2M. TULLI CICERONISEPISTULARUM AD ATTICUMLIBER DUODECIMUSICICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Arpinati VIII K. Dec. a. 708Undecimo die, postquam a te discesseram, hoc litterularum exaravi egrediens e villa ante lucem, atque eo die cogitabam in Anagnino, postero autem in Tusculano, ibi unum diem;VKalend. igitur ad constitutum. Atque utinam continuo ad complexum meae Tulliae, ad osculum Atticae possim currere! Quod quidem ipsum scribe, quaeso, ad me, ut, dum consisto in Tusculano, sciam, quid garriat, sin rusticatur, quid scribat ad te; eique interea aut scribes salutem aut nuntiabis itemque Piliae. Et tamen, etsi continuo congressuri sumus, scribes ad me, si quid habebis.Cum complicarem hanc epistulam, noctuabundus ad me venit cum epistula tua tabellarius; qua lecta de Atticae febricula scilicet valde dolui. Reliqua, quae exspectabam, ex tuis litteris cognovi omnia; sed, quod scribis "igniculum matutinum γεροντικόν," γεροντικώτερον est memoriola vacillare. Ego enimIIIIKal. Axio dederam, tibiIII, Quinto, quo die venissem, id estVKal. Hoc igitur habebis, novi nihil.CICERO'S LETTERSTO ATTICUSBOOK XIIICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Arpinum, Nov. 23,B.C.46On the eleventh day after parting from you I have scribbled these few lines while leaving my country house before daybreak. I am thinking of stopping to-day at my place at Anagnia, to-morrow at Tusculum and staying there one day. On the 26th then to our tryst; and I only wish I could run straight to the embraces of my Tullia and the lips of Attica. What those little lips are prattling, please write and let me know, while I am at Tusculum, or, if she is in the country, what she is writing to you: and in the meantime pay my respects by letter or in person to her, and to Pilia too. And all the same, though we are to meet at once, write to me, if you have anything to say.As I was folding up this letter, a messenger came in the night to me with a letter of yours, and on reading it I was naturally very sorry to hear of Attica's slight attack of fever. Everything else I was wanting to hear, I learn from your letter. You say it is a sign of old age to want a bit of fire in the morning: it's a worse sign of old age to be a bit weak in your memory. I had arranged for the 27th with Axius, the 28th with you, and the 26th, the day I arrive, with Quintus. So please count on

2M. TULLI CICERONISEPISTULARUM AD ATTICUMLIBER DUODECIMUS

Scr. in Arpinati VIII K. Dec. a. 708

Undecimo die, postquam a te discesseram, hoc litterularum exaravi egrediens e villa ante lucem, atque eo die cogitabam in Anagnino, postero autem in Tusculano, ibi unum diem;VKalend. igitur ad constitutum. Atque utinam continuo ad complexum meae Tulliae, ad osculum Atticae possim currere! Quod quidem ipsum scribe, quaeso, ad me, ut, dum consisto in Tusculano, sciam, quid garriat, sin rusticatur, quid scribat ad te; eique interea aut scribes salutem aut nuntiabis itemque Piliae. Et tamen, etsi continuo congressuri sumus, scribes ad me, si quid habebis.

Cum complicarem hanc epistulam, noctuabundus ad me venit cum epistula tua tabellarius; qua lecta de Atticae febricula scilicet valde dolui. Reliqua, quae exspectabam, ex tuis litteris cognovi omnia; sed, quod scribis "igniculum matutinum γεροντικόν," γεροντικώτερον est memoriola vacillare. Ego enimIIIIKal. Axio dederam, tibiIII, Quinto, quo die venissem, id estVKal. Hoc igitur habebis, novi nihil.

CICERO'S LETTERSTO ATTICUSBOOK XIIICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Arpinum, Nov. 23,B.C.46On the eleventh day after parting from you I have scribbled these few lines while leaving my country house before daybreak. I am thinking of stopping to-day at my place at Anagnia, to-morrow at Tusculum and staying there one day. On the 26th then to our tryst; and I only wish I could run straight to the embraces of my Tullia and the lips of Attica. What those little lips are prattling, please write and let me know, while I am at Tusculum, or, if she is in the country, what she is writing to you: and in the meantime pay my respects by letter or in person to her, and to Pilia too. And all the same, though we are to meet at once, write to me, if you have anything to say.As I was folding up this letter, a messenger came in the night to me with a letter of yours, and on reading it I was naturally very sorry to hear of Attica's slight attack of fever. Everything else I was wanting to hear, I learn from your letter. You say it is a sign of old age to want a bit of fire in the morning: it's a worse sign of old age to be a bit weak in your memory. I had arranged for the 27th with Axius, the 28th with you, and the 26th, the day I arrive, with Quintus. So please count on

CICERO'S LETTERSTO ATTICUSBOOK XII

Arpinum, Nov. 23,B.C.46

On the eleventh day after parting from you I have scribbled these few lines while leaving my country house before daybreak. I am thinking of stopping to-day at my place at Anagnia, to-morrow at Tusculum and staying there one day. On the 26th then to our tryst; and I only wish I could run straight to the embraces of my Tullia and the lips of Attica. What those little lips are prattling, please write and let me know, while I am at Tusculum, or, if she is in the country, what she is writing to you: and in the meantime pay my respects by letter or in person to her, and to Pilia too. And all the same, though we are to meet at once, write to me, if you have anything to say.

As I was folding up this letter, a messenger came in the night to me with a letter of yours, and on reading it I was naturally very sorry to hear of Attica's slight attack of fever. Everything else I was wanting to hear, I learn from your letter. You say it is a sign of old age to want a bit of fire in the morning: it's a worse sign of old age to be a bit weak in your memory. I had arranged for the 27th with Axius, the 28th with you, and the 26th, the day I arrive, with Quintus. So please count on

4Quid ergo opus erat epistula? Quid, cum coram sumus et garrimus, quicquid in buccam? Est profecto quiddam λέσχη, quae habet, etiamsi nihil subest, collocutione ipsa suavitatem.IICICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. Romae ante. med. m. Apr. a. 708Hic rumores tamen Murcum perisse naufragio, Asinium delatum vivum in manus militum, L navis delatas Uticam reflatu hoc, Pompeium non comparere nec in Balearibus omnino fuisse, ut Paciaecus adfirmat. Sed auctor nullius rei quisquam. Habes, quae, dum tu abes, locuti sint. Ludi interea Praeneste. Ibi Hirtius et isti omnes. Et quidem ludi dies VIII. Quae cenae, quae deliciae! Res interea fortasse transacta est. O miros homines! At Balbus aedificat; τί γὰρ αὐτῷ μέλει; Verum si quaeris, homini non recta, sed voluptaria quaerenti nonne βεβίωται? Tu interea dormis. Iam explicandum est πρόβλημα, si quid acturus es. Si quaeris, quid putem, ego fructum[19]puto. Sed quid multa? Iam te videbo,19.fructumMSS.: peractumMoser: confectumSchütze: eluctumEllis.that: there is no new arrangement.[20]What's the use of writing then? What's the use of our meeting and chattering about everything that comes into our heads? A bit of gossip is something after all, and, even if there is nothing in our talk, the mere fact of talking together has some charms.20.Or, as Tyrrell suggests, "There's tit for tat. I have no news."IICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Rome, April,B.C.46All the same there are reports here that Murcus[21]has been lost at sea, that Asinius reached shore alive to fall into the soldiers'[22]hands, that 50 ships have been carried to Utica by this contrary wind, that Pompey[23]is nowhere to be found and never has been in the Baleares, as Paciaecus declares. But there is no definite authority for any of this. That is what people have been saying while you are away. Meanwhile there are the games at Praeneste. That's where Hirtius and all that crew are; and there are eight days of games! Picture their dinners and their extravagant goings on. Perhaps in the meantime the great question has been settled. What people they are! So Balbus is building: little he recks. But, if you ask me, is not life over and done with, when a man begins to look for pleasure rather than duty? In the meantime you slumber on. Now is the time the problem must be solved, if you mean to do anything. If you ask me what I think, I think "Gather ye roses."[24]But what's the good of going on? I shall see you at once, and I hope you21.Statius Murcus, an officer in Caesar's army. He is mentioned again later inFam.XII. 11, 1.22.i.e.soldiers of Pompey, Asinius Pollio being another adherent of Caesar.23.Cn. Pompeius, the eldest son of Pompey the Great.24.Fructummay be the first word of some proverb; but probably the word is corrupt, as the sentiment seems rather at variance with that expressed just above.

4Quid ergo opus erat epistula? Quid, cum coram sumus et garrimus, quicquid in buccam? Est profecto quiddam λέσχη, quae habet, etiamsi nihil subest, collocutione ipsa suavitatem.

Scr. Romae ante. med. m. Apr. a. 708

Hic rumores tamen Murcum perisse naufragio, Asinium delatum vivum in manus militum, L navis delatas Uticam reflatu hoc, Pompeium non comparere nec in Balearibus omnino fuisse, ut Paciaecus adfirmat. Sed auctor nullius rei quisquam. Habes, quae, dum tu abes, locuti sint. Ludi interea Praeneste. Ibi Hirtius et isti omnes. Et quidem ludi dies VIII. Quae cenae, quae deliciae! Res interea fortasse transacta est. O miros homines! At Balbus aedificat; τί γὰρ αὐτῷ μέλει; Verum si quaeris, homini non recta, sed voluptaria quaerenti nonne βεβίωται? Tu interea dormis. Iam explicandum est πρόβλημα, si quid acturus es. Si quaeris, quid putem, ego fructum[19]puto. Sed quid multa? Iam te videbo,

19.fructumMSS.: peractumMoser: confectumSchütze: eluctumEllis.

that: there is no new arrangement.[20]What's the use of writing then? What's the use of our meeting and chattering about everything that comes into our heads? A bit of gossip is something after all, and, even if there is nothing in our talk, the mere fact of talking together has some charms.20.Or, as Tyrrell suggests, "There's tit for tat. I have no news."IICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Rome, April,B.C.46All the same there are reports here that Murcus[21]has been lost at sea, that Asinius reached shore alive to fall into the soldiers'[22]hands, that 50 ships have been carried to Utica by this contrary wind, that Pompey[23]is nowhere to be found and never has been in the Baleares, as Paciaecus declares. But there is no definite authority for any of this. That is what people have been saying while you are away. Meanwhile there are the games at Praeneste. That's where Hirtius and all that crew are; and there are eight days of games! Picture their dinners and their extravagant goings on. Perhaps in the meantime the great question has been settled. What people they are! So Balbus is building: little he recks. But, if you ask me, is not life over and done with, when a man begins to look for pleasure rather than duty? In the meantime you slumber on. Now is the time the problem must be solved, if you mean to do anything. If you ask me what I think, I think "Gather ye roses."[24]But what's the good of going on? I shall see you at once, and I hope you21.Statius Murcus, an officer in Caesar's army. He is mentioned again later inFam.XII. 11, 1.22.i.e.soldiers of Pompey, Asinius Pollio being another adherent of Caesar.23.Cn. Pompeius, the eldest son of Pompey the Great.24.Fructummay be the first word of some proverb; but probably the word is corrupt, as the sentiment seems rather at variance with that expressed just above.

20.Or, as Tyrrell suggests, "There's tit for tat. I have no news."

Rome, April,B.C.46

All the same there are reports here that Murcus[21]has been lost at sea, that Asinius reached shore alive to fall into the soldiers'[22]hands, that 50 ships have been carried to Utica by this contrary wind, that Pompey[23]is nowhere to be found and never has been in the Baleares, as Paciaecus declares. But there is no definite authority for any of this. That is what people have been saying while you are away. Meanwhile there are the games at Praeneste. That's where Hirtius and all that crew are; and there are eight days of games! Picture their dinners and their extravagant goings on. Perhaps in the meantime the great question has been settled. What people they are! So Balbus is building: little he recks. But, if you ask me, is not life over and done with, when a man begins to look for pleasure rather than duty? In the meantime you slumber on. Now is the time the problem must be solved, if you mean to do anything. If you ask me what I think, I think "Gather ye roses."[24]But what's the good of going on? I shall see you at once, and I hope you

21.Statius Murcus, an officer in Caesar's army. He is mentioned again later inFam.XII. 11, 1.

22.i.e.soldiers of Pompey, Asinius Pollio being another adherent of Caesar.

23.Cn. Pompeius, the eldest son of Pompey the Great.

24.Fructummay be the first word of some proverb; but probably the word is corrupt, as the sentiment seems rather at variance with that expressed just above.

6et quidem, ut spero, de via recta ad me. Simul enim et diem Tyrannioni constituemus, et si quid aliud.IIICICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano III Id. Iun. a. 708Unum te puto minus blandum esse quam me, et, si uterque nostrum est aliquando adversus aliquem, inter nos certe numquam sumus. Audi igitur me hoc ἀγοητεύτως dicentem. Ne vivam, mi Attice, si mihi non modo Tusculanum, ubi ceteroqui sum libenter, sed μακάρων νῆσοι tanti sunt, ut sine te sim tot dies. Quare obduretur hoc triduum, ut te quoque ponam in eodem πάθει; quod ita est profecto. Sed velim scire, hodiene statim de auctione, et quo die venias. Ego me interea cum libellis; ac moleste fero Vennoni me historiam non habere. Sed tamen, ne nihil de re, nomen illud, quod a Caesare, tres habet condiciones, aut emptionem ab hasta (perdere malo, etsi praeter ipsam turpitudinem hoc ipsum puto esse perdere) aut delegationem a mancipe annua die (quis erit, cui credam, aut quando iste Metonis annus veniet?) autwill come straight from the road to me. For we will arrange a day for Tyrannio at the same time,[25]and anything else there is to do.25.To read a book he had written, possibly on accents. Cf.Att.XII.6.IIICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, June 11,B.C.46You are the only person I know less given to flattery than myself, and, if we both fall into it sometimes in the case of other people, certainly we never use it to one another. So listen to what I am saying with all sincerity. On my life, Atticus, I don't count even the Isles of the Blest, let alone my place at Tusculum—though in other respects I'm comfortable enough there—worth so long a separation from you. So let us harden our hearts for these three days—assuming that you are affected as I am, which I am sure is the case. But I should like to know whether you are starting to-day[26]immediately after the auction, and on what day you are coming. In the meantime I am buried in my books, and annoyed that I have not got Vennonius' history. But, not to neglect business altogether, for that debt that Caesar assigned to me[27]there are three means I might use. I could buy the property at a public auction; but I would rather lose it—it comes to the same thing in the end, besides the disgrace. I might transfer my rights for a bond payable a year hence by the buyer: but whom can I trust, and when would that "year of Meton"[28]come? Or I26.Or, as Tyrrell and Shuckburgh, "whether you are coming to-day or, if not, on what day you are coming." But Cicero does not seem to have anticipated Atticus' arrival before three days.27.Probably a debt owed to Cicero by some proscribed Pompeian.28.Meton, an Athenian mathematician, of the beginning of the 5th centuryB.C., discovered the solar cycle of 19 years. "Meton's year" was proverbially used for an indefinitely long period.

6et quidem, ut spero, de via recta ad me. Simul enim et diem Tyrannioni constituemus, et si quid aliud.

Scr. in Tusculano III Id. Iun. a. 708

Unum te puto minus blandum esse quam me, et, si uterque nostrum est aliquando adversus aliquem, inter nos certe numquam sumus. Audi igitur me hoc ἀγοητεύτως dicentem. Ne vivam, mi Attice, si mihi non modo Tusculanum, ubi ceteroqui sum libenter, sed μακάρων νῆσοι tanti sunt, ut sine te sim tot dies. Quare obduretur hoc triduum, ut te quoque ponam in eodem πάθει; quod ita est profecto. Sed velim scire, hodiene statim de auctione, et quo die venias. Ego me interea cum libellis; ac moleste fero Vennoni me historiam non habere. Sed tamen, ne nihil de re, nomen illud, quod a Caesare, tres habet condiciones, aut emptionem ab hasta (perdere malo, etsi praeter ipsam turpitudinem hoc ipsum puto esse perdere) aut delegationem a mancipe annua die (quis erit, cui credam, aut quando iste Metonis annus veniet?) aut

will come straight from the road to me. For we will arrange a day for Tyrannio at the same time,[25]and anything else there is to do.25.To read a book he had written, possibly on accents. Cf.Att.XII.6.IIICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, June 11,B.C.46You are the only person I know less given to flattery than myself, and, if we both fall into it sometimes in the case of other people, certainly we never use it to one another. So listen to what I am saying with all sincerity. On my life, Atticus, I don't count even the Isles of the Blest, let alone my place at Tusculum—though in other respects I'm comfortable enough there—worth so long a separation from you. So let us harden our hearts for these three days—assuming that you are affected as I am, which I am sure is the case. But I should like to know whether you are starting to-day[26]immediately after the auction, and on what day you are coming. In the meantime I am buried in my books, and annoyed that I have not got Vennonius' history. But, not to neglect business altogether, for that debt that Caesar assigned to me[27]there are three means I might use. I could buy the property at a public auction; but I would rather lose it—it comes to the same thing in the end, besides the disgrace. I might transfer my rights for a bond payable a year hence by the buyer: but whom can I trust, and when would that "year of Meton"[28]come? Or I26.Or, as Tyrrell and Shuckburgh, "whether you are coming to-day or, if not, on what day you are coming." But Cicero does not seem to have anticipated Atticus' arrival before three days.27.Probably a debt owed to Cicero by some proscribed Pompeian.28.Meton, an Athenian mathematician, of the beginning of the 5th centuryB.C., discovered the solar cycle of 19 years. "Meton's year" was proverbially used for an indefinitely long period.

will come straight from the road to me. For we will arrange a day for Tyrannio at the same time,[25]and anything else there is to do.

25.To read a book he had written, possibly on accents. Cf.Att.XII.6.

Tusculum, June 11,B.C.46

You are the only person I know less given to flattery than myself, and, if we both fall into it sometimes in the case of other people, certainly we never use it to one another. So listen to what I am saying with all sincerity. On my life, Atticus, I don't count even the Isles of the Blest, let alone my place at Tusculum—though in other respects I'm comfortable enough there—worth so long a separation from you. So let us harden our hearts for these three days—assuming that you are affected as I am, which I am sure is the case. But I should like to know whether you are starting to-day[26]immediately after the auction, and on what day you are coming. In the meantime I am buried in my books, and annoyed that I have not got Vennonius' history. But, not to neglect business altogether, for that debt that Caesar assigned to me[27]there are three means I might use. I could buy the property at a public auction; but I would rather lose it—it comes to the same thing in the end, besides the disgrace. I might transfer my rights for a bond payable a year hence by the buyer: but whom can I trust, and when would that "year of Meton"[28]come? Or I

26.Or, as Tyrrell and Shuckburgh, "whether you are coming to-day or, if not, on what day you are coming." But Cicero does not seem to have anticipated Atticus' arrival before three days.

27.Probably a debt owed to Cicero by some proscribed Pompeian.

28.Meton, an Athenian mathematician, of the beginning of the 5th centuryB.C., discovered the solar cycle of 19 years. "Meton's year" was proverbially used for an indefinitely long period.

8Vettieni condicione semissem. Σκέψαι igitur. Ac vereor, ne iste iam auctionem nullam faciat, sed ludis factis Ἀτύπῳ[29]subsidio currat, ne talis vir ἀλογηθῇ. Sed μελήσει. Tu Atticam, quaeso, cura et ei salutem et Piliae Tulliae quoque verbis plurimam.29.ἈτύπῳPopma: clypoM: Olympom.IVCICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano Id. Iun. a. 708O gratas tuas mihi iucundasque litteras! Quid quaeris? restitutus est mihi dies festus. Angebar enim, quod Tiro ἐνερευθέστερον te sibi esse visum dixerat. Addam igitur, ut censes, unum diem.Sed de Catone πρόβλημα Ἀρχιμήδειον est. Non adsequor, ut scribam, quod tui convivae non modo libenter, sed etiam aequo animo legere possint; quin etiam, si a sententiis eius dictis, si ab omni voluntate consiliisque, quae de re publica habuit, recedam; ψιλῶςque velim gravitatem constantiamque eius laudare, hoc ipsum tamen istis odiosum ἄκουσμα sit. Sed vere laudari ille vir non potest, nisi haec ornata sint, quod ille ea, quae nunc sunt, et futura viderit, et, ne fierent, contenderit, et, facta ne videret, vitam reliquerit. Horum quid est, quod Aledio probare possimus? Sed cura, obsecro, ut valeas, eamque, quam ad omnes res adhibes, in primis ad convalescendum adhibe prudentiam.might accept Vettienus'[30]proposal and take half paid down. So look into the matter. The fact is I am afraid Caesar may not hold any auction now, but, as soon as his games are over, may run off to the aid of his stammering friend,[31]not to slight so important a person. But I will attend to the matter. Pray take care of Attica and give her and Pilia and Tullia my kindest greetings.30.A banker (cf.Att.X.5) who proposed to take over the debt, in return for present payment of half the sum owed.31.Balbus, if the reading is rightIVCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, June 13,B.C.46How glad I was of your delightful letter! Why, it made my day a red-letter day after all. For I was anxious because Tiro had said you looked to him rather flushed. So I will stay another day, as you suggest.But about Cato, that would puzzle a Philadelphian lawyer. I cannot manage to write anything that your boon companions could read, I won't say with pleasure, but even without annoyance. If I steer clear of his utterances in the House and of his entire political outlook and policy, and content myself with simply eulogizing his unwavering constancy, even that would be no pleasant hearing for them. But he is a man who cannot properly be eulogized, unless these points are fully treated, that he foresaw the present state of affairs, and tried to prevent it, and that he took his own life by preference to seeing it come about. Can I win Aledius' approval of any of that? But pray be careful of yourself and devote the common sense you devote to other things, before all to recovering your health.

29.ἈτύπῳPopma: clypoM: Olympom.

Scr. in Tusculano Id. Iun. a. 708

O gratas tuas mihi iucundasque litteras! Quid quaeris? restitutus est mihi dies festus. Angebar enim, quod Tiro ἐνερευθέστερον te sibi esse visum dixerat. Addam igitur, ut censes, unum diem.

Sed de Catone πρόβλημα Ἀρχιμήδειον est. Non adsequor, ut scribam, quod tui convivae non modo libenter, sed etiam aequo animo legere possint; quin etiam, si a sententiis eius dictis, si ab omni voluntate consiliisque, quae de re publica habuit, recedam; ψιλῶςque velim gravitatem constantiamque eius laudare, hoc ipsum tamen istis odiosum ἄκουσμα sit. Sed vere laudari ille vir non potest, nisi haec ornata sint, quod ille ea, quae nunc sunt, et futura viderit, et, ne fierent, contenderit, et, facta ne videret, vitam reliquerit. Horum quid est, quod Aledio probare possimus? Sed cura, obsecro, ut valeas, eamque, quam ad omnes res adhibes, in primis ad convalescendum adhibe prudentiam.

might accept Vettienus'[30]proposal and take half paid down. So look into the matter. The fact is I am afraid Caesar may not hold any auction now, but, as soon as his games are over, may run off to the aid of his stammering friend,[31]not to slight so important a person. But I will attend to the matter. Pray take care of Attica and give her and Pilia and Tullia my kindest greetings.30.A banker (cf.Att.X.5) who proposed to take over the debt, in return for present payment of half the sum owed.31.Balbus, if the reading is rightIVCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, June 13,B.C.46How glad I was of your delightful letter! Why, it made my day a red-letter day after all. For I was anxious because Tiro had said you looked to him rather flushed. So I will stay another day, as you suggest.But about Cato, that would puzzle a Philadelphian lawyer. I cannot manage to write anything that your boon companions could read, I won't say with pleasure, but even without annoyance. If I steer clear of his utterances in the House and of his entire political outlook and policy, and content myself with simply eulogizing his unwavering constancy, even that would be no pleasant hearing for them. But he is a man who cannot properly be eulogized, unless these points are fully treated, that he foresaw the present state of affairs, and tried to prevent it, and that he took his own life by preference to seeing it come about. Can I win Aledius' approval of any of that? But pray be careful of yourself and devote the common sense you devote to other things, before all to recovering your health.

30.A banker (cf.Att.X.5) who proposed to take over the debt, in return for present payment of half the sum owed.

31.Balbus, if the reading is right

Tusculum, June 13,B.C.46

How glad I was of your delightful letter! Why, it made my day a red-letter day after all. For I was anxious because Tiro had said you looked to him rather flushed. So I will stay another day, as you suggest.

But about Cato, that would puzzle a Philadelphian lawyer. I cannot manage to write anything that your boon companions could read, I won't say with pleasure, but even without annoyance. If I steer clear of his utterances in the House and of his entire political outlook and policy, and content myself with simply eulogizing his unwavering constancy, even that would be no pleasant hearing for them. But he is a man who cannot properly be eulogized, unless these points are fully treated, that he foresaw the present state of affairs, and tried to prevent it, and that he took his own life by preference to seeing it come about. Can I win Aledius' approval of any of that? But pray be careful of yourself and devote the common sense you devote to other things, before all to recovering your health.

10VCICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano in. m. Quint. a. 708Quintus pater quartum vel potius millesimum nihil sapit, qui laetetur Luperco filio et Statio, ut cernat duplici dedecore cumulatam domum. Addo etiam Philotimum tertium. O stultitiam, nisi mea maior esset, singularem! quod autem os in hanc rem ἔρανον a te! Fac non ad "διψῶσαν κρήνην," sed ad Πειρήνην eum venisse, "ἄμπνευμα σεμνὸν Ἀλφειοῦ" in te "κρήνῃ," ut scribis, haurire, in tantis suis praesertim angustiis. Ποῖ ταῦτα ἄρα ἀποσκήψει; Sed ipse viderit.Cato me quidem delectat, sed etiam Bassum Lucilium sua.VaCICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano prid. K. Iun. a. 709De Caelio tu quaeres, ut scribis; ego nihil novi. Noscenda autem est natura, non facultas modo. De Hortensio et Verginio tu, si quid dubitabis. Etsi, quod magis placeat, ego quantum aspicio, non facile inveneris. Cum Mustela, quem ad modum scribis, cum venerit Crispus. Ad Avium scripsi, ut ea, quaeVCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, July,B.C.46"Quintus the elder for the fourth time"[32]or rather for the thousandth time is a fool to rejoice in his son's new office[33]and in Statius, that he may see a double disgrace heaped on his house. I may add Philotimus as a third disgrace. His folly would be unparalleled, if my own had not been greater. But what cheek of him to ask you for a contribution towards it! Even suppose he had not come to a "fount athirst," but to a Pirene or "the hallowed spot where Alpheus took breath,"[34]to think of his drawing on you as his fountain, to use your word, especially when he is in such straits! Where will such conduct end? But that is his own look out.32.A quotation from a verse of Ennius,Quintus pater quartum fit consul, preserved in Aulus GelliusX.1.33.Caesar had restored the ancient priestly corporation of Luperci and the celebration of the Lupercalia on the Palatine hill on February 15.34.From Pindar,Nem.1, 1, where it is used of the Arethusa at Syracuse, which was popularly believed to be connected with the river Alpheus in the Peloponnese.Myself I am delighted with my Cato: but then Lucilius Bassus is delighted with his works too.VaCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, May 31,B.C.45About Caelius you must make enquiries, as you say: I know nothing. But one must get to know his character as well as his resources. If you have any doubts about Hortensius and Verginius, look into the matter: though, so far as I can see, you are not likely to find anything that will suit better. Deal with Mustela as you say, when Crispus has arrived. I have written to Avius to tell Piso all he

10VCICERO ATTICO SAL.

Scr. in Tusculano in. m. Quint. a. 708

Quintus pater quartum vel potius millesimum nihil sapit, qui laetetur Luperco filio et Statio, ut cernat duplici dedecore cumulatam domum. Addo etiam Philotimum tertium. O stultitiam, nisi mea maior esset, singularem! quod autem os in hanc rem ἔρανον a te! Fac non ad "διψῶσαν κρήνην," sed ad Πειρήνην eum venisse, "ἄμπνευμα σεμνὸν Ἀλφειοῦ" in te "κρήνῃ," ut scribis, haurire, in tantis suis praesertim angustiis. Ποῖ ταῦτα ἄρα ἀποσκήψει; Sed ipse viderit.

Cato me quidem delectat, sed etiam Bassum Lucilium sua.

Scr. in Tusculano prid. K. Iun. a. 709

De Caelio tu quaeres, ut scribis; ego nihil novi. Noscenda autem est natura, non facultas modo. De Hortensio et Verginio tu, si quid dubitabis. Etsi, quod magis placeat, ego quantum aspicio, non facile inveneris. Cum Mustela, quem ad modum scribis, cum venerit Crispus. Ad Avium scripsi, ut ea, quae

VCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, July,B.C.46"Quintus the elder for the fourth time"[32]or rather for the thousandth time is a fool to rejoice in his son's new office[33]and in Statius, that he may see a double disgrace heaped on his house. I may add Philotimus as a third disgrace. His folly would be unparalleled, if my own had not been greater. But what cheek of him to ask you for a contribution towards it! Even suppose he had not come to a "fount athirst," but to a Pirene or "the hallowed spot where Alpheus took breath,"[34]to think of his drawing on you as his fountain, to use your word, especially when he is in such straits! Where will such conduct end? But that is his own look out.32.A quotation from a verse of Ennius,Quintus pater quartum fit consul, preserved in Aulus GelliusX.1.33.Caesar had restored the ancient priestly corporation of Luperci and the celebration of the Lupercalia on the Palatine hill on February 15.34.From Pindar,Nem.1, 1, where it is used of the Arethusa at Syracuse, which was popularly believed to be connected with the river Alpheus in the Peloponnese.Myself I am delighted with my Cato: but then Lucilius Bassus is delighted with his works too.VaCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, May 31,B.C.45About Caelius you must make enquiries, as you say: I know nothing. But one must get to know his character as well as his resources. If you have any doubts about Hortensius and Verginius, look into the matter: though, so far as I can see, you are not likely to find anything that will suit better. Deal with Mustela as you say, when Crispus has arrived. I have written to Avius to tell Piso all he

VCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

Tusculum, July,B.C.46

"Quintus the elder for the fourth time"[32]or rather for the thousandth time is a fool to rejoice in his son's new office[33]and in Statius, that he may see a double disgrace heaped on his house. I may add Philotimus as a third disgrace. His folly would be unparalleled, if my own had not been greater. But what cheek of him to ask you for a contribution towards it! Even suppose he had not come to a "fount athirst," but to a Pirene or "the hallowed spot where Alpheus took breath,"[34]to think of his drawing on you as his fountain, to use your word, especially when he is in such straits! Where will such conduct end? But that is his own look out.

32.A quotation from a verse of Ennius,Quintus pater quartum fit consul, preserved in Aulus GelliusX.1.

33.Caesar had restored the ancient priestly corporation of Luperci and the celebration of the Lupercalia on the Palatine hill on February 15.

34.From Pindar,Nem.1, 1, where it is used of the Arethusa at Syracuse, which was popularly believed to be connected with the river Alpheus in the Peloponnese.

Myself I am delighted with my Cato: but then Lucilius Bassus is delighted with his works too.

Tusculum, May 31,B.C.45

About Caelius you must make enquiries, as you say: I know nothing. But one must get to know his character as well as his resources. If you have any doubts about Hortensius and Verginius, look into the matter: though, so far as I can see, you are not likely to find anything that will suit better. Deal with Mustela as you say, when Crispus has arrived. I have written to Avius to tell Piso all he

12bene nosset de auro, Pisoni demonstraret. Tibi enim sane adsentior, et istud nimium diu duci et omnia nunc undique contrahenda. Te quidem nihil agere, nihil cogitare aliud, nisi quod ad me pertineat, facile perspicio, meisque negotiis impediri cupiditatem tuam ad me veniendi. Sed mecum esse te puto, non solum quod meam rem agis, verum etiam quod videre videor, quo modo agas. Neque enim ulla hora tui mihi est operis ignota.VbCICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano III aut II Id. Iun. a. 709Tubulum praetorem video L. Metello, Q. Maximo consulibus. Nunc velim, P. Scaevola, pontifex maximus, quibus consulibus tribunus pl. Equidem puto proximis, Caepione et Pompeio; praetor enim L. Furio, Sex. Atilio. Dabis igitur tribunatum et, si poteris, Tubulus quo crimine. Et vide, quaeso, L. Libo, ille qui de Ser. Galba, Censorinone et Manilio an T. Quinctio, M'. Acilio consulibus tribunus pl. fuerit. Conturbabat enim me [epitome Bruti Fanniana][35]in Bruti epitoma Fannianorum [scripsi][35]quod erat in extremo, idque ego secutus hunc Fannium, qui scripsit historiam, generum esse scripseram Laeli. Sed tu me γεωμετρικῶς refelleras, te autem nunc Brutus et35.The words in brackets are deleted by most editors as glosses.knows about the gold: for I quite agree with you, I have delayed too long already and must get in all I can from every source. I quite realize that you are doing nothing and thinking of nothing except my concerns, and that your longing to come to me is prevented by my business. But in my imagination you are with me, not only because you are managing my affairs, but because I seem to see how you are managing them, for I know what you are doing in every single one of your working hours.VbCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, June 11 or 12,B.C.45I see Tubulus was praetor in the consulship of L. Metellus and Q. Maximus.[36]Now I should like to know when P. Scaevola the Pontifex Maximus was tribune. I think it was in the next year, under Caepio and Pompey, as he was praetor under L. Furius and Sex. Atilius.[37]So please give me the date of his tribunate, and, if you can, the charge on which Tubulus was tried.[38]Pray look and see too whether L. Libo, who brought in the bill about Ser. Galba, was tribune in the consulship of Censorinus and Manilius or in that of T. Quinctius and M'. Acilius.[39]For I was confused by a passage at the end of Brutus' epitome of Fannius' history. Following that I made Fannius, the author of the history, son-in-law of Laelius. But you refuted me by rule and line; now however Brutus and Fannius have refuted36.142B.C.37.136B.C.38.For taking a bribe, when presiding at a murder trial (Cicero,De Finibus, 2, § 54).39.150 or 149B.C.Libo impeached Galba in 147B.C.for selling the Lusitani, who had surrendered on promise of freedom, as slaves.

Scr. in Tusculano III aut II Id. Iun. a. 709

Tubulum praetorem video L. Metello, Q. Maximo consulibus. Nunc velim, P. Scaevola, pontifex maximus, quibus consulibus tribunus pl. Equidem puto proximis, Caepione et Pompeio; praetor enim L. Furio, Sex. Atilio. Dabis igitur tribunatum et, si poteris, Tubulus quo crimine. Et vide, quaeso, L. Libo, ille qui de Ser. Galba, Censorinone et Manilio an T. Quinctio, M'. Acilio consulibus tribunus pl. fuerit. Conturbabat enim me [epitome Bruti Fanniana][35]in Bruti epitoma Fannianorum [scripsi][35]quod erat in extremo, idque ego secutus hunc Fannium, qui scripsit historiam, generum esse scripseram Laeli. Sed tu me γεωμετρικῶς refelleras, te autem nunc Brutus et

35.The words in brackets are deleted by most editors as glosses.

knows about the gold: for I quite agree with you, I have delayed too long already and must get in all I can from every source. I quite realize that you are doing nothing and thinking of nothing except my concerns, and that your longing to come to me is prevented by my business. But in my imagination you are with me, not only because you are managing my affairs, but because I seem to see how you are managing them, for I know what you are doing in every single one of your working hours.VbCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, June 11 or 12,B.C.45I see Tubulus was praetor in the consulship of L. Metellus and Q. Maximus.[36]Now I should like to know when P. Scaevola the Pontifex Maximus was tribune. I think it was in the next year, under Caepio and Pompey, as he was praetor under L. Furius and Sex. Atilius.[37]So please give me the date of his tribunate, and, if you can, the charge on which Tubulus was tried.[38]Pray look and see too whether L. Libo, who brought in the bill about Ser. Galba, was tribune in the consulship of Censorinus and Manilius or in that of T. Quinctius and M'. Acilius.[39]For I was confused by a passage at the end of Brutus' epitome of Fannius' history. Following that I made Fannius, the author of the history, son-in-law of Laelius. But you refuted me by rule and line; now however Brutus and Fannius have refuted36.142B.C.37.136B.C.38.For taking a bribe, when presiding at a murder trial (Cicero,De Finibus, 2, § 54).39.150 or 149B.C.Libo impeached Galba in 147B.C.for selling the Lusitani, who had surrendered on promise of freedom, as slaves.

Tusculum, June 11 or 12,B.C.45

I see Tubulus was praetor in the consulship of L. Metellus and Q. Maximus.[36]Now I should like to know when P. Scaevola the Pontifex Maximus was tribune. I think it was in the next year, under Caepio and Pompey, as he was praetor under L. Furius and Sex. Atilius.[37]So please give me the date of his tribunate, and, if you can, the charge on which Tubulus was tried.[38]Pray look and see too whether L. Libo, who brought in the bill about Ser. Galba, was tribune in the consulship of Censorinus and Manilius or in that of T. Quinctius and M'. Acilius.[39]For I was confused by a passage at the end of Brutus' epitome of Fannius' history. Following that I made Fannius, the author of the history, son-in-law of Laelius. But you refuted me by rule and line; now however Brutus and Fannius have refuted

36.142B.C.

37.136B.C.

38.For taking a bribe, when presiding at a murder trial (Cicero,De Finibus, 2, § 54).

39.150 or 149B.C.Libo impeached Galba in 147B.C.for selling the Lusitani, who had surrendered on promise of freedom, as slaves.

14Fannius. Ego tamen de bono auctore, Hortensio, sic acceperam, ut apud Brutum est. Hunc igitur locum expedies.VcCICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano prid. Id. Iun. a. 708Ego misi Tironem Dolabellae obviam. Is ad me Idibus revertetur. Te exspectabo postridie. De Tullia mea tibi antiquissimum esse video, idque ita ut sit, te vehementer rogo. Ergo ei in integro omnia; sic enim scribis. Mihi, etsi Kalendae vitandae fuerunt Nicasionumque ἀρχέτυπα fugienda conficiendaeque tabulae, nihil tamen tanti, ut a te abessem, fuit. Cum Romae essem et te iam iamque visurum me putarem, cotidie tamen horae, quibus exspectabam, longae videbantur. Scis me minime esse blandum; itaque minus aliquanto dico, quam sentio.VICICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708De Caelio vide, quaeso, ne quae lacuna sit in auro. Ego ista non novi. Sed certe in collubo est detrimenti satis. Huc aurum si accedit—sed quid loquor? Tu videbis. Habes Hegesiae genus, quod Varro laudat.you. I had followed a good authority, Hortensius, for my statement inBrutus.[40]So please set the matter straight.40.Brutus, § 101.VcCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, June 12,B.C.46I have sent Tiro to meet Dolabella. He will return on the 13th. I shall expect you on the next day. I see you are putting Tullia before everything, and I earnestly beg you to do so. So her dowry is untouched: for that is what you say. For myself, though I had to avoid pay-day,[41]to keep off the money-lenders' precious books, and make up my accounts, there was nothing to compensate for my absence from you. When I was at Rome and expected to see you every minute, still the hours I spent in expecting you every day seemed long. You know I am nothing of a flatterer, and so I rather understate my feelings.41.Interest was payable on the 1st of the month.VICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, intercalary month,[42]B.C.46As to Caelius, please see that there is nothing lacking in the gold. I know nothing about that. But anyhow there is loss enough in the exchange. If there is anything wrong with the gold on the top of that—but what's the use of my talking? You will see to it. There is a specimen of Hegesias' style,[43]of which Varro approves. Now I come to42.Before the alteration of the calendar made by Caesar in the next year, two months, of 29 and 28 days respectively, were inserted between November and December, 46B.C., to set the calendar right.43.Hegesias of Magnesia introduced the Asiatic school of rhetoric. Abrupt breaks such as that in the last sentence were one of its features.

14Fannius. Ego tamen de bono auctore, Hortensio, sic acceperam, ut apud Brutum est. Hunc igitur locum expedies.

Scr. in Tusculano prid. Id. Iun. a. 708

Ego misi Tironem Dolabellae obviam. Is ad me Idibus revertetur. Te exspectabo postridie. De Tullia mea tibi antiquissimum esse video, idque ita ut sit, te vehementer rogo. Ergo ei in integro omnia; sic enim scribis. Mihi, etsi Kalendae vitandae fuerunt Nicasionumque ἀρχέτυπα fugienda conficiendaeque tabulae, nihil tamen tanti, ut a te abessem, fuit. Cum Romae essem et te iam iamque visurum me putarem, cotidie tamen horae, quibus exspectabam, longae videbantur. Scis me minime esse blandum; itaque minus aliquanto dico, quam sentio.

Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708

De Caelio vide, quaeso, ne quae lacuna sit in auro. Ego ista non novi. Sed certe in collubo est detrimenti satis. Huc aurum si accedit—sed quid loquor? Tu videbis. Habes Hegesiae genus, quod Varro laudat.

you. I had followed a good authority, Hortensius, for my statement inBrutus.[40]So please set the matter straight.40.Brutus, § 101.VcCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, June 12,B.C.46I have sent Tiro to meet Dolabella. He will return on the 13th. I shall expect you on the next day. I see you are putting Tullia before everything, and I earnestly beg you to do so. So her dowry is untouched: for that is what you say. For myself, though I had to avoid pay-day,[41]to keep off the money-lenders' precious books, and make up my accounts, there was nothing to compensate for my absence from you. When I was at Rome and expected to see you every minute, still the hours I spent in expecting you every day seemed long. You know I am nothing of a flatterer, and so I rather understate my feelings.41.Interest was payable on the 1st of the month.VICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, intercalary month,[42]B.C.46As to Caelius, please see that there is nothing lacking in the gold. I know nothing about that. But anyhow there is loss enough in the exchange. If there is anything wrong with the gold on the top of that—but what's the use of my talking? You will see to it. There is a specimen of Hegesias' style,[43]of which Varro approves. Now I come to42.Before the alteration of the calendar made by Caesar in the next year, two months, of 29 and 28 days respectively, were inserted between November and December, 46B.C., to set the calendar right.43.Hegesias of Magnesia introduced the Asiatic school of rhetoric. Abrupt breaks such as that in the last sentence were one of its features.

you. I had followed a good authority, Hortensius, for my statement inBrutus.[40]So please set the matter straight.

40.Brutus, § 101.

Tusculum, June 12,B.C.46

I have sent Tiro to meet Dolabella. He will return on the 13th. I shall expect you on the next day. I see you are putting Tullia before everything, and I earnestly beg you to do so. So her dowry is untouched: for that is what you say. For myself, though I had to avoid pay-day,[41]to keep off the money-lenders' precious books, and make up my accounts, there was nothing to compensate for my absence from you. When I was at Rome and expected to see you every minute, still the hours I spent in expecting you every day seemed long. You know I am nothing of a flatterer, and so I rather understate my feelings.

41.Interest was payable on the 1st of the month.

Tusculum, intercalary month,[42]B.C.46

As to Caelius, please see that there is nothing lacking in the gold. I know nothing about that. But anyhow there is loss enough in the exchange. If there is anything wrong with the gold on the top of that—but what's the use of my talking? You will see to it. There is a specimen of Hegesias' style,[43]of which Varro approves. Now I come to

42.Before the alteration of the calendar made by Caesar in the next year, two months, of 29 and 28 days respectively, were inserted between November and December, 46B.C., to set the calendar right.

43.Hegesias of Magnesia introduced the Asiatic school of rhetoric. Abrupt breaks such as that in the last sentence were one of its features.

16Venio ad Tyrannionem. Ain tu? verum hoc fuit, sine me? At ego quotiens, cum essem otiosus, sine te tamen nolui? Quo modo hoc ergo lues? Uno scilicet, si mihi librum miseris; quod ut facias, etiam atque etiam rogo. Etsi me non magis liber ipse delectabit, quam tua admiratio delectavit. Amo enim πάντα φιλειδήμονα teque istam tam tenuem θεωρίαν tam valde admiratum esse gaudeo. Etsi tua quidem sunt eius modi omnia. Scire enim vis; quo uno animus alitur. Sed, quaeso, quid ex ista acuta et gravi refertur ad τέλος?Sed longa oratio est, et tu occupatus es in meo fortasse aliquo negotio. Et pro isto asso sole, quo tu abusus es in nostro pratulo, a te nitidum solem unctumque repetemus. Sed ad prima redeo. Librum, si me amas, mitte. Tuus est enim profecto, quoniam quidem est missus ad te.VIaCICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708"Chremés, tantumne ab ré tua est otí tibi," ut etiam Oratorem legas? Macte virtute! Mihi quidem gratum, et erit gratius, si non modo in tuis libris, sed etiam in aliorum per librarios tuos "Aristophanem" reposueris pro "Eupoli." Caesar autemTyrannio. Do you really mean it?[44]How unfair, without me! Think how often, even when I had plenty of time, I refused without you. How are you going to atone for your crime then? There is only one way: you must send me the book. I earnestly entreat you to do so; though the book itself will not delight me more than your admiration of it has. For I love everyone who loves learning and I am glad you admired so strongly an essay on so minute a point. But that is you all over. You want knowledge, which is the only mental food. But please tell me what there was in that acute and grave treatise which contributed to yoursummum bonum.44.Atticus had read the book of Tyrannio, which was referred to inXII. 2.However I'm making a long story of it, and you may be busy about some of my business. And in return for that dry basking in the sun, in which you revelled in my meadow, I shall claim from you a richer and a warmer glow.[45]But to return to my first point. If you love me, send me the book: for it is yours of course, as it was sent to you.45.Cicero refers to the introduction of Atticus in hisBrutus(24)in pratulo propter Platonis statuam; but his meaning is not very clear. Probably he only means that he is expecting to enjoy Atticus' hospitality soon.VIaCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46"What, so much leisure from your own affairs"[46]that you have found time to read theOratortoo. Bravo! I am pleased to hear it, and shall be still more pleased if you will get your copyists to alter Eupolis to Aristophanes[47]not only in your own copy but in others too. Caesar seemed to me to be amused46.Terence,Heaut.75.47.In the quotation from Aristophanes,Ach.530, inOrat.29.

Sed longa oratio est, et tu occupatus es in meo fortasse aliquo negotio. Et pro isto asso sole, quo tu abusus es in nostro pratulo, a te nitidum solem unctumque repetemus. Sed ad prima redeo. Librum, si me amas, mitte. Tuus est enim profecto, quoniam quidem est missus ad te.

Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708

"Chremés, tantumne ab ré tua est otí tibi," ut etiam Oratorem legas? Macte virtute! Mihi quidem gratum, et erit gratius, si non modo in tuis libris, sed etiam in aliorum per librarios tuos "Aristophanem" reposueris pro "Eupoli." Caesar autem

Tyrannio. Do you really mean it?[44]How unfair, without me! Think how often, even when I had plenty of time, I refused without you. How are you going to atone for your crime then? There is only one way: you must send me the book. I earnestly entreat you to do so; though the book itself will not delight me more than your admiration of it has. For I love everyone who loves learning and I am glad you admired so strongly an essay on so minute a point. But that is you all over. You want knowledge, which is the only mental food. But please tell me what there was in that acute and grave treatise which contributed to yoursummum bonum.44.Atticus had read the book of Tyrannio, which was referred to inXII. 2.However I'm making a long story of it, and you may be busy about some of my business. And in return for that dry basking in the sun, in which you revelled in my meadow, I shall claim from you a richer and a warmer glow.[45]But to return to my first point. If you love me, send me the book: for it is yours of course, as it was sent to you.45.Cicero refers to the introduction of Atticus in hisBrutus(24)in pratulo propter Platonis statuam; but his meaning is not very clear. Probably he only means that he is expecting to enjoy Atticus' hospitality soon.VIaCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46"What, so much leisure from your own affairs"[46]that you have found time to read theOratortoo. Bravo! I am pleased to hear it, and shall be still more pleased if you will get your copyists to alter Eupolis to Aristophanes[47]not only in your own copy but in others too. Caesar seemed to me to be amused46.Terence,Heaut.75.47.In the quotation from Aristophanes,Ach.530, inOrat.29.

44.Atticus had read the book of Tyrannio, which was referred to inXII. 2.

However I'm making a long story of it, and you may be busy about some of my business. And in return for that dry basking in the sun, in which you revelled in my meadow, I shall claim from you a richer and a warmer glow.[45]But to return to my first point. If you love me, send me the book: for it is yours of course, as it was sent to you.

45.Cicero refers to the introduction of Atticus in hisBrutus(24)in pratulo propter Platonis statuam; but his meaning is not very clear. Probably he only means that he is expecting to enjoy Atticus' hospitality soon.

Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46

"What, so much leisure from your own affairs"[46]that you have found time to read theOratortoo. Bravo! I am pleased to hear it, and shall be still more pleased if you will get your copyists to alter Eupolis to Aristophanes[47]not only in your own copy but in others too. Caesar seemed to me to be amused

46.Terence,Heaut.75.

47.In the quotation from Aristophanes,Ach.530, inOrat.29.

18mihi irridere visus est "quaeso" illud tuum, quod erat et εὐπινὲς et urbanum. Ita porro te sine cura esse iussit, ut mihi quidem dubitationem omnem tolleret. Atticam doleo tam diu; sed, quoniam iam sine horrore est, spero esse, ut volumus.VIICICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708Quae desideras, omnia scripsi in codicillis eosque Eroti dedi; breviter, sed etiam plura, quam quaeris, in iis de Cicerone; cuius quidem cogitationis initium tu mihi attulisti. Locutus sum cum eo liberalissime; quod ex ipso velim, si modo tibi erit commodum, sciscitere. Sed quid differo? Exposui te ad me detulisse, et quid vellet et quid requireret. Velle Hispaniam, requirere liberalitatem. De liberalitate dixi, quantum Publilius, quantum flamen Lentulus filio. De Hispania duo attuli, primum idem quod tibi, me vereri vituperationem. Non satis esse, si haec arma reliquissemus? etiam contraria? Deinde fore ut angeretur, cum a fratre familiaritate et omni gratia vinceretur. Vellem magis liberalitate uti mea quam sua libertate. Sed tamen permisi; tibi enim intellexeram non nimis displicere. Ego etiam atque etiam cogitabo, teque, ut idem facias, rogo. Magna res est; simplex est manere, illud anceps. Verum videbimus.at your use ofquaeso, as rather quaint and cockneyfied. He bade you have no anxiety in such a way that I had no doubts left.[48]I am sorry Attica's attack lasts so long: but, as she has lost her shivering fits now, I hope it will be all right.48.There was a danger of Atticus' land at Buthrotum being confiscated, as Caesar was thinking of planting a colony there.VIICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46I have scribbled a note with all you want on a tablet, and given it to Eros—quite shortly, but more than you ask for. In it I have spoken about my son, of whose intentions you gave me the first hint. I took a most liberal tone with him, and, if you think it convenient, I should like you to ask him about that. But why put it off? I pointed out that you had told me what he wished to do and what he wanted: "he wished to go to Spain, and wanted a liberal allowance." As for the allowance, I said I would give him as much as Publilius or Lentulus the flamen gave their sons. Against Spain I brought forward two arguments, the first, the one I used to you, that I was afraid of adverse criticism: "Was it not enough that we abandoned one side? Must we take the other?" The second that he would be annoyed, if his cousin enjoyed Caesar's intimacy and general goodwill more than he did. I should prefer him to make use of my liberal offer rather than of his liberty. However I gave him permission; for I saw you did not really dislike the idea. I shall think the matter over carefully, and I hope you will too. It is an important point: to stay is simple, to go risky. But we shall see.

Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708

Quae desideras, omnia scripsi in codicillis eosque Eroti dedi; breviter, sed etiam plura, quam quaeris, in iis de Cicerone; cuius quidem cogitationis initium tu mihi attulisti. Locutus sum cum eo liberalissime; quod ex ipso velim, si modo tibi erit commodum, sciscitere. Sed quid differo? Exposui te ad me detulisse, et quid vellet et quid requireret. Velle Hispaniam, requirere liberalitatem. De liberalitate dixi, quantum Publilius, quantum flamen Lentulus filio. De Hispania duo attuli, primum idem quod tibi, me vereri vituperationem. Non satis esse, si haec arma reliquissemus? etiam contraria? Deinde fore ut angeretur, cum a fratre familiaritate et omni gratia vinceretur. Vellem magis liberalitate uti mea quam sua libertate. Sed tamen permisi; tibi enim intellexeram non nimis displicere. Ego etiam atque etiam cogitabo, teque, ut idem facias, rogo. Magna res est; simplex est manere, illud anceps. Verum videbimus.

at your use ofquaeso, as rather quaint and cockneyfied. He bade you have no anxiety in such a way that I had no doubts left.[48]I am sorry Attica's attack lasts so long: but, as she has lost her shivering fits now, I hope it will be all right.48.There was a danger of Atticus' land at Buthrotum being confiscated, as Caesar was thinking of planting a colony there.VIICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46I have scribbled a note with all you want on a tablet, and given it to Eros—quite shortly, but more than you ask for. In it I have spoken about my son, of whose intentions you gave me the first hint. I took a most liberal tone with him, and, if you think it convenient, I should like you to ask him about that. But why put it off? I pointed out that you had told me what he wished to do and what he wanted: "he wished to go to Spain, and wanted a liberal allowance." As for the allowance, I said I would give him as much as Publilius or Lentulus the flamen gave their sons. Against Spain I brought forward two arguments, the first, the one I used to you, that I was afraid of adverse criticism: "Was it not enough that we abandoned one side? Must we take the other?" The second that he would be annoyed, if his cousin enjoyed Caesar's intimacy and general goodwill more than he did. I should prefer him to make use of my liberal offer rather than of his liberty. However I gave him permission; for I saw you did not really dislike the idea. I shall think the matter over carefully, and I hope you will too. It is an important point: to stay is simple, to go risky. But we shall see.

48.There was a danger of Atticus' land at Buthrotum being confiscated, as Caesar was thinking of planting a colony there.

Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46

I have scribbled a note with all you want on a tablet, and given it to Eros—quite shortly, but more than you ask for. In it I have spoken about my son, of whose intentions you gave me the first hint. I took a most liberal tone with him, and, if you think it convenient, I should like you to ask him about that. But why put it off? I pointed out that you had told me what he wished to do and what he wanted: "he wished to go to Spain, and wanted a liberal allowance." As for the allowance, I said I would give him as much as Publilius or Lentulus the flamen gave their sons. Against Spain I brought forward two arguments, the first, the one I used to you, that I was afraid of adverse criticism: "Was it not enough that we abandoned one side? Must we take the other?" The second that he would be annoyed, if his cousin enjoyed Caesar's intimacy and general goodwill more than he did. I should prefer him to make use of my liberal offer rather than of his liberty. However I gave him permission; for I saw you did not really dislike the idea. I shall think the matter over carefully, and I hope you will too. It is an important point: to stay is simple, to go risky. But we shall see.

20De Balbo et in codicillis scripseram et ita cogito, simul ac redierit. Sin ille tardius, ego tamen triduum, et, quod praeterii, Dolabella etiam mecum.VIIICICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708De Cicerone multis res placet. Comes est idoneus. Sed de prima pensione ante videamus. Adest enim dies, et ille currit. Scribe, quaeso, quid referat Celer egisse Caesarem cum candidatis, utrum ipse in fenicularium an in Martium campum cogitet. Et scire sane velim, numquid necesse sit comitiis esse Romae. Nam et Piliae satis faciendum est et utique Atticae.IXCICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. Asturae VI K. Sext. a. 709Ne ego essem his libenter atque id cotidie magis, ni esset ea causa, quam tibi superioribus litteris scripsi. Nihil hac solitudine iucundius, nisi paulum interpellasset Amyntae filius. Ὢ ἀπεραντολογίας ἀηδοῦς! Cetera noli putare amabiliora fieri posseAbout Balbus I have written in the tablet, and I think of doing as you say, as soon as he comes back. If he is rather slow about it, still I shall be three days there; and, I forgot to say, Dolabella will be with me too.VIIICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46My plan for my son meets with general approval. I have found a suitable companion.[49]But let us first see to the payment of an instalment of Tullia's dowry. The time is near and Dolabella is in a hurry. Please write and tell me what Celer says Caesar has settled about the candidates, whether he thinks of going to the field of Fennel or the field of Mars.[50]I should much like to know too whether I must come to Rome for the elections. For I must do my duty by Pilia and anyhow by Attica.49.Cicero wished to send him to Athens with L. Tullius Montanus.50.i.e.will he appoint the magistrates in Spain or let the elections at Rome take place? Thecampus Feniculariuswas near Tarraco.IXCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Astura, July 27,B.C.45I should be perfectly comfortable here and become more and more so every day, if it weren't for the reason I mentioned in my former letter. Nothing could be pleasanter than this solitude, except for the occasional interruptions of Amyntas' son.[51]How his chatter does bore one! All the rest is more charming than you can imagine, the villa, the shore,51.i.e.L. Marcius Philippus, jestingly referred to as Philip, king of Macedonia.

20De Balbo et in codicillis scripseram et ita cogito, simul ac redierit. Sin ille tardius, ego tamen triduum, et, quod praeterii, Dolabella etiam mecum.

Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708

De Cicerone multis res placet. Comes est idoneus. Sed de prima pensione ante videamus. Adest enim dies, et ille currit. Scribe, quaeso, quid referat Celer egisse Caesarem cum candidatis, utrum ipse in fenicularium an in Martium campum cogitet. Et scire sane velim, numquid necesse sit comitiis esse Romae. Nam et Piliae satis faciendum est et utique Atticae.

Scr. Asturae VI K. Sext. a. 709

Ne ego essem his libenter atque id cotidie magis, ni esset ea causa, quam tibi superioribus litteris scripsi. Nihil hac solitudine iucundius, nisi paulum interpellasset Amyntae filius. Ὢ ἀπεραντολογίας ἀηδοῦς! Cetera noli putare amabiliora fieri posse

About Balbus I have written in the tablet, and I think of doing as you say, as soon as he comes back. If he is rather slow about it, still I shall be three days there; and, I forgot to say, Dolabella will be with me too.VIIICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46My plan for my son meets with general approval. I have found a suitable companion.[49]But let us first see to the payment of an instalment of Tullia's dowry. The time is near and Dolabella is in a hurry. Please write and tell me what Celer says Caesar has settled about the candidates, whether he thinks of going to the field of Fennel or the field of Mars.[50]I should much like to know too whether I must come to Rome for the elections. For I must do my duty by Pilia and anyhow by Attica.49.Cicero wished to send him to Athens with L. Tullius Montanus.50.i.e.will he appoint the magistrates in Spain or let the elections at Rome take place? Thecampus Feniculariuswas near Tarraco.IXCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Astura, July 27,B.C.45I should be perfectly comfortable here and become more and more so every day, if it weren't for the reason I mentioned in my former letter. Nothing could be pleasanter than this solitude, except for the occasional interruptions of Amyntas' son.[51]How his chatter does bore one! All the rest is more charming than you can imagine, the villa, the shore,51.i.e.L. Marcius Philippus, jestingly referred to as Philip, king of Macedonia.

Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46

My plan for my son meets with general approval. I have found a suitable companion.[49]But let us first see to the payment of an instalment of Tullia's dowry. The time is near and Dolabella is in a hurry. Please write and tell me what Celer says Caesar has settled about the candidates, whether he thinks of going to the field of Fennel or the field of Mars.[50]I should much like to know too whether I must come to Rome for the elections. For I must do my duty by Pilia and anyhow by Attica.

49.Cicero wished to send him to Athens with L. Tullius Montanus.

50.i.e.will he appoint the magistrates in Spain or let the elections at Rome take place? Thecampus Feniculariuswas near Tarraco.

Astura, July 27,B.C.45

I should be perfectly comfortable here and become more and more so every day, if it weren't for the reason I mentioned in my former letter. Nothing could be pleasanter than this solitude, except for the occasional interruptions of Amyntas' son.[51]How his chatter does bore one! All the rest is more charming than you can imagine, the villa, the shore,

51.i.e.L. Marcius Philippus, jestingly referred to as Philip, king of Macedonia.

22villa, litore, prospectu maris, tumulis, his rebus omnibus. Sed neque haec digna longioribus litteris, nec erat, quod scriberem, et somnus urgebat.XCICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. Asturae V K. Sext. a. 709Male mehercule de Athamante. Tuus autem dolor humanus is quidem, sed magno opere moderandus. Consolationum autem multae viae, sed illa rectissima: impetret ratio, quod dies impetratura est. Alexin vero curemus, imaginem Tironis, quem aegrum Romam remisi, et, si quid habet collis ἐπιδήμιον, ad me cum Tisameno[52]transferamus. Tota domus vacat superior, ut scis. Hoc puto valde ad rem pertinere.52.TisamenoZb, testamentoother MSS.XICICERO ATTICO SAL.Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708Male de Seio. Sed omnia humana tolerabilia ducenda. Ipsi enim quid sumus, aut quam diu haec curaturi sumus? Ea videamus, quae ad nos magis pertinent nec tamen multo, quid agamus de senatu. Et, ut ne quid praetermittam, Caesonius ad me litteras misit Postumiam Sulpici domum ad se venisse. De Pompei Magni filia tibi rescripsi nihil me hoc tempore cogitare; alteram vero illam, quam tu scribis,the sea view, the hillocks and everything. But they don't deserve a longer letter, and I have nothing else to say, and I'm very sleepy.XCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Astura, July 28,B.C.45I am very sorry to hear about Athamas. But your grief, though it is a kindly weakness, should be kept well in check. There are many roads to consolation, but this is the straightest: let reason bring about what time is sure to bring about. Let us take care of Alexis, the living image of Tiro, whom I have sent back to Rome ill, and, if there is any epidemic on the hill,[53]send him to my place with Tisamenus. The whole of the upper story is vacant as you know. This I think is an excellent suggestion.53.Atticus' house was on the Quirinal hill.XICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46I am sorry to hear about Seius. But one has to learn to put up with all human troubles. For what are we ourselves and how long will they be bothering us? Let us look to a thing that is more in our power, though not very much,—what we are to do about the Senate. And, before I forget it, Caesonius sent me word that Sulpicius' wife Postumia had paid him a visit. As to Pompey's daughter I answered you saying I was not thinking of her at present. I suppose you know the other lady you

22villa, litore, prospectu maris, tumulis, his rebus omnibus. Sed neque haec digna longioribus litteris, nec erat, quod scriberem, et somnus urgebat.

Scr. Asturae V K. Sext. a. 709

Male mehercule de Athamante. Tuus autem dolor humanus is quidem, sed magno opere moderandus. Consolationum autem multae viae, sed illa rectissima: impetret ratio, quod dies impetratura est. Alexin vero curemus, imaginem Tironis, quem aegrum Romam remisi, et, si quid habet collis ἐπιδήμιον, ad me cum Tisameno[52]transferamus. Tota domus vacat superior, ut scis. Hoc puto valde ad rem pertinere.

52.TisamenoZb, testamentoother MSS.

Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708

Male de Seio. Sed omnia humana tolerabilia ducenda. Ipsi enim quid sumus, aut quam diu haec curaturi sumus? Ea videamus, quae ad nos magis pertinent nec tamen multo, quid agamus de senatu. Et, ut ne quid praetermittam, Caesonius ad me litteras misit Postumiam Sulpici domum ad se venisse. De Pompei Magni filia tibi rescripsi nihil me hoc tempore cogitare; alteram vero illam, quam tu scribis,

the sea view, the hillocks and everything. But they don't deserve a longer letter, and I have nothing else to say, and I'm very sleepy.XCICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Astura, July 28,B.C.45I am very sorry to hear about Athamas. But your grief, though it is a kindly weakness, should be kept well in check. There are many roads to consolation, but this is the straightest: let reason bring about what time is sure to bring about. Let us take care of Alexis, the living image of Tiro, whom I have sent back to Rome ill, and, if there is any epidemic on the hill,[53]send him to my place with Tisamenus. The whole of the upper story is vacant as you know. This I think is an excellent suggestion.53.Atticus' house was on the Quirinal hill.XICICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46I am sorry to hear about Seius. But one has to learn to put up with all human troubles. For what are we ourselves and how long will they be bothering us? Let us look to a thing that is more in our power, though not very much,—what we are to do about the Senate. And, before I forget it, Caesonius sent me word that Sulpicius' wife Postumia had paid him a visit. As to Pompey's daughter I answered you saying I was not thinking of her at present. I suppose you know the other lady you

the sea view, the hillocks and everything. But they don't deserve a longer letter, and I have nothing else to say, and I'm very sleepy.

Astura, July 28,B.C.45

I am very sorry to hear about Athamas. But your grief, though it is a kindly weakness, should be kept well in check. There are many roads to consolation, but this is the straightest: let reason bring about what time is sure to bring about. Let us take care of Alexis, the living image of Tiro, whom I have sent back to Rome ill, and, if there is any epidemic on the hill,[53]send him to my place with Tisamenus. The whole of the upper story is vacant as you know. This I think is an excellent suggestion.

53.Atticus' house was on the Quirinal hill.

Tusculum, intercalary month,B.C.46

I am sorry to hear about Seius. But one has to learn to put up with all human troubles. For what are we ourselves and how long will they be bothering us? Let us look to a thing that is more in our power, though not very much,—what we are to do about the Senate. And, before I forget it, Caesonius sent me word that Sulpicius' wife Postumia had paid him a visit. As to Pompey's daughter I answered you saying I was not thinking of her at present. I suppose you know the other lady you

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