senate, that if he were allowed to carry a law +in the <i>comitia curiata</i>, he would draw lots with his colleague for +their provinces; but if no curiatian law were passed, he would make an +arrangement with his colleague and succeed you: that a curiatian law was +a proper thing for a consul, but was not a necessity: that since he was +in possession of a province by a decree of the senate, he should have +<i>imperium</i> in virtue of the Cornelian law until such time as he entered +the city. I don't know what your several connexions write to you on the +subject: I understand that opinion varies. There are some who think that +you can legally refuse to quit your province, because your successor is +named without a curiatian law: some also hold that, even if you do quit +it, you may leave some one behind you to conduct its government. For +myself, I do not feel so certain about the point of law—although there +is not much doubt even about that—as I do of this, that it is for your +greatest honour, dignity, and independence, which I know you always +value above everything, to hand over your province to a successor +without any delay, especially as you cannot thwart his greediness +without rousing suspicion of your own. I regard my duty as twofold—to +let you know what I think, and to defend what you have done.</p> + +<p>P.S.—I had written the above when I received your letter about the +<i>publicani</i>, to whom I could not but admire the justice of your conduct. +I could have wished that you had been able by some lucky chance to avoid +running counter to the interests and wishes of that order, whose honour +you have always promoted. For my part, I shall not cease to defend your +decrees: but you know the ways of that class of men; you are aware how +bitterly hostile they were to the famous Q. Scævola himself. However, I +advise you to reconcile that order to yourself, or at least soften its +feelings, if you can by any means do so. Though difficult, I think it +is, nevertheless, not beyond the reach of your sagacity.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLIII_A_IV_18" id="CLIII_A_IV_18"></a>CLIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 18</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (IN ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, October</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>... As it is,<a name="FNanchor_663_663" id="FNanchor_663_663"></a><a href="#Footnote_663_663" class="fnanchor">[663]</a> to tell you my opinion of affairs, we must put up +with it. You ask me how I have behaved. With firmness and dignity. "What +about Pompey," you will say, "how did he take it?" With great +consideration, and with the conviction that he must have some regard for +my position, until a satisfactory atonement had been made to me. "How, +then," you will say, "was the acquittal secured?" It was a case of mere +dummies,<a name="FNanchor_664_664" id="FNanchor_664_664"></a><a href="#Footnote_664_664" class="fnanchor">[664]</a> and incredible incompetence on the part of the +accusers—that is to say, of L. Lentulus, son of Lucius, who, according +to the universal murmur, acted collusively. In the next place, Pompey +was extraordinarily urgent; and the jurors were a mean set of fellows. +Yet, in spite of everything, there were thirty-two votes for conviction, +thirty-eight for acquittal. There are the other prosecutions hanging +over his head: he is by no means entirely free yet. You will say, "Well, +then, how do <i>you</i> bear it?" With the best air possible, by heaven! and +I really do plume myself on my behaviour. We have lost, my dear +Pomponius, not only all the healthy sap and blood of our old +constitution, but even its colour and outward show. There is no Republic +to give a moment's pleasure or a feeling of security. "And is that, +then," you will say, "a satisfaction to you?" Precisely that. For I +recall what a fair course the state had for a short time, while I was at +the helm, and what a return has been made me! It does not give me a pang +that one man absorbs all power. The men to burst with envy are those who +were indignant at my having had some power. There are many things which +console me, without my departing an inch from my regular position; and I +am returning to the life best suited to my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> natural disposition—to +letters and the studies that I love. My labour in pleading I console by +my delight in oratory. I find delight in my town house and my country +residences. I do not recall the height from which I have fallen, but the +humble position from which I have risen. As long as I have my brother +and you with me, let those fellows be hanged, drawn, and quartered for +all I care: I can play the philosopher with you. That part of my soul, +in which in old times irritability had its home, has grown completely +callous. I find no pleasure in anything that is not private and +domestic. You will find me in a state of magnificent repose, to which +nothing contributes more than the prospect of your return. For there is +no one in the wide world whose feelings are so much in sympathy with my +own. But now let me tell you the rest. Matters are drifting on to an +<i>interregnum</i>; and there is a dictatorship in the air, in fact a good +deal of talk about it, which did Gabinius also some service with timid +jurors. All the candidates for the consulship are charged with bribery. +You may add to them Gabinius, on whom L. Sulla had served notice, +feeling certain that he was in a hopeless position—Torquatus having, +without success, demanded to have the prosecution. But they will all be +acquitted, and henceforth no one will be condemned for anything except +homicide. This last charge is warmly pressed, and accordingly informers +are busy. M. Fulvius Nobilior has been convicted. Many others have had +the wit to abstain from even putting in an appearance. Is there any more +news? Yes! After Gabinius's acquittal another panel of jurors, in a fit +of irritation, an hour later condemned Antiochus Gabinius, some fellow +from the studio of Sopolis, a freedman and orderly officer of Gabinius, +under the <i>lex Papia</i>. Consequently he at once remarked, "So the +Republic will not acquit me under the law of treason as it did +you!"<a name="FNanchor_665_665" id="FNanchor_665_665"></a><a href="#Footnote_665_665" class="fnanchor">[665]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span></p> + +<p>Pomptinus wants to celebrate a triumph on the 2nd of November. He is +openly opposed by the prætors Cato and Servilius and the tribune Q. +Mucius. For they say that no law for his <i>imperium</i> was ever +carried:<a name="FNanchor_666_666" id="FNanchor_666_666"></a><a href="#Footnote_666_666" class="fnanchor">[666]</a> and this one too was carried, by heaven, in a stupid way. +But Pomptinus will have the consul Appius on his side.<a name="FNanchor_667_667" id="FNanchor_667_667"></a><a href="#Footnote_667_667" class="fnanchor">[667]</a> Cato, +however, declares that he shall never triumph so long as he is alive. I +think this affair, like many of the same sort, will come to nothing. +Appius thinks of going to Cilicia without a law, and at his own +expense.<a name="FNanchor_668_668" id="FNanchor_668_668"></a><a href="#Footnote_668_668" class="fnanchor">[668]</a> I received a letter on the 24th of October from my brother +and from Cæsar, dated from the nearest coasts of Britain on the 26th of +September. Britain done with ... hostages taken ... no booty ... a +tribute, however, imposed; they were on the point of bringing back the +army. Q. Pilius has just set out to join Cæsar. If you have any love for +me or your family, or any truth in you, or even if you have any taste +left, and any idea of enjoying all your blessings, it is really time for +you to be on your way home, and, in fact, almost here. I vow I cannot +get on without you. And what wonder that I can't get on without <i>you</i>, +when I miss Dionysius so much? The latter, in fact, as soon as the day +comes, both I and my young Cicero will demand of you. The last letter I +had from you was dated Ephesus, 9th of August.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLIV_Q_FR_III_5-6" id="CLIV_Q_FR_III_5-6"></a>CLIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR III, 5-6</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Tusculum</span> (<span class="smcap">October</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>You ask me what I have done about the books which I begun to write when +in my Cuman villa: I have not been idle and am not being idle now; but I +have frequently changed the whole plan and arrangement of the work. I +had already completed two books, in which I represented a conversation +taking place on the Novendialia held in the consulship of Tuditanus and +Aquilius,<a name="FNanchor_669_669" id="FNanchor_669_669"></a><a href="#Footnote_669_669" class="fnanchor">[669]</a> between Africanus, shortly before his death, and Lælius, +Philus, Manilius, P. Rutilius, Q. Tubero, and Lælius's sons-in-law, +Fannius and Scævola; a conversation which was extended to nine days and +the same number of books "On the best Constitution of the State" and "On +the best Citizen." The work was excellently composed, and the rank of +the speakers added considerable weight to the style. But when these +books were read to me in the presence of Sallustius at Tusculum, it was +suggested to me by him that a discourse on such subjects would come with +much greater force if I were myself the speaker on the Republic, +especially as I was a no mere Heraclides Ponticus,<a name="FNanchor_670_670" id="FNanchor_670_670"></a><a href="#Footnote_670_670" class="fnanchor">[670]</a> but an +ex-consul, and one who had been engaged in the most important affairs in +the state: that when I put them in the mouth of men of such ancient date +they would have an air of unreality: that I had shewn good taste in my +books about the science of rhetoric in keeping the dialogue of the +orators apart from myself, and yet had attributed it to men whom I had +personally seen: and, finally, that Aristotle delivers in the first +person his essays "On the Republic" and "On the Eminent Man." I was +influenced the more by this from the fact that I was unable to touch on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span> +the most important commotions in our state, because they were subsequent +to the age of the speakers. Moreover, my express object then was not to +offend anyone by launching into the events of my own time: as it is, I +shall avoid that and at the same time be the speaker with you. +Nevertheless, when I come to Rome I will send you the dialogues as they +originally stood. For I fancy that those books will convince you that +they have not been abandoned by me without some chagrin.</p> + +<p>I am extremely gratified by Cæsar's affection of which you write to me. +The offers which he holds out I do not much reckon on, nor have I any +thirst for honours or longing for glory; and I look forward more to the +continuation of his kindness than to the fulfilment of his promises. +Still, I live a life so prominent and laborious that I might seem to be +expecting the very thing that I deprecate. As to your request that I +should compose some verses, you could hardly believe, my dear brother, +how short of time I am: nor do I feel much moved in spirit to write +poetry on the subject you mention. Do you really come to me for +disquisitions on things that I can scarcely conceive even in +imagination—you who have distanced everybody in that style of vivid and +descriptive writing? Yet I would have done it if I could, but, as you +will assuredly not fail to notice, for writing poetry there is need of a +certain freshness of mind of which my occupations entirely deprive me. I +withdraw myself, it is true, from all political anxiety and devote +myself to literature; still, I will hint to you what, by heaven, I +specially wished to have concealed from you. It cuts me to the heart, my +dearest brother, to the heart, to think that there is no Republic, no +law courts, and that my present time of life, which ought to have been +in the full bloom of senatorial dignity, is distracted with the labours +of the forum or eked out by private studies, and that the object on +which from boyhood I had set my heart,</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Far to excel, and tower above the crowd,"<a name="FNanchor_671_671" id="FNanchor_671_671"></a><a href="#Footnote_671_671" class="fnanchor">[671]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>is entirely gone: that my opponents have in some cases been left +unattacked by me, in others even defended: that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span> not only my sympathies, +but my very dislikes, are not free: and that Cæsar is the one man in the +world who has been found to love me to my heart's content, or even, as +others think, the only one who was inclined to do so. However, there is +none of all these vexations of such a kind as to be beyond the reach of +many daily consolations; but the greatest of consolations will be our +being together. As it is, to those other sources of vexation there is +added my very deep regret for your absence. If I had defended Gabinius, +which Pansa thought I ought to have done, I should have been quite +ruined: those who hate him—and that is entire orders—would have begun +to hate me for the sake of their hatred for him. I confined myself, as I +think with great dignity, to doing only that which all the world saw me +do. And to sum up the whole case, I am, as you advise, devoting all my +efforts to tranquillity and peace. As to the books: Tyrannio is a +slow-coach: I will speak to Chrysippus, but it is a laborious business +and requires a man of the utmost industry. I find it in my own case, +for, though I am as diligent as possible, I get nothing done. As to the +Latin books, I don't know which way to turn—they are copied and exposed +for sale with such a quantity of errors! However, whatever can possibly +be done I will not neglect to do. Gaius Rebilus, as I wrote to you +before, is at Rome. He solemnly affirms his great obligations to you, +and reports well of your health.<a name="FNanchor_672_672" id="FNanchor_672_672"></a><a href="#Footnote_672_672" class="fnanchor">[672]</a> I think the question of the +treasury was settled in my absence. When you speak of having finished +four tragedies in sixteen days, I presume you are borrowing from some +one else? And do <i>you</i> deign to be indebted to others after writing the +<i>Electra</i>, and the <i>Troades</i>? Don't be idle; and don't think the +proverbial γνῶθι σεαυτόν was only meant to discourage vanity: +it means also that we should be aware of our own qualities. But pray +send me these tragedies as well as the <i>Erigona</i>. I have now answered +your last two letters.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLV_Q_FR_III_7" id="CLV_Q_FR_III_7"></a>CLV (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR III, 7</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Tusculum</span> (<span class="smcap">November</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>At Rome, and especially on the Appian road as far as the temple of Mars, +there is a remarkable flood. The promenade of Crassipes has been washed +away, pleasure grounds, a great number of shops. There is a great sheet +of water right up to the public fish-pond. That doctrine of Homer's is +in full play:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"The days in autumn when in violent flood<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Zeus pours his waters, wroth at sinful men"—<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>for it falls in with the acquittal of Gabinius—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Who wrench the law to suit their crooked ends<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And drive out justice, recking naught of Gods."<a name="FNanchor_673_673" id="FNanchor_673_673"></a><a href="#Footnote_673_673" class="fnanchor">[673]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>But I have made up my mind not to care about such things. When I get +back to Rome I will write and tell you my observations, and especially +about the dictatorship, and I will also send a letter to Labienus and +one to Ligurius. I write this before daybreak by the carved wood +lamp-stand, in which I take great delight, because they tell me that you +had it made when you were at Samos. Good-bye, dearest and best of +brothers.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLVI_F_VII_16" id="CLVI_F_VII_16"></a>CLVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 16</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">November</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>In the "Trojan Horse," just at the end, you remember the words, "Too +late they learn wisdom."<a name="FNanchor_674_674" id="FNanchor_674_674"></a><a href="#Footnote_674_674" class="fnanchor">[674]</a> You, however, old man, were wise in time. +Those first snappy letters of yours were foolish enough, and then——! I +don't at all blame you for not being over-curious in regard to Britain. +For the present, however, you seem to be in winter quarters somewhat +short of warm clothing, and therefore not caring to stir out:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Not here and there, but everywhere,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be wise and ware:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No sharper steel can warrior bear."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>If I had been by way of dining out, I would not have failed your friend +Cn. Octavius; to whom, however, I did remark upon his repeated +invitations, "Pray, who are you?" But, by Hercules, joking apart, he is +a pretty fellow: I could have wished you had taken him with you! Let me +know for certain what you are doing and whether you intend coming to +Italy at all this winter. Balbus has assured me that you will be rich. +Whether he speaks after the simple Roman fashion, meaning that you will +be well supplied with money, or according to the Stoic dictum, that "all +are rich who can enjoy the sky and the earth," I shall know hereafter. +Those who come from your part accuse you of pride, because they say you +won't answer men who put questions to you. However, there is one thing +that will please you: they all agree in saying that there is no better +lawyer than you at Samarobriva!<a name="FNanchor_675_675" id="FNanchor_675_675"></a><a href="#Footnote_675_675" class="fnanchor">[675]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLVII_A_IV_17" id="CLVII_A_IV_17"></a>CLVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">A IV, 17</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO ATTICUS (ON HIS WAY TO ROME)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">November</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>At last the long-expected letter from you! Back to Italy, how +delightful! What wonderful fidelity to your promise! What a charming +voyage! About this last, by Hercules, I was very nervous, remembering +the fur wrappers of your former crossing. But, unless I am mistaken, I +shall see you sooner than you say in your letter. For I believe you +thought that your ladies were in Apulia, and when you find that not to +be the case, what can there be to detain you there? Are you bound to +give Vestorius some days, and must you go through the stale banquet of +his Latin Atticism again after an interval? Nay, fly hither and visit +(the remains) of that genuine Republic of ours!...<a name="FNanchor_676_676" id="FNanchor_676_676"></a><a href="#Footnote_676_676" class="fnanchor">[676]</a> Observe my +strength of mind and my supreme indifference to the Felician<a name="FNanchor_677_677" id="FNanchor_677_677"></a><a href="#Footnote_677_677" class="fnanchor">[677]</a> +one-twelfth legacy, and also, by heaven, my very gratifying connexion +with Cæsar—for this delights me as the one spar left me from the +present shipwreck—Cæsar, I say, who treats your and my Quintus, +heavens! with what honour, respect, and favours! It is exactly as if I +were the <i>imperator</i>. The choice was just lately offered him of +selecting any of the winter quarters, as he writes me word. Wouldn't you +be fond of such a man as that? Of which of your friends would you, if +not of him? But look you! did I write you word that I was <i>legatus</i> to +Pompey, and should be outside the city from the 13th of January onwards? +This appeared to me to square with many things. But why say more? I +will, I think, reserve the rest till we meet,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span> that you may, after all, +have something to look forward to. My very best regards to Dionysius, +for whom, indeed, I have not merely kept a place, but have even built +one. In fine, to the supreme joy of your return, a finishing stroke will +be added by his arrival. The day you arrive, you and your party will, I +entreat you, stay with me.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLVIII_Q_FR_III_8" id="CLVIII_Q_FR_III_8"></a>CLVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR III, 8</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">November</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>The earlier of your two letters is full of irritability and +complainings, and you say you gave another of the same sort the day +before to Labienus, who has not yet arrived—but I have nothing to say +in answer to it, for your more recent letter has obliterated all trace +of vexation from my mind. I will only give you this hint and make this +request, that in the midst of your vexations and labours you should +recall what our notion was as to your going to Cæsar. For our object was +not the acquisition of certain small and unimportant gains. For what was +there of that kind which we should have thought worth the price of our +separation? What we sought was the strongest possible security for the +maintenance of our entire political position by the countenance of a man +of the highest character and most commanding influence. Our interest is +not so much in the acquisition of sums of money, as in the realization +of this hope: all else that you get is to be regarded only as a security +against actual loss.<a name="FNanchor_678_678" id="FNanchor_678_678"></a><a href="#Footnote_678_678" class="fnanchor">[678]</a> Wherefore, if you will frequently turn your +thoughts back upon what we originally proposed to ourselves and hoped to +do, you will bear with less impatience the labours of military service +of which you speak and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span> other things which annoy you, and, +nevertheless, will resign them whenever you choose. But the right moment +for that step is not yet come, though it is now not far off. +Farthermore, I give you this hint—don't commit anything at all to +writing, the publication of which would be annoying to us. There are +many things that I would rather not know than learn at some risk. I +shall write at greater length to you with a mind less preoccupied, when +my boy Cicero is, as I hope he will be, in a good state of health. Pray +be careful to let me know to whom I should give the letter which I shall +then send you—to Cæsar's letter-carriers, for him to forward them +direct to you, or to those of Labienus? For where your Nervii dwell, and +how far off, I have no idea.<a name="FNanchor_679_679" id="FNanchor_679_679"></a><a href="#Footnote_679_679" class="fnanchor">[679]</a> I derived great pleasure from your +letter describing the courage and dignity displayed (as you say) by +Cæsar in his extreme sorrow. You bid me finish the poem in his honour +which I had begun; and although I have been diverted from it by +business, and still more by my feelings, yet, since Cæsar knows that I +did begin something, I will return to my design, and will complete in +these leisure days of the "supplications,"<a name="FNanchor_680_680" id="FNanchor_680_680"></a><a href="#Footnote_680_680" class="fnanchor">[680]</a> during which I greatly +rejoice that our friend Messalla and the rest are at last relieved from +worry. In reckoning on him as certain to be consul with Domitius, you +are quite in agreement with my own opinion. I will guarantee Messalla to +Cæsar: but Memmius cherishes a hope, founded on Cæsar's return to Italy, +in which I think he is under a mistake. He is, indeed, quite out of it +here. Scaurus, again, has been long ago thrown over by Pompey. The +business has been put off: the <i>comitia</i> postponed and postponed, till +we may expect an <i>interregnum</i>. The rumour of a dictator is not pleasing +to the aristocrats; for myself, I like still less what they say. But the +proposal, as a whole, is looked upon with alarm, and grows unpopular. +Pompey says outright that he doesn't wish it: to me previously he used +not personally to deny the wish. Hirrus seems likely to be the proposer. +Ye gods! what folly!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span> How in love with himself and without—a rival! He +has commissioned me to choke off Cælius Vinicianus, a man much attached +to me. Whether Pompey wishes it or not, it is difficult to be sure. +However, if it is Hirrus who makes the proposal, he will not convince +people that he does not wish it. There is nothing else being talked +about in politics just now; at any rate, nothing else is being done. The +funeral of the son of Serranus Domesticus took place in very melancholy +circumstances on the 23rd of November. His father delivered the funeral +oration which I composed for him. Now about Milo. Pompey gives him no +support, and is all for Gutta, saying also that he will secure Cæsar on +his side. Milo is alarmed at this, and no wonder, and almost gives up +hope if Pompey is created dictator. If he assists anyone who vetoes the +dictatorship by his troop and bodyguard,<a name="FNanchor_681_681" id="FNanchor_681_681"></a><a href="#Footnote_681_681" class="fnanchor">[681]</a> he fears he may excite +Pompey's enmity: if he doesn't do so, he fears the proposal may be +carried by force. He is preparing games on a most magnificent scale, at +a cost, I assure you, that no one has ever exceeded. It is foolish, on +two or even three accounts, to give games that were not demanded—he has +already given a magnificent show of gladiators: he cannot afford it: he +is only an executor, and might have reflected that he is now an +executor, not an ædile. That is about all I had to write. Take care of +yourself, dearest brother.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLIX_Q_FR_III_9" id="CLIX_Q_FR_III_9"></a>CLIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">Q FR III, 9</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">November or December</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>In regard to Gabinius, I had not to carry out any of the measures which +you suggested with such affectionate solicitude. "May the earth swallow +me rather, etc.!"<a name="FNanchor_682_682" id="FNanchor_682_682"></a><a href="#Footnote_682_682" class="fnanchor">[682]</a> I acted with very great dignity and also with the +greatest consideration.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span> I neither bore hardly on him nor helped him. I +gave strong evidence, in other respects I did not stir. The disgraceful +and mischievous result of the trial I bore with the utmost serenity. And +this is the advantage which, after all that has happened, has accrued to +me—that I am not even affected in the least by those evils in the state +and the licentious conduct of the shameless, which used formerly to make +me burst with indignation: for anything more abandoned than the men and +the times in which we are living there cannot be. Accordingly, as no +pleasure can possibly be got from politics, I don't know why I should +lose my temper. Literature and my favourite studies, along with the +retirement of my country houses, and above all our two boys, furnish my +enjoyments. The one man who vexes me is Milo. But I hope an end will be +put to my anxieties by his getting the consulship: and to obtain this +for him I shall struggle as hard as I did for my own, and you, I am +sure, will continue to give assistance from over there. In his case +other things are all secure, unless it is snatched from his grasp by +downright violence: it is about his means that I am frightened:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"For he is now beyond all bearing mad,"<a name="FNanchor_683_683" id="FNanchor_683_683"></a><a href="#Footnote_683_683" class="fnanchor">[683]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>to spend 1,000,000 sesterces (about £8,000) on his games. His want of +prudence in this one particular I shall put up with as well as I can, +and you should be strong-minded enough to do the same. In mentioning the +changes to be expected next year, I didn't mean you to understand me to +refer to domestic alarms: the reference was wholly to the state of the +Republic, in which, though not charged with any actual duty, I can +scarcely discharge myself from all anxiety. Yet how cautious I would +have you be in writing you may guess from the fact that I do not mention +in my letters to you even open acts of disorder in the state, lest my +letter should be intercepted and give offence to the feelings of anyone. +Wherefore, as far as domestic affairs are concerned, I would have you be +quite easy: in politics I know how anxious you always are. I can see +that our friend Messalla will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span> be consul, if by means of an <i>interrex</i>, +without any prosecution, if by that of a dictator, without danger of +conviction. He is not disliked by anyone. Hortensius's warm support will +stand him in good stead. Gabinius's acquittal is looked upon as a +general act of indemnity. <i>En passant</i>: nothing has, after all, been +done as yet about a dictatorship. Pompey is out of town; Appius is +intriguing darkly; Hirrus is paving the way: there are many tribunes +calculated on to veto it: the people are indifferent: the leading men +disinclined to it: I don't stir a finger. I am exceedingly obliged for +your promises as to slaves, and I am indeed, as you say, short-handed +both at Rome and on my estates. But pray do nothing for my convenience +unless it entirely suits your own, and your means. About the letter of +Vatinius I laughed heartily. But though I know I am being watched by +him, I can swallow his hatred and digest it too. You urge me to +"finish": well, I have finished what, in my own opinion at least, is a +very pretty "epic" on Cæsar, but I am in search of a trustworthy +letter-carrier, lest it should share the fate of your +<i>Erigona</i><a name="FNanchor_684_684" id="FNanchor_684_684"></a><a href="#Footnote_684_684" class="fnanchor">[684]</a>—the only personage who has missed a safe journey from +Gaul during Cæsar's governorship.</p> + +<p>What? because I had no good stone was I to pull down the whole +building?—a building which I like better every day of my life: the +lower court especially and the chambers attached to it are admirable. As +to Arcanum, it is a building worthy of Cæsar, or, by heaven, of some one +even more tasteful still. For your statues, <i>palæstra</i>, fish-pond, and +conduit are worthy of many Philotimuses, and quite above your +Diphiluses. But I will visit them personally, as well as sending men to +look after them and giving orders about them. As to the will of Felix, +you will complain more when you know all. For the document which he +believed himself to have sealed, in which your name was most certainly +entered as heir to a twelfth, this, by a mistake of his own and of his +slave Sicura, he did not seal: while the one which he did not intend to +seal he did seal. But let it go hang, so long as we keep well! I am as +devoted to your son Cicero as you can wish, and as he deserves, and as I +am bound to be. However, I am letting him leave me, both to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span> avoid +keeping him from his teachers, and because his mother is leaving, +without whom I am very much alarmed as to the boy's large appetite. Yet, +after all, we see a great deal of each other. I have now answered all +your letters. Dearest and best of brothers, good-bye.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLX_F_VII_10" id="CLX_F_VII_10"></a>CLX (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 10</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">November</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>I have read your letter which informs me that our Cæsar considers you a +great lawyer. You must be glad to have found a country where you have +the credit of knowing something. But if you had gone to Britain also, I +feel sure that there would not have been in all that great island anyone +more learned in the law than you. However—you won't mind my laughing, +for you invited me to do so—I am becoming positively a little jealous +of you! That you should have been actually sent for by a man whom other +people—not because of his pride, but of his many engagements—cannot +venture to approach!</p> + +<p>But in that letter you told me nothing about your success, which, by +heaven, is of no less concern to me than my own. I am very much afraid +you may be frozen in your winter quarters: and therefore I think you +ought to use a good stove. Mucius and Manilius "concur" in this opinion, +especially on the ground of your being short of military cloaks. +However, I am told that you are having a sufficiently warm time of it +where you are—news which made me much alarmed for you.<a name="FNanchor_685_685" id="FNanchor_685_685"></a><a href="#Footnote_685_685" class="fnanchor">[685]</a> However, in +military matters you are much more cautious than at the bar, seeing that +you wouldn't take a swim in the ocean, fond of swimming as you are, and +wouldn't take a look at the British charioteers, though in old time I +could never cheat you even out of a blind-folded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span> gladiator.<a name="FNanchor_686_686" id="FNanchor_686_686"></a><a href="#Footnote_686_686" class="fnanchor">[686]</a> But +enough of joking. You know how earnestly I have written to Cæsar about +you; I know how often. Yet, in truth, I have lately ceased doing so, +lest I should appear to distrust the kindness of a man who has been most +liberal and affectionate to me. However, in the very last letter I wrote +I thought he ought to be reminded. I did so. Please tell me what effect +it had, and at the same time tell me about your position in general and +all your plans. For I am anxious to know what you are doing, what you +are expecting, how long your separation from us you think is to last. I +would wish you to believe that the one consolation, enabling me to bear +your absence, is the knowledge that it is for your advantage. But if +that is not so, nothing can be more foolish than both the one and the +other of us: me for not inducing you to come back to Rome—you for not +flying thither. By heavens, our conversation, whether serious or +jesting, will be worth more not only than the enemy, but even than our +"brothers" the Hædui.<a name="FNanchor_687_687" id="FNanchor_687_687"></a><a href="#Footnote_687_687" class="fnanchor">[687]</a> Wherefore let me know about everything as +soon as possible:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"I'll be some use by comfort, rede, or pelf."<a name="FNanchor_688_688" id="FNanchor_688_688"></a><a href="#Footnote_688_688" class="fnanchor">[688]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXI_F_I_10" id="CLXI_F_I_10"></a>CLXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F I, 10</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO L. VALERIUS (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>M. Cicero wishes heath to L. Valerius, learned in the law. For why I +should not pay you this compliment I don't know, especially considering +that in these times one may employ impudence to supply the place of +learning. I have written to our friend Lentulus, thanking him earnestly +in your name. But I could wish that you would now cease using my letter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> +of introduction and at last come back to us, and prefer a city where you +are of some account, to a place where you appear to be the only man of +legal learning. However, those who come from where you are either say +you are proud because you give no "opinions," or insulting because you +give bad ones.<a name="FNanchor_689_689" id="FNanchor_689_689"></a><a href="#Footnote_689_689" class="fnanchor">[689]</a> But I am now longing to crack a joke with you face +to face. So come as soon as ever you can, and don't go and visit your +native Apulia, that we may have the joy of welcoming your safe return. +For if you go there, like another Ulysses, you will not recognize any of +your friends.<a name="FNanchor_690_690" id="FNanchor_690_690"></a><a href="#Footnote_690_690" class="fnanchor">[690]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXII_F_XIII_49" id="CLXII_F_XIII_49"></a>CLXII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIII, 49</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO M. CURIUS (A PROCONSUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>Q. Pompeius, son of Sextus, has become my intimate friend from many +causes of long standing. As he has often in the past been accustomed to +defend his material interests, as well as his reputation and influence, +by my recommendations, so on the present occasion assuredly, with you as +governor of the province, he ought to be able to feel that he has never +had a warmer recommendation to anyone. Wherefore I beg you with more +than ordinary earnestness that, as you ought in view of our close +friendship to regard all my friends as your own, you would give the +bearer so high a place in your regard, that he may feel that nothing +could have been more to his interest and honour than my recommendation. +Farewell.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLXIII_F_XIII_60" id="CLXIII_F_XIII_60"></a>CLXIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIII, 60</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. MUNATIUS (IN A PROVINCE)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>L. Livineius Trypho is to begin with a freedman of my most intimate +friend L. Regulus (whose disaster makes me more than ever anxious to do +him some service—for as far as feeling goes I could not be warmer): but +I also am attached to his freedman on his own account, for he shewed me +very great kindness at that time in my career, when I was best able to +see men's real goodwill and fidelity. I recommend him to you with all +the warmth that one who is grateful and not oblivious should use in +recommending those who have done him good service. You will have greatly +gratified me if he is made to feel that in confronting many dangers for +my security, and often undertaking voyages in the depths of winter, he +has also put you under an obligation in view of your kind feeling +towards me.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXIV_F_XIII_73" id="CLXIV_F_XIII_73"></a>CLXIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIII, 73</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO Q. PHILIPPUS (PROCONSUL OF ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 52</div> + +<p>I congratulate you on your safe return to your family from your +province, without loss to your reputation or to the state. But if I had +seen you at Rome I should also have thanked you for having looked after +L. Egnatius, my most intimate friend, who is still absent, and L. +Oppius, who is here. With Antipater of Derbe I have become not merely on +visiting terms, but really very intimate. I have been told that you are +exceedingly angry with him, and I was very sorry to hear it. I have no +means of judging the merits of the case, only I am persuaded that a man +of your character has done<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span> nothing without good reason. However, I do +beg of you again and again that, in consideration of our old friendship, +you will, for my sake if for anyone's, grant his sons, who are in your +power, their liberty, unless you consider that in doing so your +reputation may be injured. If I had thought that, I would never have +made the request, for your fame is of more importance in my eyes than +any friendship with him. But I persuade myself—though I may possibly be +mistaken—that this measure will bring you honour rather than abuse. +What can be done in the matter, and what you <i>can</i> do for my sake (for +as to your willingness I feel no doubt), I should be obliged by your +informing me, if it is not too much trouble to you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXV_F_II_1" id="CLXV_F_II_1"></a>CLXV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F II, 1</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, Coss., M. Domitius Calvinus, M. Valerius Messalla.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>This was the year in which Crassus was defeated and killed in +Parthia, making thus the first break in the triumvirate, when +already the ties between Pompey and Cæsar were weakened by the +death of Iulia in the previous year. Cæsar, however, had been in +great difficulties in Gaul. At the end of the previous year a fresh +rising of the Nervii destroyed a Roman legion and put Q. Cicero in +great danger. In the present year Quintus met with his disaster at +the hands of the Sigambri. The chief event to Cicero personally was +his election into the college of augurs, in place of the younger +Crassus. Atticus appears to be in Rome, for there are no letters to +him. There was a series of <i>interregna</i> this year owing to partisan +conflicts, lasting till July, and when the consuls were at length +appointed, they failed to hold the elections for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO C. SCRIBONIUS CURIO<a name="FNanchor_691_691" id="FNanchor_691_691"></a><a href="#Footnote_691_691" class="fnanchor">[691]</a> (IN ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">January or February</span>)</h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>Though I am sorry that you have suspected me of neglect, yet it was not +so annoying to me to have my lack of atten<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span>tion found fault with, as +delightful to have it missed by you; especially as in the particular +point on which you accuse me I happen to be innocent, while in shewing +that you miss a letter from me, you avow an affection for me, of which, +indeed, I was fully aware, but which, nevertheless, is very soothing and +gratifying to my feelings. The fact is that I have never let anyone go, +so long, that is, as I thought him likely to reach you, without giving +him a letter. Why, was there ever such an untiring correspondent as I? +From you, however, I have received two, or at the most three +letters—and those extremely brief. Wherefore, if you are a harsh judge +of me, I shall find you guilty on precisely the same charge. But if you +don't want me to do that, you will have to be considerate to me. +However, enough about writing; for I am not afraid of failing to satiate +you with my correspondence, especially if you shew a just appreciation +of my zeal in that department. I have been grieved on the one hand at +your long absence from us, because I have lost the advantage of a most +delightful intimacy; and yet on the other hand I rejoice at it, because +while on this foreign service you have gained all your objects with +infinite credit to yourself, and because in all you have undertaken +fortune has answered to my wishes. There is one injunction, a very short +one, which my unspeakable affection for you compels me to give you. Such +lofty expectations are entertained of your spirit, shall I say? or of +your ability, that I cannot refrain from imploring and beseeching you to +return to us with a character so finished, as to be able to support and +maintain the expectations which you have excited. And since no loss of +memory will ever obliterate my recollection of your services to me, I +beg you not to forget that, whatever increase of fortune or position may +befall you, you would not have been able to attain it, had you not as a +boy obeyed my most faithful and affectionate counsels.<a name="FNanchor_692_692" id="FNanchor_692_692"></a><a href="#Footnote_692_692" class="fnanchor">[692]</a> Wherefore it +will be your duty to shew me such affection, that my age—now on the +decline—may find repose in your devotion and youth.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLXVI_F_VII_11" id="CLXVI_F_VII_11"></a>CLXVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 11</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">January or February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>If you had not left Rome before, you certainly would have left it now. +For who wants a lawyer when there are so many <i>interregna</i>? I shall +advise all defendants in civil suits to ask each <i>interrex</i> for two +adjournments for obtaining legal assistance.<a name="FNanchor_693_693" id="FNanchor_693_693"></a><a href="#Footnote_693_693" class="fnanchor">[693]</a> Do you think that I +have taken a pretty good hint from you as to civil procedure? But come! +How are you? What is happening? For I notice in your letter a tendency +to be even jocose. These are better signs than the <i>signa</i> in my +Tusculan villa.<a name="FNanchor_694_694" id="FNanchor_694_694"></a><a href="#Footnote_694_694" class="fnanchor">[694]</a> But I want to know what it means. You say, indeed, +that you are consulted by Cæsar, but I should have preferred his +consulting <i>for</i> you. If that is taking place, or you think it likely to +take place, by all means persevere in your military service and stay on: +I shall console myself for my loss of you by the hope that it will be +your gain: but if, on the other hand, things are not paying with you, +come back to us. For either something will turn up sooner or later here, +or, if not, one conversation between you and me, by heaven, will be +worth more than all the Samobrivæ<a name="FNanchor_695_695" id="FNanchor_695_695"></a><a href="#Footnote_695_695" class="fnanchor">[695]</a> in the world. Finally, if you +return speedily, there will be no talk about it; but if you stay away +much longer without getting anything, I am in terror not only of +Laberius, but of our comrade Valerius also. For it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span> would make a capital +character for a farce—a British lawyer!<a name="FNanchor_696_696" id="FNanchor_696_696"></a><a href="#Footnote_696_696" class="fnanchor">[696]</a> I am not laughing though +you may laugh, but, as usual, when writing to you, I jest on the most +serious subject. Joking apart, I advise you in the most friendly spirit, +that if you hold a position for yourself worthy of my introduction, you +should put up with the loss of my society and farther your own career +and wealth: but if things are stagnant with you there, come back to us. +In spite of everything you will get all you want, by your own good +qualities certainly, but also by my extreme affection for you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXVII_F_II_2" id="CLXVII_F_II_2"></a>CLXVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F II, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. SCRIBONIUS CURIO (IN ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (? <span class="smcap">February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>I have been deprived of a strong witness to my extreme affection for you +in the person of your most illustrious father: who would have been +fortunate above the common lot, both in his own memorable achievements +and in the possession of such a son as yourself, had it been granted him +to see you before his departure from life. But I hope our friendship +stands in no need of witnesses. Heaven bless your inheritance to you! +You will at least have in me one to whom you are as dear and as precious +as you have been to your father.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLXVIII_F_II_3" id="CLXVIII_F_II_3"></a>CLXVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F II, 3</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. SCRIBONIUS CURIO (IN ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (? <span class="smcap">February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>Rupa<a name="FNanchor_697_697" id="FNanchor_697_697"></a><a href="#Footnote_697_697" class="fnanchor">[697]</a> was not backward in his wish to promise an exhibition of +gladiators in your name, but neither I nor any of your friends approved +of anything being done in your absence which would tie your hands when +you returned. For my part, I will either write you my opinion at greater +length later on, or, to give you no opportunity of preparing an answer +to it, I will take you unprepared and state my view by word of mouth +against yours. I shall thus either bring you over to my opinion, or at +least leave in your mind a record of my view, so that, if at any time +(which heaven forbid!) you may see cause to repent of your decision, you +may be able to recall mine. Briefly, be assured that your return will +find the state of things to be such, that you may gain the highest +possible honours in the state more easily by the advantages with which +you are endowed by nature, study, and fortune, than by gladiatorial +exhibitions. The power of giving such things stirs no feeling of +admiration in anyone; for it is wholly a question of means, and not of +character; and there is nobody who is not by this time sick and tired of +them. But I am not acting as I said I would do, for I am embarking on a +statement of the reasons for my opinion. So I will put off this entire +discussion to your arrival. Believe me, you are expected with the +greatest interest, and hopes are entertained of you such as can only be +entertained of the highest virtue and ability. If you are as prepared +for this as you ought to be—and I feel certain you are—you will be +bestowing on us, your friends, on the whole body of your fellow +citizens, and on the entire state, the most numerous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span> and most excellent +of exhibitions. You will certainly become aware that no one can be +dearer or more precious than you are to me.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXIX_F_VII_12" id="CLXIX_F_VII_12"></a>CLXIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 12</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (? <span class="smcap">February</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>I was wondering what had made you cease writing to me. My friend +Pansa<a name="FNanchor_698_698" id="FNanchor_698_698"></a><a href="#Footnote_698_698" class="fnanchor">[698]</a> has informed me that you have become an Epicurean! What a +wonderful camp yours must be! What would you have done if I had sent you +to Tarentum<a name="FNanchor_699_699" id="FNanchor_699_699"></a><a href="#Footnote_699_699" class="fnanchor">[699]</a> instead of Samobriva? I was already a little doubtful +about you, when I found you supporting the same doctrine as my friend +Selius!<a name="FNanchor_700_700" id="FNanchor_700_700"></a><a href="#Footnote_700_700" class="fnanchor">[700]</a> But on what ground will you support the principles of civil +law, if you act always in your own interest and not in that of your +fellow citizens? What, too, is to become of the legal formula in cases +of trust, "as should be done among honest men"? For who can be called +honest who does nothing except on his own behalf? What principle will +you lay down "in dividing a common property," when nothing can be +"common" among men who measure all things by their own pleasure?<a name="FNanchor_701_701" id="FNanchor_701_701"></a><a href="#Footnote_701_701" class="fnanchor">[701]</a> +How, again, can you ever think it right to swear by <i>Iupiter lapis</i>, +when you know that Iupiter can<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span>not be angry with anyone?<a name="FNanchor_702_702" id="FNanchor_702_702"></a><a href="#Footnote_702_702" class="fnanchor">[702]</a> What is to +become of the people of Ulubræ,<a name="FNanchor_703_703" id="FNanchor_703_703"></a><a href="#Footnote_703_703" class="fnanchor">[703]</a> if you have decided that it is not +right to take part in civic business? Wherefore, if you are really and +truly a pervert from our faith, I am much annoyed; but if you merely +find it convenient to humour Pansa, I forgive you. Only <i>do</i> write and +tell us how you are, and what you want me to do or to look after for +you.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXX_F_VII_13" id="CLXX_F_VII_13"></a>CLXX (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 13</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome, 4 March</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>Did you suppose me to be so unjust as to be angry with you from the idea +that you were not sufficiently persevering and were too eager to return, +and do you think that that is the reason of my long silence? I was +certainly annoyed by the uneasiness of your spirits, which your first +letters conveyed to me; but there was absolutely no other reason for the +interruption of my own, except my complete ignorance of your address. +Are you still, at this time of day, finding fault with me, and do you +refuse to accept my apology? Just listen to me, my dear Testa! Is it +money that is making you prouder, or the fact that your +commander-in-chief consults you? May I die if I don't believe that such +is your vanity<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span> that you would rather be consulted by Cæsar than +gilded<a name="FNanchor_704_704" id="FNanchor_704_704"></a><a href="#Footnote_704_704" class="fnanchor">[704]</a> by him! But if both reasons are true, who will be able to +put up with you except myself, who can put up with anything? But to +return to our subject—I am exceedingly glad that you are content to be +where you are, and as your former state of mind was vexatious, so your +present is gratifying, to me. I am only afraid that your special +profession may be of little advantage to you: for, as I am told, in your +present abode</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"They lay no claim by joining lawful hands,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But challenge right with steel."<a name="FNanchor_705_705" id="FNanchor_705_705"></a><a href="#Footnote_705_705" class="fnanchor">[705]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>But you are not wont<a name="FNanchor_706_706" id="FNanchor_706_706"></a><a href="#Footnote_706_706" class="fnanchor">[706]</a> to be called in to assist at a "forcible +entry." Nor have you any reason to be afraid of the usual proviso in the +injunction, "into which you have not previously made entry by force and +armed men," for I am well assured that you are not a man of violence. +But to give you some hint as to what you lawyers call "securities," I +opine that you should avoid the Treviri; I hear they are real <i>tresviri +capitales</i>—deadly customers: I should have preferred their being +<i>tresviri</i> of the mint!<a name="FNanchor_707_707" id="FNanchor_707_707"></a><a href="#Footnote_707_707" class="fnanchor">[707]</a> But a truce to jesting for the present. +Pray write to me in the fullest detail of all that concerns you.</p> + +<p>4 March.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLXXI_F_VII_14" id="CLXXI_F_VII_14"></a>CLXXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 14</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (? <span class="smcap">March</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>Chrysippus Vettius, a freedman of the architect Cyrus, made me think +that you had not quite forgotten me; for he has brought me a greeting in +your words. You have grown a mighty fine gentleman, that you can't take +the trouble of writing a letter to me—a man, I might almost say, of +your own family! But if you have forgotten how to write, all the fewer +clients will lose their causes by having you as their advocate! If you +have forgotten me, I will take the trouble of paying you a visit where +you are, before I have quite faded out of your mind. If it is a terror +of the summer camp that is disheartening you, think of some excuse to +get off, as you did in the case of Britain. I was glad to hear one thing +from that same Chrysippus, that you were on friendly terms with Cæsar. +But, by Hercules, I should have preferred, as I might fairly have +expected, to be informed of your fortunes as frequently as possible from +your own letters. And this would certainly have been the case, if you +had been more forward to learn the laws of friendship than of suits in +court. But this is all jest in your own vein, and to some degree in mine +also. I love you very dearly, and I both wish to be loved by you and +feel certain that I am.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXXII_F_VII_18" id="CLXXII_F_VII_18"></a>CLXXII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 18</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">A villa in the Ager Pomptinus, 8 April</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>I have received several letters from you at the same time, written at +various times, in which everything else gave me great pleasure; for they +shewed that you were now sustaining<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span> your military service with a brave +spirit, and were a gallant and resolute man. These are qualities which +for a short time I felt to be lacking in you, though I attributed your +uneasiness not so much to any weakness of your own spirit, as to your +feeling your absence from us. Therefore go on as you have begun: endure +your service with a stout heart: believe me, the advantages you will +gain are many; for I will reiterate my recommendation of you, though I +shall wait for the right moment of doing so. Be assured that you are not +more anxious that your separation from me should be as profitable as +possible to yourself than I am. Accordingly, as your "securities" are +somewhat weak, I have sent you one in my poor Greek, written by my own +hand.<a name="FNanchor_708_708" id="FNanchor_708_708"></a><a href="#Footnote_708_708" class="fnanchor">[708]</a> For your part, I should wish you to keep me informed of the +course of the war in Gaul: for the less warlike my informant, the more +inclined I am to believe him.</p> + +<p>But to return to your letters. Everything else (as I said) is prettily +written, but I do wonder at this: who in the world sends several +identical letters, when he writes them with his own hand? For your +writing on paper that has been used before, I commend your economy: but +I can't help wondering what it was that you preferred to rub out of this +bit of paper rather than not write such poor stuff as this—unless it +were, perhaps, some of your legal formulas. For I don't suppose you rub +out my letters to replace them with your own. Can it mean that there is +no business going on, that you are out of work, that you haven't even a +supply of paper? Well, that is entirely your own fault, for taking your +modesty abroad with you instead of leaving it behind here with us. I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span> +will commend you to Balbus, when he starts to join you, in the good old +Roman style. Don't be astonished if there is a somewhat longer interval +than usual between my letters: for I intend being out of town in April. +I write this letter in the Pomptine district, having put up at the villa +of M. Æmilius Philemo, from which I could hear the noise of my clients, +I mean those you confided to me! For at Ulubræ it is certain that an +enormous mass of frogs have bestirred themselves to do me honour. Take +care of your health.<a name="FNanchor_709_709" id="FNanchor_709_709"></a><a href="#Footnote_709_709" class="fnanchor">[709]</a></p> + +<p>8 April, from the Ager Pomptinus.</p> + +<p>P.S.—Your letter which I received from L. Arruntius I have torn up, +though it didn't deserve it; for it had nothing in it which might not +have been safely read in a public meeting. But not only did Arruntius +say that such were your orders, but you had appended a similar +injunction to your letter. Well, be it so! I am surprised at your not +having written anything to me since, especially as you are in the midst +of such stirring events.<a name="FNanchor_710_710" id="FNanchor_710_710"></a><a href="#Footnote_710_710" class="fnanchor">[710]</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXXIII_F_VII_15" id="CLXXIII_F_VII_15"></a>CLXXIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 15</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. TREBATIUS TESTA (IN GAUL)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>How wayward people are who love may be gathered from this: I was +formerly annoyed that you were discontented at being where you are: now, +on the contrary, it stings me to the heart that you write that you are +quite happy there. For I did not like your not being pleased at my +recom<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span>mendation, and now I am vexed that you can find anything pleasant +without me. But, after all, I prefer enduring your absence to your not +getting what I hope for you. However, I cannot say how pleased I am that +you have become intimate with that most delightful man and excellent +scholar, C. Matius.<a name="FNanchor_711_711" id="FNanchor_711_711"></a><a href="#Footnote_711_711" class="fnanchor">[711]</a> Do your best to make him as fond of you as +possible. Believe me, you can bring nothing home from your province that +will give you greater pleasure. Take care of your health.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXXIV_F_II_4" id="CLXXIV_F_II_4"></a>CLXXIV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F II, 4</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. SCRIBONIUS CURIO (IN ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (? <span class="smcap">May</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>You are aware that letters are of many kinds; but there is one kind +which is undeniable, for the sake of which, indeed, the thing was +invented, namely, to inform the absent of anything that is to the +interest of the writer or recipient that they should know. You, however, +certainly don't expect a letter of that kind from me. For of your +domestic concerns you have members of your family both to write and to +act as messengers. Besides, in my personal affairs there is really +nothing new. There are two other kinds of letters which give me great +pleasure: the familiar and sportive, and the grave and serious. Which of +these two I ought least to employ I do not understand. Am I to jest with +you by letter? Upon my word, I don't think the man a good citizen who +could laugh in times like these. Shall I write in a more serious style? +What could be written of seriously by Cicero to Curio except public +affairs? And yet, under this head, my position is such that I neither +dare write what I think, nor choose to write what I don't think. +Wherefore, since I have no subject left to write about, I will employ my +customary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span> phrase, and exhort you to the pursuit of the noblest glory. +For you have a dangerous rival already in the field, and fully prepared, +in the extraordinary expectation formed of you; and this rival you will +vanquish with the greatest ease, only on one condition—that you make up +your mind to put out your full strength in the cultivation of those +qualities, by which the noble actions are accomplished, upon the glory +of which you have set your heart. In support of this sentiment I would +have written at greater length had not I felt certain that you were +sufficiently alive to it of your own accord; and I have touched upon it +even thus far, not in order to fire your ambition, but to testify my +affection.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXXV_F_II_5" id="CLXXV_F_II_5"></a>CLXXV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F II, 5</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO C. SCRIBONIUS CURIO (ON HIS WAY FROM ASIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (? <span class="smcap">June</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>The state of business here I dare not tell even in a letter. And though, +wherever you are, as I have told you before, you are in the same boat, +yet I congratulate you on your absence, as well because you don't see +what we see, as because your reputation is placed on a lofty and +conspicuous pinnacle in the sight of multitudes both of citizens and +allies; and it is conveyed to us by neither obscure nor uncertain talk, +but by the loud and unanimous voice of all. There is one thing of which +I cannot feel certain—whether to congratulate you, or to be alarmed for +you on account of the surprising expectation entertained of your return; +not because I am at all afraid of your not satisfying the world's +opinion, but, by heaven, lest, when you do come, there may be nothing +for you to preserve: so universal is the decline and almost extinction +of all our institutions. But even thus much I am afraid I have been rash +to trust to a letter: wherefore you shall learn the rest from +others.<a name="FNanchor_712_712" id="FNanchor_712_712"></a><a href="#Footnote_712_712" class="fnanchor">[712]</a> However, whether you have still some<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span> hope of the Republic, +or have given it up in despair, see that you have ready, rehearsed and +thought out in your mind, all that the citizen and the man should have +at his command who is destined to restore to its ancient dignity and +freedom a state crushed and overwhelmed by evil times and profligate +morals.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXXVI_F_II_6" id="CLXXVI_F_II_6"></a>CLXXVI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F II, 6</span>)</h2> + + +<h3>TO C. SCRIBONIUS CURIO (ARRIVED IN ITALY)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (? <span class="smcap">July</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>News had not yet reached me of your arrival in Italy when I sent Sext. +Villius, an intimate of my friend Milo, with this letter to you. But +nevertheless, since your arrival was thought to be approaching, and it +was ascertained that you had already started from Asia Rome-wards, the +importance of my subject made me dismiss any fear of being premature in +sending you this letter, for I was exceedingly anxious that it should +reach you as soon as possible. If the obligations, Curio, had only been +on your side, and as great as they are usually proclaimed by you rather +than as valued by me, I should have been more shy of coming to you for +any request of importance which I might have to make. For it is very +disagreeable to a modest man to ask a great favour from one whom he +thinks under an obligation to himself, lest he should seem rather to +demand than to ask what he is seeking, and to regard it more in the +light of a debt than of a favour. But since your kindnesses to me were +known to the whole world, or rather I should say were made especially +prominent and valuable by the very novelty of my circumstances; and +since it is the mark of a generous heart to be willing, when much is +owed, to reckon the debt at its highest;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span> I did not hesitate to prefer +to you by letter a petition for what was of the highest importance and +most vital consequence to me of anything in the world. For I was not +afraid of being unable to support your kindnesses to me, even though +they were beyond calculation: especially as I felt confident that there +was no amount of favour for which my heart was incapable of finding room +when receiving it, or for which in repayment it could not make a full +and brilliant return. I have concentrated and embarked all my zeal, all +my efforts, all the care and industry of which I am capable, my every +thought, in fact, my whole heart and soul, on securing Milo's +consulship; and I have made up my mind that in this matter I ought to +look not merely for the profit arising from an act of kindness, but also +for the credit of disinterested affection. Nor do I think that anyone +was ever so anxious about his own personal safety and his own fortunes +as I am for his election, on which I have made up my mind that all my +interests depend. To him I see clearly that, if you choose, you can +render such substantial help that we need ask for nothing else. We have +on our side all these advantages: the favour of the loyalists won since +his tribunate on account of his supporting me (as I hope you +understand); that of the common multitude on account of the splendour of +his gladiatorial exhibitions and the liberality of his disposition; the +favour of the young men and of those influential in securing votes, won +by his own eminent powers of captivation, shall I call it? or his +diligence in that department; lastly, my own electoral support, which, +if it is not very powerful, is at any rate regarded as only right, due +and proper, and on that account is perhaps influential also. What we +want is a leader, and what I may call a controller, or, so to speak, a +pilot of those winds which I have described: and if we had to select one +such out of the whole world, we should have no one to compare with you. +Wherefore, if (as I am sure you can) you can regard me as a grateful, as +an honest man, from the mere fact that I am thus eagerly exerting myself +for Milo, if, in fine, you think me worthy of your kindness, I do ask +you this favour—that you come to the rescue of this anxiety of mine and +this crisis in my reputation, or, to put it with greater truth, that you +will devote your zeal to what is all but a question of life and death to +me. As to Titus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span> Annius<a name="FNanchor_713_713" id="FNanchor_713_713"></a><a href="#Footnote_713_713" class="fnanchor">[713]</a> himself, I promise you this much—that if +you resolve to embrace his cause, you will never have anyone of greater +spirit, solidity, firmness, or affection to yourself. While to me you +will have given so much additional honour and prestige, that I shall +have no difficulty in acknowledging you to have been as effective in +supporting my reputation as you were in securing my safety.</p> + +<p>Did I not know that you must be fully aware, while writing this letter +to you, under what a weight of obligation I am labouring, how strongly I +am bound to work in this election for Milo, not only with every kind of +exertion, but even with downright fighting, I should have written at +greater length. As it is, I hand over and commit the business, the +cause, and myself wholly and entirely into your hands. Of one thing be +sure: if I obtain this help from you, I shall owe you almost more than I +owe Milo himself; for my personal safety, in which I have been +conspicuously aided by him, has not been as dear to me as the sacred +duty of returning the favour will be delightful. That object I feel +confident that your aid, and yours alone, will enable me to secure.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXXVII_F_XIII_75" id="CLXXVII_F_XIII_75"></a>CLXXVII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XIII, 75</span>)</h2> + + +<h3>TO TITUS TITIUS, A LEGATUS<a name="FNanchor_714_714" id="FNanchor_714_714"></a><a href="#Footnote_714_714" class="fnanchor">[714]</a></h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 53, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 53</div> + +<p>Though I have no doubt that my first introduction retains its full value +in your eyes, I yet yield to the request of a man with whom I am very +intimate, C. Avianius Flaccus, for whose sake I not only desire, but am +in duty bound to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span> secure every possible favour. In regard to him I both +spoke earnestly to you in a personal interview—on which occasion you +answered me with the greatest kindness—and have written with full +particulars to you on a previous occasion; but he thinks it to his +interest that I should write to you as often as possible. Wherefore I +would have you pardon me if, in compliance with his wishes, I shall +appear to be at all forgetful of the stability of your character. What I +beg of you is this—that you would accommodate Avianius as to the place +and time for landing his corn: for which he obtained by my influence a +three years' licence whilst Pompey was at the head of that business. The +chief thing is—and you can therein lay me under the greatest +obligation—that you should have convinced Avianius that I enjoy your +affection, since he thinks himself secure of mine. You will greatly +oblige me by doing this.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXXVIII_F_V_17" id="CLXXVIII_F_V_17"></a>CLXXVIII (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, 17</span>)</h2> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52. Coss., from V. Kal, Mart., Cn. Pompeius Magnus +(alone); from 1st August, with Q. Metellus Scipio.</div> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>This year again, owing to the riots in the previous year excited by +Clodius to prevent the election of Milo, began with a series of +<i>interregna</i> lasting nearly three months, January, February, and +the intercalary month. On the 17th of January Clodius was killed +near Bovillæ by Milo's servants, and by his order. Riots followed +in Rome, the body was burnt in the Curia, which caught fire and was +destroyed. Cicero undertook Milo's defence under a new law <i>de vi</i> +brought in by Pompey, but broke down, and Milo was condemned +(April). Later in the year he successfully prosecuted T. Munatius +Plancus Bursa, who as tribune had promoted the riots after the +death of Clodius, and who had also supported the plan of making +Pompey dictator.</p></div> + + +<h3>TO P. SITTIUS<a name="FNanchor_715_715" id="FNanchor_715_715"></a><a href="#Footnote_715_715" class="fnanchor">[715]</a> (IN EXILE)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 54</div> + +<p>It was not because I had forgotten our friendship, or had any intention +of breaking off my correspondence, that I have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span> not written to you of +late years. The reason is that the earlier part of them was a period of +depression owing to the disaster which had befallen the Republic and +myself, while the later period, with your own most distressing and +undeserved misfortune, has made me reluctant to write. Since, however, a +sufficiently long period has now elapsed, and I have recalled with +greater distinctness your high character and lofty courage, I thought it +not inconsistent with my purposes to write this to you. For my part, my +dear P. Sittius, I defended you originally, when an attempt was made in +your absence to bring you into odium and under a criminal charge; and +when a charge against you was involved in the accusation and trial of +your most intimate friend,<a name="FNanchor_716_716" id="FNanchor_716_716"></a><a href="#Footnote_716_716" class="fnanchor">[716]</a> I took the very greatest care to +safeguard your position and justify you. And, again also, on this last +occasion, soon after my return to Rome, though I found that your case +had been put on a footing far different from what I should have advised, +if I had been there, still I omitted nothing that could contribute to +your security. And though on that occasion the ill-feeling arising from +the price of corn, the hostility of certain persons, not only to +yourself, but to all your friends as well, the unfairness of the whole +trial, and many other abuses in the state, had greater influence than +the merits of your case or than truth itself, I yet did not fail to +serve your son Publius with active assistance, advice, personal +influence, and direct testimony. Wherefore, as I have carefully and +religiously fulfilled all the other offices of friendship, I thought I +ought not to omit that of urging upon you and beseeching you to remember +that you are a human being and a gallant man—that is, that you should +bear philosophically accidents which are common to all and incalculable, +which none of us mortals can shun or forestall<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span> by any means whatever: +should confront with courage such grief as fortune brings: and should +reflect that not in our state alone, but in all others that have +acquired an empire, such disasters have in many instances befallen the +bravest and best from unjust verdicts. Oh that I were writing untruly +when I say, that you are exiled from a state in which no man of +foresight can find anything to give him pleasure! As for your son, +again, I fear that, if I write nothing to you, I may seem not to have +borne testimony to his high qualities as they deserve; while on the +other hand, if I write fully all I feel, I fear that my letter may +irritate the smart of your regret. But, after all, your wisest course +will be to regard his loyalty, virtue, and steady conduct as being in +your possession, and as accompanying you wherever you may be: for, in +truth, what we embrace in imagination is no less ours than what we see +before our eyes. Wherefore not only ought his brilliant qualities and +extreme affection for you afford you great consolation, but so also +ought I and others of your friends who value you, and always will do so, +not for your position, but your worth; and so, above all else, ought +your own conscience, when you reflect that you have not deserved +anything that has befallen you, and when you consider besides that the +wise are distressed by guilt, not by mischance—by their own ill-doing, +not by the misconduct of others. For my part, I shall omit no +opportunity either of consoling or alleviating your present position; +for the recollection of our old friendship, and the high character and +respectful attentions of your son, will keep me in mind of that duty. If +you, on your part, will mention by letter anything you want, I will take +care that you shall not think that you have written in vain.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CLXXIX_F_V_18" id="CLXXIX_F_V_18"></a>CLXXIX (<span class="smcap lowercase">F V, 18</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO T. FADIUS<a name="FNanchor_717_717" id="FNanchor_717_717"></a><a href="#Footnote_717_717" class="fnanchor">[717]</a> (IN EXILE)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 54</div> + +<p>Although I too, who am desirous of consoling you, stand in need of +consolation myself—for nothing for a long time past has so deeply +afflicted me as your disaster—nevertheless I do strongly not only +exhort, but even beg and implore you, with all the earnestness that my +affection dictates, to summon all your energies, to shew a manly +courage, and to reflect under what conditions all mortals, and in what +times we particularly, have been born. Your virtue has given you more +than fortune has taken away: for you have obtained what not many "new +men" have obtained; you have lost what many men of the highest rank have +lost. Finally, a state of legislation, law courts, and politics +generally appears to be imminent, such that the man would seem to be the +most fortunate who has quitted such a republic as ours with the lightest +possible penalty. As for you, however—since you retain your fortune and +children, with myself and others still very closely united to you, +whether by relationship or affection—and since you are likely to have +much opportunity of living with me and all your friends—and since, +again, your condemnation is the only one out of so many that is +impugned, because, having been passed by one vote (and that a doubtful +one), it is regarded as a concession to a particular person's +overwhelming<a name="FNanchor_718_718" id="FNanchor_718_718"></a><a href="#Footnote_718_718" class="fnanchor">[718]</a> power—for all these reasons, I say, you ought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</a></span> to be +as little distressed as possible at the inconvenience that has befallen +you. My feeling towards yourself and your children will always be such +as you wish, and such as it is in duty bound to be.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXXX_F_III_1" id="CLXXX_F_III_1"></a>CLXXX (<span class="smcap lowercase">F III, 1</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO APPIUS CLAUDIUS PULCHER<a name="FNanchor_719_719" id="FNanchor_719_719"></a><a href="#Footnote_719_719" class="fnanchor">[719]</a> (IN CILICIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span></h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 54</div> + +<p>Cicero to Appius, <i>imperator</i>. Could the Republic itself speak and tell +you of its state, you would not learn it more easily from its own lips +than from your freedman Phania: he is a man of such clear insight, as +well as (in a good sense) of such keen curiosity! Wherefore he shall +explain everything to you: for that will suit me best by enabling me to +curtail my letter, and will be more prudent for me in view of other +circumstances. But in regard to my good feeling towards you, though you +can learn it from this same Phania, yet I think that I also have +personally something I ought to say on the subject. For assure yourself +of this—that you are exceedingly dear to me, from the many attractions +of your character, your kindness, and the goodness of your heart, but +also because from your letter, as well as from the remarks of many, I +understand that all my conduct towards you has been most warmly +appreciated by you. And since that is so, I will take means to make up +for the great loss of time, which we have sustained from this +interruption of our intercourse, by the liberality, the frequency, and +the importance of my services; and that I think I shall do, since you +would have it be so, by no means against the grain, or as the phrase is, +"against the will of Minerva"—a goddess by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</a></span> way whom, if I shall +chance to get possession of a statue of her from your stock, I shall not +simply designate "Pallas," but "Appias."<a name="FNanchor_720_720" id="FNanchor_720_720"></a><a href="#Footnote_720_720" class="fnanchor">[720]</a> Your freedman Cilix was +not well known to me before, but when he delivered me your kind and +affectionate letter, he confirmed the courteous expressions of that +letter by his own words. I was much gratified by his speech, when he +described to me your feelings and the remarks which you were daily +making about me. In short, within two days he became my intimate friend, +without, however, my ceasing to regret Phania deeply. When you send the +latter back to Rome, which I imagine you intend speedily to do, pray +give him instructions as to all matters which you wish to be transacted +or looked after by me.</p> + +<p>I commend L. Valerius the lawyer to you very strongly; not, however, in +his capacity of lawyer: for I wish to take better precautions for him +than he does for others. I am really fond of the man: he is one of my +closest and most intimate friends. In a general way he expresses nothing +but gratitude to you; but he also says that a letter from me will have +very great influence with you. I beg you again and again that he may not +find himself mistaken.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CLXXXI_F_VII_2" id="CLXXXI_F_VII_2"></a>CLXXXI (<span class="smcap lowercase">F VII, 2</span>)</h2> + +<h3>TO M. MARIUS (IN CAMPANIA)</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Rome</span> (<span class="smcap">December</span>)</h4> + + +<div class="sidenote"><span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52, <span class="smcap lowercase">ÆT.</span> 54</div> + +<p>I will look after your commission carefully. But, sharp man that you +are, you have given your commission to the very person above all others +whose interest it is that the article<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</a></span> should fetch the highest possible +price! However, you have been far-sighted in fixing beforehand how far I +am to go. But if you had left it to me, I am so much attached to you +that I would have made a bargain with the heirs: as it is, since I know +your price, I will put up some one to bid rather than let it go for +less. But a truce to jesting! I will do your business with all care, as +in duty bound. I feel sure you are glad about Bursa<a name="FNanchor_721_721" id="FNanchor_721_721"></a><a href="#Footnote_721_721" class="fnanchor">[721]</a>, but your +congratulations are too half-hearted. For you suppose, as you say in +your letter, that, owing to the fellow's meanness, I don't look upon it +as a matter of much rejoicing. I would have you believe that I am more +pleased with this verdict than with the death of my enemy. For, in the +first place, I would rather win by legal process than by the sword; in +the second place, by what brings credit to a friend than by what +involves his condemnation.<a name="FNanchor_722_722" id="FNanchor_722_722"></a><a href="#Footnote_722_722" class="fnanchor">[722]</a> And, above all, I was delighted that the +support of the loyalists was given to me so decisively against the +influence exerted to an incredible degree by a most illustrious and +powerful personage. Finally—though, perhaps, you won't think it +likely—I hated this man much more than the notorious Clodius himself. +For the latter I had attacked, the former I had defended. The latter, +too, though the very existence of the Republic was to be risked in my +person, had yet a certain great object in view; nor was it wholly on his +own initiative, but with the support of those who could not be safe as +long as I was so. But this ape of a fellow, in sheer wantonness, had +selected me as an object for his invectives, and had persuaded certain +persons<a name="FNanchor_723_723" id="FNanchor_723_723"></a><a href="#Footnote_723_723" class="fnanchor">[723]</a> who were jealous of me that he would always be a ready +instrument for an attack upon me. Wherefore I bid you rejoice with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</a></span> all +your heart: a great stroke has been struck. Never were any citizens more +courageous than those who ventured to vote for his condemnation, in the +teeth of the immense power of the man by whom the jurors had themselves +been selected. And this they never would have done had not my grievance +been theirs also. Here, in Rome, I am so distracted by the number of +trials, the crowded courts, and the new legislation,<a name="FNanchor_724_724" id="FNanchor_724_724"></a><a href="#Footnote_724_724" class="fnanchor">[724]</a> that I daily +offer prayers that there may be no intercalation,<a name="FNanchor_725_725" id="FNanchor_725_725"></a><a href="#Footnote_725_725" class="fnanchor">[725]</a> so that I may see +you as soon as possible.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</a></span></p> +<h2>APPENDIX A</h2> + +<h3>DE PETITIONE CONSULATUS</h3> + + +<p>[This is rather an essay than a letter, and is not generally included in +any of the books of the correspondence. To my mind there are indications +of its being a later composition, the exercise of some one who wished to +shew the nature of canvassing at the time. Still, there are many +arguments in favour of regarding it as the composition of Quintus, and +at any rate it is a contribution to the picture of the times.</p> + + +<h3>Q. CICERO TO HIS BROTHER MARCUS (AT ROME)</h3> + +<p>I. Although you have all the accomplishments within the reach of human +genius, experience, or acuteness, yet I thought it only consistent with +my affection to set down in writing what occurred to my mind while +thinking, as I do, day and night on your canvass, not with the +expectation that you would learn anything new from it, but that the +considerations on a subject, which appeared to be disconnected and +without system, might be brought under one view by a logical +arrangement.</p> + +<p>Consider what the state is: what it is you seek: who you are that seek +it. Almost every day as you go down to the forum you should say to +yourself, "I am a <i>novus homo</i>," "I am a candidate for the consulship," +"This is Rome." For the "newness" of your name you will best compensate +by the brilliancy of your oratory. That has ever carried with it very +great political distinction. A man who is held worthy of defending +consulars cannot be thought unworthy of the consulship. Wherefore, since +your reputation in this is your starting-point, since whatever you are, +you are from this, approach each individual case with the persuasion +that on it depends as a whole your entire reputation. See that those +aids to natural ability, which I know are your special gifts, are ready +for use and always available; and remember what Demetrius wrote about +the hard work and practice of Demosthenes; and, finally, take care that +both the number and rank of your friends are unmistakable. For you have +such as few <i>novi homines</i> have had—all the <i>publicani</i>,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</a></span> nearly the +whole equestrian order, many municipal towns specially devoted to you, +many persons who have been defended by you, men of every order, many +<i>collegia</i>, and, besides these, a large number of the rising generation +who have become attached to you in their enthusiasm for rhetoric, and, +finally, your friends who visit you daily in large numbers and with such +constant regularity. See that you retain these advantages by reminding +these persons, by appealing to them, and by using every means to make +them understand that this, and this only, is the time for those who are +in your debt to show their gratitude, and for those who wish for your +services in the future to place you under an obligation. It also seems +possible that a "new man" may be much assisted by the fact that he has +the good wishes of men of high rank, and especially of consulars. It is +a point in your favour that you should be thought worthy of this +position and rank by the very men to whose position and rank you are +wishing to attain. All these men must be canvassed with care, agents +must be sent to them, and they must be convinced that we have always +been at one with the Optimates in our political sentiments, that we have +never been demagogues in the very least: that if we seem ever to have +said anything in the spirit of that party, we did so with the view of +attracting Cn. Pompeius, that we might have the man of the greatest +influence either actively on our side in our canvass, or at least not +opposed to us.<a name="FNanchor_726_726" id="FNanchor_726_726"></a><a href="#Footnote_726_726" class="fnanchor">[726]</a> Farthermore, take pains to get on your side the +young men of high rank, or retain the affection of those you already +have. They will contribute much to your political position. You have +very many; make them feel how much you think depends on them: if you +induce those to be positively eager who are merely not disinclined, they +will be of very great advantage to you.</p> + +<p>II. It is also a great set-off to your "newness," that the nobles who +are your competitors are of a such a kind that no one can venture to say +that their nobility ought to stand them in greater stead than your high +character. For instance, who could think of P. Galba and L. Cassius, +though by birth of the highest rank, as candidates for the consulship? +You see, therefore, that there are men of the noblest families, who from +defect of ability are not your equals. But, you will say, Catiline and +Antonius are formidable. Rather I should say that a man of energy, +industry, unimpeachable character, great eloquence, and high popularity +with those who are the ultimate judges, should wish for such +rivals—both from their boyhood stained<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</a></span> with blood and lust, both of +ruined fortunes. Of one of them we have seen the property put up for +sale, and actually heard him declare on oath that at Rome he could not +contend with a Greek or obtain an impartial tribunal.<a name="FNanchor_727_727" id="FNanchor_727_727"></a><a href="#Footnote_727_727" class="fnanchor">[727]</a> We know that +he was ejected from the senate by the judgment of genuine censors: in +our prætorship we had him as a competitor, with such men as Sabidius and +Panthera to back him, because he had no one else to appear for him at +the scrutiny. Yet in this office he bought a mistress from the slave +market whom he kept openly at his house. Moreover, in his canvass for +the consulship, he has preferred to be robbing all the innkeepers, under +the disgraceful pretext of a <i>libera legatio</i>, rather than to be in town +and supplicate the Roman people. But the other! Good heavens! what is +his distinction? Is he of equally noble birth? No. Is he richer? No. In +manliness, then? How do you make that out? Why, because while the former +fears his own shadow, this man does not even fear the laws!—A man born +in the house of a bankrupt father, nurtured in the society of an +abandoned sister, grown to manhood amidst the massacre of fellow +citizens, whose first entrance to public life was made by the slaughter +of Roman knights! For Sulla had specially selected Catiline to command +that band of Gauls which we remember, who shore off the heads of the +Titinii and Nannii and Tanusii: and while with them he killed with his +own hands the best man of the day, his own sister's husband, Quintus +Cæcilius, who was a Roman eques, a man belonging to no party, always +quiet by inclination, and then so from age also.</p> + +<p>III. Why should I speak of him as a candidate for the consulship, who +caused M. Marius, a man most beloved by the Roman people, to be beaten +with vine-rods in the sight of that Roman people from one end of the +city to the other—forced him up to the tomb—rent his frame with every +kind of torture, and while he was still alive and breathing, cut off his +head with his sword in his right hand, while he held the hairs on the +crown of his head with his left, and carried off his head in his own +hand with streams of blood flowing through his fingers?<a name="FNanchor_728_728" id="FNanchor_728_728"></a><a href="#Footnote_728_728" class="fnanchor">[728]</a> A man who +afterwards lived with actors and gladiators on such terms that the +former ministered to his lust, the latter to his crimes—who never +approached a place so sacred or holy as not to leave there, even if no +actual crime were committed, some suspicion<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</a></span> of dishonour founded on his +abandoned character—a man whose closest friends in the senate were the +Curii and the Annii, in the auction rooms the Sapalæ and Carrilii, in +the equestrian order the Pompilii and Vettii—a man of such consummate +impudence, such abandoned profligacy, in fine, such cunning and success +in lasciviousness, that he corrupted young boys when almost in the +bosoms of their parents? Why should I after this mention Africa to you, +or the depositions of the witnesses? They are well known—read them +again and again yourself. Nevertheless, I think that I should not omit +to mention that he left that court in the first place as needy as some +of the jurors were before the trial, and in the second place the object +of such hatred, that another prosecution against him is called for every +day. His position is such that he is more likely to be nervous even if +you do nothing, than contemptuous if you start any proceedings.</p> + +<p>What much better fortune in your canvass is yours than that which not +long ago fell to the lot of another "new man," Gaius Cælius!<a name="FNanchor_729_729" id="FNanchor_729_729"></a><a href="#Footnote_729_729" class="fnanchor">[729]</a> He had +two men of the highest rank as competitors, but they were of such a +character that their rank was the least of their recommendations—genius +of the highest order, supreme modesty, very numerous public services, +most excellent methods of conducting a canvass, and diligence in +carrying them out. And yet Cælius, though much inferior in birth, and +superior in hardly anything, beat one of them. Wherefore, if you do what +your natural ability and studies, which you have always pursued, enable +you to do, what the exigencies of your present position require, what +you are capable of doing and are bound to do, you will not have a +difficult struggle with competitors who are by no means so conspicuous +for their birth as notorious for their vices. For what citizen can there +be found so ill-affected as to wish by one vote to draw two daggers +against the Republic?</p> + +<p>IV. Having thus set forth what advantages you have and might have to set +against your "newness," I think I ought now to say a word on the +importance of what you are trying for. You are seeking the consulship, +an office of which no one thinks you unworthy, but of which there are +many who will be jealous. For, while by birth of equestrian rank,<a name="FNanchor_730_730" id="FNanchor_730_730"></a><a href="#Footnote_730_730" class="fnanchor">[730]</a> +you are seeking the highest rank in the state, and yet one which, though +the highest,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</a></span> reflects much greater splendour on a man of courage, +eloquence, and pure life than on others. Don't suppose that those who +have already held that office are blind to the political position you +will occupy, when once you have obtained the same. I suspect, however, +that those who, though born of consular families, have not attained the +position of their ancestors, will, unless they happen to be strongly +attached to you, feel some jealousy. Even "new men" who have been +prætors I think, unless under great obligations to you, will not like to +be surpassed by you in official rank. Lastly, in the populace itself, I +am sure it will occur to you how many are envious, how many, from the +precedents of recent years, are averse to "new men." It must also needs +be that some are angry with you in consequence of the causes which you +have pleaded. Nay, carefully consider this also, whether, seeing that +you have devoted yourself with such fervour to the promotion of Pompey's +glory, you can suppose certain men to be your friends on that +account.<a name="FNanchor_731_731" id="FNanchor_731_731"></a><a href="#Footnote_731_731" class="fnanchor">[731]</a> Wherefore, seeing that you are seeking the highest place +in the state, and at the same time that there do exist sentiments +opposed to you, you must positively employ every method, and all your +vigilance, labour, and attention to business.</p> + +<p>V. Again, the canvass for office resolves itself into an activity of two +kinds, of which one is concerned with the loyalty of friends, the other +with the feelings of the people. The loyalty of friends must be secured +by acts of kindness and attention, by length of time, and by an easy and +agreeable temper. But this word "friends" has a wider application during +a canvass than in other times of our life. For whosoever gives any sign +of an inclination to you, or habitually visits at your house, must be +put down in the category of friends. But yet the most advantageous thing +is to be beloved and pleasant in the eyes of those who are friends on +the more regular grounds of relationship by blood or marriage, of +membership of the same club, or of some close tie or other. Farther, you +must take great pains that, in proportion as a man is most intimate and +most closely connected with your household, he should love you and +desire your highest honour—as, for instance, your tribesmen, +neighbours, clients, and finally your freedmen and even your slaves; for +nearly all the talk which forms one's public reputation emanates from +domestic sources. In a word, you must secure friends of every class: for +show—men conspicuous for their office or name, who, even if they do not +give any actual assistance in canvassing, yet add some dignity to the +candidate; to maintain your just rights—magistrates, consuls first and +then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</a></span> tribunes; to secure the votes of the centuries—men of eminent +popularity. Those who either have gained or hope to gain the vote of a +tribe or century, or any other advantage, through your influence, take +all pains to collect and secure. For during recent years men of ambition +have exerted themselves with all their might and main to become sure of +getting from their tribesmen what they sought. Do you also do your very +best, by every means in your power, to make such men attached to you +from the bottom of their hearts and with the most complete devotion. If, +indeed, men were as grateful as they ought to be, all this should be +ready to your hand, as I trust in fact that it is. For within the last +two years you have put under an obligation to you four clubs of men who +have the very greatest influence in promoting an election, those of C. +Fundanius, Q. Gallius, C. Cornelius, C. Orchivius.<a name="FNanchor_732_732" id="FNanchor_732_732"></a><a href="#Footnote_732_732" class="fnanchor">[732]</a> When they +committed the defence of these men to you, I am acquainted with what +their clubsmen undertook and promised you to do, for I was present at +the interview. Wherefore you must insist at the present juncture on +exacting from them your due by reminding them, appealing to them, +solemnly assuring them, and taking care that they thoroughly understand +that they will never have any other opportunity of shewing their +gratitude. I cannot doubt that these men, from hope of your services in +the future as well as from the benefits recently received, will be +roused to active exertions. And speaking generally, since your +candidature is most strongly supported by that class of friendships +which you have gained as a counsel for the defence, take care that to +all those, whom you have placed under this obligation to you, their duty +should in every case be clearly defined and set forth. And as you have +never been in any matter importunate with them, so be careful that they +understand that you have reserved for this occasion all that you +consider them to owe you.</p> + +<p>VI. But since men are principally induced to shew goodwill and zeal at +the hustings by three considerations—kindness received, hope of more, +personal affection and good feeling—we must take notice how best to +take advantage of each of these. By very small favours men are induced +to think that they have sufficient reason for giving support at the +poll, and surely those you have saved (and their number is very large) +cannot fail to understand that, if at this supreme crisis they fail to +do what you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</a></span> wish, they will never have anyone's confidence. And though +this is so, nevertheless they must be appealed to, and must even be led +to think it possible that they, who have hitherto been under an +obligation to us, may now put us under an obligation to them. Those, +again, who are influenced by hope (a class of people much more apt to be +scrupulously attentive) you must take care to convince that your +assistance is at their service at any moment, and to make them +understand that you are carefully watching the manner in which they +perform the duties they owe you, and to allow no mistake to exist as to +your clearly perceiving and taking note of the amount of support coming +from each one of them. The third class which I mentioned is that of +spontaneous and sincere friends, and this class you will have to make +more secure by expressions of your gratitude; by making your words tally +with the motives which it shall appear to you influenced them in taking +up your cause; by shewing that the affection is mutual; and by +suggesting that your friendship with them may ripen into intimacy and +familiar intercourse. In all these classes alike consider and weigh +carefully the amount of influence each possesses, in order to know both +the kind of attention to pay to each, and what you are to expect and +demand from each. For certain men are popular in their own +neighbourhoods and towns; there are others possessed of energy and +wealth, who, even if they have not heretofore sought such popularity, +can yet easily obtain it at the moment for the sake of one to whom they +owe or wish to do a favour. Your attention to such classes of men must +be such as to shew them that you clearly understand what is to be +expected from each, that you appreciate what you are receiving, and +remember what you have received. There are, again, others who either +have no influence or are positively disliked by their tribesmen, and +have neither the spirit nor the ability to exert themselves on the spur +of the moment: be sure you distinguish between such men, that you may +not be disappointed in your expectation of support by placing over-much +hope on some particular person.</p> + +<p>VII. But although you ought to rely on, and be fortified by, friendships +already gained and firmly secured, yet in the course of the canvass +itself very numerous and useful friendships are acquired. For among its +annoyances a candidature has this advantage: you can without loss of +dignity, as you cannot in other affairs of life, admit whomsoever you +choose to your friendship, to whom if you were at any other time to +offer your society, you would be thought guilty of an eccentricity; +whereas during a canvass, if you don't do so with many, and take pains +about it besides, you would be thought to be no use as a candidate at +all. Moreover, I can assure you of this, that there is no one, unless he +happens to be bound by some special tie to some one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</a></span> of your rivals, +whom you could not induce, if you took pains, to earn your affection by +his good services, and to seize the opportunity of putting you under an +obligation—let him but fully understand that you value him highly, that +you really mean what you say, that he is making a good investment, and +that there will accrue from it not only a brief and electioneering +friendship, but a firm and lasting one. There will be no one, believe +me, if he has anything in him at all, who will let slip this opportunity +offered of establishing a friendship with you, especially when by good +luck you have competitors whose friendship is one to be neglected or +avoided, and who not only are unable to secure what I am urging you to +secure, but cannot even make the first step towards it. For how should +Antonius make the first step towards attaching people to himself, when +he cannot even call them, unaided, by their proper names? I, for one, +think that there can be no greater folly than to imagine a man +solicitous to serve you whom you don't know by sight. Extraordinary +indeed must be the fame, the political position and extent of the public +services of that man whom entire strangers, without supporters to back +him, would elect to office. That a man without principle or energy, +without doing any good service, and without ability, lying under a cloud +of discredit, and without friends, should beat a man fortified with the +devotion of a numerous circle and by the good opinion of all, cannot +possibly occur except from gross negligence.</p> + +<p>VIII. Wherefore see that you have the votes of all the centuries secured +to you by the number and variety of your friends. The first and most +obvious thing is that you should embrace the Roman senators and knights, +and the active and popular men of all the other orders. There are many +city men of good business habits, there are many freedmen engaged in the +forum who are popular and energetic: these men try with all your might +both personally and by common friends, as far as you can, to make eager +in your behalf; seek them out, send agents to them, shew them that they +are putting you under the greatest obligation. After that review the +entire city, all colleges, districts, neighbourhoods. If you attach to +yourself the leading men of these, you will by their means easily keep a +hold upon the multitude. When you have done that, take care to have in +your mind a chart of all Italy laid out according to the tribe of each +town, and learn it by heart, so that you may not allow any <i>municipium</i>, +colony, prefecture, or, in a word, any spot in Italy to exist, in which +you have not a sufficient foothold. Inquire also for and trace out +individuals in every region, inform yourself about them, seek them out, +strengthen their resolution, secure that in their own neighbourhoods +they shall canvass for you, and be as it were candidates in your +interest. They will wish for you as a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</a></span> friend, if they once see that +their friendship is an object with you. Make sure that they <i>do</i> +understand this by directing your speech specially to this point. Men of +country towns, or from the country, think themselves in the position of +friends if we of the city know them by name: if, however, they think +that they are besides securing some protection for themselves, they do +not let slip the opportunity of being obliging. Of such people others in +town, and above all your rivals, don't so much as know the existence: +you know about them and will easily recognize them, without which +friendship is impossible. Nor is such recognition enough (though it is a +great thing) unless some hope of material advantage and active +friendship follows, for your object is not to be looked upon as a mere +"nomenclator," but as a sincere friend also. So when you have both got +the favour of these same men in the centuries, who from the means they +have taken to secure their personal objects enjoy most popularity among +their fellow tribesmen; and have made those all desirous of your success +who have influence in any section of their tribe, owing to +considerations attaching to their municipality or neighbourhood or +college, then you may allow yourself to entertain the highest hopes.</p> + +<p>Again, the centuries of the knights appear to me capable of being won +over, if you are careful, with considerably more ease. Let your first +care be to acquaint yourself with the knights; for they are +comparatively few: then make advances to them, for it is much easier to +gain the friendship of young men at their time of life. Then again, you +have on your side the best of the rising generation, and the most +devoted to learning. Moreover, as the equestrian order is yours, they +will follow the example of that order, if only you take the trouble to +confirm the support of those centuries, not only by the general good +affection of the order, but also by the friendships of individuals. +Finally, the hearty zeal of the young in canvassing for votes, appearing +at various places, bringing intelligence, and being in attendance on you +in public are surprisingly important as well as creditable.</p> + +<p>IX. And since I have mentioned "attendance," I may add that you should +be careful to see large companies every day of every class and order; +for from the mere number of these a guess may well be made as to the +amount of support you are likely to have in the <i>campus</i> itself. Such +visitors are of three kinds: one consists of morning callers who come to +your house, a second of those who escort you to the forum, a third of +those who attend you on your canvass. In the case of the morning +callers, who are less select and, according to the prevailing fashion, +come in greater numbers, you must contrive to make them think that you +value even this slight attention very highly. Let those who shall come +to your house see that you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</a></span> notice it; shew your gratification to such +of their friends as will repeat it to them; frequently mention it to the +persons themselves. It often happens that people, when they visit a +number of candidates, and observe that there is one who above the rest +notices these attentions, devote themselves to him; leave off visiting +the others; little by little become devoted to one instead of being +neutral, and from sham turn out real supporters. Farthermore, carefully +remember this, if you have been told or have discovered that a man who +has given you his promise is "dressing for the occasion," as the phrase +goes, make as though you had neither heard it nor knew it; if any offers +to clear himself to you, because he thinks himself suspected, assert +roundly that you have never doubted his sincerity and have no right to +doubt it. For the man who thinks that he is not giving satisfaction can +never be a friend. You ought, however, to know each man's real feeling, +in order to settle how much confidence to place in him.</p> + +<p>Secondly, of those who escort you to the forum: since this is a greater +attention than a morning call, indicate and make clear that it is still +more gratifying to you, and as far as it shall lie in your power go down +to the forum at fixed times. The daily escort by its numbers produces a +great impression and confers great personal distinction. The third class +is that of numbers perpetually attending you on your canvass. See that +those who do so spontaneously understand that you regard yourself as for +ever obliged by their extreme kindness: from those, on the other hand, +who owe you this attention, frankly demand that, as far as their age and +business allow, they should constantly be in personal attendance, and +that those who are unable to accompany you in person should find +relations to take their place in performing this duty. I am very +anxious, and think it extremely important, that you should always be +surrounded by large numbers. Besides, it confers a great reputation and +great distinction to be accompanied by those who by your exertions have +been defended, preserved, and acquitted in the law courts. Put this +demand fairly before them, that, since by your means and without any +payment some have retained their property, others their honour, others +their civil existence and entire fortunes, and since there will never be +any other time at which they can show their gratitude, they should +remunerate you by this service.</p> + +<p>X. And since the point now in discussion is entirely a question of the +loyalty of friends, I must not, I think, pass over one caution. +Deception, intrigue, and treachery are everywhere. This is not the time +for a formal disquisition on the indications by which a true friend may +be distinguished from a false: all that is in place now is to give you a +hint. Your exalted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</a></span> character has compelled many to pretend to be your +friends while really jealous of you. Wherefore remember the saying of +Epicharmus, "the muscle and bone of wisdom is to believe nothing +rashly." Again, when you have got the feelings of your friends in a +sound state, you must then acquaint yourself with the attitude and +varieties of your detractors and opponents. There are three: first, +those whom you have attacked; second, those who dislike you without +definite reason; third, those who are warm friends of your competitors. +As to those attacked by you while pleading a friend's cause against +them, frankly excuse yourself; remind them of the ties constraining you; +give them reason to hope that you will act with equal zeal and loyalty +in their cases, if they become your friends. As for those who dislike +you without reason, do your best to remove that prejudice either by some +actual service, or by holding out hopes of it, or by indicating your +kindly feeling towards them. As for those whose wishes are against you +owing to friendship for your competitors, gratify them also by the same +means as the former, and, if you can get them to believe it, shew that +you are kindly disposed to the very men who are standing against you.</p> + +<p>XI. Having said enough about securing friendships, I must now speak on +another department of a candidate's task, which is concerned with the +conciliation of the people. This demands a knack of remembering names, +insinuating manners, constant attendance, liberality, the power of +setting a report afloat and creating a hopeful feeling in the state. +First of all, make the faculty you possess of recognizing people +conspicuous, and go on increasing and improving it every day. I don't +think there is anything so popular or so conciliatory. Next, if nature +has denied you some quality, resolve to assume it, so as to appear to be +acting naturally. Although nature has great force, yet in a business +lasting only a few months it seems probable that the artificial may be +the more effective. For though you are not lacking in the courtesy which +good and polite men should have, yet there is great need of a flattering +manner which, however faulty and discreditable in other transactions of +life, is yet necessary during a candidateship. For when it makes a man +worse by truckling, it is wrong; but when only more friendly, it does +not deserve so harsh a term; while it is absolutely necessary to a +candidate, whose face and expression and style of conversation have to +be varied and accommodated to the feelings and tastes of everyone he +meets. As for "constant attendance," there is no need of laying down any +rule, the phrase speaks for itself. It is, of course, of very great +consequence not to go away anywhere; but the real advantage of such +constant attendance is not only the being at Rome and in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</a></span> the forum, but +the pushing one's canvass assiduously, the addressing oneself again and +again to the same persons, the making it impossible (as far as your +power goes) for anyone to say that he has not been asked by you, and +earnestly and carefully asked. Liberality is, again, of wide +application; it is shewn in regard to the management of your private +property, which, even if it does not actually reach the multitude, yet, +if spoken of with praise by friends, earns the favour of the multitude. +It may also be displayed in banquets, which you must take care to attend +yourself and to cause your friends to attend, whether open ones or those +confined to particular tribes. It may, again, be displayed in giving +practical assistance, which I would have you render available far and +wide: and be careful therein to be accessible to all by day and night, +and not only by the doors of your house, but by your face and +countenance, which is the door of the mind; for, if that shews your +feelings to be those of reserve and concealment, it is of little good to +have your house doors open. For men desire not only to have promises +made them, especially in their applications to a candidate, but to have +them made in a liberal and complimentary manner. Accordingly, it is an +easy rule to make, that you should indicate that whatever you are going +to do you will do with heartiness and pleasure; it is somewhat more +difficult, and rather a concession to the necessities of the moment than +to your inclination, that when you cannot do a thing you should [either +promise] or put your refusal pleasantly: the latter is the conduct of a +good man, the former of a good candidate. For when a request is made +which we cannot grant with honour or without loss to ourselves, for +instance, if a man were to ask us to appear in a suit against a friend, +a refusal must be given in a gentlemanly way: you must point out to him +that your hands are tied, must shew that you are exceedingly sorry, must +convince him that you will make up for it in other ways.</p> + +<p>XII. I have heard a man say about certain orators, to whom he had +offered his case, "that he had been better pleased with the words of the +one who declined, than of the one who accepted." So true it is that men +are more taken by look and words than by actual services. [This latter +course, however, you will readily approve: the former it is somewhat +difficult to recommend to a Platonist like you, but yet I will have +regard for your present circumstances.] For even those to whom you are +forced by any other tie to refuse your advocacy may yet quit you +mollified and with friendly feelings. But those to whom you only excuse +a refusal by saying that you are hindered by the affairs of closer +friends, or by cases more important or previously undertaken, quit you +with hostile feelings, and are one and all disposed to prefer an +insincere promise to a direct<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</a></span> negative from you. C. Cotta, a master in +the art of electioneering, used to say that, "so long as the request was +not directly contrary to moral duty, he used to promise his assistance +to all, to bestow it on those with whom he thought it would be most +advantageously invested: he did not refuse anyone, because something +often turned up to prevent the person whom he promised from availing +himself of it, and it often also occurred that he himself was less +engaged than he had thought at the time; nor could anyone's house be +full of suitors who only undertook what he saw his way to perform: by +some accident or other the unexpected often happens, while business, +which you have believed to be actually in hand, from some cause or other +does not come off: moreover, the worst that can happen is that the man +to whom you have made a false promise is angry." This last risk, +supposing you to make the promise, is uncertain, is prospective, and +only affects a few; but, if you refuse, the offence given is certain, +immediate, and more widely diffused. For many more ask to be allowed to +avail themselves of the help of another than actually do so. Wherefore +it is better that some of them should at times be angry with you in the +forum, than all of them perpetually at your own house: especially as +they are more inclined to be angry with those who refuse, than with a +man whom they perceive to be prevented by so grave a cause as to be +compatible with the desire to fulfil his promise if he possibly could. +But that I may not appear to have abandoned my own classification, since +the department of a candidate's work on which I am now dilating is that +which refers to the populace, I insist on this, that all these +observations have reference not so much to the feelings of friends as to +popular rumour. Though there is something in what I say which comes +under the former head—such as answering with kindness, and giving +zealous assistance in the business and the dangers of friends—yet in +this part of my argument I am speaking of the things which enable you to +win over the populace: for instance, the having your house full of +visitors before daybreak, the securing the affection of many by giving +them hope of your support, the contriving that men should leave you with +more friendly feelings than they came, the filling the ears of as many +as possible with the most telling words.</p> + +<p>XIII. For my next theme must be popular report, to which very great +attention must be paid. But what I have said throughout the foregoing +discourse applies also to the diffusion of a favourable report: the +reputation for eloquence; the favour of the <i>publicani</i> and equestrian +order; the goodwill of men of rank; the crowd of young men; the constant +attendance of those whom you have defended; the number of those from +municipal towns who have notoriously come to Rome on your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</a></span> account; the +observations which men make in your favour—that you recognize them, +address them politely, are assiduous and earnest in canvassing; that +they speak and think of you as kind and liberal; the having your house +full of callers long before daybreak; the presence of large numbers of +every class; that your look and speech give satisfaction to all, your +acts and deeds to many; that everything is done which can be done by +hard work, skill, and attention, not to cause the fame arising from all +these displays of feeling to reach the people, but to bring the people +itself to share them. You have already won the city populace and the +affections of those who control the public meetings by your panegyric of +Pompey, by undertaking the cause of Manilius, by your defence of +Cornelius.<a name="FNanchor_733_733" id="FNanchor_733_733"></a><a href="#Footnote_733_733" class="fnanchor">[733]</a> We must not let those advantages be forgotten, which +hitherto no one has had without possessing at the same time the favour +of the great. We must also take care that everyone knows that Cn. +Pompeius is strongly in your favour, and that it emphatically suits his +purpose that you should win your election. Lastly, take care that your +whole candidature is full of <i>éclat</i>, brilliant, splendid, suited to the +popular taste, presenting a spectacle of the utmost dignity and +magnificence. See also, if possible, that some new scandal is started +against your competitors for crime or looseness of life or corruption, +such as is in harmony with their characters.</p> + +<p>Above all in this election you must see that the Republic entertains a +good hope and an honourable opinion of you. And yet you must not enter +upon political measures in senate-house and public meeting while a +candidate: you must hold such things in abeyance, in order that from +your lifelong conduct the senate may judge you likely to be the +supporter of their authority; the Roman knights, along with the +loyalists and wealthy, judge you from your past to be eager for peace +and quiet times; and the people think of you as not likely to be hostile +to their interests from the fact that in your style of speaking in +public meetings, and in your declared convictions, you have been on the +popular side.</p> + +<p>XIV. This is what occurred to me to say on the subject of these two +morning reflexions, which I said you ought to turn over in your mind +every day as you went down to the forum: "I am a <i>novus homo</i>," "I am a +candidate for the consulship." There remains the third, "This is Rome," +a city made up of a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</a></span> combination of nations, in which many snares, much +deception, many vices enter into every department of life: in which you +have to put up with the arrogant pretensions, the wrong-headedness, the +ill-will, the hauteur, the disagreeable temper and offensive manners of +many. I well understand that it requires great prudence and skill for a +man, living among social vices of every sort, so many and so serious, to +avoid giving offence, causing scandal, or falling into traps, and in his +single person to adapt himself to such a vast variety of character, +speech, and feeling. Wherefore, I say again and again, go on +persistently in the path you have begun: put yourself above rivalry in +eloquence; it is by this that people at Rome are charmed and attracted, +as well as deterred from obstructing a man's career or inflicting an +injury upon him. And since the chief plague spot of our state is that it +allows the prospect of a bribe to blind it to virtue and worth, be sure +that you are fully aware of your own strength, that is, understand that +you are the man capable of producing in the minds of your rivals the +strongest fear of legal proceeding and legal peril. Let them know that +they are watched and scrutinized by you: they will be in terror of your +energy, as well as of your influence and power of speech, and above all +of the affection of the equestrian order towards you. But though I wish +you to hold out this before them, I do not wish you to make it appear +that you are already meditating an action, but to use this terror so as +to facilitate the gaining of your object: and, in a word, in this +contest strain every nerve and use every faculty in such a way as to +secure what we seek. I notice that there are no elections so deeply +tainted with corruption, but that some centuries return men closely +connected with them without receiving money. Therefore, if we are as +vigilant as the greatness of our object demands, and rouse our +well-wishers to put forth all their energies; and if we allot to men of +influence and zeal in our service their several tasks; if we put before +our rivals the threat of legal proceedings; if we inspire their agents +with fear, and by some means check the distributors, it is possible to +secure either that there shall be no bribery or that it shall be +ineffectual.</p> + +<p>These are the points that I thought, not that I knew better than you, +but that I could more easily than you—in the pressing state of your +present engagements—collect together and send you written out. And +although they are written in such terms as not to apply to all +candidates for office, but to your special case and to your particular +election, yet I should be glad if you would tell me of anything that +should be corrected or entirely struck out, or that has been omitted. +For I wish this little essay "on the duties of a candidate" to be +regarded as complete in every respect.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[Pg 382]</a></span></p> +<h2>APPENDIX B</h2> + +<h3>L. VETTIUS (<span class="smcap">Letter L, a ii</span>, 24)</h3> + + +<p>L. Vettius, a kind of Titus Oates, was like the witness in "Great +Expectations," prepared to swear "mostly anything." The interest +attaching to such a sordid person is confined to the question whether he +was really acting with the connivance of, or under an agreement with, +any of the leading politicians of the day. If the principle of <i>cui +bono</i> is applied, it is evident that the gainers were the party of the +trumvirs, whose popularity would be increased by a belief being created +that their opponents the Optimates were prepared to adopt extreme +measures to get rid of them. It would give them just the advantage which +the Rye House plot gave Charles II. This is Cicero's view, it seems, of +the matter, as insinuated in this letter and in his speech against +Vatinius (§§ 24-26; cp. <i>pro Sest.</i> § 132). In the letter, however, his +insinuations seem directed against Cæsar: in the speech Vatinius is the +scape-goat. But Vettius was not only a liar, but a bad liar. He made +blunders; and when he brought in the name of Bibulus, he was not aware +that Bibulus had got scent of something going on, and had secured +himself by giving Pompey warning. He also did not tell consistent +stories, mentioning names (such as that of Brutus) at one time, and +withdrawing them at another. He was accordingly wholly discredited, and +could therefore expect no protection from Cæsar, who had been careful +not to commit himself; and he had nothing for it but suicide, like +Pigott at the time of the Parnell Commission.</p> + +<p>Cicero, then, would have us believe that Vettius had been instigated by +Vatinius (acting for Cæsar) to name Bibulus, L. Lucullus, Curio (father +and son), L. Domitius Ahenobarbus, L. Lentulus, L. Paullus, Cicero +himself, his son-in-law Piso, and M. Laterensis, as having been all more +or less privy to the plot to murder Pompey and Cæsar. That there was +absolutely no such plot, and that Vettius broke down hopelessly when +questioned. That the object was, (1) to irritate Pompey with the +Optimates and so confirm him in his alliance with Cæsar, (2) to +discredit the Optimates generally.</p> + +<p>It may be well to state briefly the views put forward by our other +authorities for this period.</p> + +<p>(1.) Suetonius (<i>Cæs. 20</i>) appears to attribute the instigation of +Vettius to Cæsar, as also the murder of Vettius in prison,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[Pg 383]</a></span> after he +broke down so flagrantly. The text of this passage, however, is somewhat +doubtful.</p> + +<p>(2.) Appian (<i>B. C.</i> ii. 12) describes the scene as happening at the +time that Cæsar's agrarian law was being passed, and Bibulus was hustled +in the forum. Vettius, with a drawn dagger, rushed into the crowd crying +out that he had been sent by Bibulus, Cicero, and Cato to assassinate +Cæsar and Pompey, and that an attendant of Bibulus had given him the +dagger. Vettius was arrested, put into prison to be questioned the next +day, and was murdered during the night. Cæsar meanwhile addressed the +people and excited their anger; but after the death of Vettius the +matter was hushed up.</p> + +<p>(3.) Plutarch (<i>Lucull.</i> 42) says that the "Pompeians," annoyed at +finding the union with Cæsar opposed by the leading Optimates, induced +Vettius to accuse Lucullus and others of a plot to assassinate Pompey; +and that the corpse of Vettius shewed evident signs of violence.</p> + +<p>(4.) Dio Cassius (38-39) says bluntly that Vettius was employed by +Lucullus and Cicero to assassinate Pompey, and was got rid of in prison. +He adds that Vettius was discredited by bringing in the name of Bibulus, +who (as Cicero also says) had secured himself by giving Pompey warning.</p> + +<p>The conclusions seem to be (though in such a tangled skein of lies it is +impossible to be sure), (1) that there was no plot, properly so called, +though many of the Optimates, and Cicero among them, had used incautious +language; (2) that Vettius was suborned by some person or party of +persons to make the people believe that there was one; (3) that +Cæsar—though there is not sufficient evidence to shew that he had been +the instigator—was willing to take advantage of the prejudice created +by the suspicions thus aroused; (4) that though Vettius had served +Cicero in his capacity of spy in the days of the Catilinarian +conspiracy, and was able to report words of his sufficiently +characteristic, yet this letter to Atticus exonerates Cicero from +suspicion, even if there were a plot, and even if we could believe that +he could have brought himself to plot the death of Pompey.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[Pg 384]</a></span></p> +<h2>APPENDIX C</h2> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The following letters to Tiro, with one from Quintus in regard to +his manumission, are given here because of the difficulty of dating +them. The indications of time are as follows. I. Those addressed to +Tiro are earlier than that of Quintus, because they refer to a +promised emancipation, while that of Quintus speaks of it as +accomplished. II. The letter of Quintus is after the emancipation +of his own freedman Statius, which apparently took place <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59. +III. Quintus is at a distance from Italy, and is looking forward to +rejoin his brother and family. IV. Cicero is engaged on some more +than ordinary literary work. V. Pompey is visiting Cicero in his +Cuman villa. Now after his return from Asia (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58), Quintus was +only twice thus distant, in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57-56 in Sardinia, and in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +54-53 in Britain and Gaul. In both of these periods Cicero was +engaged on literary work; in the former on the <i>de Oratore</i>, in the +latter on the <i>de Republica</i>. There is really no means of deciding +between these two. It is even possible that they might be placed +some time during the proprietorship of Quintus in Asia (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +62-59), during which Cicero was engaged, among other things, on a +poem on his own times and a history of his consulship. Tiro—or M. +Tullius Tiro, as he was called after his emancipation—was not a +young man, and may well have been emancipated even in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59. +According to Hieronymus, he died in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 5 in his hundredth year. +He was therefore little more than a year younger than Cicero +himself. The illness of Tiro must have been an earlier one than +that of which we shall hear much in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 50-49.</p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>I (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XVI</span>, 13)</h2> + +<h3>TO TIRO</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">(Cumæ) 10 April</span></h4> + + +<p>I shall consider that I have everything possible from you, if I see you +in good health. I am awaiting the arrival of Andricus, whom I sent to +you, with the utmost anxiety. Do take pains to recover, if you love me: +and as soon as you have thoroughly re-established your health, come to +me. Good-bye.</p> + +<p>10 April.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[Pg 385]</a></span></p> +<h2>II (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XVI</span>, 14)</h2> + +<h3>TO TIRO</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">(Cumæ) 11 April</span></h4> + + +<p>Andricus arrived a day later than I expected him, and accordingly I had +a night of terror and unhappiness. Your letter does not make me at all +more certain of your state, and yet it did revive me. I can take +pleasure in nothing; can employ myself in no literary work, which I +cannot touch till I have seen you. Give orders to promise the doctor any +fee he chooses to ask. I wrote to that effect to Ummidius. I am told +that your mind is ill at ease, and that the doctor says this is what +makes you ill. If you care for me, rouse from their sleep your studies +and your culture, which make you the dearest object of my affection. It +is your mind that requires strengthening now, in order that your body +may also recover. Pray do it both for your own and my sake. Keep Acastus +with you to help to nurse you. Preserve yourself for me. The day for the +fulfilment of my promise is at hand, and I will be true to it, if you +only come. Good-bye, good-bye!</p> + +<p>11 April, noon.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>III (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XVI</span>, 15)</h2> + +<h3>TO TIRO</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">(Cumæ) 12 April</span></h4> + + +<p>Ægypta arrived on the 12th of April. Though he brought the news that you +were entirely without fever and were pretty well, yet he caused me +anxiety by saying that you had not been able to write to me: and all the +more so because Hermia, who ought to have arrived on the same<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[Pg 386]</a></span> day, has +not done so. I am incredibly anxious about your health. If you will +relieve me from that, I will <i>liberate</i> you from every burden. I would +have written at greater length, if I had thought that you were now +capable of taking any pleasure in reading a letter. Concentrate your +whole intelligence, which I value above everything, upon preserving +yourself for your own and my benefit. Use your utmost diligence, I +repeat, in nursing your health. Good-bye.</p> + +<p>P.S.—When I had finished the above Hermia arrived. I have your letter +written in a shaky hand, and no wonder after so serious an illness. I am +sending Ægypta back to stay with you, because he is by no means without +feeling, and seems to me to be attached to you, and with him a cook for +your especial use. Good-bye!</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>IV (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XVI</span>, 10)</h2> + +<h3>TO TIRO</h3> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Cumæ, 19 May</span></h4> + + +<p>I of course wish you to come to me, but I dread the journey for you. You +have been most seriously ill: you have been much reduced by a low diet +and purgatives, and the ravages of the disease itself. After dangerous +illnesses, if some mistake is made, drawbacks are usually dangerous. +Moreover, to the two days on the road which it will have taken you to +reach Cumæ, there will have to be added at once five more for your +return journey to Rome. I mean to be at Formiæ on the 30th: be sure, my +dear Tiro, that I find you there strong and well. My poor studies, or +rather <i>ours</i>, have been in a very bad way owing to your absence. +However, they have looked up a little owing to this letter from you +brought by Acastus. Pompey is staying with me at the moment of writing +this, and seems to be cheerful and enjoying himself. He asks me to read +him something of ours, but I told him that without you the oracle was +dumb. Pray prepare to renew your services to our Muses. My promise shall +be <i>performed</i> on the day<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[Pg 387]</a></span> named: for I have taught you the etymology of +<i>fides</i>.<a name="FNanchor_734_734" id="FNanchor_734_734"></a><a href="#Footnote_734_734" class="fnanchor">[734]</a> Take care to make a complete recovery. I shall be with you +directly. Good-bye.</p> + +<p>19 May.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>V (<span class="smcap lowercase">F XVI</span>, 16)</h2> + +<h3>Q. CICERO TO HIS BROTHER</h3> + +<h4>(<span class="smcap">Gaul?</span>)</h4> + + +<p>As I hope to see you again, my dear Marcus, and my own son Cicero, and +your Tulliola and your son, I am delighted about Tiro. He was much too +good for his position, and I am truly glad that you preferred that he +should be our freedman and friend rather than our slave. Believe me, +when I read your letter and his I jumped for joy, and I both thank and +congratulate you: for if the fidelity and good character of my own +Statius is a delight to me, how much more valuable must those same +qualities be in your man, since there is added to them knowledge of +literature, conversational powers, and culture, which have advantages +even over those useful virtues! I have all sorts of most conclusive +reasons for loving you: and here is another one, either for what you +have done, or, if you choose, for your perfect manner of announcing it +to me. Your letter shewed me your whole heart. I have promised Sabinus's +servants all they asked, and I will perform my promise.</p> + + +<h5>END OF VOL. I.</h5> + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> That Cicero up to the time of his consulship had been +connected rather with the <i>populares</i> is illustrated by Quintus (<i>de +Petit.</i> i.) urging him to make it clear that he had never been a +demagogue, but that if he had ever spoken "in the spirit of the popular +party, he had done so with the view of attracting Pompey."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> <i>De Orat.</i> ii. §§ 1, 2.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> "The city, the city, my dear Rufus—stick to that, and live +in its full light. Residence elsewhere—as I made up my mind early in +life—is mere eclipse and obscurity to those whose energy is capable of +shining at Rome."—<i>Fam.</i> ii. 12 (vol. ii., p. 166).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Even at these he found troublesome people to interrupt him. +See vol. i., pp. <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Yet the announcement of the birth of his son (p. <a href="#Page_16">16</a>) and of +the dangerous confinement of Tullia (vol. ii., p. 403) are almost +equally brief.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> See <a href="#XXVI_A_II_1"><i>Att.</i> ii. 1</a>, vol. i., p. <a href="#Page_62">62</a>; Plut. <i>Cic.</i> 13; Cic. <i>in +Pis.</i> § 4.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> <i>Die Entstchungsgeschichte der catilinarischen +Verschwörung</i>, by Dr. Constantin John, 1876. I am still of opinion that +Plutarch's statement can be strongly supported.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> Cæsar said, οὺ μὴν καὶ προσήκειν ἐπὶ τοῐς +παρεληλυθόσι τοιοῠτόν τινα νόμον συγγράφεσθαι (Dio, xxxviii. 17).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> "The man who did not so much as raise me up, when I threw +myself at his feet."—<i>Att.</i> x. 4 (vol. ii., p. 362). Similar allusions +to Pompey's conduct to him on the occasion often occur.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> See vol. i., p. <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> See vol. i., pp. <a href="#Page_129">129</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>; cp. <i>pro Planc.</i> §§ 95-96.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> <a href="#CLII_F_I_9"><i>Fam.</i> i. 9, 15</a> (vol. i., p. <a href="#Page_316">316</a>).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Letter <a href="#CVII_A_IV_5">CVII</a>, vol. i., pp. <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> Ever since its capture in the second Punic War, Capua had +ceased to have any corporate existence, and its territory had been <i>ager +publicus</i>, let out to tenants (<i>aratores</i>). Cæsar had restored its +corporate existence by making it a <i>colonia</i>, and much of the land had +been allotted to veterans of his own and Pompey's armies. The state thus +lost the rent of the land, one of the few sources of revenue from Italy +now drawn by the exchequer of Rome.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Letter <a href="#CLII_F_I_9">CLII</a>, vol. i., pp. <a href="#Page_310">310-324</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> Quoted by Flavius Charisius, <i>Ars Gramm.</i> i., p. 126 (ed. +Kiel).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> Vol. ii., p. 204.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Vol. i., p. <a href="#Page_357">357</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> <a href="#CLXXVIII_F_V_17">CLXXVIII</a>-<a href="#CLXXIX_F_V_18">CLXXXI</a>. The date of the letter to P. Sittius +(<a href="#CLXXVIII_F_V_17">CLXXVIII</a>) is not certain.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Vol. i., p. <a href="#Page_366">366</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> Letter DXXXIII (<i>Fam.</i> iv. 14), about October, B.C. 46.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> Vol. i., p. <a href="#Page_226">226</a>; Pliny, <i>Ep.</i>, vii. 33.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Pomponia, married to Cicero's younger brother Quintus. We +shall frequently hear of this unfortunate marriage. Quintus was four +years younger than his brother, who had apparently arranged the match, +and felt therefore perhaps somewhat responsible for the result (Nep. +<i>Att.</i> 5).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> Atticus had estates and a villa near Buthrotum in +Epirus,—<i>Butrinto</i> in Albania, opposite Corfu.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> This is probably Sext. Peducæus the younger, an intimate +friend of Atticus (Nep. <i>Att.</i> 21); his father had been prætor in Sicily +when Cicero was quæstor (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 76-75), the son was afterwards a partisan +of Cæsar in the Civil War, governor of Sardinia, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 48, and proprætor +in Spain, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 39.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> The person alluded to is L. Lucceius, of whom we shall +hear again. See Letters <a href="#V_A_I_8">V</a>, <a href="#VII_A_I_11">VII</a>, <a href="#VIII_A_I_3">VIII</a>, <a href="#CVIII_F_V_12">CVIII</a>. What his quarrel with +Atticus was about, we do not know.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Prescriptive right to property was acquired by possession +(<i>usus</i>) of two years. But no such right could be acquired to the +property of a girl under guardianship (<i>pro Flacco</i>, § 84).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> C. Rabirius, whom Cicero defended in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63, when +prosecuted by Cæsar for his share in the murder of Saturninus (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +100). He lived, we know, in Campania, for his neighbours came to give +evidence in his favour at the trial.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> M. Fonteius made a fortune in the province of Gaul beyond +the Alps, of which he was proprætor, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 77-74. In <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 69 he had been +accused of malversation, and defended by Cicero. After his acquittal he +seems to be buying a seaside residence in Campania, as so many of the +men of fashion did.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> Cicero's "gymnasium" was some arrangement of buildings and +plantations more or less on the model of the Greek gymnasia, at his +Tusculan villa.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> The mother of Atticus lived to be ninety, dying in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +33, not long before Atticus himself, who at her funeral declared that +"he had never been reconciled to her, for he had never had a word of +dispute with her" (Nep. <i>Att.</i> 17).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> This sum (about £163) is for the works of art purchased +for the writer by Atticus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> Thyillus (sometimes written Chilius), a Greek poet living +at Rome. See Letters <a href="#XVI_A_I_12">XVI</a> and <a href="#XXI_A_I_16">XXI</a>. The Eumolpidæ were a family of priests +at Athens who had charge of the temple of Demeter at Eleusis. The +πάτρια Εὐμολπιδῶν (the phrase used by Cicero here) may be +either books of ritual or records such as priests usually kept: πάτρια +is an appropriate word for such rituals or records handed down +by priests of one race or family.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> Lucceius, as in the first letter and the next.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> The <i>comitia</i> were twice postponed this year. Apparently +the voting for Cicero had in each case been completed, so that he is +able to say that he was "thrice returned at the head of the poll by an +unanimous vote" (<i>de Imp. Pomp.</i> § 2). The postponement of the elections +was probably connected with the struggles of the senate to hinder the +legislation (as to bribery) of the Tribune, Gaius Cornelius (Dio, 36, +38-39).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> The first allusion in these letters to the disturbed +position of public affairs. See the passage of Dio quoted in the +previous note. There were so many riots in the interval between the +proclamation and the holding of the elections, not without bloodshed, +that the senate voted the consuls a guard.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> The point of this frigid joke is not clear. Was the +grandmother really dead? What was she to do with the Latin <i>feriæ</i>? Mr. +Strachan Davidson's explanation is perhaps the best, that Cicero means +that the old lady was thinking of the Social War in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 89, when the +loyalty of the Latin towns must have been a subject of anxiety. She is +in her dotage and only remembers old scares. This is understanding +<i>civitates</i> with <i>Latinæ</i>. Others understand <i>feriæ</i> or <i>mulieres</i>. +Saufeius, a Roman eques, was an Epicurean, who would hold death to be no +evil. He was a close friend of Atticus, who afterwards saved his +property from confiscation by the Triumvirs (Nep. <i>Att.</i> 12).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> Cneius Sallustius, a learned friend of Cicero's, of whom +we shall often hear again.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> C. Calpurnius Piso, quæstor <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, died in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57. The +marriage took place in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> The annalist C. Licinius Macer was impeached <i>de +repetundis</i> (he was prætor about <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 70 or 69, and afterwards had a +province), and finding that he was going to be condemned, committed +suicide. He was never therefore condemned regularly (Val. Max. ix. 127; +Plut. <i>Cic.</i> 9). Cicero presided at the court as prætor.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> The books must have been a very valuable collection, or +Cicero would hardly have made so much of being able to buy them, +considering his lavish orders for statues or antiques.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> One of the judices rejected by Verres on his trial, a +pontifex and augur.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> Agent of Atticus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> C. Antonius (uncle of M. Antonius) was elected with +Cicero. Q. Cornificius had been tr. pl. in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 69. See Letter <a href="#XVIII_A_1_13">XVIII</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> M. Cæsonius, Cicero's colleague in the ædileship. He had +lost credit as one of the <i>Iunianum concilium</i> in the trial of +Oppianicus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> Aufidius Lurco, tr. pl. <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61. M. Lollius Palicanus, tr. +pl. some years previously.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> L. Iulius Cæsar, actually consul in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64, +brother-in-law of Lentulus the Catilinarian conspirator, was afterwards +<i>legatus</i> to his distant kinsman, Iulius Cæsar, in Gaul. A. Minucius +Thermus, defended by Cicero in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, but the identification is not +certain. D. Iunius Silanus got the consulship in the year after Cicero +(<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62), and as consul-designate spoke in favour of executing the +Catilinarian conspirators.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> The text is corrupt in all MSS. I have assumed a reading, +something of this sort, <i>quæ cum erit absoluta, sane facile ac libenter +eum nunc fieri consulem viderim</i>. This at any rate gives nearly the +required sense, which is that Cicero regards the influence which Thermus +will gain by managing the repair of the <i>Flaminia</i> as likely to make him +a formidable candidate, and therefore he would be glad to see him +elected in the present year 65 (<i>nunc</i>) rather than wait for the next, +his own year.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> C. Calpurnis Piso, consul in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67, then proconsul of +Gallia Transalpina (Narbonensis). He was charged with embezzlement in +his province and defended by Cicero in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63. There were no votes in +Transalpine Gaul, but Cicero means in going and coming to canvass the +Cispadane cities.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> Pompey was this year on his way to take over the +Mithridatic War. But Cicero may have thought it likely that he or some +of his staff would pass through Athens and meet Atticus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> L. Domitius Ahenobarbus, prætor in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, and consul +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, fell at Pharsalia, fighting against Cæsar.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> Q. Cæcilius, a rich uncle of Atticus, so cross-grained +that no one but Atticus could get on with him, to whom he accordingly +left his large fortune (Nep. <i>Att.</i> 5).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> Hom. <i>Il.</i> xxii. 159, Achilles pursuing Hector: +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Since not for sacred beast or oxhide shield<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They strove,—man's guerdon for the fleet of foot:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their stake was Hector's soul, the swift steed's lord."<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Reading <i>eius</i> ἀνάθημα, and taking the latter +word in the common sense of "ornament": the Hermathena is so placed that +the whole gymnasium is as it were an ornament to it, designed to set it +off, instead of its being a mere ornament to the gymnasium. Professor +Tyrrell, however, will not admit that the words can have this or any +meaning, and reads, ἡλίου ἄναμμα, "sun light"—"the whole +gymnasium seems as bright as the sun"—a curious effect, after all, for +one statue to have.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> Asconius assigns this to the accusation of embezzlement in +Africa. But that seems to have been tried in the previous year, or +earlier in this year. The new impeachment threatened seems to have been +connected with his crimes in the proscriptions of Sulla (Dio, xxxvii, +10). Cicero may have thought of defending him on a charge relating to so +distant a period, just as he did Rabirius on the charge of murdering +Saturninus (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 100), though he had regarded his guilt in the case of +extortion in Africa as glaring.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> The essay on the duties of a candidate attributed to +Quintus is hardly a letter, and there is some doubt as to its +authenticity. I have therefore relegated it to an appendix.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> Q. Metellus Celer had been prætor in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63 and was now +(<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62), as proconsul in Gallia Cisalpina, engaged against the remains +of the Catilinarian conspiracy. Meanwhile his brother (or cousin) Q. +Cæcilius Metellus Nepos, a tribune, after trying in vain to bring Cicero +to trial for the execution of the conspirators, at last proposed to +summon Pompey to Rome to prevent danger to the lives of citizens. This +attempt led to riots and contests with Cato, and Nepos finally fled from +Rome to Pompey. By leaving Rome he broke the law as to the tribunes, and +the senate declared his office vacant, and this letter would even seem +to shew that the senate declared him a public enemy. This letter of +remonstrance is peremptory, if not insolent, in tone, and the reader +will observe that the formal sentences, dropped in more familiar +letters, are carefully used.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> Metellus had been employed with Antonius against the camp +at Fæsulæ, but was now engaged against some Alpine tribes.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> When Metellus was commanding against Catiline, it is +suggested that he marched towards Rome to support his brother, but this +is conjecture.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> Sister of P. Clodius. Of this famous woman we shall hear +often again. She is believed to be the Lesbia of Catullus, and she is +the "Palatine Medea" of the speech <i>pro Cælio</i>. Yet, in spite of +Cicero's denunciations of her, he seems at one time to have been so fond +of her society as to rouse Terentia's jealousy.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> Wife of Pompey—divorced by him on his return from the +East.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> On the next meeting of the senate. The second was a <i>dies +comitialis</i> on which the senate usually did not meet (Cæs. <i>B. Civ.</i> i. +<span class="smcap lowercase">I</span>).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> For the riots caused by his contests with Cato (on which +the senate seems to have passed the <i>senatus consultum ultimum</i>), and +for his having left Rome while tribune.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> P. Sestius was serving as proquæstor in Macedonia under +Gaius Antonius. As tribune in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57 he worked for Cicero's recall, but +was afterwards prosecuted <i>de vi</i>, and defended by Cicero.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> Gaius Antonius, Cicero's colleague in the consulship. He +had the province of Macedonia after the consulship, Cicero having +voluntarily withdrawn in his favour to secure his support against +Catiline. Scandal said that he had bargained to pay Cicero large sums +from the profits of the province. He governed so corruptly and +unsuccessfully that he was on his return condemned of <i>maiestas</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> From expressions in the following letters it seems certain +that this refers to money expected from Gaius Antonius; but we have no +means of deciding whether or no Teucris is a pseudonym for some agent. +Cicero had undertaken to be the advocate and supporter of Antonius, and +though as an actual <i>patronus</i> in court he could not take money, he may +have felt justified in receiving supplies from him. Still, he knew the +character of Antonius, and how such wealth was likely to be got, and it +is not a pleasant affair.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> Money-lenders.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> The rich and cross-grained uncle of Atticus. See Letter +<a href="#X_A_I_1">X</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> Cicero quotes half a Greek verse of Menander's, +ταὐτόματον ἡμῶν, leaving Atticus to fill up the other two words, +καλλίω βουλεύεται, "Chance designs better than we ourselves."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> Mucia was suspected of intriguing with Iulius Cæsar.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> The chief festival of the Bona Dea (Tellus) was in May. +The celebration referred to here took place on the night between the 3rd +and 4th of December. It was a state function (<i>pro populo</i>), and was +celebrated in the presence of the Vestals and the wife of the consul or +prætor urbanus, <i>in ea domo quæ est in imperio</i>. As Cæsar was Pontifex +Maximus, as well as prætor urbanus, it took place in the <i>Regia</i>, the +Pontiff's official house (Plutarch, <i>Cic.</i> 19; Dio, xxxvii. 35).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> The word (<i>comperisse</i>) used by Cicero in regard to the +Catilinarian conspiracy; it had apparently become a subject of rather +malignant chaff.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> Cicero is hinting at the danger of prosecution hanging +over the head of Antonius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> Reading <i>tibi ipsi</i> (not <i>ipse</i>), with Tyrrell.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> <i>Ora soluta.</i> Or, if <i>ancora sublata</i> be read, "when the +anchor was already weighed." In either case it means "just as you were +starting." Atticus wrote on board, and gave the letter to a carrier to +take on shore.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> A word lost in the text.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> See end of Letter <a href="#XXI_A_I_16">XXI</a>. Cicero playfully supposes that +Atticus only stayed in his villa in Epirus to offer sacrifices to the +nymph in his gymnasium, and then hurried off to Sicyon, where people +owed him money which he wanted to get. He goes to Antonius first to get +his authority for putting pressure on Sicyon, and perhaps even some +military force.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> C. Calpurnius Piso (consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67), brother of the consul +of the year, had been governor of Gallia Narbonensis (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 66-65), and +had suppressed a rising of the Allobroges, the most troublesome tribe in +the province, who were, in fact, again in rebellion.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> M. Pupius Piso.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> "By the expression of his face rather than the force of +his expressions" (Tyrrell).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> See p. 27, <a href="#Footnote_71_71">note 2</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> Pompey.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> Or, "inclose with my speech"; in both cases the dative +<i>orationi meæ</i> is peculiar. No speech exists containing such a +description, but we have only two of the previous year extant (<i>pro +Flacco</i> and <i>pro Archia Poeta</i>). Cicero was probably sending it, +whichever it was, to Atticus to be copied by his <i>librarii</i>, and +published. Atticus had apparently some other works of Cicero's in hand, +for which he had sent him some "queries."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> Apparently the speech in the senate referred to in Letter +<a href="#XIV_F_V_2">XIV</a>, p. <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, spoken on 1st January, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 62. Metellus had prevented his +<i>contio</i> the day before.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> The letter giving this description is lost. I think +<i>frigebat</i> is epistolary imperfect—"<i>he</i> is in the cold shade," not, +"<i>it</i> fell flat."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> πανήγυρις. Cicero uses the word (an honourable +one in Greek) contemptuously of the rabble brought together at a +market.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> Pompey's general commendation of the decrees of the senate +would include those regarding the Catiline conspirators, and he +therefore claimed to have satisfied Cicero.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> <i>Meis omnibus litteris</i>, the MS. reading. Prof. Tyrrell's +emendation, <i>orationibus meis, omnibus litteris</i>, "in my speeches, every +letter of them," seems to me even harsher than the MS., a gross +exaggeration, and doubtful Latin. <i>Meis litteris</i> is well supported by +<i>literæ forenses et senatoriæ</i> of <i>de Off.</i> 2, § 3, and though it is an +unusual mode of referring to speeches, we must remember that they were +now published and were "literature." The particular reference is to the +speech <i>pro Imperio Pompeii</i>, in which, among other things, the whole +credit of the reduction of Spartacus's gladiators is given to Pompey, +whereas the brunt of the war had been borne by Crassus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> Fufius, though Cicero does not say so, must have vetoed +the decree, but in the face of such a majority withdrew his veto. The +practice seems to have been, in case of tribunician veto, to take the +vote, which remained as an <i>auctoritas senatus</i>, but was not a <i>senatus +consultum</i> unless the tribune was induced to withdraw.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> <i>Comperisse</i>. See Letter <a href="#XVII_F_V_5">XVII</a>, <a href="#Footnote_72_72">note 1</a>, p. <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> See Letters <a href="#XVI_A_I_12">XVI</a> and <a href="#XVIII_A_1_13">XVIII</a>, pp. <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> παντοίης ἀρέτης μιμνήσκεο (Hom. <i>Il.</i> xxii. 8)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> The allotment of provinces had been put off (see <a href="#XIX_A_I_14">last +letter</a>) till the affair of Clodius's trial was settled; consequently +Quintus would not have much time for preparation, and would soon set +out. He would cross to Dyrrachium, and proceed along the <i>via Egnatia</i> +to Thessalonica. He might meet Atticus at Dyrrachium, or go out of his +way to call on him at Buthrotum.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> ὕστερον πρότερον Ὁμηρικῶς.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> That is, the resolution of the senate, that the consuls +should endeavour to get the bill passed.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> Cicero deposed to having seen Clodius in Rome three hours +after he swore that he was at Interamna (ninety miles off), thus +spoiling his alibi.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> The difficulty of this sentence is well known. The juries +were now made up of three <i>decuriæ</i>—senators, equites, and <i>tribuni +ærarii</i>. But the exact meaning of <i>tribuni ærarii</i> is not known, beyond +the fact that they formed an <i>ordo</i>, coming immediately below the +equites. Possibly they were old tribal officers who had the duty of +distributing pay or collecting taxes (to which the translation supposes +a punning reference), and as such were required to be of a <i>census</i> +immediately below that of the equites. I do not profess to be satisfied, +but I cannot think that Professor Tyrrell's proposal makes matters much +easier—<i>tribuni non tam ærarii, ut appellantur, quam ærati</i>; for his +translation of <i>ærati</i> as "bribed" is not better supported, and is a +less natural deduction than "moneyed."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98"></a><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, the Athenians. Xenocrates of Calchedon (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +396-314), residing at Athens, is said to have been so trusted that his +word was taken as a witness without an oath (Diog. Laert. <span class="smcap lowercase">IV</span>. ii. 4).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99"></a><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> Q. Cæcilius Numidicus, consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 109, commanded against +Iugurtha. The event referred to in the text is said to have occurred on +his trial <i>de repetundis</i>, after his return from a province which he had +held as proprætor (Val. Max. <span class="smcap lowercase">II</span>. x. 1).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> Hom. <i>Il.</i> xvi. 112: +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">ἕσπετε νῦν μοι, Μοῦσαι, Ὀλύμπια δώματ' ἔχουσαι<br /></span> +<span class="i0">ὅππως δὴ πρῶτον πῦρ ἔμπεσε νηυσὶν Ἀχαίων.<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_101_101" id="Footnote_101_101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> The reference is to Crassus. But the rest is very dark. +The old commentators say that he is here called <i>ex Nanneianis</i> because +he made a large sum of money by the property of one Nanneius, who was +among those proscribed by Sulla. His calling Crassus his "panegyrist" is +explained by Letter <a href="#XIX_A_I_14">XIX</a>, pp. <a href="#Page_33">33-34</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_102_102" id="Footnote_102_102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> C. Curio, the elder, defended Clodius. He had bought the +villa of Marius (a native of Arpinum) at Baiæ.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_103_103" id="Footnote_103_103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> Q. Marcius Rex married a sister of Clodius, and dying, +left him no legacy.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_104_104" id="Footnote_104_104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> L. Afranius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_105_105" id="Footnote_105_105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> Reading <i>deterioris histrionis similis</i>, "like an +inferior actor."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_106_106" id="Footnote_106_106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, married to Cato's sister. +Consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54. A strong aristocrat and vehement opponent of Cæsar.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_107_107" id="Footnote_107_107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> Aufidius Lurco had apparently proposed his law on bribery +between the time of the notice of the elections (<i>indictio</i>) and the +elections themselves, which was against a provision of the <i>leges Ælia +et Fufia</i>. What his breach of the law was in entering on his office +originally we do not know: perhaps some neglect of auspices, or his +personal deformity.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_108_108" id="Footnote_108_108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i> to Quintus Cicero, now proprætor in Asia, who +apparently wished his brother-in-law to come to Asia in some official +capacity.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_109_109" id="Footnote_109_109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">[109]</span></a> Some epigrams or inscriptions under a portrait bust of +Cicero in the gymnasium of Atticus's villa at Buthrotum. Atticus had a +taste for such compositions. See Nepos, <i>Att.</i> 18; Pliny, <i>N. H.</i> 35, § +11.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_110_110" id="Footnote_110_110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">[110]</span></a> Cicero had defended Archias, and Thyillus seems also to +have been intimate with him: but he says Archias, after complimenting +the Luculli by a poem, is now doing the same to the Cæcilii Metelli. The +"Cæcilian drama" is a reference to the old dramatist, Cæcilius Statius +(<i>ob.</i> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 168).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_111_111" id="Footnote_111_111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">[111]</span></a> Of Amaltheia, nurse of Zeus in Crete, there were plenty +of legends. Atticus is making in his house something like what Cicero +had made in his, and called his academia or gymnasium. That of Atticus +was probably also a summer house or study, with garden, fountains, etc., +and a shrine or statue of Amaltheia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_112_112" id="Footnote_112_112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">[112]</span></a> Cicero is evidently very anxious as to the +misunderstanding between Quintus and his brother-in-law Atticus, caused, +as he hints, or at any rate not allayed, by Pomponia. The letter is very +carefully written, without the familiar tone and mixture of jest and +earnest common to most of the letters to Atticus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_113_113" id="Footnote_113_113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">[113]</span></a> At the end of the <i>via Egnatia</i>, which started from +Dyrrachium.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_114_114" id="Footnote_114_114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">[114]</span></a> The election in question is that to be held in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60 +for the consulship of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59. Cæsar and Bibulus were elected, and +apparently were the only two candidates declared as yet. They were, of +course, extremists, and Lucceius seems to reckon on getting in by +forming a coalition with either one or the other, and so getting the +support of one of the extreme parties, with the moderates, for himself. +The bargain eventually made was between Lucceius and Cæsar, the former +finding the money. But the Optimates found more, and carried Bibulus. +Arrius is Q. Arrius the orator (see Index). C. Piso is the consul of +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_115_115" id="Footnote_115_115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">[115]</span></a> Reading (mainly with Schutz) <i>animus præsens et voluntas, +tamen etiam atque etiam ipsa medicinam refugit</i>. The verb <i>refugit</i> is +very doubtful, but it gives nearly the sense required. Cicero is ready +to be as brave and active as before, but the state will not do its part. +It has, for instance, blundered in the matter of the law against +judicial corruption. The senate offended the equites by proposing it, +and yet did not carry the law. I think <i>animus</i> and <i>voluntas</i> must +refer to Cicero, not the state, to which in his present humour he would +not attribute them.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_116_116" id="Footnote_116_116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">[116]</span></a> The temple of Iuventas was vowed by M. Livius after the +battle of the Metaurus (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 207), and dedicated in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 191 by C. +Licinius Lucullus, games being established on the anniversary of its +dedication (Livy, xxi. 62; xxxvi. 36). It is suggested, therefore, that +some of the Luculli usually presided at these games, but on this +occasion refused, because of the injury done by C. Memmius, who was +curule ædile.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_117_117" id="Footnote_117_117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">[117]</span></a> By Agamemnon and Menelaus Cicero means Lucius and Marcus +Lucullus; the former Memmius had, as tribune in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 66-65, opposed in +his demand for a triumph, the latter he has now injured in the person of +his wife.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_118_118" id="Footnote_118_118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">[118]</span></a> A man who was <i>sui iuris</i> was properly adopted before the +<i>commitia curiata</i>, now represented by thirty lictors. What Herennius +proposed was that it should take place by a regular <i>lex</i>, passed by the +<i>comitia tributa</i>. The object apparently was to avoid the necessity of +the presence of a pontifex and augur, which was required at the <i>comitia +curiata</i>. The concurrent law by the consul would come before the +<i>comitia centuriata</i>. The adopter was P. Fonteius, a very young man.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_119_119" id="Footnote_119_119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">[119]</span></a> L. Afranius, the other consul.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_120_120" id="Footnote_120_120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">[120]</span></a> M. Lollius Palicanus, "a mere mob orator" (<i>Brutus</i>, +§223).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_121_121" id="Footnote_121_121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">[121]</span></a> The <i>toga picta</i> of a triumphator, which Pompey, by +special law, was authorized to wear at the games. Cicero uses the +contemptuous diminutive, <i>togula</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_122_122" id="Footnote_122_122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">[122]</span></a> To be absent from the census without excuse rendered a +man liable to penalties. Cicero will therefore put up notices in +Atticus's various places of business or residence of his intention to +appear in due course. To appear just at the end of the period was, it +seems, in the case of a man of business, advisable, that he might be +rated at the actual amount of his property, no more or less.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_123_123" id="Footnote_123_123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">[123]</span></a> A special title given to the Ædui on their application +for alliance. Cæsar, <i>B. G.</i> i. 33.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_124_124" id="Footnote_124_124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">[124]</span></a> The migration of the Helvetii did not actually begin till +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58. Cæsar tells us in the first book of his <i>Commentaries</i> how he +stopped it.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_125_125" id="Footnote_125_125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_125_125"><span class="label">[125]</span></a> Consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 69, superseded in Crete by Pompey <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65. +Triumphed <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_126_126" id="Footnote_126_126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_126_126"><span class="label">[126]</span></a> Prætor <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63, defended by Cicero in an extant oration.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_127_127" id="Footnote_127_127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_127_127"><span class="label">[127]</span></a> Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Clodianus, consul in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 72. +Cicero puns on the name Lentulus from <i>lens</i> (pulse, φακή), +and quotes a Greek proverb for things incongruous. See Athenæus, 160 +(from the <i>Necuia</i> of Sopater): +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ἴθακος Ὀδυσσεὺς, τὸ ἐκὶ τῇ φακῇ μύρον<br /></span> +<span class="i0">πάρεστι· θάρσει, θυμέ.<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_128_128" id="Footnote_128_128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_128_128"><span class="label">[128]</span></a> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 133, the year before the agrarian law of Tiberius +Gracchus. The law of Gracchus had not touched the public land in +Campania (the old territory of Capua). The object of this clause (which +appears repeatedly in those of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 120 and 111, see Bruns, <i>Fontes +Iuris</i>, p. 72) is to confine the allotment of <i>ager publicus</i> to such +land as had become so subsequently, <i>i.e.</i>, to land made "public" +principally by the confiscations of Sulla.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_129_129" id="Footnote_129_129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_129_129"><span class="label">[129]</span></a> That is, he proposed to hypothecate the <i>vectigalia</i> from +the new provinces formed by Pompey in the East for five years.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_130_130" id="Footnote_130_130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_130_130"><span class="label">[130]</span></a> The consulship. The bribery at Afranius's election is +asserted in Letter <a href="#XXI_A_I_16">XXI</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_131_131" id="Footnote_131_131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_131_131"><span class="label">[131]</span></a> The day of the execution of the Catilinarian +conspirators.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_132_132" id="Footnote_132_132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_132_132"><span class="label">[132]</span></a> Epicharmus, twice quoted by Polybius, xviii. 40; xxxi. +21. νᾶφε καὶ μέμνας' ἀπιστεῖν, ἄρθρα ταῦτα τῶν φρενῶν.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_133_133" id="Footnote_133_133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_133_133"><span class="label">[133]</span></a> <i>Pedarii</i> were probably those senators who had not held +curule office. They were not different from the other senators in point +of legal rights, but as ex-magistrates were asked for their <i>sententia</i> +first, they seldom had time to do anything but signify by word their +assent to one or other motion, or to cross over to the person whom they +intended to support.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_134_134" id="Footnote_134_134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_134_134"><span class="label">[134]</span></a> P. Servilius Vatia Isauricus, son of the conqueror of the +Isaurians. As he had not yet been a prætor, he would be called on after +the <i>consulares</i> and <i>prætorii</i>. He then moved a new clause to the +decree, and carried it.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_135_135" id="Footnote_135_135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_135_135"><span class="label">[135]</span></a> The decree apparently prevented the recovery of debts +from a <i>libera civitas</i> in the Roman courts. Atticus would therefore +have to trust to the regard of the Sicyonians for their credit.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_136_136" id="Footnote_136_136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_136_136"><span class="label">[136]</span></a> A son must be hard up for something to say for himself if +he is always harping on his father's reputation; and so must I, if I +have nothing but my consulship. That seems the only point in the +quotation. I do not feel that there is any reference to praise of his +father in Cicero's own poem. There are two versions of the proverb: +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">τίς πατέρ' αἰνήσει εἰ μὴ κακοδαίμονες υἱοί<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p> +and +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">τίς πατέρ' αἰνήσει εἰ μὴ εὐδαίμονες υἱοί.<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_137_137" id="Footnote_137_137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_137_137"><span class="label">[137]</span></a> Contained in Letter <a href="#XXII_A_I_17">XXII</a>, pp. <a href="#Page_46">46-47</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_138_138" id="Footnote_138_138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_138_138"><span class="label">[138]</span></a> Reading <i>tibi</i> for <i>mihi</i>, as Prof. Tyrrell suggests.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_139_139" id="Footnote_139_139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_139_139"><span class="label">[139]</span></a> Σπάρτην ἔλαχες κείνην κοσμεῖ. "Sparta is your +lot, do it credit," a line of Euripides which had become proverbial.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_140_140" id="Footnote_140_140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_140_140"><span class="label">[140]</span></a> οἱ μὲν παρ' οὐδέν εἰσι, τοῖς δ' οὐδεν μέλει. +Rhinton, a dramatist, <i>circa</i> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 320-280 (of Tarentum or Syracuse).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_141_141" id="Footnote_141_141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_141_141"><span class="label">[141]</span></a> See pp. <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_142_142" id="Footnote_142_142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_142_142"><span class="label">[142]</span></a> See p. <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_143_143" id="Footnote_143_143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_143_143"><span class="label">[143]</span></a> The <i>lex Cincia</i> (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 204) forbade the taking of +presents for acting as advocate in law courts.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_144_144" id="Footnote_144_144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_144_144"><span class="label">[144]</span></a> Nep. <i>Att.</i> c. 18.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_145_145" id="Footnote_145_145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_145_145"><span class="label">[145]</span></a> Atticus seems to have seen a copy belonging to some one +else at Corfu. Cicero explains that he had kept back Atticus's copy for +revision.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_146_146" id="Footnote_146_146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_146_146"><span class="label">[146]</span></a> Cicero evidently intends Atticus to act as a publisher. +His <i>librarii</i> will make copies. See p. 32, <a href="#Footnote_83_83">note 1</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_147_147" id="Footnote_147_147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_147_147"><span class="label">[147]</span></a> The passage in brackets is believed by some, not on very +good grounds, to be spurious. Otho is L. Roscius Otho, the author of the +law as to the seats in the theatre of the equites. The "proscribed" are +those proscribed by Sulla, their sons being forbidden to hold office, a +disability which Cicero maintained for fear of civil disturbances. See +<i>in Pis.</i> §§ 4-5.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_148_148" id="Footnote_148_148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_148_148"><span class="label">[148]</span></a> Pulchellus, <i>i.e.</i>, P. Clodius Pulcher, the diminutive of +contempt.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_149_149" id="Footnote_149_149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_149_149"><span class="label">[149]</span></a> Where he had been as quæstor. Hera is said to be another +name for Hybla. Some read <i>heri</i>, "only yesterday."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_150_150" id="Footnote_150_150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_150_150"><span class="label">[150]</span></a> Clodius is shewing off his modesty. It was usual for +persons returning from a province to send messengers in front, and to +travel deliberately, that their friends might pay them the compliment of +going out to meet them. Entering the city after nightfall was another +method of avoiding a public reception. See Suet. <i>Aug.</i> 53.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_151_151" id="Footnote_151_151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_151_151"><span class="label">[151]</span></a> See p. 37, <a href="#Footnote_96_96">note 3.</a></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_152_152" id="Footnote_152_152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_152_152"><span class="label">[152]</span></a> Clodia, wife of the consul Metellus. See p. 22, <a href="#Footnote_60_60">note</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_153_153" id="Footnote_153_153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_153_153"><span class="label">[153]</span></a> We don't know who this is; probably a <i>cavaliere +servente</i> of Clodia's.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_154_154" id="Footnote_154_154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_154_154"><span class="label">[154]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, in the business of her brother Clodius's attempt +to get the tribuneship.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_155_155" id="Footnote_155_155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_155_155"><span class="label">[155]</span></a> Though Cæsar has been mentioned before in regard to his +candidature for the consulship, and in connexion with the Clodius case, +this is the first reference to him as a statesman. He is on the eve of +his return from Spain, and already is giving indication of his coalition +with Pompey. His military success in Spain first clearly demonstrated +his importance.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_156_156" id="Footnote_156_156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_156_156"><span class="label">[156]</span></a> During the meeting of the senate at the time of the +Catilinarian conspiracy (2 <i>Phil.</i> § 16).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_157_157" id="Footnote_157_157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_157_157"><span class="label">[157]</span></a> The consul Cæcilius Metellus was imprisoned by the +tribune Flavius for resisting his land law (Dio, xxxvii. 50).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_158_158" id="Footnote_158_158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_158_158"><span class="label">[158]</span></a> M. Favonius, an extreme Optimate. <i>Ille Catonis æmulus</i> +(Suet. <i>Aug.</i> 13). He had a bitter tongue, but a faithful heart (Plut. +<i>Pomp.</i> 60, 73; Vell. ii 73). He did not get the prætorship (which he +was now seeking) till <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 49. He was executed after Philippi (Dio. 47, +49).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_159_159" id="Footnote_159_159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_159_159"><span class="label">[159]</span></a> P. Scipio Nasica Metellus Pius, the future father-in-law +of Pompey, who got the prætorship, was indicted for <i>ambitus</i> by +Favonius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_160_160" id="Footnote_160_160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_160_160"><span class="label">[160]</span></a> Ἀπολλόνιος Μόλων of Alabanda taught rhetoric at +Rhodes. Cicero had himself attended his lectures. He puns on the name +Molon and <i>molæ</i>, "mill at which slaves worked."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_161_161" id="Footnote_161_161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_161_161"><span class="label">[161]</span></a> See pp. <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_162_162" id="Footnote_162_162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_162_162"><span class="label">[162]</span></a> Reading <i>discessionibus</i>, "divisions in the senate," with +Manutius and Tyrrell, not <i>dissentionibus</i>; and <i>deinde ne</i>, but not +<i>st</i> for <i>si</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_163_163" id="Footnote_163_163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_163_163"><span class="label">[163]</span></a> His study, which he playfully calls by this name, in +imitation of that of Atticus. See p. <a href="#Page_30">30</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_164_164" id="Footnote_164_164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_164_164"><span class="label">[164]</span></a> See Letter <a href="#XV_F_V_6">XV</a>, p. <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_165_165" id="Footnote_165_165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_165_165"><span class="label">[165]</span></a> His translation of the <i>Prognostics</i> of Aratus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_166_166" id="Footnote_166_166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_166_166"><span class="label">[166]</span></a> Gaius Octavius, father of Augustus, governor of +Macedonia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_167_167" id="Footnote_167_167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_167_167"><span class="label">[167]</span></a> The roll being unwound as he read and piled on the +ground. Dicæarchus of Messene, a contemporary of Aristotle, wrote on +"Constitutions" among other things. Procilius seems also to have written +on polities.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_168_168" id="Footnote_168_168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_168_168"><span class="label">[168]</span></a> Herodes, a teacher at Athens, afterwards tutor to young +Cicero. He seems to have written on Cicero's consulship.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_169_169" id="Footnote_169_169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_169_169"><span class="label">[169]</span></a> These remarks refer to something in Atticus's letter.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_170_170" id="Footnote_170_170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_170_170"><span class="label">[170]</span></a> Gaius Antonius, about to be prosecuted for <i>maiestas</i> on +his return from Macedonia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_171_171" id="Footnote_171_171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_171_171"><span class="label">[171]</span></a> P. Nigidius Figulus, a tribune (which dates the letter +after the 10th of December). The tribunes had no right of summons +(<i>vocatio</i>), they must personally enforce their commands.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_172_172" id="Footnote_172_172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_172_172"><span class="label">[172]</span></a> "The Conqueror," <i>i.e.</i>, Pompey. Aulus's son is L. +Afranius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_173_173" id="Footnote_173_173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_173_173"><span class="label">[173]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, his military get-up.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_174_174" id="Footnote_174_174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_174_174"><span class="label">[174]</span></a> Cyrus was Cicero's architect; his argument or theory he +calls Cyropædeia, after Xenophon's book.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_175_175" id="Footnote_175_175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_175_175"><span class="label">[175]</span></a> He supposes himself to be making a mathematical figure in +optics: +</p> +<div class="figcenter"> + <img src="images/ill01.png" + alt="Mathematical figure in optics." + title="Mathematical figure in optics." /> +</div></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_176_176" id="Footnote_176_176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_176_176"><span class="label">[176]</span></a> The theory of sight held by Democritus, denounced as +unphilosophical by Plutarch (<i>Timoleon</i>, Introd.).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_177_177" id="Footnote_177_177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_177_177"><span class="label">[177]</span></a> Apparently a villa in the <i>Solonius ager</i>, near +Lanuvium.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_178_178" id="Footnote_178_178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_178_178"><span class="label">[178]</span></a> The Cornelius Balbus of Gades, whose citizenship Cicero +defended <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56 (consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 40). He was Cæsar's close friend and +agent.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_179_179" id="Footnote_179_179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_179_179"><span class="label">[179]</span></a> Cicero was apparently not behind the scenes. The +coalition with Pompey certainly, and with Crassus probably, had been +already made and the terms agreed upon soon after the elections. If +Cicero afterwards discovered this it must have shewn him how little he +could trust Pompey's show of friendship and Cæsar's candour. Cæsar +desired Cicero's private friendship and public acquiescence, but was +prepared to do without them.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_180_180" id="Footnote_180_180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_180_180"><span class="label">[180]</span></a> From Cicero's Latin poem on his consulship.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_181_181" id="Footnote_181_181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_181_181"><span class="label">[181]</span></a> εἶς οἰωνός ἄριστος ἀμύνεσθαι περὶ πάτρης (Hom. +<i>Il.</i> xii. 243).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_182_182" id="Footnote_182_182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_182_182"><span class="label">[182]</span></a> A country festival and general holiday. It was a <i>feriæ +conceptivæ</i>, and therefore the exact day varied. But it was about the +end of the year or beginning of the new year (<i>in Pis.</i> § 4; Aul. Gell. +x. 24; Macrob. <i>Sat.</i> i. 4; <i>ad Att.</i> vii. 5; vii. 7, § 2).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_183_183" id="Footnote_183_183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_183_183"><span class="label">[183]</span></a> Of the persons mentioned, L. Ælius Tubero is elsewhere +praised as a man of learning (<i>pro Lig.</i> § 10); A. Allienus (prætor <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +49) was a friend and correspondent; M. Gratidius is mentioned in <i>pro +Flacco</i>, § 49, as acting in a judicial capacity, and was perhaps a +cousin of Cicero's.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_184_184" id="Footnote_184_184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_184_184"><span class="label">[184]</span></a> The class of Romans who have practically become +provincials.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_185_185" id="Footnote_185_185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_185_185"><span class="label">[185]</span></a> Rome and its society and interests.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_186_186" id="Footnote_186_186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_186_186"><span class="label">[186]</span></a> Father of Augustus, governor of Macedonia, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60-59. +But he seems to refer to his prætorship (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61) at Rome; at any rate, +as well as to his conduct in Macedonia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_187_187" id="Footnote_187_187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_187_187"><span class="label">[187]</span></a> Reading <i>primum</i>; others <i>primus</i>, "his head lictor."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_188_188" id="Footnote_188_188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_188_188"><span class="label">[188]</span></a> That is, if it ends in his death, for Meliodorus of +Skepsis was sent by Mithridates to Tigranes to urge him to go to war +with Rome, but privately advised him not to do so, and, in consequence, +was put to death by Mithridates (Plut. <i>Luc.</i> 22). The word <i>Scepsii</i> +(Σκηψίου) was introduced by Gronovius for the unintelligible +word <i>Syrpie</i> found in the MSS., which so often blunder in Greek names.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_189_189" id="Footnote_189_189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_189_189"><span class="label">[189]</span></a> Clodius, alluding to his intrusion into the mysteries.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_190_190" id="Footnote_190_190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_190_190"><span class="label">[190]</span></a> Atticus has asked Cicero for a Latin treatise on +geography—probably as a publisher, Cicero being the prince of +book-makers—and to that end has sent him the Greek geography of +Serapio.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_191_191" id="Footnote_191_191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_191_191"><span class="label">[191]</span></a> In his Formianum or Pompeianum, his villas at Formiæ and +Pompeii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_192_192" id="Footnote_192_192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_192_192"><span class="label">[192]</span></a> An architect, a freedman of Cyrus, of whom we have heard +before.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_193_193" id="Footnote_193_193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_193_193"><span class="label">[193]</span></a> The triumvirs. The mission to Egypt was in the affairs of +Ptolemy Auletes (father of Cleopatra), who was this year declared a +"friend and ally." He soon got expelled by his subjects.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_194_194" id="Footnote_194_194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_194_194"><span class="label">[194]</span></a> <i>Il.</i> vi. 442; xxii. 100. Cicero's frequent expression +for popular opinion, or the opinion of those he respects—his Mrs. +Grundy.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_195_195" id="Footnote_195_195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_195_195"><span class="label">[195]</span></a> Theophanes, a philosopher of Mitylene, a close friend of +Pompey's, in whose house he frequently resided. He took charge of +Pompey's wife and children in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 48-47.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_196_196" id="Footnote_196_196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_196_196"><span class="label">[196]</span></a> Q. Arrius, an orator and friend of Cæsar's, by whose help +he had hoped for the consulship. See p. <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_197_197" id="Footnote_197_197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_197_197"><span class="label">[197]</span></a> Q. Cæcilius Metellus Nepos (consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57). His brother, +the consul of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60, had just died and made a vacancy in the college +of augurs.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_198_198" id="Footnote_198_198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_198_198"><span class="label">[198]</span></a> A captive brought by Lucullus, who became a friend of +Cicero and tutor to his son and nephew.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_199_199" id="Footnote_199_199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_199_199"><span class="label">[199]</span></a> One of the two yearly officers of a colony—they answer +to the consuls at Rome. Therefore Cicero means, "I wish I had been a +consul in a small colony rather than a consul at Rome."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_200_200" id="Footnote_200_200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_200_200"><span class="label">[200]</span></a> For distribution of land under Cæsar's law. P. Vatinius +was a tribune this year, and worked in Cæsar's interests.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_201_201" id="Footnote_201_201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_201_201"><span class="label">[201]</span></a> Theopompus of Chios, the historian (<i>Att.</i> vi. 1, § 12). +Born about <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 378. His bitterness censured by Polybius, viii. 11-13.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_202_202" id="Footnote_202_202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_202_202"><span class="label">[202]</span></a> The money due from the treasury to Q. Cicero in Asia. He +wants it to be paid in Roman currency (<i>denarii</i>), not in Asiatic coins +(<i>cistophori</i>), a vast amount of which Pompey had brought home and +deposited in the treasury. So an Indian official might like sovereigns +instead of rupees if he could get them.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_203_203" id="Footnote_203_203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_203_203"><span class="label">[203]</span></a> As he was a man <i>sui iuris</i>, Clodius's adoption into a +new gens (<i>adrogatio</i>) would have to take place before the <i>comitia +curiata</i> (now represented by thirty lictors), which still retained this +formal business. The ceremony required the presence of an augur and a +pontifex to hold it. Cicero supposes Pompey and Cæsar as intending to +act in that capacity. Pompey, it seems, did eventually attend.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_204_204" id="Footnote_204_204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_204_204"><span class="label">[204]</span></a> One of the twenty commissioners under Cæsar's agrarian +law. Cicero was offered and declined a place among them. The "only man," +of course, refers to the intrusion on the mysteries.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_205_205" id="Footnote_205_205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_205_205"><span class="label">[205]</span></a> To Egypt.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_206_206" id="Footnote_206_206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_206_206"><span class="label">[206]</span></a> This seems also to refer to the twenty agrarian +commissioners, who, according to Mommsen, were divided into committees +of five, and were, therefore, spoken of indifferently as <i>quinqueviri</i> +and <i>vigintiviri</i>. But it is somewhat uncertain.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_207_207" id="Footnote_207_207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_207_207"><span class="label">[207]</span></a> κατὰ τὸ πρακτικόν.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_208_208" id="Footnote_208_208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_208_208"><span class="label">[208]</span></a> Castricius seems to have been a <i>negotiator</i> or banker in +Asia. We don't know what mistake is referred to; probably as to some +money transmitted to Pomponia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_209_209" id="Footnote_209_209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_209_209"><span class="label">[209]</span></a> It is suggested that Aristodemus is some teacher of the +two young Ciceros, to whom the young Marcus wishes to apologize for his +absence or to promise some study.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_210_210" id="Footnote_210_210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_210_210"><span class="label">[210]</span></a> Perhaps some inscription or other ornament for Atticus's +gymnasium in his villa at Buthrotum.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_211_211" id="Footnote_211_211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_211_211"><span class="label">[211]</span></a> A verse from Lucilius. "Young Curio" is the future +tribune of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 50, who was bribed by Cæsar, joined him at Ravenna at +the end of that year, was sent by him in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 49 to Sicily and Africa, +and fell in battle with the Pompeians and King Iuba.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_212_212" id="Footnote_212_212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_212_212"><span class="label">[212]</span></a> L. Saufeius, the Epicurean friend of Atticus (see Letter +<a href="#II_A_I_6">II</a>). He seems to mean, "as indefatigable as Saufeius." But Prof. Tyrrell +points out that it might mean, "at the risk of your thinking me as +Epicurean and self-indulgent as Saufeius, I say," etc.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_213_213" id="Footnote_213_213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_213_213"><span class="label">[213]</span></a> The bay of Misenum, near which was Cicero's Pompeianum.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_214_214" id="Footnote_214_214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_214_214"><span class="label">[214]</span></a> Q. Cæcilius Bassus, probably quæstor at Ostia. Antium +would be in his district.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_215_215" id="Footnote_215_215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_215_215"><span class="label">[215]</span></a> βοῶπις, <i>sc.</i> Clodia. She is to talk to her +brother about Cicero. She is "Iuno" perhaps as an enemy—as Bacon called +the Duchess of Burgundy Henry VII.'s Iuno—or perhaps for a less decent +reason, as <i>coniux sororque</i> of Publius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_216_216" id="Footnote_216_216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_216_216"><span class="label">[216]</span></a> Pompey, who was proud of having taken Jerusalem. +<i>Traductor ad plebem</i>, said of the magistrate presiding at the <i>comitia</i> +for adoption.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_217_217" id="Footnote_217_217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_217_217"><span class="label">[217]</span></a> Cicero himself. Clodius may have called him this from his +biting repartees. Prof. Tyrrell, "Tear 'em."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_218_218" id="Footnote_218_218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_218_218"><span class="label">[218]</span></a> The nobility, whom Cicero has before attacked as idle and +caring for nothing but their fish-ponds (<i>piscinarii</i>, cp. p. 59).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_219_219" id="Footnote_219_219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_219_219"><span class="label">[219]</span></a> The <i>lex Ælia</i> (about <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 150) was a law regulating the +powers of magistrates to dissolve <i>comitia</i> on religious grounds, such +as bad omens, <i>servata de cœlo, etc.</i> Cicero (who could have had very +little belief in the augural science) regards them as safeguards of the +state, because as the Optimates generally secured the places in the +augural college, it gave them a hold on elections and legislation. +Bibulus tried in vain to use these powers to thwart Cæsar this year. The +<i>lex Cæcilia Didia</i> (<span class="smcap lowercase">.B.C</span>. 98) enforced the <i>trinundinatio</i>, or three +weeks' notice of elections and laws, and forbade the proposal of a <i>lex +satura</i>, <i>i.e.</i>, a law containing a number of miscellaneous enactments. +Perhaps its violation refers to the <i>acta</i> of Pompey in the East, which +he wanted to have confirmed <i>en bloc</i>. The senate had made difficulties: +but one of the fruits of the triumvirate was a measure for doing it. The +<i>lex Iunia et Licinia</i> (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 62) confirmed the <i>Cæcilia Didia</i>, and +secured that the people knew what the proposed laws were.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_220_220" id="Footnote_220_220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_220_220"><span class="label">[220]</span></a> As Pompey did in Asia, <i>e.g.</i>, to Deiotarus of Galatia, +and about ten others. It is curious that Cicero speaks of the <i>pauci</i> +just as his opponent Cæsar and Augustus after him. Each side looks on +the other as a coterie (Cæsar, <i>B. C.</i> i. 22; Monum. Ancyr. i. § 1)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_221_221" id="Footnote_221_221"></a><a href="#FNanchor_221_221"><span class="label">[221]</span></a> Theophrastus, successor of Aristotle at the Lyceum, +Athens (p. <a href="#Page_70">70</a>).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_222_222" id="Footnote_222_222"></a><a href="#FNanchor_222_222"><span class="label">[222]</span></a> The purple-bordered toga of the augur. Vatinius did not +get the augurship. He had some disfiguring swelling or wen.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_223_223" id="Footnote_223_223"></a><a href="#FNanchor_223_223"><span class="label">[223]</span></a> Himself.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_224_224" id="Footnote_224_224"></a><a href="#FNanchor_224_224"><span class="label">[224]</span></a> ἄνδρ' ἀπαμύνεσθαι, ὅτε τις πρότερος χαλεπήνῃ +(Hom. <i>Il.</i> xxiv. 369).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_225_225" id="Footnote_225_225"></a><a href="#FNanchor_225_225"><span class="label">[225]</span></a> Written in Greek, perhaps by the boy himself.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_226_226" id="Footnote_226_226"></a><a href="#FNanchor_226_226"><span class="label">[226]</span></a> Where the road from Antium joins the Appia. Cicero seems +to be on his way to Formiæ, where he had intended to arrive on the 21st. +He must be going very leisurely.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_227_227" id="Footnote_227_227"></a><a href="#FNanchor_227_227"><span class="label">[227]</span></a> Δικαίαρχος and ἀδικαίαρχοι, a pun on +a name not reproducible in English: "just-rulers" and "unjust-rulers."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_228_228" id="Footnote_228_228"></a><a href="#FNanchor_228_228"><span class="label">[228]</span></a> On the <i>via Appia</i>. Cicero halts at Appii Forum and at +once despatches a short note, probably by some one he finds there going +to Rome, to announce a change of plan. He had meant to get back to +Antium on 6th May, because Tullia wanted to see the games. See Letter +<a href="#XXXIV_A_II_8">XXXIV</a>, p. <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_229_229" id="Footnote_229_229"></a><a href="#FNanchor_229_229"><span class="label">[229]</span></a> Homer, <i>Odyss.</i> ix. 27.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_230_230" id="Footnote_230_230"></a><a href="#FNanchor_230_230"><span class="label">[230]</span></a> τηλέπυλον Λαιστρυγονίην, whose king Lamus +(<i>Odyss.</i> x. 81) was supposed to have founded Formiæ (Horace, <i>Od.</i> iii. +17).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_231_231" id="Footnote_231_231"></a><a href="#FNanchor_231_231"><span class="label">[231]</span></a> A despatch from senate or consuls. See Letter <a href="#XXIV_A_I_19">XXIV</a>, p. +<a href="#Page_60">60</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_232_232" id="Footnote_232_232"></a><a href="#FNanchor_232_232"><span class="label">[232]</span></a> <i>At comparem</i> for <i>at quam partem</i>. <i>At</i> has its usual +force of introducing a supposed objection. I can't, say you, compare the +Æmilian tribe, the Formiani, to a crowd in a court-house! They are not +so bad as that, not so wasteful of time! I take <i>basilica</i> to mean the +saunterers in a basilica, as we might say "the park" for the company in +it, "the exchange" for the brokers in it. I feel certain that Prof. +Tyrrell is wrong in ascribing the words <i>sed—sunt</i> to a quotation from +Atticus's letter. What is wanted is to remove the full stop after +<i>sunt</i>. The contrast Cicero is drawing is between the interruption to +literary work of a crowd of visitors and of one or two individuals +always turning up. The second is the worse—and here I think all workers +will agree with him: the crowd of visitors (<i>vulgus</i>) go at the regular +hour, but individuals come in at all hours.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_233_233" id="Footnote_233_233"></a><a href="#FNanchor_233_233"><span class="label">[233]</span></a> Because he would be inclined to sell it cheap in his +disgust.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_234_234" id="Footnote_234_234"></a><a href="#FNanchor_234_234"><span class="label">[234]</span></a> The spectacle Cicero hopes for is Clodius's contests with +the triumvirs.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_235_235" id="Footnote_235_235"></a><a href="#FNanchor_235_235"><span class="label">[235]</span></a> To Arpinum (see <a href="#XL_A_II_14">last letter</a>). The verse is not known, and +may be a quotation from his own poem on Marius. He often quotes +himself.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_236_236" id="Footnote_236_236"></a><a href="#FNanchor_236_236"><span class="label">[236]</span></a> This is not mentioned elsewhere. The explanation seems to +be that for the <i>ager publicus</i> allotted under the Sempronian laws a +small rent had been exacted, which was abolished by a law of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 111 +(the name of the law being uncertain). But some <i>ager publicus</i> still +paid rent, and the <i>publicanus</i> Mulvius seems to have claimed it from +some land held by Terentia, perhaps on the ground that it was land (such +as the <i>ager Campanus</i>) not affected by the law of Gracchus, and +therefore not by the subsequent law abolishing rent.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_237_237" id="Footnote_237_237"></a><a href="#FNanchor_237_237"><span class="label">[237]</span></a> Cæsar.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_238_238" id="Footnote_238_238"></a><a href="#FNanchor_238_238"><span class="label">[238]</span></a> The old territory of Capua and the Stellatian Plain had +been specially reserved from distribution under the laws of the Gracchi, +and this reservation had not been repealed in subsequent laws: <i>ad +subsidia reipublicæ vectigalem relictum</i> (Suet. <i>Cæs.</i> 20; cp. Cic. 2 +<i>Phil.</i> § 101).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_239_239" id="Footnote_239_239"></a><a href="#FNanchor_239_239"><span class="label">[239]</span></a> According to Suetonius 20,000 citizens had allotments on +the <i>ager publicus</i> in Campania. But Dio says (xxxviii. 1) that the +Campanian land was exempted by the <i>lex Iulia</i> also. Its settlement was +probably later, by colonies of Cæsar's veterans. A <i>iugerum</i> is +five-eighths of an acre.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_240_240" id="Footnote_240_240"></a><a href="#FNanchor_240_240"><span class="label">[240]</span></a> See Letter <a href="#XXIX_Q_FR_I_1">XXIX</a>, p. <a href="#Page_82">82</a>. They were abolished <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 60.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_241_241" id="Footnote_241_241"></a><a href="#FNanchor_241_241"><span class="label">[241]</span></a> This and the mention of Cæsar's "army" (a bodyguard) is +explained by Suet. <i>Cæs.</i> 20: "Having promulgated his agrarian law, +Cæsar expelled his colleague, Bibulus, by force of arms from the Forum +when trying to stop proceedings by announcing bad omens ... and finally +reduced him to such despair that for the rest of his year of office he +confined himself to his house and only announced his bad omens by means +of edicts." Bibulus appears to have been hustled by the mob also.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_242_242" id="Footnote_242_242"></a><a href="#FNanchor_242_242"><span class="label">[242]</span></a> πρόσθε λέων ὄπιθεν δὲ ——. Cicero leaves +Atticus, as he often does, to fill up the rest of the line, +δράκων, μέσση δὲ χίμαιρα (Hom. <i>Il.</i> vi. 181). He means, of course, +that Quintus is inconsistent.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_243_243" id="Footnote_243_243"></a><a href="#FNanchor_243_243"><span class="label">[243]</span></a> The question seems to be as to goods brought to a port +and paying duty, and then, not finding a sale, being transferred to +another port in the same province. The <i>publicani</i> at the second port +demanded the payment of a duty again, which Cicero decides against +them.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_244_244" id="Footnote_244_244"></a><a href="#FNanchor_244_244"><span class="label">[244]</span></a> Schutz takes this to mean, "Are the quæstors now doubting +as to paying <i>even cistophori</i>?" <i>i.e.</i>, are they, so far from paying in +Roman <i>denarii</i>, even hesitating to pay in Asiatic? But if so, what is +the <i>extremum</i> which Cicero advises Quintus to accept? Prof. Tyrrell, +besides, points out that the quæstors could hardly refuse to pay +anything for provincial expenses. It is a question between <i>cistophori</i> +and <i>denarii</i>. See p. <a href="#Page_92">92</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_245_245" id="Footnote_245_245"></a><a href="#FNanchor_245_245"><span class="label">[245]</span></a> The marriage of Pompey with Cæsar's daughter Iulia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_246_246" id="Footnote_246_246"></a><a href="#FNanchor_246_246"><span class="label">[246]</span></a> ἀδιαφορία, a word taken from the Stoies, <i>huic</i> +[<i>Zenoni</i>] <i>summum bonum est in his rebus neutram in partem moveri, quæ +ἀδιαφορία ab ipso dicitur</i> (<i>Acad.</i> ii. § 130).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_247_247" id="Footnote_247_247"></a><a href="#FNanchor_247_247"><span class="label">[247]</span></a> C. Curius, one of the Catiline set, who had been +ignominiously expelled from the senate.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_248_248" id="Footnote_248_248"></a><a href="#FNanchor_248_248"><span class="label">[248]</span></a> Another nickname of Pompey, from the title of the head of +the Thebais in Egypt. Like Sampsiceramus and the others, it is meant as +a scornful allusion to Pompey's achievements in the East, and perhaps +his known wish to have the direction of affairs in Egypt.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_249_249" id="Footnote_249_249"></a><a href="#FNanchor_249_249"><span class="label">[249]</span></a> See Letter <a href="#XIX_A_I_14">XIX</a>, p. <a href="#Page_35">35</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_250_250" id="Footnote_250_250"></a><a href="#FNanchor_250_250"><span class="label">[250]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, Cæsar's <i>agrarian law</i>, by which some of the +Campanian <i>ager publicus</i> was to be divided.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_251_251" id="Footnote_251_251"></a><a href="#FNanchor_251_251"><span class="label">[251]</span></a> M. Iuventius Laterensis. See Letter <a href="#L_A_II_24">L</a>, p. <a href="#Page_123">123</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_252_252" id="Footnote_252_252"></a><a href="#FNanchor_252_252"><span class="label">[252]</span></a> Pulchellus, <i>i.e.</i>, P. Clodius Pulcher. The diminutive is +used to express contempt. Cicero, since his return to Rome, is beginning +to realize his danger.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_253_253" id="Footnote_253_253"></a><a href="#FNanchor_253_253"><span class="label">[253]</span></a> A <i>libera legatio</i> was really a colourable method of a +senator travelling with the right of exacting certain payments for his +expenses from the Italian or provincial towns. Sometimes it was simply a +<i>legatio libera</i>, a sinecure without any pretence of purpose, sometimes +it was <i>voti causa</i>, enabling a man to fulfil some vow he was supposed +to have made. It was naturally open to much abuse, and Cicero as consul +had passed a law for limiting it in time. Clodius would become tribune +on 10 December, and this <i>libera legatio</i> would protect Cicero as long +as it lasted, but it would not, he thinks, last long enough to outstay +the tribuneship: if he went as <i>legatus</i> to Cæsar in Gaul, he would be +safe, and might choose his own time for resigning and returning to +Rome.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_254_254" id="Footnote_254_254"></a><a href="#FNanchor_254_254"><span class="label">[254]</span></a> Statius, a slave of Quintus, was unpopular in the +province. See p. <a href="#Page_125">125</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_255_255" id="Footnote_255_255"></a><a href="#FNanchor_255_255"><span class="label">[255]</span></a> Terence, <i>Phorm.</i> 232.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_256_256" id="Footnote_256_256"></a><a href="#FNanchor_256_256"><span class="label">[256]</span></a> ἅλις δρυός, <i>i.e.</i>, feeding on acorns is a thing +of the past, it is out of date, like the golden age when they fed on +wild fruit <i>et quæ deciderant patula Iovis arbore glandes</i> (Ovid, <i>Met.</i> +i. 106); and so is dignity, it is a question of <i>safety</i> now.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_257_257" id="Footnote_257_257"></a><a href="#FNanchor_257_257"><span class="label">[257]</span></a> Ennius on Q. Fabius Maximus Cunctator.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_258_258" id="Footnote_258_258"></a><a href="#FNanchor_258_258"><span class="label">[258]</span></a> Pompey was in Campania acting as one of the twenty land +commissioners.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_259_259" id="Footnote_259_259"></a><a href="#FNanchor_259_259"><span class="label">[259]</span></a> The <i>lex Roscia theatralis</i> (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67), which gave +fourteen rows of seats to the equites.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_260_260" id="Footnote_260_260"></a><a href="#FNanchor_260_260"><span class="label">[260]</span></a> That is, the law for distribution of corn among poorer +citizens. There were many such. Perhaps the most recent was the <i>lex +Cassia Terentia</i> (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 73). Cæsar, who, when in later years he became +supreme, restricted this privilege, may have threatened to do so now.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_261_261" id="Footnote_261_261"></a><a href="#FNanchor_261_261"><span class="label">[261]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, as one of the twenty land commissioners. The next +clause seems to refer to some proverbial expression, "to be invited to a +place at Pluto's table," or some such sentence. Cicero means that his +acceptance would be equivalent to political extinction, either from the +obscurity of Cosconius or the inconsistency of the proceeding.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_262_262" id="Footnote_262_262"></a><a href="#FNanchor_262_262"><span class="label">[262]</span></a> The uncle of Atticus. See p. <a href="#Page_15">15</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_263_263" id="Footnote_263_263"></a><a href="#FNanchor_263_263"><span class="label">[263]</span></a> After the scene of violence in which Bibulus, on +attempting to prevent the agrarian law being passed, was driven from the +rostra, with his lictors' fasces broken, he shut himself up in his house +and published edicts declaring Cæsar's acts invalid, and denouncing the +conduct of Pompey (Suet. <i>Cæs.</i> 20; Dio, xxxviii. 6).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_264_264" id="Footnote_264_264"></a><a href="#FNanchor_264_264"><span class="label">[264]</span></a> M. Terentius Varro, "the most learned of the Romans," and +author of very large numbers of books. He was afterwards one of Pompey's +<i>legati</i> in Spain. He survived most of the men of the revolutionary +era.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_265_265" id="Footnote_265_265"></a><a href="#FNanchor_265_265"><span class="label">[265]</span></a> See Letter <a href="#XXIV_A_I_19">XXIV</a>, p. <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_266_266" id="Footnote_266_266"></a><a href="#FNanchor_266_266"><span class="label">[266]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, in biting language. <i>Archilochum proprio rabies +armavit iambo</i> (Hor. <i>A. P.</i> 79).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_267_267" id="Footnote_267_267"></a><a href="#FNanchor_267_267"><span class="label">[267]</span></a> The <i>Cosmographia</i> of Alexander of Ephesus. See Letter +<a href="#XLVIII_A_II_22">XLVIII</a>, p. <a href="#Page_120">120</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_268_268" id="Footnote_268_268"></a><a href="#FNanchor_268_268"><span class="label">[268]</span></a> Appius Claudius Pulcher, elder brother of P. Clodius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_269_269" id="Footnote_269_269"></a><a href="#FNanchor_269_269"><span class="label">[269]</span></a> The speeches known to us of this year are those for his +colleague, C. Antonius, A. Thermus, and L. Flaccus. The two former are +lost, but we know from his own account that he had not avoided touching +on politics in the speech for Antonius, but had so offended Pompey and +Cæsar that they at once carried out the adoption of Clodius (<i>de Domo</i>, +§ 41).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_270_270" id="Footnote_270_270"></a><a href="#FNanchor_270_270"><span class="label">[270]</span></a> Βοῶπις, <i>i.e.</i>, Clodia. See Letters <a href="#XXXV_A_II_9">XXXV</a>, <a href="#XL_A_II_14">XL</a>. +<i>Crasso urgente</i> is difficult. Cicero must mean that while Crassus (whom +he always regards as hostile to himself) is influencing Pompey, he +cannot trust what Pompey says, and must look for real information +elsewhere.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_271_271" id="Footnote_271_271"></a><a href="#FNanchor_271_271"><span class="label">[271]</span></a> Alexander of Ephesus. See Letter <a href="#XLVI_A_II_20">XLVI</a>, p. <a href="#Page_115">115</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_272_272" id="Footnote_272_272"></a><a href="#FNanchor_272_272"><span class="label">[272]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, between the time of his election and of his +entering on his office. The tribunes entered on their office on the 10th +of December; the elections usually took place in July, but were +postponed till October this year by Bibulus. See Letter <a href="#XLVI_A_II_20">XLVI</a>, p. <a href="#Page_115">115</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_273_273" id="Footnote_273_273"></a><a href="#FNanchor_273_273"><span class="label">[273]</span></a> <i>Reclamatum est.</i> The MSS. have <i>haud reclamatum est</i>, +"it was not refused."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_274_274" id="Footnote_274_274"></a><a href="#FNanchor_274_274"><span class="label">[274]</span></a> Marcus Iunius Brutus, the future assassin of Cæsar, +adopted by his uncle, Q. Servilius Cæpio. The father of Lentulus was +<i>flamen Martialis</i> (L. Lentulus), <i>in Vat.</i> § 25. Paullus is L. Æmilius +Paullus, consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 50.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_275_275" id="Footnote_275_275"></a><a href="#FNanchor_275_275"><span class="label">[275]</span></a> <i>Cum gladiatoribus.</i> Others omit <i>cum</i>, in which case the +meaning will be "at the gladiatorial shows of Gabinius." As some <i>date</i> +is wanted, this is probably right.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_276_276" id="Footnote_276_276"></a><a href="#FNanchor_276_276"><span class="label">[276]</span></a> Under the <i>lex de sicariis</i> of Sulla carrying a weapon +with felonious intent was a capital crime, for which a man was tried +<i>inter sicarios</i>. See 2 <i>Phil.</i> §§ 8, 74.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_277_277" id="Footnote_277_277"></a><a href="#FNanchor_277_277"><span class="label">[277]</span></a> Q. Lutatius Catulus, who died in the previous year, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +60, had been a keen opponent of Cæsar, who tried to deprive him of the +honour of dedicating the restored Capitoline temple, and beat him in the +election of Pontifex Maximus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_278_278" id="Footnote_278_278"></a><a href="#FNanchor_278_278"><span class="label">[278]</span></a> Servilia, mother of Brutus, was reported to be Cæsar's +mistress. As Cicero is insinuating that the whole affair was got up by +Cæsar to irritate Pompey with the <i>boni</i>, this allusion will be +understood.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_279_279" id="Footnote_279_279"></a><a href="#FNanchor_279_279"><span class="label">[279]</span></a> If Vettius did say this, he at any rate successfully +imitated Cicero's manner. These names are always in his mouth. See 2 +<i>Phil.</i> §§ 26, 87; <i>pro Mil.</i>. §§ 8, 82, etc. For a farther discussion +of Vettius, see <a href="#Page_382">Appendix B</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_280_280" id="Footnote_280_280"></a><a href="#FNanchor_280_280"><span class="label">[280]</span></a> Probably a prætor, not the triumvir.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_281_281" id="Footnote_281_281"></a><a href="#FNanchor_281_281"><span class="label">[281]</span></a> Q. Considius Gallus, who, according to Plutarch (<i>Cæs.</i> +13), said in the senate that the attendance of senators was small +because they feared a massacre. "What made you come, then?" said Cæsar. +"My age," he replied; "I have little left to lose."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_282_282" id="Footnote_282_282"></a><a href="#FNanchor_282_282"><span class="label">[282]</span></a> +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">ἑλικτὰ κοὐδὲν ὑγιὲς ἀλλὰ πᾶν πέριξ φρονοῦντες.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p> +Eur. <i>Androm.</i> 448. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"With tortuous thoughts, naught honest, winding all."<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_283_283" id="Footnote_283_283"></a><a href="#FNanchor_283_283"><span class="label">[283]</span></a> +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">τὰς τῶν κρατούντων ἀμαθίας φέρειν χρεών.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p> +Eur. <i>Phœn.</i> 393. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Follies of those in power we needs must bear."<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_284_284" id="Footnote_284_284"></a><a href="#FNanchor_284_284"><span class="label">[284]</span></a> L. Valerius Flaccus, as prætor in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63, had assisted +Cicero in the Catiline conspiracy. He was now being tried for +embezzlement in Asia, and was defended by the famous Q. Hortensius +(Hortalus) and Cicero—the only extant speech of this year.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_285_285" id="Footnote_285_285"></a><a href="#FNanchor_285_285"><span class="label">[285]</span></a> ἀλλ' αἰεί τινα φῶτα μέγαν καὶ καλὸν ἐδέγμην, +"but I ever expected some big and handsome man" (Hom. <i>Odyss.</i> ix. 513). +Statius had been manumitted by Quintus Cicero, and there had been much +talk about it, as we have already heard. See <a href="#XLIV_A_II_18">XLIV</a>, p. <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, and <a href="#XLV_A_II_19">XLV</a>, p. +<a href="#Page_111">111</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_286_286" id="Footnote_286_286"></a><a href="#FNanchor_286_286"><span class="label">[286]</span></a> Reading <i>quam pro civitate sua</i> for <i>prope quam civitatem +suam</i>. I think <i>prope</i> and <i>pro</i> (<i>pr</i>) might easily have been mistaken +for each other, and if the order of <i>quam</i> and <i>pro</i> (mistaken for +<i>prope</i>) were once changed, the case of <i>civitate</i> would follow. Prof. +Tyrrell, who writes the town <i>Blandus</i>, would read <i>molliorem</i> for +<i>nobiliorem</i>, and imagines a pun on the meaning of <i>Blandus</i>. But the +name of the town seems certainly <i>Blaundus</i>, Βλαῦνδος, or +Μλαῦνδος (Stephanus, Βλαῦδος); see Head, <i>Hist. Num.</i> +p. 559: and Cicero, though generally punning on names, would hardly do +so here, where he is making a grave excuse.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_287_287" id="Footnote_287_287"></a><a href="#FNanchor_287_287"><span class="label">[287]</span></a> Whom he called (Letter <a href="#XXIX_Q_FR_I_1">XXIX</a>) "a madman and a knave."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_288_288" id="Footnote_288_288"></a><a href="#FNanchor_288_288"><span class="label">[288]</span></a> C. Vergilius Balbus, proprætor in Sicily (<i>pro Planc.</i> § +95; Letter <a href="#XXIX_Q_FR_I_1">XXIX</a>). C. Octavius (father of Augustus), in Macedonia (see p. +<a href="#Page_78">78</a>). L. Marcius Philippus was proprætor of Syria B.C. 61-59. The +governor of Cilicia in the same period is not known; probably some one +left in charge by Pompey.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_289_289" id="Footnote_289_289"></a><a href="#FNanchor_289_289"><span class="label">[289]</span></a> I have endeavoured to leave the English as ambiguous as +the Latin. Cicero may mean that he has done some good, for at the end of +Letter <a href="#XXIX_Q_FR_I_1">XXIX</a> he says that Quintus has improved in these points, and had +been better in his second than in his first year. On the other hand, the +context here seems rather to point to the meaning "how <i>little</i> good I +have done!"—impatiently dismissing the subject of temper.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_290_290" id="Footnote_290_290"></a><a href="#FNanchor_290_290"><span class="label">[290]</span></a> These "requisitionary letters" were granted by a +provincial governor to certain persons requiring supplies, payment of +debts, or legal decisions in their favour in the provinces, or other +privileges, and, if carelessly granted, were open to much abuse. Cicero, +in his own government of Cilicia, boasted that he had signed none such +in six months. The ill-wishers of Quintus had apparently got hold of a +number of these letters signed by him (having been first written out by +the suitors themselves and scarcely glanced at by him), and a selection +of them published to prove his injustice or carelessness.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_291_291" id="Footnote_291_291"></a><a href="#FNanchor_291_291"><span class="label">[291]</span></a> The governor of a province would stand in such a matter +in the place of the prætor in Rome, <i>i.e.</i>, he would decide on questions +of law, not of fact, as, whether a debt was due or not. However, Quintus +perhaps only erred in the form of his injunction. He might forbid the +deceased's estate being touched till the question of Fundanius's debt +was decided; but in his letter he assumed (as he had no right to do) +that the claim was good. Substantially it seems to me that Quintus was +right, and certainly in his appeal to him Cicero does not follow his own +injunction to disregard personal feelings.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_292_292" id="Footnote_292_292"></a><a href="#FNanchor_292_292"><span class="label">[292]</span></a> ὀρθὰν τὰν ναῦν. Quintus had written, it seems, +defiantly about the slanders afloat against him, and had quoted two +Greek proverbial sayings. The first is found in Stobæus, 108 (extract +from Teles): "It was a fine saying of the pilot, 'At least, Poseidon, a +ship well trimmed,'" <i>i.e.</i>, if you sink my ship, she shall at least go +down with honour. Quintus means, "Whatever my enemies may do afterwards, +I will keep my province in a sound state as long as I am here."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_293_293" id="Footnote_293_293"></a><a href="#FNanchor_293_293"><span class="label">[293]</span></a> ἅπαξ θανεῖν, perhaps "Better to die once for +all than give in to every unjust demand." The editors quote Æschylus, +<i>Pr. V.</i> 769: +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i6">κρεῖσσον γὰρ εἰσάπαξ θανεῖν<br /></span> +<span class="i0">ἢ θὰς ἁπάσας ἡμέρας πάσχειν κακῶς.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p> +But I don't feel sure that this is the passage alluded to.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_294_294" id="Footnote_294_294"></a><a href="#FNanchor_294_294"><span class="label">[294]</span></a> Reading <i>queruntur</i> for <i>quæ sunt</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_295_295" id="Footnote_295_295"></a><a href="#FNanchor_295_295"><span class="label">[295]</span></a> Gaius Cato, tribune <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_296_296" id="Footnote_296_296"></a><a href="#FNanchor_296_296"><span class="label">[296]</span></a> L. Domitius Ahenobarbus, who as prætor threatened Cæsar +with impeachment, and as consul (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54) tried to get him recalled. He +was, in 50-49, appointed Cæsar's successor in Gaul, defended Marseilles +against him, and eventually fell in the battle of Pharsalia. P. Nigidius +Figulus supported Cicero during the Catiline conspiracy. Gaius Memmius, +ædile <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60 (see p. <a href="#Page_51">51</a>). Lucretius dedicated his poem to him. L. +Cornelius Lentulus Crus, consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 49, accused Clodius in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61, +murdered in Africa after Pompey, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 48.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_297_297" id="Footnote_297_297"></a><a href="#FNanchor_297_297"><span class="label">[297]</span></a> There is no direct means of dating these letters, as we +have no other information as to the proconsulship of Culleolus. +Illyricum was not always a separate government, but was sometimes under +the governor of Macedonia, sometimes under the governor of Gaul. The +indications of date are (1) Pompey is at home and often seen by Cicero, +therefore it is not between the spring of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67 and the end of 62; (2) +it is not later than March, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, because from that time for ten +years Cæsar was governor of Illyricum, and before he ceased to be so +Pompey had left Italy, never to return. Even if Culleolus was not +governor of Illyricum, but of Macedonia, the same argument holds good, +for C. Antonius was in Macedonia <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63-60, and Octavius from <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 60 +to March, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59. That is, Culleolus could not have been in Macedonia +while Pompey was in Italy till after March, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_298_298" id="Footnote_298_298"></a><a href="#FNanchor_298_298"><span class="label">[298]</span></a> L. Lucceius, whom we have heard of before as a candidate +for the consulship with Cæsar, and whom we shall hear of again as the +author of a history of the social and civil wars (Sulla and Marius), and +as being asked to write on Cicero's consulship. He was a close friend of +Pompey, and took his side in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 49 (Cæs. <i>B. C.</i> iii. 18). The people +of Bullis owed Lucceius money, and Cicero asks for "mandatory letters" +from Culleolus to get it.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_299_299" id="Footnote_299_299"></a><a href="#FNanchor_299_299"><span class="label">[299]</span></a> Mod. <i>Monte Leone</i>, on the road to Rhegium, from which at +this time Cicero meant to cross to Sicily, and thence to Malta.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_300_300" id="Footnote_300_300"></a><a href="#FNanchor_300_300"><span class="label">[300]</span></a> Nares Lucanæ (<i>Monte Nero</i>), near the River Silarus, and +on the <i>via Popilia</i> (south-western branch of the <i>Appia</i>). Cicero has +therefore come north again from Vibo, having given up the idea of +Rhegium and Sicily, and making for Beneventum, and so by the <i>via Appia</i> +for Brundisium.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_301_301" id="Footnote_301_301"></a><a href="#FNanchor_301_301"><span class="label">[301]</span></a> A friend of Cicero's, of whose death at Brundisium we +afterwards hear (<i>Fam.</i> xiv. 4, § 6).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_302_302" id="Footnote_302_302"></a><a href="#FNanchor_302_302"><span class="label">[302]</span></a> The bill originally named 500 miles as the distance from +Italy. Before passing it had to be put up in public three weeks +(<i>trinundinæ</i>), and meanwhile might be amended, and was amended to 400.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_303_303" id="Footnote_303_303"></a><a href="#FNanchor_303_303"><span class="label">[303]</span></a> P. Autronius Pætus, one of Catiline's confederates, who +would injure Cicero if he could. Cicero would not be able to reach +Epirus without coming within his reach; for he had been condemned for +<i>ambitus</i>, and was in exile there or in Achaia. <i>Illas partes</i>=Epirus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_304_304" id="Footnote_304_304"></a><a href="#FNanchor_304_304"><span class="label">[304]</span></a> To Malta. The proprætor of Sicily, C. Vergilius, opposed +his going to Malta, which was in the province of Sicily, though it had a +<i>primus</i> of its own (<i>Planc.</i> 40; Plut. <i>Cic.</i> 32).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_305_305" id="Footnote_305_305"></a><a href="#FNanchor_305_305"><span class="label">[305]</span></a> Because of entertaining the condemned man, a special +proviso in this law (Dio, xxxviii. 17).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_306_306" id="Footnote_306_306"></a><a href="#FNanchor_306_306"><span class="label">[306]</span></a> In Epirus, believing that Atticus will understand that +his going to Brundisium means that he will go to Epirus: and as Atticus +lives there, he naturally asks him to come to meet him. Epirus was, for +certain purposes at least, in the province of Macedonia, and it depended +on the governor, L. Appuleius Saturninus, what reception he would meet. +His friend Plancius was quæstor.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_307_307" id="Footnote_307_307"></a><a href="#FNanchor_307_307"><span class="label">[307]</span></a> One of Clodius's concessions to the consuls, to keep them +quiet, was to get Macedonia assigned by a <i>lex</i> to L. Calpurnius Piso. +As Atticus lived in what was practically part of the province, and had +much business there, it was important to him to be on the spot, and try +to influence the choice of a governor. That being over, he would not +have so much to detain him in Rome.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_308_308" id="Footnote_308_308"></a><a href="#FNanchor_308_308"><span class="label">[308]</span></a> We suppose that Cicero has heard from Atticus that he is +not going to be at Tarentum or Brundisium, for he writes before arriving +at either.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_309_309" id="Footnote_309_309"></a><a href="#FNanchor_309_309"><span class="label">[309]</span></a> Reading <i>prid. Kal.</i> instead of <i>a. d. II. Kal.</i>, which +Tyrrell calls <i>audacius</i> in Schutz. But absolute nonsense is not to be +kept even for a MS. +</p><p> +(1) Cicero says that he has been thirteen days at Brundisium. In the +next letter he tells Atticus he arrived on the 17th. That, in the Roman +way of counting, brings it to <i>prid.</i> (29th). +</p><p> +(2) Either the date at the end of the letter is wrong, or <i>prid.</i> must +be used here +</p><p> +(3) There is no such date properly as <i>a. d. II. Kal.</i> The day before +<i>prid.</i> is <i>a. d. III</i>. +</p><p> +In regard to dates we must remember that Cicero is using the præ-Julian +calendar, in which all months, except February, March, May, July, and +October, had twenty-nine days. These last four had thirty-one and +February twenty-eight.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_310_310" id="Footnote_310_310"></a><a href="#FNanchor_310_310"><span class="label">[310]</span></a> Cicero does not mean that young Marcus is to come to him +at once, but that, when Tullia's marriage portion is settled, Terentia +is to bring him with her if she comes. Really he didn't mean any of them +to come, at any rate for a long while. Piso is Tullia's husband.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_311_311" id="Footnote_311_311"></a><a href="#FNanchor_311_311"><span class="label">[311]</span></a> If Cicero's property was confiscated, it might be held +that the slaves went with it, and would be sold with it, and that his +manumission of them was an evasion, which could not hold good at law. If +his property was not confiscated, they were to remain in their status as +slaves. See Letter CXCII.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_312_312" id="Footnote_312_312"></a><a href="#FNanchor_312_312"><span class="label">[312]</span></a> He means that had it not been for enemies in Greece and +Epirus, he should not only have gone as far south as Epirus, but +farther—to Athens. There is a good deal to be said for Schutz's +reading, <i>Achaiam</i> for <i>Athenas</i>, but as the MS. reading can be +explained, it is safer to keep it.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_313_313" id="Footnote_313_313"></a><a href="#FNanchor_313_313"><span class="label">[313]</span></a> The Clodian party at Rome. "That town" is Athens.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_314_314" id="Footnote_314_314"></a><a href="#FNanchor_314_314"><span class="label">[314]</span></a> "I have lost my chance of dying with honour; henceforth +death may end my grief, but cannot heal my damaged reputation." <i>Reliqua +tempora</i>, <i>i.e.</i>, other opportunities of suicide.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_315_315" id="Footnote_315_315"></a><a href="#FNanchor_315_315"><span class="label">[315]</span></a> A mountain range in Illyria, over which the <i>via Egnatia</i> +passes (mod. <i>Elbassán</i>).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_316_316" id="Footnote_316_316"></a><a href="#FNanchor_316_316"><span class="label">[316]</span></a> Reading <i>ab Ilio</i> with Madvig for <i>ab illo</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_317_317" id="Footnote_317_317"></a><a href="#FNanchor_317_317"><span class="label">[317]</span></a> Tigranes, a son of the king of Armenia, was brought to +Rome by Pompey to adorn his triumph, and put under the care of Lucius +Flavius. This prince was, for a bribe, released by Clodius by a trick, +and the attempt to get him away led to a scuffle in which lives were +lost. Pompey regarded this as a slight upon himself, and his partisan, +the consul Gabinius, attempted to prevent it. But both were hustled in +the forum and treated with insults. The hope of a breach in the +triumvirate arose from the supposition that Clodius had the support of +Cæsar in his high-handed proceeding (Dio, xxxviii. 30; Plut. <i>Pomp.</i> 48; +Ascon. 47).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_318_318" id="Footnote_318_318"></a><a href="#FNanchor_318_318"><span class="label">[318]</span></a> P. Plautius Hypsæus, who had been Pompey's quæstor and on +intimate terms with him. He had been, it seems, interesting himself on +Cicero's behalf.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_319_319" id="Footnote_319_319"></a><a href="#FNanchor_319_319"><span class="label">[319]</span></a> The gazette of public transactions and measures passed in +the senate, which was sent round to the provinces. We shall hear of it +again.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_320_320" id="Footnote_320_320"></a><a href="#FNanchor_320_320"><span class="label">[320]</span></a> The next letter shews that he means Hortensius. The +blunder which he complains of having committed, by the advice of +Hortensius, is that of having left Rome, rather than stay and brave the +impeachment.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_321_321" id="Footnote_321_321"></a><a href="#FNanchor_321_321"><span class="label">[321]</span></a> Because, though a provincial governor retained his +lictors till he reached Rome, he was bound to go straight home or +dismiss them.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_322_322" id="Footnote_322_322"></a><a href="#FNanchor_322_322"><span class="label">[322]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, suicide.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_323_323" id="Footnote_323_323"></a><a href="#FNanchor_323_323"><span class="label">[323]</span></a> See pp. <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_324_324" id="Footnote_324_324"></a><a href="#FNanchor_324_324"><span class="label">[324]</span></a> Quintus was a candidate in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 66 for the ædileship of +the following year. The <i>lex Aurelia</i>, which divided the juries between +the senators, equites, and <i>tribuni ærarii</i>, was passed in Pompey's +first consulship, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 70. As this was the compromise in the matter of +the <i>iudicia</i> favoured by Pompey, Hortensius, and the like, an attack on +it would be likely to give offence.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_325_325" id="Footnote_325_325"></a><a href="#FNanchor_325_325"><span class="label">[325]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, to the house of Atticus at Buthrotum.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_326_326" id="Footnote_326_326"></a><a href="#FNanchor_326_326"><span class="label">[326]</span></a> Clodius was not re-elected, and Q. Cæcilius Metellus +Nepos, who had as tribune (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63-62) been hostile to Cicero, now as +consul supported Pompey in befriending Cicero.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_327_327" id="Footnote_327_327"></a><a href="#FNanchor_327_327"><span class="label">[327]</span></a> The speech in the senate <i>in Curionem et Clodium</i>, +<i>i.e.</i>, against the elder C. Curio, who had been Clodius's advocate in +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61 on the charge <i>de incesto</i>. Fragments only of it are preserved. +They are sufficiently violent. Cicero suggests repudiating the +authorship, because the speech had never been delivered, and therefore +was not necessarily intended for publication. There is no special reason +for abusing Cicero's character on this account. If some enemy had got +hold of the MS. and published it without his consent, it was not really +the expression of his deliberate sentiments.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_328_328" id="Footnote_328_328"></a><a href="#FNanchor_328_328"><span class="label">[328]</span></a> Reading <i>nunc tamen intellego</i> for <i>si donatam ut +intellego</i>, which is meaningless. There may be latent in <i>si donatam</i> +some proper name, as <i>Dodonam</i> or <i>Macedoniam</i>, but it is not possible +to extract it now. <i>Istic</i>, as usual, means "where you are," <i>i.e.</i>, at +Rome.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_329_329" id="Footnote_329_329"></a><a href="#FNanchor_329_329"><span class="label">[329]</span></a> The <i>via Egnatia</i>, the road across Macedonia, which was +one of the great channels of communication between Rome and the East, +and which terminated at Thessalonica.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_330_330" id="Footnote_330_330"></a><a href="#FNanchor_330_330"><span class="label">[330]</span></a> The probable split among the triumvirs, alluded to in +Letter <a href="#LXIII_A_III_8">LXIII</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_331_331" id="Footnote_331_331"></a><a href="#FNanchor_331_331"><span class="label">[331]</span></a> Reading <i>defuit</i> for <i>fuit</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_332_332" id="Footnote_332_332"></a><a href="#FNanchor_332_332"><span class="label">[332]</span></a> Or, as Prof. Tyrrell suggests, "does not quote Curio to +that effect." I think, however, that Cicero does not use <i>laudo</i> in this +sense except in connexion with <i>auctorem</i>, <i>auctores</i>, and even then +generally with a subsense, at least, of commendation. The speech was +composed to be delivered against the elder Curio and Clodius (see p. +<a href="#Page_155">155</a>), but was never delivered. Its personal tone made it dangerous now.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_333_333" id="Footnote_333_333"></a><a href="#FNanchor_333_333"><span class="label">[333]</span></a> Cicero means that Atticus acted with the emotion +spontaneously arising from his affection, but not with the caution which +he would have shewn in doing a thing which he was under some obligation +to do.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_334_334" id="Footnote_334_334"></a><a href="#FNanchor_334_334"><span class="label">[334]</span></a> The ancient "colleges" or "clubs" had been gradually +increasing, and a decree of the senate in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64 had declared certain +of them unlawful. But Clodius had overridden this decree by a <i>lex</i> +early in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, and many new ones were formed, which he used for his +political purposes (<i>pro Sest.</i> § 55; Dio, xxxviii. 13).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_335_335" id="Footnote_335_335"></a><a href="#FNanchor_335_335"><span class="label">[335]</span></a> That he could do nothing against the wishes of Cæsar +(<i>Att.</i> x. 4, § 3; cp. <i>in Pis.</i> § 77). According to Plutarch, Pompey +avoided a personal interview (<i>Cic.</i> 31).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_336_336" id="Footnote_336_336"></a><a href="#FNanchor_336_336"><span class="label">[336]</span></a> The kindness has been all on the side of Atticus, who +will therefore be attached to the object of it—for the benefactor loves +more than the benefited.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_337_337" id="Footnote_337_337"></a><a href="#FNanchor_337_337"><span class="label">[337]</span></a> A <i>privilegium</i> was a law referring to a particular +person, which was forbidden by the twelve tables, and if it was shewn to +be unconstitutional a decree of the senate could declare it void. But +Cicero seems to think that such a proceeding of the senate would give a +possibility of raising the question afresh.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_338_338" id="Footnote_338_338"></a><a href="#FNanchor_338_338"><span class="label">[338]</span></a> The first bill named no one, but enacted that "anyone who +had put a citizen to death uncondemned should be forbidden fire and +water." The second, "that M. Tullius be forbidden fire and water." +Cicero says that the former did not touch him, I suppose, because it +could not be retrospective. This is in accordance with the view of +Cæsar, who approved of the law, but said that old sores ought not to be +ripped up—οὐ μὴν καὶ προσήκειν ἐπὶ παρεληλυθόσι τοιοῦτόν τινα +νόμον συγγράφεσθει (Dio, xxxviii. 17).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_339_339" id="Footnote_339_339"></a><a href="#FNanchor_339_339"><span class="label">[339]</span></a> Because it shewed that he considered himself as coming +under the new law.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_340_340" id="Footnote_340_340"></a><a href="#FNanchor_340_340"><span class="label">[340]</span></a> Letter <a href="#LXVIII_A_III_12">LXVIII</a>, p. <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_341_341" id="Footnote_341_341"></a><a href="#FNanchor_341_341"><span class="label">[341]</span></a> L. Domitius Ahenobarbus, who was a prætor this year.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_342_342" id="Footnote_342_342"></a><a href="#FNanchor_342_342"><span class="label">[342]</span></a> Though Cicero uses <i>tantum ... quantum</i> here, he does not +mean that Atticus failed to love him enough—that would have been too +unreasonable. In a certain way he means that he loved him too much. He +allowed his spontaneous feelings full vent, without acting with the cool +wisdom which he would have shewn in fulfilling a duty or moral +obligation. It is more fully expressed above. Still, it was a difficult +thing to say, and he doesn't succeed in making it very clear.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_343_343" id="Footnote_343_343"></a><a href="#FNanchor_343_343"><span class="label">[343]</span></a> Reading <i>lætæ</i> for <i>lectæ</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_344_344" id="Footnote_344_344"></a><a href="#FNanchor_344_344"><span class="label">[344]</span></a> L. Livineius Regulus, whom Cicero (<i>F.</i> xiii. 60) calls a +very intimate friend, and says that his freedman Trypho stood his friend +in the hour of need. He seems to have been condemned (in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56?) for +something, but he afterwards served under Iulius Cæsar (<i>B. Afr.</i> § 9). +The freedman's full name was L. Livineius Trypho.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_345_345" id="Footnote_345_345"></a><a href="#FNanchor_345_345"><span class="label">[345]</span></a> About Appius acting as prosecutor of Quintus. He was a +nephew of P. Clodius. See Letter CCXXII.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_346_346" id="Footnote_346_346"></a><a href="#FNanchor_346_346"><span class="label">[346]</span></a> Appius Claudius Pulcher, brother of P. Clodius, was +prætor-designate for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, and had allotted to him the <i>quæstio de +rebus repetundis</i> (<i>pro Sest.</i> § 78). He was consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_347_347" id="Footnote_347_347"></a><a href="#FNanchor_347_347"><span class="label">[347]</span></a> Cicero gives Atticus his full name, rather playfully, as +it was a new acquisition. His uncle, Q. Cæcilius, dying this year, left +him heir to a large fortune, and adopted him in his will (Nep. <i>Att.</i> +5). He therefore, according to custom, took his uncle's <i>prænomen</i> and +<i>nomen</i>, Q. Cæcilius, retaining his own <i>nomen</i> in an adjectival form +(Pomponianus) as a <i>cognomen</i>, just as C. Octavius became, by his +uncle's will, <i>C. Iulius Cæsar Octavianus</i>. His additional name of +Atticus remained as before, and in ordinary life was his usual +designation. See p. <a href="#Page_15">15</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_348_348" id="Footnote_348_348"></a><a href="#FNanchor_348_348"><span class="label">[348]</span></a> Sestius, tribune-elect for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, would come into +office 10th December, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58. He means to bring a bill before the +people for Cicero's recall, and a draft of it has been sent to Cicero, +who criticises it as not entering sufficiently into details, though he +had before said that a general <i>restitutio in integrum</i> covered +everything; but perhaps this bill only repealed the Clodian law as a +<i>privilegium</i>, without mentioning anything else.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_349_349" id="Footnote_349_349"></a><a href="#FNanchor_349_349"><span class="label">[349]</span></a> Terentia, whose half-sister was a Vestal, seems to have +taken sanctuary with the Vestals, as did the mother and sister of +Augustus in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 43. The special indignity of which Cicero complains is +that she had been forced to leave the sanctuary and appear at the bank +of Valerius, but for what purpose we cannot now tell. It is suggested +that it was to make some solemn declaration as to her husband's +property, some of which she may be supposed to have tried to conceal. +The term <i>ducta esses</i> is that applied to prisoners led through the +streets, but we may regard it as used <i>ad invidiam</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_350_350" id="Footnote_350_350"></a><a href="#FNanchor_350_350"><span class="label">[350]</span></a> In securing her husband's advocacy.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_351_351" id="Footnote_351_351"></a><a href="#FNanchor_351_351"><span class="label">[351]</span></a> Mention is made of Terentia's separate estate in Letters +<a href="#XXX_A_II_4">XXX</a> and <a href="#LXXXI_F_XIV_1">LXXXI</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_352_352" id="Footnote_352_352"></a><a href="#FNanchor_352_352"><span class="label">[352]</span></a> Cn. Plancius, quæstor in Macedonia, whose kindness Cicero +lauds highly when defending him in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_353_353" id="Footnote_353_353"></a><a href="#FNanchor_353_353"><span class="label">[353]</span></a> The forces of the new governor, L. Calpurnius Piso, who +was to have Macedonia after his consulship, and would be sending his +troops on before him.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_354_354" id="Footnote_354_354"></a><a href="#FNanchor_354_354"><span class="label">[354]</span></a> P. Cornelius Lentulus, consul-designate for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_355_355" id="Footnote_355_355"></a><a href="#FNanchor_355_355"><span class="label">[355]</span></a> Q. Cæcilius Metellus Nepos, consul-designate for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57. +See pp. <a href="#Page_22">22-23</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_356_356" id="Footnote_356_356"></a><a href="#FNanchor_356_356"><span class="label">[356]</span></a> The party of the triumvirs.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_357_357" id="Footnote_357_357"></a><a href="#FNanchor_357_357"><span class="label">[357]</span></a> See Letter <a href="#LXI_F_XIV_4">LXI</a>, p. <a href="#Page_142">142</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_358_358" id="Footnote_358_358"></a><a href="#FNanchor_358_358"><span class="label">[358]</span></a> A centurion or other officer in the army of Piso crossing +to Macedonia. But the name is otherwise unknown, and some have thought +that it is an intentional disguise for the name of <i>Piso</i> himself.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_359_359" id="Footnote_359_359"></a><a href="#FNanchor_359_359"><span class="label">[359]</span></a> Cicero's son-in-law.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_360_360" id="Footnote_360_360"></a><a href="#FNanchor_360_360"><span class="label">[360]</span></a> The greater part of this letter was evidently written at +Thessalonica. Cicero appears to have put the date and place of departure +to it after arriving at Dyrrachium, and then added a postscript to +explain why he had come there.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_361_361" id="Footnote_361_361"></a><a href="#FNanchor_361_361"><span class="label">[361]</span></a> As a <i>libera civitas</i> Dyrrachium had the <i>ius exilii</i>, +and would not be filled with Roman officials. The crowded state of the +town—by which Cicero means crowded with Romans—would arise from its +being the usual place of disembarkation from Rome across the north of +the Greek peninsula to the East. There was doubtless always a large +traffic between it and Brundisium, but at this time of year, when +sailing would be, if possible, avoided, he might hope to find it +somewhat less crowded.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_362_362" id="Footnote_362_362"></a><a href="#FNanchor_362_362"><span class="label">[362]</span></a> This bill for Cicero's recall would, of course, be vetoed +by Clodius, and could not therefore be passed, but it would probably +influence the action of the new tribunes for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_363_363" id="Footnote_363_363"></a><a href="#FNanchor_363_363"><span class="label">[363]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, the tribunes of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_364_364" id="Footnote_364_364"></a><a href="#FNanchor_364_364"><span class="label">[364]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, securing indemnity to the proposers if there is a +technical breach of existing laws, something like the common +clause—"all statutes to the contrary notwithstanding."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_365_365" id="Footnote_365_365"></a><a href="#FNanchor_365_365"><span class="label">[365]</span></a> The Clodian law.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_366_366" id="Footnote_366_366"></a><a href="#FNanchor_366_366"><span class="label">[366]</span></a> Because they would not be protected as the previous +tribunes were by the fact of the Clodian law (which alone was +contravened) having emanated from their own <i>collegium</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_367_367" id="Footnote_367_367"></a><a href="#FNanchor_367_367"><span class="label">[367]</span></a> L. Quadratus Ninnius, tribune-elect. On the 1st of June +next he brought forward the question of Cicero's restoration in the +senate.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_368_368" id="Footnote_368_368"></a><a href="#FNanchor_368_368"><span class="label">[368]</span></a> Cicero's cousin, C. Visellius Varro, a learned +jurisconsult (<i>Brut.</i> § 264; 1 <i>Verr.</i> § 71).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_369_369" id="Footnote_369_369"></a><a href="#FNanchor_369_369"><span class="label">[369]</span></a> The tribunes came into office on the 10th of December, +nearly three weeks before the consuls, prætors, etc., who entered office +on the 1st of January.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_370_370" id="Footnote_370_370"></a><a href="#FNanchor_370_370"><span class="label">[370]</span></a> Either the <i>libera legatio</i> or the acting <i>legatio</i> in +Gaul, both of which Cæsar offered him.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_371_371" id="Footnote_371_371"></a><a href="#FNanchor_371_371"><span class="label">[371]</span></a> The phrase <i>ornare provincias, ornare consules</i>, etc., +means the vote in the senate deciding the number of troops, amount of +money, and other outfit that the magistrates going to their provinces +were to have. The provinces to be taken by outgoing consuls were decided +before the elections—in this case they were Cilicia and Spain. But the +<i>ornatio</i> usually took place after the consuls had entered on their +office, <i>i.e.</i>, after the 1st of January. For this year, however—we +don't know why—it had taken place before the 1st of December, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58. +The result of this would be that the new tribunes for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57—entering +on their office 10th December, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58—would have no voice in the +matter, and would thus lose a great hold on the consuls. Most of these +tribunes were supporters of Cicero, while he was doubtful as to one of +the consuls—Q. Cæcilius Metellus Nepos. He thinks, therefore, that his +cause has lost by this measure, for the tribunes will have less power of +putting force on the consuls to do anything for him, and yet the same +power of stopping them should they wish to do anything of their own +accord. Besides, the new tribunes may be alienated by what they may +think a measure derogatory to their position. These fears came to +nothing; the tribunes were loyal to Cicero, and the consul Piso +forwarded his recall.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_372_372" id="Footnote_372_372"></a><a href="#FNanchor_372_372"><span class="label">[372]</span></a> Because the tribunes could have vetoed any measure +brought before the people, and so could have forced the consuls to come +to terms.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_373_373" id="Footnote_373_373"></a><a href="#FNanchor_373_373"><span class="label">[373]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, that the senate would pass no decree prior to one +recalling Cicero.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_374_374" id="Footnote_374_374"></a><a href="#FNanchor_374_374"><span class="label">[374]</span></a> There is no indication in the letter as to where Atticus +is. He left Rome late in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, and apparently did not return till +after Cicero's recall. The most natural explanation is that he was in +Epirus, or somewhere in Greece, and that he had visited Cicero at +Dyrrachium on his way. I do not quite see how this should be thought +impossible in view of the last sentence of <a href="#LXXXV_A_III_25">LXXXV</a> or the <a href="#LXXXVII_A_III_27">next letter</a>. +Cicero asks Atticus to join him, but he might do so whether Atticus were +at Buthrotum, or Rome, or anywhere else.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_375_375" id="Footnote_375_375"></a><a href="#FNanchor_375_375"><span class="label">[375]</span></a> On 1st January, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, P. Lentulus brought the case of +Cicero before the senate. The prevailing opinion was that his +<i>interdictio</i> having been illegal, the senate could quash it. But +Pompey, for the sake of security, recommended a <i>lex</i>. One of the +tribunes, without actually vetoing the <i>senatus consultum</i>, demanded a +night for consideration. The question was again debated in succeeding +meetings of the senate, but on the 25th was not decided. Technically an +<i>auctoritas</i> was a decree that had been vetoed by a tribune, and Cicero +(<i>pro Sest.</i> § 74) implies that such a veto had been put in, and at any +rate the <i>noctis postulatio</i> was equivalent to a veto.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_376_376" id="Footnote_376_376"></a><a href="#FNanchor_376_376"><span class="label">[376]</span></a> Perhaps he has just heard that the sitting of the senate +on the 25th of January had been interrupted by Clodius's roughs. But +other similar events happened, and there is no certain means of dating +this note. The difficulty, as it stands, is that it implies Atticus's +temporary return to Rome.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_377_377" id="Footnote_377_377"></a><a href="#FNanchor_377_377"><span class="label">[377]</span></a> This intentionally enigmatical sentence is meant to +contain a menace against Clodius, who is hinted at in the word <i>omnium</i>, +just as he is earlier in the letter in the word <i>tuorum</i>. Clodius was a +connexion by marriage of Metellus (through his late brother, the husband +of Clodia), and Cicero assumes that Metellus is restrained from helping +him by regard for Clodius. He knows, however, by this time, that one of +the new tribunes, Milo, is prepared to repel force by force, and he +hints to Metellus that if he countenances Clodius's violence he may some +day find that there is no Clodius to save—if that's his object. In +Letter <a href="#LXXXIX_A_IV_1">LXXXIX</a> he shews how early he had contemplated Clodius being +killed by Milo (<i>occisum iri ab ipso Milone video</i>).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_378_378" id="Footnote_378_378"></a><a href="#FNanchor_378_378"><span class="label">[378]</span></a> Reading <i>ab infimo</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_379_379" id="Footnote_379_379"></a><a href="#FNanchor_379_379"><span class="label">[379]</span></a> As backing the decree. The phrase was <i>aderat scribendo +M. Tullius Cicero</i>, etc.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_380_380" id="Footnote_380_380"></a><a href="#FNanchor_380_380"><span class="label">[380]</span></a> <i>Dederunt</i>, <i>i.e.</i>, <i>contionem</i>; lit. gave me a meeting, +<i>i.e.</i>, the right of addressing the meeting, which only magistrates or +those introduced by magistrates could do.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_381_381" id="Footnote_381_381"></a><a href="#FNanchor_381_381"><span class="label">[381]</span></a> C. Messius, a tribune of the year.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_382_382" id="Footnote_382_382"></a><a href="#FNanchor_382_382"><span class="label">[382]</span></a> Clodius had consecrated the site of Cicero's house for a +temple of Liberty. The pontifices had to decide whether that +consecration held good, or whether the site might be restored to Cicero. +Hence his speech <i>de Domo sua ad Pontifices</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_383_383" id="Footnote_383_383"></a><a href="#FNanchor_383_383"><span class="label">[383]</span></a> The origin of the Latin line is not known. The English is +Milton's, <i>P. L.</i> ii. 224.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_384_384" id="Footnote_384_384"></a><a href="#FNanchor_384_384"><span class="label">[384]</span></a> The speech <i>de Domo sua ad Pontifices</i>. The genuineness +of the existing speech has been doubted. But it may very well be said +that no one but Cicero could have written it. It is not certainly one of +his happiest efforts, in spite of what he says here; but he is not +unaccustomed to estimate his speeches somewhat highly, and to mistake +violence for vigour.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_385_385" id="Footnote_385_385"></a><a href="#FNanchor_385_385"><span class="label">[385]</span></a> He will send it to Atticus to get copied by his +<i>librarii</i>, and published.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_386_386" id="Footnote_386_386"></a><a href="#FNanchor_386_386"><span class="label">[386]</span></a> Appius Claudius Pulcher, brother of P. Clodius, was a +prætor this year.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_387_387" id="Footnote_387_387"></a><a href="#FNanchor_387_387"><span class="label">[387]</span></a> It is not clear that Clodius was wrong; the pontifices +decided that for a valid consecration an order of the people was +requisite, and, of course, Clodius could allege such an order. Cicero +devoted the greater part of his speech, therefore, to shewing (1) that +Clodius's adoption was invalid, and that he was therefore no tribune, +and incapable of taking an order of the people; (2) that the law was a +<i>privilegium</i>, and therefore invalid. The pontifices did not consider +either of these points, which were not properly before them, or within +their competence; they merely decided the religious question—that +unless there had been a <i>iussus populi</i> or <i>plebis scitus</i> there was no +valid consecration.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_388_388" id="Footnote_388_388"></a><a href="#FNanchor_388_388"><span class="label">[388]</span></a> Or perhaps only "statue of Liberty," as the temple was +not yet completed.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_389_389" id="Footnote_389_389"></a><a href="#FNanchor_389_389"><span class="label">[389]</span></a> A portico or colonnade, built by Q. Catulus, the +conqueror of the Cimbri, on the site of the house of M. Flaccus, who was +killed with Saturninus in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 100. It was close to Cicero's house, and +what Clodius appears to have done was to pull down the portico, and +build another, extending over part of Cicero's site, on which was to be +a temple for his statue of Liberty.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_390_390" id="Footnote_390_390"></a><a href="#FNanchor_390_390"><span class="label">[390]</span></a> Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus was called on first as +consul designate for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_391_391" id="Footnote_391_391"></a><a href="#FNanchor_391_391"><span class="label">[391]</span></a> Sext. Attilius Serranus, a tribune. He had been a quæstor +in Cicero's consulship, but had opposed his recall.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_392_392" id="Footnote_392_392"></a><a href="#FNanchor_392_392"><span class="label">[392]</span></a> Cn. Oppius Cornicinus, the father-in-law of Serranus, is +said in <i>p. red. at Quir.</i> § 13 to have done the same in the senate on +the 1st of January, when Serranus also went through the same form of +"demanding a night" for consideration.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_393_393" id="Footnote_393_393"></a><a href="#FNanchor_393_393"><span class="label">[393]</span></a> Prof. Tyrrell brackets <i>porticum</i>. But I do not +understand his difficulty, especially as he saw none in the last letter. +Cicero (<i>de Domo</i>, § 102) certainly implies that Clodius had, at any +rate, partly pulled down the <i>porticus Catuli</i>, in order to build +something on a larger scale, which was to take in some of Cicero's site. +This was now to come down, and so leave Cicero his <i>area</i>, and, I +presume, the old <i>porticus Catuli</i> was to be restored.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_394_394" id="Footnote_394_394"></a><a href="#FNanchor_394_394"><span class="label">[394]</span></a> Cicero had given Crassus 3,500,000 for it (about +£28,000). See Letter <a href="#XVI_A_I_12">XVI</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_395_395" id="Footnote_395_395"></a><a href="#FNanchor_395_395"><span class="label">[395]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, my modest reserve. There does not seem any reason +for Tyrrell's emendation of <i>num</i> for <i>nam</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_396_396" id="Footnote_396_396"></a><a href="#FNanchor_396_396"><span class="label">[396]</span></a> I have translated Klotz's text. That given by Prof. +Tyrrell is, to me at any rate, quite unintelligible. Cicero's <i>legatio</i> +under Pompey appears to have been, in fact, honorary, or <i>libera</i>, for +he doesn't seem to have done anything. He wishes to reserve the right of +resigning it to stand for the censorship (censors were elected in the +following year), or of turning it into a <i>votiva legatio</i>, to visit +certain sacred places on the plea of performing a vow, thus getting the +opportunity, if he desired it, of retiring temporarily from Rome in a +dignified manner. The force of <i>prope</i> seems to be "almost any, I care +not what." It was not likely that a man with his stormy past would do +for the delicate duties of the censorship, and he would save appearances +by going on a <i>votiva legatio</i>. See Letter <a href="#XLIV_A_II_18">XLIV</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_397_397" id="Footnote_397_397"></a><a href="#FNanchor_397_397"><span class="label">[397]</span></a> <i>Facile careo</i>, others read <i>non facile</i>, "I don't like +being without a suburban residence."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_398_398" id="Footnote_398_398"></a><a href="#FNanchor_398_398"><span class="label">[398]</span></a> The thing which brought him "nothing but dishonour" was +his quitting Rome, and the consequent expenses connected with winning +over friends, or paying for Milo's bravoes to face those of Clodius. In +the last part of the sentence he seems to mean that, had his supporters +backed him properly, he would have got everything necessary to make good +his losses from the liberality of the senate. Others explain that +<i>defensores</i> really means Pompey only.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_399_399" id="Footnote_399_399"></a><a href="#FNanchor_399_399"><span class="label">[399]</span></a> This and the omission of his wife in the next clause, as +the similar hint at the end of the last letter, seem to point to some +misunderstanding with Terentia, with whom, however, a final rupture was +postponed for nearly twelve years (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 46.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_400_400" id="Footnote_400_400"></a><a href="#FNanchor_400_400"><span class="label">[400]</span></a> See <a href="#XC_A_IV_2">last letter</a>. The <i>porticus Catuli</i> had been, at any +rate, partly demolished by Clodius to make way for his larger scheme of +building, which was to take in part of Cicero's "site." See <i>pro Cæl.</i> +§79.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_401_401" id="Footnote_401_401"></a><a href="#FNanchor_401_401"><span class="label">[401]</span></a> Next door to Cicero's own house.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_402_402" id="Footnote_402_402"></a><a href="#FNanchor_402_402"><span class="label">[402]</span></a> He would avoid prosecution <i>de vi</i> by getting elected to +the ædileship for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, for actual magistrates were rarely +prosecuted; but he, in this case, actually avoided it by getting a +consul and tribune to forbid it by edict (<i>pro Sest.</i> § 89).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_403_403" id="Footnote_403_403"></a><a href="#FNanchor_403_403"><span class="label">[403]</span></a> <i>Designatorem.</i> This may mean (1) an official who shewed +people to their places in the theatre; (2) an undertaker's man, who +marshalled funerals. To the latter office a certain <i>infamia</i> was +attached. We know nothing more of Decimus (see <i>pro Domo</i>, § 50). +Gellius was an eques and a stepson of L. Marcius Philippus. He +afterwards gave evidence against Sestius for <i>vis</i> (see <i>pro Sest.</i> § +110). Cicero calls him the mover of all seditions (<i>in Vatin.</i> § 4), and +one of Clodius's gang (<i>de Har. Resp.</i> § 59). See <a href="#XCII_Q_FR_II_1">next letter</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_404_404" id="Footnote_404_404"></a><a href="#FNanchor_404_404"><span class="label">[404]</span></a> Perhaps by M. Antonius. See 2 <i>Phil.</i> § 21; <i>pro Mil.</i> § +40.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_405_405" id="Footnote_405_405"></a><a href="#FNanchor_405_405"><span class="label">[405]</span></a> Lit. "made all Catilines <i>Acidini</i>." Acidinus was the +cognomen of several distinguished men. In <i>Leg. Agr.</i> ii. § 64, Cicero +classes the <i>Acidini</i> among men "respectable not only for the public +offices they had held, and for their services to the state, but also for +the noble way in which they had endured poverty." There does not, +however, seem any very good reason known for their becoming proverbial +as the antithesis to revolutionaries.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_406_406" id="Footnote_406_406"></a><a href="#FNanchor_406_406"><span class="label">[406]</span></a> A slope of the Palatine. Milo's other house (p. <a href="#Page_196">196</a>).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_407_407" id="Footnote_407_407"></a><a href="#FNanchor_407_407"><span class="label">[407]</span></a> P. Cornelius Sulla, nephew of the dictator. Cicero +defended him in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 62, but he had taken the part of Clodius in the +time of Cicero's exile.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_408_408" id="Footnote_408_408"></a><a href="#FNanchor_408_408"><span class="label">[408]</span></a> Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus, the consul-designate +for the next year. In that capacity he would be called on for his +<i>sententia</i> first.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_409_409" id="Footnote_409_409"></a><a href="#FNanchor_409_409"><span class="label">[409]</span></a> Q. Cæcilius Metellus Nepos, the consul. Though he had not +opposed Cicero's recall, he stood by his cousin, P. Clodius, in regard +to the threatened prosecution. Appius is Appius Claudius, brother of P. +Clodius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_410_410" id="Footnote_410_410"></a><a href="#FNanchor_410_410"><span class="label">[410]</span></a> P. Sestius, the tribune favourable to Cicero, afterwards +defended by him.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_411_411" id="Footnote_411_411"></a><a href="#FNanchor_411_411"><span class="label">[411]</span></a> Mr. Purser's reading of <i>nisi anteferret</i> before +<i>proscripsit</i> seems to me to darken the passage. What happened was this. +Marcellinus's <i>sententia</i> was never put to the vote, because Metellus, +Appius, and Hortensius (Cicero seems to mean him) talked out the +sitting. Accordingly, Marcellinus published it, <i>i.e.</i>, put it up +outside the Curia to be read: and under it he (or some other magistrate +whose name has dropped out of the text) put a notice that he was going +to "watch the sky" all the <i>dies comitiales</i>, so as to prevent the +election being held. But this had been rendered inoperative by Clodius's +amendment of the <i>lex Ælia Fufia</i> (see 2 <i>Phil.</i> § 81)—or at any rate +of doubtful validity—and, accordingly, the only thing left was the +<i>obnuntiatio</i> by a magistrate, which Milo proceeded to make. The rule, +however was that such <i>obnuntiatio</i> must be made before the <i>comitia</i> +were begun (2 <i>Phil. ib.</i>), which again could not begin till sunrise. +Hence Milo's early visit to the <i>campus</i>. For the meaning of <i>proposita</i> +see Letter <a href="#XLVII_A_II_21">XLVII</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_412_412" id="Footnote_412_412"></a><a href="#FNanchor_412_412"><span class="label">[412]</span></a> After which the <i>comitia</i> could not be begun.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_413_413" id="Footnote_413_413"></a><a href="#FNanchor_413_413"><span class="label">[413]</span></a> P. Clodius, his brother Appius, and his <i>cousin</i> Metellus +Nepos.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_414_414" id="Footnote_414_414"></a><a href="#FNanchor_414_414"><span class="label">[414]</span></a> Metellus means that he shall take the necessary auspices +for the <i>comitia</i> in the <i>comitium</i>, before going to the <i>campus</i> to +take the votes.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_415_415" id="Footnote_415_415"></a><a href="#FNanchor_415_415"><span class="label">[415]</span></a> Generally called <i>inter duos lucos</i>, the road down the +Capitolium towards the Campus Martius, originally so called as being +between the two heads of the mountain. It was the spot traditionally +assigned to the "asylum" of Romulus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_416_416" id="Footnote_416_416"></a><a href="#FNanchor_416_416"><span class="label">[416]</span></a> On the <i>nundinæ</i> and the next day no <i>comitia</i> and no +meeting of the senate could be held.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_417_417" id="Footnote_417_417"></a><a href="#FNanchor_417_417"><span class="label">[417]</span></a> Candidate for the ædileship, of whom we know nothing.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_418_418" id="Footnote_418_418"></a><a href="#FNanchor_418_418"><span class="label">[418]</span></a> Apparently a poor lantern, whose sides were made of +canvas instead of horn.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_419_419" id="Footnote_419_419"></a><a href="#FNanchor_419_419"><span class="label">[419]</span></a> Quintus Cicero was in Sardinia as Pompey's <i>legatus</i> as +superintendent of the corn-supply, to which office he had been appointed +in August. The letter is written not earlier than the 10th of December, +for the new tribunes for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56 have come into office, and not later +than the 16th, because on the 17th the Saturnalia began. Perhaps as the +senate is summoned and presided over by Lupus, it is on the 10th, the +day of his entrance upon office.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_420_420" id="Footnote_420_420"></a><a href="#FNanchor_420_420"><span class="label">[420]</span></a> "Full," that is, for the time of year. A "full house" is +elsewhere mentioned as between three and four hundred.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_421_421" id="Footnote_421_421"></a><a href="#FNanchor_421_421"><span class="label">[421]</span></a> P. Rutilius Lupus, one of the new tribunes.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_422_422" id="Footnote_422_422"></a><a href="#FNanchor_422_422"><span class="label">[422]</span></a> This refers to Cicero's attempts to exempt the <i>ager +publicus</i> in Campania from being divided (see Letter <a href="#XXIV_A_I_19">XXIV</a>, p. <a href="#Page_55">55</a>); and +not only to his speeches against Rullus. It was because Cæsar +disregarded the ancient exception of this land from such distribution +that Cicero opposed his bill, and refused to serve on the commission.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_423_423" id="Footnote_423_423"></a><a href="#FNanchor_423_423"><span class="label">[423]</span></a> <i>Nihil vos moramur</i> were the words used by the presiding +magistrate, indicating that he had no more business to bring before the +senate. If no one said anything, the senate was dismissed; but any +magistrate, or magistrate-designate, could speak, and so continue the +sitting up to nightfall, when the house stood adjourned.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_424_424" id="Footnote_424_424"></a><a href="#FNanchor_424_424"><span class="label">[424]</span></a> Because consul-designate. L. Racilius, one of the new +tribunes.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_425_425" id="Footnote_425_425"></a><a href="#FNanchor_425_425"><span class="label">[425]</span></a> The <i>sortitio iudicum</i> was performed by the prætor +drawing out the required number of names from the urn, which contained +the names of all liable to serve. The accused could, however, challenge +a certain number, and the prætor had then to draw others.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_426_426" id="Footnote_426_426"></a><a href="#FNanchor_426_426"><span class="label">[426]</span></a> The formula whereby the senate declared its opinion that +so and so was guilty of treason. It had no legal force, but the +magistrates might, and sometimes did, act on it.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_427_427" id="Footnote_427_427"></a><a href="#FNanchor_427_427"><span class="label">[427]</span></a> C. Porcius Cato, distant relation of Cato Uticensis, one +of the new tribunes.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_428_428" id="Footnote_428_428"></a><a href="#FNanchor_428_428"><span class="label">[428]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, Marcellinus (Cn. Cornelius Lentulus).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_429_429" id="Footnote_429_429"></a><a href="#FNanchor_429_429"><span class="label">[429]</span></a> The senators not in office only spoke when called on +(<i>rogati</i>). The consuls-designate (if there were any) were always called +first, and then the consulars in order. To be called <i>first</i> was a +subject of ambition, and an opportunity for the presiding magistrate to +pay a compliment or the reverse.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_430_430" id="Footnote_430_430"></a><a href="#FNanchor_430_430"><span class="label">[430]</span></a> They went and sat or stood near the speaker they wished +to support. It was not, however, a formal division till the speeches +ended, and the presiding magistrate counted. Still, it made the division +easier.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_431_431" id="Footnote_431_431"></a><a href="#FNanchor_431_431"><span class="label">[431]</span></a> A platform outside the senate-house, where +representatives originally of Greek and then of other states were +placed. It was apparently possible to hear, or partly hear, the debates +from it. It was a <i>locus substructus</i> (Varro, <i>L. L.</i> v. 155). There is +no evidence that it was a building to lodge ambassadors in, as Prof. +Tyrrell says.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_432_432" id="Footnote_432_432"></a><a href="#FNanchor_432_432"><span class="label">[432]</span></a> The year of this letter has been inferred from the +mention of Lentulus's augural banquet. For P. Cornelius Lentulus +Spinther, son of the consul of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, was in this year elected into +the college of augurs. Yet as we know that Cicero's Tusculan villa was +dismantled by Clodius, and was advertised for sale (though not sold), it +seems rather extraordinary that Cicero should have gone there for his +health. The <i>Fadii Galli</i> were a family of Cicero's native place, +Arpinum.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_433_433" id="Footnote_433_433"></a><a href="#FNanchor_433_433"><span class="label">[433]</span></a> There were several sumptuary laws. Those which may +possibly be referred to here are (1) the <i>lex Licinia</i> (? <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 103), +which defined certain foods as illegal at banquets, but excepted <i>quod +ex terra vite arbore ve sit natum</i> (Macrobius, <i>Sat.</i> iii. 17, 9; Gell. +ii. 24, 7); (2) the <i>lex Æmilia</i> (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 68), which also defined both the +quantity and quality of food allowable at banquets (Gell. ii. 24, 12).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_434_434" id="Footnote_434_434"></a><a href="#FNanchor_434_434"><span class="label">[434]</span></a> C. Anicius, a senator and intimate friend of Cicero's.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_435_435" id="Footnote_435_435"></a><a href="#FNanchor_435_435"><span class="label">[435]</span></a> Consul of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, who had gone at the end of his +consulship to be governor of Cilicia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_436_436" id="Footnote_436_436"></a><a href="#FNanchor_436_436"><span class="label">[436]</span></a> When Ptolemy Auletes first appealed to the senate (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +57) to restore him to the throne of Egypt, it appears that a resolution +was passed authorizing the proconsul of Cilicia to do so; but as Pompey +wished to have the business, the senate found itself in a difficulty, +not wishing to put him in military command, or daring to offend him by +an open refusal (Dio, xxxix. 12). The tribune C. Cato found up a +Sibylline oracle forbidding the employment of an army for the purpose, +which served the senate as a decent excuse. The commission to Lentulus +was eventually withdrawn by an <i>auctoritas senatus</i>, and Lentulus did +not venture to do it. Ptolemy, finding that he could not succeed in +getting Pompey commissioned, retired to Ephesus, and afterwards +succeeded by an enormous bribe in inducing Gabinius, the proconsul of +Syria, to do it (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_437_437" id="Footnote_437_437"></a><a href="#FNanchor_437_437"><span class="label">[437]</span></a> Of having been induced by greed or ambition to undertake +the restoration of Ptolemy.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_438_438" id="Footnote_438_438"></a><a href="#FNanchor_438_438"><span class="label">[438]</span></a> Reading <i>tibicini</i> for the unmeaning <i>tibi</i>. It is not +certain, but it makes good sense. Ptolemy was called <i>Auletes</i> +(flute-player), of which the Latin <i>tibicen</i> is a translation, meant, no +doubt, somewhat jocosely.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_439_439" id="Footnote_439_439"></a><a href="#FNanchor_439_439"><span class="label">[439]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, before going to the senate on the Ides of January +(13th). See <a href="#XCV_F_I_2">next letter</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_440_440" id="Footnote_440_440"></a><a href="#FNanchor_440_440"><span class="label">[440]</span></a> The Sibylline oracle forbade restoring the king "with a +multitude."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_441_441" id="Footnote_441_441"></a><a href="#FNanchor_441_441"><span class="label">[441]</span></a> Pompey had at this time <i>imperium</i> as <i>curator annonæ</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_442_442" id="Footnote_442_442"></a><a href="#FNanchor_442_442"><span class="label">[442]</span></a> Because it was on Lentulus's motion that Pompey had been +made <i>curator annonæ</i>, and so in possession of <i>imperium</i> with naval and +military forces.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_443_443" id="Footnote_443_443"></a><a href="#FNanchor_443_443"><span class="label">[443]</span></a> The proposal of Bibulus to send "three legates" implied a +concession to the Sibylline verse, in not sending "an army." It was +therefore to be voted on as two questions—(1) Shall the Sibylline verse +be obeyed, and an army not sent? (2) Shall three legates be sent?</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_444_444" id="Footnote_444_444"></a><a href="#FNanchor_444_444"><span class="label">[444]</span></a> That is, the debate went off on the side issue as to who +had the prior right of dividing the house. Lupus said <i>he</i> had, because +the proposal of Volcatius was really made before the others, <i>i.e.</i>, in +the previous day's debate (see <a href="#XCIV_F_I_1">last letter</a>). The consuls were only too +glad thus to avoid having the main question brought to a vote, and let +this technical point be spun out in a languid debate.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_445_445" id="Footnote_445_445"></a><a href="#FNanchor_445_445"><span class="label">[445]</span></a> Because they had magistrates ready to stop the <i>comitia</i> +by declaring bad omens, and tribunes ready to veto any proposal.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_446_446" id="Footnote_446_446"></a><a href="#FNanchor_446_446"><span class="label">[446]</span></a> A <i>senatus consultum</i> vetoed by a tribune was written +out, with the names of its proposers and backers, and a statement at the +end as to the tribunes vetoing it. It was thus on record as an +<i>auctoritas senatus</i>, "resolution of the senate," not a <i>senatus +consultum</i>. A perfect specimen is given in Letter CCXXIII. This +<i>auctoritas</i> was to the effect that no one was to undertake the +restoration. See Letter <a href="#CXIII_F_I_7">CXIII</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_447_447" id="Footnote_447_447"></a><a href="#FNanchor_447_447"><span class="label">[447]</span></a> This is a specimen of the short letter of introduction to +a provincial governor which were given almost as a matter of course by +men of position at Rome. We shall have many of them in the course of the +correspondence: and Cicero elsewhere warns the recipient of such letters +not to pay attention to them unless he expressly indicates his wish by +some less formal sentence (see Letter <a href="#CXIV_F_XIII_6_a">CXIV</a>). T. Ampius was the +predecessor of Lentulus in Cilicia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_448_448" id="Footnote_448_448"></a><a href="#FNanchor_448_448"><span class="label">[448]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, no meeting of the senate for ordinary business. +During the month of February the senate usually devoted all its time to +hearing and answering deputations from the provinces or foreign states. +The <i>lex Pupia</i> forbade the meeting of the senate on <i>dies comitiales</i>, +and after the 14th the days in January were all <i>comitiales</i>: but +another law (<i>lex Vatinia</i>) ordered it to meet every day in February for +the business of the legations. If this business was concluded or +deferred it remained a moot point whether a magistrate was not still +bound or, at least, allowed to summon it for other business (<i>ad Q. Fr.</i> +ii. 13).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_449_449" id="Footnote_449_449"></a><a href="#FNanchor_449_449"><span class="label">[449]</span></a> That of the tribune C. Cato for the recall of Lentulus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_450_450" id="Footnote_450_450"></a><a href="#FNanchor_450_450"><span class="label">[450]</span></a> A money-lender, and friend of Lentulus Spinther.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_451_451" id="Footnote_451_451"></a><a href="#FNanchor_451_451"><span class="label">[451]</span></a> Pompey.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_452_452" id="Footnote_452_452"></a><a href="#FNanchor_452_452"><span class="label">[452]</span></a> Agent or steward of Atticus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_453_453" id="Footnote_453_453"></a><a href="#FNanchor_453_453"><span class="label">[453]</span></a> The architect. See Letter <a href="#XXVIII_A_II_3">XXVIII</a>, p. <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_454_454" id="Footnote_454_454"></a><a href="#FNanchor_454_454"><span class="label">[454]</span></a> Clodius, who was ædile this year.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_455_455" id="Footnote_455_455"></a><a href="#FNanchor_455_455"><span class="label">[455]</span></a> For commissioning Pompey with two lictors to restore +Ptolemy.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_456_456" id="Footnote_456_456"></a><a href="#FNanchor_456_456"><span class="label">[456]</span></a> Milo impeached by Clodius before the <i>comitia tributa</i> +for his employment of gladiators. Dio (xxxix. 18) says that Clodius thus +impeached Milo, not with any hope of securing his conviction against the +powerful support of Cicero and Pompey, but to get the chance of +insulting these latter. Marcellus was one of the candidates for the +ædileship with Clodius. See Letter <a href="#XCI_A_IV_3">XCI</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_457_457" id="Footnote_457_457"></a><a href="#FNanchor_457_457"><span class="label">[457]</span></a> In <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 129, after making a speech in favour of the +claims of the Italians for exemption from the agrarian law of Gracchus, +Scipio Æmilianus, the younger Africanus, was found dead in his bed. The +common report was that he had been assassinated by Carbo, or with his +privity, but it was never proved (see <i>de Orat.</i> ii. § 170). Cicero does +not here assume the truth of the story, he merely repeats Pompey's +words.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_458_458" id="Footnote_458_458"></a><a href="#FNanchor_458_458"><span class="label">[458]</span></a> M. Tullius Albinovanus. It was on this charge <i>de vi</i> +that Cicero defended Sestius in the extant speech. The charge of bribery +does not appear to have been proceeded with.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_459_459" id="Footnote_459_459"></a><a href="#FNanchor_459_459"><span class="label">[459]</span></a> <i>Adlegatos</i>, probably commissioners named to receive and +report on a deposition of an informer before the senate acted.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_460_460" id="Footnote_460_460"></a><a href="#FNanchor_460_460"><span class="label">[460]</span></a> L. Calpurnius Piso Bestia, a candidate in the last +election of ædiles.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_461_461" id="Footnote_461_461"></a><a href="#FNanchor_461_461"><span class="label">[461]</span></a> Cn. Domitius Calvinus, consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53. In the Civil War +he sided with Pompey, and perished at sea after Thapsus (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 46).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_462_462" id="Footnote_462_462"></a><a href="#FNanchor_462_462"><span class="label">[462]</span></a> <i>Ad lucum Pisonis</i>. The place is not known, but there is +not sufficient reason for the change to <i>ad lacum Pisonis</i>, a place +equally unknown.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_463_463" id="Footnote_463_463"></a><a href="#FNanchor_463_463"><span class="label">[463]</span></a> A part of Rome on the slope of the Mons Oppius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_464_464" id="Footnote_464_464"></a><a href="#FNanchor_464_464"><span class="label">[464]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, get out of it as soon as you can.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_465_465" id="Footnote_465_465"></a><a href="#FNanchor_465_465"><span class="label">[465]</span></a> Ptolemy was at Ephesus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_466_466" id="Footnote_466_466"></a><a href="#FNanchor_466_466"><span class="label">[466]</span></a> The famous C. Asinius Pollio.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_467_467" id="Footnote_467_467"></a><a href="#FNanchor_467_467"><span class="label">[467]</span></a> The postponement of the Egyptian commission.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_468_468" id="Footnote_468_468"></a><a href="#FNanchor_468_468"><span class="label">[468]</span></a> ἐξ ἀπαλῶν ὀνύχων, <i>i.e.</i>, "from your earliest +youth." Others explain it to mean "from the bottom of your heart," or +"thoroughly," from the idea that the nerves ended in the nails. +ἔξ αὐτῶν τῶν ὀνύχων, "thoroughly," occurs in late Greek, and similar +usages in the Anthology.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_469_469" id="Footnote_469_469"></a><a href="#FNanchor_469_469"><span class="label">[469]</span></a> L. Æmilius Paullus, prætor <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 53, consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 50, a +strong Optimate and friend of Cicero's.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_470_470" id="Footnote_470_470"></a><a href="#FNanchor_470_470"><span class="label">[470]</span></a> P. Vatinius, the tribune of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, who had supported +Cæsar and proposed the law for his five years' command in Gaul. Cicero +spoke against him for perjury; but afterwards we shall find them +ostensibly reconciled.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_471_471" id="Footnote_471_471"></a><a href="#FNanchor_471_471"><span class="label">[471]</span></a> A Greek grammarian and geographer, of whom we have heard +before, and shall hear of again in connexion with Cicero's library.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_472_472" id="Footnote_472_472"></a><a href="#FNanchor_472_472"><span class="label">[472]</span></a> P. Furius Crassipes. Tullia's first husband, C. +Calpurnius Piso Frugi, died, it seems, before Cicero returned from exile +in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57. This second marriage (or, perhaps, only betrothal) was +shortly ended by a divorce.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_473_473" id="Footnote_473_473"></a><a href="#FNanchor_473_473"><span class="label">[473]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, on which the <i>sponsalia</i> could not take place.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_474_474" id="Footnote_474_474"></a><a href="#FNanchor_474_474"><span class="label">[474]</span></a> Not going the right way to work to get it.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_475_475" id="Footnote_475_475"></a><a href="#FNanchor_475_475"><span class="label">[475]</span></a> At the end of the next letter he says that, pending +Quintus's arrival, he has stopped some of his building.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_476_476" id="Footnote_476_476"></a><a href="#FNanchor_476_476"><span class="label">[476]</span></a> On some alleged informality the <i>feriæ Latinæ</i> were held +a second time (<i>instauratæ</i>), really, Cicero implies, in order to bar +some additional days for public business, and prevent legislation, as +later on the election of Pompey and Crassus was prevented (Dio, xxxix. +30).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_477_477" id="Footnote_477_477"></a><a href="#FNanchor_477_477"><span class="label">[477]</span></a> At the end of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, or the beginning of 56, fifteen +days of <i>supplicatio</i> were decreed in consequence of Cæsar's success in +Gaul (Cæs. <i>B. G.</i> ii. 35).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_478_478" id="Footnote_478_478"></a><a href="#FNanchor_478_478"><span class="label">[478]</span></a> Gaius Cato the tribune, who proposed to recall Lentulus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_479_479" id="Footnote_479_479"></a><a href="#FNanchor_479_479"><span class="label">[479]</span></a> A <i>scriba</i> or public clerk, and a client of the patrician +Clodii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_480_480" id="Footnote_480_480"></a><a href="#FNanchor_480_480"><span class="label">[480]</span></a> Unknown. Cicero's words seem to imply that he nearly got +convicted, but not quite.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_481_481" id="Footnote_481_481"></a><a href="#FNanchor_481_481"><span class="label">[481]</span></a> In <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 357 a "college" was established for celebrating +the <i>ludi Capitolini</i>, in celebration of the failure of the Gauls to +take it. It consisted of men living on the Capitoline (Livy, v. 50). The +<i>Mercuriales</i> were a "college" or company of merchants who celebrated +the <i>fête</i> of the consecration of the temple of Mercury (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span>, 495) on +the Ides of May (Livy, ii. 27; Ov. <i>F.</i> v. 669; C. <i>I. L.</i> i. p. 206).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_482_482" id="Footnote_482_482"></a><a href="#FNanchor_482_482"><span class="label">[482]</span></a> It was on this journey that Pompey visited Luca tomeet +Cæsar and Crassus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_483_483" id="Footnote_483_483"></a><a href="#FNanchor_483_483"><span class="label">[483]</span></a> The name of a property of Quintus at Arpinum.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_484_484" id="Footnote_484_484"></a><a href="#FNanchor_484_484"><span class="label">[484]</span></a> Another property of Quintus near Mintumæ.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_485_485" id="Footnote_485_485"></a><a href="#FNanchor_485_485"><span class="label">[485]</span></a> The recently married wife of Atticus. See p. <a href="#Page_216">216</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_486_486" id="Footnote_486_486"></a><a href="#FNanchor_486_486"><span class="label">[486]</span></a> παλινφδία—something he had apparently written +and sent to Pompey or Cæsar, giving in his adhesion to the policy of the +triumvirs. It can hardly have been the speech <i>de Provinciis +Consularibus</i> or the <i>oratio pro Balbo</i>, which had probably not yet been +delivered, for the arrangement recommended in the former speech was not +that of the conference of Luca, while in the latter, though he speaks +respectfully of Cæsar, there is nothing in the shape of a palinode in +general politics.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_487_487" id="Footnote_487_487"></a><a href="#FNanchor_487_487"><span class="label">[487]</span></a> That is, the dowry and expenses of Tullia's betrothal to +Crassipes.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_488_488" id="Footnote_488_488"></a><a href="#FNanchor_488_488"><span class="label">[488]</span></a> <i>Tullia de via recta in hortos</i>, for <i>tu</i>, etc., and <i>ad +te postridie</i>. This may not be right, but no other suggestions as to the +meaning of these abrupt clauses have been made which are in the least +convincing. We must suppose that Atticus has asked Tullia to stay with +him and his wife Pilia, and Cicero is describing her journey from +Antium.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_489_489" id="Footnote_489_489"></a><a href="#FNanchor_489_489"><span class="label">[489]</span></a> L. Lucceius, of whom we have heard before, as having some +quarrel with Atticus. His work has not survived. No letter of the +correspondence has brought more adimadversion on Cicero, and yet +log-rolling and the appealing to friends on the press to review one's +book are not wholly unknown even in our time.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_490_490" id="Footnote_490_490"></a><a href="#FNanchor_490_490"><span class="label">[490]</span></a> Cicero appears by a slip to have written Themistocles +instead of Aristeides. The dramatic return of the latter just before the +battle of Salamis is narrated in Herodotus: whereas the former never +returned, though his dead body was said to have been brought to Athens.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_491_491" id="Footnote_491_491"></a><a href="#FNanchor_491_491"><span class="label">[491]</span></a> Reading <i>communi fueris nomine</i>. After all, the meaning +is very doubtful.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_492_492" id="Footnote_492_492"></a><a href="#FNanchor_492_492"><span class="label">[492]</span></a> Philoxenus, who, having been sent to the quarries by +Dionysius of Syracuse, for criticising the tyrant's poetry, was given +another chance. After reading a few lines he turned away silently. +"Where are you going?" said Dionysius. "Back to the quarries," said +Philoxenus. For Σπαρταν ἔλαχες, ταύτην κοσμεῖ, see p. <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_493_493" id="Footnote_493_493"></a><a href="#FNanchor_493_493"><span class="label">[493]</span></a> <i>Ferrei</i>. The true meaning of the word here seems to me +to be shewn by <i>de Am.</i> § 87, <i>quis tam esset ferreus, qui eam vitam +ferre posset, cuique non auferret fructum voluptatum omnium solitudo</i>? +There is an intentional play on the words <i>ferreus</i> and <i>ferre</i>. Others +have altered it to <i>servi</i>, and others have explained it as an allusion +to the iron age, in both cases spoiling the antithesis—he died, we +remain—and in the latter using the word in a sense not elsewhere found. +Lentulus is L. Cornelius Lentulus. See Letter <a href="#L_A_II_24">L</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_494_494" id="Footnote_494_494"></a><a href="#FNanchor_494_494"><span class="label">[494]</span></a> A money-lender.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_495_495" id="Footnote_495_495"></a><a href="#FNanchor_495_495"><span class="label">[495]</span></a> οὐχ ὁσίη φθιμένοισιν, leaving Atticus, as +often, to fill in the words ἐπ' ἀνδράσιν εὐχετάασθαι (Hom. +<i>Od.</i> xxii. 412, where the word is κταμένοισιν). Terentius is +some eques who has stopped payment.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_496_496" id="Footnote_496_496"></a><a href="#FNanchor_496_496"><span class="label">[496]</span></a> Because Clodius was attempting to pull down Cicero's +new-built house on the ground that the site was still consecrated. He +was prevented by Milo (Dio, xxxix. 20).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_497_497" id="Footnote_497_497"></a><a href="#FNanchor_497_497"><span class="label">[497]</span></a> Something that Quintus had done, perhaps about water, on +his estate which annoyed his fellow townsmen.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_498_498" id="Footnote_498_498"></a><a href="#FNanchor_498_498"><span class="label">[498]</span></a> ὁ δ' οὐκ ἐμπάζετο μύθων (Hom. <i>Od.</i> i. 271).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_499_499" id="Footnote_499_499"></a><a href="#FNanchor_499_499"><span class="label">[499]</span></a> We must suppose Atticus to have mentioned some money loss +(see <a href="#CX_A_IV_7">last letter</a>), and to have added that, though a ruinous one, his +tastes were simple, and he could live on simple fare. Cicero laughs at +the affectation of the rich Atticus. <i>Raudusculum</i>, "a piece of bronze," +was the ancient term for the piece of bronze money used in sales, <i>per +æs et libram</i> (Varro, <i>L. L.</i> v. 163).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_500_500" id="Footnote_500_500"></a><a href="#FNanchor_500_500"><span class="label">[500]</span></a> μήπω μέγ' εἴπης πρὶν τελευτήσαντ' ἴδῃς, "Do not +boast till you see a man dead"—a well-known line from a lost play of +Sophocles, containing a sentiment elsewhere often repeated, especially +in Herodotus's account of the interview of Solon and Crœsus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_501_501" id="Footnote_501_501"></a><a href="#FNanchor_501_501"><span class="label">[501]</span></a> εἴη μοὶ οὖτος φίλος οἶκος, according to a +probable restoration of the Greek words (instead of εἴη μισητὸς φίλος οἶκος, +"I might even hate my town house in comparison"); cp. +Hor. <i>Od.</i> ii. 6, 7.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_502_502" id="Footnote_502_502"></a><a href="#FNanchor_502_502"><span class="label">[502]</span></a> <i>Fratris</i>. The mother of Clodius, Cæcilia, was a daughter +of Q. Cæcilius Metellus Balearicus (consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 123), father of the +writer of this letter.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_503_503" id="Footnote_503_503"></a><a href="#FNanchor_503_503"><span class="label">[503]</span></a> See Letter <a href="#XCV_F_I_2">XCV</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_504_504" id="Footnote_504_504"></a><a href="#FNanchor_504_504"><span class="label">[504]</span></a> See Letter <a href="#CII_F_I_5_b">CII</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_505_505" id="Footnote_505_505"></a><a href="#FNanchor_505_505"><span class="label">[505]</span></a> Joined to the province of Cilicia by Cato in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58-57. +What Cicero is recommending is a clear evasion. Lentulus is not to +<i>take</i> Ptolemy back, but to go to Egypt and make it ready for him.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_506_506" id="Footnote_506_506"></a><a href="#FNanchor_506_506"><span class="label">[506]</span></a> Cicero says elsewhere that he supported this (<i>pro +Balbo</i>, §61; <i>de Prov. Cons.</i> §28; cp. Dio, xxxix. 25).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_507_507" id="Footnote_507_507"></a><a href="#FNanchor_507_507"><span class="label">[507]</span></a> The law of Gaius Gracchus (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C</span>. 123) enacting that the +senate should name before the elections the provinces to be held by the +next consuls.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_508_508" id="Footnote_508_508"></a><a href="#FNanchor_508_508"><span class="label">[508]</span></a> <i>Paludatum</i>, lit. dressed in the <i>paludamentum</i>, the +military dress in which provincial governors left Rome with <i>imperium</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_509_509" id="Footnote_509_509"></a><a href="#FNanchor_509_509"><span class="label">[509]</span></a> <i>Notam</i>, some cipher, which he had agreed upon with +Valerius to indicate that the <i>commendatio</i> was not to be looked upon as +a mere matter of course.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_510_510" id="Footnote_510_510"></a><a href="#FNanchor_510_510"><span class="label">[510]</span></a> One of the tribunes. He was convicted of <i>vis</i> in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span>, +54. Gabinius was governor of Syria <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57-54. He had been engaged in +some warlike affairs in Iudæa, for which, or for some successes over the +Arabs, he claimed the <i>supplicatio</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_511_511" id="Footnote_511_511"></a><a href="#FNanchor_511_511"><span class="label">[511]</span></a> εἰλικρινές, "pure," "clear."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_512_512" id="Footnote_512_512"></a><a href="#FNanchor_512_512"><span class="label">[512]</span></a> <i>Mihi aqua hæret</i>, "there's a stoppage in my water +course."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_513_513" id="Footnote_513_513"></a><a href="#FNanchor_513_513"><span class="label">[513]</span></a> The letter appears to be from Tusculum, because Cicero +asks for a letter every day, which he could hardly expect if he were +farther off. This year Cicero was much away from Rome, and yet his +correspondence is meagre compared with other years. So far as this is +not due to accident in the preservation of his letters, it may be +accounted for by the fact that he was working at his <i>de Oratore</i>—so +hard, that even his brother Quintus had scruples in breaking in upon +him.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_514_514" id="Footnote_514_514"></a><a href="#FNanchor_514_514"><span class="label">[514]</span></a> This may refer to the laws of Trebonius, giving Pompey +and Crassus Spain and Syria respectively, and Cæsar an additional five +years in Gaul, or to some of Pompey's own legislation.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_515_515" id="Footnote_515_515"></a><a href="#FNanchor_515_515"><span class="label">[515]</span></a> L. Domitius Ahenobarbus, a candidate for the consulship +of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, but whose election had never come off. By various +contrivances the <i>comitia</i> were prevented, so that the new year opened +with an <i>interregnum</i>; and Pompey and Crassus were elected under the +presidency of an <i>interrex</i> (Dio, xxxix. 31).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_516_516" id="Footnote_516_516"></a><a href="#FNanchor_516_516"><span class="label">[516]</span></a> Pompey.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_517_517" id="Footnote_517_517"></a><a href="#FNanchor_517_517"><span class="label">[517]</span></a> L. Natta, a brother-in-law of Clodius, a pontifex who had +presided at the <i>consecratio</i> of Cicero's house. He seems to have just +died.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_518_518" id="Footnote_518_518"></a><a href="#FNanchor_518_518"><span class="label">[518]</span></a> A friend of Pompey's. I think "your guest" must be Pompey +himself, whom Atticus is about to entertain at dinner.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_519_519" id="Footnote_519_519"></a><a href="#FNanchor_519_519"><span class="label">[519]</span></a> The extreme Optimates, such as Cato.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_520_520" id="Footnote_520_520"></a><a href="#FNanchor_520_520"><span class="label">[520]</span></a> Against the predatory and piratic inhabitants of +Cilicia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_521_521" id="Footnote_521_521"></a><a href="#FNanchor_521_521"><span class="label">[521]</span></a> His poem "On his own Times."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_522_522" id="Footnote_522_522"></a><a href="#FNanchor_522_522"><span class="label">[522]</span></a> In his poem <i>de Consulatu suo</i>, the second book of which +(Urania) ends with a speech of Iupiter, who recommends his leaving +politics for literature.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_523_523" id="Footnote_523_523"></a><a href="#FNanchor_523_523"><span class="label">[523]</span></a> A statue in the temple of Tellus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_524_524" id="Footnote_524_524"></a><a href="#FNanchor_524_524"><span class="label">[524]</span></a> Brogitarus was a Galatian and connexion of Deiotarus. +Clodius, as tribune, had done some services to Byzantium, and had also +got Brogitarus the office of high priest of Cybele. He wants now to go +and get his money for these favours.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_525_525" id="Footnote_525_525"></a><a href="#FNanchor_525_525"><span class="label">[525]</span></a> The prætorian elections, like the consular, had been put +off till February. Those elected would therefore enter on their office +at once, and so escape prosecution, to which they would have been liable +if, as in ordinary years, they had been "prætors-designate" from July to +January. Afranius's motion seems to have been for suspending the bribery +laws <i>pro hac vice</i>. Cato had been beaten: if there had been an +opportunity of impeaching his rivals he might have got in.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_526_526" id="Footnote_526_526"></a><a href="#FNanchor_526_526"><span class="label">[526]</span></a> Son of the dictator Sulla, who is known to have brought +back from Athens a famous Aristotelian library.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_527_527" id="Footnote_527_527"></a><a href="#FNanchor_527_527"><span class="label">[527]</span></a> Pompey and Crassus, the consuls.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_528_528" id="Footnote_528_528"></a><a href="#FNanchor_528_528"><span class="label">[528]</span></a> Pompey, as the context shews. In the next clause +<i>ambulatio</i> has a double meaning of physical walking and of a political +course of conduct.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_529_529" id="Footnote_529_529"></a><a href="#FNanchor_529_529"><span class="label">[529]</span></a> Philotimus, a freedman of Terentia's, seems to have been +engaged at Rome in the reconstruction of Cicero's house. The Spartan +bath (<i>Laconicum</i>) was a hot-air bath, like a Turkish bath.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_530_530" id="Footnote_530_530"></a><a href="#FNanchor_530_530"><span class="label">[530]</span></a> The tribunes had no <i>veto</i> against the censors, they +could only hinder them by the indirect method of <i>obnuntiatio</i>, +declaring that the omens were bad, and so preventing business.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_531_531" id="Footnote_531_531"></a><a href="#FNanchor_531_531"><span class="label">[531]</span></a> This also is Phocylides's.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_532_532" id="Footnote_532_532"></a><a href="#FNanchor_532_532"><span class="label">[532]</span></a> In Pompey's new theatre.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_533_533" id="Footnote_533_533"></a><a href="#FNanchor_533_533"><span class="label">[533]</span></a> Some bore, unknown to us.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_534_534" id="Footnote_534_534"></a><a href="#FNanchor_534_534"><span class="label">[534]</span></a> The two boys seem to be receiving their education +together at this time in the house of Quintus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_535_535" id="Footnote_535_535"></a><a href="#FNanchor_535_535"><span class="label">[535]</span></a> It is all but impossible to explain these words. Some +editors transfer them to the sentence after <i>de Republica</i>. But they are +scarcely more in place there. The Greek quotation is not known.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_536_536" id="Footnote_536_536"></a><a href="#FNanchor_536_536"><span class="label">[536]</span></a> M. Marius, to whom Letter <a href="#CXXVI_F_VII_1">CXXVI</a> is addressed.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_537_537" id="Footnote_537_537"></a><a href="#FNanchor_537_537"><span class="label">[537]</span></a> C. Anicius, a senator, seems to have obtained from +Ptolemy Auletes, by gift or purchase, his state sedan and its +attendants.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_538_538" id="Footnote_538_538"></a><a href="#FNanchor_538_538"><span class="label">[538]</span></a> The Pompeianum.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_539_539" id="Footnote_539_539"></a><a href="#FNanchor_539_539"><span class="label">[539]</span></a> An unintellible word, meant apparently for Greek (perhaps +<i>arce</i> Ψυρίᾳ, see <i>Att.</i> xvi. 13), is in the text. The most +probable conjecture refers it in some way to Arpinum, Cicero's hardy +mountain birthplace.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_540_540" id="Footnote_540_540"></a><a href="#FNanchor_540_540"><span class="label">[540]</span></a> The <i>de Oratore</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_541_541" id="Footnote_541_541"></a><a href="#FNanchor_541_541"><span class="label">[541]</span></a> The ruin of his country.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_542_542" id="Footnote_542_542"></a><a href="#FNanchor_542_542"><span class="label">[542]</span></a> For us to walk and converse in. It hardly refers to a +supply of vegetables, as some suggest.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_543_543" id="Footnote_543_543"></a><a href="#FNanchor_543_543"><span class="label">[543]</span></a> A learned freedman of Atticus's.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_544_544" id="Footnote_544_544"></a><a href="#FNanchor_544_544"><span class="label">[544]</span></a> See p. <a href="#Page_250">250</a>. Censors were elected this year, but the +powers of the censorship had been much curtailed by a law of Clodius in +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_545_545" id="Footnote_545_545"></a><a href="#FNanchor_545_545"><span class="label">[545]</span></a> Apius Claudius (brother of Clodius) was a candidate for +the consulship of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_546_546" id="Footnote_546_546"></a><a href="#FNanchor_546_546"><span class="label">[546]</span></a> Clodius, a revolutionary, like Appuleius Saturninus. The +feminine gender is an insult.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_547_547" id="Footnote_547_547"></a><a href="#FNanchor_547_547"><span class="label">[547]</span></a> Either his poem "On his own Times," or the notes of +events which he had promised in Letter <a href="#CVIII_F_V_12">CVIII</a>, p. <a href="#Page_231">231</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_548_548" id="Footnote_548_548"></a><a href="#FNanchor_548_548"><span class="label">[548]</span></a> A treatise on union (περὶ ὁμονοίας). The +rhetorician Dionysius of Magnesia had been with Cicero during his tour +in Asia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_549_549" id="Footnote_549_549"></a><a href="#FNanchor_549_549"><span class="label">[549]</span></a> L. Egnatius, who owed Q. Cicero money.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_550_550" id="Footnote_550_550"></a><a href="#FNanchor_550_550"><span class="label">[550]</span></a> C. Aquilius Gallus, Cicero's colleague in the prætorship, +and a busy advocate. See p. <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_551_551" id="Footnote_551_551"></a><a href="#FNanchor_551_551"><span class="label">[551]</span></a> Apparently a money-lender.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_552_552" id="Footnote_552_552"></a><a href="#FNanchor_552_552"><span class="label">[552]</span></a> Perhaps at his <i>sponsalia</i>, as he was married towards the +end of the year.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_553_553" id="Footnote_553_553"></a><a href="#FNanchor_553_553"><span class="label">[553]</span></a> C. Arrianus Evander, a dealer in statues, it seems, from +whom Fadius had bought some for Cicero. He offers to let the debt for +them (and so the interest) run from any day Cicero pleases.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_554_554" id="Footnote_554_554"></a><a href="#FNanchor_554_554"><span class="label">[554]</span></a> A well-known connoisseur, mentioned by Horace, <i>Sat.</i> ii. +3, 64, <i>seq.</i>. He seems to have offered to take the bargain off Cicero's +hands.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_555_555" id="Footnote_555_555"></a><a href="#FNanchor_555_555"><span class="label">[555]</span></a> That is, for his <i>palæstra</i> or gymnasium, as he calls it, +in his Tusculanum. See Letters <a href="#I_A_I_5">I</a>, <a href="#II_A_I_6">II</a>, <a href="#VII_A_I_11">VII</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_556_556" id="Footnote_556_556"></a><a href="#FNanchor_556_556"><span class="label">[556]</span></a> An ornamental leg or stand for table or sideboard +(<i>abacus</i>). See picture in Rich's <i>Dictionary of Antiquities</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_557_557" id="Footnote_557_557"></a><a href="#FNanchor_557_557"><span class="label">[557]</span></a> On the <i>via Appia</i>, where the canal across the marshes +began. Cicero stops there a night between Formiæ and Pomptina Summa +(<i>Att.</i> vii. 5).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_558_558" id="Footnote_558_558"></a><a href="#FNanchor_558_558"><span class="label">[558]</span></a> One who professes to be an amateur of art like +Damasippus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_559_559" id="Footnote_559_559"></a><a href="#FNanchor_559_559"><span class="label">[559]</span></a> As in Letter <a href="#CVI_A_IV_4_b">CVI</a>, Tullia, not Terentia, seems to be in +Cicero's confidence and presiding in his house. Terentia must already +have been on bad terms with him, and perhaps was residing on her own +property.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_560_560" id="Footnote_560_560"></a><a href="#FNanchor_560_560"><span class="label">[560]</span></a> Half-sister of Gaius Cassius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_561_561" id="Footnote_561_561"></a><a href="#FNanchor_561_561"><span class="label">[561]</span></a> <i>Communis</i>, which is not satisfactory. But neither is the +emendation proposed, <i>cominus</i>. For <i>communis</i>, "common," "vulgar," see +<i>de Off.</i> ii. § 45.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_562_562" id="Footnote_562_562"></a><a href="#FNanchor_562_562"><span class="label">[562]</span></a> Whom Pompey employed to select the plays to be exhibited +in his new theatre.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_563_563" id="Footnote_563_563"></a><a href="#FNanchor_563_563"><span class="label">[563]</span></a> Pliny (<i>N. H.</i> viii. § 21) says that the people were so +moved that they loudly cursed Pompey.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_564_564" id="Footnote_564_564"></a><a href="#FNanchor_564_564"><span class="label">[564]</span></a> L. Caninius Gallus (see p. <a href="#Page_210">210</a>). What he was accused of +does not appear.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_565_565" id="Footnote_565_565"></a><a href="#FNanchor_565_565"><span class="label">[565]</span></a> I do not like to think this letter a mere rhetorical +exercise, as has been suggested, rather than a true account of Cicero's +feelings as to the theatre and amphitheatre. He often expresses his want +of interest in the latter. The vulgar display in the theatre, unlike the +severe simplicity of Greek art, was an old evil (see Polyb. xxx. 14).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_566_566" id="Footnote_566_566"></a><a href="#FNanchor_566_566"><span class="label">[566]</span></a> <i>Ego, ut sit rata</i>, Schutz's reading, which seems the +best for the unintelligible <i>ergo et si irata</i> of the MSS. It would +mean, "though I regret not having been back for Domitius's election (if +it has taken place), I am glad to have been away from the previous +wrangling in the senate."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_567_567" id="Footnote_567_567"></a><a href="#FNanchor_567_567"><span class="label">[567]</span></a> Crassus starts for Syria; he compares him to L. Æmilius +Paullus starting for the war with Perses (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 168). Paullus was, like +Crassus, sixty years old, and in his second consulship. Paullus set out +with good omens, Crassus with a curse, denounced by the tribune C. +Ateius Capito (<i>de Div.</i> i. § 29; Plutarch, <i>Crass.</i> 16).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_568_568" id="Footnote_568_568"></a><a href="#FNanchor_568_568"><span class="label">[568]</span></a> By his <i>librarii</i>. Atticus was again acting as his +publisher.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_569_569" id="Footnote_569_569"></a><a href="#FNanchor_569_569"><span class="label">[569]</span></a> The date has been lost.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_570_570" id="Footnote_570_570"></a><a href="#FNanchor_570_570"><span class="label">[570]</span></a> Lit. "has been beheaded with the axe of Tenes," mythical +founder and legislator of Tenedos, whose laws were of Draconian +severity. A <i>legatio</i> from Tenedos, heard as usual in February, had +asked that Tenedos might be made a <i>libera civitas</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_571_571" id="Footnote_571_571"></a><a href="#FNanchor_571_571"><span class="label">[571]</span></a> Some <i>publicanus</i> who had made a charge on the Magnesians +which they considered excessive.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_572_572" id="Footnote_572_572"></a><a href="#FNanchor_572_572"><span class="label">[572]</span></a> Lucretius seems to have been now dead, according to +Donatus 15 October (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55), though the date is uncertain. I have +translated the reading <i>multæ tamen artis</i>, which has been changed by +some to <i>multæ etiam artis</i>. But the contrast in the criticism seems to +be between the fine poetical passages in the <i>de Rerum Natura</i> and the +mass of technical exposition of philosophy which must have repelled the +"general reader" at all times. It suggests at once to Cicero to mention +another poem on a similar subject, the <i>Empedoclea</i> of Sallustius, of +which and its writer we know nothing. It was not the historian.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_573_573" id="Footnote_573_573"></a><a href="#FNanchor_573_573"><span class="label">[573]</span></a> Retaining <i>populi convicio</i>, and explaining <i>populus</i> to +have the general meaning of the crowd, including senators and +spectators. Cicero uses <i>populus</i> in this vague way elsewhere.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_574_574" id="Footnote_574_574"></a><a href="#FNanchor_574_574"><span class="label">[574]</span></a> Zeugma I take to mean the "territory of Zeugma," a town +on the Euphrates, part of the Roman province of Syria, and close to the +frontier of Commagene. Antiochus had asked that some stronghold should +be reckoned as his rather than as belonging to the province.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_575_575" id="Footnote_575_575"></a><a href="#FNanchor_575_575"><span class="label">[575]</span></a> Appius, he insinuates, hoped to make money by granting +the request of Antiochus, left king of Commagene by Pompey, for some +special privileges, among which was the right of wearing the <i>toga +prætexta</i>, which symbolized some position with a shadow of Roman +<i>imperium</i>, while at the same time conveying a compliment to the Roman +suzernainty. See Polyb. lib. xxvi.; xxx. 26; Suet. <i>Aug.</i> 60.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_576_576" id="Footnote_576_576"></a><a href="#FNanchor_576_576"><span class="label">[576]</span></a> Some petty prince of Bostra (<i>Bozra</i>), in Arabia, of whom +we know nothing.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_577_577" id="Footnote_577_577"></a><a href="#FNanchor_577_577"><span class="label">[577]</span></a> Quintus was expecting, what he got, the offer of serving +under Cæsar as <i>legatus</i>. Cæsar was preparing for his second invasion of +Britain.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_578_578" id="Footnote_578_578"></a><a href="#FNanchor_578_578"><span class="label">[578]</span></a> Which will prevent meetings of the senate, and so give me +no news to send you.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_579_579" id="Footnote_579_579"></a><a href="#FNanchor_579_579"><span class="label">[579]</span></a> There is a <i>double entendre</i>. Cold weather will prevent +the meetings of the senate actually, but metaphorically politics will be +also cold and dull, and that dullness will probably be nowhere so +evident as in the deserted state of the consul Appius's house, which in +all probability will miss its usual bevy of callers. This +explanation—put forward by Prof. Tyrrell—is not wholly satisfactory, +yet it is the best that has been given.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_580_580" id="Footnote_580_580"></a><a href="#FNanchor_580_580"><span class="label">[580]</span></a> Pompey had two functions at this time: he was governor of +Spain and <i>præfectus annonæ</i>. The latter office, as being extraordinary, +might be, perhaps, held with the other without an actual breach of law, +but it was certainly against the spirit of the constitution. Cicero +knows that Pompey's staying in Italy and governing his province by +<i>legati</i> will not be acceptable to Cæsar, and he alludes to it in +carefully guarded terms. He had been named his <i>legatus</i> when Pompey +first undertook the care of the corn-supply, but it does not seem as if +he ever seriously contemplated going on actual service.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_581_581" id="Footnote_581_581"></a><a href="#FNanchor_581_581"><span class="label">[581]</span></a> L. Cornelius Balbus, whom Cicero defended, and who acted +as Cæsar's agent.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_582_582" id="Footnote_582_582"></a><a href="#FNanchor_582_582"><span class="label">[582]</span></a> The name of the person jocosely referred to by Cæsar is +uncertain, from corruption of the text. Q. Lepta is Cæsar's <i>præfectus +fabrum</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_583_583" id="Footnote_583_583"></a><a href="#FNanchor_583_583"><span class="label">[583]</span></a> We cannot tell the allusion, not having the letter of +Quintus. But he seems to have used the expression for something +incongruous either in politics, or in regard to his contemplated +services with Cæsar.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_584_584" id="Footnote_584_584"></a><a href="#FNanchor_584_584"><span class="label">[584]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, the day he had to appear for trial, usually fixed +by the prætor on the tenth day from the notice of prosecution. Cælius +had been acqiuitted in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56, when Cicero defended him; this second +trial appears to have in some way fallen through. The prætor Domitius is +said to be Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus, son of Lucius, but he was much too +young to have been prætor this year. The former trial of Cælius (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +56) had been before Cn. Comitius Calvinus, hence a difficulty about this +passage. For the prætor Domitius of this year is not known. Domitius +Calvinus was prætor <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_585_585" id="Footnote_585_585"></a><a href="#FNanchor_585_585"><span class="label">[585]</span></a> The <i>publicani</i> of Syria were enraged with Gabinius for +neglecting his province while going to Egypt, thus allowing the pirates +so to plunder that they could not collect enough dues to recoup them for +their bargain to the state (Dio, xxxix. 59).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_586_586" id="Footnote_586_586"></a><a href="#FNanchor_586_586"><span class="label">[586]</span></a> L. Ælius Lamia, an eques, appears to have been one of the +deputation of <i>publicani</i> who attended the senate to accuse Gabinius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_587_587" id="Footnote_587_587"></a><a href="#FNanchor_587_587"><span class="label">[587]</span></a> The prætorian elections were again postponed from the +previous year to the early months of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54. Appius Claudius found +means to put them off till March by holding meetings of the senate each +day—the electoral <i>comita</i> not being able to meet on the same day as +the senate.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_588_588" id="Footnote_588_588"></a><a href="#FNanchor_588_588"><span class="label">[588]</span></a> The tribune C. Memmius was prosecuting Gabinius (Letter +<a href="#CXLVII_Q_FR_III_1">CXLVII</a>). The judicial <i>comita</i> could meet, though not the electoral.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_589_589" id="Footnote_589_589"></a><a href="#FNanchor_589_589"><span class="label">[589]</span></a> Callisthenes of Olynthus wrote (1) a history of the +Trojan war; (2) an account of Alexander the Great. Philistus of Syracuse +(1) a history of Sicily; (2) a life of Dionysius the elder; (3) a life +of Dionysius the younger. He imitated Thucydides (<i>de Orat.</i> § 17).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_590_590" id="Footnote_590_590"></a><a href="#FNanchor_590_590"><span class="label">[590]</span></a> Trebatius is going to join Cæsar, who is about to sail to +Britain; hence the jest about the <i>essedarii</i>, drivers of Gallic and +British war-chariots. Letter <a href="#CXXXIII_F_VII_5">CXXXIII</a> recommended him to Cæsar. The lines +quoted are from the <i>Medea</i> of Ennius, adapted or translated from +Euripides. I date these two letters from Cumæ, because he speaks of +writing to Balbus, who was at Rome (p. <a href="#Page_267">267</a>).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_591_591" id="Footnote_591_591"></a><a href="#FNanchor_591_591"><span class="label">[591]</span></a> A banker at Puteoli.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_592_592" id="Footnote_592_592"></a><a href="#FNanchor_592_592"><span class="label">[592]</span></a> The six books on the Republic.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_593_593" id="Footnote_593_593"></a><a href="#FNanchor_593_593"><span class="label">[593]</span></a> A <i>municipium</i> of Campania nine miles from Naples.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_594_594" id="Footnote_594_594"></a><a href="#FNanchor_594_594"><span class="label">[594]</span></a> Vacerra, Manilius, Cornelius, well-known lawyers or +jurists of the day.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_595_595" id="Footnote_595_595"></a><a href="#FNanchor_595_595"><span class="label">[595]</span></a> We shall afterwards see that Trebatius did not go to +Britain.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_596_596" id="Footnote_596_596"></a><a href="#FNanchor_596_596"><span class="label">[596]</span></a> At Luca in the year <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_597_597" id="Footnote_597_597"></a><a href="#FNanchor_597_597"><span class="label">[597]</span></a> <i>Comitia habendi causa</i>. No such had been appointed since +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 202, and the irregular dictatorship of Sulla in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 82 made the +idea distasteful. Pompey was understood to wish for the appointment, now +and later on. See pp. <a href="#Page_326">326</a>, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_598_598" id="Footnote_598_598"></a><a href="#FNanchor_598_598"><span class="label">[598]</span></a> τοιαῦθ' ὁ τλήμων πόλεμος ἐξεργάζεται (Eur. +<i>Supp.</i> 119).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_599_599" id="Footnote_599_599"></a><a href="#FNanchor_599_599"><span class="label">[599]</span></a> For the nature of this compact, see p. <a href="#Page_300">300</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_600_600" id="Footnote_600_600"></a><a href="#FNanchor_600_600"><span class="label">[600]</span></a> That is, as an interlocutor in the dialogue "On the +Republic," which Cicero was engaged in writing.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_601_601" id="Footnote_601_601"></a><a href="#FNanchor_601_601"><span class="label">[601]</span></a> A law re-enacting the <i>lex Didia</i>, and enacting under +penalties that no law was to be brought forward without due publication +beforehand.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_602_602" id="Footnote_602_602"></a><a href="#FNanchor_602_602"><span class="label">[602]</span></a> A law which enabled the magistrates and tribunes to stop +legislation by <i>obnuntiatio</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_603_603" id="Footnote_603_603"></a><a href="#FNanchor_603_603"><span class="label">[603]</span></a> Procilius had been condemned <i>de vi</i> (p. <a href="#Page_280">280</a>). The +rumours, I suppose, were as to the jury having been corrupted.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_604_604" id="Footnote_604_604"></a><a href="#FNanchor_604_604"><span class="label">[604]</span></a> The consul L. Domitius Ahenobarbus and C. Lucceius +Hirrus, the latter a warm partisan of Pompey, who was supposed to be +agitating for a dictatorship.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_605_605" id="Footnote_605_605"></a><a href="#FNanchor_605_605"><span class="label">[605]</span></a> L. Æmilius Paullus (consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 50) restored the basilica +built by his ancestor M. Æmilius Lepidus in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 179, and appears to +have added largely to it, or even built a new one.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_606_606" id="Footnote_606_606"></a><a href="#FNanchor_606_606"><span class="label">[606]</span></a> These works seem to have been contemplated by the censors +and senate, and Cicero speaks of himself and Oppius as doing them +because they supported the measure. They were partly carried out by +Cæsar but not completed till the time of Augustus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_607_607" id="Footnote_607_607"></a><a href="#FNanchor_607_607"><span class="label">[607]</span></a> Because the tribunes stopped it—the formal act at the +end of the Censor's office—by <i>obnuntiationes</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_608_608" id="Footnote_608_608"></a><a href="#FNanchor_608_608"><span class="label">[608]</span></a> The name of the law mentioned here is uncertain. The <i>lex +Cincia de munuibus</i> forbade advocates taking fees for pleading.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_609_609" id="Footnote_609_609"></a><a href="#FNanchor_609_609"><span class="label">[609]</span></a> M. Nonius Sufenas and C. Cato were charged with bribery +and other illegal proceedings during their tribuneship: Procilius for +riot (<i>de vi</i>) when some citizen was killed.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_610_610" id="Footnote_610_610"></a><a href="#FNanchor_610_610"><span class="label">[610]</span></a> Q. Hortensius, the great orator.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_611_611" id="Footnote_611_611"></a><a href="#FNanchor_611_611"><span class="label">[611]</span></a> This refers to the famous waterfall of Terni. An +artificial cutting drained the River Velinus (which otherwise covered +the high valley as a lake) into the Nar, which is in the valley below. +What was good for the people of Reate was, of course, dangerous for the +people of Interamna living below. M. Curius Dentatus was consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> +290.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_612_612" id="Footnote_612_612"></a><a href="#FNanchor_612_612"><span class="label">[612]</span></a> σἠμα δἐ τοι ἐρέω (Hom. <i>Il.</i> xxiii. 326).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_613_613" id="Footnote_613_613"></a><a href="#FNanchor_613_613"><span class="label">[613]</span></a> Because Atticus lent money.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_614_614" id="Footnote_614_614"></a><a href="#FNanchor_614_614"><span class="label">[614]</span></a> For the death (in September) of his daughter Iulia, wife +of Pompey.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_615_615" id="Footnote_615_615"></a><a href="#FNanchor_615_615"><span class="label">[615]</span></a> A nickname, it is said, of Vacerra (perhaps because he +stuttered), who had been a teacher of Trebatius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_616_616" id="Footnote_616_616"></a><a href="#FNanchor_616_616"><span class="label">[616]</span></a> To Ptolemy Auletes, who had agreed to pay large sums to +certain persons for supporting his interests in the senate.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_617_617" id="Footnote_617_617"></a><a href="#FNanchor_617_617"><span class="label">[617]</span></a> In the "Banqueters" (σύνδειπνοι) of Sophocles, +Achilles is excluded from a banquet in Tenedos. Some social mishap seems +to have occurred to Quintus in camp.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_618_618" id="Footnote_618_618"></a><a href="#FNanchor_618_618"><span class="label">[618]</span></a> Sending coals to Newcastle.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_619_619" id="Footnote_619_619"></a><a href="#FNanchor_619_619"><span class="label">[619]</span></a> ῥαθυμότερα.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_620_620" id="Footnote_620_620"></a><a href="#FNanchor_620_620"><span class="label">[620]</span></a> That is, to get them seats at the games. See Letter <a href="#XXVI_A_II_1">XXVI</a>, +p. <a href="#Page_63">63</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_621_621" id="Footnote_621_621"></a><a href="#FNanchor_621_621"><span class="label">[621]</span></a> The <i>porticus</i> is a kind of cloister round the +<i>peristylium</i> or <i>atrium</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_622_622" id="Footnote_622_622"></a><a href="#FNanchor_622_622"><span class="label">[622]</span></a> Calventius is said to stand for L. Calpurnius Piso +Cæsoninus, the consul of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, against whom Cicero's speech was +spoken in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55 in the senate. He calls him Calventius from his +maternal grandfather, and Marius because—as he had said, in the speech, +§ 20—he had himself gone into exile rather than come to open fight with +him; just as Q. Metellus had done in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 100, when, declining to take +the oath to the agrarian law of Saturninus, rather than fight Marius, +who had taken the oath, he went into exile. This seems rather a +roundabout explanation; but no better has been proposed, and, of course, +Quintus, who had lately read the speech, would be able better to +understand the allusion.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_623_623" id="Footnote_623_623"></a><a href="#FNanchor_623_623"><span class="label">[623]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, with money.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_624_624" id="Footnote_624_624"></a><a href="#FNanchor_624_624"><span class="label">[624]</span></a> This tragedy of Quintus's never reached Cicero. It was +lost in transit. Perhaps no great loss.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_625_625" id="Footnote_625_625"></a><a href="#FNanchor_625_625"><span class="label">[625]</span></a> Milo was ædile and had just given some splendid games.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_626_626" id="Footnote_626_626"></a><a href="#FNanchor_626_626"><span class="label">[626]</span></a> <i>Maiestas.</i> He would be liable to this charge, under a +law of Sulla's, for having left his province to interfere in Egypt.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_627_627" id="Footnote_627_627"></a><a href="#FNanchor_627_627"><span class="label">[627]</span></a> See p. <a href="#Page_300">300</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_628_628" id="Footnote_628_628"></a><a href="#FNanchor_628_628"><span class="label">[628]</span></a> Apparently referring to the death of his daughter Iulia.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_629_629" id="Footnote_629_629"></a><a href="#FNanchor_629_629"><span class="label">[629]</span></a> δευτέρας φροντίδας from Eurip. <i>Hipp.</i> 436, +αἱ δευτέραι πως φροντίδες σοφωτέραι.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_630_630" id="Footnote_630_630"></a><a href="#FNanchor_630_630"><span class="label">[630]</span></a> Or, "as kindly and critical at once as Aristophanes (of +Byzantium)," as though Quintus had written a Caxtonian criticism of his +son's style.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_631_631" id="Footnote_631_631"></a><a href="#FNanchor_631_631"><span class="label">[631]</span></a> γυῶθι πῶς ἄλλω κέχρηται.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_632_632" id="Footnote_632_632"></a><a href="#FNanchor_632_632"><span class="label">[632]</span></a> Of his poem "On his own Times." Piso in Macedonia, where +he had been unsuccessful with border tribes: Gabinius in going to Egypt +to support Ptolemy. He left many of his soldiers there.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_633_633" id="Footnote_633_633"></a><a href="#FNanchor_633_633"><span class="label">[633]</span></a> The object of the existing consuls in making such a +bargain was to get to their provinces without difficulty, with +<i>imperium</i>, which had to be bestowed by a formal meeting of the old +<i>comitia curiata</i>. But that formality could be stopped by tribunes or +other magistrates "watching the sky," or declaring evil omens: and just +as these means were being resorted to to put off the elections, so they +were also likely to be used in this matter. If it was thus put off into +the next year, Domitius and Appius, not being any longer consuls, would +have still greater difficulty. Corrupt as the arrangement was, it seems +not to have come under any existing law, and both escaped punishment. +Appius went as proconsul to Cilicia, in spite of the <i>lex curiata</i> not +being passed, but Domitius Ahenobarbus seems not to have had a province. +The object of Domitius Calvinus and Memmius in making the compact was to +secure their own election, which the existing consuls had many means of +assisting, but it is not clear what Memmius's object in disclosing it +was. Perhaps anger on finding his hopes gone, and an idea that anything +that humiliated Ahenobarbus would be pleasing to Cæsar. He also seems to +have quarrelled with Calvinus. Gaius Memmius Gemellus is not to be +confounded with Gaius Memmius the tribune mentioned in the next letter.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_634_634" id="Footnote_634_634"></a><a href="#FNanchor_634_634"><span class="label">[634]</span></a> There is considerable uncertainty as to the exact nature +of <i>iudicium tacitum</i>, here rendered "a trial with closed doors," on the +analogy of the <i>senatus consultum tacitum</i> described by Capitolinus, <i>in +Gordian</i>. ch. xii. It is not, I think, mentioned elsewhere (<i>iudiciis +tacitis</i> of 2 <i>Off.</i> § 24, is a general expression for "anonymous +expressions of opinion"), and the passage in Plutarch (<i>Cato min.</i> 44) +introduces a new difficulty, for it indicates a court in which +candidates <i>after</i> election are to purge themselves. Again, <i>quæ erant +omnibus sortita</i> is very difficult. Cicero nowhere else, I believe, uses +the passive <i>sortitus</i>. But, passing that, what are the <i>consilia</i> +meant? The tense and mood shew, I think, that the words are explanatory +by the writer, not part of the decree. I venture, contrary to all +editors, to take <i>omnibus</i> as dative, and to suppose that the <i>consilia</i> +meant are those of the <i>album iudicum</i> who had been selected to try +cases of <i>ambitus</i>, of which many were expected. There is no proof that +the <i>iudices</i> in a <i>iudicium tacitum</i> had to be senators, and the names +in the next sentence point the other way. The senate proposed that the +law should allow this selection from the <i>album</i> to form the <i>iudicium +tacitum</i>, which would give no public verdict, but on whose report they +could afterwards act.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_635_635" id="Footnote_635_635"></a><a href="#FNanchor_635_635"><span class="label">[635]</span></a> M. Æmilius Scaurus was acquitted on the 2nd of September +on a charge of extortion in Sardinia. The trial had been hurried on lest +he should use the Sardinian money in bribing for the consulship. Hence +he could not begin distributing his gifts to the electors till after +September 2nd, and his rivals Domitius and Messalla got the start of +him. See Asconius, 131 <i>seq.</i></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_636_636" id="Footnote_636_636"></a><a href="#FNanchor_636_636"><span class="label">[636]</span></a> He means that Atticus—as a lender of money—would be +glad of anything that kept the rate of interest up (see p. <a href="#Page_286">286</a>). He is, +of course, joking.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_637_637" id="Footnote_637_637"></a><a href="#FNanchor_637_637"><span class="label">[637]</span></a> Antius is not known. Favonius was a close imitator of +Cato's Stoicism. He was now opposing both Pompey and Cæsar strenuously, +but on the Civil War breaking out, attached himself strongly to Pompey. +He was put to death by Augustus after the battle of Philippi (Suet. +<i>Aug.</i> 13). He had a very biting tongue. See Plut. <i>Pomp.</i> 60.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_638_638" id="Footnote_638_638"></a><a href="#FNanchor_638_638"><span class="label">[638]</span></a> Drusus was probably Livius Drusus, the father of Livia, +wife of Augustus; he was accused by Lucretius of <i>prævaricatio</i>, +"collusion."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_639_639" id="Footnote_639_639"></a><a href="#FNanchor_639_639"><span class="label">[639]</span></a> This time for <i>ambitus</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_640_640" id="Footnote_640_640"></a><a href="#FNanchor_640_640"><span class="label">[640]</span></a> The <i>de Oratore</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_641_641" id="Footnote_641_641"></a><a href="#FNanchor_641_641"><span class="label">[641]</span></a> C. Memmius, a tribune of this year, not the same as the +C. Memmius Gemellus of the last letter.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_642_642" id="Footnote_642_642"></a><a href="#FNanchor_642_642"><span class="label">[642]</span></a> Referring to the fact that Gabinius, on his arrival +outside Rome, without the usual procession of friends which met a +returning proconsul, skulked about till nightfall, not venturing to +enter Rome (the city of his enemies!) in daylight. By entering Rome he +gave up his <i>imperium</i> and could no longer ask a triumph.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_643_643" id="Footnote_643_643"></a><a href="#FNanchor_643_643"><span class="label">[643]</span></a> Cæsar was accustomed to come to North Italy (Gallia +Cisalpina) for the winter to Ravenna or Luca, and there he could be +communicated with and exercise great influence.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_644_644" id="Footnote_644_644"></a><a href="#FNanchor_644_644"><span class="label">[644]</span></a> That is, he would go to his province of Cilicia on the +strength of his nomination or allotment by the senate. There was some +doubt as to the question whether such allotment did not give <i>imperium</i> +even without a <i>lex curiata</i>. Besides, the consul had already +<i>imperium</i>, and he might consider it to be uninterrupted if he left Rome +immediately. However, as there was always an interval between the end of +the consulship and the quitting Rome <i>paludatus</i>, the <i>lex curiata</i> had +generally been considered necessary (Cæs. <i>B. C.</i> i. 6). After <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52 +the <i>lex Pompeia</i> enacted a five years' interval, when, of course, a law +would be necessary.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_645_645" id="Footnote_645_645"></a><a href="#FNanchor_645_645"><span class="label">[645]</span></a> θετικώτερον. From θέσις, a +philosophical proposition or thesis. In <i>Paradox. præf.</i> he uses θετικά +of subjects suited to such theses.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_646_646" id="Footnote_646_646"></a><a href="#FNanchor_646_646"><span class="label">[646]</span></a> Pompey was outside the <i>pomœrium</i> (<i>ad Romam</i>) as +having <i>imperium</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_647_647" id="Footnote_647_647"></a><a href="#FNanchor_647_647"><span class="label">[647]</span></a> Two gladiators, one incomparably superior to the other.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_648_648" id="Footnote_648_648"></a><a href="#FNanchor_648_648"><span class="label">[648]</span></a> A proverbial expression, cp. "snapped my nose off."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_649_649" id="Footnote_649_649"></a><a href="#FNanchor_649_649"><span class="label">[649]</span></a> C. Pomptinus, prætor in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63 (when he had supported +Cicero), was afterwards employed against the Allobroges as proprætor of +Narbonensis (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 61). He had been, ever since leaving his province (? +<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58), urging his claim to a triumph. He obtained it now by the +contrivance of the prætor Serv. Sulpicius Galba, who got a vote passed +by the <i>comitia</i> before daybreak, which was unconstitutional (Dio, 39, +65).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_650_650" id="Footnote_650_650"></a><a href="#FNanchor_650_650"><span class="label">[650]</span></a> P. Servilius Vatia Isauricus (consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 48) was an +admirer of Cato. See p. <a href="#Page_112">112</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_651_651" id="Footnote_651_651"></a><a href="#FNanchor_651_651"><span class="label">[651]</span></a> Ἄρη πνέων.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_652_652" id="Footnote_652_652"></a><a href="#FNanchor_652_652"><span class="label">[652]</span></a> Cicero gives him this title, by which he had been greeted +by his soldiers after some victory over the predatory tribes in Cilicia. +This letter is Cicero's most elaborate apology for his change of policy +in favour of the triumvirs.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_653_653" id="Footnote_653_653"></a><a href="#FNanchor_653_653"><span class="label">[653]</span></a> Cicero has been variously supposed to refer to C. Cato +(who proposed the recall of Lentulus), to Appius the consul, and finally +to Pompey. The last seems on the whole most likely, though the +explanation is not without difficulties. In that case the "disclosure" +will refer to Pompey's intrigues as to the restoration of Ptolemy +Auletes, of which he wished to have the management.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_654_654" id="Footnote_654_654"></a><a href="#FNanchor_654_654"><span class="label">[654]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, to keep in with the Optimates, who were at this +time suspicious of, and hostile to Pompey.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_655_655" id="Footnote_655_655"></a><a href="#FNanchor_655_655"><span class="label">[655]</span></a> At the trial of Sestius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_656_656" id="Footnote_656_656"></a><a href="#FNanchor_656_656"><span class="label">[656]</span></a> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 59, when Vatinius proposed the law for Cæsar's five +years' rule in Gaul.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_657_657" id="Footnote_657_657"></a><a href="#FNanchor_657_657"><span class="label">[657]</span></a> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 56.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_658_658" id="Footnote_658_658"></a><a href="#FNanchor_658_658"><span class="label">[658]</span></a> Pompey is only speaking metaphorically. Quintus had +guaranteed Cicero's support. Pompey half-jestingly speaks as though he +had gone bail for him for a sum of money.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_659_659" id="Footnote_659_659"></a><a href="#FNanchor_659_659"><span class="label">[659]</span></a> Q. Cæcilius Metellus Numidius, expelled from the senate +and banished <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 100 for refusing the oath to the agrarian law of +Saturninus, but recalled in the following year. Cicero is fond of +comparing himself with him. See Letter <a href="#CXLVII_Q_FR_III_1">CXLVII</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_660_660" id="Footnote_660_660"></a><a href="#FNanchor_660_660"><span class="label">[660]</span></a> M. Æmilius Scaurus, consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 115 and 108, censor 109, +and long <i>princeps senatus</i>. Cicero comments elsewhere on his +<i>severitas</i> (<i>de Off.</i> § 108).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_661_661" id="Footnote_661_661"></a><a href="#FNanchor_661_661"><span class="label">[661]</span></a> Plato, <i>Crit.</i> xii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_662_662" id="Footnote_662_662"></a><a href="#FNanchor_662_662"><span class="label">[662]</span></a> Like the character in the play (Terence, <i>Eun.</i> 440), if +the nobles annoyed Cicero by their attentions to P. Clodius, he would +annoy them by his compliments to Publius Vatinius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_663_663" id="Footnote_663_663"></a><a href="#FNanchor_663_663"><span class="label">[663]</span></a> The beginning of the letter is lost, referring to the +acquittal of Gabinius on a charge of <i>maiestas</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_664_664" id="Footnote_664_664"></a><a href="#FNanchor_664_664"><span class="label">[664]</span></a> γοργεῖα γυμνά, "mere bugbears."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_665_665" id="Footnote_665_665"></a><a href="#FNanchor_665_665"><span class="label">[665]</span></a> Antiochus Gabinius was tried, not for treason +(<i>maiestas</i>), but under the <i>lex Papia</i>, for having, though a +<i>peregrinus</i>, acted as a citizen; but he says "will not acquit me of +<i>treason</i>," because he means to infer that his condemnation was really +in place of Gabinius, whose acquittal had irritated his jury; therefore +he was practically convicted of <i>maiestas</i> instead of his patron +Gabinius. I have, accordingly, ventured to elicit the end of a hexameter +from the Greek letters of the MS., of which no satisfactory account has +been given, and to read <i>Itaque dixit statim "respublica lege +maiestatis</i> οὐ σοί κεν ἄρ' ἶσα μ' ἀφείη (or ἀφιῇ)." +The quotation is not known. Antiochus Gabinius was doubtless of Greek +origin and naturally quoted Greek poetry. Sopolis was a Greek painter +living at Rome (Pliny, <i>N. H.</i> xxxv. §§ 40, 43).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_666_666" id="Footnote_666_666"></a><a href="#FNanchor_666_666"><span class="label">[666]</span></a> Pomptinus had been waiting outside Rome for some years to +get his triumph (see p. <a href="#Page_309">309</a>). The <i>negant latum de imperio</i> must refer +to a <i>lex curiata</i> originally conferring his <i>imperium</i>, which his +opponents alleged had not been passed. The <i>insulse latum</i> refers to the +law now passed granting him the triumph in spite of this. This latter +was passed by the old trick of the prætor appearing in the <i>campus</i> +before daybreak to prevent <i>obnuntiatio</i>. The result was that the +tribunes interrupted the procession, which led to fighting and bloodshed +(Dio, 39, 65).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_667_667" id="Footnote_667_667"></a><a href="#FNanchor_667_667"><span class="label">[667]</span></a> Because he wanted to go to his province himself in spite +of having failed to get a <i>lex curiata</i> (p. <a href="#Page_324">324</a>).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_668_668" id="Footnote_668_668"></a><a href="#FNanchor_668_668"><span class="label">[668]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, without waiting for the senate to vote the usual +outfit (<i>ornare provinciam</i>).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_669_669" id="Footnote_669_669"></a><a href="#FNanchor_669_669"><span class="label">[669]</span></a> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 129. The <i>Novendialia</i> was a nine days' festival on +the occasion of some special evil omens or prodigies; for an instance +(in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 202), see Livy, 30, 38. The book referred to is that "On the +Republic."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_670_670" id="Footnote_670_670"></a><a href="#FNanchor_670_670"><span class="label">[670]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, a mere theorist like Heraclides Ponticus, a pupil +of Plato's, whose work "On Constitutions" still exists.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_671_671" id="Footnote_671_671"></a><a href="#FNanchor_671_671"><span class="label">[671]</span></a> Hom. <i>Il.</i> vi. 208.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_672_672" id="Footnote_672_672"></a><a href="#FNanchor_672_672"><span class="label">[672]</span></a> Reading <i>qui omnia adiurat debere tibi et te valere +renuntiat</i>. The text, however, is corrupt.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_673_673" id="Footnote_673_673"></a><a href="#FNanchor_673_673"><span class="label">[673]</span></a> Hom. <i>Il.</i> xvi. 385.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_674_674" id="Footnote_674_674"></a><a href="#FNanchor_674_674"><span class="label">[674]</span></a> By Livius Andronicus or Nævius. Tyrrell would write the +proverb <i>in extremo sero sapiunt</i>, "'tis too late to be wise at the +last." There was a proverb, <i>sero parsimonia in fundo</i>, something like +this, Sen. <i>Ep.</i> i. 5, from the Greek (Hes. <i>Op.</i> 369), δειλὴ δ' ἐν +πυθμένι φειδώ.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_675_675" id="Footnote_675_675"></a><a href="#FNanchor_675_675"><span class="label">[675]</span></a> In Gallia Belgica, mod. <i>Amiens.</i></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_676_676" id="Footnote_676_676"></a><a href="#FNanchor_676_676"><span class="label">[676]</span></a> There are some words here too corrupt to be translated +with any confidence. They appear to convey a summary of news already +written in several letters as to the bribery at the elections, the +acquittal of Gabinius, and the rumour of a dictatorship.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_677_677" id="Footnote_677_677"></a><a href="#FNanchor_677_677"><span class="label">[677]</span></a> A legacy of a twelfth left by a certain Felix to Cicero +and Quintus had been rendered null by a mistake as to the will. See the +letter to Quintus, p. <a href="#Page_338">338</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_678_678" id="Footnote_678_678"></a><a href="#FNanchor_678_678"><span class="label">[678]</span></a> Cicero means, "the substantial gain to be got from your +serving under Cæsar in Gaul is the securing of his protection in the +future: all other gains, such as money etc., are merely to be regarded +as securing you from immediate loss in thus going to Gaul: they don't +add anything fresh to our position and prospects."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_679_679" id="Footnote_679_679"></a><a href="#FNanchor_679_679"><span class="label">[679]</span></a> Quintus had his winter quarters among the Nervii, in a +town near the modern Charleroi. In this winter he was in great danger +from a sudden rising of the Nervii and other tribes (Cæs. <i>B. G.</i> v. +24-49).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_680_680" id="Footnote_680_680"></a><a href="#FNanchor_680_680"><span class="label">[680]</span></a> Twenty days of <i>supplicatio</i> had been decreed in honour +of Cæsar's campaigns of <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55 (Cæs. <i>B. G.</i> iv. 38).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_681_681" id="Footnote_681_681"></a><a href="#FNanchor_681_681"><span class="label">[681]</span></a> His gladiators, which he kept in training for the games +he was going to give in honour of a deceased friend.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_682_682" id="Footnote_682_682"></a><a href="#FNanchor_682_682"><span class="label">[682]</span></a> <i>I.e.</i>, rather than defend him. τότε μοι χάνοι (εὐρεῖα +χθών), Hom. <i>Il.</i> iv. 182.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_683_683" id="Footnote_683_683"></a><a href="#FNanchor_683_683"><span class="label">[683]</span></a> ὁ δὲ μαίνεται οὐκ ἔτ' ἀνεκτῶς (Hom. <i>Il.</i> viii. +355). The numerals seem doubtful. According to some MSS. the amount +would be 10,000,000, <i>i.e.</i>, £80,000.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_684_684" id="Footnote_684_684"></a><a href="#FNanchor_684_684"><span class="label">[684]</span></a> The tragedy written by Quintus and lost in transit.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_685_685" id="Footnote_685_685"></a><a href="#FNanchor_685_685"><span class="label">[685]</span></a> He seems to refer to the rising of the Nervii against the +Roman winter quarters (Cæs. <i>B. G.</i> v. 39 <i>seq</i>).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_686_686" id="Footnote_686_686"></a><a href="#FNanchor_686_686"><span class="label">[686]</span></a> <i>Andabatam</i>, a gladiator with a closed helmet covering +the face, who thus fought without seeing his adversary.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_687_687" id="Footnote_687_687"></a><a href="#FNanchor_687_687"><span class="label">[687]</span></a> A title granted to the Hædui by the senate (Cæs. <i>B. G.</i> +i. 33; Tac. <i>Ann.</i> xi. 25).</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_688_688" id="Footnote_688_688"></a><a href="#FNanchor_688_688"><span class="label">[688]</span></a> Terence, <i>Heautont</i>. 86.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_689_689" id="Footnote_689_689"></a><a href="#FNanchor_689_689"><span class="label">[689]</span></a> Cicero perhaps means that Valerius's "opinions" are too +right to suit such a set as are to be found in the province. Valerius +will not mind people there thinking him a bad lawyer. "At Rome you are +considered a good lawyer, in Cilicia they don't think so!"</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_690_690" id="Footnote_690_690"></a><a href="#FNanchor_690_690"><span class="label">[690]</span></a> <i>Cognosces tuorum neminem.</i>. Others read <i>cognoscere +tuorum nemini</i>, "you will not be recognized by any of your friends," +which agrees better with Homer's account of the return of Ulysses. But +perhaps the exact comparison is not to be pressed.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_691_691" id="Footnote_691_691"></a><a href="#FNanchor_691_691"><span class="label">[691]</span></a> The younger Curio was now quæstor to C. Clodius, brother +of Publius and Appius, in Asia. He was tribune in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 50, when he +suddenly changed sides and joined Cæsar, who purchased his adhesion by +paying his immense debts.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_692_692" id="Footnote_692_692"></a><a href="#FNanchor_692_692"><span class="label">[692]</span></a> Curio had supported Cicero against Clodius, and had +worked for his recall. He seems to have attended at Cicero's house for +the study of rhetoric or legal practice, as was the fashion for young +men to do. He presently married Fulvia, the widow of Clodius, who after +his death in Africa (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 48) married Antony.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_693_693" id="Footnote_693_693"></a><a href="#FNanchor_693_693"><span class="label">[693]</span></a> The <i>interregna</i> lasting this year till July. No legal +business could be done, as the law courts were closed during an +<i>interregnum</i>. But Cicero jestingly says that he advises clients to +apply to each <i>interrex</i> (who only held office for five days) for two +adjournments, whereby he would get his case postponed indefinitely: for +if each adjournment was to the third day, the two would cover each +<i>interregnum</i>. Of course he is only jesting, for in any case the cause +would not come on.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_694_694" id="Footnote_694_694"></a><a href="#FNanchor_694_694"><span class="label">[694]</span></a> There is a play on the double meaning of <i>signa</i>, "signs" +and "statues." Cicero did not like the statues in his Tusculanum. See +Letter <a href="#CXXV_F_VII_23">CXXV</a>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_695_695" id="Footnote_695_695"></a><a href="#FNanchor_695_695"><span class="label">[695]</span></a> Samobriva (Amiens), where Trebatius was, or had been, in +Cæsar's camp. Cæsar spells it Samarobriva.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_696_696" id="Footnote_696_696"></a><a href="#FNanchor_696_696"><span class="label">[696]</span></a> Laberius is a rival jurisconsult, Valerius a writer of +mimes. Though Cicero jests at the supposed comic character, "a lawyer in +Britain" (as we might say, "a lawyer among the Zulus"), it does not +appear that Trebatius went to Britain with Cæsar.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_697_697" id="Footnote_697_697"></a><a href="#FNanchor_697_697"><span class="label">[697]</span></a> A freedman and agent of Curio's. The question is of +funeral games and an exhibition of gladiators in honour of Curio's +father. Curio gave them, and involved himself in huge debt in +consequence.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_698_698" id="Footnote_698_698"></a><a href="#FNanchor_698_698"><span class="label">[698]</span></a> C. Vibius Pansa had been in Gaul, and was now home to +stand for the tribuneship, which he obtained for <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52-51.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_699_699" id="Footnote_699_699"></a><a href="#FNanchor_699_699"><span class="label">[699]</span></a> Where he would have been in luxury.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_700_700" id="Footnote_700_700"></a><a href="#FNanchor_700_700"><span class="label">[700]</span></a> A follower of the new academy, with which Cicero was more +in sympathy than with the Epicurean ethics, but apparently only partly +so. The leading doctrine was the denial of the possibility of knowledge, +and, applied to ethics, this might destroy all virtue.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_701_701" id="Footnote_701_701"></a><a href="#FNanchor_701_701"><span class="label">[701]</span></a> All these jesting objections to a lawyer being an +Epicurean are founded on the Epicurean doctrine that individual feeling +is the standard of morals, and the <i>summum bonum</i> is the good of the +individual. The logical deduction that a man should therefore hold aloof +from politics and social life, as involving social obligations and +standards, was, of course, evaded in practice.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_702_702" id="Footnote_702_702"></a><a href="#FNanchor_702_702"><span class="label">[702]</span></a> For the Epicureans believed the gods to exist, but not to +trouble themselves with the affairs of men. In taking an oath by +<i>Iupiter lapis</i> the swearer took a stone in his hand and said, "If I +abide by this oath may he bless me: but if I do otherwise in thought or +deed, may all others be kept safe, each in his own country, under his +own laws, in enjoyment of his own goods, household gods, and tombs—may +I alone be cast out, even as this stone is now." Then he throws down the +stone. This passage from Polybius (iii. 25) refers to treaties, but the +same form seems to have been used in suits about land.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_703_703" id="Footnote_703_703"></a><a href="#FNanchor_703_703"><span class="label">[703]</span></a> Ulubræ—like other <i>municipia</i>—had a <i>patronus</i> at Rome +to look after its interests. If Trebatius (who was its <i>patronus</i>) would +take no part in politics, he would be of no use to the Ulubrani. +πολιτεύεσθαι, "to act as a citizen," "to act as a member of a +political body."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_704_704" id="Footnote_704_704"></a><a href="#FNanchor_704_704"><span class="label">[704]</span></a> +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"I will make fast the doors and <i>gild</i> myself<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With some more ducats."—<span class="smcap">Shakespeare.</span>.<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_705_705" id="Footnote_705_705"></a><a href="#FNanchor_705_705"><span class="label">[705]</span></a> Ennius, <i>Ann.</i> 275. The phrase <i>manum consertum</i> in legal +language meant to make a joint claim by the symbolical act of each +claimant laying a hand on the property (or some representation of it) in +court. But it also meant "to join hands in war." Hence its equivocal use +in this passage. <i>Consertum</i> is a supine, and some such word as <i>eunt</i> +must be understood before it.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_706_706" id="Footnote_706_706"></a><a href="#FNanchor_706_706"><span class="label">[706]</span></a> Reading <i>at tu non soles</i>. I cannot explain Prof. +Tyrrell's reading <i>et tu soles</i> in connexion with what follows.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_707_707" id="Footnote_707_707"></a><a href="#FNanchor_707_707"><span class="label">[707]</span></a> This elaborate joke is founded on a pun upon the name of +the Gallic <i>Treviri</i> and the commissioners in Rome: (1) the <i>III viri +capitales</i>, who had charge of prisons, executions, etc.; (2) the <i>III +viri auro argento æri flando feriundo</i>, "the commissioners for coining +gold, silver, and bronze." Also there is a reference to the meaning of +<i>capitalis</i>, "deadly," "affecting the life or citizenship."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_708_708" id="Footnote_708_708"></a><a href="#FNanchor_708_708"><span class="label">[708]</span></a> <i>Græculam tibi misi cautionem chirographi mei.</i> Various +interpretations have been given to this: (1) "a truly Greek security," +<i>i.e.</i>, "not to be depended on"; (2) referring to a poem in Greek, +perhaps the one in praise of Cæsar's achievements, mentioned before (p. +<a href="#Page_338">338</a>), in which some compliment to Trebatius was introduced; (3) Prof. +Tyrrell would make it refer to this letter itself, which he supposes to +have been written in Greek, and afterwards translated by Tiro. But this +letter does not read like a translation, and, after all, is not of a +nature to shew as a "commendation." It is conceived in too jocular a +vein. I have taken it to refer to some inclosure written in Greek which +he might use in this way, and the mention of his "own handwriting" to +refer to the fact that he would naturally have employed a Greek +secretary to write Greek. The diminutive <i>Græculam</i> I take to be +apologetic for the Greek. But it is not at all certain.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_709_709" id="Footnote_709_709"></a><a href="#FNanchor_709_709"><span class="label">[709]</span></a> On his journey along the <i>via Appia</i> to one of his +seaside villas Cicero has put up at a friend's house (a freedman of +Lepidus), near the Pomptine marshes, as was his wont (<i>Att.</i> vii. 5). It +was near Ulubræ, of which he was deputy <i>patronus</i> in the absence of +Trebatius, and he jestingly pretends that the frogs which he hears +croaking in the marshes are frogs of Ulubræ turning out to do him +honour, as though they were the citizens of the town. Ulubræ was a very +dull and decaying town.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_710_710" id="Footnote_710_710"></a><a href="#FNanchor_710_710"><span class="label">[710]</span></a> The great rising in Gaul in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> S4-53, and the second +expedition across the Rhine.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_711_711" id="Footnote_711_711"></a><a href="#FNanchor_711_711"><span class="label">[711]</span></a> The friendship between Trebatius and Matius remained as +long as we know anything about them. Cicero afterwards acknowledges +(<i>F.</i> ii. 27) the great services Matius had done him with Cæsar, to whom +Matius remained attached to the end.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_712_712" id="Footnote_712_712"></a><a href="#FNanchor_712_712"><span class="label">[712]</span></a> In these vague though ominous sentences Cicero is +referring to the constant and violent hindrances to the election of +magistrates, that is, to the orderly working of the constitution, which +were occurring. No consuls were elected till September.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_713_713" id="Footnote_713_713"></a><a href="#FNanchor_713_713"><span class="label">[713]</span></a> Milo. His full name is T. Annius Milo Papianus; +originally of the <i>gens Papia</i>, he had been adopted by his maternal +grandfather, T. Annius.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_714_714" id="Footnote_714_714"></a><a href="#FNanchor_714_714"><span class="label">[714]</span></a> Pompey was <i>præfectus annonæ</i> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57-52. As such he had +a number of <i>legati</i>, of whom this Titus Titius was one; but there is +nothing to shew in which of the corn-supplying countries he was +employed. Avianius is a corn merchant, and wants concessions as to the +importation of his cargoes.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_715_715" id="Footnote_715_715"></a><a href="#FNanchor_715_715"><span class="label">[715]</span></a> The letter in some MSS. is inscribed to Sextius or +Sestius. Of P. Sittius of Nuceria we hear in the speech <i>pro Sulla</i>, §§ +56, 58. Sulla (who was accused of assisting Catiline) had sent P. +Sittius on a mission to Spain, as it was alleged, to raise a rebellion +there in support of Catiline. It does not, however, appear that his +condemnation took place then. It seems to have been just previous to +Cicero's return from exile (August, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57), and it is suggested that +it was after his ædileship of the previous year, when a scarcity of corn +had contributed to his unpopularity. The date of the letter is +uncertain.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_716_716" id="Footnote_716_716"></a><a href="#FNanchor_716_716"><span class="label">[716]</span></a> P. Sulla. Sittius was not, it seems, brought to trial +with Sulla, but his journey to Spain formed part of the allegations +against Sulla.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_717_717" id="Footnote_717_717"></a><a href="#FNanchor_717_717"><span class="label">[717]</span></a> Titus Fadius Gallus had been a quæstor in Cicero's +consulship (<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 63), and a tribune in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 58, when Cicero reckoned him +among those on whom he depended to resist Clodius. He also, among +others, had a motion prepared for Cicero's recall, of which Cicero +speaks with approbation (p. <a href="#Page_178">178</a>). We do not know on what charge he had +been condemned, but a number of prosecutions followed the death of +Clodius and Pompey's legislation as to violence and corruption of +juries.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_718_718" id="Footnote_718_718"></a><a href="#FNanchor_718_718"><span class="label">[718]</span></a> Pompey. He uses the word <i>potentia</i>, as he generally +does, in an invidious sense of "tyrannical, or, unconstitutional power," +as opposed to <i>auctoritas</i>, "legitimate influence."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_719_719" id="Footnote_719_719"></a><a href="#FNanchor_719_719"><span class="label">[719]</span></a> Brother of Cicero's enemy, P. Clodius. He had been consul +in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 54, and was now proconsul in Cilicia, in which government Cicero +was to succeed him. His relations with Cicero had been varied, and +though Cicero speaks warmly to him, he does not do so often of him, and +his compliments are evidently not really sincere.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_720_720" id="Footnote_720_720"></a><a href="#FNanchor_720_720"><span class="label">[720]</span></a> "I shall, in compliment to your accomplishments, call the +goddess of learning and wisdom 'Appias,'" <i>i.e.</i>, the "Appian Goddess." +But the meaning of the elaborate and dull joke or compliment is far from +clear, especially the phrase <i>si forte de tuis sumpsero</i>. Was Cicero +expecting a present of a bust of Minerva, or intending to purchase one +from Appius's collection? Or does he allude, as has been suggested, to +the Minerva he had himself dedicated before his exile, and which had +probably fallen into the hands of the Appian family?</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_721_721" id="Footnote_721_721"></a><a href="#FNanchor_721_721"><span class="label">[721]</span></a> The condemnation of T. Munatius Plancus Bursa, who, being +tribune in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 52, had promoted the riots following the death of +Clodius, especially in regard to burning his body in the Curia, and had, +after his office terminated (10th December), been prosecuted <i>de vi</i> by +Cicero successfully. Bursa, with others, had supported Pompey's wish for +the dictatorship, as well as his legislation, and accordingly, in +attacking him, Cicero had against him the weight of Pompey's influence. +He therefore looks upon it as a great triumph.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_722_722" id="Footnote_722_722"></a><a href="#FNanchor_722_722"><span class="label">[722]</span></a> The condemnation of Bursa was a point in favour of Milo, +whereas Milo's murder of Clodius only brought his ultimate condemnation +and exile. Milo's trial had taken place in April.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_723_723" id="Footnote_723_723"></a><a href="#FNanchor_723_723"><span class="label">[723]</span></a> Pompey and his friends.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_724_724" id="Footnote_724_724"></a><a href="#FNanchor_724_724"><span class="label">[724]</span></a> The new laws introduced by Pompey <i>de vi</i>, <i>de +magistratibus</i>, <i>de pecunia ob iudicium</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_725_725" id="Footnote_725_725"></a><a href="#FNanchor_725_725"><span class="label">[725]</span></a> The intercalary month was inserted between the 23rd and +24th of February. Whether it was to be inserted or not depended on the +pontifices, who kept their secret jealously. If it is inserted, Cicero +will be kept all the longer in town with senatorial and legal business, +and so be prevented from seeing Marius, who lived near his Pompeian +villa.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_726_726" id="Footnote_726_726"></a><a href="#FNanchor_726_726"><span class="label">[726]</span></a> It is to be observed that at this time Pompey is reckoned +as inclined to the <i>populares</i>. His legislation in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 70 had been +somewhat in their favour; but he had not, as a fact, ever declared +himself either way.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_727_727" id="Footnote_727_727"></a><a href="#FNanchor_727_727"><span class="label">[727]</span></a> C. Antonius, impeached by Cæsar for plundering Macedonia, +<i>appellavit tribunos iuravitque se forum eiurare, quod æquo iure uti non +posset</i> (Ascon. § 84). His offences in Macedonia, where he had been left +by Sulla, were in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 83-80; his impeachment, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 76; his expulsion +from the senate, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 70.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_728_728" id="Footnote_728_728"></a><a href="#FNanchor_728_728"><span class="label">[728]</span></a> M. Marius Gratidianus (Ascon. § 84). These denunciations +of Antonius and Catiline seem to be taken from the oration <i>in toga +candida</i>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_729_729" id="Footnote_729_729"></a><a href="#FNanchor_729_729"><span class="label">[729]</span></a> Cælius, consul <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 94 with Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_730_730" id="Footnote_730_730"></a><a href="#FNanchor_730_730"><span class="label">[730]</span></a> Cicero, of course, was now a senator, but he was the +first of his family who had been so. The others who came forward for the +consulship were two patricians, P. Sulpicius Galba, L. Sergius Catilina; +four plebeians, C. Antonius, L. Cassius Longinus, whom Asconius calls +<i>nobiles</i>, <i>i.e.</i>, members of families who had held curule office; and +Q. Cornificius and C. Licinius Sacerdos, whose families had only +recently risen to this position, <i>tantum non primi ex familiis suis +magistratum adepti erant</i> (Asc.)</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_731_731" id="Footnote_731_731"></a><a href="#FNanchor_731_731"><span class="label">[731]</span></a> He hints, I think, at Cæsar, who supported Antonius and +Catiline, and also the Luculli, who were opponents of Pompey.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_732_732" id="Footnote_732_732"></a><a href="#FNanchor_732_732"><span class="label">[732]</span></a> C. Fundanius, defended by Cicero <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 66, fr. p. 216. Q. +Gallius, defended by Cicero on <i>ambitus</i> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 64, fr. p. 217 (<i>Brut.</i> § +277). C. Cornelius, quæstor of Pompey, tr. pl. <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 67, defended by +Cicero <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 65 (Ascon. § 56 <i>seq.</i>) C. Orchivius, Cicero's colleague in +prætorship <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 66 (<i>Or.</i> § 160). We don't know on what charge Cicero +defended him. The passage in <i>pro Cluent.</i> § 147, does not mean that he +was accused of <i>peculatus</i>, but that he presided over trials of +<i>peculatus</i> as prætor.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_733_733" id="Footnote_733_733"></a><a href="#FNanchor_733_733"><span class="label">[733]</span></a> Manilius, tr. pl. <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 66, proposed the law for +appointing Pompey to supersede Lucullus in the East. After his year of +office he was accused of <i>maiestas</i>, and later on of <i>repetundæ</i>, but +apparently neither case came on. C. Cornelius, tr. pl. <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 57, was +accused of <i>maiestas</i> in <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 55, and defended by Cicero. He had become +alienated from the senate by its opposition to his legislation against +usury in the provinces, and the case made a great sensation.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_734_734" id="Footnote_734_734"></a><a href="#FNanchor_734_734"><span class="label">[734]</span></a> From <i>fio</i>, according to Cicero, <i>credamusque quia "fiat" +quod dictum est, appellatam fidem</i> (<i>de Off.</i> i. § 23). He is referring +to his promise to emancipate Tiro on a particular day.</p></div> +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Letters of Cicero, Volume 1, by +Marcus Tullius Cicero + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LETTERS OF CICERO, VOLUME 1 *** + +***** This file should be named 21200-h.htm or 21200-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/1/2/0/21200/ + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Taavi Kalju and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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