Chapter XIV: Book XV: I (2)

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O negotia non ferenda! quae feruntur tamen. Τῶνδε αἰτίαν τῶν Βρούτων τίς ἔχει; In Octaviano, ut perspexi, satis ingenii, satis animi, videbaturque erga nostros ἥρωας ita fore, ut nos vellemus, animatus. Sed quid aetati credendum sit, quid nomini, quid hereditati, quid κατηχήσει, magni consilii est. Vitricus quidem nihil censebat; quem Asturae vidimus. Sed tamen alendus est, et, ut nihil aliud, ab Antonio seiungendus. Marcellus praeclare, si praecipit nostro nostra. Cui quidem ille deditus mihi videbatur. Pansae autem et Hirtio non nimis credebat. Bona indoles, ἐὰν διαμείνῃ.

XIII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Puteolano VIII K. Nov. a. 710_]

VIII Kal. duas a te accepi epistulas. Respondebo igitur priori prius. Adsentior tibi, ut nec duces simus nec agmen cogamus, faveamus tamen. Orationem tibi misi. Eius custodiendae et proferendae arbitrium tuum. Sed quando illum diem, cum tu edendam putes? Indutias quas scribis, non intellego fieri posse. Melior est ἀναντιφωνησία; qua me usurum arbitror. Quod scribis legiones duas Brundisium venisse, vos omnia prius. Scribes igitur, quicquid audieris. Varronis διάλογον exspecto. Iam probo Ἡρακλείδειον, praesertim cum tu tanto opere delectere;

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Tusculum. What intolerable nuisances! Yet we put up with them. Which of the Bruti have we to thank for this? In Octavianus, as I have observed, there is plenty of wit and plenty of spirit, and he seems likely to be as well disposed to our heroes as we could wish. But it is a grave question how far we can trust one of his age, name, heritage, and bringing up. His father-in-law, whom I saw at Astura, thinks he is not to be trusted at all. However, we must look after him, and, if nothing else, dissociate him from Antonius. Marcellus will be doing well if he inculcates our views into Brutus, to whom Octavianus seems to be well affected. In Pansa and Hirtius, however, he has but little trust. His disposition is good, if it will last.

XIII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Puteoli, Oct. 25_, B.C. _44_]

On the 25th I received two letters from you. So I will answer the former first. I agree with you that we need not be the first to move nor the last to follow, but that we should incline to Brutus' side. I have sent you my speech,[257] and leave it to you to keep it or publish it. But when shall we see the day when you will think it right to publish it? I don't understand how the truce you mention can be possible. It is better to make no reply; and that, I think, is what I shall do. You say that two legions have arrived at Brundisium: you get all the news first. So you must write whatever you hear. I am expecting Varro's dialogue.[258] I agree now about writing something in Heracleides' style,[259] especially as you like it

Footnote 257:

The _Second Philippic_, an answer to Antony's speech of September 19,
never actually delivered by Cicero.

Footnote 258:

A promised dialogue in which Cicero was to take part, or which was to
be dedicated to him.

Footnote 259:

Cf. XV. 4.

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sed, quale velis, velim scire. Quod ad te antea atque adeo prius scripsi (sic enim mavis), ad scribendum (licet enim[260] tibi vere dicere) fecisti me acriorem. Ad tuum enim iudicium, quod mihi erat notum, addidisti Peducaei auctoritatem, magnam quidem apud me et in primis gravem. Enitar igitur, ne desideres aut industriam meam aut diligentiam. Vettienum, ut scribis, et Faberium foveo. Clodium nihil arbitror malitiose; quamquam—sed quod egerit. De libertate retinenda, qua certe nihil est dulcius, tibi adsentior. Itane Gallo Caninio? O hominem nequam! quid enim dicam aliud? Cautum Marcellum! me sic, sed non tamen cautissimum.

Footnote 260:

licet enim _added by Lehmann_.

Longiori epistulae superiorique respondi. Nunc breviori propiorique quid respondeam, nisi eam fuisse dulcissimam? Res Hispanienses valde bonae, modo Balbilium incolumem videam, subsidium nostrae senectutis. De Anniano idem, quod me valde observat Visellia. Sed haec quidem humana. De Bruto te nihil scire dicis, sed Servilia venisse M. Scaptium, eumque non qua pompa adsuevisset, ad se tamen clam venturum sciturumque me omnia; quae ego statim. Interea narrat eadem Bassi servum venisse, qui nuntiaret legiones Alexandrinas in armis esse, Bassum arcessi, Cassium exspectari. Quid quaeris? videtur res publica ius suum recuperatura. Sed ne

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so much; but I will write whatever you wish. As I told you before, or rather previously, as you prefer to say, I must confess you have made me more eager to write. For to your own opinion, which I knew, you have added Peducaeus' authority, which I count great and as weighty as any. So I will make an effort not to disappoint you in my industry or diligence. I am making much of Vettienus and Faberius, as you suggest. I don't think Clodius meant any harm, though—but it is nothing to me.[261] I agree with you about preserving our liberty, our most precious possession. So it is Gallus Caninius' turn now?[262] What a knave! For what else can one call him? How cautious Marcellus is. So am I, but not overcautious.

Footnote 261:

After _quod egerit_ some such words as _id actum habebo_ must be
supplied. On this phrase, which occurs several times in Cicero's
letters, cf. Lehmann, _De epp. ad Atticum recensendis_, 1892, p. 189.

Footnote 262:

From _Att._ XVI. 14 it appears that Gallus had just died. Probably
Antony, to whom the next words apparently refer, threatened to
confiscate his property.

I have answered your longer and earlier letter. Now what can I say to the shorter and more recent, except that it was most delightful? Affairs in Spain are going really well, if only I can see Balbilius in safety as a support for our old age. About Annianus[263] I agree, as Visellia is very polite to me. But that is the way of the world. You say you know nothing of Brutus, but Servilia says M. Scaptius has come, and that without any of his usual parade, and he will pay her a visit quietly, and I shall be told everything. I shall know soon. Meantime she says a slave of Bassus has come announcing that the legions in Alexandria are in arms, that Bassus has been summoned, and Cassius is expected with eagerness. In short it looks as though the republic was going to recover its rights. But don't let us anticipate. You

Footnote 263:

Or "the estate of Annius," as Shuckburgh.

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quid ante. Nosti horum exercitationem in latrocinio et amentiam.

Dolabella, vir optimus, etsi, cum scribebam secunda mensa adposita, venisse eum ad Baias audiebam, tamen ad me ex Formiano scripsit, quas litteras, cum e balineo exissem, accepi, sese de attributione omnia summa fecisse. Vettienum accusat (tricatur scilicet ut monetalis), sed ait totum negotium Sestium nostrum suscepisse, optimum quidem illum virum nostrique amantissimum. Quaero autem, quid tandem Sestius in hac re facere possit, quod non quivis nostrum. Sed, si quid praeter spem erit, facies, ut sciam; sin est, ut arbitror, negotium perditum, scribes tamen, neque ista res commovebit.

Nos hic φιλοσοφοῦμεν (quid enim aliud?) et τὰ περὶ τοῦ καθήκοντος magnifice explicamus προσφωνοῦμενque Ciceroni; qua de re enim potius pater filio? Deinde alia. Quid quaeris? exstabit opera peregrinationis huius. Varronem hodie aut cras venturum putabant; ego autem in Pompeianum properabam, non quo hoc loco quicquam pulchrius, sed interpellatores illic minus molesti. Sed perscribe, quaeso, quae causa sit Myrtilo (poenas quidem illum pependisse audivi), et satisne pateat, unde corruptus.

Haec cum scriberem, tantum quod existimabam ad te orationem esse perlatam. Hui, quam timeo, quid existimes! Etsi quid ad me? quae non sit foras proditura nisi re publica recuperata. De quo quid sperem, non audeo scribere.

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know what practice that lot have had in rascality, and how reckless they are.

That pretty fellow Dolabella has written to me from Formiae, though, when I was writing this letter at dessert, I heard he had arrived at Baiae, and I got his letter as I left my bath. He says he has done his level best about assigning debts to me. He blames Vettienus—of course he is up to some dodge like a true business man—but he says Sestius, who is a very honest fellow and a good friend of mine, has undertaken the whole affair. Still, I should like to know what on earth Sestius can do in this business that any of us could not have done. But if anything does happen contrary to my expectation, you must let me know; while, if it is, as I suspect, a hopeless business, write all the same: it will not disturb me.

I am philosophizing here (what else can I do?) and getting on splendidly with my _De Officiis_, which I am dedicating to my son. A father could not choose a more appropriate subject. Then I shall turn to other subjects. In fact this excursion will have some works to show for itself. Varro is expected either to-day or to-morrow; but I am hastening to Pompeii, not that anything could be prettier than this place, but I shall be less bothered by interruptions there. But please inform me what the charge was against Myrtilus,[264] for I hear he has been executed, and whether it has come out who suborned him.

Footnote 264:

Cf. _Att._ XVI. 11. He was accused of attempting to murder Antony.

As I am writing this, it just occurs to me that my speech is being delivered to you. How I fear your judgment on it! Though what does it matter to me, as it will not be published, unless the constitution is restored? And what hope I have of that I dare not say.

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XIV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano V K. Quint. a. 710_]

VI Kalend. accepi a Dolabella litteras. Quarum exemplum tibi misi. In quibus erat omnia se fecisse, quae tu velles. Statim ei rescripsi et multis verbis gratias egi. Sed tamen, ne miraretur, cur idem iterum facerem, hoc causae sumpsi, quod ex te ipso coram antea nihil potuissem cognoscere. Sed quid multa? litteras hoc exemplo dedi:

"CICERO DOLABELLAE COS. SUO.

"Antea cum litteris Attici nostri de tua summa liberalitate summoque erga se beneficio certior factus essem, cumque tu ipse etiam ad me scripsisses te fecisse ea, quae nos voluissemus, egi tibi gratias per litteras iis verbis, ut intellegeres nihil te mihi gratius facere potuisse. Postea vero quam ipse Atticus ad me venit in Tusculanum huius unius rei causa, tibi ut apud me gratias ageret, cuius eximiam quandam et admirabilem in causa Buthrotia voluntatem et singularem erga se amorem perspexisset, teneri non potui, quin tibi apertius illud idem his litteris declararem. Ex omnibus enim, mi Dolabella, studiis in me et officiis, quae summa sunt, hoc scito mihi et amplissimum videri et gratissimum esse, quod perfeceris, ut Atticus intellegeret, quantum ego te, quantum tu me amares. Quod reliquum est, Buthrotiam et causam et civitatem, quamquam a te constituta est (beneficia autem nostra tueri solemus),

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XIV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 27_, B.C. _44_]

On the 26th I received a letter from Dolabella, and I am sending you a copy of it. In it he says he has done everything you wanted. I answered at once, thanking him profusely. However, to prevent his wondering why I should do so twice, I gave as a reason that I had not been able to get any information from you before when I met you. But, to cut it short, here is a copy of my letter:—

"CICERO TO HIS FRIEND DOLABELLA THE CONSUL.

"Once before, when our friend Atticus had informed me by letter of your great liberality and the great kindness you had shown him, and when you yourself had written that you had done all that we wished, I sent you my thanks couched in such terms that you might understand that you had done me the greatest favour. But afterwards, when Atticus came himself to me at Tusculum solely to declare his gratitude to you, as he had observed your remarkable and indeed wonderful kindness in the matter of the people of Buthrotum and your strong affection for himself, I could not help expressing my thanks again more clearly in this letter. For of all the favours and services you have done for me, and they are overwhelming, my dear Dolabella, let me assure you that the highest and the most gratifying is, that you have shown Atticus how great my affection is for you, and yours for me. For the rest, as one generally wishes to secure favours received, though the case of Buthrotum and its existence as a city have been set on a firm footing by you, I

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tamen velim receptam in fidem tuam a meque etiam atque etiam tibi commendatam auctoritate et auxilio tuo tectam velis esse. Satis erit in perpetuum Buthrotiis praesidii, magnaque cura et sollicitudine Atticum et me liberaris, si hoc honoris mei causa susceperis, ut eos semper a te defenses velis. Quod ut facias, te vehementer etiam atque etiam rogo."

His litteris scriptis me ad συντάξεις dedi; quae quidem vereor ne miniata cerula tua pluribus locis notandae sint. Ita sum μετέωρος et magnis cogitationibus impeditus.

XV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Antiati Id. Iun. a. 710_]

L. Antonio male sit, si quidem Buthrotiis molestus est! Ego testimonium composui, quod, cum voles, obsignabitur. Nummos Arpinatium, si L. Fadius aedilis petet, vel omnes reddito. Ego ad te alia epistula scripsi de HS ¯CX¯, quae Statio curarentur. Si ergo petet Fadius, ei volo reddi, praeter Fadium nemini. Apud me idem puto depositum. Id scripsi ad Erotem ut redderet.

Reginam odi. Id me iure facere scit sponsor promissorum eius Ammonius, quae quidem erant φιλόλογα et dignitatis meae, ut vel in contione dicere auderem. Saran autem, praeterquam quod nefarium hominem, cognovi praeterea in me contumacem. Semel eum omnino domi meae vidi. Cum φιλοφρόνως

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should like you to use your authority and your power to protect it, as it was put in your care and repeatedly recommended to you by me. That will be sufficient to safeguard Buthrotum for ever, and, if in compliment to me you will undertake to see them always protected, you will relieve Atticus and me of a great care and anxiety: and this I beg and entreat you to do."

After finishing this letter I have devoted myself to my treatise. I fear you will run your red pencil under many passages in it. I have been so distracted and hindered by weighty thoughts.

XV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Antium, June 13_, B.C. _44_]

Hang L. Antonius if he is obnoxious to the Buthrotians. I have drawn up a deposition, which shall be signed whenever you like. If the aedile L. Fadius asks for the money belonging to the people of Arpinum, pay it him back in full. In another letter I mentioned the 1,000 guineas to be paid to Statius. Well, if Fadius asks for them, I wish them to be paid to him, but to no one else. I think it was deposited with me. I have written to Eros to pay it.

I detest Cleopatra; and the voucher for her promises, Ammonius, knows I have good reason to do so. Her promises were all things that had to do with learning and not derogatory to my dignity, so I could have mentioned them even in a public speech. Sara, besides being a knave, I have noticed is also impertinent to me. Once, and only once, have I

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ex eo quaererem, quid opus esset, Atticum se dixit quaerere. Superbiam autem ipsius reginae, cum esset trans Tiberim in hortis, commemorare sine magno dolore non possum. Nihil igitur cum istis; nec tam animum me quam vix stomachum habere arbitrantur.

Profectionem meam, ut video, Erotis dispensatio impedit. Nam, cum ex reliquis, quae Nonis Aprilibus fecit, abundare debeam, cogor mutuari, quodque ex istis fructuosis rebus receptum est, id ego ad illud fanum sepositum putabam. Sed haec Tironi mandavi, quem ob eam causam Romam misi; te nolui impeditum impedire. Cicero noster quo modestior est, eo me magis commovet. Ad me enim de hac re nihil scripsit, ad quem nimirum potissimum debuit; scripsit hoc autem ad Tironem, sibi post Kalend. Apriles (sic enim annuum tempus confici) nihil datum esse. Tibi pro tua natura semper placuisse teque existimasse scio, id etiam ad dignitatem meam pertinere eum non modo liberaliter a nobis, sed etiam ornate cumulateque tractari. Quare velim cures (nec tibi essem molestus, si per alium hoc agere possem), ut permutetur Athenas, quod sit in annuum sumptum ei. Scilicet Eros numerabit. Eius rei causa Tironem misi. Curabis igitur et ad me, si quid tibi de eo videbitur, scribes.

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seen him in my house; and then, when I asked politely what he wanted, he said he wanted Atticus. But the insolence of the queen herself, when she was in her villa across the river, I cannot mention without great indignation. So no dealings with them. They don't credit me with any spirit or even any feelings at all.

My departure from Italy I see is hindered by Eros' management of my affairs. For, although from the balances he made on April 5 I ought to have plenty of cash, I have to borrow, and I think the receipts from those paying concerns are set aside for the shrine. But I have given Tiro orders about this, and am sending him to Rome on purpose. I did not want to add to your worries. The more moderate in his demands my son is, the more am I concerned about him. For he has not mentioned this point to me, the person of all others to whom of course he ought to have mentioned it; but in a letter to Tiro he said I had sent him nothing since April 1, which was the end of his financial year. Now I know that you, with your usual amiability, have always agreed and indeed thought that among other things my dignity demanded that he should be treated not only liberally, but even with excessive and extravagant liberality. So I should like you to see that he has a bill of exchange for his annual allowance payable at Athens. I would not trouble you, if I could manage it through anyone else. Eros, of course, will pay you. That is why I have sent Tiro. Please see about it and let me know if you have any views on the point.

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XVI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Antiati III aut prid. Id. Iun. a. 710_]

Tandem a Cicerone tabellarius, et mehercule litterae πεπινωμένως scriptae, quod ipsum προκοπὴν aliquam significat, itemque ceteri praeclara scribunt; Leonides tamen retinet suum illud "adhuc," summis vero laudibus Herodes. Quid quaeris? vel verba mihi dari facile patior in hoc, meque libenter praebeo credulum. Tu velim, si quid tibi est a Statio scriptum, quod pertineat ad me, certiorem me facias.

XVIa

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati XIV aut XIII K. Iun. a. 710_]

Narro tibi, haec loca venusta sunt, abdita certe, et, si quid scribere velis, ab arbitris libera. Sed nescio quo modo οἶκος φίλος. Itaque me referunt pedes in Tusculanum. Et tamen haec ῥωπογραφία ripulae videtur habitura celerem satietatem. Equidem etiam pluvias metuo, si Prognostica nostra vera sunt; ranae enim ῥητορεύουσιν. Tu, quaeso, fac sciam, ubi Brutum nostrum et quo die videre possim.

XVII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Antiati postr. Id. Iun. a. 710_]

Duas accepi postridie Idus, alteram eo die datam, alteram Idibus. Prius igitur superiori. De D. Bruto, cum scies. De consulum ficto timore cognoveram.

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XVI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Antium, June 11 or 12_, B.C. _44_]

At last a messenger from my son, and upon my word a letter written in first class style. That itself shows some advance, and other people send most favourable reports too. Leonides, however, still sticks to his "at present,"[265] while Herodes bestows the highest praise. Indeed, in this respect I gladly allow myself even to be hoodwinked, and am not sorry to be credulous. I should like you to let me know if Statius has written anything that concerns me.

Footnote 265:

Cf. _Att._ XIV. 16.

XVIa

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, May 19 or 20_, B.C. _44_]

I tell you what, this place is lovely, and certainly it is retired and free from overlookers, if you want to write. But somehow or other there's no place like home.[266] So my feet are carrying me back to Tusculum. And after all the tameness of this bit of coast would probably soon cloy on one. Besides, I am afraid of rain, if our _Prognostics_[267] are right, for the frogs are holding forth. Please let me know where Brutus is and when I can see him.

Footnote 266:

Apparently a proverb.

Footnote 267:

Cicero translated the _Prognostica_ of Aratus into Latin verse.

XVII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Antias, June 14_, B.C. _44_]

I received two letters on the 14th, one dated the same day, one the day before. So I answer the earlier first. Tell me about D. Brutus, when you know. I had heard of the pretended terror of the consuls.[268]

Footnote 268:

They were afraid of violence on the part of Brutus and Cassius.

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Sicca enim φιλοστόργως ille quidem, sed tumultuosius ad me etiam illam suspicionem pertulit. Quid tu autem? "τὰ μὲν διδόμενα ——"? Nullum enim verbum a Siregio. Non placet. De Plaetorio, vicino tuo, permoleste tuli quemquam prius audisse quam me. De Syro prudenter. L. Antonium per Marcum fratrem, ut arbitror, facillime deterrebis. Antroni vetui; sed nondum acceperas litteras, ne cuiquam nisi L. Fadio aedili. Aliter enim nec caute nec iure fieri potest. Quod scribis tibi desse HS ¯C¯, quae Ciceroni curata sint, velim ab Erote quaeras, ubi sit merces insularum. Arabioni de Sittio nihil irascor. Ego de itinere nisi explicato Λ nihil cogito; quod idem tibi videri puto. Habes ad superiorem.

Nunc audi ad alteram. Tu vero facis ut omnia, quod Serviliae non dees, id est Bruto. De regina gaudeo te non laborare, testem etiam tibi probari. Erotis rationes et ex Tirone cognovi et vocavi ipsum. Gratissimum, quod polliceris Ciceroni nihil defuturum; de quo mirabilia Messalla, qui Lanuvio rediens ab illis venit ad me, et mehercule ipsius litterae sic et φιλοστόργως et πεπινωμένως scriptae, ut eas vel in acroasi audeam legere. Quo magis illi indulgendum puto. De Buciliano Sestium puto non moleste ferre. Ego, si Tiro ad me, cogito in Tusculanum. Tu vero, quicquid erit, quod me scire par sit, statim.

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For Sicca, in a very friendly but rather panic-stricken manner, has brought me word of that suspicion too. What do you say? "Take what the gods give"?[269] For I have not a word from Siregius. I don't like it. About your neighbour Plaetorius I was very annoyed that anyone heard before I did. About Syrus you did well. I fancy you will easily frighten L. Antonius through his brother Marcus. I told you not to pay Antro, but you had not yet received my letter forbidding you to pay anyone except L. Fadius the aedile. It is the only safe and proper thing. You say you are £1,000 out of pocket on the money sent to my son; please ask Eros what has become of the rents of the blocks of houses. I am not at all angry with Arabio about Sittius. I am not thinking of starting on my journey until my accounts[270] are all settled, and of that I think you approve. There is my answer to your first letter.

Footnote 269:

A proverb presumably ending ἀνάγκη δέχεσθαι, "one must put up with,"
or something similar.

Footnote 270:

If Λ stands for λοίπῳ = _reliquiis_ "balance," as was suggested by
Gronovius.

Now hear what I have to say to the second. You are acting as kindly as usual in standing by Servilia, that is to say, Brutus. As to Cleopatra, I am glad you are not anxious and that you accept the evidence. The state of Eros' accounts I have heard from Tiro, and I have sent for Eros himself. I am most grateful for your promise not to let my son lack in anything. Messalla, on his way back from our adversaries at Lanuvium, called on me with wonderfully good news about him, and upon my word his own letter is so affectionate and well-written that I should not be ashamed to read it before an audience. So I feel all the more indulgently disposed towards him. I don't think Sestius is annoyed about Bucilianus. As soon as Tiro returns home, I am thinking of going to Tusculum. Please let me know at once, if there is anything that I ought to know.

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XVIII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in itinere ex Antiati in Tusculanum XVI K. Quint. a.
710_]

XVII Kal. etsi satis videbar scripsisse ad te, quid mihi opus esset, et quid te facere vellem, si tibi commodum esset, tamen, cum profectus essem et in lacu navigarem, Tironem statui ad te esse mittendum, ut iis negotiis, quae agerentur, interesset, atque etiam scripsi ad Dolabellam me, si ei videretur, velle proficisci, petiique ab eo de mulis vecturae. Ut in his (quoniam intellego te distentissimum esse qua de Buthrotiis, qua de Bruto, cuius etiam ludorum sumptuosorum[271] curam et administrationem suspicor ex magna parte ad te pertinere) ut ergo in eius modi re tribues nobis paulum operae; nec enim multum opus est.

Footnote 271:

sumptuosorum _Lehmann_: suorum _MSS._

Mihi res ad caedem et eam quidem propinquam spectare videtur. Vides homines, vides arma. Prorsus non mihi videor esse tutus. Sin tu aliter sentis, velim ad me scribas. Domi enim manere, si recte possum, multo malo.

XIX

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano inter a. d. XV et XI K. Quint. a. 710_]

Quidnam est, quod agendum amplius de Buthrotiis sit? Egisse[272] enim te frustra scribis. Quid autem se refert Brutus? Doleo mehercules te tam esse distentum, quod decem hominibus referendum est

Footnote 272:

sit? egisse _Boot_: stetisse _MSS._

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XVIII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _On the way to Tusculum, June 16_, B.C. _44_]

Though I think I told you sufficiently what I wanted and what I wished you to do, if it was convenient to you, in my letter of the 15th, still, when I had started and was crossing the lake, I determined to send Tiro to you that he might attend to the necessary matters with you; and I wrote, too, to Dolabella, saying I wanted to start if he agreed, and asked him about baggage mules. So far as you can—I understand you are utterly distracted with business, what with the Buthrotians and what with Brutus, as I expect the care and arrangement of his sumptuous games fall largely to your share—still, so far as you can, give a little attention to my affairs. I shall not want much.

To me things seem to foreshadow bloodshed, and that quite soon. You see the men, you see their warlike preparations. Indeed I do not count myself safe at all. If you think differently, I wish you would write. For, if I can with safety, I should much prefer to stay at home.

XIX

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 17 to 21_, B.C. _44_]

What more can we possibly do about Buthrotum? For you say your labour has been in vain. Why too is Brutus returning to Rome? I am really very sorry you have been so overworked: you are indebted for

* * * * *

Page 346

acceptum. Est illud quidem ἐργῶδες, sed ἀνεκτὸν mihique gratissimum. De armis nihil vidi apertius. Fugiamus igitur, et ut ais. Coram Theophanes quid velit, nescio. Scripserat enim ad me. Cui rescripsi, ut potui. Mihi autem scribit venire ad me se velle, ut et de suis rebus et quaedam, quae ad me pertinerent. Tuas litteras exspecto. Vide, quaeso, ne quid temere fiat.

Statius scripsit ad me locutum secum esse Q. Ciceronem valde adseveranter se haec ferre non posse; certum sibi esse ad Brutum et Cassium transire. Hoc enim vero nunc discere aveo: hoc ego quid sit interpretari non possum. Potest aliquid iratus Antonio, potest gloriam iam novam quaerere, potest totum esse σχεδίασμα; et nimirum ita est. Sed tamen et ego vereor, et pater conturbatus est; scit enim, quae ille de hoc, mecum quidem ἄφατα olim. Plane, quid velit, nescio. A Dolabella mandata habebo, quae mihi videbuntur, id est nihil. Dic mihi, C. Antonius voluitne fieri septemvir? Fuit certe dignus. De Menedemo est, ut scribis. Facies omnia mihi nota.

* * * * *

Page 347

that to the ten commissioners.[273] That is certainly a tough piece of business, but one has to put up with it, and I am very thankful for it. As to the imminence of war I never saw anything more obvious. So let me flee, and in the way you suggest. I do not know why Theophanes wants to see me, for he wrote to me. I answered as best I could. But he writes saying he wants to come to me to discuss his own affairs and some that concern me. I am looking for a letter from you. Pray see that nothing is done rashly.

Footnote 273:

The commissioners for distributing land in Epirus.

Statius has written to me saying my nephew Quintus has told him with emphasis that he cannot put up with things, and has resolved to go over to Brutus and Cassius. Here is something I am very eager to understand: here is a puzzle I can't interpret. Perhaps he is angry with Antony about something; perhaps he is looking for some new way of distinguishing himself; or perhaps it is all bunkum; and no doubt that is what it is. But for all that I am afraid, and his father is disturbed about him, for he knows what he used to say about Antony; indeed, he said things to me which I cannot repeat. What on earth he means I can't think. I shall only have such commissions as I choose from Dolabella, that is, none at all. Tell me if C. Antonius wanted to be put on the land commission.[274] He would certainly have been in his proper place. About Menedemus it is as you say. Please keep me posted up in all news.

Footnote 274:

Seven commissioners were appointed to distribute land in Italy among
the soldiers. As the next sentence implies, several of them were
nonentities.

* * * * *

Page 348

XX

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano inter XV et XI K. Quint, a. 710_]

Egi gratias Vettieno; nihil enim potuit humanius. Dolabellae mandata sint quaelibet, mihi aliquid, vel quod Niciae nuntiem. Quis enim haec, ut scribis, ἀντερεῖ[275]? Nunc dubitare quemquam prudentem, quin meus discessus desperationis sit, non legationis? Quod ais extrema quaedam iam homines de re publica loqui et eos quidem viros bonos, ego, quo die audivi illum tyrannum in contione "clarissimum virum" appellari, subdiffidere coepi. Postea vero quam tecum Lanuvi vidi nostros tantum spei habere ad vivendum, quantum accepissent ab Antonio, desperavi. Itaque, mi Attice (fortiter hoc velim accipias, ut ego scribo), genus illud interitus, quo causae cursus[276] est, foedum ducens, et quasi denuntiatum nobis ab Antonio, ex hac nassa exire constitui non ad fugam, sed ad spem mortis melioris. Haec omnis culpa Bruti.

Footnote 275:

ἀντερεῖ _Tyrrell_: anteno _MSS._: λεπτύνει _Gronovius and most
editors_.

Footnote 276:

causae cursus _Popma_: causa cursus _Z_: causurus _M^1_: casurus
_M^2_: Catulus usus est _Madvig, which gives a better sense but is
not very near the reading of the MSS._

Pompeium Carteiae receptum scribis. Iam igitur contra hunc exercitum. Utra ergo castra? Media enim tollit Antonius. Illa infirma, haec nefaria. Properemus igitur. Sed iuva me consilio, Brundisione an Puteolis. Brutus quidem subito, sed sapienter. Πάσχω τι. Quando enim illum? Sed humana ferenda. Tu ipse eum videre non potes. Di illi mortuo, qui umquam Buthrotum! Sed acta missa; videamus, quae agenda sint.

* * * * *

Page 349

XX

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 17 to 21_, B.C. _44_]

I have thanked Vettienus; for nothing could have been kinder. Let Dolabella give me what commissions he will, provided I have something, even a message to Nicias. For, as you say, who will deny it? Can any sane man doubt now that I am going away in despair, not on a mission? You say that people, aye, even good citizens, are talking of desperate political measures. I began to have my doubts on the day that I heard that tyrant called "a most distinguished man." Afterwards, when I was with you at Lanuvium and saw that our friends had precisely so much hope of life as Antony gave them, I lost all hope. So, my dear Atticus, I hope you will take what I am going to say with the same courage as I write it. As I think the kind of death towards which the current of affairs is setting is disgraceful and hold that we are practically condemned to it by Antony, I have decided to escape from the toils, not so much to escape as in hope of a better death. All this is Brutus' fault.

You say Pompeius has been received at Carteia. So there will soon be an army sent against him. Then which camp am I to choose? For Antony makes neutrality impossible. That is weak, this is criminal. So let me hasten away. But give me your counsel whether to sail from Brundisium or Puteoli. Brutus does wisely to go, but it is sudden. I am rather upset about it, for when shall I see him again? But such is life. You yourself cannot see him. Heaven confound that dead man for ever touching Buthrotum. But away with the past; let us see what has to be done.

* * * * *

Page 350

Rationes Erotis, etsi ipsum nondum vidi, tamen et ex litteris eius et ex eo, quod Tiro cognovit, prope modum cognitas habeo. Versuram scribis esse faciendam mensum quinque, id est ad Kal. Nov., HS ¯CC¯; in eam diem cadere nummos, qui a Quinto debentur. Velim igitur, quoniam Tiro negat tibi placere me eius rei causa Romam venire, si ea te res nihil offendet, videas, unde nummi sint, mihi feras expensum. Hoc video in praesentia opus esse. Reliqua diligentius ex hoc ipso exquiram, in his de mercedibus dotalium praediorum. Quae si fideliter Ciceroni curabuntur, quamquam volo laxius, tamen ei prope modum nihil derit. Equidem video mihi quoque opus esse viaticum; sed ei ex praediis, ut cadet, ita solvetur, mihi autem opus est universo. Equidem, etsi mihi videtur iste, qui umbras timet, ad caedem spectare, tamen nisi explicata solutione non sum discessurus. Sitne autem explicata necne, tecum cognoscam. Hanc putavi mea manu scribendam itaque feci. De Fadio, ut scribis, utique alii nemini. Rescribas velim hodie.

XXI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano X K. Quint. a. 710_]

Narro tibi, Quintus pater exsultat laetitia. Scripsit enim filius se idcirco profugere ad Brutum voluisse, quod, cum sibi negotium daret Antonius, ut eum dictatorem efficeret, praesidium occuparet, id recusasset;

* * * * *

Page 351

Though I have not yet seen Eros, from his letters and from what Tiro found out I know pretty well how his accounts stand. You say I must raise a fresh loan for some £2,000 for five months, that is, till the 1st of November, when Quintus' debt falls due. So, since Tiro says you do not want me to come to Rome on purpose for that, if you do not mind, I should be glad if you would see where I can get the money, and put it down on my account. I see it is necessary for the present. I will enquire more closely into the rest from Eros himself, among other things about the rents of Terentia's dower property. If they are properly looked after for my son he will be pretty well provided for, though I want him to be more liberally treated. I see I shall want some journey-money myself; but he can get the rents of the property as they fall due, whereas I shall require a lump sum. I certainly shall not leave until the money has been paid, though that trembler at shadows[277] seems to me to be meditating a massacre. However, whether it has been arranged or not, I shall learn when I see you. I thought I had better write this myself, and so I have done so. As you say about Fadius: the money must not go to anyone else in any case. Please answer by return.

Footnote 277:

Antony, who professed to be afraid of assassination at the hands of
Brutus and Cassius. Cf. XV. 17.

XXI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 22_, B.C. _44_]

I must tell you my brother Quintus is jumping for joy. For his son has written saying that his reason for wanting to take refuge with Brutus is, that when Antony asked him to secure him the dictatorship and seize some fort, he refused, and the reason for

* * * * *

Page 352

recusasse autem se, ne patris animum offenderet; ex eo sibi illum hostem. "Tum me," inquit, "collegi verens, ne quid mihi ille iratus tibi noceret. Itaque eum placavi. Et quidem ¯CCCC¯ certa, reliqua in spe." Scribit autem Statius illum cum patre habitare velle (hoc vero mirum) et id gaudet. Ecquem tu illo certiorem nebulonem?

Ἐποχὴν vestram de re Cani probo. Nihil eram suspicatus de tabulis, ἀκεραίως restitutam arbitrabar. Quae differs, ut mecum coram, exspectabo. Tabellarios, quoad voles, tenebis; es enim occupatus. Quod ad Xenonem, probe. Quod scribo, cum absolvero. Quinto scripsisti te ad eum litteras. Nemo attulerat. Tiro negat iam tibi placere Brundisium et quidem dicere aliquid de militibus. At ego iam destinaram Hydruntem quidem. Movebant me tuae quinque horae. Hic autem quantus πλοῦς! Sed videbimus. Nullas a te XI Kal. Quippe, quid enim iam novi? Cum primum igitur poteris, venies. Ego propero, ne ante Sextus; quem adventare aiunt.

* * * * *

Page 353

his refusal was that he did not want to hurt his father's feelings; and from that time Antony has been his enemy. "Then," he says, "I pulled myself together for fear that he should do you some mischief in his wrath with me; and so I smoothed him down, and indeed got £4,000[278] in cash, and have hopes of some more." Statius, however, says he wants to live with his father—which is a wonder—and my brother is delighted about it. Did you ever see a more thorough rascal?

Footnote 278:

400 sestertia.

I approve of your hesitation in the arrangement with Canus.[279] I had no idea about the documents; I thought her dowry had been paid back in full. I shall look forward to the matters you refrain from mentioning till we meet. Keep the messengers as long as you like, as you are busy. As to Xeno, quite right. What I am writing I will send when it is finished. You told Quintus you had sent him a letter, but none has been brought as yet. Tiro says you disapprove of Brundisium now, and indeed says something about soldiers. But I have already fixed upon Hydrus. Your saying that it was only a fivehour passage decided me. Think of the endless voyage from here. But we shall see. I had no letter from you on the 21st. Of course, for what news can there be now? Come, then, as soon as you can. I am in a hurry, for Sextus may get here before I leave. They say he is coming.

Footnote 279:

Apparently there were negotiations for a marriage between young
Quintus and Canus' daughter, who had lately been divorced. Cf. XIII.
41.

* * * * *

Page 354

XXII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano V K. Quint. mane a. 710_]

Gratulor nobis Quintum filium exisse. Molestus non erit. Pansam bene loqui credo. Semper enim coniunctum esse cum Hirtio scio; amicissimum Bruto et Cassio puto, si expediet (sed quando illos videbit?), inimicum Antonio, quando aut cur? Quousque ludemur? Ego autem scripsi Sextum adventare, non quo iam adesset, sed quia certe id ageret ab armisque nullus discederet. Certe, si pergit, bellum paratum est. Hic autem noster Cytherius nisi victorem neminem victurum. Quid ad haec Pansa? utrobi erit, si bellum erit? quod videtur fore. Sed et haec et alia coram hodie quidem, ut scribis, aut cras.

XXIII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VIII aut VII K. Quint. a. 710_]

Mirifice torqueor, sine dolore tamen; sed permulta mihi de nostro itinere in utramque partem occurrunt. "Quousque?" inquies. Quoad erit integrum; erit autem, usque dum ad navem. Pansa si tuae rescripserit, et meam tibi et illius epistulam mittam. Silium exspectabam; cui hypomnema compositum. Si quid novi. Ego litteras misi ad Brutum. Cuius de itinere etiam ex te velim, si quid scies, cognoscere.

* * * * *

Page 355

XXII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 27_, B.C. _44_]

Young Quintus' absence is a blessing; he won't be a nuisance to us. I believe Pansa is talking amiably. I know he is always hand in glove with Hirtius; I think he will be quite friendly with Brutus and Cassius, if it is expedient—but will he ever see them?—and that he will oppose Antony: but when and how? How long are we to be fooled? I said Sextus was coming, not because he was already near, but because he certainly has it in mind, and does not show the least sign of laying down his arms. Certainly, if he goes on, war must come. But our good lover of Cytheris[280] thinks no one sure of his life unless he gains a victory. What has Pansa to say to this? And which side will he take if there is war? So far as I can see, there will be. But more of this and other things when we meet—to-day, according to your letter, or to-morrow.

Footnote 280:

Antony. Cf. X. 10.

XXIII

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 24 or 25_, B.C. _44_]

I am absolutely on the rack, but not with pain. So many ideas for and against that journey of mine keep occurring to me. You will ask how long that is going to last. Until the matter is settled, and that won't be till I am on board ship. If Pansa sends an answer to your note, I will forward my letter and his. I am expecting Silius, and have a memorandum drawn up for him. If there is any news—— I have written to Brutus. If you know anything about his movements, I should be glad to hear that too.

* * * * *

Page 356

XXIV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano VI K. Quint. mane a. 710_]

Tabellarius, quem ad Brutum miseram, ex itinere rediit VII Kal. Ei Servilia dixit eo die Brutum H.IS[281] profectum. Sane dolui meas litteras redditas non esse. Silius ad me non venerat. Causam composui; eum libellum tibi misi. Te quo die exspectem, velim scire.

Footnote 281:

H.IS (= hora prima semis) _Orelli_: his _most MSS._

XXV

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Tusculano III K. Quint. a. 710_]

De meo itinere variae sententiae; multi enim ad me. Sed tu incumbe, quaeso, in eam curam. Magna res est. An probas, si ad Kal. Ian. cogitamus? Meus animus est aequus, sic tamen, ut si nihil offensionis sit. Et tu etiam, scisne,[282] quo die olim piaculum?[283] Ut ut est res,[284] casus consilium nostri itineris iudicabit. Dubitemus igitur. Est enim hiberna navigatio odiosa, eoque ex te quaesieram mysteriorum diem. Brutum, ut scribis, visum iri a me puto. Ego hinc volo pr. Kal.

Footnote 282:

scisne» scire _MSS._

Footnote 283:

olim piaculum _Bosius_: Olympiacum mysteria scilicet _MSS._ (_the last
two words are rejected as a gloss by Boot_): Olympia _Shuckburgh_.

Footnote 284:

ut ut est res _Moser_: ut tu scires _MSS._: ut tu scribis _Lambinus_.

* * * * *

Page 357

XXIV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 26_, B.C. _44_]

The messenger I sent to Brutus just got back yesterday, Servilia told him Brutus had started at half-past six in the morning. I was very sorry he did not get my letters. Silius has not come yet. I have drawn up a statement of his case, and am sending the pamphlet to you. I should like to know when to expect you.

XXV

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Tusculum, June 29_, B.C. _44_]

Opinions differ about my journey, for I have had a lot of visitors. But please apply yourself to the question. It is a serious matter. Do you approve of my idea of returning by the 1st of January? I am open-minded on the subject, provided I don't give any offence. By the way, too, do you know the date of the sacrilege of yore?[285] However that may be, chance will decide the plan of my journey. So let us leave it in doubt. For a winter journey is most unpleasant, and that was why I asked you the date of the mysteries.[286] Brutus, as you say, I think I shall see. I want to leave here on the last of the month.

Footnote 285:

If the reading is right, which is very uncertain, this must refer to
the violation of the rites of Bona Dea by Clodius in Cicero's
consulship. It may, however, refer to the Olympic games as Shuckburgh
suggests.

Footnote 286:

_Vide_ last note. Shuckburgh, however, thinks it refers to the
Eleusinian mysteries.

* * * * *

Page 358

XXVI

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati VI Non. Quint. a. 710_]

De Quinti negotio video a te omnia facta. Ille tamen dolet dubitans, utrum morem gerat Leptae an fidem infirmet filio. Inaudivi L. Pisonem velle exire legatum ψευδεγγράφῳ senatus consulto. Velim scire, quid sit. Tabellarius ille, quem tibi dixeram a me ad Brutum esse missum, in Anagninum ad me venit ea nocte, quae proxima ante Kal. fuit, litterasque ad me attulit; in quibus unum alienum summa sua prudentia, idem illud, ut spectem ludos suos. Rescripsi scilicet primum me iam profectum, ut non integrum sit; deinde ἀτοπώτατον esse me, qui Romam omnino post haec arma non accesserim neque id tam periculi mei causa fecerim quam dignitatis, subito ad ludos venire. Tali enim tempore ludos facere illi honestum est, cui necesse est, spectare mihi, ut non est necesse, sic ne honestum quidem est. Equidem illos celebrari et esse quam gratissimos mirabiliter cupio, idque ita futurum esse confido, et tecum ago, ut iam ab ipsa commissione ad me, quem ad modum accipiantur hi ludi, deinde omnia reliquorum ludorum in dies singulos persequare. Sed de ludis hactenus. Reliqua pars epistulae est illa quidem in utramque partem, sed tamen non nullos interdum iacit igniculos viriles. Quod quale tibi videretur, ut posses interpretari, misi ad te exemplum epistulae; quamquam mihi tabellarius

* * * * *

Page 359

XXVI

CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

[Sidenote: _Arpinum, July 2_, B.C. _44_]

I see you have done all you could in Quintus' business. He, however, is in distress and doubt as to whether he shall oblige Lepta or damage his son's credit. I have heard a rumour that L. Piso wants to go on a mission with a forged decree of the senate. I should like to know what there is in it. The messenger I told you I had sent to Brutus came to me at Anagnia on the night of the 30th of June, and brought me a letter in which there was one request quite unlike his usual common-sense, the same old request that I should be present at his games. I answered, of course, firstly that I had already set out now, so that it was not in my power to do so, and secondly that it would be most out of place for me, who have not been near Rome at all since the outbreak of war—not so much to preserve my safety as to preserve my dignity—suddenly to go to the games. For at such a time it was honourable for him to give the games, since he had to do so, but, as there was no necessity for me to attend them, it would not be honourable for me to do so. Of course I keenly desire that they should be well attended and very popular, and I trust they will be; and I beg you to send me a description of how these games and all the other games are received day by day from the very beginning. But enough of the games. The rest of the letter is, one must confess, of rather a dubious kind, but still he does at times emit some sparks of manly courage. That you may judge for yourself what it is like, I have sent you a copy of the letter, although

* * * * *

Page 360

noster dixerat tibi quoque se attulisse litteras a Bruto easque ad te e Tusculano esse delatas.

Ego itinera sic composueram, ut Nonis Quinctilibus Puteolis essem; valde enim festino, ita tamen, ut, quantum homo possit, quam cautissime navigem. M. Aelium cura liberabis; me paucos pedes[287] in extremo fundo et eos quidem subterraneos servitutis putasse aliquid[288] habituros. Id me iamiam nolle neque mihi aquam[289] esse tanti. Sed, ut mihi dicebas, quam lenissime, potius ut cura liberetur, quam ut me suscensere aliquid suspicetur. Item de illo Tulliano capite libere cum Cascellio loquere. Parva res est, sed tu bene attendisti. Nimis callide agebatur. Ego autem, si mihi imposuisset aliquid, quod paene fecit, nisi tua malitia affuisset, animo iniquo tulissem. Itaque, utut erit, rem impediri malo. Octavam partem Tullianarum aedium ad Streniae[290] memineris deberi Caerelliae.[291] Videris mancipio dare ad eam summam, quae sub praecone fuit maxima. Id opinor esse ¯CCCLXXX¯.

Footnote 287:

pedes _Turnebus_: pe _Z_^t: spe _M_: specus _Z_^l, _Lambinus_.

Footnote 288:

putasse aliquid _Madvig_: apud tale quid _M_.

Footnote 289:

aquam _Turnebus_: quam _M_ _Z_^t.

Footnote 290:

Tullianarum aedium ad Streniae _Lambinus and Turnebus_: tuli luminarum
medium ad strane _MSS._

Footnote 291:

deberi Caerelliae _Shuckburgh_: cui Caerellia _MSS._

Novi si quid erit, atque etiam si quid prospicies, quod futurum putes, scribas ad me quam saepissime.

* * * * *

Page 361

my messenger tells me he brought you a letter, too, from Brutus, and that it was forwarded to you from Tusculum.

I have arranged my journeys so that I shall be at Puteoli on the 7th of July; for, though I am in a great hurry, I mean to take every care humanly possible in my voyage. Please relieve M. Aelius of his anxiety. Tell him I thought that on a few feet at the far end of the land there might be some sort of claims, and those only underground. Also that I have not the slightest desire for it, and that I don't value water at that price.[292] But, as you suggested, do it as mildly as possible, rather to relieve him of anxiety than to suggest that I am in the least annoyed. Again, about that debt of Tullius: speak to Cascellius frankly. It is a small matter, but I am glad you attended to it. There was too much trickery about it: and, if he had cheated me at all, which he very nearly did if you had not been too sharp for him, I should have been very much annoyed. So, whatever happens, I would rather the matter were broken off. Remember that an eighth share of the houses of Tullius near the temple of Strenia is due to Caerellia, and see that it is conveyed to her at the highest price bid at the auction. I think that was some 3,000 guineas.[293]

Footnote 292:

The reading and meaning of this passage is uncertain. Apparently
either Cicero had asserted some claim on some underground water-pipes
on property of Aelius adjoining his own, and was now disclaiming it;
or Aelius had been commissioned to buy property for Cicero on which
there was a disputed claim to such pipes, and Cicero refuses to
purchase on that ground. _Servitus_ above is used in the
technical-legal sense of an "easement" or liability on property.

Footnote 293:

380 sestertia. On this debt cf. _Att._ XII. 51.

If there is any news, and, even if you foresee anything you think likely to happen, I should like you to write to me as often as possible. To Varro

* * * * *

Page 362

Velim Varroni, quem ad modum tibi mandavi, memineris excusare tarditatem litterarum mearum. Mundus iste cum M. Ennio quid egerit de testamento (curiosus enim), facias me velim certiorem. Ex Arpinati VI Non.

XXVII

CICERO ATTICO SAL.

[Sidenote: _Scr. in Arpinati V Non. Quint. a. 710_]