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THE LOEB CLASSICAL LIBRARY
EDITED BY
T. E. PAGE, M.A., AND W. H. D. ROUSE, LiTT.D.
LETTERS TO ATTICUS
II
CICERO
LETTERS TO ATTICUS
WITH AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY
E. O. WINSTEDT, M.A.
OF MAGDALEN COLLEGE, OXFOE1)
IN THREE VOLUMES
II
LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN
NEW YORK: THE MACMILLAN CO.
MCMXIII
1 1/2
V, ?
INTRODUCTION
THIS second volume of Cicero s Letters to Atticus
embraces one of the most important epochs in
Roman history, the fall of the Republic in the
struggle between Pompey and Caesar. The storm
which had long been brewing broke just as Cicero
returned from Cilicia over the question of Caesar s
resignation of office. By the agreement made in 56
B.C. Caesar s governorship of Gaul was renewed for
five years and he was then to be re-elected to the
consulship in 48 B.C. As the renewal dated from
March 1, 54 B.C., his term of office would naturally
expire on March 1, 49 B.C. : but according to the rule
in vogue at the time of the reappointment he would
not be superseded until Jan. 1, 48 B.C., the date on
which he would enter on the consulship. He would
therefore hold office continually, and his enemies,
the Senatorial party, would have no chance of bring
ing a prosecution against him, which might be fatal
to his career. But in 52 B.C. they had induced
Pompey to bring forward a new law by which ex-
magistrates did not proceed to a province as soon as
their office ended but after an interval of five years.
Consequently for the next five years special appoint
ments had to be made by the Senate for example
Cicero s appointment to Cilicia and, as they could
be made at any time, it would be perfectly easy to
supersede Caesar on March 1, 49, and secure his
prosecution, condemnation and downfall before he
could enter on the consulship.
Another new law of Pompey s insisted on the
v
INTRODUCTION
personal attendance of candidates for office, fror
which Caesar had previously obtained special exemp
tion. On the remonstrance of Caesar s friend
Pompey had inserted a clause allowing such special ex
emptions to stand : but this clause was never proper!
passed. This again was designed to ensure Caesar
presence in Rome, with a view to his prosecution.
During the next two years the question of hi
resignation was continually coming up in the House
but no definite conclusion was reached, owing largel.
to Curio s spirited attacks on all the Senatorial party
proposals. That party however was ready to catcl
at any trifle to pick a quarrel with Caesar : and the.
found an opportunity when in Sept. 50 B.C. Caesa
decided to send the 13th legion into Cisalpine Gau
to replace the 1 5th, which he had had to surrendei
nominally for the war in Syria, though actually th>
legion was kept in Italy. A report was circulatec
that he was sending four legions to Placentia wit!
hostile intentions. The report was disproved b;
Curio: but, though the majority of the Senate sup
ported the opposition, and refused to declare Caesa
a public enemy, Marcellus, the consul, took upoi
himself to appoint Pompey to the command over tw
legions with authority to raise more against Caesai
On his return to Cisalpine Gaul in November, Caesa
ignored this illegal commission and privately offeree
to give up Transalpine Gaul on March 1, if allowec
to keep Cisalpine Gaul and Illyricum with two legion
or even Illyricum with one. It was at this junctun
that Cicero returned to Italy, and he seems to hav
spoken in favour of accepting this proposal, thougl
shocked at Caesar s "impudence" in making it. Bu 1
neither Pompey nor the Senatorial party took i
INTRODUCTION
seriously, and Caesar was forced to send an ultimatum
stating that he would resign only if Pompey did the
same. The Senate replied that, if he did not resign,
he would be declared a public enemy : and, when
;heir motion to that effect was vetoed by Antony
ind Cassius, the latter met with the same treatment
md had to flee to Caesar in company with Curio.
On hearing their report Caesar took the first step
; n the war by crossing the Rubicon. His march
outhward was so quickly executed that Pompey and
.he consuls evacuated Rome. Negotiations for peace
ailed. Domitius with eighteen cohorts at Corfinium
vas taken prisoner, and Pompey retreated to Brundi-
sium on his way to Greece. Hurrying after him
Oaesar blockaded the town: but Pompey succeeded
a effecting his escape. Meantime Cicero was exhi-
>iting the weakest side of his character. At the
irst outbreak he offered to go with Pompey : but he
VSLS given the command of Capua and the Campanian
oast. This command he resigned in a few days :
ater he set out to join Pompey at Brundisium, but
etreated for fear of capture : and thereafter for
nonths he remained at Formiae shilly-shallying and
vriting querulous letters to Atticus for advice. How
ever, when he met Caesar on his return from Brun-
lisium to Rome, he had sufficient courage to refuse
o take a seat in the House and support his demands.
Caesar s stay in Rome was short and marked only
>y his seizure of the public treasury and the appoint-
nent of his friends Lepidus and Antony as prefect
f the city and military commander respectively.
Then he hastened to Spain, where, after nearly
neeting with a disaster, he defeated the five legions
inder Afranius and Petreius at Ilerda, and gained
INTRODUCTION
the whole peninsula. While the issue was still un
certain in Spain, and indeed things looked un
favourable to Caesar, Cicero screwed up his courage
and joined Pompey in Epirus. Meantime Sardinia
was occupied by Caesar s adjutant P. Valerius and
Sicily gave way to Curio. The latter passed on to
Africa, where after some success he met with defeat
and death at the hands of Juba. It was not till
January 48 B.C. that Caesar effected a landing in
Epirus, where he proceeded to surround Pompey s
camp near Dyrrachium : but his lines were broken
through and he sustained a slight defeat. He re
tired towards Thessaly and there in August won a
decisive victory over Pompey at Pharsalus. Pompey
fled to Cyprus and thence to Egypt, there to meet
his death. The rest of the party split up, some
going to Africa to carry on the war, others to Greece
and Asia to make terms for themselves with Caesar.
Cicero after a violent quarrel with his brother at
Patrae returned to Brundisium, and there spent
many miserable months wondering what his fate
would be when Caesar returned. His misfortunes
were increased by a rupture with his wife Terentia,
and the unfaithfulness and general misconduct of
his son-in-law Dolabella, which forced him to pro
cure a divorce for Tullia. And there this volume
leaves him, moaning.
The following abbreviations are used in the appa
ratus criticus:
M= the Codex Mediceus 49, 1 8, written in the year
1389 A.D., and now preserved in the Laurentian
Library at Florence. M l denotes the reading of
the first hand, and M 2 that of a reviser.
A = the reading of M when supported by that of the
INTRODUCTION
Codex Urbinas 322, a MS. of the loth century,
preserved in the Vatican Library.
A"=the Codex ex abbntia Florentine! , n. 14 in the Lau-
rentian Library, written in the 1 4th or 1 5th
century.
Codex 1.5.34 in the University Library at Turin,
written in the 15th century.
P=No. 8536 of the Latin MSS. in the Bibliotheque
Nationale at Paris, a MS. of the 1 5th century.
Ant. = Codex Antonianus, used by Malaspina.
C=the marginal readings in Cratander s edition of
1528, drawn from a MS. which is lost.
F = Codex Faerni, used by Malaspina.
Z = the readings of the lost Codex Tornaesianus, Z
denoting the reading as preserved by Bosius, and
Z 1 that testified to by Lambinus.
7 = the editio Jensoniana princeps (Venice, 1470).
L = readings in the text of Lambinus edition, or
conjectures of Lambinus.
Viet. =the editio Petri Victori (Venice, 1534-37).
CONTENTS
Letters to Atticus Book VII Page 2
Letters to Atticus Book VIII 98
Letters to Atticus Book IX 176
Letters to Atticus Book X 272
Betters to Atticus Book XI 352
XI
CICERO S LETTERS
TO ATTICUS
BOOK VII
U VOL. II
M. TULLI CICERONIS
EPISTULARUM AD ATTICUM
LIBER SEPTIMUS
I
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Athcnis Dederam equidem L. Saufeio litteras et dcderam
X.VII K. ad te ummi, quod, cum non esset temporis mihi ad
IS ov. a. t U-f. scriberidum satis, tamen hoininem tibi tarn familiarem
sine ineis litteris ad te venire nolebam ; sed, ut philo-
sophi ambulant^ has tibi redditum iri putabam prius.
Sin iam illas accepisti, scis me Athenas venisse pr.
Idus OctobreS; e navi egressum in Piraeum tuas ab
Acasto nostro litteras accepisse, conturbatum, quod
cum febre Romam venisses, bono tameii animo esse
coepisse, quod Acastus ea, quae vellem, de allevato
corpore tuo nuntiaret, cohorruisse autem me eo 1
quod tuae litterae de legionibus Caesaris adferrent^
et egisse tecum, ut videres, ne quid ^lAcm/xia eius,
quern nosti, nobis noceret, et, de quo iam pridem ad
te scripseram, Turranius autem secus tibi Brundisi
dixerat (quod ex iis litteris cognovi, quas a Xerione,
optimo virOj accepi), cur fratrem provinciae non prae-
fecissem, exposui breviter. Haec fere sunt in ilia
epistula. Nunc audi reliqua.
Per fortunas ! oniiiem tuum amorem, quo me es
amplexus, omnemque tuam prudentiam,, quam meher-
1 me eo Tyrrell ; me MSS. ; eo Koch, Miiller.
2
CICERO S LETTERS
TO ATTICUS
BOOK VII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I did give L. Saufeius a letter, one for you alone, Athens, Oct.
because, though I had no time to write, I was reluct- 16, B.C. 50
ant that so intimate an acquaintance of yours should
come to you without a note from me. But, considering
the pace of philosophers, I imagine the present letter
will reach you first. If, however, you have got that
earlier letter now, you will know that I arrived at
Athens on Oct. 1 4- ; that on disembarking at the port
I received your letter from our friend Acastus ; that,
perturbed though I was at your arrival in Rome with
a fever, nevertheless I began to take heart at Acas
tus welcome announcement of your convalescence ;
but shivered myself at your news of Caesar s legions,
and pleaded with you to beware lest friend Philotimus
time-serving injure us. 1 As for the point I touched
on long ago (misrepresented to you by Turranius at
Bruiidisium, as I gathered from a letter received
from that good fellow Xeno), I set forth briefly the
reason why I had not put my brother in charge of
the province. Those practically were the topics of
that letter. Now hear what remains.
In heaven s name, I want all the affection which
you have lavished on me, and all your worldly
1 Cf. vi, 4, 6, 9.
B2 3
MARCUS TULLIUS CICEUO
cule in onini genere iudico singularem, confer ad cam
curam, ut de omni statu meo cogites. Videre enim
mihi videor tantani dimicationem, nisi idem deus, qui
nos melius, quam optare auderemus, Parthico bcllo
liberavitj respexerit rem publicam, sed tantam,
quanta numquam fuit. Age, hoc nialum mihi com
mune est cum omnibus. Nihil tibi mando ut de co
cogites, illud meum proprium -p6(3XtT/j.a, quaeso, sus-
cipe. Videsne, ut te auctore sim utrumque corn-
plexus? Ac vellem a principio te audisse amicissime
monentem.
AAA /XOV Ol TTOTt Ol fJLUl Vl CTTV/^eCTCTU 7ret$S.
Sed aliquando tamen persuasisti, ut alterum comple-
cterer, quia de me erat optume meritus, alterum,
quia tantum valebat. Feci igitur itaque effeci omni
obscquio, ut neutri illorum quisquam esset me carior.
Haec enim cogitabamus, nee mihi coniuncto cum
Pompeio fore necesse peccare in re publica aliquando
nee cum Caesare sentient! pugnandum esse cum
Pompeio. Tanta erat illorum coniunctio. Nunc im-
pendet, ut et tu ostendis, et ego video, summa inter
eos contentio. Me autem uterque numerat suum, nisi
forte simulat alter. Nam Pompeius 11011 dubitat ; vere
enim iudicat ea^ quae de re publica nuiic sentiat,
mihi valde probari. Utriusque autem accepi eius
modi litteras eodem tempore quo tuas, ut neuter
cmemquam omnium pluris facere quam me videretur.
Verum quid again? Non quaero ilia ultima (si enim
4-
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 1
wisdom, which I swear to my mind is unrivalled in
every subject, to be devoted to a careful estimate of
my whole position. For myself, I seem to foresee a
terrific struggle, unless indeed the same god, who
wrought above my boldest hopes in freeing us from
a Parthian war, take pity on the state anyhow, such
a terrific struggle as there never has been before.
True, the calamity would fall not only on me, but on
every one. I don t ask you to consider the wider
problem: solve my own little case, I entreat. Don t
you see that it is you who are responsible for my
friendship with both Pompey and Caesar? Ah, would
that I had listened to your friendly admonitions from
the outset.
"Thou couldst not sway the spirit in my breast."
But at last, however, you persuaded me to be friendly
with the one, because he had done so much for me ;
with the other, because he was so powerful. Well,! did
so, and I have studiously contrived to be particularly
dear to both of them. For my idea was this. Allied
with Pompey, I should never have to be guilty of
political impropriety; and, siding with Caesar, I
should not have to fight with Pompey. So close was
the alliance of those two. But now, on your show
ing and in my view, there threatens a dire struggle
between them. Each of them counts me his friend
unless, perhaps, Caesar is dissembling ; for Pompey
has no doubt, rightly supposing that his present
political views have my strongest approval. But both
have sent me letters (which came with yours) in
terms that would appear to make more of me than
of anyone at all. But what am I to do? I don t mean
in the long run. If the matter is to be fought in the
5
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
eastris res geretur, video cum altero vinci satius esse
quam cum altero vincere), sed ilia, quae turn agentur,
cum venero, ne ratio absentis habeatur, ut exercitum
dimittat. Die, M. TVLLI." Quid die-am? Exspecta,
amabo te, dum Atticum conveniam"? Non est locus
ad tergiversandum. Contra Caesarem? Ubi illae
sunt densae dexterae?" Nam, ut illi hoc liceret,
adiuvi rogatus ab ipso Raveniiae de Caelio tribuno pi.
Ab ipso autem? Etiam a Gnaeo nostro in illo divino
tertio consulatu.
Aliter sensero ? AiSeo/xat non Pompeium modo, sed
Tpwas KCU Tpwaoas.
ITd ArSa/ias //ot TrpwTos e\eY\eii)V Ka~aO i](rei .
Quis? Tu ipse scilicet, laudator et factorum et scri-
ptorum meorum. Hanc ergo plagam effugi per duos
superiores Marcellorum consulatus, cum est actum de
provincia Caesaris, nunc incido in discrimen ipsum ?
Itaque ut stultus 1 primus suam sententiam dicat,
mi hi valde placet de triumpho nos moliri aliquid, ex
tra urbem esse cum iustissuma causa. Tamen dabunt
operam, ut eliciant sententiam meam. Ridebis hoc
loco fortasse. Quam veil em etiam mine in provincia
morari ! Plane opus fuit, si hoc impendebat. Etsi
nil miserius. Nam, oSov Trupepyoi , volo te hoc scire.
1 The reading here is debatable. Sulpicius, Hillus, and
alias have been suggested in place of stultus.
6
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 1
field, I see it would be better to be beaten with
Pompey than to win with Caesar. But what about
the points in debate on my arrival refusing the
claims of a candidate who is away from Rome and
ordering the disbanding of his army. " Your opinion,
Marcus Tullius," will be the question. What am
I to say? "Please wait till I meet Atticus?"
There is no chance of evasion. I speak against
Caesar? Where then the pledge of plighted
hands?" 1 For I assisted in getting Caesar privilege
on these two points, when I was asked by him per
sonally at Ravenna to approach Caelius the tribune
to propose a bill. Asked by him personally, do I say ?
Yes, and by our friend Pompey in that immortal
third consulship.
; Shall I choose the other course? I fear" not
only Pompey, but the men and long-robed dames
of Troy": Polydamas will be the first to rail."
Who s he? W r hy, you, who praise my work and writ
ings. Have I then avoided this trap during the last
two consulships of the Marcelli, when the matter of
Caesar s province was under debate, only to fall now
into the thick of the trouble? That some fool may
have the first vote on the motion, I feel strongly
inclined to devote my energies to my triumph, a
most reasonable excuse for staying outside the city.
Nevei theless they will try to extract my opinion.
Perhaps this will excite your mirth : I wish to good
ness I were still staying in my province. I certainly
ought to have stayed, if this was coming : though it
would have been most wretched. For by the way
1 Probably a quotation from some early poet.
^ Iliad vi, 442, and xxii, loo.
7
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Omnia ilia prima, quae etiam tu tuis litteris in cae-
lum ferebas, eTrrr^KTa fuerunt. Quam non est facilis
virtus ! Quam vero difficilis eius diuturna simulatio !
Cum enim hoc rectum et gloriosum putarem, ex an-
nuo sumptu, qui mihi decretus esset, me C. Gaelic
quaestori relinquere annuum, referre in aerarium ad
HS CIO, ingemuit nostra cohors omne illud putans
distribui sibi oportere, ut ego amicior invenirer Phry-
gum et Cilicum aerariis quam nostro. Sed me non
moverunt ; nam et mea laus apud me plurimum
valuit, nee tamen quicquam honorifice in quemquam
fieri potuit, quod praetermiserim. Sed haec fuerit, ut
ait Thucydides, tK/3o\i] Xoyov non inutilis.
Tu autem de nostro statu cogitabis, primum quo
artificio tueamur benevolentiam Caesaris, delude de
ipso triumpho ; quern video, nisi rei publicae tempora
impedient, euiropurrov. ludico autem cum ex litten
amicorum turn ex supplicatione. Quam qui non de-
crevit, plus decrevit, quam si omnes decresset trium-
phos. Ei porro adsensus est unus familiaris meus,
Favonius, alter iratus, Hirrus. Cato autem et scri-
bendo adfuit et ad me de sententia sua iucundissi-
mas litteras misit. Sed tamen gratulans mihi Caesar
de supplicatione triumphat de sententia Catonis nee
seribit, quid ille sententiae dixerit, sed tantum, sup-
plicationem eum mihi non decrevisse.
8
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 1
there is one thing I want to tell you. All that
show of virtue at first, which even you praised sky
high in your letters, was only superficial. Truly
righteousness is hard : hard even to pretend to it
for long. For, when I thought it a fine show of
rectitude to leave my quaestor C. Caelius a year s
cash out of what was decreed me for my budget
and to pay back into the treasury 8,800, l my
staff, thinking all the money should have been
distributed among them, lamented that I should
turn out to be more friendly to the treasuries ot
Phrygia and Cilicia than to our own. I was un
moved : for I set my good name before everything.
Yet there is no possible honour that I have omitted
to bestow on any of these knaves. This, in Thucy-
dides phrase, is a digression but not pointless. Thuc. i. 97
Hut as to my position. You will consider first by
what trick I can retain Caesar s good will : and then
the matter of my triumph, which, barring political
obstacles, seems to jne easy to get : I infer as much
from letters from friends and from that business of
the public thanksgiving in my honour. For the man
who voted against it, 2 voted for more than if he had
voted for all the triumphs in the world ; moreover
his adherents were one a friend of mine, Favonius,
and another an enemy, Hirrus. Cato both took part in
drafting the decree, and sent me a most agreeable
letter about his vote. But Caesar, in writing to
congratulate me over the thanksgiving, exults over
Calo s vote, says nothing about the latter s speech
on the occasion, and merely remarks that he opposed
the proclamation of a thanksgiving.
1 1,000,000 sesterces. - Cato.
9
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Redeo ad Hirrum. Coeperas eum mihi placare;
perfice. Habes Scrofam, habes Silium. Ad eos ego
et iam antea scrips! ad ipsum Hirrum. Locutus enim
erat cum iis commode se potuisse impedire, sed no-
luisse; adsensum tamen esse Catoni, amicissimo meo,
cum is honorificentissimam in me sententiam dixisset;
nee me ad se ullas litteras misisse, cum ad omnes
mitterem. Verum dicebat. Ad eum enim solum et
ad Crassipedem non scripseram. Atque haec de rebus
foi ensibus ; redeamus domum.
Diiungere me ab illo volo. Merus est 4>vpar-i ^,
germanus Lartidius.
AA.A.O. TO. per TrporeTvxOai id<rofj.v a\vv(ievoi Trep.
Reliqua expediamus, hoc primum, quod accessit cura
dolori meo. Sed tamen hoc, quicquid est, Precianum
cum iis rationibus, quas ille meas tractat, admisceri
nolo. Scripsi ad Terentiam, scripsi etiam ad ipsum,
me, quicquid possem nummorum, ad apparatum
sperati triumphi ad te redacturum. Ita puto a/xe/xTrra
fore ; verum ut lubebit. Hanc quoque suscipe
curam, quern ad modum experiamur. Id tu et osten-
disti quibusdam litteris ex Epiro an Athenis datis, et
in eo ego te adiuvabo.
10
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 1
I come back to Hirrus. You have begun to recon
cile him to me ; accomplish it. Scrofa and Silius are
on your side. I have already written to them and to
Hirrus himself. For Hirrus had told them in a
friendly way that he could easily have prevented the
decree, but was reluctant; that, however, he had
sided with Cato, my very good friend, when the latter
recorded a vote complimenting me in the highest
terms. Hirrus added that I had omitted to write to
him, though I had sent letters to every one else. He
was right. It was only to him and to Crassipes that I
did not write. So much for public life. Let us come
home.
I wish to dissociate myself from that fellow Philo-
timus. He is a veritable muddler, a regular Lartidius. 1
A truce to what is past for all our pain." 2
Let us settle what remains ; and first this point,
which adds anxiety to my sorrow. This sum, I mean,
whatever it is, which comes from Precius, I do not
want mixed up with the accounts of mine of which
that fellow has the handling. I have written to Teren-
tia and to Philotimus himself that I shall deposit with
you any monej S I may collect, for the equipment of
the triumph I anticipate. So I fancy there will be no
amour propre wounded : but as they like. Here is
another matter for your consideration the steps I
am to take to arrange this business. You outlined
them in a letter dated from Epirus or Athens, and
I will support your plan.
1 Taken by the older commentators to be a Latin form of
A.a.(pTid5-r)$ (i.e. Ulysses) ; but the sense does not seem to
warrant the comparison, which could only mean "as wily
as Ulysses."
-Iliad xviii, 112; xix, 65, " Let bygones be bygones."
11
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
II
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Brundisium venimus vn Kalend. Decembr. usi tua
felicitate navigandi; ita belle nobis
Flavit ab Epiro lenissimus Onchesmites."
Hunc o-Troi ^fta^oi Ta, si cui voles TWV murepwr, pro
tuo vendito. Valetudo tua me valde conturbat ; signi
ficant enim tuae litterae te prorsus laborare. Ego
autem, cum sciam, quam sis fortis, vehementius esse
quiddam suspicor, quod te cogat cedere et prope mo-
dum infringat. Etsi alteram quartanam Pamphilus
tuus mihi dixit decessisse et alteram leviorem acce-
dere. Terentia vero, quae quidem eodem tempore ad
portam Brundisinam venit quo ego in portum mihi-
que obvia in foro fuit, L. Pontium sibi in Trebulano
dixisse narrabat etiam earn decessisse. Quod si ita
est, est, quod maxume mehercule opto, idque spero
tua prudentia et temperantia te consecutum.
Venio ad epistulas tuas; quas ego sescentas uno
tempore accepi, aliam alia iucundiorem, quae quidem
erant tua manu. Nam Alexidis manum amabam, quod
tarn prope accedebat ad similitudinem tuae litterae;
non amabam, quod indicabat te non valere. Cuius
quoniam mentio facta est, Tironem Patris aegrum re-
liqui, adulescentem, ut nosti, et adde, si quid vis,
12
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 2
II
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I arrived at Brundisium 011 the 24th of November Brundisium,
after enjoying your proverbial luck at sea: so fair for Xov. ~6, B.C.
me " blew from Epirus the softest of breezes,, Onche- 50
smites." There, that verse with its spondaic ending
you can pass off for your own on any of our new
school of poets 1 you like. Your health causes me
great anxiety ; for I see from your letter that you
really suffer. But, knowing your spirit, I strongly
suspect there is something serious which compels
you to give in and nearly causes a breakdown,
although your Pamphilus tells me that one fit of
quartan has passed, and that a second and lighter
attack is coming on. But Terentia (who reached
Brundisium s gates as I reached the harbour, and
met me in the forum) told me that L. Pontius had
informed her at Trebula that the second attack also
had abated. If that is so, my utmost hopes are
realized, and I expect that consummation has been
attained by your caution and moderate habits.
I come to your letters, which have reached me in
shoals, each more delightful than the last I mean
those in your own handwriting. I like Alexis hand ;
it so closely resembles your own script; but there
is one thing I do not like about it it shows
that you are ill. Talking of Alexis, I left Tiro sick
at Patrae; he is, as you know, a young man, and
you may add, if you like, an honest fellow. Nothing
Catullus, Cinna, and the other imitators of Alexandrine
poetry.
13
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
probum. Nihil vidi melius. Itaque careo aegre et,
quamquam videbatur se non graviter habere, tameii
sum sollicitus, maximamque spem habeo in M . Curi
diligentia, de qua ad me scripsit Tiro et multi nun-
tiarunt. Curius autem ipse sensit, quam tu velles se
a me diligi, et eo sum admodum delectatus. Et me-
hercule est, quam facile diligas, avroxQw in homine
urbanitas. Eius testamentum deporto trium 1 Cice-
ronum signis obsignatum cohortisque praetoriae.
Fecit palam te ex libella, me ex terruncio. In Actio
Corcyrae Alexio me opipare muneratus est. Q. Cice
roni obsisti non potuit, quo minus Thyamim videret.
Filiola tua te delectari laetor et probari tibi <f>wiKr)v
esse n)v ?rpos TU. TCKVCI. Etenini, si haec non est, nulla
potest homini esse ad hominem naturae adiunctio ;
qua sublata vitae societas tollitur. "Bene eveniat!"
inquit Carneades spurce, sed tameii prudentius quam
Lucius noster et Patron^ qui, cum omnia ad se refe-
rant, numquam quicquam alterius causa fieri putent
et, cum ea re bonum virum oportere esse dicant, ne
nialum habeat, non quo id natura rectum sit, non
intellegant se de callido homine loqui, non de bono
viro. Sed haec, opinor, sunt in iis libris, quos tu
laudando animos mihi addidisti.
Redeo ad rem. Quo modo exspectabam epistulam,
1 detortorio M : detortorium CZ ; corr, by Junius.
14
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 2
could be better than Tiro. So I miss him terribly,
and, though he did not seem very bad, still I am
anxious, and build great hopes on the care of M .
Curius, about which Tiro has written and many
people have told me. Curius himself was aware of your
desire that he should win my esteem : and I am
greatly charmed with him. Indeed he is one of
nature s gentlemen, whom it is easy to like. 1 carry
home his will sealed with the seals of three of my
family and of the praetor s staff. In the presence
of witnesses he made you heir to a tenth of his
estate and me to a fortieth. 1 At Actium in Corcyra
Alexio made me a splendid present. Q. Cicero
could not be stopped from seeing the river Thyamis.
I am glad you take delight in your baby daughter,
and have satisfied yourself that a desire for chil
dren is natural." For, if it is not, there can be
no natural tie between man and man; remove that
tie, and social life is destroyed. Heaven bless the
consequence," says Carneades naughtily, but with
more wisdom than our philosophers Lucius and
Patron, who in sticking to selfish hedonism and
denying altruism, and saying that man must be vir
tuous for fear of the consequences of vice and not
because virtue is an end in itself, fail to see that
they are describing a type not of goodness but of
craftiness. But these points, I think, are handled
in the volumes 3 you have encouraged me by praising.
I return to business. How I looked for the letter
1 Monetary fractions are generally expressed by parts of
the as; but here the denarius is used as the standard. The
libella was one-tenth and the teruncius one-fortieth of a
denarius.
- With <f>v<riK7iv the substantive bpfj.-f]v must be understood.
3 De Rcpublica.
15
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
quam Philoxeno dedisses ! Scripseras enim in ea esse
de sermone Pompei Neapolitano. Earn mihi Patron
Brundisi reddidit. Corcyrae, ut opinor, acceperat.
Nihil potuit esse iucundius. Erat enim de re publica.
de opimone, quam is vir haberet integritatis meae.
de benevolentia, quam ostendit eo sermone, quem
habuit de triumpho. Sed tamen hoc iucundissimum.
quod iiitellexi te ad eum venisse, ut eius animum
erga me perspiceres. Hoc mihi, inquam, accidit
iucundissimum. De triumpho autem nulla me cupi-
ditas umquam tenuit ante Bibuli impudentissimas
litteras, quas amplissume supplicatio consecuta est.
A quo si ea gesta essent, quae scripsit, gauderem et
honori faverem ; nunc ilium, qui pedem porta, quoad
hostis cis Euphratem fuit, non extulerit, honore
augeri, me, in cuius exercitu .spem illius exercitus
habuit, idem non adsequi, dedecus est nostrum, no
strum inquam te coniungens. Itaque omnia experiar
et ut spero, adsequar. Quodsi tu valeres, iam mihi
quaedam explorata essent. Sed, ut spero, valebis.
De raudusculo Numeriano multum te amo. Hor-
tensius quid egerit, aveo scire, Cato quid agat ; qu:
quidem in me turpiter fuit malevolus. Dedit integri
tatis, iustitiae, clementiae, fidei mihi testimonium
quod non quaerebam; quod postulabam, negavit id
Itaque Caesar eis litteris, quibus mihi gratulatur ei
omnia pollicetur, quo modo exsultat Catonis in m
ingratissmi iniuria! At hie idem Bibulo dierum xx
16
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 2
fou said was entrusted to Philoxenus ! For it was to
contain news of Pompey s talk at Naples. Patron
landed it to me at Brundisium. It was at Corcyra,
[ fancy, he had taken charge of it. Nothing could be
nore delightful. It touched on politics, the great man s
opinion of my honour, the kindliness he displayed
n his remarks about my triumph. But the most de-
ightful item of all was the intelligence that you had
;alled on him to find out his feeling towards me. This,
[ repeat, was what I found most delightful. As for
i triumph, I had no desire for one up to the time
Bibulus sent his shameless despatches and got a
thanksgiving voted in the most complimentary way.
Xow, if he had done what he professed to have done,
I should have been glad and supported the honour;
jut, as it is, it is a disgrace to us to both of us : for
[ include you in the business that I, on whose army
lis army relied, should not get the same rewards as
i man who never set foot outside the city gates so
ong as there was an enemy this side of Euphrates.
Therefore I shall make every effort, and, as I hope,
shall succeed. If you were well, some points would
: iave been settled already ; but I hope you will soon
oe well.
For that twopenny debt to Numerius I am much
^ounden to you. I long to know what Hortensius
las done about my triumph and what Cato is doing.
Cato s behaviour to me was shamefully spiteful. He
?ave me a character for rectitude, equity, clemency,
and good faith, for which I did not ask ; what I did
want, that he denied me. Accordingly in his letter of
congratulation and lavish assurances, how Caesar
exults over the wrong Cato did me by his deep in
gratitude ! Yet Cato voted Bibulus a twenty days
c VOL. ii 17
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Ignosce mihi ; non possum haec ferre nee
feram.
Cupio ad omnes tuas epistulas, sed nihil necesse
est; iam enim te videbo. Illud tamen de Chrysippo
nam de altero illo minus sum admiratus, operario
homine ; sed tamen ne illo quidem quicquam impro-
bius. Chrysippum vero, quern ego propter litterula-
rum nescio quid libenter vidi, in honore habui, disce-
dere a puero insciente me ! Mitto alia, quae audio
multa, mitto furta; fugam non fero, qua mihi nihil
visum est sceleratius. Itaque usurpavi vetus illud
Drusi., ut ferunt, praetoris, in eo, qui eadem liber non
iuraret, me istos liberos non addixisse, praesertim
cum adesset nemo, a quo recte vindicarentur. Id tu,
ut videbitur, ita accipies; ego tibi adsentiar.
Uni tuae disertissimae epistulae non rescripsi, in
qua est de periculis rei publicae. Quid rescriberem?
valde eram perturbatus. Sed ut nihil magno opere
metuam, Parthi faciunt, qui repente Bibulum semi-
vivum reliquerunt.
Ill
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Tre- A. d. vm Idus Decembr. Aeculanum veni et ibi
bulano V tuag } itteras } egi ^ quas phiiotimus mihi reddidit. E
Id. Dec. a.
~QI quibus hanc primo aspectu voluptatem cepi, quod
18
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 2-3
festival. Forgive me, I cannot and I will not bear
it.
I long to answer all your letters ; but there is no
need, for soon I shall see you. Still I must tell you
about Chrysippus -the conduct of that other fellow,
a mere mechanic, excites my surprise less, though it
could not have been more scandalous. But Chrysip
pus, whom I was always glad to see and held in
honour, because he had a smattering of culture, fancy
him deserting my son without my knowledge ! I can
put up with other things, though I hear of plenty, I
can even put up with embezzlement; but I cannot
put up with his flight. It is the most scandalous
thing I ever heard of. So I have taken a leaf from
Drusus book, when, in his praetorship, as the story
goes, a man, who had been manumitted, refused to
take the oaths he had promised : and I have denied
that those fellows ever were freed by me, especially
as there were no legal witnesses to the transaction.
Take it any way you will: I will abide by your
decision.
The only one of your letters, which I have
not answered, is the most eloquent of them all, deal
ing with the country s peril. I have no answer to
make : I am very much upset. But the Parthians,
whose sudden retreat left Bibulus half dead with
fright, have taught me not to be much alarmed at
anything.
Ill
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the 6th of December I came to Aeculanum, Trebula,
and there I read your letter, which Philotimus handed Dec. 9,
to me. I was pleased at the first glance to see it was B.C. 50
c2 19
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
erant a te ipso scriptae, deinde earum accuratissuma
diligentia sum mirum in modum delectatus. Ac
primum illud, in quo te Dicaearcho adscntiri negas,
etsi cupidissume expetitum a me est et te approbante,
ne diutius anno in provincia essem, tamen non est
nostra contentione perfectum. Sic enim scito, ver-
bum in senatu factum esse numquam de ullo nostrum,
qui provincias obtinuimus, quo in iis diutius quam ex
senatus consulto maneremus, ut iam ne istius quidem
rei culpam sustineam, quod minus din fuerim in pro
vincia, quam fortasse fuerit utile. Sed "quid si lioc
melius?" opportune dici videtur ut in hoc ipso.
Sive enim ad coucordiam res adduci potest sive ad
bonorum victoriam, utriusvis rei me aut adiutorem
velim esse aut certe non expertem; sin vincuntur
boni, ubicumque essem, una cum iis victus essem.
Quare celeritas nostri reditus a/itra/zeXrjTos debet
esse. Quodsi ista nobis cogitatio de triumpho iniecta
non esset, quam tu quoque adprobas, ne tu baud
multum requireres ilium virum, qui in sexto libro
informatus est. Quid enim tibi faciam, qui illos
libros devorasti ? Quin mine ipsum non dubitabo
rem tantam abicere, si id erit rectius. Utrumque
vero simul agi non potest, et de triumpho ambitiosc
et de re publica libere. Sed ne dubitaris, quin,
quod honestius, id mihi fiiturum sit antiquius-
Nam, quod putas utilius esse, vel mihi quod tutius
sit, vel etiam ut rei publicae prodesse possim, me
esse cum imperio, id coram considerabimus quale sit.
Habet enim res deliberationem ; etsi ex parte magna
20
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 3
in your handwriting; and I was highly delighted at
the care and attention it showed. First you say that
you disagree with Dicaearchus. 1 Now, though I was
exceedingly anxious, and that with your approval,
not to stay in my province more than a year, it was
not my own efforts that gained the point. For you
should know that no word was ever said in the House
about any of us provincial governors outstaying the
term of our appointment ; so that now I am not to be
blamed even for making a shorter stay in my province
than was perhaps to my advantage. But "all for
the best " is an apt saying, as it is in this case. For, if
peace can be patched up, or the loyalists can be made
to win the victory, I should be sorry not to assist or at
any rate have a hand in the matter. But, if the loyalists
are conquered, I should share their defeat wherever I
were. So my speedy return ought not to cost me any
regret. If this idea of a triumph that you approve had
not come into my head, you would find me not far short
of the ideal statesman I sketched in the sixth volume."
What would you have me do, you devourer of those
books of mine? Even now I will not hesitate to
throw away my great ambition, if that course is
better. One cannot of course play both parts at once,
the selfish candidate for triumph and the independent
politician. But doubt not that I shall take honesty to be
my best policy. As for your point that it were better
for me, whether for my private safety, or for the
public welfare, that I should retain my command, we
will talk it over together. It is a matter for de-
1 Cf. II, 16, where Dicaearchus is mentioned as an advo
cate of an active life. He was a pupil of Aristotle, and wrote
philosophical and geographical works.
2 Of the De Republics
21
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
tibi adsentior. De animo autem meo erga rem pub-
licam bene facis quod non dubitas, et illud probe
iudicas, nequaquam satis pro meis officiis, pro ipsius
in alios effusione ilium in me liberalem fuisse, eiusque
rei causam vere explicas, et eis, quae de Fabio
Caninioque acta seribis, valde consentiunt. Quae si
secus essent, totumque se ille in me profudisset,
tamen ilia, quam seribis, custos urbis me praeclarae
inscriptionis memorem esse cogeret, nee mihi con-
cederet, ut imitarer Volcacium aut Servium, quibus
tu es contentus, sed aliquid nos vellet nobis dignum
et sentire et defendere. Quod quidem agerem, si
liceret, alio modo, ac nunc agendum est.
De sua potentia dimicant homines hoc tempore
periculo civitatis. Nam, si res publica defenditur,
cur ea consule isto ipso defensa non est? cur ego, in
cuius causa rei publicae salus consistebat, defensus
postero anno non sum ? cur imperium illi aut cur illo
modo prorogatum est ? cur tanto opere pugnatum est,
ut de eius abseritis ratione habenda decem tribuni pi.
ferrent ? His ille rebus ita convaluit, ut nunc in uno
civi spes ad resistendum sit; qui mallem tantas ei
vires non dedisset quam nunc tarn valenti resisteret
22
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 3
liberation, though I agree with you in the main.
You do well not to doubt my attitude towards politics:
and you judge rightly that Caesar has not been
liberal to me considering my services, and considering
his lavishness towards others. You explain his
reasons rightly : I am in the same boat with Fabius
and Caninius, as your letter shows. But if things
were otherwise and he had been profuse in his gene
rosity towards me, nevertheless the goddess you men
tion, the guardian of the city, would have compelled
me to remember her fine inscription, and would not
allow me to imitate Volcacius or Servius," with whom
you are content, but would wish me to express and
maintain a policy worthy of my name. And I should
have done it, if I could, in a different way from the
way I must adopt now.
It is for their own power men are fighting now to
the danger of the country. For if the constitution
is being defended, why was it not defended when
Caesar himself was consul ? Why was I, on whose
case the safety of the constitution depended, not
defended in the following year? Why was Caesar s
command prolonged, or why was it prolonged in such
a fashion ? Why was there such a struggle to get the
ten tribunes to bring in a bill allowing him to stand
in his absence? All this has made him so strong
that now hope of resistance depends on one citizen.
I wish that citizen had not given him so much power
rather than that he now resisted him in the hour of
1 Legati of Caesar : but nothing 1 is known of any slight on
them.
2 Before his exile Cicero dedicated a statue of Minerva in
the Capitol with the inscription Cusios Urbis. Possibly, how
ever, there was a longer inscription. Volcacius and Servius
maintained neutrality in the civil war.
23
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Sed, quoniam res eo deducta est, non quaeram, ut
scribis :
TLov <r/<a</>os TO rtin
mihi o-Ka<os unum erit, quod a Pompeio gubernabitur.
Illud ipsum quod ais : " Quid fiet, cum erit dictum :
Die, M. TVLLI?" crwTOjua: CN. POMPEIO ADSEN-
TIOR." Ipsum tamen Pompeium separatim ad concor-
diam hortabor. Sic enim sentio, maxumo in periculo
rem esse. Vos scilicet plura, qui in urbe estis.
Verum tamen haec video, cum homine audacissimo
paratissimoque negotium esse, omnes damnatos
omnes ignominia adfectos, omnes damnatione igno-
miniaque dignos iliac facere, omnem fere iuventutem,
omnem illam urbanam ac perditam plebem, tribunes
valentes addito C. Cassio, omnes, qui acre alieno pre-
mantur, quos pluris esse intellego, quam putaram
(causam solum ilia causa non habet, ceteris rebus
abundat), hie omnia facere omnes, ne armis decer-
natur; quorum exitus semper incerti, nunc veio
etiam in alteram partem magis timendi.
Bibulus de provincia decessit, Veientonem praefe-
cit ; in decedendo erit, ut audio, tardior. Quern cum
ornavit Cato, declaravit iis se solis non invidere, qui-
bus nihil aut non multum ad dignitatem posset ac-
cedere.
Nunc venio ad privata; fere enim respondi tuis
litteris de re publica, et iis, quas in suburbano, et iis,
quas postea scripsisti. Ad privata venio. Unum
etiam de Caelio. Tantum abest, ut meam ille sen-
24
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 3
his strength. But since things have come to such a
pass, I shall not ask, to borrow your quotation,
"Where is the bark of Atreus sons ? "
My only bark will be that which has Pompey for a
pilot. For your query " What will happen when the
question is put Your vote, Marcus Tullius
briefly "I vote with Pompey." Still I shall exhort
Pompey privately to pacific measures. I feel that
there is the greatest danger. You, who are in town,
will know more. Yet I see that we have to do with
a man of the greatest daring and readiness, who has
on his side all the criminal and social outcasts, and all
who deserve to be counted criminals and outcasts ;
nearly all the younger generation; all the lowest
city rabble ; the powerful tribunes including C.
Cassius; all the insolvent, who are more in number
than I imagined. All his cause wants is a good
cause : it has everything else in plenty. On our side
we all do everything to avoid battle. You can never
be sure of the issue of war, and it is to be feared it
would go against us now.
Bibulus has quitted the province and left Veiento
in charge : he will be pretty slow, I hear, on his
journey. This is the man in whose praise Cato
spoke, when he declared that the only people he
did not envy were those who could not be raised
higher or not much higher.
To come to private matters : for I have fairly
answered your letter on the political situation, both
the one you wrote in your town villa and the one you
wrote later. Now for private matters. But one
word about Caelius. So far is he from affecting my
1 Euripides Troades 455 wov r\d</>05 TO rod
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
tentiani moveat, ut valde ego ipsi, quod de sua
sententia decesserit, paenitendum puteni. Sed quid
est, quod ei vici Luccei sint addicti? Hoc te prae-
termisisse miror. De Philotimo faciam equidem, ut
mones. Sed ego niilii ab illo non rationes exspecta-
bam, quas tibi edidit, verum id reliquum, quod ipse
in Tusculano me referre in commentarium mea manu
voluit, quodque idem in Asia mihi sua manu scriptum
dedit. Id si praestaret, quantum mihi aeris alieni
esse tibi edidit, tantum et plus etiam mihi ipse debe-
ret. Sed in hoc genere, si modo per rem publicam
licebit, non accusabimur posthac, neque hercule antea
neglegentes fuimus, sed amicoruni multitudine occu-
pati. Ergo utemur, ut polliceris, et opera et consilio
tuo nee tibi erimus, ut spero, in eo molesti. De ser-
perastris cohortis meae nihil est quod doleas. Ipsi
enim se collegerunt admiratione integritatis meae.
Sed me moverat nemo magis quam is, quern tu nemi-
nem putas. Idem et initio fuerat et nunc est egre-
gius. Sed in ipsa decessione significavit sperasse se
aliquid et id, quod animum induxerat paulisper, non
tenuit, sed cito ad se rediit, meisque honorificen-
tissimis erga se officiis victus pluris ea duxit quam
omnem pecuniam.
Ego a Curio tabulas accepi, quas mecum porto.
Hortensi legata cognovi. Nunc aveo scire, quid
hominis sit et quarum rerum auctionem instituat,
26
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 3
view, that I think he must be sorry he changed his
own. But what is this story of Lucceius property
being knocked down to him ? I wonder you passed
that over. As for Philotimus I shall take your advice.
But I was not expecting from him the accounts,
which he gave you : I was expecting the balance,
which he wished me to enter in my note-book with
my own hand at Tusculum, and for which he gave
me in Asia a certificate in his own hand. If he should
pay up all the money he told you was owing to me,
he would still owe me as much again and even more.
But, if only politics will allow, I shall not incur blame
hereafter in matters of this kind. Indeed I have not
been careless hitherto; but my time has been taken
up by a crowd of friends. I shall therefore have
your industry and advice, as you promise, and I hope
I shall not be troublesome in the matter. You have
no reason to lament the treatment that I meted to
my crooked staff. i They pulled themselves together
in amaze at my honesty. But nobody surprised me
more than the man whom you think a nobody.
From first to last he was and is splendid*. But just
at my departure he showed me that he had hoped
for some reward ; and yet he did not long cling to
the idea which had entered his mind, but quickly
came to himself again, and overwhelmed by the
honours I had done him, regarded them as of more
worth than any money.
I have received his will from Curius and bring it
with me. I know the legacies Hortensius has to
pay. Now I want to know the metal of the man,
and what properties he is putting up for sale. When
Lit. "about the knee-splints (I gave) my staff." He
refers to restraining their rapacity.
27
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Nescio enim, cur, cum portam Flumentanam Caelius
occuparit, ego Puteolos non meos faciam.
Venio ad Piraeea," in quo magis reprehendendus
sum, quod homo Roman us Piraeea" scripserim, non
Piraeum" (sic enim omnes nostri locuti sunt), quain
quod addiderim in." Non enim lioc ut oppido prae-
posui, sed ut loco. Et tamen Dionysius noster et,
qui est nobiscum, Nicias Cous non rebatur oppidum
esse Piraeea. Sed de re ego 1 videro. Nostrum
quidem si est peccatum, in eo est, quod non ut de
oppido locutus sum, sed ut de loco, secutusque sum
non dico Caecilium :
Mane ut ex portu in Piraeum "
(malus enim auctor Latinitatis est), sed Terentium,
cuiusfabellaepropter elegantiam sermonis putabantur
a C. Laelio scribi :
"Heri aliquot adulescentuli coiimus in Piraeum,"
et idem :
Mercator hoc addebat, captam e Si mio."
Quodsi Svy/iovs oppida volumus esse, tarn est oppi
dum Sunium quam Piraeus. Sed, quoniam gram ma -
ticus es, si hoc mihi ^T^/j.a persolveris, magna me
molestia liberaris.
Ille mihi litteras blandas mittit; facit idem pro eo
Balbus. Mihi certum est ab honestissuma sententia
digitum nusquam. Sed scis, illi reliquum quantum
sit. Putasne igitur verendum esse, ne aut obiciat id
nobis aliquis, si languidius, aut repetat, si fortius?
Quid ad haec reperis? Solvamus," inquis. Age, a
1 re ego Reid ; re L (marg.), M (above the line): reo
NOPM : eo^/ 2 .
28
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 3
Caelius has taken the Porta Flumentana, 1 I don t see
why I should not make Puteoli mine.
Coming to the form Piraeea, I am more to be
blamed for writing it thus and not Piraeum in
Latin, as all our people do, than I am for adding the
preposition in." I used in" as before a word
signifying a place and not a town. After all Diony-
sius and Nicias of Cos, who is with me, do not con
sider that the Piraeus is a town. I will look into
the question. If I have made a mistake, it is in
speaking of it not as a town but as a place, and I
have authority. I do not depend on a quotation
from Caecilius : Mane ut ex portu in Piraeum"- as
he is a poor authority in Latinity; but I will quote
Terence, whose fine style caused his plaj S to be
ascribed to C. Laelius Heri aliquot adulescentuli
coiimus in Piraeum," and again : Mercator hoc addebai,
captain e SutUO. If we want to call parishes towns,
Sunium is as much a town as the Piraeus. But,
since you are a purist, you will save me a lot of
trouble, if you can solve the problem for me.
Caesar sends me a friendly letter. Balbus does
the same on his account. Certainly I shall not
swerve a finger s breadth from the strictest honour ;
but you know how much I still owe him. Don t you
think there is fear that this may be cast in my
teeth, if I am slack; and repayment demanded from
me, if I am energetic? What solution is there?
1 Caelius had bought Lucceius property near the Porta
Flumentana at the entrance of the Campus Martius.
2 In the morning as I disembarked in the Piraeus.
3 Terence, Eun. 539 (yesterday while some of us youths
met in the Piraeus), and 115 (The merchant added one
thing more, a female slave from Sunium). In the first the
MSS. of Terence read Piraco.
29
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Caelio mutuabimur. Hoc tu tamen consideres velini ;
puto enim, in senatu si quando praeclare pro re pu-
blica dixero, Tartessium istum tuuni niihi exeunti :
lube sodes nummos curare."
Quid superest? Etiam. Gener est suavis mihi,
Tulliae, Terentiae. Quantumvis vel ingenii vel
humanitatis : satis est 1 ; reliqua, quae nosti, ferenda.
Scis eninij quos aperuerimus. Qui onines praeter eum,
de quo per te egimus, reum me 2 facerent. 3 Ipsis
enim expensum nemo feret. Sed haec coram ; nam
multi sermonis sunt. Tironis reficiendi spes est in
M . Curio; cui ego scripsi tibi eum gratissimum
facturum.
Data v Idus Decembr. a Pontio ex Trebulano.
IV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Dionysium flagrantem desiderio tui misi ad te nee
mehercule aequo aninio, sed fuit concedendum.
Quern quidem cognovi cum doctum, quod mihi iam
ante erat notum, turn sane plenum officii, studiosum
etiam meae laudis, frugi hominem, ac, ne libertinuni
laudare videar, plane virum bonum. Pompeium vidi
im Idus Decembres. Fuimus una lioras duas fortasse.
Magna laetitia mihi visus est adfici meo adventu, de
1 satis est Mommsen : satis MSS.: comitatis satis or satis
dignitatis Lthmann.
2 rem Boslus ; rem a me Purser.
3 facere rentur A Bosius ; facerentur O".
.SO
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 3-1
"Pay up," say you. Well, I will borrow from the
bank. 1 But there is a point you might consider. If
I ever make a notable speech in the House on behalf
of the constitution, your friend from Tarshish ~ will be
pretty sure to say to me as I go out : Kindly send
me a draft."
Anything else ? Yes. My son-in-law is agreeable
to me, to Tullia, and to Terentia. He has any amount
of native charm or shall I say culture : and that is
enough. We must put up with the faults you know
of. For you know what we have found the others to
be on inspection. All of them except the one with
whom you negotiated for us would get me into the
law courts. No one will lend them money on their
own security. But this when we meet: it is a long
story. My hope of Tiro s recovery lies in M . Curius.
I have written to him that he will be doing you the
greatest favour.
Dec. 9;, at Pontius villa at Trebula.
IV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Dionysius burned to be with you, so I sent him, Pompeii,
with some misgivings I must admit; but it had to be. Dec. 10 or
I knew him before to be a scholar: I find him very 11, B.C. 50
obliging, careful of my good name, an honest fellow,
and, not to give him a mere freedman s character,
evidently a man of honour. Pompey I interviewed
.011 the 10th of December. We were together a mat
ter of two hours : he seemed greatly delighted with
1 Caelius the banker is agfain referred to in XII, 5.
L. Cornelius Balbus of Tartessus.
31
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
triumpho hortari, suscipere partes suas, monere, ne
ante in senatum accederenr, quam rem confecissem,
ne dicendis sententiis aliquem tribunum alienareni.
Quid quaeris? in hoc officio sermonis nihil potuit esse
prolixius. De re publica autem ita mecum locutus est,
quasi non dubiuni belluni haberenius. Nihil ad spem
concordiae. Plane ilium a se alienatum cum ante in-
tellegeret, tuni vero proxume iudicasse. Venisse Hir-
titim a Caesare, qui esset illi familiarissimus, ad se non
accessisse, et, cum ille a. d. vm Idus Decembr. ves-
peri venisset, Balbus de tota re constituisset a. d. vn
ad Scipionem ante lucem venire, multa de nocte eum
profectum esse ad Caesarem. Hoc illi TK/-i7jptw8es
videbatur esse alienationis. Quid multa? nihil me
aliud consolatur, nisi quod ilium, cui etiam inimici
alterum consulatum, fortuna summam potentiam de-
derit, non arbitror fore tarn amentem, ut haec in dis-
crimen adducat. Quodsi ruere coeperit, ne ego multa
timeo; quae non audeo scribere. Sed, ut nunc est,
a. d. in Nonas Ian. ad urbem cogito.
V
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Multas uno tempore accepi epistulas tuas; quae
miano XI mihi, quamquam recentiora audiebam ex iis, qui ad^
K. Jan., id me veniebant, tamen erant iucundae ; studium eiiim
vidftur, a. et benevolentiam declarabant. \ T aletudine tuamoveor
/% ,~\ i
et Piliam in idem genus morbi delapsam curam tibi
32
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 4-5
my arrival, encouraged me about my triumph, promised
to do his part, warned me not to enter the House till
my business was finished, for fear I should make an
enemy of some tribune by the opinions I expressed.
In short, promises could go no further. As to the
oolitical situation, he hinted certain war, without
nope of agreement. It appeared that, though he had
long understood there was a split between himself and
Caesar, he had had very recent proof of it. Hirtius,
a very intimate friend of Caesar s, had come and
hu.d not called on Pompey. Besides Hirtius had
arrived on the evening of the 6th of December and
Balbus had arranged a meeting with Pompey s father-
in-law before daybreak on the 7th to discuss affairs,
when, lo,late on the night before, Hirtius set out to go
to Caesar. This seemed to Pompey proof positive of
a split. In a word I have no consolation except the
thought, that, when even his enemies have renewed
his term of office and fortune has bestowed on him
supreme power, Caesar will not be so mad as to jeo
pardize these advantages. If he begins to run amuck,
my fears are more than I can commit to paper. As
things are, I meditate a visit to town on the 3rd of
January.
V
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
A number of your letters have reached me at the Formiue.
same time : and, although visitors bring me later news, Dec. 16,
they are delightful, as they show your affection and B.C. 50
good will. I am concerned about your illness, and I
suppose Pilia s attack of the same complaint will in-
D VOL. II 33
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
adferre maiorem sentio. Date igitur operam, ut va-
leatis. De Tirone video tibi curae esse. Quern qui-
dem ego, etsi mirabilis utilitates milii praebet, cum
valet, in omni genere vel negotiorum vel studiorum
meorum, tamen propter humanitatem et modestiam
malo salvum quam propter usum meum. Philogenes
mecurn nihil umquam de Luscenio locutus est ; de
ceteris rebus habes Dionysium. Sororem tuam non
venisse in Arcanum miror. De Chiysippo meum con-
silium probari tibi non moleste fero. Ego in Tuscu-
lanum nihil sane hoc tempore; devium est TOIS O.TTU.V-
Tiacrtv et habet alia SwrxP r l crTa " Sed de Formiano
Tarracinam pridie Kal. Ian. Inde Pomptinam sum-
mam, inde in Albanum Pompei. Ita ad urbem in
Nonas natali meo.
De re publica cotidie magis timeo. Non enim
boni, ut putant, consentiunt. Quos ego equites Ro-
manos, quos senatores vidi, qui acerrime cum cetera
turn hoc iter Pompei vituperarent ! Pace opus est.
Ex victoria cum multa mala turn certe tyranrius ex-
sistet. Sed haec prope diem coram. Iain plane mihi
deest, quod ad te scribam ; nee enim de re publica.
quod uterque nostrum scit eadem, et domestica nota
sunt ambobus.
Reliquum est iocari, si hie sinat. Nam ego is sum,
qui illi concedi putem utilius esse, quod postulat,
quam signa conferri. Sero enim resistimus ei, quern
per annos decem aluimus contra nos. "Quid sentis
igitur?" inquis. Nihil scilicet nisi de sententia tua
nee prius quidem, quam nostrum negotium aut con-
34
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 5
crease your trouble. Both of you do your best to get
well. . As for Tiro I see you are attending to him.
Though, when in health, he is marvellously useful to
me in every department of business and literature, it
is not a selfish motive, but his own charming charac
ter and modest bearing that prompts my hope for his
recovery. Philogenes has never said anything to me
about Luscenius. As for other matters Dionysius is
with you. I am astonished your sister has not come
to Arcanum. I am glad you approve my plan about
Chrysippus. I shall not go to Tusculum at such a
time as this, not I. It is out of the way for chance
rencontres and has other drawbacks. But from Formiae
I go to Tarracina on the last of December. Thence
to the upper end of the Pomptine marsh : thence to
Pompey s Alban villa: and so to Rome on the 3rd,
my birthday.
The political crisis is causing me greater fear every
day. The loyalists are not, as is imagined, in agree
ment. I have met numbers of Roman knights, and
numbers of Members, ready to inveigh bitterly against
everything and especially this journey of Pompey s.
Peace is our want. Victory will bring many evils, and
without doubt a tyrant. But this we shall soon dis
cuss together. I have no news at all now : each of us
knows as much as the other about political affairs,
and domestic details are for us common know
ledge.
All one can do is to jest if he will allow it.
For I am one who thinks it better to agree to his
demands than to enter upon war. It is late to resist
him, when for ten years we have nurtured this viper in
our bosom. Then you ask my view. It is the same as
yours ; and I shall express none till my own affairs
D2 35
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
fecerimus aut deposuerimus. Cura igitur, ut valeas.
AliquandoaTToVpn/ at quartanam istam diligentia, quae
in te summa est.
K. Ian., ut
videtur, a.
704
VI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Plane deest, quod ad te scribam; nota omnia tibi
mono XII Slm t ; nee ipse habeo, a te quod exspectem. Tantum
igitur nostrum illud sollemne servemus, ut ne quern
istuc euntem sine litteris dimittamus. De re publica
valde timeo, nee adhuc fere inveni, qui non conceden-
dum putaret Caesari, quod postularet, potius quam
depugnandum. Est ilia quidem impudens postulatio,
opinione valentior. Cur autem nunc primum ei re-
si stamus?
Ov yap Si) roSe /xei^ov e t KO.KOV,
quam cum quinquennium prorogabamus, aut cum, ut
absentis ratio haberetur, ferebamus, nisi forte haec
illi turn arma dedimus, ut nunc cum bene parato
pugnaremus. Dices: Quid tu igitur sensurus es?"
Non idem quod dicturus; sentiam enim omnia facienda,
ne armis decertetur,dicamidem quod Pompeius neque
id faciam humili animo. Sed rursus^hoc permagnum
rei publicae malum est, et quodam modo mihi praeter
ceteros non rectum me in tantis rebus a Pompeio
dissidere.
36
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 5-6
are concluded or abandoned. So be sure to get well.
Apply some of your wonderful capacity for taking
pains to shaking off the fever.
VI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I have positively no news : all mine is known to you ; Formiae,
and there is none that I can look for from you. Only Dec. 17.
let me preserve my old ceremony of letting no B.C. 50
visitor go to you without a letter. My fears as to the
political situation are great. And so far I have
found hardly a man who would not yield to Caesar s
demand sooner than fight. That demand, it is true,
is shameless, but stronger than we thought. But
why should we choose this occasion to begin resisting?
No greater evil threatens now" Odyssey xii, 200
than when we prolonged his office for another five
years ; or when we agreed to let him stand as a candi
date in his absence. But perhaps we were then giving
him these weapons to turn against us now. You will
say; "What then will your view be ?" My view will
not be what I shall say; for my view will be that
every step should be taken to avoid a conflict; but I
shall say the same as Pompey, nor shall I be actuated
by subserviency. But again it is a very great calamity
to the state, and in a way improper to me beyond
others to differ from Pompey in matters of such
importance.
37
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
VII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Dionysius, vir optumus, ut mihi quoque est per-
spectus, et doctissumus tuique amantissumus, Romam
venit xv Kalend. Ian. et litteras a te mihi reddidit."
Tot enim verba sunt de Dionysio in epistula tua, illud
putato non adscribisy et tibi gratias egit." Atqui
certe ille agere debuit, et, si esset facttim, quae tua
est humanitaSj adscripsisses. Mihi autem nulla de eo
TroAivySia datur propter superioris epistulae testi-
monium. Sit igitur sane bonus vir. Hoc enim ip-
sum bene fecit, quod mihi sui cognoscendi penitus
etiam istam facultatem dedit. Pliilogenes recte ad te
scripsit ; curavit enim, quod debuit. Eum ego uti ea
pecunia volui, quoad liceret ; itaque usus est menses
XIIH. Pomptinum cupio valere, et, quod scribis in
urbem introisse, vereor, quid sit ; nam id nisi gravi
de causa non fecisset. Ego, quoniam un Non. Ian.
compitalicius dies est, nolo eo die in Albanum venire,
ne molestus familiae veniam. in Non. Ian. igitur;
inde ad urbem pridie Nonas. Tua Xrj^is quern in
diem incurrat, nescio, sed prorsus te commoveri
incommodo valetudinis tuae nolo.
De honore nostro nisi quid occulte Caesar per suos
tribunes molitus erit, cetera videntur esse tranquilla ;
tranquillissimus autem animus metis, qui totum istuc
aequi boni facit, et eo magis, quod iam a multis audio
constitutum esse Pompeio et eius concilio in Siciliam
38
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 7
VII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
"Dionysius, an excellent fellow as I too have Formiae,
found him a good scholar and your very stanch Dec. 18-21,
friend, arrived in Rome on the l6th of December, and B.C. 50
gave me a letter from you." That s all you say about
Dionysius in your letter. You do not add and he
expressed his gratitude to you." Yet certainly he
ought to have done so, and, if he had, you would have
added it with your usual good nature. I cannot
make a volte face about him, owing to the character
I gave him in the former letter. Let us call him
then an honest fellow. He has done me one kind
ness at any rate in giving me this further chance
to know him thoroughly. Philogenes is correct in
what he wrote : he duly settled his debt. I wanted
him to use the money as long as he could ; so he has
used it for 14 months. I hope Pomptinus is getting
well. You mention his entrance into town. I am
somewhat anxious as to what it means : he would not
have entered the city except for some good reason.
As the 2nd of January is a holiday, I don t wish to
reach Pompey s Alban villa on that date for fear I
should be a nuisance to his household. I shall go there
on the 3rd, and then visit the city on the 4th. I
forget on what day the fever will attack you again ;
but I would not have you stir to the damage of your
health.
As for my triumph, unless Caesar has been secretly
intriguing through his tribune partisans, all else seems
smooth and easy. My mind is absolutely at ease, and I
regard the whole business with indifference, especially
as many people tell me that Pompey and his advisers
39
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
me mittere, quod imperium habeam. Id est A/38-ripi-
TIKOV. Nee enim senatus decrevit, nee populus iussit
me imperium in Sicilia habere. Sin hoc res publica
ad Pompeium refert, qui me magis quam privatum
aliquem mittat ? Itaque, si hoc imperium mihi moles-
turn erit, utar ea porta, quam primam videro. Nam,
quod scribis mirificam exspectationem esse mei neque
tamen quemquam bonorum aut satis bonorum dubi-
tare, quid facturus sim, ego, quos tu bonos esse dicas,
non intellego. Ipse nullos novi, sed ita, si ordines
bonorum quaerimus; nam singulares sunt boni viri.
Verum in dissensionibus ordines bonorum et genera
quaerenda sunt. Senatum bonum putas, per quern
sine imperio provinciae sunt (numquam enim Curio
sustinuisset, si cum eo agi coeptum esset; quam sen-
tentiam senatus sequi noluit; ex quo factum est, ut
Caesari non succederetur), an publicanos, qui num
quam firmi, sed nunc Caesari sunt amicissimi, an fae-
neratores an agricolas, quibus optatissimum est
otium? nisi eos timere putas, ne sub regno sint, qui
id numquam, dum modo otiosi essent, recusarunt.
Quid ergo? exercitum retinentis, cum legis dies transi
ent, rationem haberi placet? Mihi vero ne absentis
quidem ; sed, cum id datum est, illud una datum est.
Annorum enim decem imperium et ita latum placet ?
Placet igitur etiam me expulsum et agrum Campanum
40
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 7
have determined to send me to Sicily, because I still
have military powers. That is a muddle-headed plan.
For neither has the House decreed, nor the people
authorized me to have military power in Sicily. If
the state delegates the appointment to Pompey, why
should he send me rather than any unofficial person ?
So, if this military power is going to be a nuisance, I
shall get rid of it by entering the first city gate I see.
As for your news that there is a wonderful interest in
my arrival and that none of the right or right enough
party" doubt as to my future action, I don t under
stand your phrase the right party." I don t know
of such a party, that is if we look for a class ; of course
there are individuals. But in political splits it is
classes and parties we want. Do you think the
Senate is right," when it has left our provinces
without military rule? For Curio could never have
held out, if there had been negotiations with him
a proposal rejected by the House, which left
Caesar without a successor. Is it the tax-collectors,
who have never been loyal and are now very friendly
with Caesar ? Or is it the financiers or the farmers,
whose chief desire is peace ? Do you suppose they
will fear a king, when they never declined one so
long as they were left in peace? Well then, do I
approve of the candidature of a man who keeps his
army beyond the legal term ? No, not even of his candi
dature in absence. But when the one privilege was
granted, the other went with it. Do I then approve
of the extension of his military power for ten years,
and that carried as it was carried? Then I should
have to approve of my own banishment, the throwing
away of the Campanian land on the people, the adop-
1 Abdera was the classical Gotham.
41
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
perisse et adoptatum patricium a plebeio, Gaditanum
a Mytilenaeo, et Labieni divitiae et Mamurrae placent
et Balbi horti et Tusculanum. Sed horum omnium
fons unus est. Imbecillo resistendum fuit, et id erat
facile ; mine legiones XT, equitatus tantus, quantum
volet, Transpadani, plebes urbana, tot tribuni pi., tarn
perdita iuventus, tanta auctoritate dux, tanta audacia.
Cum hoc aut depugnandum est aut habenda e lege
ratio. Depugna," inquis, potius quam servias."
Ut quid? si victus eris, proscribare, si viceris, tamen
servias? Quid ergo," inquis, facturus es ? " Idem
quod pecudes, quae dispulsae sui generis sequuntur
greges. Ut bos armenta sic ego bonos viros aut eos,
quicumque dicentur boni, sequar, etiamsi ruent. Quid
sit optimum male contractis rebus, plane video.
Nemini est enim exploratum, cum ad arma ventum
sit, quid futurum sit, at illud omnibus, si boni victi
sint, nee in caede principum clementiorem hunc fore
quam Cinna fuerit, nee moderatiorem quam Sulla in
pecuniis locupletum. St ^TroAiTet o/W croi iam dudum
et facerem diutius, nisi me lucerna desereret. Ad
summam Die, M. TVLLI." Adsentior Cn. Pompeio,
id est T. Pomponio.
Alexim, humanissimum puerum, nisi forte dum ego
absum, adulescens factus est (id enim agere vide-
batur), salvere iubeas velim.
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 7
tion of a patrician by a plebeian, of that gentleman
of Gades by the man of Mytilene. 1 And I should
have to approve of the wealth of Labienus and Ma-
murra and the gardens and Tusculan estate of Balbus.
But the source of all these evils is one. We ought
to have resisted him when he was weak: that would
have been easy. Now there are eleven legions, cavalry
as much as he wants, the northern tribes across the
Po, the city riff-raff, all the tribunes of the people,
the young profligates, a leader of such influence and
daring. We must either fight him or allow his
candidature according to the law. "Fight," say you,
"rather than be slaves." The result will be pro
scription if beaten and slavery even if one wins.
"What shall I do then?" What the cattle do, who
when scattered follow flocks of their own kind.
As an ox follows the herd, so shall I follow the
right party," or whoever are said to be the right
party," even if they rush to destruction. The best
course in our straits is clear to me. No one can
tell the issue of war : but every one can tell that, if
the right party are beaten, Caesar will not be more
merciful than Cinna in slaying the nobility, nor more
moderate than Sulla in robbing the rich. I have
discussed In haute poUtique long enough, and I would
do so longer, had not my lamp gone out. The end is
"Your vote, Marcus Tullius." I vote with Pompey,
that is with Titus Pomponius.
Please remember me to Alexis, a very clever boy,
unless perhaps in my absence he has become a man,
as he threatened to do.
1 Balbus ot Gades was adopted by Theophanes of Myti
lene, who had himself received the citizenship from Pompey.
43
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
VIII
CICERO ATT1CO SAL.
Scr. in For- Quid opus est de Dionysio tam valde adfirmare?
miano VI An mihi nutus tuus non faceret fidem? Suspicionem
out V K. autem eo mihi maiorem tua taciturnitas attulerat,
"* quod et tu soles conglutinare amicitias testimoniis
tuis, et ilium aliter cum aliis de nobis locutum audie-
bam. Sed prorsus ita esse, ut scribis, mihi persuades.
Itaque ego is in ilium sum, quern tu me esse vis.
Diem tuum ego quoque ex epistula quadam tua,
quam incipiente febricula scripseras, mihi notaveram
et animadverteram posse pro re nata te non incom
mode ad me in Albanum venire in Nonas lanuar.
Sed, amabo te, nihil incommodo valetudinis feceris.
Quid enim est tantum in uno aut altero die ?
Dolabellam video Liviae testamento cum duobus
coheredibus esse in triente, sed iuberi mutare nomen.
Est iroXiTiKov (TKefjifia, rectumne sit nobili adulescenti
mutare nomen mulieris testamento. Sed id <iAocro-
4>wrepov 8t.VKpiv>}(rofj.ev, cum sciemus, quantum quasi
sit in trientis triente.
Quod putasti fore ut, antequam istuc venirem,
Pompeium viderem, factum est ita; iiam vi Kal. ad
Lavernium me consecutus est. Una Formias venimus
et ab hora octava ad vesperum secreto collocuti
sumus. Quod quaeris, ecquae spes pacificationis sit,
quantum ex Pompei multo et accurate sermone per-
spexi, ne voluntas quidem est. Sic enim existimat,
si ille vel dimisso exercitu consul factus sit,
44
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 8
VIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
There was no need for you to give such strong Formiae,
assurances about Dionysius. A hint from you would Dec. 25 or
have satisfied me. But your silence gave me all the 26, B.C. 50
more reason for suspicion, because you are used to
cement friendships with good-natured assurances,
and because I heard that he used different language
about us to others. However, your letter convinces
me. So I behave to him exactly as you wish.
Your bad day too I had noted from a letter you
wrote at the beginning of your feverishness, and I
had calculated that under the circumstances you
could conveniently meet me at the Alban villa on the
3rd of January. But please do nothing to affect your
health. A day or two will make no difference.
Dolabella, I see, by Li via s will shares a third of
her estate with two others, but is asked to change
his name. It is a social problem whether it is proper
for a young noble to change his name under a lady s
will. But we can determine that on more scientific
grounds, when we know to how much a third of a
third amounts.
Your guess that I should meet Pompey before
coming to Rome has come true. On the 25th he
overtook me near the Lavernium. We reached For
miae together, and were closeted together from two
o clock till evening. For your query as to the chance
of a peaceful settlement, so far as I could tell from
Pompey s full and detailed discourse, he does not even
want peace. Pompey thinks that the constitution will
be subverted even if Caesar is elected consul without
45
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
TV}S TroAira as fore, atque etiam putat eum, cum
audierit contra se diligenter parari, consulatum hoc
anno neglecturum ac potius exercitum provinciamque
retenturum. Sin autem ille fureret, vehementer
hominem contemnebat et suis et rei publicae copiis
confidebat. Quid quaeris? etsi mihi crebro wos
EvuuAtos occurrebat, tamen levabar cura virum for
te m et peritum et plurimum auctoritate valentem
audiens woXiriKfas de pacis simulatae periculis disse-
rentem. Habebamus autem in manibus Antoni con-
tionem habitam x Kal. lanuar., in qua erat accusatio
Pompei usque a toga pura, querela de damnatis, terror
armorum. In quibus ille Quid censes," aiebat, fac-
turum esse ipsum, si in possessionem rei publicae
venerit, cum haec quaestor eius infirmus et inops
audeat dicere?" Quid multa? non niodo non expe-
tere pacem istam, sed etiam timere visus est. Ex ilia
autem sententia ISea 1 relinquendae urbis movet homi-
nem, ut puto. Mihi autem illud molestissimum est,
quod solvendi sunt iiummi Caesari et instrumentum
triumphi eo conferendum. Est enim a^op^ov ui Tt-
TToAirei Ofievov xpewc^etAer^i esse. Sed haec et multa
alia coram.
IX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Cotidiene," inquis, a te accipiendae litterae
Formiano I sunt?" Si habebo, cui dem, cotidie. At iam ipse
aui Lv A. ades." Turn igitur, cum venero, desinam. Unas video
1 ISta Schmidt : i M ; ha, viv, nif, infra other MSS.
46
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 8-9
an army ; and he fancies that when Caesar hears of the
energetic preparations against him, he will give up
the idea of the consulship this year, and prefer to
keep his army and his province. Still, if Caesar
should play the fool, Pompey has an utter contempt
for him, and firm confidence in his own and the
state s resources. Well, although the "uncertainty of Ii; ad xviii, 3<w
war" came constantly into my mind, I was relieved of
anxiety as I listened to a soldier, a strategist, and a
man of the greatest influence discoursing in a states
manlike way on the risks of a hollow peace. We had
before us a speech of Antony made on the 21st of
December, which attacked Pompey from boyhood,
complained about the condemnation of certain people
and threatened war. Pompey s comment was "What
do you suppose Caesar will do, if he becomes master
of the state, when a wretched, insignificant subordi
nate dares to talk in this strain?" In a word, he
appeared not only not to seek peace, but even to
fear it. But I fancy the idea of leaving the city
shakes his resolution. What annoys me most is that
I have to pay up to Caesar, and devote to the pur
pose what I should have used for my triumph. It is
bad form to owe money to a political opponent.
But this and many other topics can wait till we
meet.
IX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
You ask if you are going to get a letter from me Formiae,
every day. Every day, if I can find a messenger. Dec. 26 or
True I am at hand myself. Well, I will stop writing 27, B.C. 50
47
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
mihi a te non esse redditas, quas L. Quinctius,
familiaris meus, cum ferret, ad bustum Basil! vulne-
ratus et despoliatus est. Videbis igitur, num quid
fuerit in iis, quod me scire opus sit, et simul hoc
Stet Kpu ?;o-t Trp6/3\r)iJia sane TTO\LTIKOV. Cum sit
necesse aut haberi Caesaris rationem illo exercitum
vel per senatum vel per tribunes pi. obtinente; aut
persuaded Caesari, ut tradat provinciam atque exer
citum et ita consul fiat ; aut, si id ei non persuadeatur,
haberi comitia sine illius ratione illo patiente atque
obtinente provinciam ; aut, si per tribunos pi. non
patiatur et tamen quiescat, rem adduci ad interre
gnum ; aut, si ob earn causam, quod ratio eius non
habeatur, exercitum adducat, armis cum eo conten-
dere, ilium autem initium facere armorum aut statim
nobis minus paratis, aut turn, cum comitiis amicis
eius postulantibus, ut e lege ratio habeatur, impetra-
tum non sit, ire autem ad arma aut hanc unam ob
causam, quod ratio non habeatur, aut addita causa,
si forte tribunus pi. senatum impediens aut populum
incitans notatus aut senatus consulto circumscriptus
aut sublatus aut expulsus sit dicensve se expulsum
ad ilium confugerit, suscepto autem bello aut tenenda
sit urbs aut ea relicta ille commeatu et reliquis copiis
intercludendus quod horum malorum, quorum ali-
quod certe subeundum est, minimum putes. Dices
profecto persuaderi illi, ut tradat exercitum et ita
consul fiat. Est omnino id eius modi, ut, si ille eo
descendat, contra dici nihil possit, idque eum, si non
obtinet, ut ratio habeatur retinentis exercitum, non
48
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 9
when I arrive. 1 see I have missed one of your
letters : my friend L. Quinctius was wounded and
robbed near the tomb of Basilus, while he was bring
ing it. So you must see if there was any news in it
I ought to have, and you shall solve me this inevitable
problem of politics to boot. It may be necessary for
us to admit Caesar as a candidate while he keeps his
armj T , be it by the favour of the House or the tri
bunes. Or we may have to persuade him to take
office on condition of giving up his province and his
troops. Or, if he will not yield to persuasion on that
point, we may refuse to admit him as a candidate at
the election, and he may endure the treatment and
keep his province. Or, if he employs the tribunes
to interfere, yet keeps the peace, a political deadlock
may be brought about. Or, if he uses force, because
we reject him as a candidate, we may have to fight
and he may begin at once before we are ready,
or when his friends fail to get his candidature
allowed at the elections in accordance with his
legal privilege. He may resort to arms solely on
account of his rejection as a candidate, or for a
further reason, if a tribune through using obstruc
tionist tactics or an appeal to popular feeling incur
a censure or a limitation of power or suspension or
expulsion from office, or if some tribune fly to him
with a tale of expulsion. War begun, we must either
hold the city or abandon it and cut him off from
food and supplies. Of these evils some one must be
borne : consider which in your opinion is the lightest.
Of course you will say, Induce him to give up his
army and so take the consulship." True there can be no
objection to that, if he will condescend, and I wonder
he does not, if he cannot get his candidature sup-
E VOL. II 49
MARCUS TULLIL S CICERO
facere miror. Nobis autem, ut quidam putant, nihil
est timenduni m agis quam ille consul. At sic malo,"
inquies, quam cum exercitu." Certe ; sed istud
ipsum sic" magnum malum putat aliquis, neque ei
remedium est ullum. Cedendum est, si id volet."
Vide consulem ilium iterum, quern vidisti consulatu
priore. At turn imbecillus plus/ inquis, valuit
quam tota res publica." Quid iiunc putas? et eo
consule Pompeio certum est esse in Hispania. O rem
miseram! si quidem id ipsum deterrimum est, quod
recusari non potest, et quod ille si faciat, iam iam a
bonis omnibus summam ineat gratiam. Tollamus
igitur hoc. quo ilium posse adduci negaifrt ; de reliquis
quid est deterrimum ? Concedere illi, quod, ut idem
dicit, impudentissime postulat. Nam quid impuden-
tius? Tenuisti provinciam per annos decem, non
tibi a senatu, sed a te ipso per vim et per factionem
datos ; praeteriit tempus non legis, sed libidinis tuae,
fac tamen legis ; ut succedatur, decernitur ; impedis
et ais : Habe meam rationem." Habe tu nostram.
Exercitum tu habeas diutius, quam populus iussit,
invito senatu? Depugnes oportet, nisi concedis."
Cum bona quidem spe, ut ait idem, vel vincendi vel
in libertate moriendi. Iam, si pugnandum est, quo
tempore, in casu, qup consilio, in temporibus situm
est. Itaque te in ea quaestione non exerceo ; ad ea,
quae dixi, adfer, si quid habes. Equidem dies noc-
tesque torqueor.
f>0
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. })
ported while he keeps his army. But for us some
think that nothing could be worse than Caesar in
office. You may say, Better so, than with an army."
Certainly: but Pompey thinks that very so" fatal,
and there is no remedy for it. We must submit to
Caesar s will." But imagine him in office again after
your experience of his former tenure. You will reflect
that, weak as he was, he was too strong for the con
stitution. What about him now? And now, if Caesar
is consul, Pompey will remain in Spain. What a plight !
since the worst of all is the very alternative which
we cannot refuse him, and the one which, if he takes
it, will of itself win him the favour of the right party.
This course it is said he will not accept; let us put
it out of court. Which is the worst of the remaining
alternatives? To concede his impertinent demand,
as Pompey terms it? Impertinent it is indeed. You
have had a province for ten years, not allotted by the
Senate, but by yourself through force and insubor
dination. This term, not a legal term, but a term
of your own will and pleasure or say, this legal
term comes to an end. The House passes a decree
for the appointment of a successor. You object and
cry, Consider my candidature." Consider our case.
Are you to dare the House and keep your army
longer than the nation sanctions? You must fight
or yield." Then as Pompey says, let us hope for
victory, or death with freedom. If we must fight,
the time depends on chance, the plan of campaign on
circumstances. So I do not trouble you on that
point. But make any suggestion you can on my
remarks. Day and night I am tormented.
E2 51
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Scr. ad
urbem XIV
sub noctem
out XIII
ante lucem
K. Febr. a.
705
Scr. in Cam
pania inter
XIV et IX
K. Febr. a.
705
X
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Subito consilium cepi, ut, antequam luceret, exi-
rem, ne qui conspectus fieret aut sermo, lictoribus
praesertim laureatis. De reliquo neque hercule quid
again neque quid acturus sim, scio ; ita sum perturba-
tus temeritate nostri amentissimi consilii. Tibi vero
quid suadeam, cuius ipse consilium exspecto ? Gnaeus
noster quid consilii ceperit capiatve, nescio, adhuc in
oppidis coartatus et stupens. Omnes, si in Italia
consistat, erimus una; sin cedet, consilii res est.
Adhuc certe, nisi ego insanio, stulte omnia et incaute.
Tu, quaeso, crebro ad me scribe, vel quod in buccam
venerit.
XI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Quaeso. quid est hoc? aut quid agitur? Mihi enim
tenebrae sunt. Cingulum/ inquit, nos tenemus,
Anconem amisimus ; Labienus discessit a Caesare."
Utrum de imperatore populi Romani an de Hannibale
loquimur? O hominem amentem et miserum, qui
ne umbram qtiidem umquam TOV KaXov viderit !
Atque haec ait omnia facere ,se dignitatis causa.
Ubi est autem dignitas nisi ubi honestas? Honestum
igitur habere exercitum nullo publico consilio, occu-
pare urbes eivium, quo facilior sit aditus ad patriam,
XP<3v uTroKOTras, <i>y5coi xaOoSovs, sescenta alia scelera
moliri,
K
^A* -& /$
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 10-11
X
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I have suddenly determined to leave town before Near Rome,
daybreak, so that I may escape sightseers and gossips, Jan. 17 o>
especially with my bay-decked lictors. For the rest, 18, B.C. 49
what to do now or later, upon my word, I do not
know : I am so upset by our rash and lunatic policy.
What advice can I offer you, when it is to you I look
for advice ? I know not what plan Pompey has made
or is making : so far he is cooped up in the towns,
paralysed. If he makes his stand in Italy, we shall all
be together : if he retires, it will be a matter for de
bate. So far certainly, unless I have lost my wits,
his policy has been rash and foolish. Please write to
me often, just what comes into your head.
XI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
What in the name of wonder is this? What is In Campa-
happening ? I am in the dark. People say, Cingulum nia, Jan.
is ours, Ancona is lost, Labienus has deserted from 17-22, B.C.
Caesar." Are we talking of a Roman officer or of ^-9
Hannibal? Wretched madman never to have seen
the shadow even of right! Yet all this, he says, is
done to support his honour. Can there be honour
without honesty : and is it honest to retain an army
without sanction, to seize the cities of your country
that you may strike the better at her heart, to con
trive abolition of debts, the restoration of exiles, and
scores of other crimes,
68
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Tvpdvvioa ?
Sibi habeat suam fortunam ! Unam mehercule tecum
apricationem iji illo lucrative tuo sole malim quam
oninia istius modi regna vel p otius mori miliens quam
semel istius modi quicquam cogitare. Quid, si tu
velis?" inquis. Age, quis est, cui velle non liceat?
Sed ego hoc ipsum velle" miserius esse duco quam
in crucem tolli. Una res est ea miserior, adipisci,
quod ita volueris. Sed haec hactenus. Libenter
enim in his molestiis
Redeamus ad nostrum. Per fortunas ! quale tibi
consilium Pompei videtur? hoc quaere, quod urbem
reliquerit. Ego enim aTropw. Turn nihil absurdius.
Urbem tu relinquas? ergo idem, si Galli venirent?
Non est," inquit, in parietibus res publica." At in
aris et focis. Fecit Themistocles." Fluctum enim
totius barbariae ferre urbs una non poterat. At idem
Pericles non fecit annum fere post quinquagesimum,
cum praeter moema nihil teneret; nostri olim urbe
\ , t.^JN.ji^3 T ^vS V ^M^ s\"
reliqua capta arcem tamen retinueruist.
^s^s^V^V)^ / V^iX ^^
OVTW TTOV TWV TrpucrOev e~ev9o[j.0a K\.eo. cTKDpwv.
Rursus autem ex dolore municipal! sermbnibusque
eorum, quos convenio, videtur hoc consilium exitum
habiturum. Mira hominum querela est (nescio an 2
1 COCON yJ/SS.. r6aov Tyrrell, Purser; croi Viet.
2 an added by Ernesti,
54-
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 11
"To win God s greatest gift, a crown?" JfioMssae 16
Well, let him keep his fortune. For my part, let me
bask one hour in your clime s free gift of sunlight,
rather than win any kingdom of that sort. Better a
thousand times to die than once to meditate such
villainy. Suppose you conceive a desire for it,"
you say. Desire is free to anyone ; but I would rather
be crucified than have such a desire. There is only
one worse fate, to obtain your desire. But enough
of this. It eases me to philosophize a trifle in our
present straits.
To come back to Pompey. What, in heaven s
name, do you think of his plan ? I mean his deser
tion of Rome. I don t know what to make of it.
Besides nothing could be more ridiculous. Leave
the city? Would you then have done the same if
the Gauls were coming? He may object that the
state does not consist of lath and plaster. But it
does consist of hearths and altars. Themistocles
abandoned Athens." Yes, because one city could not
stand the flood of all the barbarians of the East. But
Pericles did not desert her about fifty years later,
though he held nothing but the walls. Once too our
ancestors lost the rest of Rome, but they kept the
citadel.
" Such were the deeds they did, men say, Iliad ix, S29
The heroes of an elder day."
On the other hand to judge from the indignation in
the towns and the talk of my acquaintances, it looks
to me as if Pompey s flight would be a success.
Here there is an extraordinary outcry (whether in
1 Or " precious." The meaning is very doubtful.
55
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
istic, sed facies, ut sciam) sine magistratibus urbem
esse, sine senatu. Fugiens denique Pompeius mira-
biliter homines movet. Quid quaeris? alia causa
acta est. Nihil iam eoncedendum putant Caesari.
Haec tu mihi explica qualia sint.
Ego negotio pi-aesum non turbulento. Vult enim
me Pompeius esse, quern tola haec Campania et ma-
ritima ora habeat eTrio-KOTrov, ad quern dilectus et
summa negotii referatur. Itaque vagus esse cogita-
bam. Te puto iam videre, quae sit 6/rW? Caesaris,
qui populus, qui totius negotii status. Ea velim scri-
bas ad me, et quidem, quoniam mutabilia sunt, quam
saepissime. Acquiesco enim et scribens ad te et le-
gens tua.
XII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Formiis Unam adhuc a te epistulam acceperam datam xn
X K. Febr. Kal., in qua significabatur aliam te ante dedisse, quam
a. Wo non acceperam. Sed quaeso, ut scribas quam saepis
sime, non modo si quid scies aut audieris, sed etiam
si quid suspicabere, maximeque quid nobis faciendum
aut non faciendum putes. Nam, quod rogas, curem,
ut scias, quid Pompeius agat, ne ipsum quidem scire
puto; nostrum quidem nemo. Vidi Lentulum con-
sulem Formiis x Kal., vidi Libonem ; plena timoris et
erroris omnia. Ille iter Larinum ; ibi enim cohortes
et Luceriae et Teani reliquaque in Apulia. Inde
56
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 11-12
Rome also, I do not know : please tell me) at the
city being left without magistrates and without the
House. In fact Pompey s flight has made a marvel
lous stir. Men s attitude is really quite different:
they object to any concession to Caesar. Explain to
me what it all means.
My task is peaceftrl. Pompey wishes me to act as
surveyor over the whole of the Campaiiian coast, to
superintend the levy and all important business. So
I expect to be a wanderer. I imagine you realize
Caesar s policy, the temper of the people and the
condition of affairs. Pray keep me informed, and,
since things are in a changeable condition, as often
as possible. It soothes me to write to you and read
your letters.
XII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
So far I have received one letter from you dated Fonniae,
the 1 9th. In it you state that you sent me another ; Jan. 21,
but it has not reached me. I entreat you, write to me B.C. 49
as often as possible, not only what you shall know
or hear, but even anything you may suspect ;
and especially give me your opinion as to what
I ought or ought not to do. As to your request for
information on Pompey s policy, I don t think he
knows himself; certainly none of us know. 1 saw
Lentulus the consul at Formiae on the 21st. I saw
Libo. Everywhere there is panic and confusion.
Pompey is on the road to Larinum ; for there are
cohorts there and also at Luceria and Teanum and
in the rest of Apulia. No one knows whether he
57
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
utrum consistere uspiam velit an mare transire,
nescitur. Si manet, vereor, ne exercitum firmum
habere non possit ; sin discedit, quo aut qua, aut quid
nobis agendum sit, nescio. Nam istum quidem,
cuius (^aXapLcr/jior times, omnia taeterrime facturum
puto. Nee eum rerum prolatit) nee senatus magi-
stratuumque discessus nee aerarium clausum tardabit.
Sed haec, ut scribis, cito sciemus.
Interim velim mihi ignoscas quod ad te scribo tarn
multa totiens. Acquiesco enim, et tuas volo elicere
litteras, maximeque consilium, quid agam aut quo me
pacto geram. Demittamne me penitus in causam?
Non deterreor periculo, sed dirumpor dolore. Tamne
nullo consilio aut tarn contra meum consilium gesta
esse omnia ! An cuncter et tergiverser, et eis me
dem, qui tenent, qui potiuntur? Ai8eo/zru Tpwas
nee solum civis, sed etiam amici officio revocor; etsi
frangor saepe misericordia puerorum. Ut igitur ita
perturbato, etsi te eadem sollicitant, scribe aliquid,
et maxime, si Pompeius Italia cedit, quid nobis
agendum putes. M . quidem Lepidus (nam fuimus
una) eum finem statuit, L. Torquatus eundem. Me
cum multa turn etiam lictores impediunt. Nihil vidi
umquarn, quod minus explicari posset. Itaque a te
nihildum certi exquiro, sed quid videatur. Denique
ipsam a7ropiav tuam cupio cognoscere. Labienum ab
illo discessisse prope modum constat. Si ita factum
esset, ut ille Romam veniens magistratus et senatum
58
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 12
will make a stand anywhere or cross the sea. If he
remains in Italy, I fear it is impossible for him to
have a reliable army. If he leaves Italy, where he
will go or stay, and what we are to do I don t know.
For I imagine that Caesar, whom you fear may be a
Phalaris, will stick at no abominations. He will not
be deterred by adjournment of public business, the
departure of members and magistrates and the clo
sure of the treasury. But, as you say, we shall know
soon.
Meanwhile forgive me for writing so much and so
often; it soothes me, and I wish to extract letters
from you, and especially advice as to where to go
and what to do. Shall I give myself up heart and
soul to the good cause? I am not terrified by the
danger, but tortured by the anguish. To think that
everything has been done with such a lack of plan,
or so contrary to my plan ! Or shall I hesitate and
play the turncoat, and join the party that holds the
field? "I fear the Trojans," and I am held back not
only by my duty as a citizen, but by my duty as a
friend; though I am often shaken by pity for the
boys. So write a line to me in my distress, although
you have the same worries; and especially as to
what you think I should do, if Pompey leaves Italy.
I have met M . Lepidus and he draws the line there ;
so does L. Torquatus. There are many obstacles
before me, including my lictors. I have never seen
such an intricate tangle. So I do not look to you
for positive advice : but only for your opinion. In
fact I want to know how the dilemma presents itself
to you. It is practically certain that Labienus has
left Caesar. If it could have been arranged that he
could meet magistrates and Senate on his arrival at
59
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Romae offenderet, magno usui causae nostrae fuisset.
Damnasse enim sceleris hominem amicum rei publi-
cae causa videretur, quod nunc quoque videtur, sed
minus prodest. Non enim habet, cui prosit, eumque
arbitror paenitere, nisi forte id ipsum est falsum,
discessisse ilium. Nos quidem pro certo habebamus.
Et velim, quamquam, ut scribis, domesticis te fi-
nibus tenes, formam mihi urbis exponas, ecquod
Pompei desiderium, ecquae Caesaris invidia appareat,
etiam quid censeas de Terentia et Tullia, Romae eas
esse an mecum an aliquo tuto loco. Haec et si quid
aliud ad me scribas velim vel potius scriptites.
XIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Mentur- De Vennonianis rebus tibi assentior. Labienum
ms 1 A A. ^ jjpfcxj iudico. Facinus iam diu nullum civile prae-
Febr. a. 70o
clarius, qui, ut aliud nihil, hoc tamen profecit, dedit
illi dolorem. Sed etiam ad summam profectum ali-
quid puto. Amo etiam Pisonem. Cuius iudicium
de genero suspicor visum iri grave. Quamquam,
genus belli quod sit, vides. Ita civile est, ut non ex
civium dissensione, sed ex unius perditi civis audacia
natum sit. Is autem valet exercitu, tenet multos spe
et promissis, omnia omnium concupivit. Huic tradita
urbs est nuda praesidio, referta copiis. Quid est,
60
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 12-13
Rome, he would have been of great service to our
cause. Loyalty it would have appeared had made
him regard his friend a traitor : it appears so as it is,
but it is of less use. For there is no cause to serve,
and I imagine that he is sorry at leaving Caesar,
unless perhaps the report is false. Myself I think
it true.
And please give me a sketch of city affairs, though
according to your account you keep to your house.
Is Pompey missed ? Does Caesar seem disliked ?
What do you think about Terentia and Tullia?
Should they remain in Rome, or join me, or seek
some refuge? On these and any other topics pray
write to me, I mean write often.
XIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
In the matter of Vennonius I agree with you. Menturnae,
Labienus I consider a hero. There has been no Jan. 22,
public action of such distinction for a long time. If B.C. 49
he has done nothing else, he has at least hurt Caesar s
feelings. But I think he has served our main
interests as well. I am delighted too with Piso. His
judgement on his son-in-law 1 should carry weight.
However, you see the nature of our struggle. It is
civil war, though it has not sprung from division
among our citizens, but from daring of one aban
doned citizen. He is strong in military forces, he
attracts adherents by hopes and promises, he covets
the whole universe. Rome is delivered to him
stripped of defenders, stocked with supplies : one may
1 Caesar.
61
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
quod ab eo non metuas, qui ilia templa et tecta non
patriam, sed praedarn putet ? Quid autem sit acturus
aut quo modo, nescio, sine senatu, sine magistratibus.
Ne simulare quidein poterit quicquam TroAtriKws.
Nos autem ubi exsurgere poterimus aut quando?
Quorum dux quam a0-Tpa.T?/y?7Tos, tu quoque ariim-
advertis, cui ne Picena quidem nota fuerint ; quam
autem sine consilio, res testis. Ut enim alia omittam
decem annorum peccata, quae condicio non huic fugae
praestitit ? Nee vero, nunc quid cogitet, scio ac non
desino per litteras sciscitari. Nihil esse timidius
constat, nihil perturbatius. Itaque nee praesidium,
cuius parandi causa ad urbem retentus est, nee locum
ac sedem praesidii ullam video. Spes omnis in duabus
insidiose retentis paene alienis legionibus. Nam
dilectus adhuc quidem invitorum est et a pugnando
abhorrentium. Condicionum autem amissum tempus
est. Quid futurum sit, non video ; commissum quidem
a nobis certe est sive a nostro duce, ut e portu sine
gubernaculis egressi tempestati nos traderemus.
Itaque de Ciceronibus nostris dubito quid agam ;
nam mihi interdum amandandi videntur in Graeciam ;
de Tullia autem et Terentia, cum mihi barbarorum
adventus ad urbem proponitur, omnia timeo; cum
autem Dolabellae venit in mentem, paulum respiro.
Sed velim consideres, quid faciendum putes primum
Trpbs TO acr(aA.6s (aliter enim mihi de illis ac de me
ipso consulendum est), deinde ad opiniones, ne repre-
hendamur, quod eas Romae velimus esse in communi
bonorum fuga. Quin etiam tibi et Peducaeo (scripsit
enim ad me), quid faciatis, videndum est. Is enim
62
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 13
fear anything from a man who regards her temples
and her homes not as his native land, but as his
loot. What he will do. and how he will do it, in the
absence of House and magistrates, I do not know.
He will be unable even to pretend constitutional
methods. But where can our party raise its head
or when? You, too, remark how poor a soldier our
leader is; why, he did not even know how things
were in Picenum ; and the crisis shows his lack of
policy. Pass over other faults of the last ten years.
What compromise were not better than this flight?
I do not know what he is thinking of doing
now, though I inquire by constant letters. It is
agreed that his alarm and confusion has reached
the limit. He was kept in Italy to garrison Rome,
but no garrison or place to post a garrison can I
see. We depend entirely on two legions that were
kept here by a trick, and are practically disloyal.
For so far the levy has found unwilling recruits, afraid
of war. But the time of compromise is passed. The
future is obscure. We, or our leader, have brought
things to such a pass, that having put to sea without
a rudder, we must trust to the mercy of the storm.
So 1 hesitate what to do with the boys. Sometimes
I think of sending them to Greece. As for Tullia
and Terentia, when I picture the approach of the
barbarians on Rome, I am terrified. But the thought
of Dolabella is some small relief to my mind. Please
consider my best course, in the first place with an
eye to safety, for their safety stands on a different
footing to mine, and then with regard to possible
criticism, if I leave them in Rome, when the loyal
are all in flight. Even you and Peducaeus must be
careful what you do, as he writes to me. For your
63
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
splendor est vestrum, ut eadeni postulentur a vobis
quae ab amplissimis civibus. Sed de hoc tu videbis,
quippe cum de me ipso ac de meis te considerate
velim.
Reliquum est, ut, et quid agatur, quoad poteris,
explores scribasque ad me, et quid ipse coniectura
assequare, quod etiam a te magis exspecto. Nam
acta omnibus nuntiantibus, a te exspecto futura.
Mavrt? 8 aptcrros . Loquacitati ignosces, quae et
me levat ad te quidem scribentem et elicit tuas lit-
teras. Aenigma Oppiorum ex Velia plane non in-
tellexi; est enim numero Platonis obscurius. 1
XHIa
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
So: Mentur- lam intellexi tuum ; Oppios enim de Velia saccones
nis I 111 A. (Jicis. j n eo aestuavi diu. Quo aperto reliqua pate-
Febr. a.
~Q;- bant et cum lerentiae summa congruebant. JL.
Caesarem vidi Menturnis a. d. vin Kal. Febr. mane
cum absurdissimis maiidatis, non hominem, sed scopas
solutas, ut id ipsum mihi ille videatur irridendi causa
fecisse, qui tantis de rebus huic mandata dederit;
obscurius, transferred by O. E. Schmidt from
the beginning of XI I la.
64
LETTERS TO ATT1CUS VII. 13-13a
eminence is such that people will expect the same
from you as from the most distinguished citizens.
But you are capable of looking after yourself. Why,
it is to you that I look for advice about myself and
my family.
For the rest, you must discover, as far as you can,
what is happening, and write to me. Add your con
jectures, too, for I look forward still more eagerly to
them. Anybody can inform me of what has hap
pened. From you I hope to hear what will happen.
"The prince of seers . . ." 1 Pardon my chatter. It is
a relief to write to you, and it gets me a letter from
you. I am at a loss to explain your riddle about the
Oppii of Velia; it is darker than Plato s number. 2
XHIa
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I understand it now, you call those pursy Oppii the Menturnac,
bagmen of Velia. 3 I was in doubt for a long time. But Jan. 23,
the riddle solved, the rest became clear, and tallied B.C. 49
with Terentia s reckoning. I met L. Caesar at
Menturnae on the morning of the 23rd of January
with the most ridiculous commission. He is not a
man, but a broom untied. I imagine that Caesar
is mocking us by sending such a commissioner on so
important business; but perhaps the fellow has no
^he line in full /j.dvTis 5 dpwros OCTTIS ftKafei /caXcDs is taken
from a lost tragedy of Euripides.
2 The " nuptial number of the Republic, 5450 foil.
;! The Oppii were bankers. If saccones is read, it must be
taken as a jocular reference to money-bags. Some, how
ever, read succories "blood-suckers," suggesting an obscure
play upon the words 6ir6s (fig juice) and suczts.
F VOL. II 6.5
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
nisi forte non dedit, et hie sermone aliquo arrepto
pro mandatis abusus est.
Labienus, vir mea sententia magrius, Teanum venit
a. d. vim Kal. Ibi Pompeium consulesque convenit.
Qui sernio fuerit, et quid actum sit, scribam ad te,
cum certum sciam. Pompeius a Teano Larinum ver
sus profectus est a. d. vin Kal. Eo die mansit Vena-
fri. lam aliquantum animi videtur nobis attulisse
Labienus. Sed ego nondum habeo, quod ad te ex
his locis scribam ; ista magis exspecto, quid illim
adferatur, quo pacto de Labieno ferat, quid agat
Domitius in Marsis, Iguvi Thermus, P. Attius Cinguli,
quae sit populi urbani voluntas, quae tua coniectura
de rebus futuris. Haec velim crebro, et quid tibi de
mulieribus nostris placeat, et quid acturus ipse sis,
scribas. Si scriberem ipse, longior epistula fuisset,
sed dictavi propter lippitudinem.
XIV
CICERO ATT1CO SAL.
Scr. Calibuti A. d. vi Kal. Febr. Capuam Calibus proficiscens.
a. d. VI K. cum leviter lippirem, has litteras dedi. L. Caesar
Febr. a. mandata Caesaris detulit ad Pompeium a. d. vm Kal.,
70~> cum is esset cum consulibus Teani. Probata condicio
est, sed ita, ut ille de eis oppidis, quae extra suam
provinciam occupavisset, praesidia deduceret. Id si
lecisset, responsum est ad urbem nos redituros esse
et rem per senatum confecturos. Spero nosse in
praesentia pacem nos habere : nam et ilium furoris
et hunc nostrum eopiarum suppaenitet. Me Pom-
66
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 13a-14
authority, and is palming off some chance conversa
tion as a commission.
Labienus, my hero, arrived at Teanum on the
22nd, where he met Pompey and the consuls. As
soon as I have positive news, I will inform you of
what they have said and done. Pompey set out from
Teanum for Larinum on the 23rd. He spent that day
at Venafrum. At last Labienus has given us some en
couragement, but I have no news from this quarter.
Rather I expect news from you of Caesar s doings,
how he takes Labienus desertion, what Domitius is
doing among the Marsi, Thermus at Iguvium, and P.
Attius at Cingulum, what is the city s feeling, and
what are your views as to the future. Please write
me often on these topics, and give me your opinion
about my women-folk and your own intentions.
Were I writing myself this letter would have been
longer, but I dictate it owing to inflammation of the
eyes.
XIV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the 25th of January, setting out from Gales to Cales, Jan.
Capua, I write this letter, though still suffering from 25, B.C. J$
slight inflammation of the eyes. L. Caesar brought
Caesar s ultimatum to Pompey on the 23rd, while Pom
pey was at Teanum with the consuls. His conditions
were accepted with the reservation that he should
withdraw his garrison from the towns he has occupied
outside his own province. That done, they said, we
would return to Rome and settle business in the
House. I hope for the present we may have peace :
Caesar is rather sorry for his madness, and Pompey
F2 67
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
peius Capuam venire voluit et adiuvare dilectum ;
in quo parum prolixe respondent Campani coloni.
Gladiatores Caesaris, qui Capuae sunt, de quibus ante
ad te falsuin ex A. Torquati litteris scripseram, sane
commode Pompeius distribuit binos singulis patribus
familiarum. Scutorum in ludo IDD fuerunt. Erupti-
onem faoturi fuisse dicebantur. Sane multum in
eo rei publieae provisum est.
De mulieribus nostris, in quibus est tua soror, quaeso
videas, ut satis honestum nobis sit eas Romae esse,
cum ceterae ilia dignitate discesserint. Hoc scripsi
ad eas et ad te ipsum antea. Velim eas cohortere.
ut exeant, praesertim cum ea praedia in ora maritima
habeamuSj cui ego praesum, ut in iis pro re nata nori
incommode possint esse. Nam, si quid offendimus
in genero nostro quod quideni ego praestare non
debeo sed id fit maius, quod mulieres nostrae praeter
ceteras Romae remanserunt. Tu ipse cum Sexto scire
velim quid cogites de exeundo de totaque re quid
existimes. Equidem pacem hortari non desino; quae
vel iniusta utilior est quam iustissimum bellum cum
civibus. Sed haec, ut fors tulerit.
XV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Capuae Ut ab urbe discessi, nullum adhuc interims! diem,
V K. Febr. quin aliquid ad te litterarum darem, non quo habe-
a. 705 68
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 11-15
is uneasy as to our forces. I am wanted at Capua to
assist the levy. The settlers in Campania are hang
ing back. As for Caesar s professional fighting men
at Capua, about whom I misinformed you on the
authority of A. Torquatus, Pompey has very cleverly
distributed them two a-piece to heads of families.
There were 5,000 heavy armed gladiators in the
school. They were said to meditate a sortie. Pom-
pey s was a wise provision for the safety of the state.
As for my women-folk,, among whom is your sister,
I entreat you to consider the propriety of their stay
at Rome, when the other ladies of their rank have
departed. I wrote to them and to you on this point
previously. Please urge them to leave the city,
especially as I have those estates on the sea-coast,
which is under my care, so that they can live there
without much inconvenience, considering the state
of affairs. For, if I give offence by the conduct
of my son-in-law (though I am not his keeper),
the fact that my women-folk stay in Rome after
I others have left makes matters worse. I should like
o know what you and Sextus think about leaving
own, and to have your opinion of matters in general.
As for me, I cease not to advocate peace. It may be
)ii unjust terms, but even so it is more expedient
han the justest of civil wars. However, I can but
eave it to fate.
XV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Since I left Rome I have not yet let a day pass Capua, Jan.
vithout dropping you a line; not that I had any 26, B.C. 4
69
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
rem magno opere, quod scriberem, sed ut loquerer
tecum absens : quo mihi, cum corani id non licet,
nihil est iucundius.
Capuam cum venissem a. d. vi Kal. pridie, quam has
litteras dedi, consules conveni multosque iiostri ordinis.
Omnes cupiebant Caesarem abductis praesidiis stare
condicionibus iis, quas tulisset; uni Favonio leges ab
illo iiobis imponi non placebat. Sed is baud auditus l in
consilio. Cato enim ipse iam servire quam pugnare
mavult : sed tamen ait in senatu se adesse velle, cum de
condicionibus agatur, si Caesar adductus sit, ut praesi-
dia deducat. Ita, quod maxime opus est, in Sicilian! ire
non curat ; quod metuo ne obsit, in senatu esse vult.
Postumius autem, de quo nominatim senatus decrevit,
ut statim in Sicilian! iret Furfanioque succederet,
negat se sine Catone iturum et suam in senatu operam
auctoritatemque quam magni aestimat. Ita res ad Fan-
nium pervenit. Is cum imperio in Sicilian! praemittitur.
In disputationibus nostris summavarietasest. Plerique
negant Caesaren! in condicione mansurumpostulataque
haec ab eo interposita esse, quo minus, quod opus esset
ad bellum, a nobis pararetur. Ego autem eun! puto fa-
cturum, ut praesidia deducat. Vicerit enim, si consul
factus erit, et minore scelere vicerit, quam quo ingres-
sus est. Sedaccipiendaplagaest. Sumus enim flagitiose
imparati cum a militibus turn a pecunia ; quam quidem
omnem non modo privatam, quae in urbe est, sed etiam
publicam, quae in aerario est, illi reliquimus. Pom-
peius ad legiones Appianas 2 est profectus; Labienum
secum habet. Ego tuas opiiiiones de his rebus ex-
specto. Forn!ias me continuo recipere cogitabam.
1 hand auditus Bosius: auditus auditus M: a nullo auditus
Miiller. 2 Appianas Lipsius: acianas M ] : actianas
A/ 2 : Attianas most editors.
70
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 1,5
particular news, but I wanted to talk with you in my
absence. When we cannot talk face to face, there is
nothing I like better.
I reached Capua yesterday, the 25th, where I met
the consuls and many fellow-members. All hope
that Caesar will abide by his conditions, accepting
the withdrawal of his garrisons : only Favonius
objects to his dictating to us. But no one listened to
him. For even Cato now prefers slavery to war : but he
wants to be in the House when the terms are debated,
if Caesar can be induced to withdraw his garrisons.
So he does not care to do what would be most use
ful, and go to Sicily : and he wants to be in the
House, where I fear he will cause trouble. The
Senate definitely decreed that Postumius should set
out for Sicily at once and succeed Furfanius. Postu
mius replied he would not go without Cato ; he has a
great idea of his own value and influence in the House.
So choice fell on Fannius ; he is dispatched to Sicily
with military power. In our debates there is great
difference of opinion. Most declare that Caesar will
not stick to his compact, and that his demands were
only introduced to hinder our preparations for w r ar. I
fancy, however, that he will withdraw his garrisons.
For he will win his point, if he is elected consul, and
win it with less scandal than by his first course. But
the blow must be borne. We are sinfully unready in
men and money : for we have left him not only our
private purses in the city, but the state funds in the
treasury. Pompey along with Labierius has set out
for Appius legions. I want your views on this. I
think of returning to Formiae at once.
71
MARCUS TtJLLIUS CICERO
XVI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Calihux Omnes arbitror mihi tuas litteras redditas esse,
"* K- Febr. se( j p r i ma s praepostere, reliquas ordine, quo sunt mis-
sae per Terentiam. De mandatis Caesaris adventuque
Labieni et respoiisis consulum ac Pompei scrips! ad
te litteris iis, quas a. d. v Kal. Capua dedi, pluraque
praeterea in eandem epistulam conieci. Nunc has ex-
spectationes habemus duas, imam, quid Caesar acturus
sit, cum acceperit ea, quae referenda ad ilium data
sunt L. Caesari, alteram, quid Pompeius agat. Qui
quidem ad me scribit paucis diebus se firmum exer-
citum habiturum, spemque adfert, si in Picenum
agrum ipse venerit, nos Romam redituros esse. La-
bienum secum habet non dubitantem de imbecilli-
tate Caesaris copiarum ; cuius adventu Gnaeus noster
multo animi plus habet. Nos a consulibus Capuam
venire iussi sumus ad Nonas Febr.
Capua profectus sum Formias a. d. in Kal. Eo die
cum Calibus tuas litteras hora fere nona accepissem,
has statim dedi. De Terentia et Tullia tibi adsentior.
Ad quas scripseram, ad te ut referrent. Si nondum
profectae sunt, nihil est, quod se moveant, quoad
perspiciamus, quo loci sit res.
XVII
Scr. in For- CICERO ATTICO SAL.
miano IV Tuae litterae mihi gratae iucundaeque sunt. De
Non. Febr. pueris in Graeciam transportandis turn cogitabam,
a. 705 72
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 16-17
XVI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I think all your letters reached me, but the first Cales, Jan.
out of proper order, the others as they were dis- 28, B.C. 49
patched by Terentia. About Caesar s ultimatum,
the arrival of Labienus, and the reply of Pompey and
the consuls, I informed you in my letter of the 26th
of January from Capua, and I threw in a deal of
other information besides. Now we have two things
to wait for, first what Caesar will do on receipt of the
terms given to L. Caesar to convey to him, and
secondly what Pompey is doing now. Pompey indeed
writes to me that in a few days he will have a strong
force, and he encourages me to hope, that, if he
enters Picenum, we shall return to Rome. Labienus
accompanies him, confident in the weakness of
Caesar s forces. His arrival has much encouraged
Pompey. The consuls have ordered me to go to
Capua by the 5th of February.
I set out from Capua for Formiae on the 28th of
January. On receipt of your letter at Cales on that
day about three o clock I write this by return. As
for Terentia and Tullia I agree with you, and I have
written to them to consult you. If they have not yet
started, there is no reason for them to bestir them
selves, till we see how things are.
XVII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Your welcome letter I received with delight. I Formiae,
thought of sending the boys to Greece when Pompey s Feb. 2,
73 B.C. 49
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
cum fuga ex Italia quaeri videbatur. Nos enim Hi-
spaniam peteremus ; illis hoc aeque commodum non
erat. Tu ipse cum Sexto etiam mine mihi videris
Romae recte esse posse ; etenim minime amici Pom-
peio nostro esse debetis. Nemo enim umquam tan-
tum de urbanis praediis detraxit. Videsne me etiam
iocari ?
Scire iam te oportet, L. Caesar quae responsa refe-
rat a Pompeio, quas ab eodem ad Caesarem ferat
litteras. Scriptae enim et datae ita sunt, ut propo-
nerentur in publico. In quo accusavi mecum ipse
Pompeium, qui, cum scriptor luculentus esset, tantas
res atque eas, quae in omnium manus venturae essent,
Sestio nostro scribendas dederit. Itaque nihil um
quam legi scriptum o-^o-TiojSeo-Tepov. Perspici tamen
ex litteris Pompei potest nihil Caesari negari omnia-
que ei cumulate, quae postulet, dari. Quae ille
amentissimus fuerit nisi acceperit, praesertim cum
impudentissime postulaverit. Quis enim tu es, qui
dicas: Si in Hispaniam profectus erit, si praesidia
dimiserit"? Tamen conceditur minus honeste nunc
quidem violata iam ab illo re publica illatoque bello,
quam si olim de ratione habenda impetrasset. Et
tamen vereor, ut his ipsis contentus sit. Nam, cum
ista mandata dedisset L. Caesari, debuit esse paulo
quietior, dum responsa referrentur; dicitur autem
mine esse acerrimus.
Trebatius quidem scribit se ab illo vim Kal. Febr.
74
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 17
flight from Italy seemed likely. For I myself should
have gone to Spain, but it would not have been so
suitable for them. I fancy you and Sextus may well
stay in Rome even now ; for you are not in the least
bound to be Pompey s friends: no one has ever
depreciated city property so much as Pompey. I
must have my joke still, you see.
You should know already the reply that Pompey
is sending by Lucius Caesar, and the nature of his
letter to Caesar ; for it was written and sent on
purpose to be published. Mentally I blamed Pompey
who, though a clear writer himself, gave Sestius the
task of drawing up documents of such importance,
which were to come into every one s hands. Accord
ingly I have never seen anything more Sestian in its
style. 1 Still it is plain from the letter that nothing
can be denied to Caesar, and that the whole bulk of
his demands are to be granted. He will be utterly
mad to reject the terms, particularly when his de
mands are most impudent. Pray, who are you, Caesar,
to insist Provided Pompey go to Spain, provided he
dismiss his garrisons"? Still the demand is being
granted, but it has cost us more loss of dignity now
that he has outraged the sanctity of the state and
waged war against it, than if he had obtained his
previous request to be admitted a candidate. And
yet I fear he may want more. For when he en
trusted his ultimatum to L. Caesar, he should have
kept a little quiet until he received a reply. But
he is said now to be more energetic than ever.
Trebatius indeed writes to me that Caesar re-
1 Cf. Catullus xliv for comments on Sestius style. Sestius
was defended by Cicero in 56 B.C. with a speech which is
extant.
75
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
rogatum esse, ut scriberet ad me, ut essem adurbem;
nihil ei me gratius facere posse. Haec verbis pluri-
mis. Intellexi ex dierum ratione. ut primum de dis-
cessu nostro Caesar audisset, laborare eum coepisse,
ne omnes abessemus. Itaque non dubito, quin ad
Pisonem, quin ad Servium scripserit ; illud admiror,
non ipsum ad me scripsisse, non per Dolabellam, non
per Caelium egisse. Quamquam non aspernor Tre-
bati litteras; a quo me unice diligi scio. Rescripsi
ad Trebatium (nam ad ipsum Caesarem, qui mihi
nihil scripsisset, nolui), quam illud hoc tempore esset
difficile ; me tamen in praediis meis esse neque di-
lectum ullum neque negotium suscepisse. In quo
quidem manebo, dum spes pacis erit ; sin bellum
geretur, non deero officio nee dignitati meae pueros
I TreK^e/zeros in Graeciam. Totam enim Italian! fla-
graturam bello intellego. Tantum mali est excitatum
partim ex improbis, partim ex invidis civibus. Sed
haec paucis diebus ex illius ad nostra responsa re-
sponsis intellegentur quorsum evasura sint. Turn ad
te scribam plura, si erit bellum ; sin otium aut etiam
indutiae, te ipsum, ut spero, videbo.
Ego mi Nonas Febr., quo die has litteras dedi, in
Formiano, quo Capua redieram, mulieres exspectabam.
Quibus quidem scripseram tuis litteris admonitus, ut
Romae manerent. Sed audio maiorem quendam in
urbe timorem esse. Capuae Nonis Febr. esse vole-
bam, quia consules iusserant. Quicquid hue erit a
Pompeio allatum, statim ad te scribam tuasque de
istis rebus litteras exspectabo.
1 otium aut Tyrrell and Purser : autem MSS.
76
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 17
quested him on the 22nd of January to write and beg
me to remain near the city ; that would win me his
best thanks. All this at great length. I calculated
from the date, that as soon as he heard of my depar
ture Caesar began to be concerned lest we should all
go from town. So I have no doubt he wrote to Piso
and to Servius. One thing surprises me that he did
not write to me himself, or approach me through
Dolabella or Caelius. However, I am not offended
at a letter from Trebatius, who is my particular well-
wisher. I would not reply to Caesar himself, as he
had not written to me ; but I wrote to Trebatius how
difficult such a course would be at this juncture, but
that I was staying on my country estates, and had not
undertaken any part in the levy or any business. To
this I will stand so long as there is any prospect of
peace ; but, if it comes to war, I shall act as becomes
my duty and rank, after stowing away my boys to
Greece. For all Italy, I gather, will blaze with war.
Such a catastrophe is caused partly by disloyalty,
partly by jealousy amongst her citizens. The out
come will be known in a few days from Caesar s
answer to our letter. Then, if it be war, I will write
again : if it be peace or a respite, I shall hope to
see you.
On the 2nd of February, the date of this letter, I
await my women-folk in my place at Formiae, whence
I have returned from Capua. I wrote to them on your
advice to stay in Rome. But I hear that panic has
rather increased there. I want to be at Capua on
the 5th of February, as the consuls have ordered.
Any news we get here from Pompey I will let you
know at once, and I shall look to letters from you
for news from the city.
77
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
XVIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- nn Non. Febr. nmlieres nostrae Formias venerunt
miano III tuaque erga se officia plena tui suavissimi studii ad
Aon. febi. me pertulerunt. Eas ego, quoad sciremus, utrum
turpi pace nobis an misero bello esset utendum, in
Formiano esse volui et una Cicerones. Ipse cum
fratre Capuam ad consules (Nonis enim adesse iussi
sumus) in Nonas profectus sum, cum has litteras
dedi.
Responsa Ponipei gi ata populo et probata contioni
esse dicuntur. Ita putaram. Quae quidem ille si
repudiarit, iacebit ; si acceperit . Utrum igitur,"
inquies, mavis" ? Responderem, si, quern ad mo-
dum parati essemus, scirem. Cassium erat hie audi-
tum expulsum Ancona eamque urbem a nobis teneri.
Si bellum futurum est, negotium utile. Caesarem
quidem L. Caesare cum mandatis de pace misso ta-
men aiunt acerrime dilectum habere, loca occupare,
vincire praesidiis. O perditum latronem ! o vix ullo
otio compensandam hanc rei publicae turpitudinem !
Sed stomachari desinamus, tempori pareamus, cum
Pompeio in Hispaniam eamus. Haec opto 1 in malis,
quoniam illius alterum consulatum a re publica ne
data quidem occasione reppulimus. Sed haec hac-
tenus.
1 optima Lipsius and recent editors.
78
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 18
XVIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the 2nd of February my women-folk came to Formiae,
Formiae and brought me an account of your very Feb. 3,
kind and zealous attentions. I wished them to stay in B.C. Ifi
my villa here along with the boys, till we know
whether we are to have peace with dishonour, or war
with its horrors. I and my brother start for Capua
on the 3rd of February, the date of this letter, to
meet the consuls on the 5th according to their in
structions.
Pompey s reply to Caesar is said to please the
people, and to have won the approval of a public
meeting. I expected it. If Caesar rejects this con
dition, he will fall in esteem: if he accept . You
will ask my choice in the matter. I would answer, if
I knew our state of preparation. It is reported here
that Cassius has been driven from Ancona, and that
our party hold the town. That will be a useful thing
in the event of war. As for Caesar, though he has
sent L. Caesar with negotiations for peace, neverthe
less reports declare that he is collecting levies with
the greatest energy, seizing posts, and securing the
country with garrisons. What a villain robber ! What
a disgrace to the country, too dear a price to pay for
any peace ! But let us restrain our anger, yield to
circumstance and accompany Pompey to Spain. That
is my choice in our straits, since we did not take the
chance when we had it of keeping him from his
second consulship. 1 But enough of politics.
1 Or " since we refused him his second consulship, when
we had no choice in the matter."
79
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
De Dionysio f ugit me ad te antea scribere ; sed
ita constitui, exspectare responsa Caesaris, ut, si ad
urbem rediremus, ibi nos exspectaret, sin tardius id
fieret, turn eum arcesseremus. Omnino, quid ille
f acere debuerit in nostra ilia fuga, quid docto homine
et amico dignum fuerit, cum praesertim rogatus es-
set, scio, sed haee non nimis exquiro a Graecis. Tu
tamen videbis, si erit, quod nolim, arcessendus, ne
molesti simus invito.
Quintus frater laborat, ut tibi, quod debet, ab
Egnatio solvat; nee Egnatio voluntas deest, nee pa-
rum locuples est, sed, cum tale tempus sit, ut Q.
Titinius (multum enim est nobiscum) viaticum se
neget habere idemque debitoribus suis denuntiarit,
ut eodem faenore uterentur, atque hoc idem etiam
L. Ligus fecisse dicatur, nee hoc tempore aut domi
nummos Quintus habeat aut exigere ab Egnatio aut
versuram usquam facere possit, miratur te 11011 ha-
buisse rationem huius publicae difficultatis. Ego
autem, etsi illud ij/ev8r)cri.o8eLoi> (ita enim putatur) ob-
servo /zTjSe BLKTJV, praesertim in te, a quo nihil um-
quam vidi temere fieri, tamen illius querela movebar.
Hoc quicquid est, te scire volui.
80
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. IS
It escaped my memory to write to you about
Dionysius before : but my determination is this, to
await Caesar s answer, so that, if I return to Rome,
Dionysius may await me there ; but, if there is delay,
then I would summon him. 1 am quite aware of
what he ought to have done when I took to flight,
what was proper for a scholar and a friend, especially
when he had been asked to do it : but I do not expect
much from a Greek. But please see, if I have to
summon him, which I hope I shall not, that I may
not be troubling a reluctant man.
My brother Quintus is anxious to give you a draft
on Egnatius for the money he owes, and Egnatius is
willing and has plenty of cash ; but when the times
are such that Q. Titinius, 1 whom I see often, declares
he has no money to get along with, and yet has told his
debtors that they may let their debts stand over at the
same rate of interest as before, and when L. Ligus too
is said to have taken the same steps, and Quintus at
the present time has no money in hand, and is unable
to borrow from Egnatius or to raise a new loan any
where, he is surprised that you have not taken into
account our national straits. Though I observe the
saying wrongly ascribed to Hesiod Hear both
sides," 2 particularly in the case of yourself, whom I
have always found considerate, still I was affected
by his grievance. You ought to know his grievance,
such as it is.
1 An eques and a money-lender.
2 jttTjSe diKt)i> StKda-ri^ irplv d.v a^oiv /j.vdov aKOwrr/s, generally
ascribed to Phocylides.
O VOL. II 81
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
XIX
CICERO ATTICO.
Scr. in For- Nihil habeo, quod ad te scribam, qui etiani earn
miano 111 epistulam, quam eram elucubratuSj ad te non de-
e )r derim. Erat enim plena spei bonae, quod et con-
tionis voluntatem audieram et ilium condicionibus
usurum putabam, praesertim suis. Ecce tibi in
Nonas Febr. mane accepi litteras tuas, Philotimi,
Furni, Curioiiis ad Furnium, quibus irridet L. Cae-
savis legationem. Plane oppress! videmur, nee, quid
consilii capiam, scio. Nee mebercule de me laboro,
de pueris quid agam, non habeo. Capuam tamen
proficiscebar haec scribens, quo faeilius de Pompei
rebus eognoseerem.
XX
CICERO ATTICO.
Scr. Capuae Breviloquentem iam me tempus ipsum facit. Pa-
w _ cem enim desperavi, bellum nostri nullum admini-
strant. Cave enim putes quicquam esse minoris his
consulibus : quorum ego spe audiendi aliquid et co-
gnoscendi nostri apparatus maximo imbri Capuam veiii
pridie Nonas, ut eram iussus. Illi autem nondum
venerant, sed erant venturi inanes, imparati. Gnaeus
autem Luceriae dicebatur esse et adire cohortes le-
giorium Appianarum 1 non firmissimarum. At ilium
1 Appianarum Lipsius cf, 15. 3 : itinarum AI 1 : itinerum
M~ : Attianarum older editors.
82
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 19-20
XIX
CICERO TO ATTICUS.
I have no news for you, and have not even sent Formiae,
you my lucubration of last night : for that was a letter Feb. 3,
full of good cheer, because I had heard of the tern- B.C. 4&
per shown at the public meeting, and thought that
Caesar would abide by terms which were in fact his
own. But now on this, the morning of the 3rd of
February, I have got a letter from you, one from
Philotimus, one from Furnius, and one from Curio to
Furnius ridiculing the mission of L. Caesar. We
appear to be crushed utterly, nor do I know what
plan to take. I am not indeed in trouble about my
self, it is the boys that put me in a dilemma. Still
I am setting out for Capua, as I write this, that I may
more easily get to know Pompey s affairs.
XX
CICERO TO ATTICUS.
The occasion makes me brief. I have abandoned Formiae,
hope of peace : but our party takes no steps for war. Feb. ~>,
Pray don t suppose that there is anything of less B.C. 4
concern to our present consuls than the war. I came
to Capua on the 4th according to instructions, in
heavy rain, with the hope of hearing something from
them and getting to know of our equipment. They
had not yet arrived, but were expected, empty-
handed, unprepared. Pompey was reported to be at
Luceria and close to some cohorts 1 of the shaky
1 Or " and some cohorts are approaching-."
o2 83
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
mere nuntiant et iam iamque adesse, non ut manum
conserat (quicum enim ?), sed ut fugani intercludat.
Ego autem in Italia xal trvvairodavelv nee te id con-
sulo ; sin extra, quid ago? Ad manendum hiems,
lictoreSj improvidi et neglegentes duces, ad fugani
hortatur aniicitia Gnaei, causa bonorum, turpitude
coniungendi cum tyranno; qui quidem incertum est
Phalarimne an Pisistratuni sit iniitaturus. Haec
velim explices et me hives consilio ; etsi te ipsum
istic iam calere puto, sed tanien, quantum poteris.
Ego si quid liic liodie novi cognoro, scies ; iam enim
aderunt consules ad suas Nonas. Tuas cotidie lit-
teras exspectabo ; ad has autem, cum poteris, re-
scribes. Mulieres et Cicerones in Formiano reliqui.
XXI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Calibus ^ e nialis nostris tu prius audis quam ego. Istim
VIId.Febr, enim emanant. Boni autem hinc quod exspectes,
ante lucem nihil est y eni Capuam ad Nonas Febr., ita ut ius-
a. 70o
serant consules. Eo die Lentulus venit sero. Alter
consul omnino non venerat vn Idus. Eo enim die ego
Capua discessi et mansi Calibus. Inde has litteras
postridie ante lucem dedi. Haec, Capuae dum fui,
cognovi, nihil in consulibus, nullum usquam dilectum.
Nee enim conquisitores <<HV07rpoo"awreiv audent, cum
84
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 20-21
Appiaii troops. Caesar is said to be tearing along,
and is nearl} on us, not to join battle there is no
one to join it with but to cut us off from flight.
Now, if it is to be in Italy, I am ready to die with
her and on that I need not ask your advice : but if
the struggle is beyond her borders, what am I to do?
The winter, my lictors, the improvidence and neglect
of the leaders prompt me to stay : my friendship
with Pompey, the cause of the loyalists, the disgrace
of association with a tyrant, prompt me to flee. One
cannot say whether that tyrant will choose Phalaris
or Pisistratus as his model. Please uni avel this and
assist me with your advice. Though I suppose you
are in a warm corner in Rome, still help me to the
best of your ability. I will advise you if anything
new crops up here to-day. The consuls will arrive
on the 5th as arranged. I shall look for a letter
every day : but answer this one as soon as you can. I
have left the ladies and the boys at Formiae.
XXI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Of our troubles you hear sooner than I. It is Cales, Feb.
from your quarter they come. No good news can be 8, B.C. 49
expected from here. I reached Capua on the 5th of
February, as the consuls bade. Lentulus arrived late
in the day. The other consul had not arrived at all
on the 7th : for on that day I left Capua and stayed at
Cales. On the 8th before daybreak I dispatch you
this letter from there. The discovery I made at
Capua was that no reliance is to be placed on the
consuls, and that no levy is being made anywhere.
For recruiting officers do not dare to show their faces
85
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
ille adsit, contraque noster dux nusquam sit, nihil
agat, nee nomina dant. Deficit enim non voluiitas,
sed spes. Gnaeus autem noster (o rem mise*ram et
incredibilem l) ut totus iacet ! Xon animus est, non
consilium, 11011 copiae, non diligentia. Mittam ilia,
fugam ab urbe turpissimam, timidissimas in oppidis
contiones, ignorationeni non solum adversarii, sed
etiam suarum copiarum; hoc cuius modi est? vn Idus
Febr. Capuam C. Cassius tribunus pi. venit, attulit
mandata ad consules, ut Romam venirent, pecuniam
de sanctiore aerario auferrent, statim exirent. Urbe
relicta redeant; quo praesidio? deinde exeant ; quis
sinat? Consul ei rescripsit, ut prius ipse in Picemim.
At illud totum erat amissum ; sciebat nemo praeter
me ex litteris Dolabellae. Mihi dubium non erat,
quin ille iam iamque foret in Apulia, Gnaeus noster
in navi.
Ego quid again O-KC/J./JUI. magnum neque meliercule
mihi quidem ullum, nisi omnia essent acta turpissime,
neque ego ullius coiisilii particeps sed tamen quod
me deceat. Ipse me Caesar ad pacem hortatur; sed
antiquiores litterae, quam ruere coepit. Dolabella,
Caelius me illi valde satis facere. Mira me airopia
86
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 21
when Caesar is at hand, and our leader is nowhere to
be found and takes no action. No one enlists. It is
not good will that is lacking, but hope. What an in
conceivable plight is Pompey s, and how utterly
he has broken down ! He has neither spirit nor
plan, nor forces, nor energy. I say nothing of his
most disgraceful flight from the city, his timorous
speeches in the towns, his ignorance not only of the
strength of his opponent but of his own forces : but
what of this ? On the 7th of February C. Cassius the
tribune came to Capua, and brought an order to the
consuls to come to Rome, carry off the money from
the reserve treasury 1 and leave at once. On quitting
the city they are to return but they have no escort :
then there is the getting out of the city who is
going to give them leave? Lentulus replied that
Poinpey must first come to Picenum. No one except
myself knows it ; but Dolabella has written to me
that that district is totally lost. I have no doubt
but that Caesar is on the point of entering Apulia
and that Pompey is on board ship.
What I am to do is a big problem. It would be
no problem for me at all, if everything had not been
disgracefully managed ; and I had no part in the plan :
still my proper course is a problem. Caesar himself
invites to peace : but the letter is dated before he
began to run amuck. Dolabella and Caelius declare
that he is well satisfied with me. I am at my wits
1 This reserve fund was said to have been founded origin
ally to meet a possible invasion of the Gauls. It was made
up from spoils in war and from the 5 per cent tax on
manumitted slaves. It was drawn upon in the second Punic
War (cf. Livy XXVII, n). Caesar (Bellum Civ. 14) says the
consuls intended to open it before they left Rome ; but fled
in haste at a report of his approach.
87
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
torquet. luva me consilio, si poles, et tamen ista,
quantum poles, provide. Nihil habeo lanla rerum
perlurbalione, quod scribam. Tuas lilteras exspeclo.
XXII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Pedem in llalia video nullum esse, qui non in
miano 1 1 Id. i s ti u s poteslale sit. De Pompeio scio nihil, eumque,
e r. i expert n . g . - n nav j m se contulerit, exceplum iri puto. O
out I Id.
mane a 705 ce l er italem incredibilem ! huius autem noslri sed
non possum sine dolore accusare eum, de quo angor
el crucior. Tu caedem non sine causa times, non
quo minus quicquam Caesari expediat ad diuturni-
lalem vicloriae el dominalionis, sed video, quorum
arbitrio sit acturus. Recle sil. Censeo cedendum.
De Oppiis eis 1 egeo consilii. Quod optimum faclu
videbilur, facies. Cum Philolimo loquere alque
adeo Terenliam habebis Idibus. Ego quid agam ?
qua aut terra aut mari persequar eum, qui ubi sit,
nescio? Etsi terra quidem qui possum? mari quo?
Tradam igilur isli me? Fac posse lulo (mulli enim
horlanlur), num eliam honesle ? Nullo modo. Equi-
dem a le pelam consilium, ut soleo. Explicari res
non polesl ; sed lamen, si quid in menlem venil,
velim scribas, el ipse quid sis aclurus.
1 cedendum de oppidis iis. M. The correction Oppiis is
due to Boot.
88
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 21-22
end. Assist me with your advice, if you can, but
guard against events as much as possible. I have
nothing to say in such an anxious crisis : but I am
looking for your letter.
XXII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I see there is not a foot of ground in Italy Formiae,the
which is not in Caesar s power. I have no news of evening of
Pompey, and I imagine he will be captured unless he ^ e ^- $ or
has taken to the sea. What marvellous dispatch ! morntn S J
While our leader : but it grieves me to blame him, as B c
I am in an agony of suspense on his account. There "*
is reason for you to fear butchery, not that anything
could be less advantageous to secure Caesar a lasting
victory and power; but I see on whose advice he
will act. I hope it will be all right ; and I think we
shall have to yield. As regards the Oppii I have no
suggestion to make. Do what you think best. You
should speak with Philotimus, and besides you will
have Terentia on the 1 3th. What can I do ? In
what land or on what sea can I follow a man, when I
don t know where he is ? After all how can I follow
on land, and by sea whither? Shall I then surrender
to Caesar ? Suppose I could surrender with safety,
as many advise, could I surrender with honour ? By
no means. I will ask your advice as usual. The pro
blem is insoluble. Still, if anything comes into your
head, please write ; and let me know what you will
do yourself.
89
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
XXIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- v Idus Febr. vesperi a Philotimo litteras accepi
miano F Id. Domitium exercitum firmum habere, cohortes ex Pi-
tebr. vesp. ceno Lentulo et Thermo ducentibus cum Domiti
. exercitu coniunctas esse. Caesarem intercludi posse
mane a. 705 .
eumque id timere, bonorum ammos recreatos Romae,
improbos quasi perculsos. Haec metuo equidem ne
sint somnia, sed tamen M . Lepidum, L. Torquatum,
C. Cassium tribunum pi. (hi enim sunt riobiscnm, id
est in Formiano) Philotimi litterae ad vitam revo-
caverunt. Ego autem ilia metuo ne veriora sint, nos
omnes paene iam captos esse, Pompeium Italia cedere;
quem quidem (o rem acerbam !) persequi Caesar dici-
tur. Persequi Caesar Pompeium ? quid . ut interficiat ?
O me miserum ! Et non omnes nostra corpora oppo-
nimus? In quo tu quoque ingemiscis. Sed quid
faciamus? Victi, oppressi, capti plane sumus.
Ego tamen Philotimi litteris lectis mutavi consilium
de mulieribus. Quas, ut scripseram ad te, Romam
remittebam ; sed mihi venit in mentem multum fore
sermonem me iudicium iam de causa publica fecisse ;
qua desperata quasi hunc gradum mei reditus esse,
quod mulieres revertissent. De me autem ipso tibi
adsentior, ne me dem incertae et periculosae fugae,
cum rei publicae nihil prosim, nihil Pompeio ; pro quo
emori cum pie possum turn lubenter. Manebo igitur,
etsi vivere .
90
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 23
XXIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the evening of the 9th of February, I got a Formiae, the
letter from Philotimus, declaring that Domitius has a evening of
reliable force, the cohorts from Picenum under the Feb. 9 or the
command of Lentulus and Thermus have joined morning of
his army, Caesar can be cut off and fears the con- Feb. 10,
tingency, and the hopes of loyalists at Rome have B.C. 49
been restored, and those of the other party dashed.
I am afraid this may be a dream ; but still the news
revived M . Lepidus, L. Torquatus and C. Cassius the
tribune of the plebs for they are with me, that is at
Formiae. I fear the truer version may be that we
are now all practically prisoners, that Pompey is
leaving Italy, pursued it is said by Caesar. What a
bitter thought! Caesar pursue Pompey! What,
to slay him ? Woe is me ! And we do not all
throw our bodies in the way! You too are sorry
about it. But what can we do? We are beaten,
ruined and utterly captive.
Still the perusal of Philotimus letter has caused
me to change my plan about the women-folk. I
wrote you I was sending them back to Rome : but it
has come into my mind that there would be a deal of
talk, that I had now come to a decision on the political
situation ; and that in despair of success the return of
the ladies of my house was as it were one step towards
my own return. As for myself, I agree with you that
I should not commit myself to the danger and un
certainty of flight, seeing that it would avail nothing
to State or Pompey, for whom I would dutifully and
gladly die. So I shall stay, though life .
91
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Quod quaeris, hie quid agatur, tola Capua et omnis
hie dilectus iacet ; desperata res est, in fuga omnes
sunt, nisi qui deus iuverit, 1 ut Pompeius istas Domiti
copias cum suis coniungat. Sed videbamur omnia
biduo triduove scituri. Caesaris litterarum exemplum
tibi inisi ; rogaras enim. Cui nos valde satis facere
multi ad me scripserunt ; quod patior facile, dum ut
adhuc nihil faciam turpiter.
XXIV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Philotimi litterae me quidem non nimis, sed eos,
miano IV qui in his locis erant, admodum delectarunt. Ecce
Id. Febr. a. postridie Cassii litterae Capua a Lucretio, familiari
705 eius, Nigidium a Domitio Capuam venisse. Eum di-
cere Vibullium cum paucis militibus e Piceno currere
ad Gnaeum, confestim insequi Caesarem, Domitium
11011 habere militum in milia. Idem scripsit Capua
coiisules discessisse. Non dubito quin Gnaeus in fuga
sit ; modo effugiat. Ego a consilio fugiendi, ut tu
censes, absum.
XXV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Cum dedissem ad te litteras tristes et metuo ne
miano IV veras de Lucreti ad Cassium litteris Capua missis,
out III Id. Cephalio venit a vobis. Attulit etiam a te litteras
Febr. a. hilariores iiec tamen firmas, ut soles. Omnia facilius
Oo credere possum, quam quod scribitis, Pompeium exer-
citum habere. Nemo hue ita adfert omniaque, quae
1 nisi qui deus iuverit Tyrrell: nisi quid eius fuerit M:
nisi quid eius modi fuerit Ascensius.
92
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 23-25
For your query as to the state of affairs in this
quarter, Capua and the levy are in stagnation: our
cause is despaired of: every one is in flight, unless
some god help Pompey to join that army of Domitius
with his own. It would seem that we shall know all
in a day or so. As requested I send you a copy of
Caesar s letter. Many of my correspondents say that
he is quite satisfied with me. I can allow that,
provided I continue to do nothing to stain my honour.
XXIV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Philotimus letter delighted me little, but those Formiae,
who are here considerably. Well, on the very next day Feb. 10,
a letter of Cassius from his friend Lucretius at Capua B.C. J$
announced that Nigidius, an emissary of Domitius,
had reached Capua, bringing news that Vibullius with
a few soldiers was hurrying in from Picenum to Pom
pey s camp, that Caesar was pursuing rapidly and that
Domitius had less than 3000 men. The letter stated
that the consuls had left Capua. I am sure Pompey
must be fleeing : I only hope he may escape. I accept
your advice and have no intention of flight myself.
XXV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
After I had sent you a despondent and, 1 fear, Formiae,
true report about the letter Lucretius dispatched to Feb. 10 or
Cassius from Capua, Cephalio came to me from you 11, B.C. 4$
with a letter more cheerful, but not as decided as
usual. Any news is more credible than your news
of Pompey having an army. No one brings such a
93
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
nolim. O rem miseram ! malas causas semper obtinuit,
in optima concidit. Quid dicam nisi illud eum scisse
(neque enim erat difficile), hoc nescisse ? Erat enim
ars difficilis recte rem publicam regere. Sed iam
iamque omnia sciemus et scribemus ad te statim.
XXVI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Non venit idem usu mihi, quod tu tibi scribis,
miano A A quotiens .exorior." Ego enim mine paulum exorior
. ar . a. ^ maxime quidem iis litteris, quae Roma adferuntur
de DomitiO; de Picentium cohortibus. Omnia erant
facta hoc biduo laetiora. Itaque fuga, quae parabatur,
repressa est ; Caesaris interdicta :
" Si te secundo lumine hie ofFendero
respuuntur ; bona de Dornitio, praeclara de Afranio
fama est.
Quod me amicissime admones, ut me integrum,
quoad possim,, servem, gratum est; quod addis, ne
propensior ad turpem causam videar., certe videri
possum. Ego me dticem in civili bello, quoad de pace
ageretur, negavi esse, non quin rectum esset, sed
quia, quod multo rectius fuit, id mihi fraudem tulit.
Plane eum, cui noster alterum consulatum deferret
et triumphum (at quibus verbis! "pro tuis rebus 1
gestis amplissimis "X inimicum habere nolueram.
Ego scio, et quern metuam et quam ob rem. Sin erit
pro tuis rebus Lambinus ; ut prorsus M.
94
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 25-26
report here, but every kind of unwelcome news. It
is a sorry thought that Pompey has always won in a
bad cause, but fails in the best of causes. The only
solution is that he knew the ropes in the former
(which is not a difficult accomplishment), but did not
in the latter. It is a difficult art to rule a republic
in the right way. At any moment we may know
all, and I will write you immediately.
XXVI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I have not had what you say is your experience : Formiae,
"as often as my hopes revive." Only now are mine Feb. 15, B.C.
reviving a little, and especially over letters from 4&
Rome about Domitius and the squadrons of Picenum.
Tilings have become more cheerful in the last two
days. I have given up my preparation for flight. I
spurn Caesar s threat: "if I shall meet thee here
to-morrow morn." 1 The news about Domitius is
good, that about Afranius is splendid.
Thanks for your very friendly advice, not to com
mit myself more than I can help. You add a caution
against showing a leaning towards the wrong party :
well, I confess I may seem to. I refused to take a
leading part in civil war, so long as there were nego
tiations for peace, not because the war was unjust,
but because former action of mine in a still juster
cause did me harm. I had no desire at all to excite
the enmity of a man to whom our leader offered a
second consulship, and a triumph too with the ful
some flattery on account of your brilliant achieve
ments." I know whom I have to fear and why.
From a Latin translation of Euripides, Afedea, 352.
95
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
helium, ut video fore, partes meae non desidera-
buntur.
De HS XX Terentia tibi rescripsit. Dionysio, dum
existimabam vagos nos fore,, nolui molestus esse ; tibi
autem crebro ad me seribenti de eius officio nihil
rescripsi, quod diem ex die exspeetabam, ut statue-
rem, quid esset faciendum. Nunc, ut video, pueri
certe in Formiano videntur hiematuri. Et ego?
Nescio. Si enim erit bellum, cum Pompeio esse con-
stitui. Quod habebo certi, faciam, ut scias. Ego
bellum foedissimum futurum puto, nisi qui, ut tu
scribis, Parthicus casus exstiterit.
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VII. 26
But if the war I foresee comes, I shall not fail to
play my part.
About that \80, 1 Terentia sent you an answer. I
did not want to trouble Dionysius,solongas I expected
to be a wanderer. I gave no answer to your repeated
letters about the man s duty, because daily I was
expecting to settle what should be done. Now as far
as I can see, my boys will certainly winter at Formiae.
And I ? I don t know. For, if war comes, I am
determined to be with Pompey. I will keep you
informed of reliable news. I fancy there will be a
most terrible war, unless, as you remark, some Parthian
incident occur again.
1 20,000 sesterces.
2 I.e. a sudden retreat of Caesar, like that of the Par-
thians. Cf. vi, 6.
H VOL. II 97
M. TULLI CICERONIS
EPISTULARUM AD ATTICUM
LIBER OCTAVUS
I
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Formiis Cum ad te litteras dedissem, redditae mihi litterae
HIV K. sunt a Pompeio. Cetera de rebus in Piceno gestis,
Mart. a. quae ad se Vibullius scripsisset, de dilectu Domiti,
quae sunt vobis nota nee tamen tarn laeta erant in
iis litteris, quam ad me Philotimus scripserat. Ipsam
tibi epistulam misissem, sed iam subito fratris puer
proficiscebatur. Cras igitur mittam. Sed in ea Pom-
pei epistula erat in extreme ipsius manu : Tu censeo
Luceriam venias. Nusquam eris tutius." Id ego in
earn partem accepi, haec oppida atque orani mariti-
mam ilium pro derelicto habere, nee sum miratus
eum, qui caput ipsum reliquisset, reliquis membris
non parcere. Ei statim rescripsi hominemque cer-
tum misi de comitibus meis, iion me quaerere, ubi
tutissimo essem. Si me vellet sua aut rei publicae
causa Luceriam venire, statim esse venturum ; horta-
tusque sum, tit oram maritimam retineret, si rem
frumentariam sibi ex provinciis suppeditari vellet.
Hoc me frustra scribere videbam ; sed uti in urbe
retinenda tune sic nunc in Italia iion relinquenda
testificabar sententiam meam. Sic enim parari video,
ut Luceriam omnes copiae coiitrahaiitur, et lie is
quidem locus sit stabilis, sed ex eo ipso, si urgeamur,
paretur fuga.
98
CICERO S LETTERS
TO ATTICUS
BOOK VIII
I
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
After I sent you my letter, I got one from Pompey. Formiae,
The rest of it was about what has happened in Feb. 1G, B.C.
Picenum, as reported to him by Vibullius in a note, 49
and about Domitius levy. That you know already :
but in this letter things were not so grand as in
Philotimus letter. I would have sent you Pompey s
note itself, but my brother s man set out in a hurry,
so I will send it to-morrow. Pompey added a P.S.
in his own hand, I think you should come to Luceria.
You won t be safer anywhere else." I understood
him to mean that he counts as lost the towns here and
the coast. I don t wonder that a man who has given up
the head should throw away the limbs. I sent a reply
by return, by the hands of a sure messenger, that I
was not concerned about where I should be safest,
and that I would come to Luceria immediately, if
his or the public interest demanded it. I entreated
him to hold the coast, if he wanted supplies of corn
from the provinces. I saw I was writing in vain:
but I wanted to put on record now my opinion about
not abandoning Italy, as I had done before about
holding Rome. Evidently all forces are to be col
lected at Luceria, and not even there as a permanent
base, but as a starting point for flight, if hard
pressed.
H2 99
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Quo minus mircre, si invitus in earn causam de-
scendo, in qua neque pacis neque victoriae ratio quae-
sita sit umquam, sed semper flagitiosae et calamitosae
fugae : euiidum, ut, quemcumque fors tulerit easum,
subeam potius cum iis, qui dicuntur esse boni, quam
videar a bonis dissentire. Etsi prope diem video bono-
rum, id est lautorum et locupletum, urbem refertam
fore, municipiis vero his relictis refertissimam. Quo
ego in numero essem, si hos lictores molestissimos
non haberem, nee me M . Lepidi, L. Volcaci, Ser.
Sulpici comitum paeniteret, quorum nemo nee stultior
est quam L. Domitius nee inconstantior quam Ap.
Claudius. Unus Pompeius me movet beneficio, non
auctoritate. Quam enim ille habeat auctoritatem in
hac causa? qui, cum omnes Caesarem metuebamus,
ipse eum diligebat, postquam ipse metuere eoepit,
putat omnes hostes illi oportere esse. Ibimus tamen
Luceriam. Nee eum fortasse deleetabit noster ad-
ventus ; dissimulare enim non potero mihi, quae adhuc
acta sint, displicere. Ego, si somnum capere possem,
tarn longis te epistulis non obtunderem. Tu, si tibi
eadem causa est, me remunerere sane velim.
II
CICERO ATTICO SAL
Scr. Formiis Mihi vero omnia grata, et quod scripsisti ad me,
XIII K. quae audieras, et quod non eredidisti, quae digna dili-
Mart. a. gentia mea non erant, et quod monuisti, quod sentie-
70J bas. Ego ad Caesarem unas Capua litteras dedi, qui-
bus ad ea rescripsi, quae mecum ille de gladiatoribus
suis egerat, breves, sed benevolentiam significantes,
non modo sine contumelia, sed etiam cum maxima
100
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 1-2
So you need not wonder, if I am reluctant to em
bark on a cause, which has 110 policy for peace or
victory, but always a policy of disastrous and disgrace
ful flight. I must go to face whatever fortune bring,
with so-called loyalists rather than seem to disagree
with real loyalists. Yet I see Rome will soon be crammed
with loyalists, I mean with men of wealth and for
tune, crammed full, when the towns have been
abandoned. I would be among them, were it not for
these tiresome lictors. I should not be ashamed of
the company of M . Lepidus, L. Volcacius, Ser. Sulpi-
cius, not one of whom is a bigger fool than L. Domi-
tius, nor a bigger trimmer than Ap. Claudius. Only
Pompey weighs with me, for his past kindnesses, not
for his public influence. For what influence has he
in this case? When we were all afraid of Caesar, he
cherished him. After he has begun to fear Caesar,
he thinks all should be Caesar s enemies. Still I shall
go to Luceria. Perhaps he will not be pleased to
meet me, for I shall not be able to disguise my dis
gust at what he has done so far. If I could sleep, I
would not bother you with such long letters. If you
suffer from the same complaint, I shall be glad if you
will pay me back in the same coin.
II
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Many thanks for everything: for writing me your formiae,
news, for not believing a report, which reflected on my Feb. 17, u.c
energy, and for the expression of your opinion. I 4$
sent Caesar one letter from Capua in answer to
his inquiries about his gladiators. 1 It was short
but friendly, and, so far from abusing Pompey,
1 Cf. p. 69.
101
MARCUS TULL1US CICERO
laude Pompei. Id enim ilia sententia postulabat, qua
ilium ad concordiam hortabar. Eas si quo ille misit,
in publico proponat velim. Alteras eodem die dedi
quo has ad te. Non potui non dare, cum et ipse ad
me scripsisset et Balbus. Earum exemplum ad te
misi. Nihil arbitror fore, quod reprehendas. Si qua
erunt, doce me, quo modo /MC/LU^U effugere possim.
Nihil," inquies, omnino scripseris." Qui magis
effugias eos, qui volent fingere? Verum tamen ita
faciam, quoad fieri poterit. Nam, quod me hortaris
ad memoriam factorum, dictorum, scriptorum etiam
meorum, facis amice tu quidem mihique gratissimum,
sed mihi videris aliud tu honestum meque digiium in
hac causa iudicare, atque ego existimem. Mihi enim
nihil ulla in gente umquam ab ullo auctore rei publi-
cae ac duce turpius factum esse videtur, quam a
nostro amico factum est. Cuius ego vicem doleo ; qui
urbem reliquit, id est patriam, pro qua et in qua mori
praeclarum fuit. Ignorare mihi videris, haec quanta
sit clades. Es enim etiam nunc domi time, sed invitis
perditissimis hominibus esse diutius non potes. Hoc
miserius, hoc turpius quicquam ? Yagamur egentes
cum coniugibus et liberis ; in unius hominis quotannis
periculose aegrotantis anima positas omnes nostras
spes habemus non expulsi, sed evocati ex patria ;
, quam non servandam ad reditum nostrum, sed diri-
piendam et inflammandam reliquimus. Ita multi
nobiscum sunt, non in suburbanis, non in hortis, non
in ipsa urbe, et, si nunc sunt, non erunt. Nos interea
ne Capuae quidem, sed Luceriae, et oram quidem
maritimam iam relinquemus, Afranium exspectabimus
et Petreium. Nam in Labieno parum est dignitatis.
102
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 2
praised him highly. I had to do that, as I was an
advocate of peace between them. If Caesar has
passed on my letter, good: I should like him to
placard it in public. I have sent him another letter on
the date on which I dispatch this to you. I could
not help doing so when he and Balbus wrote to me.
I send you a copy of the letter. I don t think you
can find any fault. If you can find any, tell me how
I can escape criticism. You will say I should have sent
no letter at all. What better plan to escape malicious
tongues? However I will do so as long as I can.
Your exhortations to remember my deeds and words
and even writings are friendly and very pleasant ;
but you seem to have a different idea to mine as to
honour and propriety in this business. To my mind,
no statesman or general has ever been guilty of con
duct so disgraceful as Pompey s. I am sorry for him.
He left Rome, his country, for which and in which it
were glorious to die. You don t seem to me to realize
what a disaster that is. You yourself are still in your
own house; but you cannot stay there any longer
without the consent of villains and traitors. It is the
depth of misery and shame. We wander in want
with wives and children. Our sole hope lies in the
life of one man, who falls dangerously sick every
year. We are not driven, but summoned to leave our
country. And our country which we have left will
not be kept in safety against our return, but abandoned
to fire and plunder. So many Pompeians are with us,
not in their suburban villas, not in Rome, and, if some
are still in Rome, they will soon go. Meantime I
shall not stay at Capua, but at Luceria, and of course
I shall abandon the coast at once. I shall wait for
the move of Afranius and Petreius : for Labienus is a
103
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Hie tu in me illud desideras. Nihil de me . . . dico, alii
viderint. Hie quidem quae est . . . ? 1 Domi vestrae estis
et eritis omnes boni. Quis turn se mihi non ostendit ?
quis nunc adest hoc bello ? Sic enim iam appellandum
est.
Vibulli res gestae sunt adhuc maximae. Id ex
Pompei litteris cognosces ; in quibus animadvertito
ilium locunr, ubi erit 8nrX.rj. Videbis,, de Gnaeonostro
ipse Vibullius quid existimet. Quo igitur haec spectat
oratio ? Ego pro Pompeio lubenter emori possum ;
facio pluris omnium hominum neminem ; sed non ita,
non in eo iudico spem de salute rei publicae. Signi-
ficas enim aliquanto secus, quam solebas, ut etiam
Italia, si ille cedat, putes cedendum. Quod ego nee
rei publicae puto esse utile nee liberis meis, praeterea
neque rectum neque honestum. Sed cur Poterisne
igitur videre tyrannum?" Quasi intersit, audiam an
videam, aut locupletior mihi sit quaerendus auctor
quam Socrates ; qui, cum xxx tyranni essent, pedem
porta nori extulit. Est mihi praeterea praecipua causa
manendi. De qua utinam aliquando tecum loquar!
Ego xin Kalend., cum eadem lucerna hanc epistu-
lam scripsissem, qua inflammaram tuam, Formiis ad
Pompeium, si de pace ageretur, profecturus, si de
bello, quid ero?
1 after me and est there is a space left in M, probably for
some Greek words, e.g. d^tw/xa andd^iunns as Tyrrell and Orclli
suggest.
101
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 2
man of little standing. You may say that I am too. I
say nothing of myself: I leave that to others. Who
has standing here? All you loyalists stay at home,
and will continue to stay there. Who failed me in the
old days? Who supports me now in this war, as I
must call it.
So far Vibullius achievements have been fine.
You will see that from Pompey s letter. Fide the
passage marked. 1 You will see Vibullius own opinion
of Pompey. My point is that I can gladly die for
Pompey s sake there is no one I hold dearer ; but not
in that way. In him I see no hope for the safety of the
state. You express a view different from your usual
view, that I must even leave Italy, if he does. That
course seems to me of no advantage to the state or
to my children, and, moreover, neither right nor
honourable. But why do you say, " Will you be able
to see a tyrant " ? As if it mattered whether I hear of
him or see him, or as if I wanted a better example than
Socrates, who never set foot out of gate during the
reign of the Thirty tyrants. Besides I have a special
reason for staying. I wish I could talk it over with
you.
After writing this letter on the 17th, by the same
lamp as that in which I burned yours, I set out from
Formiae to go to Pompey, and I may be of use, if the
talk is of peace : but, if of war, of what use shall
1 be?
1 The SnrXrj was a marginal mark of this shape > used in
MSS. to mark a special passage or in dialogue to indicate
the appearance of a new speaker.
105
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
III
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Maximis et miserrimis rebus perturbatus, cum
coram tecum mihi potestas deliberandi non esset, uti
tamen tuo consilio volui. Deliberatio autem omnis
haec est, si Pompeius Italia excedat, quod eum factu-
rum esse suspicor, quid mihi agendum putes. Et
quo facilius consilium dare possis, quid in utramque
partem mihi in mentem veniat, explicabo brevi.
Cum merita Pompei summa erga salutem meam,
familiaritasque, quae mihi cum eo est, turn ipsa rei
publicae causa me adducit, ut mihi vel consilium
meum cum illius consilio vel fortuna mca~.cum,illius
fortuna coniungenda esse videatur. Accedit illud.
Si maneo et ilium comitatum optimorum et claris-
simorum civium desero, cadendum est in unius
potestatem. Qui etsi multis rebus significat se nobis
esse amicum (et, ut esset, a me est, tute scis, propter
suspicionem huius impendentis tempestatis multo
ante provisum), tamen utramque considerandum est,
et quanta fides ei sit habenda, et, si maxime ex-
ploratum sit eum nobis amicum fore, sitne viri fortis
et boni civis esse in ea urbe, in qua cum summis
honoribus imperiisque usus sit, res maximas gesserit,
sacerdotio sit amplissimo praeditus, non futurus sit,
qui fuerit, subeundumque periculum sit cum aliquo
forte dedecore, si quando Pompeius rem publicam
recuperarit. In hac parte haec sunt.
Vide nunc, quae sint in altera. Nihil actum est
a Pompeio nostro sapienter, nihil fortiter, addo etiam
nihil nisi contra consilium auctoritatemque meam.
Omitto ilia vetera, quod istum in rem publicam ille
106
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 3
III
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Upset by this grave and most calamitous crisis, Cales,
though I have no opportunity of consulting you person- Feb. 18,
ally, still I wish to enjoy your advice. The whole B.C. 49
question under debate is this. What do you think I
should do, if Pompey leaves Italy, as I expect he will?
To help you to a decision, I will briefly recount what
occurs to me on both sides of the question.
Not only Pompey s great services in bringing
about my restoration_and hi^ intimacy with me, but
the public welf^rp, leads me _to_tliiiik that my policy
and his or, if you will, my fortunes and his_should_be
one. And another thing, if I remain in Italy and desert
the company of loyal and distinguished citizens, I
must fall into the power of one man, and, though he
gives me many tokens of regard (and you know well I
took good care that it should be so with this crisis in
view), yet he still leaves me a twofold problem ; how-
much trust can be put in his promises, and, if I am posi
tive of his good will, is it proper for a man of courage
and loyalty to remain in Rome and lose his position
for the future where he has enjoyed the highest dis
tinctions and commands, performed deeds of import
ance, been invested with the highest seat in the
sacred college, and to suffer risks and perhaps some
shame, if .ever Pompey restore the constitution? So
much for the arguments on one side.
Now look at those on the other. There is not an
atom of prudence or courage in Pompey s policy
and besides nothing that is not clean contrary to my
counsel and advice. I pass over the old grievance,
how Caesar was Pompey s man: Pompey raised him to
107
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
aluit, auxit, armavit, ille legibus per vim et contra
auspicia ferendis auctor, ille Galliae ulterioris adiun-
ctor, ille gener, ille in adoptando P. Clodio augur, ille
restituendi mei quam retinendi studiosior, ille provin-
ciae propagator, ille absentis in omnibus adiutor,
idem etiam tertio consulate postquam esse defensor
rei publicae coepit, contendit, ut decem tribuni pi.
ferrent, ut absentis ratio haberetur, quod idem ipse
sanxit lege quadam sua, Marcoque Marcello consuli
finienti provincias Gallias Kaleiidarum Martiarum die
restitit sed, ut haec omittam, quid foedius, quid
perturbatius lioc ab urbe discessu sive potius turpis-
sima fuga? Quae condicio non accipienda fuit potius
quam relinquenda patria? Malae condiciones erant,
fateor, sed num quid hoc peius ? At recuperabit
rem publicam. Quando? aut quid ad earn spem est
parati ? Non ager Picenus amissus ? non patefactuin
iter ad urbem? non pecunia omnis et publica et
privata adversario tradita? Denique nulla causa,
nullae vires, nulla sedes, quo concurrant, qui rem
publicam defensam velint. Apulia delecta est,
inanissima pars Italiae et ab impetu huius belli
remotissima ; fuga et maritima opportunitas visa
quaeri desperatione. Invite cepi Capuam, non quo
munus illud defugerem, sed in ea causa, in qua iiullus
108
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 3
place and military power, assisted him in passing laws
by force and despite bad omens, granted him
Further Gaul in addition to his province ; Pompey
married his daughter, Pompey was augur at the adop
tion of Clodius ; Pompey was more active in effecting
my restoration than in preventing my banishment ;
Pompey prolonged the tenure of Caesar s provincial
government; Pompej T championed his cause in ab
sence ; and again in his third consulship, when
he began to be the defender of the constitution,
struggled to get the ten tribunes to propose a
bill admitting Caesar s candidature in absence;
ratified that privilege by a law of his own; and
opposed M. Marcellus the consul, when Mar-
cellus would have concluded Caesar s government of
the provinces of Gaul on the 1 st of March. Putting
all this on one side, is not this departure or rather
this disgraceful and iniquitous flight from Rome a
most shameful sign of panic ? Any compromise ought
to have been accepted in preference to abandoning
our country. I admit the terms were bad, but could
anything be worse than this ? If you say he
will restore the constitution, I ask you when and
what preparation, has been made to that end ? We
have lost Picenum : the road lies open to Rome : the
funds of the state and of individuals have been
delivered to our enemy, Finally we have no policy,
no forces, no rendezvous for patriots; Apulia has
been chosen, the least populous district in Italy and
the most removed from the brunt of this war, and
clearly chosen in despair for the opportunity of flight
which the sea affords. With reluctance T fruilv-
charge of r.apjia.nQt_ t.]r?\ti Lwjnild^Mrlj |jig^ duty,
but with the reluctance which one would have in a
109
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
esset ordinum, nullus apertus privatorum dolor,
bonorum autem esset aliquis, sed hebes, ut solet, et,
ut ipse sensissem, multitudo et infimus quisque pro-
pensus in alteram partem, multi mutationis rerum
cupidi, dixi ipsi me nihil suscepturum sine praesidio
et sine pecunia. Itaque habui nihil omnino negotii,
quod ab initio vidi nihil quaeri praeter fugam. Earn
si nunc sequor, quonam ? Cum illo non ; ad quern
cum essem profectus, cognovi in iis locis esse Caesa-
rem, ut tuto Luceriam venire non possem. Infero
mari nobis incerto cursu hieme maxima navigandum
est. Age iam, cum fratre an sine eo cum filio ? at
quo modo? In utraque enim re summa difficultas
erit, summus animi dolor; qui autem impetus illius
erit in nos absentis fortunasque nostras ! Acrior quam
in ceterorum, quod putabit fortasse in nobis violan-
dis aliquid se habere populare. Age iam, has com-
pedes, fascis, inquam, hos laureates ecferre ex Italia
quam molestum est ! qui autem locus erit nobis tutus,
ut iam placatis utamur fluctibus, antequam ad ilium
venerimus ? Qua autem aut quo, nihil scimus. At,
si restitero, et fuerit nobis in hac parte locus, idem
fecero quod in Cinnae dominatione L. Philippus, quod
L. Flaccus, quod Q. Mucius, quoquo modo ea res huic
110
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 3
cause Ju_whioh neither ranks nor individuals had
n.ny t ppling. though there was some feeling
^uggish as usual. Besides, as
_
I felt, the crowd and the dregs of the populace were
inclined to the other side, and many were merely
desirous of revolution. I told Pompey himself that
I could undertake nothing without a garrison and
without funds. So I have had nothing at all to do,
since I saw from the first, that his only object
was flight. If I would share his flight, whither am
I to go ? With him I cannot go ; for, when I set out,
I learned that Caesar was so posted that I could not
reach Luceria with safety. . I should have to go by
the Lower Sea 1 in the depth of winter and with no
certain destination. Moreover am I to take my
brother, or leave him and take my son? But how?
Either course would cause me the greatest trouble
and the greatest grief: and how he will wreak his
rage on me and my property in my absence ! More
vindictively perhaps than in the case of others,
because he will think that vengeance on me will
please the people. Consider too my fetters, I mean
my laurelled fasces. How awkward it will be to
take them out of Italy ! Suppose I enjoy a calm
passage, what place will be safe for me till I join
Pompey ? I have no idea of how or where to go.
But, if I stand my ground and find a place on
Caesar s side, I shall follow the example of L.
Philippus under the tyranny of Cinna, of L. Flaccus
and of Q. Mucius. 2 Though it ended unfortunately
1 I.e. the sea on the west coast of Italy as opposed to
mare superum, the Adriatic.
2 All these persons stayed in Rome during the Cinnan
revolution. Mucius was put to death by the younger Marius
in 82 B.C.
Ill
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
quidem cecidit; qui tamen ita dicere solebat, se id
fore videre, quod factum est, sed malle quam arma-
tum ad patriae moenia accedere. Aliter Thrasybulus
et fortasse melius. Sed est certa quaedam ilia Muei
ratio atque sententia, est ilia etiam Philippi, et, cum
sit necesse, servire tempori et non amittere tempus,
cum sit datum. Sed in hoc ipso habent tamen idem
fasces molestiam. Sit enini nobis amicus, quod incer-
tum est, sed sit ; deferet triumphum. Non accipere
vide ne periculosum sit, accipere invidiosum ad bonos.
O rem/ inquis, difficilem et inexplicabilem ! "
Atqui explicanda est. Quid enim fieri potest? Ac,
ne me existimaris ad manendum esse propensiorem,
quod plura in earn partem verba fecerim, potest fieri,
quod fit in multis quaestionibus, ut res verbosior haec
fuerit, ilia verier. Quam -ob rem ut maxima de re
aequo animo deliberanti ita mihi des consilium velim.
Navis et in Caieta est parata nobis et Brundisi.
Sed ecce nuntii scribente me haec ipsa noctu in
Caleno, ecce litterae Caesarem ad Corfinium, Domi-
tium Corfini cum firmo exercitu et pugnare cupiente.
Non puto etiam hoc Gnaeum nostrum commissurum,
ut Domitium relinquat; etsi Brundisium Scipionem
cum cohortibus duabus praemiserat, legionem Fausto
conscriptam in Sicilian! sibi placere a consule duci
scripserat ad consules. Sed turpe Domitium deserere
erit implorantem eius auxilium. Est quaedam spes
mihi quidem non magna, sed in his locis firma,
Afranium in Pyrenaeo cum Trebonio pugnasse, pul-
sum Trebonium, etiam Fabium tuum transisse cuir
112
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 3
in the case of Q. Mucius, yet he was wont to say he
foresaw the issue, but preferred it to taking arms
against his country. Thrasybulus took the other
and perhaps happier course. But Mucius decision
and views were quite definite, and so were those 6T
Philippus; that one might do some time-serving,
when it was necessary, but when one s time came,
one should not miss it. But, in that event, still my
fasces are a nuisance. I do not know if Caesar
will be friendly; but suppose he is, he will offer
me a triumph. To jefuse would damage my
chances with Caesar, to accept would annoy the
loyalists. It is a h?yyl "d insoluble question : and
ygt solve it I must. x What else can I do ^ I have
said most in favour of staying in Italy: but do not
infer that I have any particular inclination towards
so doing : it may be, as often happens, that there are
more words on one side and more worth on the other.
Then please give me your advice, counting me open-
minded on the important question. There is a boat
ready for me at Caieta and at Brundisium.
But, here are messengers arriving as I write this
letter at night in Cales ; and here is a letter saying that
Caesar has reached Corfinium and that Domitius is
there with a strong force anxious to fight. I do not
think that Pompej r will go so far as to abandon
Domitius, though he sent Scipio ahead to Brundisium
with two squadrons, and has informed the consuls
that he wants one of them to take the legion raised
for Faustus into Sicily. But it were base to desert
Domitius, when he entreats for help. There is some
hope, small enough to my mind, but favoured in this
district, that Afranius has fought with Trebonius in
\e Pyrenees and driven him back, and that your
I VOL. II 113
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
cohortibuS; summa autem Afranium cum magnis
copiis adventare. Id si est, in Italia fortasse mane-
bitur. Ego autem, cum esset incertum iter Caesaris,
quod vel ad Capuam vel ad Luceriam iturus puta-
batur, Leptam misi ad Pompeium et litteras; ipse,
ne quo inciderem, reverti Formias.
Haec te scire volui scripsique sedatiore animo,
quam proxime scripseram, nullum meum iudicium
interponens, sed exquirens tuum.
IV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Dionysius quidem tuus potius quam noster, cuius
Fonniano ego cum satis cognossem mores, tuo tamen potius
V III K. stabam iudicio quam meo, ne tui quidem testimonii,
Mart, ante quod ei saepe apud me dederas, veritus, superbum se
lucem a. praebuit in fortuna, quam putavit nostram fore ; cuius
76*5 fortunae nos, quantum humano consilio effici poterit,
motum ratione quadam gubernabimus. Cui qui
noster honos, quod obsequium, quae etiam ad ceteros
contempt! cuiusdam hominis commendatio defuit? ut
meum iudicium reprehendi a Quiiito fratre volgoque
ab omnibus mallem quam ilium nonefferrem laudibus,
Ciceroiiesque uostros meo potius labore subdoceri
quam me alium iis magistrum quaerere ; ad quern ego
quas litteras, dei immortales, miseram, quantum
honoris significantes, quantum amoris ! Dicaearchum
mehercule aut Aristoxenum diceres arcessi, 11011 unum
hominem omnium loquacissimum et minime aptum ad
docendum. Sed est memoria bona. Me dicet esse
meliore. Quibus litteris ita respondit ut ego nemini,
J14
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 3-1-
friend Fabius too has gone over to Pompey with his
squadrons : and high hope, that Afranius is marching
hither with large forces. If that is true, we may
stay in Italy. But since no one knows Caesar s
route, as he was supposed to be going towards Capua
or Luceria, I am sending Lepta to Pompey with a
letter. Myself I return to Formiae for fear I should
stumble on anyone.
I wanted you to know the news, and I write with
more composure than I stated above. I advance no
views of my own, but ask for yours.
IV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I count Dionysius your man rather than mine : Formiae,
for, though I was well acquainted witli his character, Feb. 22,
I held to your opinion of him rather than to my own. B.C. 4
The fellow has paid no respect even to your frequent
certificates of character, but has become arrogant in
what he takes for a fall in my fortune, though so far
as human wit can avail, I will steer my course
onward with some skill. I never failed Dionysius in
respect or service, or in a good word for the despic
able cad. Nay, I preferred to have my opinion
criticized by Quintus and people in general rather
than omit to praise the fellow ; and, sooner than seek
another master for my -boys, I took pains to give
them private lessons myself. Good God, what a
letter I sent him: how full of respect and affection!
You would think that I was sending for Dicaearchus
or Aristoxenus and not for an arch-chatter-box useless
as a teacher. He has a good memory : he shall have
reason to say that mine is better. He answered the
i2 115
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
cuius causamnon reciperem. Semper enim : Si potero,
si ante suscepta causa lion impediar." Numquam reo
cuiquam tarn humili, tarn sordido, tarn nocenti, tarn ali-
eno tain praecise negavi, quani hie mihi plane sine ulla
exeeptione praecidit. Nihil cognovi ingratius ; in quo
vitio niliil mali non inest. Sed de hoc nimis multa.
Ego navem paravi. Tuas litteras tanien exspecto,
ut sciam, quid respondeant consultation! meae. Sul-
mone C. Atium Paelignum aperuisse Antonio portas,
cum essent cohortes quinque, Q. Lucretium inde effu-
gisse scis, Gnaeum ire Brundisium, desertum Domiti-
um. 1 Confecta res est.
V
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Cum ante lucem vui Kal. litteras ad te de Dio-
miano I If, n y S i o dedissem, vesperi ad nos eodem die venit ipse
T- vr " Dionvsius, auctoritate tua permotus, ut suspicor; quid
A. Mart. a. . ,. j^ . , ,. . , c
. ~ einrn putem ahud? Ltsi solet eum^ cum aliquid fu-
/ (Jo
riose fecit, paenitere. Numquam autem cerritior fuit
quam in hoc negotio. Nam, quod ad te non scripse-
ram, postea audivi a tertio miliario turn eum isse
TroAAa /j.ar>?i Ktpdeo-crtv es t jepa
multa, inquam, mala cum dixisset : suo capiti, ut
aiunt. Sed en meam mansuetudinem ! Conieceram
in fa sciculum una cum tua vementem ad ilium epi-
stulam. Hanc ad me referri volo nee ullam ob aliam
1 Domitium is added by Lipsins.
116
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 4-5
etter in a tone I have never used even when I wished
to decline a case. I always say, "if possible/ "if
10 previous engagement hinders me." I have never
fiven so curt a refusal as his curt unqualified no "
;o any client however humble, however mean, how
ever guilty, however much a stranger. It is the
aeight of ingratitude, and ingratitude includes all
sins. But enough and more than enough of this.
I have a boat ready. Still I wait for a letter from
r ou, that I may know your answer to my problem.
You know that at Sulmo C. Atius Paelignus opened
;he gates to Antonius, though he had five squadrons,
;hat Q. Lucretius has escaped from the place, and
that Pompey has gone to Brundisium, deserting
3omitius. We are done for.
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
After I sent you a letter before daybreak on the Formiae,
;22nd about Dionysius, on the evening of the same Feb. 23 (?),
day came Dionysius himself. I cannot but think that B.C. 49
t was by your influence, though he is wont to repent
iof his fits of temper, and this is the maddest busi
ness he has had a hand in. I did not tell you before,
but I heard later, that, when he had got three miles
rom Rome, he took fright,
When he had vainly butted with his horns
The vacant air." 1
mean he cursed roundly. May his curses fall on
lis own head, as the saying goes. But look at my good
lature. I enclosed in your packet a strong letter
or him. I should be glad to have it returned; and
1 Author unknown.
117
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
causam Pollicem servum a pedibus meis Romam misi.
Eo autem ad te scripsi, ut, si tibi forte reddita esset,
mihi curares referendam, ne in illius manus perve-
niret.
Novi si quid esset, scripsissem. Pendeo animi ex-
spectatione Corfiniensi, in qua de salute rei publicae
decernetur. Tu fasciculum, qui est M . Curio inscri-
ptus, velini cures ad eum perfereiidum Tironenique
Curio commeiides et, ut det ei, si quid opus erit in
sumptum, roges.
VI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Obsignata iam ista epistula, quam de nocte datu-
miano IX rus eram, sicut dedi (nam earn vesperi scripseram),
A. Mart., C. Sosius praetor in Formianum venit ad M . Lepi-
iit videtur, dum, vicinum nostrum, cuius quaestor fuit. Pompei
a. 705 litterarum ad consoles exemplum attulit :
Litterae mihi a L. Domitio a. d. xin Kalend.
Mart, allatae sunt. Earum exemplum infra scripsi.
Nunc, ut ego non scribam, tua sppnte te intellegere
scio, quanti rei publicae intersit omnes copias in
uiium locum primo quoque tempore convenire. Tu,
si tibi videbitur, dabis operam, ut quam primum ad
nos venias, praesidii Capuae quantum constitueris
satis esse, relinquas."
Deinde supposuit exemplum epistulae Domiti,
quod ego ad te pridie miseram. Di immortales, qui
me horror perfudit ! quam sum sollicitus, quidnam
futurum sit ! Hoc tamen spero^ magnum nomen
imperatoris fore, magnum in adventu terrorem.
Spero etianij quoniam adhuc nihil nobis obfuit t nihil
118
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. .5-6
only for that reason have I sent my footman Pollux
to Rome. So I write to you that, if it has come into
your hands, you may return it and not let it fall into
his possession.
I would write any fresh news, if there were any.
I am a-tiptoe with anxiety as to the business at
Corfinium, which will decide the fate of the consti
tution. Please send the packet addressed to M .
Curius, and please recommend Tiro to Curius, and
ask him to supply his wants.
VI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
After I had sealed that letter to you, which I Formiae,
wanted to dispatch last night (I wrote it in the Feb. 21 (
evening and did dispatch it), C. Sosius the praetor B.C. Ifi
came to Formiae to visit my neighbour, M . Lepidus,
whose quaestor he was. He brought a copy of
Pompey s letter to the consuls : I have received a
dispatch from L. Domitius, dated the 17th of
February. I enclose a copy. Now without a word
from me, I know you realize of your own accord how
important it is for the State that all our forces should
concentrate at one spot at the earliest possible date.
If you agree, endeavour to reach me at once, leaving
Capua such garrison as you may consider necessary."
Then appended is a copy of Domitius letter which
I sent you yesterday. My God, how terrified I was
and how distracted I am as to the future ! I hope his
nickname the Great will inspire great panic on his
arrival. I hope too, since nothing has stood in our
way at present [except his negligence, he is not
119
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
mutasset neglegentia hoc quod cum fortiter et dili-
genter turn etiam mehercule.t
Modo enim audivi quartanam a te discessisse.
Moriar, si magis gauderem, si id mihi accidisset.
Piliae die noil esse aequum earn diutius habere nee id
esse vestrae concordiae. Tironem nostrum ab altera
relictum audio. Sed eum video in sumptum ab aliis
mutuatum ; ego autem Curium nostrum, si quid opus
esset, rogaram. Malo Tironis verecundiam in culpa
esse quam inliberalitatem Curi.
VII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Uiium etiam restat amico nostro ad omne dedecus,
miano I II ut Domitio non subveniat. ( At nemo dubitat, quin
A. Mart., ut subsidy venturus sit." Ego non puto. Deseretigi-
videtur, a. . , . , T
_ tur talem civem et eos, quos una scis esse, cum habeat
praesertim is ipse cohortes trigmta ? " Nisi me
omnia fallunt, deseret. Incredibiliter pertimuit,
nihil spectat nisi fugam. Cui tu (video enim, quid
sentias) me comitem putas debere esse. Ego vero,
quern fugiam, habeo, quern sequar, non habeo. Quod
enim tu meum laudas et memorandum dicis, malle
quod dixerim me cum Pompeio vinci quam cum istis
vincere, ego vero malo, sed cum illo Pompeio, qui
turn erat, aut qui mihi esse videbatur, cum hoc vero,
qui ante fugit, quam scit, aut quern fugiat aut quo,
qui nostra tradidit, qui patriam reliquit, Italiam re-
120
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 6-7
neglecting a point which ought to be carried out
vigorously]. l
I have just heard that you have lost your fever.
Upon my life I could not be better pleased, if I had
recovered myself. Tell Pilia that sucli a perfect
helpmeet should not be sick longer than her husband.
I hear that Tiro has recovered from his second at
tack : but I see he has been raising money from
strangers. I had commissioned Curius to supply him
with funds. I hope it is Tiro s diffidence and not
Curius meanness that is to blame.
VII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
The one act needed to crown Pompey s disgrace is Formiae,
the desertion of Domitius. I don t agree with the Feb. 23 (?),
universal opinion that he is sure to help him. Will B.C. 49
he desert so distinguished a citizen as Domitius and
those with him, even though he has thirty cohorts at
his command ? " Unless I am greatly mistaken he will
desert him. He is incredibly alarmed, and has no
thought but flight ; and you want me to go with
him ; for I see what you think. Yes, I have a foe
to flee from, but no friend to follow. As for your
praise of that remark of mine, which you quote and
call so memorable, that I would rather be conquered
with Pompey than conquer with Caesar, well, I would:
but it must be with Pompey my old hero or ideal.
As to the Pompey of to-day, who flees before he
knows from whom he is running or where to run ;
who has betrayed us, abandoned his country and de-
1 The words in brackets only attempt to give the probable
sense of this hopelessly corrupt passage.
121
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
linquit, si malui, contigit, victus sum. Quod superest,
nee ista videre possum, qtiae numquam timui ne
viderem, nee mehercule istum, propter quern mihi
non modo meis, sed memet ipso carendum est.
Ad Philotimum scrips! de viatico sive a Moneta
(nemo enim solvit) sive ab Oppiis, tuis contubernali-
bus. Cetera apposita tibi mandabo.
VIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- O rem turpem et ea re miseram ! Sic enim sentio,
miano I 1 A. jj (J emum au t potius id solum esse miserum, quod
Mart. a.
jfl- turpe sit. Aluerat Caesarem ; eundem repente timere
coeperat, condicionem pacis nullam probarat, nihil
ad bellum pararat, urbem reliquerat, Picenum amiserat
culpa., in Apuliam se compegerat, ibat in Graeciam,
omnes nos d7rpo(r(coi 7/T(n>s, expertes sui tanti, tarn
inusitati consilii relinquebat. Ecce subito litterae
Domiti ad ilium, ipsius ad consules. Fulsisse mihi
videbatur -o KaXov ad oculos eius et exclamasse ille
vir, qui esse debuit :
ITpos rai O o ri Xpi) xal TraXa/j.dcrGw
Koi TTUIT e~ e/iot
TO yap e? /xe
122
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 7-8
serted Italy, well, if I wanted to be conquered with
him, I have got my wish ; I am conquered. For
the rest I cannot bear to look at Caesar s doings. I
never expected to see them, nor the man himself
who robs me not only of my friends, but of myself.
I have written to Philotimus about money for the
journey either from the mint, 1 for none of my
debtors will pay up, or from your associates the
bankers. I will give you all other requisite instruc
tions.
VIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
What disgrace, and therefore what misery! For I Format,
feel disgrace to be Ihe crown of misery, or indeed Feb. 24,
the only real misery. Pompey treated Caesar as his B.C. Jfi
protege, began suddenly to fear him, declined terms
of peace, made 110 preparation for war, quitted Rome,
lost Picenum by his own fault, got himself blocked
in Apulia, went off to Greece without a word, leaving
us in ignorance of a plan so important and unusual.
Then all of a sudden Domitius letter to Pompey and
Pompey s letter to the consuls. It seemed to me
that the Right had flashed upon his gaze, and that
he, the old heroic Pompey, cried :
"What subtle craft they will let them devise,
And work their wiliest in my despite.
The right is on my side."
1 The Roman Mint was at the Temple of Juno Moneta.
Apparently money could be obtained there by exchange for
bullion.
-A fragment of Euripides parodied by Aristophanes,
Acharnians, 659-661.
123
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
At ille tibi TroXAa yn.ipt.iv T( f KaA.<f dicens pergit
Brundisium. Domitium autem aiunt re audita et
eos, qui una assent, se tradidisse. O rem lugubrem !
Itaque intercludor dolore, quo minus ad te plura
scribam. Tuas litteras exspecto.
IX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Epistulam meam quod pervulgatam scribis esse,
miano J K. non f ero moleste, quin etiam ipse multis dedi descri-
bendam. Ea enim et acciderunt iam et impendent,
ut testatum esse velim, de pace quid senserim. Cum
autem ad earn hortarer eum praesertim hominem,
non videbar ullo modo facilius moturus, quam si id,
quod eum hortarer, convenire eius sapientiae dicerem.
Earn si admirabilem " dixi, cum eum ad salutem
patriae hortabar, non sum veritus, ne viderer adsen-
tari, cui tali in re lubenter me ad pedes abiecissem.
Quod autem est aliquid inpcrtias temporis," non
est, de pace, sed de me ipso et de meo officio ut ali
quid cogitet. Nam, quod testificor me expcrtem
belli fuisse, etsi id re perspectum est, tamen eo
scripsi, quo in suadendo plus auctoritatis haberem ;
eodemque pertinet, quod causam eius probo.
Sed quid haec nunc ? Utinam aliquid profectum
esset ! Ne ego istas litteras in contione recitari
velim, si quidem ille ipse ad eundem scribens in
publico proposuit epistulam illam, in qua est pro tuis
rebus gestis amplissimis" (amplioribusne quam suis,
124
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 8-9
However Pompey bids a long farewell to honour
and away for Brundisium. They say that Domitius
and those with him surrendered on receipt of the
news. What a doleful business ! Grief prevents me
writing more. I await a letter from you.
IX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I am not upset at the circulation of my letter, in- Formiae,
deed I myself let many people take a copy. Con- Feb. 25,
sidering what has happened and is likely to happen, B.C. 49-
I want my views on peace published. And when I
exhorted Caesar of all men to seek peace, I had no
readier argument than to say, that peace became a
man of his wisdom. If I spoke of his admirable"
wisdom, seeing that I was urging him on to the sal
vation of our country, I was not afraid of appearing
to flatter him : in such a cause I would gladly have
cast myself at his feet. When I use the phrase
"spare time," that does not mean for the consideration
of peace, but for the consideration of myself and my
obligations. As to my statement that I have taken no
part in the war, though the facts are evidence, I
wrote it to give greater weight to my advice and
it was for the same reason that I expressed ap
probation of his case.
But this is idle talk now : I only wish it had done
some good. Why, I should not object to the recital
of my letter at a public meeting, when Pompey him
self, writing to Caesar, exhibited for public perusal a
letter containing the words On account of your
splendid achievements," (are they more splendid
125
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
quam African! ? Ita tempus ferebat), si quidem etiam
vos duo tales ad quintum miliarium quid nunc ipsum
de se recipient!, quid agenti, quid acturo? Quanto
autem ferocius ille causae suae confidet, cum vos, cum
vestri similes non modo frequentes, sed laeto vultu
gratulantes viderit ! " Num igitur peccamus ? " Mi-
nime vos quidem; sed tamen signa conturbantur,
quibus voluntas a simulatione distingui posset. Quae
vero senatus consulta video ? Sed apertius, quam
proposueram.
Ego Arpini volo esse pridie Kal., deinde circum
villulas nostras errare, quas visurum me postea de-
speravi. Evyei v} tua consilia et tamen pro temporibus
non incauta mihi valde probantur. Lepido quidem
(nam fere on t 6t?7/xep rosier, quod gratissimum illi est)
numquam placuit ex Italia exire, Tullo multo minus.
Crebro enim illius litterae ab aliis ad nos commeant.
Sed me illorum sententiae minus movebant ; minus
multa dederant illi rei publicae pignora. Tua me-
hercule auctoritas vehementer movet ; adfert enim et
reliqui temporis recuperandi rationem et praesentis
tuendi. Sed, obsecro te, quid hoc miserius quam
alterum plausus in foedissima causa quaerere, alterum
offensiones in optima ? alterum existimari conserva-
torem inimicorum, alterum desertorem ainicorum ?
Et mehercule, quamvis amemus Gnaeum nostrum,
ut et facimus et debemus, tamen hoc, quod talibus
viris non subvenit, laudare non possum. Nam, sive
126
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. f)
than Pompey s own, or those of Africanus ? Circum
stances made him say so.) and when two men like
you and S. Peducaeus are going to meet him at the
fifth milestone," and at this moment to what course
does he pledge himself, what is he doing, what is he
going to do? Surely his belief in his rights will
grow more vehement, when he sees you and men
like you not only in crowds, but with joy upon your
faces. " What harm in that," you ask? Not a bit, as
far as you are concerned : but still the outward signs
of the distinction between genuine feeling and pre
tence are all upset. I foresee some strange decrees
of the Senate. But my letter has been more frank
than I intended.
I hope to be at Arpinum on the 28th, and then to
visit my country estates, I fear for the last time.
Your policy, gentlemanly, but not without a touch of
caution suited to the times, has my sincere approval.
Lepidus, who has the pleasure of my company
almost every day, never liked the plan of quit
ting Italy : Tullus detested it : for letters from
him often reach me from other hands. However
their views influence me little : they have given
fewer pledges to the state than I : but I am
strongly swayed by the weight of your opinion,
which proposes a plan for betterment in the future
and security in the present. Is there a more
wretched spectacle than that of Caesar earning
praise in the most disgusting cause, and of Pompey
earning blame in the most excellent : of Caesar
being regarded as.the saviour of his enemies, and Pom-
pey as a traitor to his friends ? Assuredly though I
love Pompey, from inclination and duty, still I cannot
praise his failure to succour such men. If it was fear,
127
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
timuit, quid ignavius ? sive, ut quidani putant, melio-
rem suam causam illorum caede fore putavit, quid
iniustius ? Sed liaec omittamus ; augemus enim
dolorem retractando.
vi Kal. vesperi Balbus minor ad me venit occulta
via currens ad Lentulum consulem missu Caesaris
cum litteris, cum mandatis, cum promissione provin-
ciae, Romam ut redeat. Cui persuader! posse non ar-
bitror, nisi erit conventus. Idem aiebat nihil malle
Caesarem, quam ut Pompeium adsequeretur (id credo)
et rediret in gratiam. Id non credo et metuo, ne
omnis haec dementia ad Cinneam illam crudelitatem
colligatur. Balbus quidem maior ad me scribit nihil
malle Caesarem quam principe Pompeio sine metu
vivere. Tu, puto, haec credis. Sed, cum haec
scribebam v Kalend., Pompeius iam Brundisium ve-
nisse poterat ; expeditus enim antecesserat legiones
xi K. Luceria. Sed hoc repas horribili vigilantia,
celeritate, diligentia est. Plane, quid futurum sit,
X
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Dionj r sius cum ad me praeter opinionem meam
mifino IV K. venisset, locutus sum cum eo liberalissime ; tempora
Mart. a. exposui, rogavi, ut diceret, quid haberet in animo ;
fOo me nihil ab ipso invito contendere. Respondit se,
quod in nummis haberet, nescire quo loci esset ; alios
non solvere, aliorum diem nondum esse. Dixit
etiam alia quaedam de servulis suis, quare nobiscum
Cinnenni Tyrrell and Purser: imam MSS. : Sullanam
Orelli.
128
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 9-10
it was most cowardly ; if, as some think, he imagined
that their massacre would assist his cause, it was most
iniquitous. But let us pass over this, for remembrance
adds to my sorrow.
On the evening of the 2ith, Balbus the younger
came to me, hunting on a secret errand to the con
sul Lentulus from Caesar with a letter, a commission,
and the promise of a province on condition of his re
turning to Rome. I don t think that he can be talked
over without a, personal interview. Balbus said
that Caesar was most anxious to meet Pompey (I
believe it), and to get on good terms with him.
This I do not believe and I fear all his kindness is
only a preparation for cruelty like Cinna s. Balbus
the elder writes to me that Caesar wants nothing
better than to live in safety under Pompey. I expect
you will believe that. But while I write this letter
on the 25th of February, Pompey may have reached
Brundisium. He set out without baggage, and before
his legions, on the 19th from Luceria. But that
bogy-man has terrible wariness, speed and energy.
The future is a riddle to me.
X
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I spoke to Dionysius in the frankest way, when Formiae,
contrary to my expectations he arrived. I told him Feb. 26,
how matters stood ; asked him his intentions, and B.C. J$
said that I would not press him against his will. He
replied that he did not know where such money as he
owned was : that some creditors did not pay, that
other debts were not yet due. He said something
about his wretched slaves that would prevent his
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
esse non posset. Morem gessi ; dimisi a me ut
magistrum Ciceronum non lubenter, ut hominem in-
gratum non invitus. Volui te scire, et quid ego de
eius facto iudicarem.
XI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in For- Quod me magno animi motu perturbatum putas,
miano III sum equidem, sed non tarn magno, q*uam tibi fortasse
A. Mart. a. yideor. Levatur enim omnis cura, cum aut constitit
consilium, aut cogitando nihil explicatur. Lamentari
autem licet illud quidem totos dies; sed vereor, ne,
nihil cum proficiam, etiam dedecori sim studiis ac lit-
teris nostris. Consumo igitur omne tempus conside-
rans, quanta vis sit illius viri, quern nostris libris satis
diligenter, ut tibi quidem videmur, expressimus.
Tenesne igitur moderatorem ilium rei publicae quo
referre velimus omnia? Nam sic quinto, ut opinor,
in libro loquitur Scipio : Ut enim gubernatori cur-
sus secundus, medico salus, imperatori victoria, sic
huic moderatori rei publicae beata civium vita propo-
sita est, ut opibus firma, copiis locuples, gloria ampla,
virtute honesta sit. Huius enim operis maximi inter
homines atque optimi ilium esse perfectorem volo."
Hoc Gnaeus noster cum antea numquam turn in hac
causa minime cogitavit. Dominatio quaesita ab utro-
que est, non id actum, beata et honesta civitas ut
esset. Nee vero ille urbem reliquit, quod earn tueri
non posset, nee Italiam, quod ea pelleretur, sed hoc
a primo cogitavit^ omnes terras, omnia maria movere,
regies barbaros incitare, gentes feras armatas in Italiam
130
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 10-11
staying with me. I acquiesced, sorry to lose a
master for my boys ; but glad to be rid of an un
grateful fellow. I wanted you to know what happened
and my opinion of his conduct.
XI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
As you suppose, I am in great anxiety of mind : Formiac,
but it is not so great as you may imagine. I am rid Feb. 27,
of care, as soon as resolve is fixed or thought proves B.C. J$
futile. Still I may lament my lot as I do all day long.
But I fear, since lamentation is idle, I disgrace my
philosophy and my works. So I spend my time con
sidering the character of the ideal statesman, who
is sketched clearly enough, you seem to think, in
my books on the Republic. You remember then the
standard by which our ideal governor was to weigh
his acts. Here are Scipio s words, in the 5th book, I
think it is : As a safe voyage is the aim of the pilot,
health of the phj sician, victory of the general, so
the ideal statesman will aim at happiness for the
citizens of the state to give them material security,
copious wealth, wide-reaching distinction and un
tarnished honour. This, the greatest and finest of
human achievements, I want him to perform." Pom-
pey never had this notion and least of all in the
present cause. Absolute power is what he and Caesar
have sought; their aim has not been to secure the
happiness and honour of the community. Pompey
has not abandoned Rome, because it was impossible to
defend, nor Italy on forced compulsion ; but it was his
idea from the first to plunge the world into war, to
stir up barbarous princes, to bring savage tribes into
K2 131
MARCUS TULL1US CICERO
adducere, cxercitus conficere maxiinos. Genus illud
Sullani regni iam pridem appetitur multis, qui una
sunt, cupientibus. An censes nihil inter eos con-
venire, nullain pactionem fieri potuisse ? Hodie
potest. Sed neutri O-KO-OS est ille, ut nos beati
simus; uterque regnare vult.
Haec a te invitatus breviter exposui. Voluisti enim
me, quid de his malis sentirem, osteiidere. llpodc-
CTTTI^OJ igitur, noster Attice, non hariolans ut ilia, cui
nemo credidit, sed coniectura prospiciens :
lamque mari magno
non multo, inquam, secus possum vaticinari. Taiita
malorum impendet IAtd?. Atque hoc nostra gravior
est causa, qui domi sumus, quam illorum, qui una
transierunt, quod illi quidem alterum metuunt, nos
utrumque. Cur igitur," inquis, remansimus?" Vel
tibi paruimus vel non occurrimus, vel hoc fuit rectius.
Conculcari, inquam, miseram Italiam videbis proxima
aestate aut utriusque in mancipiis ex omni genere
collectis, nee tarn proscriptio pertimescenda, quae
Luceriae multis sermonibus denuntiata esse dicitur,
quam universae rei p. interitus. Tantas in conHigendo
utriusque vires video futuras. Habes coniecturam
meam. Tu autem consolationis fortasse aliquid ex-
spectasti. Nihil invenio, nihil fieri potest miserius,
nihil perditius, nihil foedius.
Quod quaeris, quid Caesar ad me scripserit, quod
saepe, gratissimum sibi esse, quod quierim, oratque,
in eo ut perseverem. Balbus minor haec eadem man-
data. Iter autem eius erat ad Lentulum consulem
cum litteris Cacsaris praemiorumque promissis, si
132
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 1 1
Italy under arms,, and to gather a huge army. A sort
of Sulla s reign has long been his object, and is the
desire of manj- of his companions. Or do you think
that no agreement, no compromise between him and
Caesar was possible ? Why, it is possible to-day :
but neither of them looks to our happiness. Both
want to be kings.
At your request I have given an outline of my views;
for you wanted an expression of my opinion on these
troubles. So I play the prophet, my dear Atticus,
not at random like Cassandra whom no one believed,
but with imaginative insight. Now on the great Ennius,
sea" my prophecy runs like the old tag: such an Iliad AlexandeT -
of woe hangs over us. The case of us, who stay at home,
is worse than that of those who have gone with
Pompey, for they have only one to fear, while we
have both. You ask then, why I stay. Well, in
compliance with your request, or because I could not
meet Pompey on his departure, or because it was the
more honourable course. I say you will see poor Italy
trodden down next summer or in the hands of their
slaves drawn from every quarter of the globe. It will
not be a proscription (in spite of the talk and threats
we hear of at Luceria) which we shall have to dread,
but general destruction. So huge are the forces that
will join in the struggle. That is my prophecy.
Perhaps you looked for consolation. I see none :
we have reached the limit of misery, ruin and
disgrace.
You inquire what Caesar said in his letter. The usual
thing, that my inaction pleases him, and he begs me
to maintain it. Balbus the younger brought the same
message by word of mouth. Balbus was travelling
to Lentulus the consul with letters from Caesar, and
133
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Romam revertisset. Verum, cum habeo rationem
dierum, ante puto tramissurum, quam potuerit con-
veniri.
Epistularum Pompei duarum^ quas ad me misit,
neglegentiam meamque in rescribendo diligentiam
volui tibi notam esse. Earum exempla ad te misi.
Caesaris bic per Apuliam ad Brundisium cursus
quid efficiat., exspecto. Utinam aliquid simile Parthi-
cis rebus ! Simul aliquid audierOj scribam ad te. Tu
ad me velim bonorum sermones. Romae frequentes
esse dicuntur. Scio equidem te in publicum non prod-
ire, sed tamen audire te multa necesse est. Memini
librum tibi adferri a Demetrio Magnete ad te missum
[scio] 1 Trepi o/xovot as. Eum mihi velim mittas. Vides,
quam causam mediter.
Xla
C\. MAGNUS PROCOS. S. D. M. CICERONI IMP.
Scr.Luceriae Q. Fabius ad me venit a. d. Tin Idus Febr. Is
- nuntiat L. Domitium cum suis cohortibus xn et cum
cobortibus xim, quas Vibullius adduxit, ad me iter
babere ; babuisse in animo proficisci Corfinio a. d. v
Idus Febr. ; C. Hirrum cum v cobortibus subsequi.
Censeo, ad nos Luceriam venias. Nam te bic tutis-
sime puto fore.
1 scio deleted by Wcscnbctg.
134
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 11-1 la
promises of reward, if he would go back to Rome.
Reckoning the days, however, I fancy Lepidus will
cross the sea, before Balbus can meet him.
I send copies of Pompey s two dispatches to me.
Please note his careless style and my careful answer.
I am waiting to see the result of this dash of Caesar s
on Brundisium through Apulia. I should like a re
petition of the Parthian incident. 1 As soon as I get
any news, I will write. Please send me the talk of
the loyalists who are said to be numerous at Rome.
I know you do not go out, but talk must reach your
ears. I remember a book being given to you by
Demetrius of Magnesia. It was dedicated to you,
and bore the title On Concord. I should be glad if
you would let me have it. You see the part I am
studying.
XIa
THE GREETINGS OF CN. MAGNUS PROCONSUL TO
CICERO THE IMPERATOR.
Q. Fabius came to me on the 10th of February. Luceria,
He announces that L. Domitius with his twelve Feb. 10,
cohorts and fourteen cohorts brought by Vibul- B - c - 4&
lius is on the march towards me ; that he intended to
leave Corfinium on the 9th of February and that C.
Hirrus with five cohorts follows behind. I think
you should come to me at Luceria, for here I imagine
will be your safest refuge.
1 I.e. a sudden retreat. Cf. VI, 6.
135
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Xlb
M. CICERO IMP. S. D. CN. MAGNO PROCOS.
Scr. Formiis A. d. xv Kalend. Martias Formiis accepi tuas lit-
A.11 K. teras; ex quibus ea, quae in agro Piceno gesta erant,
a. . a. C ognovi commodiora esse multo, quam ut erat nobis
nuntiatum, Vibullique virtu tern industriamque liben-
ter agnovi.
Nos adhuc in ea ora, ubi praepositi sumus, ita
fuimus, ut navem paratam haberemus. Ea enim au-
diebamus et ea verebamur, ut, quodcumque tu con-
silium cepisses, id nobis persequendum putaremus.
Nunc, quoniam auctoritate et consilio tuo in spe fir-
miore sumus, si teneri posse putas Tarraciriam et oram
maritimam, in ea manebo, etsi praesidia in oppidis
nulla sunt. Nemo enim nostri ordinis in his locis est
praeter M. Eppium, quern ego Menturnis esse volui,
\ r igilantem hominem et industrium. Nam L. Torqua-
tum, virum fortem et cum auctoritate, Formiis non
habemus, ad te profectum arbitramur.
Ego omnino, ut proxime tibi placuerat, Capuam
veni eo ipso die, quo tu Teano Sidicino es profectus.
Volueras enim me cum M. Considio pro praetore ilia
negotia tueri. Cum eo venissem, vidi T. Ampium
dilectum habere diligentissime, ab eo accipere Libo-
nem, summa item diligentia et in ilia colonia auctori
tate. Fui Capuae, quoad coiisules. Iterum, ut erat
edictum a consulibus, veni Capuam ad Nonas Februar.
Cum fuissem triduum. recepi me Formias.
136
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. lib
Xlb
M. CICERO IMPERATOR GREETINGS TO CN. MAGNUS
PROCONSUL.
On the 1 5th of February I got your letter at For- Fonniae,
miae. I gather that matters in Picenum were much Feb. 16,
more satisfactory than I had heard, and am glad to B.C. Jfi
learn of the bravery and energy of Vibullius.
So far I have stayed on this coast where I was
given the command, but I have kept a boat ready.
For the news and my fears were such that I felt I
must follow any plan you should make. But now
your influence and your policy have encouraged me, I
will stay in the coast districts and Tarracina, if you
think that the district can be held. The towns,
however, are without garrison, for there is no member
of the Senate in the district except M. Eppius, a
man of foresight and energy, whom I desired to stay
at Menturnae. The gallant and influential L. Torqua-
tus is not at Formiae, but I fancy has set out to join
you.
In entire accord with your latest instructions, I
went to Capua on the very day you left Teanum Sidi-
cinum. For you had desired me to take part with M.
Considius the propraetor in looking after things there.
On arrival I found that T. Ampius was holding a levy
with the greatest energy, and that the troops raised
were being taken over by Libo, a local man of energy
and influence. I stayed at Capua as long as the con
suls. Once again in accordance with instructions
from the consuls I went to Capua for the 5th of Feb
ruary. After a stay of three days I returned to
Formiae.
137
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Nunc quod tuum consilium aut quae ratio belli
sit, ignoro. Si tenendam hanc oram putas, quae et
oportunitatem et dignitatem habet et egregios cives,
et, ut arbitror, teneri potest, opus est esse, qui prae-
sit; sin omnia in unum locum eontrahenda sunt, non
dubito, quin ad te statim veniam, quo mihi nihil opta-
tius est, idque tecum, quo die ab urbe discessimus,
locutus sum. Ego, si cui adhuc videor segnior fuisse,
dum ne tibi videar, non laboro, et tamen, si, ut video,
bellum gerendum est, confido me omnibus facile satis
facturum. M. Tullium, meum necessarium, ad te
misi, cui tu, si tibi videretur, ad me litteras dares.
XIc
CN. MAGNUS PROCOS. S. D. M. CICERONI IMP.
S. V. B. Tuas litteras libenter legi. Recognovi
enim tuam pristinam virtutem etiam in salute com-
muni. Consules ad eum exercitum, quern in Apulia
habui, venerunt. Magno opere te hortor pro tuo sin-
gulari perpetuoque studio in rem publicam, ut te ad
nos conferas, ut communi consilio rei publicae adfli-
ctae opem atque auxilium feramus. Censeo, via Appia
iter facias et celeriter Brundisium venias.
Xld
M. CICERO IMP. S. D. CN. MAGNO PROCOS.
Scr. Formiis Cum ad te litteras misissem, quae tibi Canusi red-
III K. Mart, ditae sunt, suspicionem nullam habebam te rei publi-
a. 705 138
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. llb-lld
At the present moment I do not know what are
your ideas and plan of campaign. If you think that
this coast should be held and Capua has a good posi
tion and is an important town, not to speak of its loyal
inhabitants, and to my mind tenable a commander
is wanted. If your plan is concentration, I will come
to you at once without hesitation. Nothing would
delight me more, and I told you so on the day of our
departure from Rome. I do not trouble about criti
cisms of inactivity from anyone but yourself. If, as I
foresee, war is inevitable, I feel I can easily satisfy
every criticism. I have sent my relative M. Tullius
in case you may wish to send a reply.
XIc
CN. MAGNUS PROCONSUL SENDS GREETINGS TO
CICERO IMPERATOR.
I hope you are well. I was glad to read your letter, Canusium,
for once again I recognized your tried courage in the Febr. 20,
interests of public safety. The consuls have joined B.C. 1$
my army in Apulia. I beg you earnestly in the
name of your exceptional and continued zeal for the
state to join me as well, so that we may plan together
to benefit and assist the state in her sore straits. I
hold that you should travel by the Appian road and
come with speed to Brundisium.
Xld
M. CICERO IMPERATOR SENDS GREETINGS TO CN. MAGNUS,
PRO-CONSUL.
When I sent you the letter which was delivered Formiae,
to you at Canusium, I had no idea that the state s Febr. 27,
I 39 B.C. 49
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
cae causa mare transiturum eramque in spe magna
fore ut in Italia possemus aut concordiam constituere,
qua mihi nihil utilius videbatur, aut rem publicam
summa cum dignitate defendere. Interim nondum
meis litteris ad te perlatis ex iis mandatis, quae D.
Laelio ad consules dederas, certior tui consilii factus
non exspectavi, dum mihi a te litterae redderentur,
confestimque cum Quinto fratre et cum liberis no-
stris iter ad te in Apuliam facere coepi. Cum Teanum
Sidicinum venissem, C. Messius, familiaris tuus, mihi
dixit aliique complures Caesarem iter habere Capuam
et eo ipso die mansurum esse Aeserniae. Sane sum
commotus. quod, si ita esset, non modo iter meum
interclusum, sed me ipsum plane exceptum putabam.
Itaque turn Cales processi, ut ibi potissimum con-
sisterem, dum certum nobis ab Aesernia de eo, quod
audieram, referretur.
At mihi, cum Calibus essem, adfertur litterarum
tuarum exemplum, quas tu ad Lentulum consulem
misisses. Hae scriptae sic erant, litteras tibi a L.
Domitio a. d. xm Kal. Martias allatas esse (earumque
exemplum subscripseras) ; magnique interesse rei
publicae scripseras omnes copias primo quoque tern-
pore in unum locum convenire, et ut, praesidio quod
satis esset, Capua e relinqueret. His ego litteris lectis
in. eadem opinione fui qua reliqui omnes, te cum
omnibus copiis ad Corfinium esse venturum ; quo
mihi, cum Caesar ad oppidum castra haberet, tutum
iter esse non abritrabar.
Cum res in summa exspectatione esset, utrumque
simul audivimus, et quae Corh ni acta essent, et te iter
Brundisium facere coepisse ; cumque nee mihi nee
fratri meo dubium esset. quin Brundisium contendere-
UO
LETTERS TO ATT1CUS VI11. lid
welfare would drive you to flight across the seas, and
I had great hopes that it might be in Italy we should
either conclude peace (the wisest course to my mind)
or fight for the state with honour untarnished. My
letter cannot have reached you yet, but from the
message which you entrusted to D. Laelius for the
consuls I learnt of your plans. I did not wait for a
reply to my letter, but forthwith set out along with
my brother Quintus and the children to join you in
Apulia. On arrival at Teanum Sidicinum I was told
by your friend C. Messius, and many other people,
that Caesar was on his way to Capua, and would
bivouac that very day at Aesernia. I was really
startled, as it occurred to me, that, if that was so, my
road was closed, and I myself was quite captured. So I
went to Cales, choosing that particular place to stay
at, till I should get certain news from Aesernia as to
the rumour I had heard.
At Cales I received a copy of your letter to
Lentulus the consul. Its purport was that you had
got a letter (of which you subjoined a copy) from L.
Domitius on the 1 7th of February, and you considered
it of the greatest public importance to concen
trate your forces on the earliest possible occasion,
and that a sufficient garrison should be left at Capua.
On the perusal of this dispatch I agreed with others
in supposing that you would come in full force to
Corniiium. As Caesar was encamped against the
town, I considered the road thither was not safe
for me.
Anxiously awaiting news, I heard two reports at
the same time : news of the affair of Corfinium, and
that you were coming to Brundisium. Neither I nor
my brother had any hesitation about starting for
141
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
mus, a multis, qui e Samnio Apuliaque veniebant,
admoniti sumus, ut caveremus, lie exciperemur a
Caesare, quod is in eadem loca, quae nos petebamus,
profectus celerius etiam, quam nos possemus, eo, quo
intenderet, venturus esset. Quod cum ita esset, nee
mihi nee fratri meo nee cuiquam amicorum placuit
committere, ut temeritas nostra non solum nobis, sed
etiam rei publicae iioceret, cum praesertim non
dubitaremus, quin, si etiam tutum nobis iter fuisset,
te tamen iam consequi non possemus.
Interim accepimus tuas litteras Canusio a. d. x K.
Martias datas, quibus nos hortaris, ut celerius Brun-
disium veniamus. Quas cum accepissemus a.d. in K.
Martias, non dubitabamus, quin tu iam Brundisium
pervenisses, nobisque iter illud omnino interclusum
videbamus neque minus nos esse captos, quam qui
Corfini fuissent. Neque enim eos solos arbitrabamur
capi, qui in armatorum manus incidissent, sed eos
nihilo minus, qui regionibus exclusi intra praesidia
atque intra arma aliena venissent.
Quod cum ita sit, maxima vellem primum semper
tecum fuissem ; quod quidem tibi ostenderam, cum a
me Capuam reiciebam. Quod feci non vitandi oneris
causa, sed quod videbam teneri illam urbem sine
exercitu non posse, accidere autem mihi nolebam,
quod doleo viris fortissimis accidisse. Quoniam
autem, tecum ut essem, non contigit, utinam tui
consilii certior factus essem ! Nam suspicione adsequi
non potui, quod omnia prius arbitratus sum fore, quam
ut haec rei publicae causa in Italia non posset duce
te consistere. Neque vero nunc consilium tuum re-
prehendo, sed fortuiiam rei publicae lugeo nee, si
142
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. lid
Brundisium, when many travellers from Samnium and
Apulia warned us to beware of capture, because
Caesar had set out for the same destination, and was
likely to reach there quicker than ourselves. Under
those circumstances, I, my brother and our friends
were reluctant to allow any rashness of ours to dam
age the state as well as ourselves. Moreover, we
were sure that, even if our path were clear, we could
not overtake you.
Meanwhile I got a letter from you dated at
Canusium, of the 20th of February, in which you
urged me to hasten to Brundisium. Receiving this
on the 27th, I felt confident you must have arrived
at Brundisium, and I saw that our road was quite cut
off and we were as completely captured as the people
at Corfinium, for I do not only consider captured those
who fall into the hands of armed bands, but equally
those who, being shut off from a district, find them
selves hedged between a garrison and an enemy in
the field.
This being so, my first and chiefest wish is that I
had stayed with you all the time. I showed you as
much when I gave up command at Capua. I did so,
not to shirk my duty, but because I saw that the
city could not be held without troops, and I was re
luctant to suffer the fate which I am sorry to hear has
befallen some very brave men. Since, however, I
have not had the fortune to be with you, would that
I were acquainted with your plans, for I cannot
imagine them, having hitherto thought that the last
thing to happen would be that the national cause
would not hold its own in Italy under your leader
ship. I do not criticize your plan, but I bewail the
misfortunes of the state. If I cannot guess your
143
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
ego, quid tu sis secutus, non perspicio, idcirco minus
existimo te nihil nisi summa ratione fecisse.
Mea quae semper fuerit sententia primum de pace
vel iniqua condicione retinenda, deinde de urbe (nam
de Italia quidem nihil mihi umquam ostenderas), me-
minisse te arbitror. Sed mihi non sumo, ut meum
consilium valere debuerit; secutus sum tuum neque
id rei publicae causa, de qua desperavi, quae et nunc
adflicta est nee excitari sine civili perniciosissimo
bello potest, sed te quaerebam, tecum esse cupiebam
neque eius rei facultatem, si quae erit, praetermittam.
Ego me in hac omni causa facile intellegebam pu-
gnandi cupidis hominibus non satis facere. Primum
eiiini prae me tuli me nihil malle quam pacem, non
quin eadem timerem quae illi, sed ea bello civili
leviora ducebam. Deinde suscepto bello, cum pacis
condiciones ad te adferri a teque ad eas honorifice et
large responded viderem, duxi meani rationem ; quam
tibi facile me probaturum pro tuo in me beiieficio
arbitrabar. Memineram me esse unum, qui pro nieis
maximis in rein publicam meritis supplicia niiserrima
et crudelissima pertulissem, me esse unum, qui, si
offeiidissem eius animum, cui turn, cum iam in armis
essemus, consulatus tamen alter et triumphus amplis-
simus deferebatur, subicerer eisdeni proeliis, ut mea
persona semper ad improborum eivium impetus ali-
quid videretur habere populare. Atque haec non
ego prius sum suspicatus, quam mihi palam denuntiata
sunt, neque ea tarn pertimui, si subeunda essent,
quam declinanda putavi, si honeste vitare possem.
Quam brevem illius temporis, dum in spe pax fuit,
144
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. lid
policy, I still suppose that you have done nothing
without cogent reasons.
I think you remember that my vote has always
been for peace, even on poor terms, and secondly
for holding the city. As to Italy you gave me no
inkling. I do not claim that my policy should have
prevailed. I followed yours, not indeed for the sake
of the state, of which I despaired and which even now
lies in ruin and cannot be restored without a most
calamitous civil war, but I wanted you, I longed to
be with you, nor will I omit any opportunity that may
occur of attaining my wish.
In the whole of this crisis I was well aware that
my policy of peace did not please the advocates of
war. In the first place I professed to prefer peace
above all things, not because I had not the same fears
as they had, but because I counted those fears of less
moment than intestine war. Then indeed, after war
had begun, when I saw terms of peace offered to you,
and met by you in an honourable and generous way,
I began to consider what my own interests were.
That line of conduct I suppose your kindness will
easily excuse. I remembered that I was the one man
of all others who had suffered most cruel misery and
punishment for the greatest services to the state ;
that I was the one man who, if I had offended Caesar
(Caesar to whom was offered even on the eve of
battle a second consulship and a princely triumph),
would be subjected to the same struggle as before ;
for a personal attack on me seems to be always popu
lar with the disloyal. This idea only came to me after
open threats. It was not persecution I feared, if
it were inevitable, but I thought I should seek any
escape that honour could allow. There is an outline
L VOL. n 145
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
rationeni nostram vides, reliqui facultatem res adeniit.
lis autem, quibus non satis facio, facile respondeo.
Neque enim ego amicior C. Caesari umquani fui quam
illi neque illi amiciores rei publicae quam ego. Hoc
inter me et illos interest, quod, cum et illi cives
optimi sint, et ego ab ista laude non absim, ego con-
dicionibus, quod idem te intellexeram velle, illi armis
disceptari maluerunt. Quae quoniam ratio vicit,
perficiam profecto, ut neque res publica civis a me
animuni neque tu amici desideres.
XII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Formiis Mihi molestior lippitudo erat etiam, quam ante
prid. K. fuerat. Dictare tamen hanc epistiilam malui quam
Mart. a. Gallo Fadio amantissimo utriusque nostrum nihil ad
/y /} **
te litterarum dare. Nam pridie quidem, quoquo
modo potueram, scripseram ipse eas litteras, quarum
vaticinationem falsam esse cupio. Huius autem
epistulae non solum ea causa est, ut ne quis a me dies
intermittatur, quin dem ad te litteras, sed etiam haec
iustior, ut a te impetrarem, ut sumeres aliquid tem-
poris, quo quia tibi perexiguo opus est, explicari
mihi tuum consilium plane volo, ut penitus intellegam.
Omnia sunt Integra nobis ; nihil praetermissum est,
quod non habeat sapientem excusationem, non modo
probabilem. Nam certe neque turn peccavi, cum
146
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. lld-12
of my policy while there was hope of peace ; its
fulfilment was cut short by circumstances. I have
an easy reply to my critics. I have never been
more friendly to Caesar than they, and they are not
more friendly to the state than I. The difference
between them and me is this : they are loyal citizens,
and I too deserve the title, but I wanted settlement
on terms which I understood you also desired, and
they wanted settlement by arms. Since their policy
has won, I will do my best that the state may not
find me fail in the duties of a citizen, nor you in the
duties of a friend.
XII
TICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I am even more troubled by inflammation of the Formiae,
eyes than I was before. Still I prefer to dictate this Febr. 28,
letter, rather than let Gallus Fadius, who has a B.C. 49
sincere regard for us both, have no letter to give you.
Yesterday I wrote myself to the best of my ability a
letter containing prognostications, which I hope may
prove false. One excuse for the present missive is
i my desire to let no day pass without communicating
with you, but there is a still more reasonable excuse,
I to beg you to devote a little time to my case, and, as it
I will be a short business, I hope you will explain your
Jview thoroughly and make it quite intelligible to
|me.
I have not committed myself at all. There has
Ibeen no omission on my part for which I cannot give
jnot merely a plausible but a reasonable excuse.
Lssuredly I was not guilty of any fault, when, to avoid
L2 147
MARCUS TL LLIUS CICERO
imparatam Capuam non solum ignaviae dedecus, sed
etiam perfidiae suspicionem fugiens accipere nolui,
neque cum post condiciones pacis per L. Caesarem
et L. Fabatum allatas cavi, ne animum eius offeri-
dereni, cui Pompeius iani armatus arniato consulatum
triumphumque deferret. Nee vero haec extrema
quisquam potest iure reprehendere, quod mare non
transierim. Id enim, etsi erat deliberationis, tamen
obire non potui. Neque enim suspicari debui, prae-
sertim cum ex ipsius Pompei litteris, idem quod video
te existimasse, non dubitarim, quin is Domitio sub-
venturus esset, et plane, quid rectum et quid facien
dum mihi esset, diutius cogitare nialui.
Primum igitur, haec qualia tibi esse videantur, etsi
significata sunt a te, tamen accuratius mihi perscribas
velim, deinde aliquid etiam in posterum prospicias
fingasque., quern me esse deceat, et ubi me plurimum
prodesse rei publicae sentias, ecquae pacifica persona
desideretur an in bellatore sint omnia.
Atque ego, qui omnia officio metior, recorder
tamen tua consilia ; quibus si paruissem, tristitiam
illorum temporum non subissem. Memiiii, quid mihi
turn suaseris per Theophanem, per Culleonem, idque
saepe ingemiscens sum recordatus. Quare mine
saltern ad illos calculos revertamur, quos turn abie-
cimus, ut non solum gloriosis consiliis utamur,, sed
etiam paulo salubrioribus. Sed nihil praescribo;!
accurate velim perscribas tuam ad me sententiam. J
Volo etiam exquiras, cjuam diligentissime poteris
148
LETTERS TO ATTIC L S VIII. 12
blame for cowardice and the charge of treachery to
boot, I refused to take over Capua in its unprepared
state. Nor am I to blame, when, after L. Caesar and
L. Fabatus had brought terms of peace, I took pre
cautions not to incur the enmity of a man to whom
Pompey was offering the consulship and a triumph,
when both were under arms. Finally I cannot rightly
be called to account for not crossing the sea : for,
though that was a course which was worthy of con
sideration, still I could not keep Pompey s appoint
ment. Nor could I guess his policy, especially as
from his own letter, as I see you inferred, I had no
idea that he would fail to relieve Domitius. And
certainly I wanted time to consider what was right
and what I ought to do.
Firstly, then, I wish you would write me a careful
account of your views, though you have already out
lined them, and secondly that you would glance at
the future, and give me an idea of what course you
think would become me, where you suppose I can
serve the state best, and whether the part of a man
of peace is required at all, or whether everything
depends on a fighter.
And I, who test everything by the standard of
duty, yet remember your advice. Had I followed it,
I should have been saved from the wretchedness of
that crisis in my life. I call to mind the counsel you
sent me then by Theophanes and Culleo, and the
memory of it often makes me groan. So let me now at
last go over the old reckoning which then I cast aside,
to the end that I may follow a plan, which has in view
not only glory, but also some measure of safety.
However, I make no conditions : please give me your
candid opinion. And please use your best energies to
149
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
(habebis autem, per quos possis), quid Lentulus
noster, quid Domitius agat, quid acturus sit, quern
ad modum mine se gerant, mini quern accusent, mini
cui suseenseant quid dico num cui? mini Pompeio.
Omnino culpam omnem Pompeius in Domitium con-
fert, quod ipsius litteris cognosci potest, quarum
exemplum ad te misi. Haec igitur videbis, et, quod
ad te ante scripsi, Demetri Magnetis librum, quem
ad te misit de concordia, velim mihi mittas.
Xlla
CN. MAGNUS PROCOS. S. D. C. MARCELLO, L. LENTULO COSS.
Scr. Ego, quod existimabam disperses nos neque rei
Lucenae publieae utiles neque nobis praesidio esse posse, id-
XIH <"lt J T T-i T4.X.
\ I f K circo ad L,. JJomitium Jitteras misi, primum uti ipse
Mart. a. cum omni copia ad nos veniret ; si de se dubitaret, ut
tO ;> cohortes xvmi, quae ex Piceno ad me iter habebaiit,
ad nos mitteret. Quod veritus sum, factum est, ut
Domitius implicaretur et neque ipse satis firmus esset
ad castra facienda, quod meas xvim et suas xn co
hortes tribus in oppidis distributas haberet (nam
partini Albae, partim Sulmone collocavit), neque se,
si vellet, expedire posset.
Nunc scitote me esse in sumnia sollicitudine. Nam
et tot et tales viros periculo obsidionis liberare cupio
neque subsidio ire possum, quod his duabus legioni-
150
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 12-12a
inquire (for you have suitable agents) what our friend
Lentulus and what Domitius is doing, what they
intend to do, what is their present attitude, whether
they blame or are annoyed with anyone why do I
say anyone? I mean Pompey. Pompey does not
hesitate to put the whole blame on Domitius, as can be
inferred from his letter, of which I send you a copy.
So please consider these points, and, as I wrote you
before, kindly send me that volume On Concord,
by Demetrius of Magnesia, which he sent to you.
Xlla
CN. MAGNUS PROCONSUL SENDS GREETING TO THE CONSULS
C. MARCELLUS AND L. LENTULUS.
As I considered that with divided forces we could Luceria,
be of no service to the state and no protection to Feb. 17 or
one another, I sent a dispatch to L. Domitius to 18, B.C. 49
come to me at once with all his forces, and that, if
he was dubious about himself, he should send me the
nineteen cohorts, which as a matter of fact were
on the march to me from Picenum. My fears have
been realized. Domitius has been trapped and is
not strong enough himself to pitch a camp, because
he has my nineteen and his own twelve cohorts
scattered in three towns (for some he has stationed
at Alba and some at Sulmo), and he is unable to free
himself even if he wished.
I must inform you that this has caused me the
greatest anxiety. I am anxious to free men so
numerous and of such importance from the danger
of a siege, and I cannot go to their assistance,
because I do not think that I can trust these two
151
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
bus non puto esse committendum, ut illuc ducantur,
ex quibus tamen non amplius xmi cohortes con-
trahere potui, quod duas Brundisium misi neque
Canusium sine praesidio, dum abessem, putavi esse
dimittendum.
D. Laelio mandaram, quod maiores copias sperabam
nos habituros, ut, si vobis videretur, alter uter ve-
struni ad me veniret, alter in Sicilian! cum ca copia,
quam Capuae et circum Capuam comparastis, et cum
iis militibus, quos Faustus legit, proficisceretur,
Domitius cum xn suis cohortibus eodem adiungeretur,
reliquae copiae onmes Brundisium cogerentur et inde
navibus Dyrrachium transportarentur. Xunc, cum
hoc tempore nihilo magis ego quam vos subsidio
Domitio ire possim, . . . se per monies explicare,
non est nobis committendum, ut ad has xmi cohortes,
quas dubio animo habeo, hostis accedere aut in
itinere me consequi possit.
Quam ob rem placitum est mihi (talia video 1
censeri M. Marcello et ceteris nostri ordinis, qui
hie sunt), ut Brundisium ducerem hanc copiam, quam
mecum habeo. Vos hortor, ut, quodcumque milituii!
contrahere poteritis, contrahatis et eodem Brundisium
veniatis quam primum. Anna quae ad me missuri
eratis, iis censeo armetis milites, quos vobiscum habe-
tis. Quae arma superabunt, ea si Brundisium iumen-
tis deportaritis, vehementer rei publicae profueritis.
De hac re velim nostros certiores faciatis. Ego ad
P. Lupum et C. Coponium praetores misi, ut se vobis
coniungerent, et militum quod haberent ad vos de-
ducerent.
1 talia video Tyrrell ; altia video MSS.
152
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 12a
legions to march to that place : moreover I have
not been able to bring together more than fourteen
cohorts of them, because two were sent to Brun-
disium, and Canusium to my mind could not be left
without a garrison in my absence.
Hoping to collect larger forces I instructed D. Lae-
lius, that with your approval one of you should come
to me, and the other set out for Sicily with the force
you have collected at Capua and in the neighbourhood,
and with Faustus recruits ; that Domitius with his
twelve cohorts should join up, and all the other
troops should concentrate at Brundisium, and from
thence be taken by sea to Dyrrachium. Now, since
at the present time I am no more able than your
selves to go to Domitius assistance [and it remains
for him] 1 to extricate himself by the mountain route,
I must take steps that the enemy may not meet my
fourteen doubtful cohorts or overtake me on the
march.
Accordingly and I see M. Marcellus and other
members of the House who are here approve I am
resolved to lead my present forces to Brundisium.
You I urge to concentrate all the forces you can
and to come with them to Brundisium at the first
opportunity. I consider that the arms which you
meant to send to me should be used to arm j r our
troops. If you will have the remaining arms carted
to Brundisium, you will have done the state
great service. Please give these instructions to my
supporters. I am sending word to the praetors,
P. Lupus and C. Coponius, to join you with whatever
soldiery they have.
1 Some words appear to be missing- here.
158
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Xllb
CN. MAGNUS PROCOS. S. D. L. DOMITIO PROCOS.
Valde miror te ad me nihil scribere et potius ab
aliis quam a te de re publica me certiorem fieri. Nos
disiecta manu pares adversario esse non possumus ;
contractis nostris copiis spero nos et rei publicae et
communi saluti prodesse posse. Quam ob rem, cum
constituisses, ut Vibullius mihi scripserat, a. d. v Id.
Febr. Corfinio proficisci cum exercitu et a d me
venire, miror, quid causae fuerit, quare consilium
rnutaris. Nam ilia causa, quam mihi Vibullius scribit,
levis est, te propterea moratum esse, quod audieris
Caesarem Firmo progressum in Castrum Truentinum
venisse. Quanto enim magis appropinquare adver-
sarius coepit, eo tibi celerius agendum erat, ut te
mecum coniungeres, priusquam Caesar aut tuum iter
impedire aut me abs te excludere posset.
Quam ob rem etiam atque etiam te rogo et hortor,
id quod non destiti superioribus litteris a te petere,
ut primo quoque die Luceriam ad me venires, ante-
quam copiae, quas instituit Caesar contrahere, in
unum locum coactae vos a nobis distrahant. Sed, si
erunt, qui te impediant, ut villas suas servant.
aequum est me a te impetrare, ut cohortes, quae
ex Piceno et Camerino venerunt, quae fortunas suas
reliquerunt, ad me missum facias.
154
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 12b
Xllb
GREETINGS FROM CN. MAGNUS PROCONSUL TO
L. DOMITIUS PROCONSUL.
I am greatly astonished that you send me no Luceria,
letters, and that I am kept informed of the political Feb. 11 or
situation by others rather than yourself. With 12, B.C. 49
divided forces we cannot hope to cope with the
enemy : united, I trust we may do something for the
safety of our country. Wherefore, as you had
arranged, according to Vibullius letter, to start
with your army from Corfinium on the 9th of
February and to come to me, I wonder what reason
there has been for your change of plan. The reason
mentioned by Vibullius is trivial, namely that you
were delayed on hearing that Caesar had left
Firmum and arrived at Castrum Truentinum. For
the nearer our enemy begins to approach, the
quicker j ou ought to have joined forces with me,
before Caesar could obstruct your march or cut me
off from you.
Wherefore again and again I entreat and exhort
you as I did in my previous letter to come to
Luceria on the first possible day, before the forces
which Caesar has begun to collect can concentrate
and divide us. But, if people try to keep you
back to protect their country seats, I must ask you
to dispatch to me the cohorts, which have come
from Picenum and Camerinum abandoning their own
interests.
155
MARCUS TI T LLIL T S CICERO
12c
CN. MAGNUS PUOCOS. S. D. I.. DOMITIO PROCOS.
SVv. Litteras abs te M. Calenius ad me attulit a d. xim
Lucertae j^ a ] Martias ; in quibus litteris scribis tibi in animo
esse observare Caesarem, et, si secundum mare ad me
fl- ire coepisset. eonfestim in Samnium ad me veiiturum,
sin autem ille circum istaec loca commoraretur, te ei,
si propius accessisset, resistere velle.
Te animo magno et forti istam rem agere cxi-
stimo, sed diligentius nobis est videndum, ne distracti
pares esse adversario non possimus, cum ille magnas
copias habeat et maiores brevi habiturus sit. Non
enim pro tua prudentia debes illud solum animadver-
tere, quot in pi-aesentia cohortes contra te habeat
Caesar, sed quantas brevi tempore equitum et pedi-
tum copias contracturus sit. Cui rei testimonio sunt
litterae, quas Bussenius ad me misit ; in quibus scri-
bit, id quod ab aliis quoque mihi scribitur, praesidia
Curionem, quae in Umbria et Tuscis eraiit, contrahere
et ad Caesarem iter facere. Quae si copiae in unum
locum fuerint coactae, ut pars exercitus ad Albam
mittatur, pars ad te accedat, ut non pugnet. sed locis
suis repugnet, liaerebis, neque solus cum ista copia
tantam multitudinem sustinere poteris, ut frumenta-
tum eas.
Quam ob rem te magno opere hortor, ut quam
primum cum omnibus copiis hoc venias. Consules
constituerunt idem facere. Ego M. Tuscilio ad te
156
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 12c
XIIc
CN. MAGNUS PROCONSUL SENDS GREETING TO
L. DOMITIUS PROCONSUL.
M. Calenius has brought me a letter from you Luceria,
dated the l6th of February, in which you express Feb. 16,
the intention of watching Caesar and hurrying to B.C. 1$
join me in Samnium, if lie shall begin to march
against me along the coast : but, if he linger in your
neighbourhood., you say you wish to oppose his nearer
advance.
To my mind your policy is ambitious and brave,
but we must take great care that, if divided, we
may not be outmatched by the enemy, since Caesar
has numerous troops and in a short time will have
more. A man of your judgement ought to bear in
mind not only the size of Caesar s present array
against you but the number of infantry and cavalry
that he will soon collect. Evidence of that contin
gency is in the letter which Bussenius dispatched to
me, and it agrees with the missives from others in
stating that Curio is concentrating the garrisons
which were in Umbria and Etruria and marching
to join Caesar. With these forces combined, though
one division may be sent to Alba, and another advance
on you, and though Caesar may refrain from the
offensive and be content to defend his position, still
you will be in a fix, nor will you be able with your
following to make sufficient head against such num
bers to allow of your sending out foraging parties.
Therefore I beg you earnestly to come here on the
first opportunity with all your forces. The consuls
have decided to do the same. I have instructed
1:37
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
mandata dedi providendum esse, ne duae legiones sine
Picentinis cohortibus in conspectum Caesaris commit-
terentur. Quani ob rem nolito commoveri, si audieris
me regredi, si forte Caesar ad me veniet ; cavendum
enini puto esse, ne implicatus haeream. Nam neque
castra propter anni tempus et militum animos facere
possum, neque ex omnibus oppidis contrahere copias
expedit, ne receptum amittam. Itaque 11011 amplius
xini cohortes Luceriam coegi. Consules praesidia
omnia deducturi sunt aut in Sicilian! ituri. Nam aut
exercitum firmum liabere oportet, quo confidamus per-
rumpere nos posse, aut regiones eius modi obtinere,
e quibus repugnemus ; id quod neutrum nobis hoc
tempore contigit, quod et magnam partem Italiae
Caesar occupavit, et nos non habemus exercitum tarn
amplum neque tarn magnum quam ille. Itaque nobis
providendum est, ut summam rei publicae rationem
habeamus. Etiam atque etiam te hortor, ut cum
omni copia quam primum ad me venias. Possumus
etiam mine rem publicam erigere, si communi con-
silio negotium admintstrabimus ; si distrahemur,
infirmi erimus. Mihi hoc constitutum est.
His litteris scriptis Sicca abs te mihi litteras et
mandata attulit. Quod me hortare, ut istuc veniam,
id me facere non arbitror posse, quod non magno
opere his legionibus confido.
Xlld
CX. MAGNUS PROCOS. S. D. L. DOMITIO PROCOS.
Scr.Luceriae Litterae mihi a te redditae sunt a. d. xin Kal.
^ "* " Martias, in quibus scribis Caesarem apud Corfinium
Mart. 705 158
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 12c-12d
M. Tuscilius to tell you that we must beware
lest the two legions without the cohorts from
Picenum come within sight of Caesar. Accordingly
do not be disturbed if you hear of my retreat in
the face of Caesar s possible advance, for I con
sider that I must take every step to avoid being
trapped; The season of the year and the spirit of
my troops prevents me from making a camp ; nor
is it wise to collect the garrisons from all the towns,
lest room for retreat be lost. So I have not mustered
more than fourteen cohorts at Luceria. The
consuls will bring in all their garrisons to me or
start for Sicily. We must either have an army strong
enough to allow of our breaking through the enemy s
lines, or get and hold localities we can defend. At
the present moment we have neither of those advan
tages : a large part of Italy is held by Caesar, and
our army is neither so well equipped nor so large as
his. We must therefore take care to look to the
main issue. Again and again I beg you to come to
me as soon as possible with all your forces. Even
now the constitution may be restored, if we take
common counsel in our action. Division means
weakness : of that I am positive.
After I had written my letter Sicca brought me
,i dispatch and message from you. I fear I cannot
comply with your request for assistance, because I
do not put much trust in these legions.
Xlld
CN. MAGNUS PROCONSUL SENDS SALUTATION TO DOMITIUS
PROCONSUL.
A dispatch from you reached me on the 1 7th of Luceria
February saying that Caesar had pitched his camp in Feb. 1 7,
159 B.C. 49
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
castra posuisse. Quod putavi et praemonui, fit, ut
nee in praesentia committere tecum proelium velit et
omnibus copiis conductis te implicet, rie ad me iter
tibi expeditum sit atque istas copias coniungere opti-
morum civiuni possis cum his legionibus, de quarum
voluntate dubitamus. Quo etiam magis tuis litteris
sum commotus. Neque enim eorum militum, quos
mecum habeo, voluntate satis confido, ut de omnibus
fortunis rei publicae dimicem, neque etiam, qui ex
dilectibus conscript! sunt consulibus, conveiierunt.
Quare da operam, si ulla ratione etiam nunc effi-
cere potes, ut te explices, hoc quam primum venias,
antequam omnes copiae ad adversarium conveniant.
Neque enim celeriter ex dilectibus hoc homines coii-
venire possunt, et, si coiivenirent, quantum iis com-
mittendum sit, qui inter se ne noti quidem sunt, con
tra veteranas legiones, non te praeterit.
XIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Formiis Lippitudinis meae signum tibi sit librarii maims
A . Mart. et eadem causa brevitatis ; etsi mine quidem, quod
a. 705 scriberem, nihil erat. Omnis exspectatio nostra erat
in nuiitiis Brundisinis. Si nanctus hie esset Gnaeum
nostrum, spes dubia pacis, sin ille ante tramisisset,
exitiosi belli metus. Sed videsne, in quern hominem
incident res publica, quam acutum, quam vigilantem,
quam paratum? Si mehercule neminem Occident nee
cuiquam quicquam ademerit, ab iis, qui eum maximc
timuerant, maxime diligetur. Multum mecurn mu-
nicipales homines loquuntur, multum rusticani ; nihil
160
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 12d-13
the neighbourhood of Corfinium. What I expected
and foretold has happened : he refuses to meet you
in the field at present, and he is hemming you in with
all his forces concentrated, so that the road may not be
clear for you to join rpe and unite your loyal contin
gent with my legions whose allegiance is questionable.
Consequently I am all the more upset by your dis
patch : for I cannot place sufficient confidence in the
loyalty .of my men to risk a decisive engagement,
norjiaye the levies recruited for the consul^cpme here.
So do your best, if any tactics can extricate you
even now, to join me as soon as possible before our
enemy can concentrate all his forces. The levies can
not reach here at an early date, and, even if they \vere
concentrated, you must see how little trust can be put
in troops, which do not even know one another by
sight, when facing a veteran army.
XIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Let my secretary s handwriting be proof that I am Formiae,
suffering from inflammation of the eyes, and that is Match 1,
my reason for brevity, though now to be sure I have B.C. 1$
no news. I depend entirely on news from Brundisium.
If Caesar has come up with our friend Pompey, there
is some slight hope of peace: but, if Pompey has crossed
the sea, we must look for war and massacre. Do you
see the kind of man into whose hands the state has
fallen ? What foresight, what energy, what readiness !
Upon my word, if he refrain from murder and rapine,
he will be the darling of those who dreaded him most.
The people of the country towns and the farmers
talk to me a great deal. They care for nothing at all
M VOL. ii lb 1
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
prorsus aliud curant nisi agros, nisi villulas, nisi num-
mulos suos. Et vide, quam conversa res sit; ilium,
quo antea confidebant, metuunt, hunc amaiit, quern
timebant. Id quantis nostris peccatis vitiisque eve-
nerit, non possum sine molestia cogitare. Qnae
autem impendere putarem, scripseram ad te et iam
tuas litteras exspectabam.
XIV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Formiis Non dubito, quin tibi odiosae sint epistulae coti-
VI Non. dianae, cum praesertim neque nova de re aliqua cer-
Mati. a. 70-j tiorem te f aciam neque novam denique iam reperiam
scribendi ullam sententiam. Sed, si dedita opera,
cum causa nulla esset, tabellarios ad te cum inanibus
epistulis mitterem, facerem inepte ; euntibus vero,
domesticis praesertim, ut nihil ad te dem litterarum,
facere non possum et simul, crede mihi, requiesco
paulum in his miseriis, cum quasi tecum loquor, cum
vero tuas epistulas lego, multo etiam magis. Omnino
intellego nullum fuisse tempus post has fugas et for-
midiiies nostras, quod magis debuerit mutum esse a
litteris, propterea quod neque Ilomae quicquam audi-
tur novi nee in his locis, quae a Brundisio absunt
propius quam tu bidui aut tridui. 1 Brundisi autem
omne certamen vertitur huius primi temporis. Qua
quidem exspectatione torqueor. Sed omnia ante
Nonas sciemus. Eodem enim die video Caesarem a
Corfinio post meridiem profectum esse, id est Fera-
libus, quo Canusio mane Pompeium. Eo modo autem
ambulat Caesar et iis congiariis militum celeritatem
incitat, ut timeam, ne citius ad Brundisium, quam
1 bidui aut tridui Reid : biduum aut triduum MSS.
162
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 13-U
but their lands, their little homesteads and their
tiny hoards. And see how public opinion has changed.
They fear the man they once trusted, and adore the
man they once dreaded. It pains me to think of the
mistakes and wrongs of ours that are responsible for
this reaction. I wrote you what I thought would be
our fate, and I now await a letter from you.
XIV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I have no doubt my daily letter must bore you, Formiae,
especially as I have no fresh news, nor can I find any March 2
new excuse for a letter. If I should employ special B.C. Jfi
messengers to convey my chatter to you without rea
son, I should be a fool : but I cannot refrain from
entrusting letters to folk who are bound for Rome,
especially when they are members of my household.
Believe me, too, when I seem to talk with you, I
have some little relief from sorrow, and, when I read
I a letter from you, far greater relief. I am quite
j aware that there has been no time, since fear drove
me to flight, when silence and no letters would have
Ibeen more appropriate, for the good reason that there
jis no fresh news at Rome, nor here two or three
lays journey nearer Brundisium. The issue of this
[first campaign will turn entirely on the action at
ItBrundisium : and I am on thorns to hear the result.
However, all will be known by the 7th. On the
noon of the day (that is the 21st of February), on
jhe morning of which Pompey left Canusium, I see
mat Caesar set out from Corfinium. But Caesar marches
In such a way, and so spurs his men with largess,
jhat I fear he may reach Brundisium sooner than we
M2 163
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
opus sit, accesserit. Dices : Quid igitur proficis, qui
aiiticipes eius rei molestiam, quam triduo sciturus
sis?" Nihil equidem; sed, ut supra dixi, tectim per-
libenter loquor, et simul scito labare meum consilium
illud, quod satis iam fixum videbatur. Non milii satis
idonei sunt auctores ii, qui a te probantur. Quod
enim uniquam eorum in re publica forte factuni ex-
stitit? ant quis ab iis ullam rem laude dignam desi-
derat? Nee mehercule laudandos existimo, qui trans
mare belli parandi causa profecti sunt. Quamquam
haec ferenda non erant. Video enim, quantum id
bellum et quam pestiferum futurum sit. Sed me
movet unus vir; cuius fugientis comes, rem publicam
recuperantis socius videor esse debere. Totiensne
igitur sententiam mutas?" Ego tecum tamquam
mecum loquor. Quis autem est, tanta quidem de re
quin varie secum ipse disputet? simul et elicere cupio
sententiam tuam, si manet, ut firmior sim, si mutata
est, ut tibi adsentiar. Omnino ad id, de quo dubito,
pertinet me scire, quid Domitius acturus sit, quid
noster Lentulus.
De Domitio varia audimus, niodo esse in Tiburti
haut lepide, modo cum Lepidis 1 accessisse ad urbem,
quod item falsum video esse. Ait enim Lepidus eum
nescio quo penetrasse itineribus occultis occultan-
di sui causa an maris apiscendi, ne is quidem scit.
Ignorat etiam de filio. Addit illud sane molestum,
pecuniam Domitio satis grandem, quam is Corfini
habuerit, non esse redditam. De Lentulo autem
nihil audimus. Haec velim exquiras ad meque per-
scribas.
1 ant lepidi quo cum lepidus M : ihc reading of the text is
that of Tyrrell, ii ho suspects a pun on the name Lepidus.
164
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 14
want. You may wonder why I forestall disagreeable
tidings which will be known in three days time. I
have no reason, except, as I said before, that I love to
talk to you ; and at the same time I want you to know
that what I had counted my fixed resolve is shaken.
The precedents you quote with approval don t quite
fit my case. They are those of men who have never
distinguished themselves by great political action, and
are not looked up to for any act of merit. Nor, let
me tell you, have I any praise for those who have
crossed the sea to make preparations for war un
bearable as things here were. For I foresee how
great and calamitous that war will be. I am influ
enced only by one man, whom I think I ought to ac
company in flight, and help in the restoration of the
constitution. I may seem variable ; but I talk with you
as I talk with myself, and there is no one who, in
such a crisis, does not view matters in many lights.
Moreover, I want to get your opinion, to encourage
me, if you have not changed it, or otherwise to win my
assent. It is particularly necessary for me to know
in my dilemma what course Domitius and my friend
Lentulus will take.
As for Domitius I hear many reports : at one time
that he is at Tibur out of sorts, at another that he
has consorted with the Lepidi in their march to Rome.
That I see is untrue. For Lepidus says that he is
following a hidden path, but whether to hide or reach
the sea even he does not know. Lepidus has no news
about his son either. He adds a provoking detail,
that Domitius lias failed to get back a large sum of
money which he had at Corfmium. Of Lentulus I
have no news. Please make inquiries on these points
and inform me.
165
MARCUS TULL1US CICERO
XV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Formiis A. d. v Nonas Martias epistulas niihi tuas Aegypta
/ Ao. reddidit, unani veterem, mi Kal. quam te scribis de-
Mart.a.iOo di sse Pinario, quoin non vidimus; in qua exspectas,
quidnam praemissus agat \ ibullius, qui oninino non
ost visus a Caosare (id altera epistula video to scire
ita esse), ot quoin ad modum redeuntem excipiam
Caesarem, quoin omnino vitaro cogito, ot avdrjfiepov
fugam intendis" commutationemque vitae tuae, quod
tibi puto esse faciendum, et ignoras, Domitius cum
fascibusne sit. Quod cum scies, fades, ut sciamus.
Habes ad primam epistulam.
Secutae sunt duae pr. Kal. ambao datae, quae me
convellerunt do pristine statu iam tamen, ut ante ad
te scrips!, labantem. Noc mo inovet, quod scribis
lovi ipsi iniquum." Nam periculum in utriusque
iracundia positum est, victoria autom ita incerta, ut
deterior causa paratior mihi esso videatur. Nee me
consules inovent, qui ipsi pluma aut folio facilius
moventur. Officii me deliberatio cruciat cruciavitque
adbuc. Cautior certe est mansio, honestior existima-
tur traiectio. Malo intordum, multi me non caute
quam pauci non honeste fecisse existimont. Do Le-
pido et Tullo quod quaoris, illi vero non dubitant,
1 / have ventured to read avBrifj-epov for the corrupt autlie-
monis oj M, as being an easy alteration palceograplitcally.
Many suggestions have been made (e.g. Automedontis by
Mullcr).
- intendis F. Schiitz : tendis MSS.
166
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 15
XV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the 3rd of March Aegypta 1 brought me your Formiac,
letters, one an old one dated February 26, which you March <>
say you handed to Pinarius, whom I have not seen. B.C. 4 ^
In that letter you were waiting to hear the result of
Vibullius" advance mission. He did not meet Caesar
at all, as I see from your second letter you are aware.
You also wanted to know how I shall receive Caesar
on his return. I intend to shun him altogether. And
you contemplate flight on the day he comes, and a
change in your life, which I agree is politic. You
wrote too that you do not know if Domitius keeps
his fasces. When you do know, please tell me. That
settles the first letter.
There follow two more dated the 28th of February,
which hurled me from my old position, when I was
already tottering, as I had informed you. I am not
upset by your phrase "angry with almighty God." 2
There is danger not only in Pompey s anger, but in
Caesar s, and the issue is doubtful, though tome the
worst cause seems better equipped. Nor am I in
fluenced by the consuls, who themselves are more
easily moved than leaf or feather. It is consideration
of my duty that tortures me and has been torturing
me all along. To remain in Italy is certainly safer :
to cross the sea the path of honour. Sometimes I
prefer that many should accuse me of rashness, rather
than the select few of dishonourable action. For
your query about Lepidus and Tullus, they have
A slave of Cicero s. -This probably means that Pompey
had said he would be angry with every one who did not leave
Rome, even with Jupiter.
167
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
quin Caesari praesto futuri in senatumque venturi
sint.
Recentissima tua est epistula Kal. data, in qua
optas oongressum pacemque lion desperas. Sed ego,
cum haec scribebam, nee illus congressuros nee, si
congressi essent, Pompeium ad ullam condieioneni
accessurum putabam. Quod videris 11011 dubitare, si
consules transeant, quid nos faeere oporteat, certe
transeunt vel, quo modo mine est, transierimt. Sed
memento praeter Appitim neminem esse fere, qui
non ius habeat transeundi. Nam aut cum imperio
sunt ut Pompeius, ut Scipio, Sufenas, Fannius, Vo-
conius, Sestius, ipsi consules, quibus more maiorum
concessum est vel onines adire provincias, aut legati
sunt eorum. Sed nihil decerno ; quid placeat tibi,
et quid prope modum rectum sit. intellego.
Plura scriberem, si ipse possem. Sed, ut mihi
videor, potero biduo. Balbi Corneli litterarum exem-
plum, quas eodem die accepi quo tuas, misi ad te,
ut meam vicem doleres, cum me derideri videres.
XVa
BALBUS CICERONI IMF. SAL.
Scr. Romae Obsecro te, Cicero, suscipe curam et cogitationem
ex. m. Febr dignissimam tuae virtutis, ut Caesarem et Pompeium
a. Wo perfidia hominum distractos rursus in pristinam con-
cordiam reducas. Crede mihi Caesarem non solum
fore in tua potestate, sed etiam maximum beneficium
te sibi dedisse iudicaturum, si lioc te reicis. Velim
168
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. !5-l5a
decided to meet Caesar and to take their seats in the
House.
In your last letter, dated the 1st of March, you
long for a meeting between the two leaders, and
have hopes of peace. But at the time of writing I
fancy they will not meet, and that, if they do, Pompey
will not agree to any terms. You seem to have no
doubt as to what I ought to do, if the consuls go
over-seas ; well they will go, or rather have now gone.
But bear in mind that of their number it is practically
only Appius who has not a right to cross. The rest
are either invested with military power, like Pompey,
Scipio, Sufenas, Fannius, Voconius, Sestius and the
consuls themselves, who by old custom may visit all
the provinces ; or else they are legates. However"
I have no positive views. I know what you approve
and pretty well what it is right to do.
My letter would be longer, if I could write my
self. I fancy I shall be able in two days time.
I have had Cornelius Balbus letter, which I received
on the same day as yours, copied, and I forward it
to you, that you may sympathize with me on seeing
me mocked.
XVa
BALBUS SALUTES CICERO THE IMPERATOR.
I beg you, Cicero, to consider a plan eminently Home, Feb.,
suited to your character, namely to recall Caesar B.C. 4&
and Pompey to their former state of friendship, which
has been broken by the treachery of others. Believe
me that Caesar will not only meet your wishes, but
will esteem any endeavours of yours in this matter as a
very great service. I wish Pompey would take the same
169
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
idem Pompeius faciat. Qui ut adduci tali tempore ad
ullam condicionem possit, magis opto quam spero.
Sed, cum constiterit et timere desierit, turn incipiain
non desperare tuam auctoritatem plurimura apud eum
valituram.
Quod Lentulum consulem meum voluistihic rema-
nere, Caesari gratum. mihi vero gratissimum medius
fidius fecisti. Nam ilium tanti facio, ut non Caesa-
rem magis diligam. Qui si passus esset nos secum,
ut consueveramus, loqui et non se toturn etiam ab
sermone nostro avertisset, minus miser, quam sum,
.essem. Nam cave putes lioc tempore plus me quem-
quam cruciari, quod eum, quern ante me diligo, video
in consulatu quidvis potius esse quam consulem.
Quodsi voluerit tibi obtemperare et iiobis de Caesare
credere et consulatum reliquum Ilomae peragere, in-
cipiam sperare etiam consilio senatus auctore te, illo
relatore Pompeium et Caesarem coniungi posse.
Quod si factum erit, me satis vixisse putabo.
Factum Caesaris de Corfinio totum te probaturum
scio : et. quo modo in eius modi re, commodius ca-
dere non potuit, quam ut res sine sanguine confieret.
Balbi mei tuique adventu delectatum te valde gau-
deo. Is quaecumque tibi de Caesare dixit, quaeque
Caesar scripsit, sc-io, re tibi probabit, quaecumque
fortuna eius fuerit. verissime scripsisse.
170
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 15a
view; but it is rather a dream of mine than a hope,
that he can be persuaded to come to terms at this
time. When he becomes settled and recovers from
fright, I shall have better hopes that your influence
may avail with him.
In desiring my friend the consul Lentulus to remain
in Rome, you have gratified Caesar, and myself too, I
may assure you, in the highest degree. I value Len
tulus as much as Caesar. If he had allowed me to
renew my old intercourse, and had not again and again
avoided conversation with me, I should be less un-
happy than I am. For do not think that this crisis
causes anyone more torment than it causes me, when
I see him, to whom I am more devoted than to myself,
acting in office in a way quite unfitted for a consul.
If he only takes your advice and believes our pro
fessions about Caesar, and serves the remainder of
his office in Rome, then I shall begin to hope that by
the advice of the Senate, on your suggestion and at
his formal motion, there may be effected a recon
ciliation between Pompey and Caesar. In that event
I shall think my life s mission accomplished.
I know that you will approve entirely of Caesar s
action about Corfhiium. Under the circumstances
there could have been nothing better than a settle
ment without bloodshed. I am delighted that you are
pleased with the arrival of my and your Balbus.
Whatever Balbus has told you about Caesar, and what
ever Caesar has said to you in his letters, I am confident
Caesar will convince you by his acts, be his fortune
what it will, that his professions were quite sincere.
171
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
XVI
CICERO ATTICO.
Scr. Formiis Omnia mihi provisa sunt praeter occultum et tu-
tum iter ad mare superum. Hoc enim mari uti lion
Mart. a.
"fO ; - possumus hoc tempore anni. Illuc autem, quo spe-
ctat animus, et quo res vocat, qua veniam ? Cedendum
enim est celeriter, ne forte qua re impediar atque
alliger. Xec vero ille me ducit. qui videtur ; quern
ego hominem uTroAtTtKorraToi omnium iam ante co-
gnoram, mine vero etiam uo-rpcm/yrj-roTaTor. Non me
igitur is ducit, sed sermo hominum, qui ad me a
Philotimo scribitur. Is enim me ab optimatibus ait
conscindi. Quibus optimatibus, di boni! qui mine quo
modo occurrunt, quo modo autem se venditant Cae-
sari ! Municipia vero deum ; nee simulant, ut cum de
illo aegroto vota faciebant. Sed plane, quicquid mali
hie Pisistratus 11011 fecerit, tarn gratum erit, quam si
alium facere prohibuerit. Propitium hunc sperant,
ilium iratum putant. Quas fieri censes u7ravT;/cms ex
oppidis, quos honores! Metuunt," inquies. Credo,
sed mehercule ilium magis. Huius insidiosa demen
tia delectaiitur, illius iracundiam formidant. Indices
de CCCLX, qui praecipue Gnaeo nostro del ecta bantu r,
ex quibus cotidie aliquem video, nescio quas eius Lu-
cerias horrent. Itaque quaero, qui sint isti optimates,
172
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. 16
XVI
CICERO TO ATTICUS.
I have made provision for everything except a Formiac,
secret and safe passage to the Adriatic. The other March 4,
route I cannot face at this time of the year. How B.C. J$
can I get to that place on which my mind is set, and
whither fate calls? My departure must be in haste,
for fear some obstacle and hindrance should arise.
It is not. as one might think, Pompey who induces me
to go. I have long known him to be the poorest of
statesmen, and I now see lie is the poorest of generals.
I am not induced by him, but by the common talk of
which Philotimus informs me. He says that the
loyalists are tearing me to tatters. Loyalists, good
God! And see how they are running to meet Caesar,
and selling themselves to him. The country towns
are treating him as a god, and there is no pretence
about it, as there was in the prayers for Pompey s
recovery from illness. Any mischief this Pisistratus
may leave undone will give as much satisfaction as if
he had prevented another from doing it. People hope
to placate Caesar; they think that Pompey is
angered. What ovations from the towns and what
honour is paid him ! In fright I dare say, but they are
more afraid of Pompey. They are delighted with the
cunning kindness of Caesar, and afraid of the anger
of his rival. Those who are on the jury list of 360
judges, the especial partisans of Pompey, some of
whom I see daily, shudder at vague Lucerias 1 which
they conjure up. So I ask what sort of loyalists are
1 Cf. vin, ii, where Pompey at Luceria is said to have
talked of a proscription.
173 -
MARCUS TL LLIUS CICERO
qui me exturbent, cum ipsi donii maneant. Sed
taincn, quicumque sunt, aiSeo/xai Tpwas. Ktsi, qua
spe proficiscar, video, coniungoque me cum homine
magis ad vastandam Italiam quani ad vincendum pa-
rato dominumque exspecto. Et quidem, cum haec
scribebam, mi Nonas, iam exspectabam aliquid a
Brundisio. Quid autem aliquid" ? quam inde tur-
piter fugisset, et victor hie qua se referret et quo.
Quod ubi audissem, si ille Appia veniret, ego Arpinum
cogitabam.
174
LETTERS TO ATTICUS VIII. ifi
these, to banish me, while they remain at home?
Still whoever they are I fear the Trojans." Yet I Iliad vi, 443
see clearly with what a prospect I set out, and I join
myself with a man ready to devastate our country
rather than to conquer its oppressor, and I look to
serve a tyrant. And indeed on March 4, the date of this
letter, I am expecting every moment some news from
Brundisium. Why do I say "some news," when it is
news of his disgraceful flight, and the route by which
the victor is returning and the direction in which he
is moving. On hearing that, I think of going to
Arpintim, if Caesar comes by the Appian way.
175
M. TULLI CICERONIS
EPISTULARUM AD ATTICUM
LIBER NONUS
I
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Etsi, cum tu has litteras legeres, putabam fore
Formiano ut scirem iam, quid Brundisi actum esset (nam Ca-
pnd. i\o. ^ niisio vim Kal. profectus erat Gnaeus; haec autem
" scribebam pridie Nonas xim die post, quam ille Ca-
nusio moverat), tamen angebar singularum horarum
exspectatione mirabarque nihil allatum esse ne rumo-
ris quidem ; nam erat mi rum silentium. Sed haec
fortasse Ktvoa-irovSa sunt, quae tamen iam sciantur
necesse est ; illud molestum, me adhuc investigare
non posse, ubi P. Lentulus noster sit, ubi Domitius.
Quaero autem, quo facilius scire possim, quid acturi
sint, iturinc ad Pompeium et, si sunt, qua quandove
ituri sint.
Urbem quidem iam refertam esse optimatium audio,
Sosium et Lupum, quos Gnaeus noster ante putabat
Brundisium ventures esse quam se, ius dicere. Hinc
vero vulgo vadunt ; etiam M . Lepidus, quocum diem
conterere solebam, eras cogitabat. Nos autem in
Formiano morabamur, quo citius audiremus; deinde
Arpinum volebamus; hide, iter qua maxime di mrdv-
TTjToi . esset, ad mare superum remotis sive omnino
missis lictoribus. Audio enim bonis viris, qui et nunc
176
CICERO S LETTERS
TO ATTICUS
BOOK IX
I
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Although, when you read this letter, I think I Formiae,
shall know what has been done at Brundisium, since March 6,
Pompey left Canusium on the 21st of February and B.C. Jfi
I am writing this on the 6th of March, fourteen days
after his departure from Canusium, still I am in
agonies of suspense as to what each hour may bring,
and I am astonished that I do not even get a rumour.
There is a strange hush. But perhaps this is much
ado about nothing, when we must know all about it
soon enough. But it does worry me that so far I
have been unable to discover the whereabouts of my
friend Lentulus and of Domitius. I want to know,
that I may be able to find out what they are going
to do, whether they are going to Pompey, and, if so,
by what route and on what date.
Town, I am told, is now crammed full with our
party. Sosius and Lupus, who, Pompey thought,
would reach Brundisium before himself, are, it ap
pears, sitting as magistrates. From here there is a
general move: even M . Lepidus, with whom I used
to spend the day, thinks of starting to-morrow. I am
lingering in my villa at Formiae to get news the
sooner. Then I intend to go to Arpinum : from
Arpinum I proceed to the Adriatic, choosing the
least frequented route and leaving behind or even
dismissing my lictors. For I am told that certain
N VOL. II 177
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
et sacpe antea magno praesidio rei publicae fucrunt,
hanc cunctationem nostram non probari multaque in
me et severe in conviviis tempestivis quideni disputari.
Cedamus igitur et, ut boni cives simus, bellum Ita-
liae terra marique inferamus et odia improborum rur-
sus in nos, quae iam exstincta erant, incendamus et
Luccei consilia ac Theophani persequamur. Nam
Scipio vel in Syriam proficiscitur sorte vel cum genero
honeste vel Caesarem fugit iratum. Marcelli quidem,
nisi gladium Caesaris timuissent, manerent. Appius
est eodem in timore et inimieitiarum recentium etiam.
Praeter hunc et C. Cassium reliqui legati, Faustus
pro quaestore ; ego unus, cui utrumvis licet. Frater
accedit, quern socium huius fortunae esse non erat
aequum. Cui magis etiam Caesar irascetur, sed
impetrare non possum, ut maneat. Dabimus hoc
Pompeio, quod debemus. Nam me quidem alius
nemo movet, non sermo bonorum, qui nulli sunt, non
causa, quae acta timide est, agetur improbe. Uni,
uni hoc damus ne id quidem roganti nee suam causam,
ut ait, agenti, sed publicam. Tu quid cogites de
transeundo in F.pirum, scire sane velim.
Acr. in
Formiano CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Xon. Mart. Ktsi Nonis Martiis die tuo, ut opinor, exspectabam
a. 70-5 epistulam a te longiorem, tamen ad earn ipsam bre-
178
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 1-2
loyalists, who now and formerly have been a bulwark
of the Republic, do not like my staying in Italy, and
that they sit half the day over their festive boards
making caustic remarks about me.
So I must depart, and, to be a good citizen, wage
war on Italy, kindle against myself again the hatred of
the disloyal which had died down, and follow the plans
of Lucceius and Theophanes. For Scipio can be said
to set out for Syria, his allotted province, or to ac
company his son-in-law, which is an honourable
excuse, or to flee from Caesar s anger. The Marcelli
would of course have stayed, had they not feared the
sword of Caesar. Appius has the same reason for
alarm, and additional reason through a fresh quarrel.
Except Appius and C. Cassius all the others hold
military commands, Faustus being proquaestor. I am
the only one who could go or stay as I like. Besides
there is my brother, whom it is not fair to involve in
my trouble. With him Caesar will be even more
angry, but I cannot induce him to stay behind. This
sacrifice I will make to Pompey, as loyalty bids. For
no one else influences me, neither talk of loyalists
for there are none nor our cause, which has been
conducted in panic and will be conducted in disgrace.
To one man, one only, I make this sacrifice, though
\e does not even ask it and though the battle lie is
ighting is, as he says, not his own but the State s.
. should much like to know what you think about
Tossing into Epirus.
II
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Though the 7th of March, the day I think for Formiae,
r our attack of fever, 1 should bring me a longer letter March 7,
1 Or " your birthday." Cf. ix, 5. B.C. Ifi
N2 179
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
vein, quam mi Nonas iVo ri/r X^iv dedisti, rescri-
bendum putavi. Gaudere ais te mansisse me et scri-
bis in sententia te manere. Mihi autem superioribus
litteris videbare noil dubitare, quin cederem ita, si et
Gnaeus bene coniitatus conscendisset, et consults
transissent. Utriim hoc tu parum commeministi, an
ego non satis intellexi, an mutasti sententiara? Sed
ant ex epistula, quam exspecto, perspiciam, quid
sentias, aut alias abs te litteras elieiam. Brnndisio
nihildum erat allatum.
I la
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in O rein diftieilem planeque perditam! quam niliil
Foitniano praetermittis in consilio dando ; quam niliil tamen,
( \ _ quod tibi ipsi placeat, explicas! Non esse me una
Mart. a. / Oo
cum I ompeio gaudes ac propoms, quam sit turpe me
adesse, cum quid de illo detrahatur; nefas esse
approbare. Certe ; contra i^itur ? l)i," inquis,
averruncent ! " Quid ergo fiet, si in altero scelus
est, in altero supplicium? Impetrabis," inquis, a
Caesare, ut tibi abesse liceat et esse otioso." Suppli-
candum ig itur? Miserum. Quid, si non impetraro ?
Et de triumpho erit," inquis, integrum." Quid,
si hoe ipso premar? aecipiam? Quid foedius? Ne-
gem? Repudiari se totum, magis etiam quam olim
in xx viratu, putabit. Ac solet, cum se purgat, in me
180
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 2-2a
from you, still I suppose I ought to answer the shorter
note, which you sent on the 4th 011 the eve of your at
tack. You say you are glad that I have stayed in Italy,
and you write that you abide by your former view. But
an earlier letter led me to think you had no doubt I
ought to go, if Pompey embarked with a good following
and the consuls crossed too. Have you forgotten this,
or have I failed to understand you, or have you changed
your mind ? But I shall either learn your opinion from
the letter I now await : or I shall extract another letter
from you. From Brimdisium so far there is no news.
Ha
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
What a difficult and calamitous business ! Nothing Fonniae,
passed over in the advice you give, nothing revealed March S,
as to your real opinion ! You are glad that I am not B.C. 49
with Pompey, and yet you lay down how wrong it
would be for me to be present when he is criticized : it
were shameful to approve his conduct. Agreed. Should
I then speak against him? Heaven forbid," you
say. So, what can happen, if one way lies crime,
and the other punishment? You advise me to get
from Caesar leave of absence and permission to re
tire. Must I then beg and pray? That would be
humiliating : and suppose I fail ? You say the matter
of my triumph will not be prejudiced. But what if
1 am hampered by that very thing? Accept it?
What dishonour ! Refuse it ? Caesar will think that I
am repudiating him entirely, more even than when
I declined a place among his twenty land commis
sioners. And it is his way, when he excuses himself
1 The vigintiviri for the distribution of Campanian land
in 59 B.C. Cf. II, 19.
181
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
conferre oninem illorum temporum culpam. Ita me
sibi fuisse inimicum, ut lie honorem quidem a se
accipere vellem. Quanto nunc hoe idem aeeipiet
asperius ! Tanto scilicet, quanto et honor hie illo est
amplior et ipse robustior. Nam. quod negas te du-
bitare, quin magna in offensa sim apud Pompeium
hoc tempore, non video causam, cur ita sit hoc quidem
tempore. Qui enim amisso Covfinio denique certi-
orem me sui consilii fecit, is queretur Brundisium me
non venisse, cum inter me et Brundisium Caesar
esset? Deinde etiam scit aTrapp^o-iao-rov esse in ea
causa querelam suam. Me putat de municipiorum
imbecillitate, de dilectibus, de pace, de urbe, de
pecunia, de Piceno occupando plus vidisse quam se.
Sin, cum potuero, non venero, turn erit inimicus, quod
ego non eo vereor, ne mihi noceat (quid enim faciet?
Tis o eari 8o?Aos TOV 9a.vf.lv u<porr<.s &v\) }
sed quia ingrati animi erimen horreo. Confido igitur
adventum nostrum illi, quoquo tempore fuerit, ut
scribis, acr/xcvwrrbv fore. Nam, quod ais, si hie
ternperatius egerit, consideratius consilium te datu-
rum, qui hie potest se gerere non perdite? A etaiit
vita, mores, ante facta, ratio suscepti negotii, socii,
vires bonorum aut etiam constantia.
Vixduin epistulam tuam legeram. cum ad me eur-
rens ad ilium Postumus Curtius venit nihil nisi
classes loquens et exercitus. Eripiebat Hispanias,
1 Vetant vita Pmscr : vita A1SS. : vetant Boot.
182
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 2a
to throw on me all the blame for that period, and to say
I was so bitter an enemy that I would not even take
an office from him. How much more will this annoy
him ! Why, as much more as this honour is greater
than that, and he himself is stronger. As for your
remark that you have no doubt I am in bad odour
with Pompey at this present time, I see no reason
why it should be so, especially at this time. Pompey
did not tell me his plans till after the loss of Corfinium,
and he cannot complain of my not going to Brundi-
sium, when Caesar was between me and Brundisium.
Besides he knows that complaint on his part is
stopped. He is of opinion that I saw clearer than
he did about the weakness of the municipal towns,
the levies, peace, the city, the public funds, occupying
Pisenum. If however I do not go to him, when I
can, he will certainly be angry. From that I shrink
not for fear of harm he may do me (for what can
he do? And who
Would be a slave but he who fears to die?" 1 )
but because I shrink from being charged with ingra
titude. So I trust my arrival will be, as you say,
welcome to him, whenever I go. As for your remark
"if Caesar s conduct be more temperate, you will
weigh your advice more carefully," how can Caesar
keep himself from a destructive policy ? It is forbidden
by his character, his previous career, the nature of
his present enterprise, his associates, the material
strength or even the moral firmness of the loyalist
party.
I had scarcely read your letter, when up comes
Curtius Postumus hurrying off to Caesar, talking of
nothing but fleets and armies ; Caesar is wresting
1 From an unknown play of Euripides.
183
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
tenebat Asiam, Sicilian!, Africam, Sardinian!, confe-
stini in Graeciam persequebatur. Eundum igitur est,
nee tarn ut belli quam ut fugae socii simus. Nee
enim ferre potero sennones istorum, quicumque sunt ;
non sunt enim certe, ut appellantur, boni. Sed
tanien id ipsum scire cupio, quid loquantur, idque ut
exquiras meque certiorem facias, te vehementer rogo.
Nos adhuc, quid Brundisi actum esset, plane nescie-
bamus. Cum sciemus, turn ex re et ex ternpore
consilium capiemus, sed utemur tuo.
Ill
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Formiis Domiti filius transiit Formias vin Idus currens ad
VII Id. matrem Neapolim mihique nuntiari iussit patrem ad
Mart. a. tuo ur k em esse, cum de eo curiose quaesisset servus noster
Dionysius. Nos autem audieramus eum profectum
sive ad Pompeium sive in Hispaniam. Id cuius modi
sit, scire sane velim. Nam ad id, quod delibero,
pertinet, si ille certe nusquain discessit, intellegere
Gnaeum non esse faciles nobis ex Italia exitus, cum
ea tota armis praesidiisque teneatur, hieme praeser-
tim. Nam, si commodius anni tempus esset, vel
infero mari liceret uti. Nunc nihil potest nisi su-
pero tramitti, quo iter interclusum est. Quaeres
igitur et de Domitio et de Lentulo.
A Brundisio nulla adhuc fama venerat, et erat hie
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 2a-3
the Spaiiis from Pompey, occupying Asia, Sicily,
Africa, Sardinia, and forthwith pursuing Pompey into
Greece." So I must set out to take part not so much
in a war as in a flight. For I can never put up with
the talk of your friends, whoever they are, for
certainly they are not what they are called, loyalists.
Still that is just what I want to know, what they
do say, and I beg you earnestly to inquire and
inform me. So far I know nothing of what has
happened at Brundisium. When I know, I shall
form my plans according to circumstances and the
moment ; but I shall use your advice.
Ill
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
The son of Domitius went through Formiae on the Fonniac,
8th of March hastening to his mother at Naples, March J,
and, when my slave Dionysius inquired particularly B.C. 4$
from him about his father, he sent me a message
that he was outside the city. But I had heard that
he had gone either to Pompey or to Spain. What
the fact is, I should much like to know, for it has a
bearing on the point I am now considering: if it is
certain that Domitius has found no means of depar
ture, Pompey may understand that my own departure
from Italy is difficult, seeing that it is now beset
with troops and garrisons, and especially in the
winter season. For, were it a more convenient time
of year, one could even cross the southern sea.
Now there is no choice but the Adriatic, to which
passage is barred. So please inquire both about
Domitius and about Lentulus.
From Brundisium no news has come yet, and to-day
185
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
dies vn Idus, quo die suspicabamur ant pridie Brun-
disium venisse Caesarem. Nam Kal. Arpis man-
serat. Sed, si Postumum audire velles, persecuturus
erat Gnaeum ; traiisisse enim iain putabat coniectura
tenipestatum ac dierum. Ego nautas eum non puta-
bani habiturum, ille confidebat, et eo magis, quod
audita naviculariis hominis liberalitas esset. Sed,
tota res Brundisina quo modo habeat se, diutius
nescire non possum.
IV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Fonniis Ego etsi tarn diu requiesco, quam diu aut ad te
scribo aut tuas litteras lego, tamen et ipse egeo ar-
Mart. a- (Oo
gumento epistularurn et tibi idem accidere certo scio.
(^uae enim soluto animo familiariter scribi solent, ea
temporibus liis excluduntur, quae autem sunt liorum
temporum, ea iam contrivimus. Sed tamen, lie me
totum aegritudini dedam, sumpsi mihi quasdam tani-
quam Vareis, quae et oXiriKal sunt et temporum
liorum, ut et abducam aninnmi ab querelis et in eo
ipso, de quo agitur, exercear. Eae sunt liuius modi :
E( //ei CTtor er TIJ arpiSi Tvpavvovfj^vif)<s (tVTf}<i, Et
arrl Tpow rvpai i idos K-ardArcru pay /tare iTfor, Kar
186
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 3-t
is the 9th of March. I expect Caesar reached Brun-
disium to-day or yesterday. He stayed at Arpi on
the 1st. If you choose to listen to Postumus, Caesar
meant to pursue Pompey; for, by calculating the
state of the weather and the days, he concluded
that Pompey had crossed the sea. I thought that
Caesar would be unable to get crews, but Postumus
was quite sure about that, and the more so because
ship-owners had heard of Caesar s liberality. But it
cannot be long now before I hear the full story of
what has happened at Brundisium.
IV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Though now I rest only so long as I am writing to Formiae,
you or reading your letters, still I am in want of March!;?,
subject matter, and feel sure that you are in the same B>c - 4**
position, for the present crisis debars us from the
free and easy topics of friendly correspondence, and
the topics connected with the present crisis we have
already exhausted. However, not to succumb entirely
to low spirits, I have taken for myself certain theses,
so to speak, which deal with la haute politique and
are applicable to the present crisis, so that I may
keep myself from querulous thoughts and may prac
tise the subject. Here are some:
Whether one should remain in one s country, even
under a tyranny. Whether any means are lawful to
187
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
8ia TOVTO Trepi TMV 6 Awv >} TroAis Kiv8vvfWfiV.
Ei ei Aa/3rjTeov TOV KaraAt ovTU. // tti rbs aiprjTai. Ei
TTfipareor aprjyetv ry rrarpio t Ti pavi ov/zerf/ /ccupcjj Kai
Xoyy jua/XAoi -;} oAe/zy. Et TroAtriKor TO i/f ri X"C n
avaxwpvyrrarTa Trot TV)? TrarptSos Tvpawoi /ievjjs >; Sia
Trai Toi Ireor KtvBvvcrv TV]S eXerOepLas irept, Et TroAe/xor
7raKTeor TV; X^Pt 1 Kat ToAiopKTjTeov avn/i Ti pai i Oi /jterrjr.
Ei Kai JUT) SoKtjua^oi Ta rr)v 810, TroAe/jioi KaTaAi o~tr TV}S
TVpavviSos crwaTroypaTTTCOV o /nws TOIS dpurrois. Ei rois
evcpyerais *cot <j>i\ois (rvyKivovvevreov er rots TroAiTiKois.
/car /x ^/ SOKOKTIV ei 1 fStfJovXevcrdai TTf.pl TMV oAcov. Ei
o iLf.ya.Xa. T?yi Trarpi^a rpyeT;;o~as. 81 uvro 8e TOUTO
Tradtov KO.I (faOoriydels, Ktr8rvi o eiev ai e^e-
T}S 7raTpi6o5, ?; e</>eTov ai Tco eai TOL 1 TTOTC
/cat rwr oiKCtOTOTtov 7roif.L<r8a.i poroiar a<^/zevto ras
Trpos Tors icrx^ ovras StaTroAiretas.
In his ego me consultationibus exercens et disse-
reiis in utramque partem turn Graece, turn Latine et
abduco parumper animum a molestiis et TWV vpovpyov
TI delibero. Sed vereor, ne tibi d/caipo? sim. Si
enini recte ambulaverit is, qui hanc epistulam tulit,
in ipsum tuum diem iiicidet.
188
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 4
abolish a tyranny, even if they endanger the existence
of the State. Whether one ought to take care that
one who tries to abolish it may not rise too high
himself. Whether one ought to assist one s country,
when under a tyranny, by seizing opportunities and
by argument rather than by Avar. Whether one is
doing one s duty to the State, if one retires to some
other place and there remains inactive, when there
is a tyranny; or whether one ought to run every
risk for liberty. Whether one ought to invade the
country and besiege one s native town, when it is
under a tyranny. Whether one ought to enrol one
self in the ranks of the loyalists, even if one does
not approve of war as a means of abolishing tyranny.
Whether one ought in political matters to share the
dangers of one s benefactors and friends, even if one
does not believe their general policy to be wise.
Whether one who has done good service for his
country, and by it has won ill-treatment and envy,
should voluntarily put himself into danger for that
country, or may at length take thought for himself
and his dear ones and avoid struggles against the
powers that be.
By employing myself with such questions and dis
cussing the pros and cons in Greek and Latin, I
divert my thoughts a little from my troubles and at
the same time consider a subject which is very perti
nent. But I fear you may find me a nuisance. For,
if the bearer makes proper headway, it will reach
you on the very day you have your attack of ague.
189
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
V
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Set: Fornriis Natal i die tuo scripsisti epistulam ad me plenam
/ / Id. consilii summaeque cum benevolentiae turn etiam
fll prudentiae. Earn mihi Philotimus postridie, quam
a te acceperat, reddidit. Sunt ista quidem, quae
disputas, difficillima, iter ad superum, navigatio in-
fero, discessus Arpinum, lie huiic fugisse, inansio
Formiis, ne obtulisse nos gratulationi videamur, sed
miserius nihil quam ea videre, quae tamen iam, iam,
inquam, videnda erunt.
Fuit apud me Postunms, scripsi ad te, quam gravis.
Venit ad me etiam Q. Fufius quo vultu, quo spiritu
properans Brundisium, scelus accusans Pompei, levi-
tatem et stultitiam senatus. Haec qui in mea villa
non feram, Curtium in curia potero ferre? Age,
finge me quam vis eiVro/taxw* haec ferentem, quid?
ilia Die, M. TVLLI " quern habebunt exitum? Et
omitto eausam rei publicae, quam ego amissam puto
cum vulneribus suis turn medicamentis eis, quae
parantur, de Pompeio quid agam? cui plane (quid
enim hoc negem?) suscensui. Semper enini causae
eventorum magis movent quam ipsa eventa. Haee
igitur mala (quibus maiora esse quae possunt?) con-
siderans, vel potius iudicans eius opera accidisse, et
c ul pa, inimicior eram huic quam ipsi Caesari. Ut
190
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 5
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On your birthday you wrote me a letter full of Fonniae,
advice, full of great kindness and of great wisdom. March 10,
Philotimus delivered it to me the da}- after he got it B-C. 4->
from you. The points you discuss are very difficult
- the route to the upper sea, a voyage by the lower
sea, departure to Arpinum, lest I should seem to
have avoided Caesar, remaining at Formiae, lest I
should appear to have put myself forward to con
gratulate him; but the most miserable thing of all
will be to see what I tell you must very shortly be
seen.
Curtius Postumus was with me. I wrote you how
tiresome he was. Quintus Fufius also came to see
me what an air ! what assurance ! hastening to
Brimdisium denouncing Pompey s wrong-doings and
the careless folly of the House. When I cannot
stand this under my own roof, how shall I be able to
endure Curtius in the Senate? But suppose I put
up with all this in good humour, what of the ques
tion Your vote, M. Tullius?" What will come of
it? I pass over the cause of the Republic, which I
consider lost, both from the wounds dealt it and the
cures prepared for them ; but what am I to do about
Pompey ? It is no use denying that I am downright
angry with him. For I am always more affected by
the causes of events than by the events themselves.
Therefore considering our incomparable woes, or
rather concluding that they have happened by his
doing and his mistakes, I am more angry with Pompey
than with Caesar himself. Just as our ancestors
191
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
niaiores nostri funestiorem diem esse voluerunt
Aliensis pugnae quam urbis captae, quod hoc nialum
ex illo (itaque alter religiosus etiam mine dies, alter
in vulgus ignotus), sic ego decem annorum peccata
recordans, in quibus inerat ille etiam annus, qui nos
hoc non defendente, ne dicam gravius, adflixerat,
praesentisque temporis cognoseens temeritatem, ig-
naviam, neglegentiam suscensebam. Sed ea iam
mihi exciderunt; beneficia eiusdem cogito, eogito
etiam dignitatem; intellego serins equidem, quam
vellem, propter epistulas sermonesque Balbi, sed
video plane nihil aliud agi, nihil actum ab initio, nisi
nt hune occideret. Ego igitur, sicut ille apud
Homerum, cui et mater et dea dixisset :
Avrtjca yap TOI eeira fj.e0 E/cropa TTOT/WS fTOi/ws,
matri ipse respondit :
AiTi/ca reBvairjv, tTret OTK ap e/teXXov traipcp
KTc/i o/xerw eirafj-vvat.
Quid, si non eratpw solum, sed etiam erepyerij, adde
tali viro talem causam agenti ? Ego vero haec officia
mercanda vita puto. Optimatibus vero tuis nihil
eonfido, nihil iam ne inservio quidem. Mdeo^ ut se
luiic dent, ut daturi sint. Quicquam tu ilia putas
fuisse de valetudine decreta municipiorum prae his
de victoria gratulationibus? Timent," inquies. At
ipsi turn se timuisse dicunt. Sed videamus, quid
actum sit Brundisi. Ex eo fortasse alia consilia
nascentur aliaeque litterae.
192
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. >
thought that the day of the battle of Alia was blacker
than the day of the capture of Rome,, because the
capture was but the consequence of the battle (and
so the former day is still a black letter day and the
latter is commonly unknown), so I too was angry in
recalling his errors of the last ten years, which in
cluded the year of my affliction, when he gave me no
help, to put it mildly, and recognizing his foolhardi-
ness, sloth and carelessness at the present time.
But all this I have forgotten. It is his kindness I
think of, and I think of my own honour too. I
understand, later indeed than J could have wished,
from the letters and conversation of Balbus, but I
see plainly, that the sole object is, and has been
from the beginning, the death of Pompey. So I say
the same as Achilles to his mother, when she said
"For after Hector s death thy doom is fixed," and
he replied, Then let me die, since I have failed to Iliad xviii. 96-9
save my friend."
And in my case it is not only a friend but a bene
factor, a man so great and championing so great a
cause. Indeed I hold that life should be paid for
the kindnesses that he has done me. But in your
loyal party I have no confidence : nor I do even
acknowledge any allegiance to them now. I see
how they surrender and will surrender themselves to
Caesar. Do you think that those decrees of the
towns about Pompey s health were any thing compared
with their congratulatory addresses to Caesar ? You
will say, They are terrorized." Yes, but they
themselves declare that they were terrorized on the
former occasion. But let us see what has happened
at Brundisium. Perhaps from that may spring
different plans and a different letter.
o VOL. a 193
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
VI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Formiis Nos adhuc Brundisio nihil. Roma scripsit Balbus
r la. Mart, putare iam Lciitulum consulem tramisisse, nee eum a
/V /Q ""
minore Balbo conventum, quod is hoe iam Canusi
audisset ; inde ad se eum scripsisse ; cohortesque
sex, quae Albae fuissent, ad Curium via Minucia
transisse ; id Caesarem ad se scripsisse, et brevi
tempore eum ad urbem futurum. Ergo utar tuo
consilio neque me Arpinum hoc tempore abdam, etsi,
Ciceroni meo togam puram cum dare Arpini vellem,
hanc eram ipsam excusationemrelicturus ad Caesarem.
Sed fortasse in eo ipso offendetur, cur non Romae
potius. Ac tamen, si est conveniendus, hie potissi-
mum. Turn reliqua videbimus, id est et quo et qua
et quando.
Domitius, ut audio, in Cosano est, et quidem, ut
aiunt, paratus ad navigandum, si in Hispaniam, non
probo, si ad Gnaeum, laudo; quovis potius certe,
quam ut Curtium videat, quern ego patronus aspicere
non possum. Quid alios? Sed, opinor, quiescamus,
ne nostram culpam coarguamus, qui, dum urbem, id
est patriam, amamus dumque rem conventuram pu-
tamus, ita nos gessimus. ut plane interclusi captique
simus.
Scripta iam epistula Capua litterae sunt allatae hoc
exemplo: Pompeius mare transiit eum omnibus
militibus, quos secum habuit. Hie numerus est
19 i
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 6
VI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
No news yet from Brundisium. From Rome Balbus Formiae,
has written that he thinks the consul Lentulus has March 1
now gone over, and that the younger Balbus has not B.C. 49
met him, because the latter has just heard the news
at Canusium and from that town has written to him.
He adds that the six cohorts which were at Alba
have gone to Curius by the Minucian road, that
Caesar has written to tell him so and will shortly be in
Rome. So I shall follow your advice. I shall not
go and bury myself in Arpinum at the present time,
though, since I had wished to celebrate my son s
coming of age there, I thought of leaving that as an
excuse to Caesar. But perhaps that itself will give
offence and he might ask why I should not do it at
Rome. Still, if I must meet him, I would much
rather meet him here. Then I shall see the other
things, where I am to go, by what route and when.
Domitius, I hear, is at Cosa, and ready it is said to
sail. If it is to Spain, I do not approve, but, if to
Pompey, he has my praise. Better to go anywhere
than to have to see Curtius, of whom, though I have
defended him, I cannot bear the sight, not to speak
of others. But I suppose I had better keep quiet,
for fear of convicting myself of folly in managing to
be cut off wholly and made captive through my love
of my country and an idea that the matter could be
patched up.
Just as I had finished writing, there came a letter
from Capua, of which this is a copy: " Pompey has
crossed the sea with all the soldiery lie has. There
o2 195
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
hominum milia triginta et consules duo et tribuni pi.
et senatores, qui fuerunt cum eo, omnes cum uxoribus
et liberis. Conscendisse dicitur a. d. mi Nonas
Martias. Ex ea die fuere septemtriones venti. Naves,
quibus ustis non est, omnes aut praecidisse aut
incendisse dicunt."
De hac re litterae L. Metello tribuno pi. Capuam
allatae sunt a Clodia socru, quae ipsa transiit. Ante
sollicitus erani et angebar, sicut res scilicet ipsa coge-
bat, cum consilio explicare nihil possem; nunc autem,
postquam Pompeius et consules ex Italia exierunt,
non angor, sed ardeo dolore,
Ol 8e /J.OL f]TOp
ffjareSov, aXX aXaXi Krrj^JLat.
Non sum, inquam, mihi crede, mentis compos ; tantum
mihi dedecoris admisisse videor. Meiie non primum
cum Pompeio qualicumque consilio uso, deinde cum
bonis esse quamvis causa temere instituta ? praesertim
cum ii ipsi, quorum ego causa timidius me fortunae
committebam, uxor, filia, Cicerones pueri, me illud
sequi mallent, hoc turpe et me indignum putarent.
Nam Quintus quidem frater, quicquid mihi placeret,
id rectum se putare aiebat, id animo aequissimo se-
quebatur.
Tuas nunc epistulas a primo lego. Hae me pau-
lum recreant. Primae monent et rogant, ne me pro-
iciam, proximae gaudere te ostendunt me remansisse.
Eas cum lego, minus mihi turpis videor, sed tarn diu,
dum lego. Deinde emergit rursum dolor et aiVxpor
</>ai Tuo-i u. Quam ob rem obsecro te, mi Tite, eripe
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 6
are 30,000 men, two consuls, tribunes and the
senators who were with him, all accompanied by
wives and children. He is said to have embarked
on the 4th of Mai-ch. From that day there have
been northerly winds. They say he disabled or
burned all the ships he did not use."
On this matter a letter has been received at Capua
by Lucius Metellus, the tribune of the plebs, from
Clodia, his mother-in-law, who herself crossed the
sea. I was anxious and distracted before, naturally
enough under the circumstances, when I could find
no solution of affairs. But, now that Pompey and
the consuls have left Italy, I am not only dis
tracted, but I blaze with indignation. Steady my
heart no more, but wild with grief." Believe me, ii; n d x, 91
I say I am no longer responsible, so great the shame
1 seem to have incurred. To think that in the first
place I should not be with Pompey, whatever his
plan, nor again with the loyalists, however rashly they
have mismanaged their cause ! Particularly when
those very people, whose interests kept me cautious,
my wife, my daughter and the boys, preferred that
1 should follow Pompey s fortunes, and thought
Caesar s cause disgraceful and unworthy of me. As
for my brother Quintus, whatever I thought right,
he agreed to, and he followed my course with
perfect contentment.
Your letters I am reading now from the beginning
of the business. They afford me some little relief.
The first warn and entreat me not to commit myself.
The later ones show you are glad I stayed. While I
read them, my conduct seems to me less discreditable;
but only so long as I read : afterwards up rises sorrow
again and a vision of shame. So I beseech you, Titus,
197
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
mihi hunc dolorem, aut minue saltern aut consola-
tione aut consilio, aut quacumque re potes. Quid
tu autem possis ? aut quid homo quisquam ? Vix iam
deus.
Equidem illud molior, quod tu mones sperasque
fieri posse, ut mihi Caesar concedat, ut absim, cum
aliquid in senatu contra Gnaeum agatur. Sed timeo,
ne non impetrem. Venit ab eo Furnius. Ut quidem
scias, quos sequamur, Q. Titini filium cum Caesare
esse nuntiat, sed ilium maiores mihi gratias agere,
quam vellcm. Quid autem me roget paucis ille qui
dem verbis, sed er Srrd^et.. cognosce ex ipsius epistula.
Me miserum, quod tu non valuisti ! una fuissemus ;
consilium certe non defuisset ; <riV re &v epx-
/itl to .
Sed acta ne agamus, reliqua paremus. Me adhuc
haec duo fefellerunt, initio spes compositionis, qua
facta volebam uti populari vita, sollicitudine senectu-
tem nostram liberari ; deinde bellum crudcle et
exitiosum suscipi a Pompeio intellegebam. Melioris
medius fidius civis et viri putabam quovis supplicio
adfici, quam illi crudelitati non solum praeesse, verum
etiam interesse. Videtur vel mori satius fuisse quam
esse cum his. Ad haec igitur cogita, mi Attice, vel
potius excogita. Quemvis eventum fortius feram
quam hunc dolorem.
198
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 6
take this grief away from me, or at any rate lessen
it by your sympathy or advice or by any other possible
means. Yet what can you or any man do? God
Himself could hardly help now.
But my own aim now is to achieve what you
advise and hope, that Caesar excuse my absence,
when any measure is brought forward against Pompey
in the house. But I fear I may fail. Furnius has
come from Caesar. To show you the sort of men I
am following, he tells me that the son of Q. Titinius
is with Caesar, but Caesar expresses greater thanks
to me than I could wish. His request put in a few
words, but ex cathedra, you may see from his letter.
How grieved I am at your ill-health ! We should
have been together ; assuredly advice would not have
been wanting: Two heads are better than one." n; a j x
But let us not fight battles over again, let us attend
to the future. Till now two things have led me
astray, at first the hope of a settlement, and, if that
were secured, I was ready for private life and an old
age quit of public cares ; and then I discovered that
Pompey was beginning a bloody and destructive war.
On my honour I thought that it was the part of a
better man and a better citizen to suffer any punish
ment rather than, I will not say to take a leading
part, but even to take any part in such atrocities.
It seems as though it would have been preferable to
die than to be one of such men. So, my dear Atticus,
think on these problems, or rather think them out.
I shall bear any result more bravely than this afflic
tion.
199
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Via
CAESAR IMP. S. D. CICERONI IMP.
OCT. in tttnere Cum Furnium nostrum tantum vidissem neque lo-
qui neque audire meo commodo potuissem, propera-
.... ...,..,
rem atque essem in itinere praemissis lam legiombus,
praeterire tamen non potui, quin et scriberem ad te
et ilium mitterem gratiasque agerem, etsi hoc et feci
saepe et saepius mihi facturus videor. Ita de me
mereris. In primis a te peto, quoiiiam confido me
celeriter ad urbem venturum, ut te ibi videam, ut
tuo consilio, gratia, dignitate, ope omnium rerum uti
possim. Ad propositum revertar; festinationi meae
brevitatique litterarum ignosces. Reliqua ex Furnio
cognosces.
VII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Scripseram ad te epistulam, quam darem nn Idus.
Formiis III Sed eo die is, cui dare volueram, non est profectus.
Id. Mart. Veiiit autem eo ipso die ille celeripes," quern Salvius
a. f(Jo dixerat. Attulit uberrimas tuas litteras; quae mihi
quiddam quasi animulae instillarunt ; recreatum enim
me non queo dicere. Sed plane TO wv nyov effecisti.
Ego enim non iam id ago, mihi crede, ut prosperos
exitus consequar. Sic enim video, nee duobus his
vivis nee hoc uno nos umquam rem publicam habi-
200
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 6a-7
Via
CAESAR THE IMPERATOR SENDS GREETINGS TO CICERO THE
IMPERATOR.
Though I have only had a glimpse of our friend On the
FurniuS; and have not yet been able conveniently to march,
speak to him or hear what he has to say, being in a March,
hurry and on the march, yet I could not neglect the B.C. Jfi
opportunity of writing to you and sending him to
convey my thanks. Be sure I have often thanked
you and I expect to have occasion to do so still more
often in the future : so great are your services to me.
First I beg you, since I trust that I shall quickly
reach Rome, to let me see you there, and employ
your advice, favour, position and help of all kinds.
I will return to what I began with : pardon my haste
and the shortness of my letter. All the other
information you may get from Furnius.
VII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I wrote you a letter dated the 12th of March, but Formiae,
on that day the man to whom I meant to give it did March 13,
not set out. However, on that very day there B.C. 49
arrived that sprinter," as Salvius called him, bring
ing your very full epistle which has put just a drop
of life into me, for recovered I cannot profess to be.
Clearly you have done the one thing needful. Believe
me I am not acting now with a view to a lucky
issue; for I see that we can never enjoy a Republic
while these two men live, or this one alone. So I
201
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
turos. Ita neque de otio iiostro spero iani nee ullam
acerbitatem recuso. Unum illud extimescebam, ne
quid turpiter facerem, vel dicam iam ne fecissem.
Sic ergo habeto, salutares te mihi litteras misisse
neque solum has longiores, quibus nihil potest esse
explicatius, nihil perfectius, sed etiam illas breviores,
in quibus hoc mihi iucundissimum fuit, consilium
factumque nostrum a Sexto probari, pergratumque
mihi tu . . . feeisti ; a quo et diligi me et, quid
rectum sit, intellegi scio. Longior vero tua epistula
non me solum, sed meos omnes aegritudine levavit.
Itaque utar tuo consilio et ero in Formiano, ne atit
ad urbem a-drr-yri^ mea animadvertatur, aut, si nee
hie nee illic eum videro, devitatum se a me putet.
Quod autem suades, ut ab eo petam, ut mihi conce-
dat, ut idem tribuam Pompeio, quod ipsi tribuerim,
id me iam pridem agere intelleges ex litteris Balbi
et Oppi, quarimi exempla tibi misi. Misi etiam
Caesaris ad eos sana mente scriptas quo modo in
tanta insania. Sin mihi Caesar hoc 11011 concedat,
video tibi placere illud, me -oXi-ev^a de pace susci-
pere ; in quo non extimesco periculum (cum enim
tot impendeant, cur non honestissimo depecisci
velim?), sed vereor, ne Pompeio quid oiieris im-
ponam,
fii l [wi yopyeuyr K<aAr?v Seu oto eAojpov
intorqueat. Mirandum enim in modum Gnaeus no-
ster Sullani regni similitudinem coiicupivit. Ei 8ws
trot. Aeyw. Nihil ille umquam minus obscure tulit.
1 After tu there is piobably a lacuna which should be filled
by some such words as those suggested by Lehmann : feeisti,
quod me de iudicio eius certiorem.
202
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 7
have no hope of ease for myself and I do not refuse
to contemplate as possible any bitterness. The one
thing I dread is doing, or, perhaps I should say,
having done, anj thing disgraceful.
So please consider that j our letter was good for
me, and not only the longer, most explicit and per
fect epistle, but also the shorter, in which the most
delightful thing was to find that my policy and action
is approved by Sextus. You have done me a great
kindness. . . - 1 Of his affection and sense of honour
I am sure. But that longer letter of yours has
relieved not only me but all my friends from our
sorry state : so I will follow your advice and remain
in the villa at Formiae, that my meeting with Caesar
outside the city may not excite comment, or, if I do
not meet him either here or there, I may not lead
him to think I have shunned him. As for your
advice to ask him to allow me to pay Pompey the
same homage as I did to him, you will understand I
have been doing that long since, when you see the
copies I forward of letters of Balbus and Oppius. I send
also a letter addressed by Caesar to them, which is
sane enough considering these mad times. But, if
Caesar should refuse my request, I see that you think
I should undertake to be a peace-maker. In that role
I do not fear danger for, with so many dangers
overhanging, why should I not compound by taking
the most respectable but I fear lest I may embarrass
Pompey, and he fix on me the Gorgon gaze of his
dread eye." It is wonderful to see how Pompey Odyssey xi, 663
desires to imitate Sulla s reign. I know what I am
saying. He has made no secret of it. Then why
Adopting Lehmann s suggestion "in telling me of his
opinion."
203
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Cum hocne igitur, inquies, "esse vis?" Benefi-
cium sequor, mihi crede, non causam, [ut in Milone,
ut in ... Sed hactenus]. 1 " Causa igitur non bona
est?" Immo optima, sed agetur, memento, foedis-
sime. Primum consilium est suffocare urbem et
Italiam fame, deinde agvos vastave, urere, pecuniis
locupletum non abstinere. Sed, cum eadem metuam
ab hac parte, si illim beneficium non sit, rectius
putem quidvis domi perpeti. Sed ita meruisse ilium
de me puto, ut dxpio"rta$ crimen subire non audeam,
quamquam a te eius quoque rei iusta defensio est
explicata.
De triumpho tibi adsentior, quern quidem totum
facile et lubenter abiecero. Egregie probo fore ut,
dum agamus, o 77X005 wptuos obrepat. Si modo,"
inquis, satis ille erit firmus." Est firmior etiam,
quam putabamus. De isto licet bene speres. Pro-
mitto tibi, si valebit, tegulam ilium in Italia nullam
I elicturum. Tene igitur socio?" Contra meher-
cule me inn indicium et contra omnium antiquorum
auctoritatem, nee tarn ut ilia adiuvem, quam ut haec
ne videam. cupio discedere. Noli enim putare tole-
rabiles horum insanias iiec unius modi fore. Etsi
quid te horum fugit, legibus, iudicibus, iudiciis
senatu sublato libidines, audacias, sumptus, egestates
tot egentissimorum hominum nee privatas posse res
nee rem publicam sustinere ? Abeamus igitur inde
qualibet navigation e ; etsi id quidem, ut tibi videbi-
The words in brackets arc probably a gloss which has crept
into the text.
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 7
do 1 wish to be associated with such a man ? Believe
me I follow gratitude, not a cause [and I did in the
case of Milo and in ... But enough of this.] "Then
the cause is not good? " Yes, the best in the world;
but remember it will be handled in the most dis
graceful way. The first plan is to throttle Rome and
Italy and starve them, then to lay waste and burn
the countrj r , and not to keep hands off the riches of
the wealthy. But, since I have the same fears on
Caesar s side too, if it were not for favours on the
other side, I should think it better to stay in Rome
and suffer what comes. But so bounden do I con
sider myself to Pompey that I cannot endure to risk
the charge of ingratitude. But you have said all
that can be said for that course too.
About my triumph I agree with you. I can throw
it away willingly and with ease. I am delighted
with your remark that it may be, while I am consi
dering, the chance to sail" may arise. Yes," you
say, if only Pompey is firm enough." He is more
firm than I imagined. In him you may be confident.
I promise you, if he succeeds, he will not leave a tile
in Italy. Will you help him, then?" By heaven,
against my own judgement and against all the les
sons of the past I desire to depart, not so much that
I may help Pompey, as that I may not see what is
being done here. For please do not think that the
madness of these parties will be endurable or of one
kind. However, it is obvious to you that when laws,
juries, courts and Senate are abolished, neither pri
vate nor public resources will be able to bear up
against the lusts, daring, extravagance and necessity
of- so many needy men. So let me depart on any kind
of voyage : be it whatever you will, only let me de-
205
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
tur, sed certe abeamus. Sciemus enim, id quod ex-
spectas, quid Brundisi actum sit.
Bonis viris quod ais probari, quae adhuc fecerimus,
scirique ab iis nos non profectos, valde gaudeo, si est
mine nil us gaudendi locus. De Lentulo investigabo
diligentius. Id mandavi Philotimo, homini forti ac
nimium optimati.
Extremum est, ut tibi argumentum ad scribendum
fortasse iam desit. Nee enim alia de re nunc ulla
scribi potest, et de hac quid iam amplius inveniri
potest? Sed, quoniam et ingenium suppeditat (dico
mehercule, ut sentio) et amor, quo et meum ingenium
incitatur, perge, ut faeis, et scribe, quantum potes.
In Epiruin quod me non invitas, comitem 11011
molestum, subirascor. Sed vale. Nam, ut tibi ambu-
landum, ungendum, sic mihi dormiendum. Etenim
litterae time mihi sonmuni attulerunt.
Vila
BALBUS ET 01 1 IUS S. D. M. CICERONI.
Scr. llomae Nedum hominum humilium, ut nos sumus, sed
/ / ant I etiam amplissimorum virorum consilia ex eventu, non
la.JxLan. a. ex voluntate a plerisque probai i solent. Tamen freti
tua humanitate, quod verissimum nobis videbitur, de
eo, quod ad nos scripsisti, tibi consilium dabimus.
Quod si non fuerit prudens, at certe ab optima fide
et optimo animo proficiscetur.
Nos, si id, quod nostro iudicio Caesarem facere
206
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 7-7a
part. For I shall know the news you are waiting
for, what has happened at Brundisium.
If, as you say, my conduct hitherto has been
approved by the loyal party and they are aware
I have not gone away, I am very glad indeed, if now
there is any place for gladness. As for Lentulus I
will make more careful inquiries. I have entrusted
the matter to Philotimus, a man of courage and
excessive loyalty.
The last thing I have to say is, that perhaps you
lack a theme for your letters for one can write on
no other topic, and what more can be said on this?
But since there is plenty of ability in you (and upon
my soul I speak as I feel) and affection which also
spurs my own wit, go on as you are doing and write
as much as you can.
I am rather annoyed that you do not invite me as
your guest to Epirus when you know I should give
you no trouble. But good-bye. You want your
walk and perfumery and I want my sleep : for your
letter has induced sleep.
Vila
BALBUS AND OPPIUS TO M. CICEKO, GREETING.
Advice even the advice of distinguished persons, Formiac,
let alone nobodies like ourselves is generally judged March 10 or
by results and not by intentions. However, relying 11, B.C. Jj. )
on your kindness of heart, we will give you the
soundest advice we can on the point about which
you wrote, and, even if its wisdom may be doubted,
there will be no doubt that it springs from good faith
and good feeling.
If we had heard from Caesar s own lips that he
207
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
oportere existimamus, ut, siniul Romam venerit, agat
de reconciliatione gratiae suae et Pompei, id eum fa-
cturum ex ipso cognovissemus, deberemus 1 te hortari,
ut velles iis rebus interesse, quo facilius et maiore
cum dignitate per te, qui utrique es coniunctus, res
tota confieret, aut, si ex contrario putaremus Caesarem
id non facturum, et etiam velle cum Pompeio bellum
gerere sciremus, numquam tibi suaderemus, contra
hominem optime de te meritum arma ferres, sicuti
te semper oravimus, lie contra Caesarem pugnares.
Sed, cum etiam nune, quid facturus Caesar sit, magis
opinari quam scire possimus, 2 non possumus nisi hoc,
11011 videri earn tuam esse dignitatem neque fidem
omnibus cognitam, ut contra alterutrum, cum utrique
sis maxime necessarius, arma feras, et hoc non dubi-
tamus quin Caesar pro sua humanitate maxime sit
probaturus. Nos tamen, si tibi videbitur, ad Caesarem
scribemus. ut nos certiores faciat, quid hac re acturus
sit. A quo si erit nobis rescriptum, statim, quae
sentiemus, ad te scribemus, et tibi fidem faciemus
nos ea suadere, quae nobis videntur tuae dignitati,
non Caesaris actioni esse utilissima, et hoc Caesarem
pro sua indulgentia in suos probaturum putamus.
Vllb
BALBUS CICERONI IMP. SAL.
Scr. Romac S. V. B. Posteaquam litteras communes cum Op-
V ant IV Id. pio ad te dedi, ab Caesare epistulam accepi, cuius ex-
Mart. a. / Go , deberemus added By Lchmann.
- possimus added by Ascensins.
208
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 7a-7b
was going to do, what in our opinion he ought to do,
as soon as he reaches Rome, that is to say try to
effect a reconciliation with Pompey, we should feel
it our duty to exhort you to take part in the nego
tiations, as the whole thing could most easily and
with the greatest dignity be carried through by you,
who have ties with both parties. If on the contrary
we thought Caesar was not going to follow that
course, and knew that he even wished to wage war
with Pompey, we should never advise you to bear
arms against a man who has done you such good
service, just as we have always begged you not to
fight against Caesar. But, since Caesar s intentions
are still mere guesswork, we can only say that it
does not seem consonant with your dignity or your
well-known sense of honour to bear arms against
either of them, as you are intimate with both : and
we have no doubt that Caesar will be generous
enough to approve of this course. If you wish it,
however, we will write to Caesar to ascertain his
intentions in this matter. If he sends us an answer,
we will let you know our opinion at once, and con
vince you that we are giving the advice which seems
to us to be best for your dignity, not for Caesar s
policy, and, such is Caesar s consideration for his
friends, that we feel sure he will approve of such a
course.
Vllb
BALBUS TO CICERO, THE IMPEHATOR, GREETING.
I hope you are well. 1 After sending you a letter Rome,
in conjunction with Oppius I had a note from Caesar, March 11 or
of which I am forwarding a copy. From it you can 13, B.C. 4$
1 The letters S. V.B. stand for si vales benc (eat}.
p VOL. ii aoy
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
emplum tibi misi. Ex quibus perspicere poteris,
quam cupiat concorcliani suani et Pompei reconciliare,
et quam remotus sit ab omni crudelitate; quod eum
sentire, ut debeo, valde gaudeo. De te et tua fide et
pietate idem mehercule, mi Cicero, sentio quod tu,
non posse tuam famam et officium sustinere, ut con
tra eum arma feras, a quo tantum beneficium te acce-
pisse praedices. Caesarem hoc idem probaturum ex-
ploratum pro singulari eius humanitate habeo, eique
cumulatissime satis facturum te certo scio, cum nul-
lam partem belli contra eum suscipias neque socius
eius adversariis fueris. Atque hoc non solurn in te,
tali et tanto viro, satis habebit, sed etiam mihi ipse
sua concessit voluntate, ne in iis castris essem, quae
contra Lentulum aut Pompeium futura essent, quorum
beneficia maxima haberem, sibique satis esse dixit, si
togatus urbana officia sibi praestitissem, quae etiam
illis, si vellem, praestare possem. Itaque nunc Romae
omnia negotia Lentuli procure, sustineo, meumque
officium, fidem, pietatem iis praesto. Sed mehercule
rursus iam abiectam compositionis spem non despera-
tissimam esse puto, quoniam Caesar est ea mente,
quam optare debemus.
Hac re mihi placet, si tibi videtur, te ad eum scri-
bere et ab eo praesidium petere, ut petiisti a Pompeio
me quidem adprobante temporibus Milonianis. Prae-
stabo, si Caesarem bene novi, eum prius tuae digni-
tatis quam suae utilitatis ration em habiturum.
Haec quam prudenter tibi scribam, nescio, sed illud
210
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 7b
see how eager he is for a reconciliation between him
self and Poinpey, and how far removed all cruelty is
from his thoughts: and I am, as in duty bound, very
glad that he takes that view. As for yourself and
your honour and loyalty to your friends, I give you
my word, my dear Cicero, that I think as you do, that
your reputation and your duty will not admit of your
bearing arms against a man, from whom you acknow
ledge that you have received such favours. I have
not the slightest doubt that Caesar with his extraor
dinary kindness will agree, and that you will satisfy
him abundantly, by taking no part against him
in the war and not siding with his opponents. And
this he will count sufficient not only in the case of so
important a personage as yourself, but even to me of
his own free will he has granted the same permission
not to enter a camp which would be opposed to Len-
tulus and Pompey, to whom I am under great obliga
tions: and he has said he is quite satisfied, if I should
perform peaceful civic functions for him, which 1 am
at liberty to perform for them too, if I wish. So I
am acting now as Lentulus deputy at Rome and car
rying out his business, fulfilling my duty and main
taining my honour and loyalty to them. But really,
though I had given up hope of peace, I am no longer
in despair of it, since Caesar is in the mood in
which we would wish him to be.
Under the circumstances I see no objection, if J T OU
think fit, to your writing and asking for his protection,
as you did for Pompey s, with my approval, at Milo s
trial. If I know anything of Caesar, I will guarantee
that he will consider your dignity more than his own
advantage.
How far the advice I am sending may be right, I
i>2 211
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
certe scio, me ab singular! amore ac benevolentia,
quaecumque scribo, tibi scribere, quod te (ita inco-
lumi Caesare moriar!) tanti facio, ut paucos aeque ac
te caros habeam. De hac re cum aliquid constitueris,
velim mihi scribas. Nam non mediocriter laboro,
utrique, ut vis, tuam benevolentiam praestare possis,
quam mehercule te praestaturum confido. Fac va-
leas.
VIIc
CAESAR OPPIO, CORNELIO SAL.
Scr. in iti- Gaudeo mehercule vos significare litteris, quam
nere panto valde probetis ea, quae apud Corfinium sunt gesta.
Consilio vestro utar lubenter, et hoc lubentius, quod
mea sponte facere eonstitueram, ut quam lenissimum
me praeberem et Pompeium darem operam ut recon-
eiliarem. Temptemus, hoc modo si possimus omnium
voluntates recuperare et diuturna victoria uti, quon-
iam reliqui crudelitate odium effugere non potuerunt
neque victoriam diutius tenere praeter unum L. Sul-
lam, quern imitaturus non sum. Haec nova sit ratio
vincendi, ut misericordia et liberalitate nos muniamus.
Id quern ad modum fieri possit, non iiulla mi in men-
tern veniunt, et multa reperiri possunt. De his rebus
rogo vos ut cogitationem suscipiatis.
N. Magium, Pompei praefectum, deprehendi. Sci
licet meo instituto usus sum et eum statim missum
212
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 7b-7c
do not know; but one thing I do know, that, in send
ing what I am sending to you, I am actuated by
more than ordinary affection and goodwill. Though I
am ready to die for Caesar s sake, there are few that
I esteem as highly as I esteem you. When you have
made up your mind on the point, I should like you to
let me know, for I am much concerned that you
should be able to show your goodwill to both parties,
as you desire: and I have not the faintest doubt that
you will. Take care of your health.
VI Ic
CAESAR TO OPPIUS AND CORNELIUS, GREETING.
I am very glad to hear from your letters how On the road,
strongly you approve of what happened at Corfinium. shortly be-
I shall follow your advice with pleasure with all the fore 7 B.
more pleasure, because I had myself made up my mind
to act with the greatest moderation, and to do my
best to effect a reconciliation with Pompey. Let us
see if by moderation we can win all hearts and secure
a lasting victory, since by cruelty others have been
unable to escape from hatred and to maintain their
victory for any length of time except L. Sulla, whose
example I do not intend to follow. This is a new
way of conquering, to strengthen one s position by
kindness and generosity. As to how this can be
done, some ideas have occurred to me and many
more can be found. I should like you to turn some
attention to the matter.
I have taken N. Magius, a praefect of Pompey. Of
course I kept to my policy and set him free at once.
213
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
feci. lam duo praefecti fabruin Pompci in meain po-
testateni venerunt et a me missi sunt. Si volent grati
esse, debebunt Pompeium hortari, ut malit mihi esse
amicus quani iis, qui et illi et mihi semper fuerunt
inimicissirni; quorum artificiis efFectum est. ut res
publica in hunc statum perveniret.
VIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
So: in Cenantibus n Idus nobis, ac noctu quidem. Statins
Formiano a te epistulam brevem attulit. De L. Torquato quod
if /-/-.- quaeris, non modo Lucius, sed etiam Aulus profectus
Mart. a. < (>> ^
est, alter multos. De Reatinorum corona quod scri-
bis, moleste fero in agro Sabino sementem fieri pro-
scriptionis. Senatores multos esse Romae nos quoque
audieramus. Ecquid potes dicere, cur exierint? In
his locis opinio est coniectura magis quarn nuntio
aut litteris Caesarem Formiis a. d. xi Kal. Apriles
fore. Hie ego vellem habere Homeri illam Minervam
simulatam Mentori, cui dicerem :
Mei TOp, 7TOJS T ap Ui), 7TWS T Up TTpO(T~Tl gOfJLai aVTO\ \
Nullam rem umquam difficiliorem cogitavi, sed cogito
tamen nee ero ut in malis imparatus. Sed cura, ut
valeas. Puto enim diem tuum heri fuisse.
1 For the unintelligible alter multos Reid suggests ante
multo ; Purser alter duos aliquos dies abtst, alter multos.
214
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 7c-8
So now two of Pompey s praefects of engineers have
fallen into my hands and I have set them free. If
they have any gratitude, they ought to exhort Pom-
pey to prefer my friendship to that of men who were
always the bitterest enemies both to him and to me.
It is their machinations that have brought the State
into its present plight.
VIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
As I was dining on the 14th, and indeed after Formiae,
nightfall, Statius brought a short letter from you. For March 14,
your query about L. Torquatus, not only Lucius but B.C. 4&
also Aulus has gone [the former some two days], 1 the
latter a long time ago. For your news about the sale
of prisoners at Reate, I am sorry that the seeds of a
proscription should be sown in the Sabine district.
That manj 7 members of the House are at Rome, I
also have heard. Can you give any reason why they
ever left it? Here there is an idea based on guess
work rather than message or dispatch that Caesar
will be at Formiae on March the 22nd. I w r ish I
could have here Homer s Minerva disguised as Men
tor, that I might say to her, " Mentor, how shall I go,
and how shall I welcome him, pray?" I have never Odyssey ill, 2:
had a more difficult step to think of. But I think of
it nevertheless : nor shall I be unprepared, so far as
the evil days permit. Take care of yourself, for I
fancy yesterday was the day for your fever.
1 Adopting Purser s suggestion.
215
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
IX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Tres cpistulas tuas accepi postridie Idus. Erant
Formiano autem mi, m,ipridie Idus datae. Igitur antiquissimae
AfjA. cuique primuin respondebo. Adsentio tibi, ut in
Apr. a. 705 T> j.- j_- j
rormiano potissimum commorer, etiam de supero
mari, temptaboque, ut antea ad te scripsi, ecquonam
modo possini voluntate eius nullam rei publicae
part em attingere. Quod laudas, quia oblivisci me
scrips! ante facta et delicta nostri amici, ego vero ita
facio. Quin ea ipsa, quae a te commemorantur,
secus ab eo in me ipsum facta esse non memini.
Tanto plus apud me valere beneficii gratiam quam
iniuriae dolorem volo. Faciamus igitur, ut censes,
colligamusque nos. 2o<to-Tei co enim, simul ut rus
decurro, atque in decursu Secret? meas commentari
non desino. Sed sunt quaedam earum perdifficiles
ad iudicandum. De optimatibus sit sane ita, ut vis ;
sed nosti illud Atovi crtos tv Kopivdtf.
Titiiii filius apud Caesarem est. Quod autem quasi
vereri videris, ne mihi tua consilia displiceant, me
vero nihil delectat aliud nisi consilium et litterae
tuae. Quare fac, ut ostendis, ne destiteris ad me,
quicquid tibi in mentem venerit, scribere. Mihi niliil
potest esse gratius.
Venio ad alteram mine epistulam. Recte non cre-
dis de numero militum ; ipso dimidio plus scripsit
1 temptaboque Nipperdcy : plaboque M : pcrlabor 7.
216
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 9
IX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I got three letters from you on the 1 6th. They Fonniae,
were dated the 12th, 13th and 1 1th. So I will take March 17,
the earliest first. I agree with you that it is best B.C. 49
for me to stay at Formiae. I also agree about the
Adriatic. But as I wrote j ou before, I will strive to
discover how I may be able with Caesar s goodwill
to keep quite clear of politics. You praise me for
saying that I forget Pompey s former misdeeds and
ill-doings, but it is a fact. Nay, those very actions
you call to mind, in which he did harm to me myself,
have no place in my memory. I am so determined
to feel gratitude for his kindness rather than resent
ment for injuries. Let me act then as you decree,
and pull myself together. For I philosophize as I
walk about my estate, and in my perambulations I
do not cease to ponder my themes. But some of them
are very difficult to decide. As for the loyalists, let
it be as you wish. You know the old saying
"Dionysius in Corinth." 1
Titinius son is with Caesar. You seem to fear
that your advice irks me ; but nothing indeed pleases
me except your counsel and your letters. So do as
you promise. Do not omit to write to me anything
that comes into your mind ; for nothing can delight
me more.
I turn now to your next letter. You are right not
1 Dionysius, when expelled from the throne of Syracuse,
fled to Corinth and according- to some authorities set up a
school there. But whether the saying here mentioned refers
merely to his exile and means " There are ups and downs in
21?
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Clodia. Falsum etiam de corruptis navibus. Quod
consules laudas, ego quoque animum laudo, sed con-
silium reprehendo; dispersu enim illorum actio de
pace sublata est, quam quidem ego meditabar. Jtaque
postea Demetri librum de concordia tibi remisi et
Philotimo dedi. Nee vero dubito, quin exitiosum
bellum impendeat ; cuius initium ducetur a fame. Et
me tamen doleo non interesse huic bello ! In quo
tanta vis sceleris futura est, lit, cum parentes non
alere nefarium sit, nostri principes antiquissimam et
sanctissimam parentem, patriam, fame necandam
putent. Atque hoc non opinione timeo, sed interfui
sermonibus. Omnis haec classis Alexandria,, Colchis,
Tyro, Sidone, Arado, Cypro, Pamphylia, Lycia, Rhodo,
Chio, Byzantio, Lesbo, Zmyrna, Mileto, Coo ad
intercludendos commeatus Italiae et ad occupandas
frumentarias provincias comparatur. At quam veniet
iratus ! et iis quidem maxime, qui eum maxime salvum
volebant, quasi relictus ab iis, quos reliquit. Itaque
mihi dubitanti, quid me facere par sit, permagnum
pondus adfert benevolentia erga ilium ; qua dempta
perire melius esset in patria quam patriam servando
evertere. De septemtrione plane ita est. Metuo,
218
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 9
to believe the reports about the number of Pompey s
soldiers. Clodia s letter made them just double. It
was untrue also about the destruction of the vessels.
You praise the consuls ; so do I praise their courage,
but I blame their policy. Their departure has de
stroyed the negotiations for peace, the very thing
which I was contemplating. So after that I returned
you Demetrius book on Concord and gave it to
Philotimus. And I have no doubt a disastrous war
is imminent, which will be ushered in by famine.
And here I am lamenting that I have no hand in the
war, a war which will be so criminal, that though it
is wicked not to support one s parents, yet our chiefs
will not hesitate to destroy by starvation their country,
that most reverend and holiest of parents ! And my*
fears are not based on mere surmise. I have heard
their talk. All this fleet from Alexandria, Colchis,
Tyre, Sidon, Aradus, Cyprus, Pamphylia, Lycia,
Rhodes, Chius, Byzantium, Lesbos, Smyrna, Miletus,
Cos, is being got ready to cut off the supplies of Italy
and to blockade the grain-producing provinces. And
how angry Pompey will be when he comes, particu
larly with those who particularly desire his safety, as
if he were abandoned by those whom he has aban
doned ! So in my doubt what I ought to do, I am
greatly swayed by my good feeling towards Pompey.
Without that it were better to perish in my country,
than to destroy my country by saving it. As to the
north wind, it is clearly as you write. I fear Epirus
life," or to his schoolmastering-, as Jeans suggests, referring
to a passage in Tusc. Ill, 27, where Cicero says Dionysius
took to schoolmastering because he wished to tyrannize
over somebody, is uncertain. If the latter, it would mean
that the optimates would ill-use Cicero again as soon as
they got the power.
219
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
ne vexctur Epirus ; sed quern tu locum Graeciae non
direptum iri putas? Praedicat enim palam et mili-
tibus ostendit se largitione ipsa superiorem quam
hunc fore. II hid me praeclare admones, cum ilium
videro, ne nimis indulgenter, et ut cum gravitate
potius loquar. Plane sic faciendum. Arpinum, cum
eum convenero, cogito, ne forte aut absim, cum
veniet, aut cursem hue illuc via deterrima. Bibulum,
ut scribis, audio venisse et redisse pridie Idas.
Philotimum, ut ais in epistula tertia, exspectabas.
At ille Idibus a me profectus est. Eo serius ad tuam
illam epistulam, cui ego statim rescripseram, reddi-
tae sunt meae litterae. De Domitio, ut scribis, ita
opinor esse, ut et in Cosano sit, et consilium eius
ignoretur. Iste omnium turpissimus et sordidissimus,
qui consularia comitia a praetore ait haberi posse, est
idem, qui semper in re publica fuit. Itaque nimirum
hoc illud est, quod Caesar scribit in ea epistula, cuius
exemplum ad te misi, se velle uti consilio " meo (age,
esto; hoc commune est), "gratia" (ineptum id qui-
dem, sed, puto, hoc simulat ad quasdam senatortim
sententias), "dignitate" (fortasse sententiae consula-
ris). Illud extremum est: ope omnium rerum." Id
ego suspicari coepi turn ex tuis litteris aut hoc ipsum
esse aut non multo secus. Nam permagni eius interest
rem ad interregnum non venire. Id adsequitur, si
per praetorem consules creantur. Nos autem in libris
220
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 9
may be harassed, but do you suppose there is any
part of Greece that will not be robbed ? Poinpey
openly declares and shows his men that he will be
more liberal even than Caesar in largesse. You
do well to advise me, when I see Caesar, not to be
too complacent, and to speak rather with dignity.
Clearly I must do so. I am thinking of going to
Arpinum after I have met him ; for I do not want to
be absent on his arrival, or to have to travel to and
fro in the wretched condition of the roads. I hear,
as you write, that Bibulus came and went back on
the 14th.
You say in your third letter that you were await
ing Philotimus. He set out from me on the 15th.
That was why my reply to your letter, which I wrote
immediately, was late in reaching you. I think you
are right about Domitius, that he is in his place at
Cosa ; but what his plan is, is not known. That dis
graceful mean blackguard M. Lepidus, who says that
the consular elections may be held by a praetor, is
playing his old part in politics. So that was the
meaning of the passage in Caesar s letter of which I
sent you a copy, that he wanted to enjoy my
"advice" (well, that is a general expression), my
influence" (that is flattery, but I suppose he affects
to want it with a view to the votes of certain
senators), my "position" (perhaps he means my
vote as an ex-consul). His last phrase is help in
every way." I have begun to suspect from your
letter that that is the point, or something very like
it. For it is highly important to him that there
should not be an interregnum. That point is attained,
if consuls are create* by a praetor. But in our state
books it is set down that it is illegal not only for
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
habemus non modo consules a praetore, sed ne prae-
tores quidem creari ius esse, idque factum esse
numquam ; consules eo non esse ius, quod mains im-
perium a ininore rogari lion sit ius, praetores autem,
quod ita rogenttir, ut collegae consulibus sint, quorum
est maius imperium. Aberit non longe, quin hoc a
me decerni velit neque sit contentus Galba, Scaevola,
Cassio, Antonio :
Tore fj.oi x> evpeia \6<av\
Sed, quanta tempestas impendeat, vides. Qui
transierint senatores, scribam ad te, cum certum
habebo. De re frumentaria recte intellegis, quae
nullo modo administrari sine vectigalibus potest; nee
sine causa et eos, qui circum ilium sunt, omnia postu-
lantes et bellum nefarium times. Trebatium nostrum,
etsi, ut scribis, nihil bene sperat, tamen videre sane
velim. Quern fac horteris, ut properet; opportune
enim ad me ante adventum Caesaris venerit. De
Lanuvino, statim ut audivi Phameam mortuum, optavi,
si modo esset futura res publica, ut id aliquis emeret
meorum, neque tamen de te, qui maxime metis es,
cogitavi. Sciebam enim te quoto anno" et quan
tum in solo" solere quaerere neque solum Romae, sed
etiam Deli tuum 8idy papua videram. 1 Verum tamen
ego illud, quamquam est bellum, minoris aestimo,
quam aestimabatur Marcellino consul e, cum ego istos
hortulos propter domum Anti, quam turn habebam,
iucundiores mihi fore putabam et minore impensa,
quam si Tusculanum refecissem. Volui HS. Q. Egi
per praedem, ille daret tanti, turn haberet venale-
1 didypaiJ./jt.a Hfnlespina ; digamma MSS.
222
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 9
consuls to be created by the praetors, but for the very
praetors themselves, and that it has never been done ;
that it is illegal for consuls, because it is illegal for per
sons with greater powers to be proposed for election by
those with less; for praetors, because they are proposed
as colleagues of the consuls who have the greater
powers. The next thing will be, he will want me to
vote for it, and he will not be content with Galba,
Scaevola, Cassius and Antonius, "then let the wide
earth swallow me." But you see what a storm is coming. Iliad iv,
Which senators have crossed over to Pompey I will
tell you as soon as I know. You are right about the
corn supply : it cannot be done without taxation : and
you have cause to fear the exorbitant demands of
Pompey s associates and a wicked war. I should much
like to see my friend Trebatius, although you tell me
he is in despair. Do bid him hurry, for it will be con
venient, if he comes before Caesar s arrival. As for
that estate at Lanuvium, as soon as I heard of the
death of Phamea, I longed, if the constitution was
going to last, that one of my friends should buy it,
and yet I did not think of you, my best friend of all.
For I know that it is your custom to inquire in how
many years you may recoup yourself of a purchase,
and the value of fixtures, and I had seen your inven
tory not only at Rome but at Delos. But, though
it is a pretty property, I rate it at a lower value than it
was rated in Marcellinus consulship, when I thought
;hat, owing to the house I then had at Antium, those
ittle gardens would please me better and cost less
than the repair of my villa at Tusculum. I wanted
the property for i,50Q. 1 I made an offer to that
amount through a third party, when he was putting
1 Q- quingfentis millibus, i.e. 500,000 sesterces.
223
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Noluit. Sed mine omnia ista iacere puto propter
nummorum earitatem. Mihi quidem erit aptissimum
vel nobis potius. si tu emeris; sed eius dementias cave
contemnas. Valde est vemistum. Quamquam mihi
ista omnia iam addicta vastitati videntur.
Respondi epistulis tribus, sed exspecto alias ; nam
me adhue tuae Htterae sustentarunt. D. Liberalibus.
X
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Nihil habebam, quod seriberem. Neque enim
frormiano nov j q u i c q uam audieram et ad tuas omnes rescripse-
Xf~ K. Apr. -j- c j -j. j
ram pridie. feed, cum me aegntudo non solum
a. i Uo
somno privaret, verum ne vigilare quidem sine sum-
mo dolore pateretur, tecum ut quasi loquerer. in quo
uno acquiesce, hoc nescio quid nullo argumento pro-
posito scribere institui.
Amens mihi fuisse videor a principle, et me una
haec res torquet, quod non omnibus in rebus laben-
tem vel potius ruentem Pompeium tamquam unus
manipularis secutus sim. Vidi hominem xnii K.
Febr. plenum formidinis. Illo ipso die sensi, quid
ageret. Numquam mihi postea placuit, nee umquam
aliud in alio peccare destitit. Nihil interim ad me
scribere, nihil nisi fugam cogitare. Quid quaeris?
sicut fv rots epwT6Kots alienant immundae, insulsae,
indecorae, sic me illius fugae neglegentiaeque defor-
224
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 9-10
it up for sale : but lie refused. Nowadays I suppose all
such property is depreciated on account of the scarcity
of money. It will suit me admirably, or rather us, if
you bin* it. Don t despise the late owner s folly: it
is a most charming place. However, all these seats
seem now to be doomed to destruction.
I have answered three of your letters ; but I await
others. So far your letters have been my support.
March 17.
X
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I have nothing to write. There is no news that I Fonniae,
have heard, and all your letters I answered yesterdaj^. March 18,
But as a sick heart not only robs me of sleep, but B.C. J$
will not allow me even to keep awake without
the greatest pain, I have begun to write to you
something or other without any definite subject, that
I may have a sort of talk with you, the only thing
that gives me relief.
I seem to myself to have been mad from the very
beginning, and the one thing that tortures me is
that I did not follow Pompey like a private soldier,
when he was slipping or rather rushing to ruin. I
saw he was terrified on the 1 7th of January : on that
day I felt what he would do. Since then I have
never approved his course, and he has never ceased
to commit one blunder after another. Meantime
not a letter to me, nothing but thoughts of flight.
Well ! Just as in love affairs men are repelled by un
tidiness, stupidity and indelicacy, so the ugliness of
Q VOL. n 225
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
mitas avertit ab amore. Nihil enim dignum faciebat.
quare eius fugae comitem me adiungerem. Nunc
emergit amor, nunc desiderium ferre non possum,
nunc mihi nihil libri, nihil litterae, nihil doctrina
prodest. Ita dies et noctes tamquam avis ilia mare
prospecto, evolare cupio. Do, do poenas temeritatis
meae. Etsi quae fuit ilia temeritas? quid feci non
consideratissime ? Si enim nihil praeter fugam
quaereretur, fugissem libentissime, sed genus belli
crudelissimi et maximi, quod nondum vident homines
quale futurum sit, perhorrui. Quae minae municipiis,
quae nominatim viris bonis, quae denique omnibus,
qui remansissent ! quam erebro illud " Sulla potuit,
ego non potero?" ! Mihi autem haeserunt ilia. Male
Tarquinius, qui Porsenam, qui Octavium Mamilium
contra patriam, impie Coriolanus, qui auxiliuni petiit a
Volscis, recte Themistocles, qui mori maluit, nefarius
Hippias, Pisistrati films, qui in Marathonia pugna
cecidit arina contra patriam ferens. At Sulla, at
Marius, at China recte, immo iure fortasse ; sed quid
eorum victoria crudelius, quid funestius ? Huius
belli genus fugi, et eo magis, quod crudeliora etiam
cogitari et parari videbam. Me, quern non nulli con-
servatorem istius urbis, quern parentem esse dixerunt,
Getarum et Armeniorum et Colchorum copias ad earn
adducere ? me meis civibus famem, vastitatem inferre
Italiae? Hunc primum mortal em esse, deinde etiam
226
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 10
his flight and his carelessness have estranged my
love. For he has done nothing of a kind to induce
me to share his flight. But now my old love breaks
forth : now I miss him intolerably : now books,
letters, philosophy, do not help me one whit. Day
and night, like that bird, 1 I gaze at the sea,
and long to take flight. Sorely am I punished for
my rashness. Yet what rashness was there ? I
acted with all deliberation. For, if flight were his
only object, I would have fled gladly enough. But I
was aghast at warfare so cruel and desperate, the
upshot of which is still unknown. What threats
against the country towns, against the loyalists by
name, in fact against all who should stay behind !
How frequently has he remarked " Sulla could do it,
and shall not I ? " I could not get rid of thoughts
like these. It was base in Tarquiii to egg on Por-
sena and Octavius Mamilius against his country; it
was wicked in Coriolanus, to seek help from the
Volscians. Themistocles was right who preferred to
die. What a dastard was Hippias, the son of Pisi-
stratus, who fell at the battle of Marathon, bearing
arms against his country ! Yes, but Sulla and Marius and
Cinna acted rightly, perhaps one should say within their
rights ; but then victory brought cruelty and death.
I shrank from a war of that kind, and also because I saw
cruelty even greater was being planned and prepared.
Was it for me, whom some called the saviour and
father of Rome, to bring against her hordes of Getae,
Armenians and Colchians ? Was it for me to bring
famine on my fellow-townsmen and devastation on
Italy ? In the first place I reflected that Caesar was
1 Cf. Plato. Ep. vii, 348A, K0.6a.wep tipvis iroOCiv iroQlv ava.-
" Like a bird longing to fly somewhither."
227
MARCUS TULL1US CICERO
multis modis posse exstingui cogitabam, urbem autem
et populum nostrum servandum ad immortalitatem,
quantum in nobis esset, putabam, et tamen spes
quaedam me oblectabat fore ut aliquid conveniret,
potius quam aut hie tantum sceleris aut ille tantum
flagitii admitteret.
Alia res nunc tota est, alia niens mea. Sol, ut est
in tua quadam epistula, excidisse milii e mundo vide-
tur. Ut aegroto, dum anima est, spes esse dicitur,
sic ego, quoad Pompeius in Italia fuit, sperare non
destiti. Haec, baec me fefellerunt, et, ut verum
loquar, aetas iam a diuturnis laboribus devexa ad
otiuin domesticarum me rerum deleetatione mollivit.
Nunc, si vel perieulose experiundum erit, experiar
certe, ut bine avolem. Ante oportuit fortasse; sed
ea, quae scripsisti,me tardarunt, et auctoritas maxime
tua. Nam, cum ad bunc locum vemssem, evolvi vo-
lumen epistularum tuarum, quod ego sub signo babeo
servoque diligentissime. Erat igitur in ea, quam x K.
Febr. dederas, hoc modo : Sed videamus, et Gnaeus
quid agat, et illius rationes quorsum fluant. Quodsi
iste Italiam relinquet, faciet omnino male, et. ut ego
existimo, cxAoyio-rcos, sed turn demum consilia nostra
commutanda erunt." Hoc scribis post diem quartum,
quam ab urbe discessimus. Deinde vin K. Febr. :
" Tantum modo Gnaeus noster ne, ut urbem a Aoyicrrws
reliquit, sic Italiam relinquat." Eodem die das alte-
ras litteras, quibus mihi consulenti planissime respon-
des. Est enim sic : Sed venio ad consultationem
tuam. Si Gnaeus Italia cedit, in urbem redeundum
puto; quae enim finis peregrinationis ? " Hoc mihi
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 10
mortal, and besides might be got rid of in many
ways. But I thought that our city and our people
should be preserved so far as in us lay for immortal
ity; and anyhow I cherished a hope that some
arrangement might be made before Caesar perpetra
ted such a crime or Pompey such iniquity.
Now the case is altered and my mind is altered
too. The sun, as you say in one of your letters,
seems to me to have fallen out of the universe. As a
sick man is said to have hope, so long as he has
breath, so I did not cease to hope so long as Pompey
was in Italy. This, this was what deceived me,
and to speak the truth after my long labours my
life s evening falling peacefully has made me lazy
with the thought of domestic pleasures. But now,
even if risk must be run in fleeing hence, assuredly 1
will run it. Perhaps I ought to have done it before :
but the points you wrote about delayed me, and
especially your influence. For, when I got so far, I
opened the packet of your letters, which I keep
under seal and preserve with the greatest care. In a
letter dated the 21st of January,, you make the
following remark : Let us see Pompey s policy and
the drift of his plans. Now if he leave Italy, it will
be wrong and to my mind irrational : but then and
not till then will be the time to change our plans."
This you wrote on the fourth day after I left Rome.
Then on the 23rd of January : I only pray that our
friend Pompey will not leave Italy, as he has irration
ally left Rome." On the same day you wrote another
letter, a frank reply to my request for advice. It
runs : But to answer the question on which you ask
advice, if Pompey leaves Jtaly, I think you ought to
return to Rome : for what can be the end to his
229
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
plane haesit, et nunc ita video, infinitum bellum
iunctum miserriina fuga, quam tu peregrinationem
r-n-oKopL^ij. Sequitur xPW/^os vi K. Februarias:
Ego, si Pompeius manet in Italia, iiec res ad paeti-
oneni venit, longius bellum puto fore; sin Italiam
relinquit,ad posterum bellum cwnrovSov strui existimo."
Huius igitur belli ego particeps et socius et adiutor
esse cogor, quod et amroi 8ov est et cum civibus ?
Deinde VH Idus Febr., cum iam plura audires de
Pompei consilio, concludis epistulam quandam hoc
modo: "Ego quidem tibi non sim auetor, si Pom
peius Italiam relinquit, te quoque profugere. Sum-
mo enim periculo facies nee rei publicae proderis ;
cui quidem posterius poteris prodesse, si manseris."
Quern (f)i\o-arpn ac TroXiriKor hominis prudentis et
amici tali admonitu non moveret auctoritas ? Dein-
ceps in Idus Febr. iterum mihi respondes consulenti
sic : Quod quaeris a me, fugamne ] defendam an
moram utiliorem putem, ego vero in praesentia subi-
tum discessum et praecipitem profectionem cum tibi
turn ipsi Gnaeo intitilem et periculosam puto, et satius
esse existimo vos dispertitos et in speculis esse ; sed
medius fidius turpe nobis puto esse de fuga cogitare."
Hoc turpe Gnaeus noster biennio ante cogitavit. Ita
sullaturit animus eius et proscripturit iam din. Inde,
ut opinor, cum tu ad me quaedam yeviKwrepov scri-
psisses, et ego mihi a te significari putassem, ut Italia
cederem, detestaris hoc diligenter xi K. Mart.: Ego
vero nulla epistula significavi, si Gnaeus Italia cederet,
ut tu una cederes, aut, si significavi. non dico fui in-
1 fuga nine putem, as Otto M filler: M reads fugamne fidam
(corr. from i eciam) an moram defendam utiliorem pulem.
Other suggested emendations are fugamne stiadeam an moram
defendam utilioremque putem (Klotz], and fugfamne foedam
an moram desidem utiliorem putem (Afanutitts).
230
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 10
wanderings ? " This gave me pause, and I see now
endless war is attached to that wretched flight, which
you playfully called "wandering." There follows
your prophecy of the 25th of January: If Pompey
stays in Italy and no arrangement is reached, I fancy
there will be a very long war. If he leaves Italy, I
think that for the future there will be war a I outrance."
In this war then a I outrance, this civil war, am I forced
to take part and lot and share ? Next on the 7th of
February, when you had heard more of Pompey s
plans, you end a letter as follows : I would not ad
vise you to flee, if Pompey leaves Italy. You will
run a very great risk, and will not help the country,
which you may be able to help hereafter, if you
remain." What patriot and politician would not be
influenced by such advice from a wise man and a
friend ? Next on the llth of February you answer
my request for counsel again as follows : You ask
me whether I hold that flight or delay is more useful.
Well, I think that at the present juncture a sudden
departure and hasty journey would be useless and
dangerous both to yourself and to Pompey, and that
it were better for you to be apart, and each on his
own watch tower. But upon my honour I hold it
disgraceful of us to think of flight." This disgrace
our Pompey meditated two years ago : so long has he
been eager to play at Sulla and proscriptions. Then,
as I fancy, when you had written to me in more
general terms and I had thought that some of your
remarks hinted at my departure from Italy, you pro
test emphatically against it on the 19th of February:
"in no letter have I hinted that you should
accompany Pompey, if he leaves Italy, or, if I did
hint it, I was worse than inconsistent, I was mad."
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
constans, sed demens." In eadem epistula alio loco:
" Nihil relinquitur nisi fuga ; cui te socium neutiquam
puto esse oportere nee umquam putavi." Totani
autem hanc deliberationem evolvis accuratius in lit-
teris vni Kal. Mart, datis : Si M . Lepidus et L.
Voloacius remanent, manendum puto, ita ut, si salvus
sit Pompeius et oonstiterit alicubi, hanc veKmav re-
linquas et te in certamine vinei cum illo facilius
patiaris quam cum hoc in ea, quae perspicitur f utura,
colluvie regnare." Multa disputas huic sententiae
convenientia. Inde ad extremum : Quid, si," in-
quis, " Lepidus et Volcacius discedunt ? Plane airopw.
Quod evenerit igitur, et quod egeris, id o-repKreov pu-
tabo." Si turn dubitaras, mine certe non dubitas
istis manentibus. Deinde in ipsa fuga v Kal. Martias:
" Interea non dubito quin in Formiano mansurus sis.
Commodissime enim TO /xeAAoi ibi KapaSo/o;o-ets." Ad
K. Mart., cum ille quintum iam diem Brundisi esset :
Turn poterimus deliberare non scilicet Integra re,
sed certe minus infracta, quam si una proieceris te."
Deinde mi Non. Martias, VTTO TIJV X-ij^/iv cum breviter
scriberes, tamen ponis hoc : " Cras scribam plura et
ad omnia ; hoe tamen dicam, non paenitere me con-
silii de tua mansione, et. quamquam magna sollicitu-
dine, tamen, quia minus mali puto esse quam in ilia
profectione, maneo in sententia et gaudeo te man-
sisse." Cum vero iam angerer et timerem, ne quid a
me dedecoris esset admissum, in Nonas Mart.:
" Tamen te non esse una cum Pompeio non fero
moleste. Postea, si opus fuerit, non erit difficile, et
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 10
In the same letter there is another passage : " Nothing
is left for Pompey but flight, in which I do not think
and never have thought that you should share."
This counsel you unroll in detail in your letter
dated the 22nd of February: If M . Lepidus and
L. Volcacius stay, I think you should stay, provided,
if Pompey wins safety and makes a stand anywhere,
you should leave these ames damnees, and rather
share defeat with him than share Caesar s sovereignty
in the mire that will be." You argue at length in
support of this view, then at the end you say : " What
if Lepidus and Volcacius depart ? I am quite at a
loss. So I shall think you must face the event and
abide by what you have done." If you had any doubt
then, you certainly have no doubt left now, as those
two persons remain in Italy. Next, when the flight
was actually made on Feb. 25 : Meantime I have no
doubt you should stay at Formiae. It will be most
convenient there to await the event." On the 1st
of March, when Pompey had been four days at
Brundisium : Then we shall be able to debate, not
indeed with a free hand but assuredly less hampered,
than if you had shared his plunge." Next on the
1th of March, though you scribbled a line on the eve
of your fever bout, nevertheless you say this : I will
write more to-morrow, and answer all your questions.
But I maintain this, that I am not sorry for advising
you to stay, and, though very anxious, still, because I
fancy it is better than flight, I stick to my opinion
and am glad that you have stayed in Italy." When
I was already tortured with fear that my conduct
was disgraceful on the 5th of March you write :
" However I am not sorry that you are not with
Pompey. Hereafter, if need arise, it will be easy,
233
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
illi, quoquo tempore net, erit cur/m to-Toi . Sed hoc
ita dico, si hie, qua ratione initium fecit, eadem
cetera aget, sincere, temperate, prudeiiter, valde
videro et consideratius utilitati nostrae consuluero."
vn Idus Martias scribis Peducaeo quoque iiostro pro-
bari,quod quierim; cuius auctoritas multum apud me
valet. His ego tuis scriptis me consolor, ut nihil a
me adhuc delictum putem. Tu modo auctoritatem
tuam defendito ; adversus me nihil opus est, sed
consciis egeo aliis. Ego, si nihil peccavi, reliqua
tuebor. Ad ea tute hortare et me omnino tua cogi-
tatione adiuva. Hie nihildum de reditu Caesaris
audiebatur, Ego his litteris hoc tamen profeci,
perlegi omnes tuas et in eo acquievi.
XI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Lentulum nostrum scis Puteolis esse? Quod cum
formiano e yjatore quodam esset auditum. qui se diceret eum
V / / / A"
_ in Appia, cum is paulum lecticam aperuisset, cognosse,
Apr. a. tOo ....... ,
etsi vix veri simile, misi tamen ruteolos pueros, qui
pervestigarent, et ad eum litteras. Inventus est vix
in hortis suis se occultans litterasque mihi remisit
mirifice gratias agens Caesari; de suo autem consilio
C. Caesio mandata ad me dedisse. Eum ego hodie
exspectabam, id est xm K. Apriles.
Veiiit etiam ad me Matins Quinquatribus, homo
234
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 10-11
and to him, whenever it happens, acceptable. When
I say this, it is with the reservation, that, if Caesar
continues, as he has begun, acting with good faith,
moderation and prudence, I must thoroughly review
the matter and consider more closely what our
interests advise." On the 9th of March you write
that my friend Peducaeus too approves my inaction :
and his authority has much weight with me. From
these lines of yours I console myself with the re
flection that so far I have done nothing wrong : but
pray support your position. So far as I am concerned
there is no need : but I want others to be my ac
complices. If I have not done wrong so far, I will
take care of the future. Do you maintain j^our exhor
tations and assist me with your reflections. Here
nothing as yet has been heard about Caesar s return.
For myself I have won thus much good by my letter,
I have read all yours and found rest in the act.
XI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Do you know that our friend Lentulus is at Puteoli? Formiac,
I heard this from a passer-by, who declared he recog- March 20,
nized him on the Appian road as he drew aside the B.C. 49
curtains of his litter, and, though it seemed hardly
probable, I sent servants to Puteoli to track him and
hand him a letter. He was found with difficulty con
cealing himself 011 his estate, and returned me a letter
in which he expressed amazing gratitude to Caesar.
But about his own plans he said he had sent me a
message by C. Caesius. I expect him to-day, the
20th of March.
Matius also came to me on the 1 9th of March.
235
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
mehereule, ut niihi visus est, temperatus et prudens;
existimatus quidem est semper auctor otii. Quam ille
hoc non probare mihi quidem visus est, quam illam
veKwav, ut tu appellas, timere ! Huic ego in multo
sermone epistulam ad me Caesaris ostendi, earn cuius
exemplum ad te antea misi, rogavique, ut interpreta-
retur, quid esset, quod ille scriberet, eoiisilio meo
se uti velle, gratia, dignitate, ope re rum omnium."
Respoiidit se non dubitare, quin et opem et gratiam
meam ille ad pacificationem quaereret. Utinam ali-
quod in hac miseria rei publicae -oX.iri.Koi opus etficere
et navare mihi liceat ! Matius quidem et ilium in ea
sententia esse confidebat et se auctorem fore pollice-
batur.
Pridie autem apud me Crassipes fuerat, qui se
pridie Non. Martias Brundisio profectum atque ibi
Pompeium reliquisse dicebat, quod etiam, qui vin
Idus illinc profecti erant, nuntiabant; ilia vero omnes,
in quibus etiam Crassipes, qui pro sua prudentia po-
tuit attendere, sermones minaces, inimieos optima-
tium, municipiorum hostes, meras proscriptiones,
meros Sullas; quae Lucceium loqui, quae totam
Graeciam, quae vero Theophanem ! Et tamen omnis
spes salutis in illis est, et ego excubo animo nee partem
ullain capio quietis et, ut has pestes effugiam, cum
dissimillimis nostri esse cupio ! Quid eriim tu illic
Scipionem, quid Faustum, quid Libonem praetermis-
surum sceleris putas, quorum creditores convenire
dicuntur? quid eos autem, cum vicerint, in cives effectu-
ros? quam vero iui<po\lsv\ia.v Gnaei nostri esse? Xun-
tiant Aegyptum et Arabiam evSaifiova et
236
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 11
He seemed to me, I do declare, moderate and
sensible : certainly he has always been thought to be
in favour of peace. How he disliked this present
pass ! How he seemed to fear these (imes damnees, as
you call them ! In the course of a long talk I showed
him Caesar s letter to me, of which I sent you a copy
before, and I asked him to explain what Caesar meant
by writing that he wished " to take advantage of my
advice, my influence, my position and my help of all
sorts." Matius replied that undoubtedly Caesar
wanted my help and influence to make peace. Would
that I could succeed in carrying through some poli
tical compromise in this miserable state of affairs !
Matius himself declared that Caesar had that feeling,
and promised that he would help such a course.
However the day before Crassipes had been with
me, and he said that he had quitted Brundisium on the
()th of March and left Pompey there; the same tale
was brought by those who quitted the place on the
<Sth. All of them, and among the rest Crassipes, who
was quite capable of observing what was going on, had
the same story, threatening words, breach with the
loyalists, hostility to the municipalities, nothing but
proscriptions, nothing but Sullas. How Lucceius
talked, all the Greeks and Theophanes too ! Never
theless the only hope of safety lies in them, and I am
on the watch and take no rest and long to be with
the most uncongenial associates to escape the plague
here. For what crime do you think that Scipio will
stick at, or Faustus and Libo, when their creditors
are said to be selling them up, and what do you sup
pose they will do to the citizens when they win?
How pusillanimous Pompey is ! They say that he is
thinking of Egypt and Arabia Felix and Mesopotamia
237
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
cogitare, iam Hispaniam abiecisse. Monstra narrant;
quae falsa esse possunt, sed certe et haec perdita sunt
et ilia noil salutaria. Tuas litteras iam desidero. Post
fugam nostram numquam tarn longum earum interval-
lum fuit. Misi ad te exemplum litterarum mearum
ad Caesarem, quibus me aliquid profecturum puto.
XIa
CICERO IMP. S. I). CAESARI IMP.
Scr. in Ut legi tuas litteras, quas a Furnio nostro acce-
Formiano peram., quibus mecum agebas, ut ad urbem essem, te
All K.Apr. ve ll e u ti ccmsilio et dignitate mea" minus sum ad-
miratus; de gratia" et de ope " quid significares
mecum ipse quaerebam, spe tamen deducebar ad earn
eogitationem, ut _te pro tua admirabili ac singular! sa-
pientia de otio, de pace, de concordia civium agi velle
arbitrarer, et ad earn rationem existimabam satis ap-
tam esse et naturam et personam meam. Quod si ita
est, et si qua de Pompeio nostro tuendo et tibi ac rei-
publicae reconciliaiidocura te attingit, magis idon eum,
quam ego sum, ad earn causam profecto reperies ne-
minem, qui et illi semper et seiiatui, cum primum
potui, pacis auctor fui, nee sumptis armis belli ullam
partem attigi, iudicavique eo bello te violari, contra
cuius honorem populi Romani beneficio coiicessum
inimici atque invidi niterentur. Sed, ut eo tempore
noil modo ipse fautor dignitatis tuae fui, verum etiam
ceteris auctor ad te adiuvandum, sic me nunc Pompei
238
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. ll-lla
and has given up Spain. The report is monstrous,
but may be false. Certainly all is lost here, and there
is not much hope there. I long for a letter from you.
Since my flight there has never been so long a break
in our correspondence. I send you a copy of my let
ter to Caesar. I think it will do some good.
XIa
CICERO THE IMPERATOR TO CAESAR THE IMPERATOR,
GREETING.
On reading your letter, which I got from our friend Formiae,
Furnius, in which you told me to come near Rome, March 19,
I was not much surprised at your wishijng to employ B.C. ^-9
"my advice and my position"; but I asked myself
what you meant by my influence" and help."
However, my hopes led me to think that a man of
your admirable statesmanship would wish to act for
the comfort, peace, and agreement of the citizens,
and for that purpose I considered my own character
and inclination very suitable. If that is the case,
and if you are touched by the desire to protect
our friend Pompey and reconcile him to yourself and
the State, I am sure you will find no one more
suited for the purpose than I am. I have always ad
vocated peace both with Pompey and the Senate ever
since I have been able to do so, nor since the outbreak
of hostilities have I taken any part in the war^I have
considered that the war was attacking your rights in
that envious and hostile persons were opposing a dis
tinction conferred on you by the grace of the Roman
people. But, as at that time I not only upheld your
rights but urged others to assist you, so now I am
greatly concerned with the rights of Pompey. It is
239
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
dignitas vehementer movet. Aliquot enim sunt anni,
cum vos duo delegi, quos praecipue colerem et quibus
esseni, sicut sum, amicissimus. Sj Quain ob reni a te
peto vel potius omnibus te j)recibus oro et obtestor,
ut in tuis maximis euris aliquid impertias temporis
huic quoque cogitation!, ut tuo benencio bonus vir,
gratus, pius denique esse in maxim! beneficii memoria
possim. Quae si tantuni ad me ipsum pertinerent,
sperarem me a te tamen impetraturum. sed, ut arbi-
troi , et ad tuam fidem et ad rem publicam pertinet,
me et pacis et utriusque vestrum amicum, et ad ve-
stram et ad civium concordiam per te quam accommo-
datissimum conservari. Ego, cum antea tibi de Len-
tulo gratias egissem, cum ei saluti, qui mihi fuerat,
fuisses, tamen lectis eius litteris, quas ad me gratissimo
animo de tua liberalitate beneficioque misit, eandem
mi videor " salutem a te accepisse quam ille. In quern
si me intellegis esse gratum, cura, obsecro, ut etiam
in Pompeium esse possim.
XII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Legeram tuas litteras xin K., cum mihi epistula
adf ertur a Lepta circumvallatum esse Pompeium, rati-
bus etiam exitus portus teneri. Non medius fidius
prae lacrimis possum reliqua nee cogitare nee scribere.
Misi ad te exemplum. Miseros nos ! cur noil omnes
fatum illius una exsecuti sumus? Ecce autem a Matio
et Trebatio eadem, quibus Menturnis obvii Caesaris
tabellarii. I orqueor infelix, ut iam ilium Mucianum
1 amioum, et ad vcstram added by Lehmann.
- mi videor Klotz, Sell mid t ; me 31 SS.
240
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. lla-12
many years since I chose you two men for my special
respect, and to be my closest friends, as you are. So I
ask you, or rather beseech and entreat you with all
urgency, that in spite of all your anxieties you may
devote some time to considering how I may be en
abled by your kindness to be what decency and gra
titude, nay good-feeling, require, in remembering my
great debt to Pompey. If this only mattered to my
self, I should yet hope to obtain my request; but to
my mind it touches your honour and the public weal
that I, a friend of peace and of both of you, should
be so supported by you that I may be able to work
for peace between you and peace amongst our fellow-
citizens. I thanked you formerly in the matter of
Lentulus, for having saved him, as he had saved me.
Yet on reading the letter he has sent me full of thank
fulness for your generous kindness, I feel that his
safety is my debt as much as his. If you understand
my gratitude to him, pray give me the opportunity
of showing my gratitude to Pompey too.
XII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I had just read your letter on the 20th, when an Fonniae,
epistle was brought to me from Lepta announcing March ~0,
that Pompey was blockaded and that even escape B.C. 4$
from the harbour was cut off by a fleet. Upon my
honour tears prevent me from thinking or writing
anything else. I send you a copy of the letter.
Wretches that we are, why did we not all follow his
fortunes together? See now, here are Matins and
Trebatius with the same tidings. Caesar s letter-
carriers met them at Menturnae. I am tortured with
R VOL. II 241
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
exitum exoptem. At quam honesta, at quam expedita
tua consilia, quam evigilata tuis cogitationibus qua
itineris, qua navigationis, qua congressus sermonisque
cum Caesare ! Omnia cum honesta turn cauta. In
Epirum vero invitatio quam suavis, quam liberalis,
quam fraterna !
De Dionysio sum admiratus, qui apud me honora-
tior fuit quam apud Scipionem Panaetius ; a quo im-
purissime haec nostra fortuna despecta est. Odi ho-
minem et odero ; utinam ulcisci possem ! Sed ilium
ulciscentur mores sui.
Tu, quaeso, nunc vel maxime, quid agendum nobis
sit, cogita. Populi Romani exercitus Cn. Pompeium
circumsedet, fossa et vallo saeptum tenet, fuga prohi-
bet ; nos vivimus, et stat urbs ista, praetores ius dicunt,
aediles ludos parant, viri boni usuras perscribunt, ego
ipse sedeo! Coner illuc ire ut insanus, implorare
fidem municipiorum? Boni non sequentur, leves ir-
ridebunt, rerum novarum cupidi, victores praesertim
et armati, vim et manus adferent. Quid censes igitur?
ecquidnam est tui consilii ad finem huius miserrimae
vitae ? Nunc doleo, nunc torqueor, cum cuidam aut
sapiens videor, quod una non ierini, aut felix fuisse.
Mihi contra. Numquam enim illius victoriae socius
esse volui, calamitatis niallem fuisse. Quid ego nunc
tuas litteras, quid tuam prudentiam aut benevolentiam
implorem? Actum est; iiulla re iam possum iuvari,
242
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 12
sorrow, so that now I would choose the end of
Mucius. 1 But how honoimible, how simple, how
clearly thought out was your advice as to my land-
route and my sea-route and my meeting and talk with
Caesar! It was equally honourable and prudent.
Your invitation, too, to Epirus, how kind and generous
and brotherly it is!
As for Dionysius, I am surprised. I held him in
greater honour thin Scipio held Panaetius, yet he has
most foully mocked at my bad fortunes. I hate the
fellow and I always shall. I wish I could pay him
out. But his own character will do that.
I beseech you now give the greatest consideration
to my proper course. An army of the Roman people
invests Gnaeus Pompey. It holds him hedged by trench
and mound and keeps him from flight. Yet we live and
Rome is standing, the praetors preside in court, the
aediles make preparations for the games, the conser
vatives are booking their profits, and I sit still ! Am
I to try to cross the sea like a madman, to beg the
country towns to be loyal? The loyalists will not
follow me, the irresponsible will deride me, the revo
lutionaries, especially now they are armed and victor
ious, will lay hands of violence upon me. What do
you think then? Have you any plan to end this life
of misery ? Now I feel grief, now I am in agony, when
somebody thinks me wise because I did not go with
Pompey, or lucky perhaps. I think the opposite. For
never did I wish to share a victory of his; I should
have wished rather to share his defeat. Why should
I entreat a letter from you now, your kindness, your
good sense ? It is all over. Nothing can help me
1 Q. Mucius Scaevola was murdered in 82 B.C. by the order
of the younger Marius. Cf. viii, 3.
R2 243
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
qui, ne quod optem quidem, iam habeo, nisi ut aliqua
inimici misericordia liberemur.
XIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
OVK eW eVi /zos Aoyos, ut opinor, ille de ratibus.
Quid enim esset, quod Dolabella iis litteris, quas in
Idus Martias a Brundisio dedit, hanc quasi ei ^eptar
Caesaris scriberet, Ponipeium in fuga esse eumque
prinio vento navigaturum ? Quod valde discrepat ab
iis epistulis, quaruni exenipla antea ad te misi. Hie
quidem mera scelera loquuntur ; sed non erat nee
recentior auctor nee huius quidem rei melior Dola
bella.
Tuas xi K. accepi litteras, quibus omnia consilia
differs in id tempus, cum scierimus, quid actum sit.
Et certe ita est, nee interim potest quicquam non
modo statui, sed ne cogitari quidem. Quamquam
hae me litterae Dolabellae iubent ad pristinas cogi-
tationes reverti. Fuit enim pridie Quinquatrus
egregia tempestas ; qua ego ilium usum puto.
Zwaywyrj consiliorum tuorum non est a me col-
lecta ad querelam^ sed magis ad consolationem meam.
Nee enim me tarn haec mala angebant quam suspieio
culpae ac temeritatis meae. Earn nullam puto esse,
quoniam cum consiliis tuis mea facta et consilia con-
sentiunt. Quod mea praedicatione factum esse scri-
bis magis quam illius merito, ut tantum ei debere
viderer, est ita. Ego ilia extuli semper, et eo quidem
244
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 12-13
more, for I have no desire except that somehow my
enemies may take pity on me and free me from my
misery.
XIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Tis no true tale" 1 to my mind that about the fleet. Formiae,
For why should Dolabella in a letter dated from March 24,
Brundisium on the 13th of March call it a kind of B.C. Ifi
windfall for Caesar that Pompey is thinking of flight
and preparing to sail by the first wind ? That is very
different from that letter of which I sent you a copy
before. Here indeed every one speaks of sheer
disaster; but there is no later nor more reliable
authority on the event than Dolabella.
I have your letter of the 22nd of March, in which
you postpone all advice till we know what has hap
pened. Certainly that is wise ; and in the meantime
we cannot think of anything, much less arrange
anything. However, Dolabella s letter compels me
to turn to my former thoughts. For on the 1 8th of
March the weather was excellent and I fancy Pompey
will not have failed to take advantage of it.
That precis of your advice was not made by me to
quarrel with you, but to console myself, for I suffered
less pain from these evil days than from the idea I
had acted wrongly and rashly. But I fancy I have
not done so, since my deeds and policy agree with
your advice. You say that I seem to owe Pompey
so much more because I say so than because he
deserves it. You are right. I have always exaggerated
1 The first line of the palinode of Stesichorus in which he
retracted his former views on Helen.
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
magis, ne quid ille superiorum ineminisse me putaret.
Quae si maxime meminissem, tamen illius temporis
similitudinem iam sequi debt-rein. Xiliil me adiuvit,
cum posset: sed postea fuit amicus, etiam valde, nee,
quam ob causam, plane scio. Ergo ego quoque illi.
Quin etiam illud par in utroque nostrum, quod ab
eisdem illecti sumus. Sed utinam tantum ego ei
prodesse potuissem, quantum mihi ille potuit! Mihi
tamen, quod fecit, gratissimum. Xec ego mine, eum
iuvare qua re possim, scio nee, si possem, cum tarn
pestiferum bellum pararet, adiuvandum putarem.
Tantum offendere animum eius hie manens nolo, nee
mehercule ista videre, quae tu potes iam animo pro-
videre, nee interesse istis malis possem. Sed eo
tardior ad discedendum fui, quod difficile est de
discessu voluntario sine ulla spe reditus cogitare.
Nam ego hune ita paratum video peditatu, equitatu,
classibus, auxiliis Gallorum. quos Matins eXd-rifer, ut
puto, sed certe dicebat . . .peditum, equitum se
polliceri sumptu suo annos decem. Sed sit hoc
AaTTtcr/za ; magnas habet certe copias et habebit non
Italiae vectigal, sed eivium bona. Adde confidentiam
hominis, adde imbecillitatem bonorum virorum, qui
quidem, quod ilium sibi merito iratum putant, ode-
runt, uttuscribiSjludum. Acyellemscripsisses,quisnam
hoc significasset. Sed et iste, qui 2 plus ostenderat,
quam fecit, et vulgo ilium, qui amartint, non amant ;
1 CGIOD peditum, equitum sex Basins.
- The reading is very uncertain. The HISS, have cc for
ac, scribis/or scripsisses, hie for hoc and qui for quia.
246
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 13
his services for fear he might think I remembered
the past. However much I remembered it, I should
feel bound to take the course he took as an example
for my behaviour now. He failed to help me when
he might ; but afterwards he was my friend, my very
good friend. I don t quite know why ; so I too will
be his friend. There is this further likeness between
the two cases; both of us were inveigled by the same
persons. But would that I were able to help him as
much as he was able to help me ! However, I am
truly grateful for what he did. I do not know in
what way I may be able to help him now ; nor, were
I able, should I think it proper to help him in his
preparations for such a disastrous war. Only I do
not wish to hurt his feelings by staying here. I de
clare I could not behold the days that you can fore
see, nor take part in such iniquity. But my departure
was delayed, because it is hard to think of voluntary
departure when there is no hope of return. For
Caesar I see is so equipped with infantry, cavalry,
fleet, auxiliaries from Gaul Matius may have exag
gerated, but certainly he said that . . . infantry and
cavalry have promised their services for ten years at
their own expense. However, granted that this was
gasconiiade, great forces Caesar assuredly has, and he
will have not the inland revenue of Italy, but the
property of her citizens. Add to this the self-
confidence of the man, the weakness of the loyalists,
who, thinking Pompey deservedly angry with them,
as you say, detest the game. I wish you had cited
your authority. Domitius, who promised more than
he performed, 1 and Pompey s old lovers in general do
Or as Boot, reading- sedef, "Domitius, who etc., is
doing nothing."
247
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
municipia vero et rustic! Roman! ilium metuunt, hunc
adhuc diligunt. Quare ita paratus est, ut, etiamsi
vincere non possit, quo modo tamen vinci ipse possit,
non videam. Ego autem non tarn yoTjreiav huius
timeo quam TTfiOai djKrji . At yap TMV rvpdvvwv
So;creis," inquit H Aaron , ouru OTL /ze/zty/iei ui ar-
Ilia aAt/xei tt video tibi non probari. Quae ne mihi
quidem placebant ; sed habebam in illis et occultatio-
nem et iV^peo-iav fidelem. Quae si mihi Brundisi
suppeterent, mallem ; sed ibi occultatio nulla est.
Verum, ut soribis, cum sciemus.
Viris bonis me non nimis excuso. Quas enim eos
cenas et facere et obire scripsit ad me Sextus, quam
lautas, quam tempestivas ! Sed sint quamvis boni,
non sunt meliores quam nos. Moverent me, si essent
fortiores.
De Lanuvino Phameae erravi ; Troianum somnia-
veram. Id ego volui Q, sed pluris est. Istuc tamen
mihi cuperem emeres, si ullam spem fruendi viderem.
Nos quae monstra cotidie legamus, intelleges ex
illo libello, qui in epistulam coniectus est. Lentulus
noster Puteolis est d&jjuovwv is, ut Caesius narrat,
quid agat. AtarpoTrryv Corfiniensem reformidat. Pom-
peio mine putat satis factum, beneficio Caesaris mo-
vetur, sed tamen movetur magis prospecta re.
Tene haec posse ferre? Omnia misei a^ sed lioc
248
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 1 r, .
not love him. The towns and rural population are
afraid of Pompey and so far worship Caesar. Caesar
is so equipped that, even if he fail to beat, I do not
see in what way he can be beaten. I do not fear
his finesse so much as his force majeure, for as Plato
says, a tyrant s requests partake of the nature of
mandates." 1
Places without harbours, I see, do not meet with
3 our approval. Nor do I like them, but the place
has afforded me hiding and a trusty set of attendants.
If I could have had the same at Brundisium, I should
have preferred it. But there is no hiding place there.
But, as you say, when we know!
I am not going to excuse myself much to the
loyalists. What dinners according to Sextus they
are giving and receiving, how lavish and how early !
They may be loyal, but they are not more loyal than
I. They would influence me more if they had shown
more courage.
I was wrong about Phamea s estate at Lanuvium.
I was dreaming about the Trojan estate. 2 I wanted
it for c4,500, 3 but the price is higher. However,
I should have liked you to buy that estate for me,
if I saw any hope of enjoying it.
What portentous news I read daily you may under
stand from the pamphlet enclosed in this packet.
Lentulus is at Puteoli, and, Caesius says, in a
quandary what to do. He dreads a fiasco like that
at Corfinium. He thinks he has done his duty by
Pompey. He is influenced by Caesar s kindness ;
but he is influenced more by future prospects.
To think that you can bear this ! Everything is
1 Plato, Ep. 7. 2 Apparently near Antium, cf. ix, 9.
3 500,000 sesterces.
249
. MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
nihil miserius. Ponipeius N. Magium de pace misit
et tamen oppugnatur. Quod ego 11011 credebam, sed
habeo a Balbo litteras, quarum ad te exemplum misi.
Lege, quaeso, et illud infimum caput ipsius Balbi opti-
mi, cui Gnaeus noster locum, ubi hortos aedificaret,
dedit, quern cui nostrum non saepe praetulit? Itaque
miser torquetur. Sed, ne bis eadem legas, ad ipsam
te epistulam reicio. Spem autem pacis habeo nullam.
Dolabella suis litteris m Idus Mart, datis merum
bellum loquitur. Maneamus ergo in ilia eadem sen-
tentia misera et desperata, quando hoc miserius esse
nihil potest.
XHIa
BALBUS CICERONI IMP. SAL. DIC.
Scr. Romae Caesar nobis litteras perbreves misit; quarum
circ. X K. exemplum subscripsi. Brevitate epistulae scire pote-
Apr. 705. ri s e um valde esse distentum, qui tanta de re tarn
breviter scripserit. Si quid praeterea novi fuerit,
statim tibi scribam.
CAESAR OPPIO, CORNELIO SAL.
A. d. vii Idus Martias Brundisium veni, ad murum
castra posui. Pompeius est Brundisi. Misit ad me
N. Magium de pace. Quae visa sunt, respondi. Hoc
vos statim scire volui. Cum in spem venero de
compositione aliquid me conficere, statim vos certiores
faciam."
Quo modo me nunc putas, mi Cicero, torqueri,
postquam rursus in spem pacis veni, ne qua res eorum
compositionem impediat ? Namque, quod absens
250
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. i3-!3a
wretched, but nothing more wretched than this.
Pompey sent N. Magius to speak of peace, and yet
he is under siege. I did not believe it ; but I have a
letter from Balbus of which I send you a copy. Read
it, please, and that clause at the end which contains
the remarks of the good Balbus himself, to whom
Pompey gave a site for his estate and whom he had
often preferred to all of us. So he is in an agony of
grief. But, that you may not have to read the same
twice over, I refer you to the letter. Of peace I
have no hope. Dolabella in his letter of the 1 3th of
March speaks of war pure and simple. So let us
stick to the same opinion, that there is no hope, for
nothing can be worse than all this.
XHIa
BALBUS TO CICERO THE IMPERATOR, GREETING.
Caesar has sent me a very short letter of which I Rome, about
subjoin a copy. From the shortness of the letter March 23,
you can infer that he is greatly occupied, to write so B.C. 49
briefly about a matter of such importance. If there
is any further news, 1 will write you immediately.
CAESAR TO OPPIUS, CORNELIUS, GREETING.
On the 9th of March I came to Brundisium, and
under its walls pitched my camp. Pompey is at
Brundisium. He sent N. Magius to me to talk of peace.
I replied as I thought fit. I wanted you to know
this at once. When I have hopes of settled terms,
I will inform you immediately."
My dear Cicero, you can imagine my torture,, after
I again had hopes of peace, for fear anything should
prevent an arrangement. I long for peace. It is all
I can do in my absence from the scene of action.
251
MARCUS TL LLIUS CICERO
facere possum, opto. Quodsi una essem, aliquid for-
tasse proficere possem videri. Nuno exspectatione
XIV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr.. in Miseram ad te vim K. exemplum epistulae Balbi
,^ fl l ad me et Caesaris ad eum. Ecce tibi eodem die
/ /// A.
Apr a 7<>~> Capua litteras accepi ab Q. Pedio Caesarem ad se
pvidie Idus Martias misisse hoc exemplo:
Pompeius se oppido tenet. Xos ad portas castra
habemus. Conamur opus magnum et multorum
dierum propter altitudinem maris. Sed tamen niliil
est, quod potius faciamus. Ab utroque portus cornu
moles iacimus, ut aut ilium quam primum traicere,
quod habet Brundisi copiarum, cogamus, aut exitu
prohibeamus."
Ubi est ilia pax, de qua Balbus scripserat torqueri
se? Ecquid acerbius, ecquid crudelius? Atque eum
loqui quidam avOei TiK^ narrabat Cn. Carbonis, M.
Bruti se poenas persequi, omniumque eorum, in quos
Sulla crudelis hoc socio fuisset ; nihil Curionem se
duee facere, quod non hie Sulla duce fecisset; se
ambire reditionem, 1 quibus exsilii poena superioribus
legibus non fuisset, ab illo patriae proditores de
1 se ambire reditionem Tyrrell and Purser : ad ambitionem
MSS.
252
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. I3a-14
If I were there, perhaps I might succeed in seeming
to be of use. Now I am tormented with waiting.
XIV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I sent you on the 26th of March a copy of Balbus Formiae,
letter to me and of Caesar s letter to him. Then on March ~5,
that very day from Capua I got a letter from Q. B.C. 49
Pedius saying that Caesar had written to him on the
1 4th in the following terms :
Pompey confines himself to the town. My camp
is at the gates. I am attempting a big job which
will take many days on account of the depth of the
sea: yet I have no better course. From both wings
of the harbour I am building a mole, so that I may
either compel him to transship the forces he has here
as soon as possible, or prevent him from getting out
at all."
Where is the peace about which Balbus wrote
that he was tormenting himself? Could anything
be more bitter, more cruel ? Moreover some one told
me with authority that Caesar said in conversation
he was the avenger of Cn. Carbo, M. Brutus, 1 and
all those on whom Sulla with Pompey to help him
wreaked his cruelty : Curio under his leadership was
doing nothing but what Pompey had done under
Sulla s leadership : what he wanted was the restora
tion of those not punished with exile under the earlier
laws, while Pompey had restored those who had
J Carbo was put to death by Pompey in 82 or 81 B.C. ; he
was consul for the third time with C. Marius the younger.
Brutus, the father of Caesar s murderer, was killed by
Pompey in 77 or 76 B.C., and another M. Brutus committed
suicide sooner than fall into his hands.
253
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
exsilio reductos esse ; queri de Milone per vim
expulso; neminem tamen se violaturum, nisi qui
arma contra. Haec Baebius quidam a Curione in Id.
profectus, homo non infans, sed qui de suo ilia 1 non
dicat. Plane iiescio, quid again. Illim equidem
Gnaeum profectum puto. Quicquid est, biduo scie-
mus. A te nihil lie Anteros quidem litterarum; nee
minim. Quid eiiim est, quod scribamus? Ego tamen
nullum diem praetermitto.
Scripta epistula litterae mihi ante lucem a Lepta
Capua redditae sunt Idib. Mart. Pompeium a Brun-
disio conscendisse. at Caesarem a. d. VH Kal. Apriles
Capuae fore.
XV
CICERO ATTICO SA1>.
Scr. in Cum dedissem ad te litteras, ut scires Caesarem
Formiano Capuae vn Kal. fore, allatae mihi Capua sunt et hie
/ 111 A. ^ copiam mihi et 2 in Albano apud Curionem v K. fore.
" V a Eum cum videro, Arpinum pergam. Si mihi veniam,
quam peto, dederit, titar illius condicione ; si minus,
impetrabo aliquid a me ipso. Ille, ut ad me scripsit.
legioiics singulas posuit Brundisi, Tarenti, Siponti.
Claudere mihi videtur maritimos exitus et tamen
ipse Graeciam spec-tare potius quam Hispanias. Sed
haec longius absunt. Me mine et congressus huius
stimulat (is vero adest), et primas eius actiones
1 qui de suo ilia Tyricll : quis ulli MSS.
et hie copiam mihi et Madvig ; et hoc mihi et MSS.
254
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. U-15
been traitors : he resents Pompey s violent banishment
of Milo, but would only harm those who bear arms
against him. This tale was told me by one Baebius,
who came from Curio on the 1 3th, a man who is no
fool, but not smart enough to invent such a tale.
I am quite at a loss what to do. From Brundisium
I fancy Pompey must have set out. Whatever has
happened, we shall know in a few days. I haven t a
letter from you not even by Anteros, and no wonder.
What is there to write about? Still I do not omit
one day.
When this was written a letter came to me before
daylight from Lepta dated Capua the 15th of March.
Pompey has embarked from Brundisium. Caesar is
due at Capua on the 26th.
XV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
After I had sent you a letter informing you that Formiac,
Caesar would be at Capua on the 26th, a letter March Jo,
reached me from Capua saying that Caesar would B.C. 4-)
see me either here or in Curio s place at Alba on
the 28th. When I have seen him, I shall go to
Arpinum. If he should grant me the privilege I
ask, I shall put up with his terms. If not, then I
shall consult myself as to what to do. As Caesar
wrote to me, he has stationed one legion each at
Brundisium, Tarentum and Sipontum. He seems to
me to be cutting off retreat by sea and yet himself
to have Greece in view rather than Spain. But
these are remote considerations. Now I am stirred
by the thought of meeting him ; for the meeting is
close at hand, and I am alarmed at the first steps he
255
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
horreo. Volet enim, credo, S. C. facere, volet augurum
decretum (rapiemur ant absentes vexabimur), vel ut
consules roget praetor vel ut dicta torem dicat ;
quorum neutruin ins est. Etsi, si Sulla potuit
efficere, ab interrege ut dictator diceretur 1 cur hie
non possit? Niliil expedio, nisi ut aut ab hoc tam-
quam Q. Mucius aut ab illo tamquam L. Scipio.
Cum tu haec leges, ego ilium fortasse conve-
nero. TfrXaOt. Kvrrepor ne illud quidem nostrum
proprium. Erat enim spes propinqui reditus, erat
hominum querela, Nunc exire cupimus, qua spe
reditus, mihi quidem numquam in inentem venit.
Non modo autem nulla querela est municipalium
hominum ac rusticorum, sed contra metuunt ut
crudelem, iratum. Nee tamen mihi quicquain est
miserius quam remansisse nee optatius quam evolare
non tarn ad belli quam ad fugae societatem. Sed
tu, omnia qui consilia difFerebas in id tempus, cum
sciremus, quae Brundisi acta essent. Scimus nempe ;
haeremus nihilo minus. Yix enim spero mihi huiic
veniam daturum, etsi multa adfero iusta ad impe-
trandum. Sed tibi omnem illius meumque sermonem
omnibus verbis expressum statim mittam. Tu mine
omni amove enitere, ut nos cura tua et prudentia
iuves. Ita subito aecurrit, ut ne T. Rebilum quidem,
2 After diceretur most MSS. add el magister equitum.
256
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 15
will. take, for he will want, I am sure, a decree of
the Senate and a decree of the augurs (we shall be
hurried off to Rome or harassed, if we are absent),
so that the praetor may hold an election of consuls
or name a dictator, both acts unconstitutional.
Though, if Sulla could arrange to be named dic
tator by an interrex, why should not Caesar? I can
see no solution of the problem except by meeting
the fate of Mucius at the hand of Caesar, or that of
Scipio 1 at the hands of Pompey.
When you read this, perhaps I shall have
met the man. Endure." My own exile was no
unkinder cut" ; for I had prospects of speedy re
turn and was consoled by the popular outciy. Now
I long to go away and it never strikes me that there
is any chance of return. Not only is there no out
cry of any in town or country, but on the contrary
all are afraid of Pompey as cruel in his anger.
Nothing causes me more wretchedness than my
having remained, and there is nothing that I want
more than to flee to him to share not his fighting
but his flight. But now what becomes of your
counsel to put off decision till we knew how things
went at Brundisium ? We do know, but are as
badly stuck as ever. I can scarcely hope that Caesar
will give me privilege, though many are the good
reasons I can bring for granting it. But I will send
you immediately a report of our conversation word
for word. Use all your affection to help me with
your careful advise. He is coming so fast that I
cannot see even T. Rebilus, as I had arranged. I
1 L. Scipio was proscribed by Sulla. For Mucius cf. viii, 3.
- Odyssey xx, 18, r^rXaflt Sy, Kpadirj, nai nvvrfpov &\\o TTOT"
, "endure, my heart, worse hast thou borne before."
s VOL. ii 257
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
ut constitueram, possim videre ; omnia nobis im-
paratis agenda. Sed tamen aXAa //,ev at<-ros, ut ait
ille, aAAa Se KCU Sat/uov i 7roB i](rerai. Quicquid
egero, continue scies. Mandate Caesaris ad consules
et ad Pompeiurn, quae rogas, nulla habeo descripta :
quae attulit, ilia e via 1 misi ad te ante; e quibus
mandata puto intellegi posse. Philippus Neapoli est,
Lentulus Puteolis. De Domitio, ut facis, sciscitare,
ubi sit, quid cogitet.
Quod scribis asperius me, quam mei patiantur
mores, de Dionysio scripsisse, vide, quam sim anti-
quorum hominum. Te medius fidius hanc rem gra-
vius putavi laturum esse quam me. Nam, praeter-
quam quod te moveri arbitror oportere iniuria, quae
mihi a quoquam facta sit, praeterea te ipsum quodam
modo hie violavit, cum in me tarn improbus fuit.
Sed, tu id quanti aestimes, tuum indicium est; nee
tamen in hoc tibi quicquam oneris impono. Ego
autem ilium male sanum semper putavi, mine etiam
impurum et sceleratum puto nee tamen mihi inimi-
ciorem quam sibi. Philargyro bene curasti. Causam
certe habuisti et veram et bonam, relictum esse me
potius quam reliquisse.
Cum dedissem iam litteras a. d. vin Kal., pueri,
quos cum Matio et Trebatio miseram, epistulam mihi
attulerunt hoc exemplo :
MATIUS ET TREBATIUS CICERONI IMP. SAL.
Cum Capua exissemus, in itinere audivirnus Pom-
peium Brundisio a. d. xvi K. Apriles cum omnibus
habeo descripta; quae attulit ilia e via Wcsenberg :
habeo et descripta attulit ilia e via MSS.
258
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 15
have to do everything impromptu. But nevertheless
as the poet has it, Some things I ll venture and odyssey " 27
some things God will prompt." Whatever I do you shall
know forthwith. The demands Caesar sent to Pom-
pey and the consuls, for which you ask, are not with
me. The copies that were brought I -sent on to you
at once. 1 From them I think you can gather what
those demands were. Philippus is at Naples. Len-
tulus at Puteoli. As to Domitius, go on inquiring
where he is and what he intends to do.
You write that my remarks about Dionysius are
more bitter than suits my character. See how old-
fashioned I am. Upon my honour I thought that
you would be more angered than I : for, apart from
the fact that I think you should be stirred by any
injury done by anyone to me, this man in a way
outraged you in treating me so badly. But it is for
you to decide what weight you should give to the
matter. I will not put anything upon you. I always
thought the fellow was not quite sane : now I think
lie is an abandoned blackguard. But he is as much
his own enemy as mine. You did well with Philar-
gyrus. You certainly had a good and true case in
contending that I had not abandoned but rather had
been abandoned.
When I had dispatched my letter on the 25th,
the servants I had sent to Matius and Trebatius
brought me a letter in the following terms :
MATIUS AND TREBATIUS TO CICERO IMPERATOR,
GREETING.
After leaving Capua we heard on the way that
jPompey with all the forces he had set out from
1 This doubtful passage probably refers to the document
icntioned in vii, 17.
s2 259
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
copiis, quas habuit, profectum esse ; Caesarem postero
die in oppidum introisse, contionatum esse, inde
Romam contendisse, velle ante K. esse ad urbem et
pauetilos dies ibi commorari, deinde in Hispanias
proficisci. Nobis lion alienum visinn est, quoniam
de adventu Caesaris pro certo habebamus, pueros
tuos ad te remittere, ut id tu quam primum scires.
Mandata tua nobis curae sunt, eaque, ut tempus
postularit. agemus. Trebatius sedulo facit, ut ante-
eedat.
Epistula conscripta nuntiatum est nobis Caesarem
a. d. vin K. April. Beneventi mansurum, a. d. vn
Capuae, a. d. vi Sinuessae. Hoc pro certo putamus."
XVI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Cum, quod scriberem ad te, nihil haberem, tamen,
fornuano ne quern diem intermitterem, has dedi litteras. A. d.
w _ vi K. Caesarem Sinuessae mansurum nuntiabaiit. Ab
eo mihi litterae redditae sunt a. d. vn K., quibus iam
opes" meas, 11011 ut superioribus litteris "opein" ex-
spectat. Cum eius clementiam Cornniensem illam per
litteras collaudavissem, rescripsit hoc exemplo :
CAESAR IMP. CICERONI IMP. SAL. DIC.
Recte auguraris de me (bene enim tibi cognitus
sum) nihil a me abesse longius crudelitate. Atque
ego cum ex ipsa re magnam capio voluptatem turn
ineum factum probari abs te triumpho gaudio. Neque
illud me movet, quod ii, qui a me dimissi sunt,
260
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 15-16
Brundisium on the 17th of March: that Caesar on
the next day entered the town, made a speecli and
went off at full speed to Rome, meaning to be at the
city before the 1 st of April, to remain there a few
daj-s and then to set out for Spain. It seemed
proper since we had sure news of Caesar s approach
to send your servants back to you to give informa
tion as early as possible. Your charges have our
attention, and we will act as circumstances demand.
Trebatius is trying hard to reach you before Caesar.
When this letter had been written, news came to
us that Caesar would stop on the 2.5th at Bene-
ventum, at Capua on the 26th, on the 27th at
Sinuessa. This we consider certain."
XVI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Though I have nothing to write to you, still, not Formiae,
to miss a day, I send this letter. On the 27th of March 26,
March Caesar will stop at Sinuessa, they say. He sent B.C. 4
me a letter dated the 26th, in which he looks forward
to my resources," not as in the former letter to
my help." I had written praising to the skies his
kindness, his clemency at Corfinium. He replied as
follows:
CAESAR IMPERATOR TO CICERO IMPERATOR, GREETING.
You are right to infer of me (for I am well known
to you) that there is nothing further from my nature
than cruelty. Whilst I take great pleasure from that
fact, I am proud indeed that my action wins your
approval. I am not moved because it is said that those,
261
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
discessisse dicuntur, ut niihi rursus helium inferrent.
Nihil enim malo quam et me mei similem esse et illos
sui. Tu velim milii ad urbem praesto sis, ut tuis
consiliis atque opibus, ut consuevi, in omnibus rebus
utar. Dolabella tuo nihil scito mihi esse iucundius.
Hane adeo habebo gratiam illi ; neque enim aliter
facere potevit. Tanta eius humanitas, is sensus, ea in
me est benevolentia."
XVII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Set: in Trebatium vi Kal., quo die has litteras dedi, ex-
Formiano spectabam. Ex eius nuntio Matique litteris medita-
J I h. bor, quo modo cum illo loquar. C) tempus miserum !
Apt . ft. i )o j^ ec (Jufojto, quin a me contendat, ad urbem veniam.
Senatum enim Kaleiidis velle se frequentem adesse
etiam Formiis prosoribi iussit. Ergo ei negandum
est ? Sed quid praeripio.? Statim ad te perscribam
omnia. Ex illius sermone statuam, Arpinumne mihi
eundum sit an quo alio. Volo Ciceroni meo togam
puram dare, istic puto. Tu, quaeso, cogita, quid
deinde. Nam me hebetem molestiae reddiderunt. A
Curio velim scire ecquid ad te scriptum sit de Tirone.
Ad me enim ipse Tiro ita scripsit, ut verear, quid agat.
Qui autem veniunt inde, Ktv8vv<aSr) nuntiant. Sane
in magnis curis etiam haec me sollicitant. In hac
enim fortuna perutilis eius et opera et fidelitas esset.
262
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 16-17
whom I let go, have departed to wage war on me
again, for there is nothing I like better than that I
should be true to myself and they to themselves. I
could wish you to meet me at Rome that I may avail
myself of your advice and resources, as usual, in every
thing. You must know that nothing pleases me
more than the presence of your relative Dolabella.
This favour also I shall owe to him; for he will not
be able to do otherwise than arrange it, such is his
kindness, his feeling and goodwill towards me."
XVII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I am awaiting Trebatius on March the 27th, the Formiae,
date of this letter. From his tidings and Matius March 27,
letter I shall consider how to talk to Caesar. What B.C. Jfi
a wretched age this is ! I have no doubt Caesar will
urge me to come to Rome. For he gave orders that
notices should be posted even at Formiae that he
wanted a full house on the 1st. Must I refuse? But
why do I anticipate ? I will write you all about it at
once. From Caesar s conversation I shall decide
whether I ought to go to Arpinum or elsewhere. I
wish to celebrate my son s coming of age. Arpinum,
I think, will be the place. Please consider what I
should do next, for my troubles have made me stupid.
From Curius I want to hear whether you have had
news about Tiro. For to me Tiro has written in such
a way that I am anxious to know how he is. Those
two who come from his part say that his condition is
critical. In the midst of many great troubles this
also distresses me ; for in our present straits his energy
and loyalty would be very serviceable.
263
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
XVIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Utrumque ex tuo consilio ; nam et oratio fuit ea
Arpmt I nostra, ut bene potius ille de nobis existimaret quam
*. P ra " gratias ageret, et in eo mansimus, ne ad urbem. Ilia
/ Oo
fefellerunt, facilem quod putaramus. Nihil vidi minus.
Damnari se nostro iudicio, tardiores fore reliquos,
si nos non veniremus, dicere. Ego dissimilem illorum
esse causam. Cum multa, Veni igitur et age de pace."
Meone," inquam, arbitratu ?" An tibi," inquit,"ego
praescribam ?" Sic,"inquam, agam, senatui non pla-
cere in Hispanias iri nee exercitus in Graeciam trans-
portari, multaque/ inquam, de Gnaeo deplorabo."
Turn ille: Ego vero ista dici nolo." Ita putabam,"
inquam; sed ego eo nolo adesse, quod aut sic mihi
dicendum est, multaque., quae nullo modo possem si-
lere, si adessem, aut non veniendum." Summa fuit,
ut ille quasi exitum quaerens, ut deliberarem. Non
fuit negandum. Ita discessimus. Credo igitur hunc
me non amare. At ego me amavi, quod mihi iam
pridem usu non venit.
Reliqua, o di ! qui comitatus, quae, ut tu soles di
cere, veKi ta ! iii qua erat ?ypws Celer. O rem perdi-
tam ! o copias desperatas ! Quid, quod Servi filius,
quod Titini in iis castris fuerunt, quibus Pompeius
circumsederetur ! Sex legiones ; multum vigilat,
264
BETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 18
XVIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
In both respects I followed your advice. I spoke Arpinum,
so as to gain Caesar s respect rather than his gratitude ; March 28,
and I persisted in my resolve not to go to Rome. We B.C. Jfi
were mistaken in thinking he would be easy to
manage. I have never seen anyone less easy. He
kept on saying that my decision was a slur on him,
and that others would be less likely to come, if I did
not come. I pointed out that my case was very unlike
theirs. After much talk he said, " Well, come and
discuss peace." On my own terms?" I asked.
Need I dictate to you?" said he. Well," said 1,
I shall contend that the Senate cannot sanction
your invasion of Spain or your going with an army
into Greece., and," I added, " I shall lament Pompey s
fate." He replied. That is not what I want." " So
I fancied," said I: but I do not want to be in Rome,
because either I must say that and much else, on
which I cannot keep silent, if I am present, or else I
cannot come." The upshot was that I was to think
over the matter, as Caesar suggested, with a view to
closing our interview. I could not refuse. So we
parted. I am confident then he has no liking for me.
But I like myself, as I have not for a long time.
For the rest, ye gods what a following! What
dmes damnees in your phrase ! Celer is an hero to the
rest. What an abandoned cause, and what desperate
gangs ! What can one think of a son of Servius and
a son of Titinius being in an army which beset Pom-
pey ? Six legions ! He is very wide-awake and
265
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
audet. Nullum video finem mali. Nunc certe pro-
menda tibi sunt consilia. Hoc- fuerat extremum.
Ilia tamen Kara/vAtis illius est odiosa, quam paene
praeterii, si sibi coiisiliis nostris uti non liceret, usu-
rum, quorum posset, ad omniaque esse descensurum.
Vidisti igitur virum, ut seripseras ? ingemuisti"? "
Certe. Cedo reliqua." Quid? Continue ipse in
Pedanum, ego Arpinum. Inde exspecto equidem
XaXayevcrar 1 illam tuam. Tu malim," inquies,
actum ne agas." Etiam ilium ipsum, quern sequi-
mur, multa fefellerunt.
Sed ego tuas litteras exspeeto. Nihil est enim iam
ut antea Yideamus, hoc quorsuni evadat." Extre
mum fuit de congressu nostro ; quo quidem non du-
bito quin istum offenderim. Eo maturius agendum
est. Amabo te, epistulam et TroAtriK/yv ! Valde tuas
litteras nunc exspecto.
XIX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Arpini Ego meo Ciceroni, quoniam Roma caremus, Ar-
prid. A . pini potissimum togam puram dedi, idque municipi-
P r a bus nostris fuit gratum. Etsi omnes et illos, et qua
iter feci, maestos adflictosque vidi. Tarn tristis et
1 \a\ayevcrav Bosius : AAATEAFAX M.
266
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 18-19
bold. I see no end to our evil days. Now assuredly
you must produce your advice. This was the limit
we contemplated.
Caesar s finale, which I had almost forgotten, was
hateful : If I may not use your advice, I shall use
the advice I can and go to any length." You will
say : You have seen him to be as you have described
him : and did you heave a sigh ?" Indeed I did.
You ask for the rest of our talk. What more is there
to tell ? He went straight to Pedum, I to Arpinum.
From thence I await the twittering swallow " you
talk of. You will say you prefer me not to dwell
on past mistakes. Even Pompey, our leader, has
made many.
But I await a letter from you. There is no room
now, as before, for your await the event." The
limit we fixed was that interview; and I have no
doubt I annoyed Caesar ; so I must act the more
quickly. Please send me a letter and deal with la
haute politiqiie. I await a letter from you now very
anxiously.
XIX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Since Rome was out of bounds, I celebrated my Arpinum,
son s coming of age at Arpinum in preference to any March 31,
other place, and so doing delighted my fellow-towns- B.C. 40
men. Though they were pleased, yet I must tell
you they and all others I have met are sad and sorry.
1 A reference to Anthology x, i, 6 TrXoos ojpcuos Ka.1 yap \a\a-
Fair is the season for sailing-: already ihe twittering 1
swallow Flitteth around, and soft bloweth the wind from the
west." Cf. Att. ix, 7.
267
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
tarn atrox est dra8ewpri<ri<s huius ingentis mail. Di-
lectus habentur, in hiberna deducuntur. Ea, quae,
etiam cum a bonis viris, cum iusto in bello, cum mo-
deste fiunt, tamen ipsa per se molesta sunt, quam
censes acerba mine esse, cum a perditis in civili ne-
fario bello petulantissime fiant! Cave autem putes
quemquam hominem in Italia turpem esse, qui hinc
absit. Vidi ipse Formiis universes neque mehereule
umquam homines putavi, et noram omnes, sed num-
quam uno loco videram.
Pergamus igitur, quo placet, et nostra omnia re-
linquamus, proficiscamur ad eum, cui gratior noster
adventus erit, quam si una fuissemus. Turn enim
eramus in maxima spe, nunc ego quidem in nulla ;
nee praeter me quisquam Italia cessit, nisi qui hunc
inimicum sibi putaret. Nee mehereule hoc facio rei
publicae causa, quam funditus deletam puto, sed ne
quis me putet ingratum in eum, qui me levavit iis
incommodis, quibus idem adfecerat, et simul quod ea,
quae fiunt, aut quae certe futura sunt, videre non pos
sum. Etiam equidem senatus consulta facta quae-
dam iam puto, utinam in Volcaci seiitentJam ! Sed
quid refert ? est enim una sententia omnium. Sed
erit immitissimus Servius, qui filium misit ad effligen-
dum Cn. Pompeium aut certe capiendum cum Pontio
Titiniano. Etsi hie quidem timoris causa, ille vero ?
268
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 19
So dark and direful is the coup d oeil of this vast
calamity. Levies are being made ; troops are being
drafted into winter quarters. These measures are
hardships in themselves even when taken by loyalists,
when the war is just, when there is some considera
tion. You can imagine how bitter they are when
taken quite tyrannically by desperadoes in wicked
civil war. But you must remember that every
scoundrel in Italy is of the party. I saw them all
together at Formiae. I could hardly believe them
to be human. I knew every one of them., but I had
never seen the whole collection together.
Let us go then whither we please, and leave our
all behind. Let us set out to Pompey, who will be
more gratified at our arrival than if we had been
with him all along. For then we had great hopes ;
but now I at least have none : nor has anyone except
myself departed from Itaty, unless he imagines Caesar
to be his enemy. Heaven be my witness I do not
take this step for the sake of the Republic, which to
my mind is utterly destroyed, but for fear I may be
charged with ingratitude to one who relieved me
from the inconveniences which he himself had in
flicted : and, at the same time, because I cannot
endure the sight of the horrors that are happening
and are bound to happen. Moreover I fancy that
now decrees of the Senate have been passed, and my
only hope is that they will agree with Volcacius
proposal. But what does it matter? There is only
one proposal for everybody. But the most implacable
enemy will be Servius, who has sent his son with
Pontius Titinianus to destroy or at least to capture
Gnaeus Pompey. Though Titinianus has the excuse
of fear, what excuse has Servius? But let us cease
269
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Sed stomachari desinamus et aliquando sentiamus
nihil nobis nisi, id quod iniiiime vellem, spiritum
reliquum esse.
Nos, quoniain superum mare obsidetur, infero na-
vigabimus, et, si Puteolis erit difficile, Crotonem pe-
temus aut Thurios et boiii cives amantes patriae
mare infestum habebimus. Aliain rationem liuius
belli gerendi nullam video. In Aegyptum iios ab-
demus. Exercitu pares esse non possumus ; pacis
fides nulla est. Sed haec satis deplorata sunt.
Tu velim litteras Cephalioni des de omnibus rebus
actis, denique etiam de sermonibus hominum, nisi
plane obmutuerunt. Ego tuis consiliis usus sum
rnaximeque, quod et gravitatem in congressu nostro
tenui, quam debui, et, ad urbem ut non accederem,
perseveravi. Quod superest, scribe, quaeso, quam
accuratissime (iam eiiim extrema sunt), quid placeat,
quid censeas ; etsi iam nulla dubitatio est. Tamen,
si quid vel potius quicquid veniet in meiitem, scribas
velim.
270
LETTERS TO ATTICUS IX. 19
from anger and let us reflect that there is nothing
left us now except what to me is least desirable
life.
As for me, since the Adriatic is beset, I shall sail
by the lower sea, and, if it be difficult to start from
Puteoli, I shall seek Crotoii or Thurii, and like a
loyal and patriotic citizen play the pirate. Other
means of conducting this war I see none. We will
go and bury ourselves in Egypt. We cannot match
Caesar on land, and we cannot rely on peace. But
enough of this outcry.
Please entrust a letter to Cephalio about all that
has been done, and even about people s talk, unless
men have become quite dumb. I followed your
advice, especially when I maintained in our conversa
tion a proper dignity and persisted in my refusal to
go to Rome. For the rest please write to me in as
much detail as possible (for the worst has come to
the worst) what you approve and what you think,
though now there can be no doubt. But yet, if
anything comes into j r our mind, or rather whatever
comes into your mind, please write to me.
271
M. TULLI CICERONIS
EPISTULARUM AD ATTICUM
LIBER DECIMUS
I
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
$ cr - IM in Nonas cum in Laterium fratris venissem, accepi
iMtcrio Htteras tuas et paulum respiravi, quod post has rui-
Qutnti jra- ., .
, JTT y nas mini 11011 acciderat. rer emm magm aestimo
Apr. a. 70ij ^ibi firmitudinem animi nostri et factum nostrum
proburi. Sexto enim nostro quod scribis probari, ita
laetor, ut me quasi patris eius, cui semper uni pluri-
mum tribui, iudicio comprobari putem. Qui niihi,
quod saepe soleo recordari, dixit olim Nonis illis
Decembribus, cum ego Sexte, quidnam ergo?" M^
ftdi , inquit ille, d<rirov8i ye Kal aK-Aetw? dTroXoi/Ji fjv,
uAAa /xeya pefas TL Kal ecrcro/xet otcrt TrvOfirdai."
Kius igitur mihi vivit auctoritaSj et simillimus eius
filius eodem est apud me pondere, quo fuit ille.
Quern salvere velim iubeas pluriinum.
Tu tuum consilium etsi non in longinquum tern-
pus differs (iam enim ilium emptum pacificatorem
perorasse puto^ iam actum aliquid esse in consessu
senatorum ; senatum enim non piito)^ tameii suspen-
sum meum detines, sed eo minus, quod non dubito,
quid nobis agendum putes. Qui enim Flavio legionem
et Sicilian! dari scribas, et id iam fieri, quae tu scelera
272
CICERO S LETTERS
TO ATTICUS
BOOK X
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the third of April coming to my brother s Laierium,
house at Laterium, I got your letter with some little April 3,
relief, a thing which had not happened to me since B.C. 49
this disaster began. For I attach very great weight
to your approval of my firmness of mind and my
action. As for your writing that it meets with
the approval of my friend Sextus, I am as glad as if
I fancied myself to have won the approval of his
father, on whose judgement I always set the very
highest value. I often call to mind how it was he
who said to me on that famous December the 5th,
when I asked him what we were to do next: Let
me not die a coward and shameful death, but
greatly daring live in fame for aye." So his influence Iliad xxii, 304
lives for me, and his son, who is very like him, has
the same weight as he. Please give him my best
compliments.
Your plan, it is true, you postpone for a very short
time, for I fancy by now that that venal peace
maker must have wound up his speech, and some
thing must have been done in the session of Senators,
for I don t consider it a Senate, still you keep
mine in suspense, but the less so because I have no
doubt as to what you think we should do. For when
you write that Flavius is offered a legion and Sicily,
and that the matter is now in hand, just think what
T VOL. II 273
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
partim parari iam et cogitari, partim ex tempore
futura censes ? Ego vero Solonis, popularis tui, ut
puto, etiam mei, legem neglegam, qui capita sanxit,
si qui in seditione non alterius utrius partis fuisset,
et, nisi si tu aliter censes, et liinc abero et illim.
Sed alterum mihi est certius, nee praeripiam tamen.
Exspectabo tuum consilium et eas litteras, nisi alias
iam dedisti, quas scripsi ut Cephalioni dares.
Quod scribis, non quo aliunde audieris, sed te
ipsum putare me attractum iri, si de pace agatur,
mihi omnino non venit in mentem, quae possit actio
esse de pace, cum illi certissimum sit, si possit,
exspoliare exercitu et provincia Pompeium ; nisi forte
iste nummarius ei potest persuadere, ut, dum oratores
eant, redeant, quiescat. Nihil video, quod sperem
aut quod iam putem fieri posse. Sed tamen hominis
hoc ipsum probi est et magnum rt 1 TWV -oXiTLKWTfirwv
o-Ke/zfiaTwj , veiiiendumne sit in consilium tyranni, si
is aliqua de re bona deliberaturus sit. Quare, si quid
eius modi evenerit, ut arcessamur (quod equidem
non credo. 2 Quid enim essem de pace dicturus, dixi;
ipse valde repudiavit), sed tamen, si quid accident,
quid censeas mihi faciendum, utique scribito. Nihil
enim mihi adhuc accidit, quod maioris consilii esset.
Trebati, boni viri et civis, verbis te gaudeo dele-
ctatum, tuaque ista crebra IK^WV^O-IS v e/oeu me
sola adhuc delectavit. Litteras tuas vehementer
1 et mavfnum TI Wesenberg; magnum sit MSS.
2 credo Boot: euro MSS.
274
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 1
iniquities are being prepared and meditated, some
now and some in the future? I shall certainly neg
lect the law of Solon, your countryman, and I imagine
mine too soon, who provided the death penalty for
anyone who should not take one side in a revolution,
and, unless you advise otherwise, I shall keep apart
both from Caesar and Pompey. The former course
is quite certain : but I shall not forestall events. I
shall await your advice and the letter which I asked
you to give to Cephalic unless you have now sent
another.
You write, not on the authority of anyone, but as
your own idea, that I shall be drawn into any ne
gotiations there may be for peace. I cannot imagine
that there can be such negotiations, since it is
Caesar s positive determination to rob Pompey, if
possible, of army and province, unless perhaps that
hireling can induce him to keep quiet, pending the
passage to and fro of intermediaries. I see nothing
that I can hope for or even imagine is likely to
happen. However this is the very question for an
honest man to decide and one of the great questions
of la haute politique, whether one may enter the
council of a tyrant, if the subject of debate is good.
Therefore, if anything should happen to cause me to
be summoned I don t in the least expect anything
will, for I have said all I can say about peace, and
Caesar was determined to repudiate it still, if any
thing should happen, write and tell me what you
think I should do in any case. For so far nothing
has happened that demands greater deliberation.
I am glad you are pleased with the words of that
loyal citizen Trebatius, and your frequent bravos
have so far been my sole pleasure. Your letter I
x2 275
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
exspecto; quas quidcm credo iam datas esse. Tu
cum Sexto servasti gravitatem eandem, quam mihi
praecipis. Celer tuns disertus inagis est quam
sapiens. De iuvenibus quae ex Tullia audisti, vera
sunt. Mucianum 1 istud, quod scribis, noil mihi
\ r idetiir tarn re esse triste quam verbo. Haec est
a\rj, in qua mine sumus, mortis instar. Aut enim
mihi libere inter malos TroXtrevreov fuit aut vel peri-
culose cum bonis. Aut oportet temeritatem bonorum
sequamur aut audaciam improborum insectemur.
Utrumque periculosum est, at hoc, quod agimus,
turpe nee tamen tutum.
Istum, qui filium Brundisium de pace misit (de
pace idem sentio quod tu, simulationem esse apertam,
parari autem acerrime bellum), me legatum iri non
arbitror, cuius adliuc, ut optavi, mentio facta nulla
sit. Eo minus habeo necesse scribere aut etiam
cogitare, quid sim facturus, si accident, ut legarer.
II
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
,S r/-. / // Ego cum accepissem tuas litteras Xonis Aprilibus.
Arcane quas Cephalic attulerat, essemque Menturnis postri-
(Jumti Jr. c ]j e mansurus, ut inde protinus. sustinui me in
po i. ^ on. _^ rcano fratris, ut. duni aliquid certius adferretur,
Apr, a. lOo ,. . . , ., .,
occultiore in Joco essemus, agerenturque nilnlo
minus, quae sine nobis agi possunt.
Mucianum Reid : Maconi MSS.
276
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 1-2
await eagerly. I expect it has been dispatched now.
With Sextus you have preserved the same dignity
that you prescribe for me. Your friend Celer has
more wit than wisdom. What you heard from Tullia
about the boys is true. Mucius ending, 1 which you
mention, does not seem to me so sad as it sounds.
It is this distraction in which we now find ourselves
that is like death. For I have the alternative, either
to take part in politics with a free hand among the
disloyal, or to side with the loyal at all costs. I
ought either to follow the loyalists in their rashness
or attack the other party in its daring. Either
course spells danger: but my present action brings
shame without safety.
The man who sent his son to Brundisium to
negotiate peace (my views on peace are yours, that
it is patent pretence, but that war is being prose
cuted with the utmost activity) that man I think
and not I will be chosen as commissioner. So far to
my relief I have heard nothing. So I fancy it less
necessary to write or consider my possible course of
action, if I should happen to be chosen.
II
CICERO TO ATTICCS, GREETING.
I received your letter brought by Cephalic on the Arcanum,
5th of April. The next day I intended to stop at April 6,
Menturnae, and to return thence at once. I halted B.C. J/.9
at my brother s place at Arcanum in order that I
might be in a more retired place till I get certain
news and that such preparations for the journey, as
did not need my presence, might be made.
1 Cf. ix. 12.
277
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
ActAayevcra iam adest, et animus ardet, neque est
quicquam, quo et qua. Sed haec nostra erit cura et
peritorum. Tu tamen, quod poteris, ut adhuc fecisti,
nos consiliis iuvabis. Res sunt inexplicabiles. For-
tunae sunt committenda omnia. Sine spe conamur
ulla. Melius si quid accident, mirabimur. Dionysium
noil em ad me profectum; de quo ad me Tullia mea
scripsit. Sed et tempus alienum est, et homini non
amico nostra incommoda. tanta praesertim, spectaculo
esse nollem; cui te meo nomine inimicum esse nolo.
Ill
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Cum, quod scriberem, plane nihil haberem, haec
\ I ( " autem reliqua essent, quae scire cuperem, profectusne
la. Apr.
a. 7 Of) esset, quo in statu urbem reliquisset, in ipsa Italia
quern cuique regioni aut negotio praefecisset, ecqui
essent ad Pompeium et ad consules ex senatus con-
sulto de pace legati, cum igitur haec scire cuperem,
dedita opera has ad te litteras misi. Feceris igitur
commode mihique gratum, si me de his rebus, et si
quid erit aliud, quod scire opus sit, feceris certiorem.
Ego in Arcano opperior, dum ista cognosco.
278
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 2-3
The "bird that twitters of flight" 1 is here and I am
afire with eagerness, though I have no idea of
destination or route. But these will be considered
by me and by those who know. You however must
assist me with your advice, so far as possible, as you
have before. The tangle cannot be unravelled.
Everything must be entrusted to fortune. We are
simply struggling without hope. If anything better
happens, I shall be surprised. I would rather
Dionysius did not come to me : Tullia has written
to me about him. The time is unsuitable, and 1
should prefer that discomforts as great as mine
should not be seen by a man who is not my friend.
But I do not want you to be his enemy on my account.
Ill
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Though I have nothing at all to Avrite about, yet Arcanum,
these points remain, which I want to know. Has April 7,
Caesar started? In what condition has he left B - c - 4&
Rome? In Italy itself whom has he placed in charge
of each region or department? Who were sent to
Pompey and the consuls as peace commissioners
according to the decree of the Senate ? To make
these inquiries I have taken the trouble to send
this letter. So you will do well and please me, if
you inform me on these points and of anything else
which I ought to know. I stay in Arcanum till I
get information.
1 Cf. ix, 1 8.
279
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Ilia
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Ar- A. d. vn Idus alteram tibi eoclem die hanc epistu-
cano I II Id. ] am dictavi et pridie dedei am mea manu longiorem.
Apr. a. i Oo Vj sum t e a iunt in regia, nee reprehendo, quippe cum
ipse istam reprehensionem non fugerim. Sed ex-
specto tuas litteras neque iam sane video, quid
exspectem, sed tamen, etiamsi nihil erit, id ipsum ad
me velim scribas.
Caesar mihi ignoscit per litteras, quod non vene-
rim, seseque in optimam partem id accipere dicit.
Facile patior, quod scribit, secum Titinium et Servium
questos esse, quia non idem sibi quod mihi remisisset.
Homines ridicules ! qui, cum filios misissent ad Cn.
Pompeium circumsedendum, ipsi in senatum venire
dubitarint. Sed tamen exemplum misi ad te Caesa-
ris litterarum.
IV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Cu- Multas a te accepi epistulas eodem die omnes dili-
mano XP II genter scriptas, earn vero, quae voluminis instar erat,
A. Mai. a. saepe legendam, sicuti facio. In qua non frustra
laborem suscepisti, mihi quidem pergratum fecisti.
Quare, ut id, quoad licebit, id est quoad scies, ubi
simus, quam saepissime facias, te vehementer rogo.
Ac deplorandi quidem, quod cotidie facimus, sit iam
nobis aut finis omnino, si potest, aut moderatio quae-
280
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. Sa-4
Ilia
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
On the 7th of April I dictate this letter, the Arcanum,
second on the same day, and yesterday I dispatched April 7,
a longer one in my own handwriting. It is said you B.C. 4->
have been seen in the Regia, 1 and I don t blame you,
since I laid myself open to the same blame. But I
await a letter from you. I don t see what news I
can expect ; but still, even if there is none, I wish
you would just tell me that.
Caesar has written to excuse me for not coming to
Rome, and says that he takes it in good part. I am
not concerned at his saying that Titinius and Servius
have complained to him for not allowing them the
same privilege as he did to me. What fools they
are ! They send their sons to besiege Pompey, and
themselves hesitate to enter the House. However,
I send you a copy of Caesar s letter.
IV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
I have received a lot of letters from you on the Ciimae,
same day, all of them written with care and one, April 14,
which is as big as a book, worth reading several B.C. 4&
times, as I am doing. Your labour has not been in
vain : you have gratified me very much. And so I
beseech you continue to write as often as you can,
so long as it is possible, that is, so long as you know
where I am. And as for our daily lamentations let
us make an end of them once for all, if we can, or at
1 The official residence of Caesar as Pont if ex maximus.
281
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
dam, quod profecto potest. Non enim iam, quam
dignitatem, quos honores, quern vitae statum amise-
rim, cogito, sed quid consecutus sim, quid praestite-
rim, qua in laude vixerim, his denique in malis quid
intersit inter me et istos, quos propter omnia amisi-
mus. Hi sunt, qui, nisi me civitate expulissent,
obtinere se non putaverunt posse licentiam cupidita-
tum suarum. Quorum societatis et sceleratae con-
sensionis fides quo eruperit, vides.
Alter ardet furore et scelere, nee remittit aliquid,
sed in dies ingravescit ; modo Italia expulit, nunc alia
ex parte persequi, ex alia provincia exspoliare conatur,
nee iam recusat, sed quodam modo postulat, ut, quern
ad modum est, sic etiam appelletur tj r rannus. Alter,
is qui nos sibi quondam ad pedes stratos ne subleva-
bat quidem, qui se nihil contra huius voluntatem
facere posse, elapsus e soceri manibus ac ferro bellum
terra et mari comparat, non iniustum ille quidem,
sed cum pium turn etiam necessarium, suis tamen
civibus exitiabile, nisi vicerit, calamitosum, etiamsi
vicerit. Horum ego summorum imperatorum non
modo res gestas non antepono meis. sed ne fortunam
quidem ipsam ; qua illi florentissima, nos duriore
conflictati videmur. Quis enim potest aut deserta
per se patria aut oppressa beatus esse ? Et, si, ut
nos a te admonemur, recte in illis libris diximus nihil
esse bonum, nisi quod honestum, nihil malum, nisi
282
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 4
any rate moderate them, which we certainly can.
For I have given up thinking of the dignity, the
honours and the position I have lost : I think of
what I have attained, what I have done, the glory
of my career, in short what a difference there is even
in our present straits between me and those through
whom I have lost all. They are the people who
thought they could not attain their extravagant
desires without expelling me from the State : and
you see now what has come of their coalition in a
criminal conspiracy.
The one burns with a madman s lust for crime,
which does not cool one whit, but rather increases
day by day. He has just driven Pompey from Italy,
now on one side of the world he is pursuing him, on
the other he is trying to rob him of his province :
and he no longer refuses, nay, he practically demands,
to be called a tyrant, as he is. The other, who once
would not even give me a helping hand, when I
threw myself at his feet, declaring he could do
nothing against Caesar s will, now, having slipped
from the grasp of his father-in-law s mailed hand, is
preparing war by land and sea. The war is not
unjust on his part, nay, it is even righteous and
necessary ; but, unless he conquers, it will be fatal to
his fellow-countrymen; and, even if he does conquer,
it will be disastrous. These are our great men ; but
I do not hold their achievements one whit superior
to mine, nor even their fortune, though they may
seem to have basked in fortune s smiles while I have
met her frowns. For who can be happy, when he
has caused his country to be deserted or enslaved?
And if, as you admonish me, I was right in saying
in those books of mine that nothing is good, save
283
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
quod turpe sit, certe uterque istorum est miserrimus,
quorum utrique semper patriae salus et dignitas po
sterior sua dominatione et domesticis commodis fuit.
Praeclara igitur conscientia sustentor, cum cogito me
de re publica aut meruisse optime, cum potuerim, aut
certe numquam nisi pie cogitasse, eaque ipsa tempesta-
te eversam esse rem publicam, quam ego xnii annis
ante prospexerim. Hac igitur conscientia comite
pronciscar magno equidem cum dolore nee tarn id
propter me aut propter fratrem meum, quorum est
iam acta aetas, quam propter pueros, quibus interdum
videmur praestare etiam rem publicam debuisse.
Quorum quidem alter non tarn quia filius quam, 1 quia
maiore pietate est, me mirabiliter excruciat, alter (o
rem miseram ! nihil enim mihi accidit in omni vita
acerbius) indulgentia videlicet nostra depravatus eo
progressus est, quo non audeo dicere. Et exspecto
tuas litteras ; scripsisti enim te scripturum esse plura,
cum ipsum vidisses. Omne meum obsequium in
ilium fuit cum multa severitate, neque unum eius nee
parvum, sed multa magna delicta compressi. Patris
autem lenitas amanda potius ab illo quam tarn crude-
liter neglegenda. Nam litteras eius ad Caesarem
missas ita graviter tulimus, ut te quidem celaremus,
sed ipsius videremur vitam insuavem reddidisse. Hoc
vero eius iter simulatioque pietatis qualis fuerit, non
audeo dicere ; tantum scio, post Hirtium conventum
1 quia filius quam added by Malaspina.
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 4
what is honourable, and nothing bad, save what is
dishonourable, then certainly both of them are most
miserable, since both of them have thought less of
their country s safety and dignity than of their own
high place and private interests. My conscience
then is clear and helps to support me, when I think
that I have always rendered my country good service,
when I could, and assuredly have never harboured
any but loyal thoughts, and that the State has been
wrecked by the very storm which I foresaw fourteen
years ago. With a clear conscience then I shall
depart, though the parting will cost me a bitter
pang : nor shall I go so much for my own sake or for
my brother s our day is done as for our children,
to whom I think at times we ought to have secured
at least a free country. For one of them I feel the
most poignant grief- not so much because he is my
son, as because he is exceedingly dutiful while the
other unfortunately has turned out the bitterest dis
appointment of my life. He has been spoiled, I
suppose, by our indulgence, and has gone to lengths
that I dare not name. I am waiting for your letter
too ; for you promised to write more fully when you
had seen him himself. All my humouring of him
has been accompanied by considerable strictness :
and I have had to put my foot down not over one
fault of his or a small one, but over manj- grave
faults. But his father s kindness should surely have
been repaid by affection rather than by such cruel
disregard. For we were more annoyed at his sending
letters to Caesar than we let you see, but I think we
made his life a burden to him. I dare not describe
this recent journey of his and his hypocritical pretence
of filial duty: I only know that, after he met Hirtius,
285
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
arcessitum a Caesare, cum eo de meo animo a suis
rationibus alienissimo et consilio reliriquendi Italiam ;
et haec ipsa timide. Sed nulla nostra culpa est,
iiatura metuenda est. Haec Curionem, haec Hor-
tensi filium, lion patrum culpa corrupit.
lacet in maerore meus frater neque tarn de sua
vita quam de mea metuit. Huic tu huic tu malo
adfer coiisolationes, si ullas potes ; maxima quidein
illam velirn, ea, quae ad nos delata sint, aut falsa esse
aut minora. Quae si vera sint, quid futurum sit in
hac vita et fuga, nescio. Nam, si haberemus rem
publicam, consilium mihi non deesset nee ad severi-
tatem nee ad indulgentiam. Nunc haec sive iracundia
sive dolore sive metu permotus gravius scripsi, quam
aut tuus in ilium amor aut meus postulabat, si vera
sunt, ignosces, si falsa, me libente eripies mihi hunc
errorem. Quoquo modo vero se res habebit, nihil
adsignabis nee patruo nee patri.
Cum haec scripsissem, a Curione mihi nuntiatum
est eum ad me venire. Venerat enim is in Cumanum
vesperi pridie, id est Idibus. Si quid igitur eius
modi sermo eius attulerit, quod ad te scribendum sit,
id his litteris adiungam.
Praeteriit villam meam Curio iussitque mihi nun-
tiari mox se venturum cucurritque Puteolos, ut ibi
contionaretur. Contionatus est, rediit, fuit ad me
sane diu. O rem foedam ! Nosti hominem ; nihil
occultavit, in primis nihil esse certius, quam ut
286
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 4
he was summoned to Caesar s presence, and discussed
the difference between my views and his own and
my plan of leaving Italy. Even that I write with
hesitation. But it is no fault of mine : it is his dis
position which must cause us anxiety. That is what
currupted Curio and Hortensius son,, not their
fathers fault.
My brother is prostrate with grief, though he does
not fear for his own life so much as for mine. It is
to him, to him more than me, I want you to offer
consolation, if you can. The best consolation would
be that what we have heard was false or exaggerated.
If it was true, I fail to see what will come of this
runaway existence. For if the constitution were still
intact, I should know what to do both in the way of
severity and in the way of kindness. Now, under
the sway of some passion, be it wrath or sorrow or
fear, I have written more bitterly than either your
affection for him or mine warrants. If what I have
said is true, you will pardon me : if it is false, I shall
be only too glad to have the error removed. How
ever it may be, you must not blame his uncle or his
father.
When I had got so far, I received a message from
Curio that he was coming to see me. He came to his
place here yesterday evening, that is on the 13th.
If any point worth mentioning to you occurs in our
conversation, I will add it to this letter.
Curio passed by my house, and sent a message
saying he was coming very soon. Then he hurried
off to make a speech at Puteoli. He made his speech,
returned and stayed a very long time. How dis
gusting ! You know the sort of man he is : he hid
nothing. In the first place he is quite sure that all
287
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
omnes, qui lege Pompeia condernnati essent, resti-
tuerentur. Itaque se in Sicilia eorum opera us urum.
De Hispaniis non dubitabat, quin Caesaris essent.
Iride ipsum cum exercitu, ubicumque Pompeius esset.
Eius interitum finem belli fore. Propius factum esse
nihil, nisi" plane iracundia elatum voluisse Caesarein
occidi Metellum tribunum pi. Quod si esset factum,
caedem magnam futuram fuisse. Permultos horta-
tores esse caedis, ipsum autem non voluntate aut
natura non esse crudelem, sed quod popularem putaret
esse clementiam. Quodsi populi studium amisisset,
crudelem fore. Eumque perturbatum, quod intelle-
geret se apud ipsam plebem offendisse de aerario.
Itaque, ei cum certissimum fuisset, antequam pro-
ficisceretur, contionem habere, ausum non esse vehe-
menterque animo perturbato profectum. Cum autem
ex eo quaererem, quid videret, quern eventum. quarn
rem publicam, plane fatebatur iiullam spem reliquam.
Pompei classem timebat. Quae si exisset, se de
Sieilia abiturum. Quid isti," inquam, sex tui
fasces ? si a senatu, cur laureati ? si ab ipso, cur sex ? "
Cupivi," inquit, ex senatus consulto surrupto ;
nam aliter non poterat. At ille impendio mine magis
odit senatuni. A me," inquit, omnia proficiscen-
1 belli Manutius ; illi J/55.
nisi Schmidt ; ei MSS.
288
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 4
those condemned by Pompey s law are going to be
recalled : and so he is going to make use of their
services in Sicily. He had no doubt about Caesar
getting the two Spains and said he would start from
them with an army to wherever Pompey might
be. Pompey s death would be the end of the war.
Caesar had been carried away by anger into wish
ing to have the tribune Metellus killed and he had
had a narrow shave. If it had happened, there
would have been an enormous massacre. Many had
spoken in favour of a massacre : and Caesar himself
was not by nature and inclination averse to cruelty,
but he thought mild measures would win popularity.
But, if he lost popular favour, he would be cruel.
He had been put out when he found that he had
offended the populace itself by seizing the treasury :
and so, though he had fully made up his mind to
harangue the people before leaving, he had not
ventured to do so, and had gone off in a very dis
turbed state of mind. But when I asked Curio what
he looked forward to, what end, and what constitution,
he confessed openly that there was no hope left.
He was afraid of Pompey s fleet, and, if it put to sea,
he should desert Sicily. I asked, what was the mean
ing of his six lictors, why their staves were laurelled,
if the Senate gave them to him, and why there were
six, if Caesar gave them. 1 He said, "l wanted to
snatch a vote from the House for them (for it could
not be done openly) : but Caesar hates the Senate
like poison, and declares that all such authority will
Six lictors were the regular number f.r the propraetor
of Sicily; but their slaves would not be laurelled as Curio
had not won a victory ov< r a public enemy. If appointed
a legatus to Caesar he might have had proconsular powers
and twelve lictors.
u VOL. ii 289
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
tur." Cur autem sex?" Quia xn nolui ; nam
licebat." Turn ego Quam vellem," inquam, petisse
ab eo, quod audio Philippum impetrasse ! Sed veri-
tus sum, quia ille a me nihil impetrabat." Libenter/
inquit, tibi concessisset. Veruin puta te impetrasse ;
ego enim ad eum scribam, ut tu ipse voles, de ea re
nos inter nos locutos. Quid autem illius interest,
quoniam in senatum non venis, ubi sis ? Quin mine
ipsum minime ofFendisses eius causam, si in Italia non
fuisses." Ad quae ego me recessum et solitudinem
quaerere, maxime quod lictores haberem. Laudavit
consilium. Quid ergo ? " inquam ; nam mihi
cursus in Graeciam per tuam provineiam est. quoniam
ad mare superum milites sunt." Quid mihi," in-
quit, optatius ? " Hoc loco multa perliberaliter.
Ergo lioc quidem est profectum, ut non modo tuto,
verum etiam palam navigaremus.
Reliqua in posterum diem distulit ; ex quibus
scribam ad te si quid erit epistula dignum. Sunt
autem, quae praeterii, interregnumne esset exspecta-
turus, an, quo modo dixerit ille quidem ad se deferri
consulatum, sed se nolle in proximum annum. Et
alia sunt, quae exquiram. lurabat ad sumrnam, quod
nullo negotio facere solet, amicissimum mihi Caesarem
esse. Dubito equidem," inquam. Scripsit ad me
Dolabella." Die, quid ? " Adfirmabat eum scri-
psisse, quod me cuperet ad urbem venire, ilium qui
dem gratias agere maximas et non modo probare, sed
etiam gaudere. Quid quaei is ? acquievi. Levata
290
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 1
proceed from him." But why six?" Because I
didn t want twelve, though I could have had them."
I said: "l wish I had asked for what I hear Philippus
has got from him : but I was afraid to ask, as he got
nothing from me." He replied : He would willingly
have given you permission. But take it that you
did get it. I will write to him just as you wish, and
say we have spoken about the matter. What does
it matter to him where you are, as you do not attend
the House? If you were not in Italy at this very
moment, it would not damage his cause in the least."
I responded that I was looking for a retired and
solitary retreat, especially because I still had my
lictors in attendance. He agreed with me. "How
about this then," said I. My way through to
Greece lies through your province, as the Adriatic is
guarded." "There is nothing I should like better,"
he said, and added many very handsome remarks.
So something has come of it : I could sail not only in
safety, but openly.
The rest he put off for the next day : I will write and
tell you if there is anything worth mentioning. But
there are some things I omitted to ask : whether
Caesar was going to wait for an interregnum, or
what he meant by saying that he had been offered
the consulship but had refused it for the next year.
And there are other points I must ask about. Finally
lie swore though to be sure he makes no bones
about swearing that Caesar was very friendly to
me. I expressed my doubt. He said he had heard
from Dolabella. I asked what he said, and he
declared he said Caesar had thanked him warmly for
wanting me to go to Rome, and not only approved
but showed pleasure. Of course I felt relieved.
r2 291
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
est enim suspicio ilia domestic] mail et sermonis
Hirtiani. Quam cupio ilium dignum esse nobis, et
quam ipse me invito, quae pro illo sint, ad suspican-
dum ! Sed opus fuit Hirtio convento ? Est profecto
nescio quid, sed velim quam minimo. Et tamen eum
nondum redisse miramuv. Sed haec videbimus.
Tu Oppios Terentiae delcgabis. 1 lam enim urbis
unum periculum est. Me tamen consilio iuva. pedi-
busne Regium an hinc statim in navem, et cetera,
quoniam commoror. Ego ad te statim habebo, quod
scribam. simul ut videro Curionem. De Tirone cura,
quaeso, quod facis, ut sciam, quid is agat.
V
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
r/ . j. n De tota mea cogitatione scripsi ad te antea satis,
Ltnttano A/ u j. m i}}j yisus sum. diliarenter. De die nihil sane
Ai r
. M(ti.
(i. 705 potest scribi certi praeter lioc, non ante lunam no-
vam. Curionis sermo postridie eandem habuit fere
summam, nisi quod apertius significavit se harum
re rum exitum non videre.
Quod milii mandas de Quinto regendo, ApKo.8iav
1 delegabis H cscnbcrg: dabis
292
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 4-5
The suspicion of domestic treachery and of the talk
with Hirtius has been removed. How I hope young
Quintus is worthy of his family, and how I keep
urging myself to note the points in his favour ! But
need he have visited Hirtius? There is something
in the tale, but I hope it may not prove of much
consequence. Still I wonder he is not back yet.
But we shall see about this.
Please introduce Terentia to the Oppii : for there
is only one danger in Rome now. As for me, give
me the benefit of your advice as to whether I am to
go to Regium on foot or to embark straight from
here, and on all the other points too, as I am staying
here. I shall have something to write as soon as I
have seen Curio. Please keep me posted up in news
about Tiro s condition, as you have done.
V
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
About the whole of my plans I have written to Cumae,
you before, as I think, exactly. Of the day I can April 16,
say no more for certain than this, that it will not B.C. ^.9
be before the new moon. Curio s conversation on
the next day had practically the same gist, except
that he showed still more frankly that he could not
see an end to this state of things.
As for your commission about the control of
Quintus, you are asking for the moon." However I
1 The Oppii were moneylenders, and, if the reading- unum
is right, Cicero must mean that lack of obtaining 1 ready
money was the only danger in Rome.
2 Cf. the answer of the Dflphic oracle to a Spartan envoy
in Herodotus I, 66, \pica.$iav /j. aiTf is, fi^ya yti aJrets, oftroi SUKTW,
1 Thou askest for Arcadia. Tis much thou askest for. I
will not give it."
293
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Tarn en nihil praetermittam. Atque utinam tu ,
sed molest ior non ero. Epistulam ad Vestorium
statim detail, ac valde requirere solebat. Commo-
dius tecum Vettienus est locutus, quam ad me scri-
pserat. Sed mirari satis hominis neglegeiitiam non
queo. Cum enim mihi Philotimus dixisset se HS I.
emere de Canuleio deversorium illud posse, ininoris
etiam empturum. si Vettienum rogassem, rogavi, xit,
si quid posset, ex ea summa detraheret. Promisit.
Ad me nuper se HS xxx einisse ; ut scriberem, cui
vellem addici ; diem pecuniae Idus Novembr. esse.
Rescripsi ei stomachosius, cum ioeo tamen familiari.
Nune, quoniam agit liberaliter, nihil accuse hominem,
scripsique ad eum me a te certiorem esse factum.
Tu, de tuo itinere quid et quando cogites, velim me
certiorem facias. A. d. xv K. Maias.
VI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Me adhuc nihil praeter tempestatem moratur.
Cvmano Astute nihil sum acturus. Fiat in Hispania quid-
libet; et tamen ire certum est. 1 Meas cogitationes
Apr. a. i<)o . ....... . ., ,.., . ~
omms exphcavi tibi superioribus littens. Quocirca
hae sunt breves, etiam 2 quia festinabam eramque
occupatior.
De Quinto filio fit a me quidem sedulo; sed nosti
1 ire certum est Wesenberg : recitet et MZ^>: reticeret Z^.
-etiam Malaspina : et tarn en JISS.
294
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 5-6
shall be guilty of no omission and would that you .
But I will not be too troublesome. The letter I
forwarded at once to Vestorius ; he kept asking
why it was not sent. Vettienus has spoken with
you in a tone more accommodating than his letter to
me: but I am greatly astonished at the man s care
lessness. Philotimus informed me that he could buy
that lodge of Canuleius for 400 guineas, and could 50,000 sesterces
get it even for less, if I asked Vettienus to act as
purchaser. So I did ask Vettienus to get a deduc
tion from that sum, if he could. He promised.
Lately he has informed me that he bought it for
about 250, and asked me to inform him to whom 30,000 sesterces
I wished to convey it, adding that the day for pay
ment was the 13th of November. My reply was
somewhat cross, but yet in a familiar joking vein.
Now, as he is acting handsomely, I have no charge
against him, and I have written to him that you have
informed me. Please let me know about your
journey, what you intend to do and when.
April ] 6.
VI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
So far nothing stops me beyond the weather. I Cumae,
am not going to play a sharp game. Let what will April,
happen in Spain, I have made up my mind to go. My B.C. 49
plans have all been unfolded to you in previous
letters ; so this is a short one ; also because I am in a
hurry and rather busy.
As for young Quintus surely I do my best," a you
1 Possibly a reference to Terence Adelphi 44, " Fit sedulo,
nihil praetermitto, consuefacio."
295
MARCUS TULL1US CICERO
reliqua. Quod dein me mones, et amice et pruden-
ter me mones, sed erunt omnia facilia, si ab uno illo
cavero. Magnum opus est, mirabilia multa, nihil
simplex, nihil sincerum. Vellem suscepisses iuveiiem
regendum ; pater enim nimis indulgens, quicquid ego
adstrinxi, relaxat. Si sine illo possem, regerem ;
quod tu potes. Sed ignosco; magnum, inquam,
opus est.
Pompeium pro certo liabemus per Illyricum profi-
cisci in Galliam. Ego nunc, qua et quo, videbo.
VJI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Ego vero Apuliam et Sipontum et tergiversatio-
Lumano arc. nem istam probo, nee tuam rationem eaiidem esse
IX K. Mai. -, , T .
_,..;_ dueo quam meam. non qum in re publiea rectum
.i. tOo
idem sit utrique nostrum, sed ea non agitur. Re-
gnandi contentio est, in qua pulsus est modestior rex
et probior et integrior et is, qui nisi vincit, nomen
populi Romani deleatur necesse est, sin autem vincit,
Sullano more exemploque vincet. Ergo hac in con-
tentione neutrum tibi palam sentiendum et tempori
serviendum est. Mea causa autem alia est, quod
beneficio vinctus ingratus esse non possum, nee tamen
in acie me, sed Melitae aut alio in loco simili fu-
turum puto. Nihil," inquies, iuvas eum, in quern
296
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 6-7
know the rest. You go on to advise me, and you
advise me like a prudent friend ; but all will be
simple, if I beware of the youngster. It is a big
business ; he is full of oddities and has no simplicity
or sincerity. I wish you had undertaken his train
ing; for his father is too kind. If I tighten the
rein, he loosens it. If I could act without his father,
I could manage the youngster, as you can do. But
I excuse you. It is, as I say, a big business.
Pompey, I am certain, is marching through Illyri-
cum into Gaul. By what route and whither I am
now to travel, I shall see.
VII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Yes, I think you are right to hedge, and stay in Cumae,
Apulia arid Sipontum: nor do I consider that your April 22 (?\
case is the same as mine. Of course in the matter B.C. ^.9
of the constitution the right course is the same for
both of us : but the constitution is not now in ques
tion. It is a struggle between two kings, in which
defeat has overtaken the more moderate king, the
one who is more upright and honest, the one whose
failure means that the very name of the Roman
people must be wiped out, though, if he wins the
victory, he will use it after the manner and example
of -Sulla. Therefore in a contest like this you must
not openly express your sentiments for either side,
but must await the event. My case however is
different. I am under the bond of an obligation,
and cannot show ingratitude. But yet I do not
fancy that I shall be found in the line of battle, but
at Malta or some other similar place. You may say I
297
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
ingratus esse non vis ? " Immo minus fortasse voluis-
set. Sed de hoc videbimus: cxeamtis modo. Quod
ut meliore tempore i)ossimus, facit Adriano mari
Dolabella, Fretensi Curio.
Iniecta autem mihi spes quaedam est velle niecum
Ser. Sulpicium conloqui. Ad eum misi Philotimum
libertum cum litteris. Si vir esse volet, praeclara
(rvvoSia, sin autem , erimus nos, qui solemus.
Curio mecum vixit, iacere Caesarem putans offen-
sione popular? Siciliaeque diffidens, si Pompeius navi-
gare coepisset.
Quintum puerum accepi vehementer. Avaritiam
video fuisse et spem magni congiarii. Magnum hoc
malum est, sed scelus illud, quod timueramus, spero
nullum fuisse. Hoc autem vitium puto te existimare
non a nostra indulgentia, sed a natura profectum.
Quern tamen nos disciplina regemus.
De Oppiis Veliensibus quid placeat, cum Philo-
timo videbis. Epirum nostram putabimus, sed alios
cursus videbamur habituri.
VIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
,SV;\ in Et res ipsa monebat, et tu ostenderas. et ego
Cumano II videbam de iis rebus, quas intercipi periculosum
Aon. Mai. esset, finem inter nos scribendi fieri tempus esse.
a. iU-j Sed, cum ad me saepe mea Tullia scribat orans, ut,
quid in Hispania geratur. exspectem, et semper
298
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 7-8
do not help the man to whom I am loth to show in
gratitude. No. Perhaps he would have been glad
if I had helped him less. But that we shall see.
Let me only get away. A fair opportunity is offered
now that Dolabella is in the Adriatic and Curio in
the straits of Sicily.
I have conceived some hope that Servius Sulpicius
wishes to see me. I have dispatched Philotimus,
my freedman, to him with a letter. If he wishes to
play the man, we shall have a fine time together. But
if not, well, I shall be my own old self. Curio stayed
with me. He thinks that Caesar is falling in popular
esteem and he is mistrustful about going to Sicily, if
Pompey should begin a naval action.
The boy Quint us got it hot when he came. I see
it was greed and the hope of a large bounty. This
is a great evil ; but disloyalty, which I feared, there
was I hope none. But this flaw, I fancy you will
gather, did not proceed from my spoiling him, but
from his own temperament. Still, I must teach him
discipline.
As to the Oppii of Velia, you will arrange with
Pliilotimus as you think fit. Your place in Epirus I
shall regard as my own ; but it seems I shall go on
another tack.
VIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Circumstances advise, you have pointed out, and I Cumae,
see for myself, that it is time there was an end to May 2,
our correspondence on topics which it is dangerous B.C. 4$
to have intercepted: but since my daughter often
writes beseeching me to await the issue in Spain and
299
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
adscribat idem videri tibi, idque ipse etiam ex tuis
litteris intellexerim, non puto esse alienum me ad
te, quid de ea re sentiam, scribere.
Consilium istud tune esset prudens, ut mihi vide-
tur, si nostras rationes ad Hispanieiisem casum ac-
commodaturi essemus ; quod fieri non debet. 1 Necesse
est enim aut, id quod maxime velim, pelli istum ab
Hispania, aut trahi id bellum, aut istum, ut confidere
videtur, apprehendere Hispanias. Si pelletur, quam
gratus aut quam honestus turn erit ad Pompeium
noster adventus, cum ipsum Curionem ad eum trans-
iturum putem? Si trahitur bellum, quid exspectem
aut quam din? Relinquitur, ut, si vincimur in Hi-
spania, quiescamus. Id ego contra puto. Istum
enim victorem magis relinquendum puto quam
victum, et dubitantem magis quam fidentem suis
rebus. Nam caedem video, si vicerit, et impetum
in privatorum pecunias et exsulum rediturn et tabulas
novas et turpissimorum honores et regnum non modo
Romano homini, sed ne Persae quidem cuiquam
tolerabile. Tacita esse poterit indignitas nostra?
pati poterimt oculi me cum Gabinio sententiam
dicere, et quidem ilium rogari prius? praesto esse
clientem tuum Clodium, C. Atei Plaguleium, ceteros?
Sed cur inimicos conligo, qui meos necessaries a me
defenses nee videre in curia sine dolore nee versari
inter eos sine dedecore potero ? Quid, si ne id
quidem est exploratum fore ut mihi liceat? Scribunt
enim ad me amici eius me illi nullo modo satis
1 non debet is omitted by the best A/SS. and is probably
only supplied by conjecture in P.
300
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 8
always adds that you think the same, and this is
what I have gathered myself from your letters, I
think it is well for me to write to you what I think
about it.
The advice would be wise, it seems to me, only if
I meant to shape my course according to what hap
pens in Spain. That is impossible. For either, as
I should much prefer, Caesar must be driven from
Spain, or the war will drag on, or Caesar will seize
Spain, as he seems to be confident. If Caesar is
driven from Spain, you can imagine how pleasing
and honourable my arrival will seem to Pompey,
when I suppose even Curio will go over to him. If
the war drags on, for what am I to wait or how
long ? The remaining alternative is that I should
keep neutral, if we are beaten in Spain. I take the
opposite view : for I think I am more bound to desert
Caesar as victor than as vanquished, and while he
is still doubtful rather than confident about his for
tunes : for I foresee a massacre, if he conquers, attack
on the wealth of private persons, the recall of exiles,
repudiation of debts, high office for the vilest men,
and a tyranny intolerable to a Persian much more to
a Roman. Will my indignation be able to keep
silence ? Can my eyes endure to see myself giving
my vote along with Gabinius^ or indeed Gabinius
being asked his opinion before me ? Your client
Clodius in waiting ? Plaguleius, the client of C.
Ateius, and all the others ? But why do I make a list of
opponents, when I shall be unable to see in the House
without pain friends whom I have defended or to
mix with them without shame ? And what if even
that may not be allowed to me, for all I know? For
Caesar s friends write me that he is not at all
301
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
fecisse, quod in senatum non venerim. Tamenne
dubitemus, an ei nos etiam cum periculo vcnditemus,
quioum coniuncti ne cum praemio quidem voluimus
esse? Deinde hoc vide, non esse indicium de tota
contcntione in Hispaniis, nisi forte iis amissis arma
Pompeium abiecturum putas, cuius omne consilium
Themistocleum est. Existimat enim, qui mare
teneat, eum necesse esse rerum potiri. Itaque num-
quam id egit, ut Hispaniae per se tenerentur, navalis
apparatus ei semper antiquissima cura fuit. Navi-
gabit igitur, cum erit tempus, maximis classibus et
ad Italiam accedet. In qua nos sedentes quid eri-
mus? nam medios esse iam non licebit. Classibus
adversabimur igitur? Quod maius scelus aut tantum
denique ? quid turpius ? anuival dehic in absentis 1
solus tuli scelus, eiusdem cum Pompeio et cum reli-
quis principibus non feram? Quodsi iam misso
officio periculi ratio habenda est, ab illis est peri-
culum, si peccaro, ab hoc, si recte fecero, nee tillum
in his malis consilium periculo vacuum inveniri po-
test, ut non sit dubium, quin turpiter facere cum
periculo fugiamus, quod fugeremus etiam cum salute.
Non si 2 simul cum Pompeio mare transierimus?
Omnino non potuimus. Exstat ratio dierum. Sed
tamen fateamur enim, quod est : ne condimus qui
dem ut possimus, fefellit ea me res, quae fortasse
non debuit, sed fefellit. Pacem putavi fore. Quae
si esset, iratum mihi Caesarem esse, cum idem amicus
1 The text here is hopelessly corrupt and no satisfactory
emendation has been made. The translation gives the
probable sense.
2 si added by Tyrrell,
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 8
satisfied because I did not come to the Senate. Am
I still to hesitate whether to sell myself to him at
grave risk, when I refused to join him even with a
certainty of reward. Besides consider this that the
verdict on the whole contest does not depend on
Spain ; unless perhaps you think that, if Spain is
lost, Pompey will throw down his arms, when his
policy has always been that of Themistocles. He
considers that the master of the sea must be master
of the empire : so he has never planned to hold
Spain for its own sake. The equipment of the fleet
has always been his first care. So he will take to
the sea in due season with a huge fleet and will
come to Italy. What then will be the fate of us, if
we stay here idle ? Neutrality will be impossible.
Shall we then resist the fleet ? Could there be a
crime deeper, greater or baser ? Isolated I ran
risks : shall I hesitate with the help of Pompey and
the rest of the nobles. If now I am to take no
account of duty but only of danger, it is from
Pompey s party I run risk, if I do wrong, from
Caesar, if I do right : and such is our evil plight that
no plan is so free from danger as to leave a doubt
that I should avoid doing with disgrace as well as
danger what I should have avoided, if it had been
safe. You will saj I might safely have crossed the
sea with Pompey. It was altogether impossible. It
is easy to reckon the days : but nevertheless (for let
me confess the truth : I do not even sugar my con
fession) supposing I could, I was mistaken over a
point which perhaps ought not to have misled me ;
but it did. I thought that peace might be made :
and, if it should be, I did not wish Caesar to be
angry with me, when at the same time he was
303
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
esset Pompeio, nolui. Senseram enim, quam idem
essent. Hoc verens in hanc tarditatem incidi. Sed
assequor omnia, si propero, si cunctor, amitto. Et
tamen, mi Attice, auguria quoque me incitant qua-
darn spe non dubia, nee liaec collegii iiostri ab Atto,
sed ilia Platonis de tyrannis. Nullo enim modo
posse video stare istum diutius, quin ipse per se
etiam languentibus nobis concidat, quippe qui floren-
tissimus ac novus vi, vn diebus ipsi illi egenti ac
perditae multitudini in odium acerbissimum venerit,
qui duarum rerum simulationem tarn cito amiserit,
mansuetudinis in Metello, divitiarum in aerario.
lam quibus utatur vel sociis vel ministris? ii provin-
cias, ii rem publicam regent, quorum nemo duo
menses potuit patrimonium suum gubernare?
Non sunt omnia colligenda, quae tu aeutissime per-
spicis, sed tamen ea pone ante oculos ; iam intelleges
id regnum vix semenstre esse posse. Quod si me
fefellerit, feram, sicut multi clarissimi homines in re
publica excellentes tulerunt., nisi forti me Sardanapalli
vicem [in suo lectulo] 1 niori malle censueris quam
exsilio Themistocleo. Qui cum fuisset, ut ait Thucy-
dides, Twr /JLcr irapovrwv 8i eAaxiVr^s /SovXijs Kpd-
TtcrTo; yrw/j.(jjr, TMV Se /leXXovrwv e^ /rAetcrTor rov
aptcrros e/KacrT /;?^ tamen incidit in eos
1 The words in brackets are deleted by Nippcrdey as a
gloss.
304
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 8
friendly with Pompey. For I had realized how
exactly they were alike. That fear of mine led me
to delay. But I gain all now by haste, and, if I
delay, I lose all. Nevertheless, my friend, there
are auguries which urge me on, with hope not un
certain : I do not mean those of my own college
which came down from Attus Navius : but Plato s
words about the tyrant. 1 For I see that Caesar can
in no way maintain his position much longer, without
causing his own fall, even if we are backward. For
in his first and flourishing days it did not take him
a week to incur the bitter hatred of the needy aban
doned rabble, by letting slip through his fingers so
quickly his fictitious claim to two things, clemency
in the case of Metellus and ample wealth in the
case of the public monej r . Now what kind of associates
and servants can he employ ? Are men to rule pro
vinces and direct affairs not one of whom could steer
his own fortunes for two months?
I need not put all the points together; you see
them clearly enough : but put them before your eyes
and you will understand that his reign can hardly
last for half a year. If I am mistaken, I will bear
the consequences, as many illustrious men, eminent
in public life, have borne them, unless perhaps you
consider that I should prefer to die like Sardanapalus
[in his bed] rather than like Themistocles in exile.
For Thucydides tells us that though Themistocles
was the best judge of current affairs on the shortest
reflection, and the shrewdest to guess at what would
happen in the future," yet he fell into misfortunes,
which he would have escaped, had there been no
1 Probably Republic vin, 562.
X VOL. II 305
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
casus, quos vitasset, si euni nihil fefellisset. Etsi is
erat, ut ait idem, qui TO a/j-eivov Kal TO \eipov * 1
rtf a</>ai i eVt eojpa /j.dX.Lfrra, tamen non vidit, iiec
quo modo Lacedaemoniorum nee quo modo suorum
civium invidiam effugeret nee quid Artaxerxi polli-
ceretur. Non fuisset ilia nox tarn acerba Africano,
sapientissimo viro, non tarn dims ille dies Sullanus
callidissimo viro, C. Mario, si nihil utrumque eorum
fefellisset. Nos tamen hoc confirmamus illo augurio,
quo diximus, nee nos fallit, nee aliter accidet. Cor-
ruat iste necesse est aut per adversaries aut ipse per
se, qui quideni sibi est adversarius unus acerrimus. Id
spero vivis nobis fore ; quamqtiam tempus est nos de
ilia perpetua iam, non de hac exigua vita cogitare.
Sin quid accident maturius, haud sane mea multum
interfuerit, utrum factum videam an futurum esse
multo ante viderim. Quae cum ita sint, non est
comniittendum, ut iis pareanv, quos contra me senatus,
ne quid res publica detriment! acciperet, armavit.
Tibi sunt omnia commendata, quae commendatio-
nis meae pro tuo in nos amore non indigent. Nee
hercule ego quidem reperio, quid scribam ; sedeo enim
TrAoi SoK-wr. Etsi nihil umquam tarn fuit scribendum
quam nihil mihi umquam ex plurimis tuis iucundita-
306
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 8
error in his calculations. Though he was, . as the
same writer says, a clear-sighted judge of the
better and the worse course in a doubtful crisis," 1
yet he failed to see how to avoid the hate of the
Spartans and his own fellow-citizens, nor what pro
mise he ought to make to Artaxerxes. Africanus
would have been spared that cruel night, 2 and that
master of craft C. Marius the fateful day of Sulla s
triumph, if nothing had ever escaped their calcula
tions. So I strengthen myself by that prophetic
remark of Plato : I am not deceived nor will it
happen otherwise. Caesar is bound to fall either
through the agency of his enemies or of himself, and
he is his own worst enemy. I hope it will be in our
lifetime, though it is an occasion for us to consider
the lasting future and not our own narrow life. If
anything happens to me before that day, it will not
have mattered to me much whether I see it come
about or foresee that it will happen long before.
Since this is so, I must not obey men against whom
the Senate armed me with power to see that the
Republic took no harm. 3
To you all my interests have been entrusted,
though they need no entrusting considering your
great affection for me. I have nothing to write, for
I sit waiting to sail. Yet I never wanted so much
to write anything, as I want to tell you that of your
1 Thucydides I, 138.
- P. Scipio Africanus the younger was found dead in his
bed, and was supposed to have been murdered at Carbo s
nstigation.
3 Cf. Ad Fam. xvi, n, where he states that the Senate
gave a general commission to all magistrates and ex-
consuls " ne quid respublica detrimenti caperet,"
x2 307
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
tilms gratius aceidisse, quam quod meam Tulliam
suavissime diligentissimeque coluisti. Valde eo ipsa
delectata est, ego autem non minus. Cuius quidem
virtus mirifica. Quo modo ilia fert publicam cladem,
quo modo domesticas tricas ! quaiitus autem animus
in discessu nostro! Est o-ropyv/, est summa oiWi^is.
Tanien nos recte faeere et bene an dire vult. Sed hac
super re lie nimis, ne meam ipse (ru/ra#eiav iam
evocem.
Tu, si quid de Hispaniis certius et si quid aliud,
dum adsumus, scribes, et ego fortasse discedens dabo
ad te aliquid, eo etiam magis, quod Tullia te non pu-
tabat hoc tempore ex Italia. Cum Antonio item est
agendum ut cum Curione Melitae me velle esse,
huic civili bello nolle interesse. Eo velim tarn facili
uti possim et tarn bono in me quam Curione. Is ad
Misenum vi Nonas venturus dicebatur, id est hodie.
Sed praemisit mi hi odiosas litteras hoc exemplo:
Villa
ANTONIUS TRIB. PL. PRO PR. CICERONI IMP. SAL.
Nisi te valde amarem, et multo quidem plus, quam
tu putas, non extimuissem rumorem, qui de te prolatus
est, cum praesertim falsum esse existimarem. Sed,
quia te nimio plus diligo, non possum dissimulate
mihi famam quoque, quamvis sit falsa, magni esse.
Te iturum esse trans mare credere non possum, cum
tanti facias Dolabellam et Tulliam tuam, feminam
Te iturum esse added by Baiter.
308
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 8-8a
many kindnesses none has given me greater pleasure
than your very gracious and constant care of Tullia.
She herself has been charmed and I not less. She
has shown admirable qualities, has borne the national
calamity and private worries with great fortitude
and displayed it over my departure. She loves me
and sympathizes with me and yet wishes me to act
rightly and keep my good repute. But enough of
this, lest I begin to pity myself.
If you get more certain tidings about Spain or any
other matter, pray write and tell me while I am
here, and perhaps at the time of going I may send
you news, the more so because Tullia fancies that
you are not leaving Italy at the present moment. I
must explain to Antony as I did to Curio that I
want to stay in Malta and refuse to take part in this
civil war. I only hope that I may find him as easy
and good to me as I found Curio. He will come it
is said to Miseiium on the second, that is to-day ;
but he has sent in advance a nasty letter of which I
subjoin a copy:
Villa
ANTONIU8 TRIBUNE PROPRAETOR GREETING TO CICERO
IMPERATOR.
" Had I not a great affection for you, and much more
than you think, I should not have been alarmed at a
report which has been spread about you, especially as
I thought it to be false. But, just because I like you
so very much, I cannot hide from myself that the
report, although it may be false, causes me great con
cern. That you are about to go over seas I cannot
believe, when you have such dear regard for Dolabella
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
lectissimam, tantique ab omnibus nobis fias; quibus
mehercule dignitas amplitudoque tua paene carior est
quam tibi ipsi. Sed tarn en non sum arbitratus esse
%
amici non commoveri etiam improborum sermone.
atque co feci studiosius, qucd iudicabam duriores
partcs milii impositas esse ob offensione nostra, quae
magis a faXorviriq. mea quam ab iniuria tua nata est.
Sic enim volo te tibi persuadere, mihi neminem esse
cariorem te excepto Caesare meo meque illud una
iudicare, Caesarem maxime in suis M. Ciceronem
reponere. Quare, mi Cicero, te rogo, ut tibi omnia
integra serves, eius fidem improbes, qui tibi, ut
beneficium daret, prius iniuriam fecit, contra ne
profugias, qui te, etsi non amabit, quod accidere non
potest, tamen salvum amplissimumque esse cupiet.
Dedita opera ad te Calpurnium, familiarissimum
meum, misi, ut mihi magnae curae tuam vitam ac
dignitatem esse scires."
Eodem die a Caesare Philotimus litteras attulit
hoc exemplo :
VHIb
CAESAR IMP. SAL. D. CICERONI IMP.
Etsi te nihil temere, nihil imprudenter facturum
iudicaram, tamen permotus hominum fama scribendum
ad te existimavi, et pro nostra benevolentia petendum.
ne quo progredereris procltnata iam re, quo integra
310
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 8a-8b
and your daughter Tullia, that queen among women,
and you are rated so highly by all of us, who, I dare
swear, care almost more than you do for your dignity
and position. However, I considered that it was no part
of a friend to be unmoved even when scoundrels talked,
and I have been more particular, because I thought
that a harder task was laid upon me by our disagree
ment, which sprang more from jealousy on my part
than from wrong on yours ; for I want you to convince
yourself that no one is dearer to me than you, except
Caesar, and at the same time I am positive that
Caesar reckons M. Cicero highly among his friends.
So my dear Cicero I beg you not to commit yourself
and not to rely on the honour of a man, who for the
sake of conferring a kindness first did you a harm,
and on the other hand not to flee from a man, who
although he will not love you, which is out of the
question, will alwaj T s wish you to be safe and in high
distinction.
I have taken the trouble to send you Calpurnius,
an intimate friend of mine, that you may know I am
greatly concerned for your life and position."
On the same day Philotimus brought me a letter
from Caesar of which this is a copy:
VHIb
CAESAR IMPERATOR TO CICERO IMPERATOR, GREETING.
Although I had concluded that you would do
nothing rashly or imprudently, nevertheless I have
been so stirred by what people say that I thought it
best to write to you and ask you in the name of our
goodwill to each other not to go anywhere, now that
fortune inclines my way, where you did not think it
311
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
etiam progrediendum tibi non existimasses. Namque
et amicitiae graviorem iniuriam feceris et tibi minus
commode consulueris^ si non fortunae obsecutus
videbere (omnia eiiirn secundissima nobis, adversissima
illis accidisse videntur), nee causam seeutus (eadem
enim turn fuit, cum abeorumconsiliisabes.se iudicasti),
sed meum aliquod factum condemnavisse ; quo mihi
gravius abs te nil accidere potest. Quod ne facias,
pro iure nostrae amicitiae a te peto. Postremo quid
viro bono et quieto et bono civi magis convenit quam
abesse a civilibus controversiis? Quod non nulli cum
probarent, periculi causa sequi non potuerunt ; tu
explorato et vitae meae testimonio et amicitiae iudicio
neque tutius neque honestius reperies quicquam quam
ab omni contentione abesse.
xv Kal. Maias ex itinere."
IX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Cn- Adventus Philotimi (at cuius hominis, quam insulsi
mano I J\ OIL e ^ q liam sa epe pro Pompeio mentientis l) exanimavit
Mai. a. 705
omnes, qui mecum erant ; nam ipse obdurui. Dubitabat
nostrum nemo, quin Caesar itinera repressisset volare
dicitur; Petreius cum Afranio coniunxisset se nihil
adfert eius modi. Quid quaeris? etiam illud erat
persuasum, Pompeium cum inagnis copiis iter in
312
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 8b-9
necessary to go before anything was certain. For
you will have done a serious injury to our friendship
and consulted your own interest very little, if you
show that you are not following fortune (for every
thing that lias happened seems most favourable to
me and most unfavourable to Pompey), nor yet follow
ing the right cause (for the cause was the same then,
when you thought fit to hold aloof from it), but that
you have condemned some act of mine, the greatest
harm you could do me. Do not take such a step, I
pray you by the right of our friendship. Finally
what better befits a good and peaceful man and a
loyal citizen than to keep out of civil disturbance.
There are some who approved such a course, but could
not follow it because of the danger. But you may
examine the evidence of my life and the opinion given
by my friendship 1 ; you will find no safer or more
honourable course than to keep quite clear of the
quarrel.
April 16 on the march."
IX
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
The arrival of Philotimus (what a fellow he is ! how Cumac,
stupid! how often he lies on Pompey s behalf!) has May 3,
frightened the rest of us to death. For myself I am B.C. J/9
hardened. None of us doubted that Caesar had
checked Pompey s progress: Philotimus says he is
simply flying. Nobody doubted that Petreius had
joined Afranius: he brings no such news. In fact
we have all been sure that Pompey had actually made
1 i.e. my decision to let you be neutral. It may, however,
mean "Your conviction of my friendship."
313
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
Germaniam per 111 yrioum fecisse ; id enim a
nuntiabatur. Melitam igitur, opinor, capessamus,
dum, quid in Hispania. Quod quidem prope modum
videor ex Caesaris litteris ipsius voluntate facere posse,
qui negat iicque honestius neque tutius mihi quicquam
esse quani ab omni contentione abesse. Dices : Ubi
ille ergo tuus animus, quern proximis litteris ? " Adest
et idem est ; sed utiiiam meo soluni capite decernerem !
Lacrimae meorum me interdum molliunt precaiitium
ut de Hispaniis exspectemus. M. Caeli quidem
epistulam scriptam miserabiliter, cum hoc idem
obsecraret, ut exspectarem, lie fortunas meas, ne
unicum mium, lie meos omnes tarn temere proderem
11011 sine magno fietu legerunt pueri nostri. Etsi
meus quidem est fortior, eoque ipso vehementius
commovet, nee quicquam nisi de dignatione laborat.
Melitam igitur, deinde, quo videbitur. Tu tamen
etiam iiuiic mihi aliquid litterarum, et maxime, si quid
ab Afranio. Ego, si cum Antonio locutus ero, scribam
ad te, quid actum sit. Ero tamen in credendo, ut
mones, cautus ; nam occultandi ratio cum difficilis turn
etiam periculosa est. Servium exspecto ad Nonas, et
adigit ita Postumia et Servius filius. Quartanam
leviorem esse gaudeo. Misi ad te Caeli etiam
litterarum exemplum.
IXa-adfam. VIII 16.
CAELIUS CICEKOM SAL.
Scr. Inttmih Exanimatus tuis litteris, quibus te iiihil nisi triste
-17- T7" TJ-
Af . _ cogitare ostendisti, neque, id quid esset, perscripsisti,
Mai. a. 70 J o
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 9-9a
his .way with large forces into Germany through
Illyricum, for that was the news sans doute. So I
think I must make for Malta, until there is news from
Spain. This from Caesar s letter I almost think I
may do without annoying him, for he says there is
no more honourable or safe course open to me than
to keep quite clear of the fight. You will say
" Where then is your courage which you showed in
recent letters ?" It is there and the same ; but would
that I had only to decide for myself. The tears of
my family at times weaken me, when they beg me. to
wait for news about Spain. The miserable tone of
M. Caelius letter making this same request that I
should wait, not to risk so rashly my fortunes, my
only son and all my family, moved our boys to weep
ing; although my own son is made of stronger stuff,
and for that very reason he affects me more deeply,
thinking only of my reputation.
So 1 shall go to Malta, thence where it seems good.
Still even now send me a line, especially if there is
any news from Afranius. If I have an interview
with Antony, I will inform you of the result. How
ever, as you advise, I will take care how I trust him,
for the policy of concealment is hard and dangerous
too. Servius Sulpicius I await till the 7th. Both
his wife Postumia and his son urge me to this. I re
joice that your ague is better. I send you also a
copy of Caelius letter.
IXa
CAELIUS TO CICERO, GREETING.
In my dismay at your letter, in which you show Intimile,
that your thoughts are set on some unhappy act Apr. 16,
315 B.C. 49
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
neque non tamen, quale esset, quod cogitares, ape-
ruisti, has ad te ilico litteras scrips!. Per fortunas
tuas, Cicero, per liberos te oro et obsecro, ne quid
gra\ r ius de salute et incolumitate tua consulas. Nam
deos hominesque amicitiamque nostram testificor me
tibi praedixisse neque temere monuisse, sed, postquam
Caesarem convenerim sententiamque eius, qualis fu-
tura esset parta victoria, cognorim, te certiorem
fecisse. Si existimas eandem rationem fore Caesaris
in dimittendis adversariis et condicionibus ferendis,
erras ; nihil nisi atrox et saevum cogitat atque etiam
loquitur; iratus senatui exiit, his intercessionibus
plane incitatus est; non mehercules erit deprecationi
locus. Quare, si tibi tu, si films unicus, si domus, si
spes tuae reliquae tibi carae sunt, si aliquid apud te ,
nos, si vir optimus, gener tuns, valemus, quorum
fortunam non debes velle conturbare, noli committere,
ut earn causam, in cuius victoria salus nostra est,
odisse aut relinquere cogamur, aut impiam cupidi-
tatem contra salutem tuain habeamus. Denique
illud cogita, quod ofFensae fuerit in ista cunctatione,
te subisse. Nunc te contra victorem Caesarem facere,
quern dubiis rebus laedere noluisti, et ad eos fugatos
accedere, quos resistentes sequi nolueris, summac
stultitiae est. Vide, ne, dum pudet te parum opti-
matem esse, parum diligenter, quid optimum sit,,
eligas. Quod si totum tibi persuadere non possum,
saltern, dum, quid de Hispaniis agamus, scitur,
1 noli committere added by LeJimann.
316
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 9a
without saying exactly what it is, though you disclose
sufficiently what kind of an act it is, I write this on
the spot. In the name of your fortunes and your
children, I beg and beseech you, Cicero, not to take
any step that may endanger your life and safety.
For I call gods and men and our friendship to wit
ness that I told you before, and that it was no casual
warning that I gave you, but certain information,
after I had met Caesar and found out what his view
would be, if he won the victory. If you imagine
that he will maintain his present policy of letting his
adversaries go and making peace, you are mistaken ;
he is meditating and even proclaiming nothing but
cruelty and severity. He left Rome in anger with
the Senate : these recent vetoes have clearly provoked
him: you may take my word for it there will be no
chance of begging off. Then, if you have any care
for yourself, your only son, your house and what
hopes you have left, if I and your excellent son-in-
law have any influence with you and you ought not
to wish to spoil our fortunes then do not compel us
to hate or relinquish a cause, in whose victory our
safety lies, or to harbour unnatural wishes for your
destruction. Finally consider this : any offence there
may have been in your hesitation, you have already
given. Now it is the height of folly to side against
Caesar in his hour of victory, when you refused to
attack him while his fortunes were doubtful ; and to
join in the flight of those, whom you would not
follow when they stood their ground. Beware lest
for fear of showing too little zeal for the better
party," you use too little care in choosing the better
course. But, if I cannot persuade you entirely, at
least wait till it is known how we get on in Spain,
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
exspecta; quas tibi nuntio adventu Caesaris fore
nostras. Quam isti spem habeant amissis Hispaniis,
nescio ; quod porro tuum consiliuni sit ad desperates
accedere, non medius fidius reperio.
Hoc,, quod tu non dicendo mihi significasti, Caesar
audierat, ac, simul atque have" mihi dixit, statin i,
quid de te audisset, exposuit. Negavi me scire, sed
tamen ab eo petivi, ut ad te litteras mitteret, quibus
maxime ad remanendum commoveri posses. Me
secum in Hispaniam ducit. Nam, nisi ita faceret,
ego, priusquam ad urbem accederem, ubicumque
esses, ad te percucurrissem, et hoc a te praesens
contendissem atque omni vi te retinuissem. Etiam
atque etiam, Cicero, cogita, ne te tuosque omnis
funditus evertas, ne te sciens prudensque eo demittas,
unde exitum vides nullum esse. Quodsi te aut voces
optimatium commovent, aut non nullorum hominum
insolentiam et iactationem ferre non potes, eligas
censeo aliquod oppidum vacuum a bello, dum liaec
decernuntur; quae iam erunt confecta. Id si feceris,
et ego te sapienter fecisse iudicabo, et Caesarem non
offendes.
X
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr.inCuma- Me caecum, qui liaec ante non viderim! Misi ad
no I A on. te epistulam Antoni. Ei cum ego saepissime scripsis-
Mat. a. i J-i gem n ihjj me con tra Caesaris rationes cogitare, memi-
nisse me generi mei, meminisse amicitiae, potuisse,
318
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 9a-10
which I assure you will be ours as soon as Caesar
arrives. What your friends hopes are, when they
have lost Spain, is more than I know ; and what
your idea is in joining them, when they have no
hopes, is more than I can imagine.
What you hinted at without speaking plainly,
Caesar had heard, and as soon as ever he had said
good daj r ," he told me what he had heard about
you. I said I knew nothing about it : but I asked
him to send you a letter as the best means of in
ducing you to stay. He is taking me with him to
Spain. If he were not, I should have hurried to you,
before going to Rome, wherever you might have
been, and should have pressed this view on you
personally and done all in my power to restrain you.
Once more and yet once more, Cicero, think before
\ ou utterly destroy yourself and all your family : do
not wittingly and with your eyes open put yourself
in a position from which you see there is no escape.
But, if you are moved by the call of the conservative
jarty, or if you cannot endure the insolence and
irrogant behaviour of certain persons, I think you
should choose some town remote from the war, until
the matter is settled : and settled it will be at once.
[f you do that, I shall consider you have acted
wisely, and Caesar will not be offended.
X
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
How blind I am not to have foreseen it ! I send Ciimae,
you Antony s letter. I have often written to him May 3,
that I planned nothing against Caesar s policy, that B.C. 49
I was mindful of my son-in-law, of our friendship,
319
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
si aliter sentirem., esse cum Pompeio ; me autem, quia
cum.lictoribus iiivitus ctirsarenr, abesse velle, nee id
ipsum certum etiam mine habere, vide, quam ad haec
7rapaii Tt/co)5 :
Tuum consilium quam verum est. Nam, qui se
medium esse vult, in patria manet^ qui proficiscitur.,
aliquid de altera utra parte iudicare videtur. Sed
ego is non sum, qui statuere debeam, iure quis pro-
ficiscatur necne ; partes mihi Caesar has imposuit. ne
quern omnino discedere ex Italia paterer. Quare
parvi refert me probate cogitationem tuam, si nihil
tamen tibi remittere possum. Ad Caesarem mittas
censeo et ab eo hoc petas. Non dubito, quin impe-
traturus sis, cum praesertim te amicitiae nostrae
rationem habiturum esse pollicearis."
Habes crKvraA^v Atucwvi/oji/. Omnino excipiam ho-
minem. Erat autem v Nonas venturus vesperi, id est
hodie. Cras igitur ad me fortasse veniet. Temptabo,
audiam : nihil pvoperare ; missurum ad Caesarem.
Clam agam, cum paucissimis alicubi occultabor^ certe
hinc istis invitissimis evolabo, atque utinam ad Cu-
ripnem! Si i es, 6 rot Aeyw. Magnus dolor accessit.
Efficietur aliquid dignum nobis.
Avtrovpta tua mihi valde molesta. Medere, amabo,
320
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 10
that, if I had thought otherwise, I could have been
with Pompey, that I wished to leave Italy because I
was loth to wander about with my lictors, though I
had not made up my mind definitely even to that.
See in what an ex cathedra tone he answers me :
Your policy is quite right. For a man who wishes
to be neutral remains in his country; the man who
leaves his country seems to express his conviction on
one side or the other; but it is not for me to deter
mine, whether anyone has the right to leave or not.
The part Caesar has given me is not to let anyone
at all leave Italy ; so it is of little use for me to
approve your plan, if all the same I cannot make an
exception for you. I think you should send to Caesar
and ask him this favour. I have no doubt that you
will succeed, especially as you promise not to forget
our friendship."
That is a laconic epistle. 1 I will certainly take
my cue from the man. He is to come on the evening
of the 3rd, that is to-day. To-morrow therefore he
will perhaps come to me. I will sound him : I will
hear him : say I am in no hurry : that I will send to
Caesar. I will act secretly, with a very few at
tendants I will lie hidden somewhere ; but assuredly,
however unwilling these people are, I will fly off;
and would that it may be to Curio! Mark what 1
say." 2 Another great grief has come upon me. I
will do something worthy of my reputation.
Your maLdy gives me grave anxiety. I pray you
Lit. "Laconian staff." Spartan dispatches were wound
round a staff in such a way that they could not be read
when taken off it. Here, however, Cicero only refers to
their brevity.
2 Probably a quotation from Pindar, Frag. 105.
Y VOL. II 321
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
dum est apx*?- De Massiliensibus gratae tuae mihi
litterae. Quaeso, ut sciam, quicquid audieris. Ocellam
cuperem, si possem palam, quod a Curione effeceram.
Hie ego Servium exspecto ; rogor enirn ab eius uxore
et filio, et puto opus esse. Hie tamen Cytherida
secum lectica aperta portat, alteram uxorem. Septem
praeterea coniunctae lecticae amicarum sunt an ami-
corum. Vide, quam turpi leto pereamus, et dubita,
si potes, quin ille, seu victus seu victor redierit, cae-
dem facturus sit. Ego vero vel hmtriculo, si navis
non erit, eripiam me ex istorum parricidio. Sed plura
seribam, cum ilium convenero.
luvenem nostrum non possum non amare, sed ab
eo nos non amari plane intellego. Nihil ego vidi tarn
dvyOoTTOLfiTov, tam aversum a suis, tarn nescio quid
cogitans. O vim incredibilem molestiarum ! Sed
erit curae, et est, ut regatur, Mirum est enim inge-
nium, r/$ovs e
XI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Obsignata iam epistula superiore, non placuit ei
Cumano IV darj^ C ui constitueram, quod erat alienus. Itaque eo
-v/,- die data non est. Interim venit Philotimus et mihi
//. / Uo
322
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 10-11
get medical advice in its initial stage. Your letter
about the Massilians 1 pleased me. Let me know
whatever you hear. I should have liked to have
Ocella, if it could be done openly, and I had got
Curio to allow it. Here I am awaiting Servius
Sulpicius, for it is at the request of his wife and son,
and I think it is necessary. Antony carries about
Cytheris with him in an open litter as his second
wife, and besides he had seven other litters of friends
male or female. See what a disgraceful death we
die, and doubt, if you can, that, whether Caesar
returns victor or vanquished, he will perpetrate a
massacre. Even in an open boat, if I cannot get
a vessel, I will tear myself away from these parricides
and their doings. But I will write more when I have
met him.
My nephew I cannot but love, though I see clearly
that he has no affection for me. I never saw anyone
so unprincipled, so averse to his own relations, with
such mysterious plans. What a weight of anxiety !
But it will be my business, as it is now, to discipline
him : he has wonderful ability, but his character
requires training.
XI
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
After sealing my former letter, I did not feel in- Cumae,
dined to hand it to the person that I had intended, May 4>
as he was a stranger; so it was not despatched on B.C. 49
that day. Meantime Philotimus came and gave me
1 They had shut their gates to Caesar and were being
besieged.
2 An actress.
y2 323
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
a te litteras reddidit. Quibus quae de fratre meo
scribis, sunt ea quidem parum firma, sed habent iiihil
vTrovXoi , nihil fallax, nihil iion flexibile ad bonitatem,
nihil, quod non, quo velis, uno sermone possis perdu-
cere ; lie multa, omnes suos, etiam quibus irascitur
crebrius, tainen caros habet, me quidem se ipso cario-
rem. Quod de puero aliter ad te scripsit et ad ma-
trein de filio, 11011 reprehendo. De itinere l et de
sorore quae scribis, molesta sunt, eoque magis, quod
ea tempora nostra sunt. ut ego iis mederi noil pos-
sim. Nam certe mederer ; sed, quibus in malis et
qua in desperatione rerum simus, vides.
Ilia de ratione iiummaria non sunt eius modi (saepe
enim audio ex ipso), ut non cupiat tibi praestare et
in eo laboret. Sed, si mihi Q. Axius in hac mea fuga
HS xTTl non reddit, quae dedi eius filio mutua, et
utitur excusatione temporis, si Lepta, si ceteri, soleo
mirari, de nescio quis HS XX cum audio ex illo se
urgeri. Vides enim profecto angustias. Curari tamen
ea tibi utique iubet. An existimas ilium in isto ge-
nere lentulum aut restrictum? Nemo est minus. De
fratre satis.
De eius iuvene filio, indulsit illi quidem suus pater
semper, sed non facit iiidulgentia mendacem aut ava-
rum aut non amantem suorum, ferocem fortasse atque
arrogantem et iiifestum facit. Itaque habet haec quo-
que, quae nascuntur ex iiidulgentia, sed ea sunt tole-
rabilia (quid enim dicam ?) hac iuventute ; ea vero,
itinere most editors : itine MZ: Quinto Tyrrell.
324
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 11
a letter from you. The conduct of my brother about
which you write shows little firmness, but no chi
canery, no treachery, nothing inflexibly opposed to
goodness, nothing that cannot be turned where you
will by a single conversation. In short all his rela
tions, even those with whom he is so often angry,
are nevertheless dear to him, and I to be sure am
dearer than life. I do not blame him for writing
in one strain about his boy to you and in another to
the boy s mother. I am distressed by what you say
about the journey and your sister, and the more so
because the times are such that I cannot remedy the
matter. For certainly I would have done so : but
you see in what trouble I am, what desperation.
As for his financial affairs. I often hear from him,
and they are not in such a state as to prevent him
from being anxious to pay you and from making
efforts to that end : but if Q. Axius does not pay me
in this my flight the 100 I lent his son, and pleads 13,000 sesterces
in excuse the state of the times, and if Lepta and
others do the same, I confess I am always surprised
to hear from Quintus that he is pressed for some
175. For of course you see his straits. However 20 ooo sesterces
he has ordered the sum to be paid to your account.
Perhaps you suppose that he is slow or close-fisted in
money matters. No one is less so : but enough about
my brother.
As for his son, the father has certainly always in
dulged him ; but indulgence does not make him a
liar or a miser or disloyal to his friends, though it
does perhaps make him surly, haughty and aggressive.
Accordingly he has these defects which are due to
spoiling ; but they are not intolerable, shall I say, as
young men go nowadays. But the defects which, to
325
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
quae mihi quidem, qui ilium amo, sunt his ipsis ma-
lis, in quis sumus, miseriora, non sunt ab obsequio
nostro. Nam suas radices habent ; quas tamen evel-
lerem profecto, si liceret. Sed ea tempora sunt, ut
omnia mihi sint patienda. Ego meum facile teneo ;
nihil est enim eo tractabilius. Cuius quidem miseri-
cordia languidiora adhuc consilia cepi, et, quo ille me
certiorem vult esse, eo magis timeo, lie in eum ex-
sistam crudelior.
Sed Antonius venit heri vesperi. lam fortasse ad
me veniet, aut ne id quidem, quoniam scripsit, quid
fieri vellet. Sed scies continue, quid actum sit. Nos
iam nihil nisi occulte.
De pueris quid agam ? parvone navigio commit -
tam ? - Quid mihi animi in navigando censes fore ?
Recorder enim, aestate cum illis illo Rhodiorum
d<j>pa.KT<]) navigans quam fuerim sollicitus; quid duro
tempore anni actuariola fore censes? O rem undi-
que miseram !
Trebatius erat mecum, vir plane et civis bonus.
Quae ille monstra, di immortales ! Etiamne Balbus
in senatum venire cogitet? Sed ei ipsi eras ad te lit-
teras dabo. Vettienum mihi amicum, ut scribis, ita
puto esse. Cum eo, quod airoro/Mws ad me scripserat
de riummis curandis, OvpiK<are.pov eram iocatus. Id
tu, si ille aliter acceperit ac debuit, lenies. MONE-
TALI" autem adscripsi, quod ille ad me PRO cos."
Sed, quoniam est homo et nos diligit, ipse quoque
a nobis diligatur. Vale.
326
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 11
me at any rate who love him, are more distressing
than even the evils on which we have fallen, do not
proceed from any indulgence of mine ; for they are
deep rooted : but I would have rooted them up, had I
been allowed. But the times are such that I must bear
everything. My own son I control easily. He is
quite tractable. My own policy has lacked vigour
owing to my pity for him ; and the more he wants
me to be unflinching, the more I fear I may prove
cruel to him.
Well Antony came yesterday evening ; soon per
haps he will visit me, perhaps not even that, as he
has written what he wanted done ; but you shall
know forthwith what has happened. All I do now
is done secretly.
What shall I do about the boys? Shall I entrust
them to a small boat ? What courage do you suppose
I shall have on the voyage ? For I remember sailing
in the summer in an open Rhodian boat with them
and how anxious I was ; and how do you suppose it
will be in the bad season in a tiny pinnace ? Misery
everywhere !
Trebatius is with me, a real man and a loyal
citizen. Ye gods, what awful news he brings ! So
even Balbus is thinking of attending the Senate !
But I will give Trebatius himself a letter for you to
morrow. I agree with your letter that Vettienus is
friendly to me. But I made a rather bitter jest at
his expense, because he wrote curtly to me about
paying my debt. Appease him, if he took it in bad
part. I addressed him by his title commissioner of
the mint" because he addressed me as "proconsul."
But since he is a good man and has affection for me,
let me keep my affection for him. Farewell.
327
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
XII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Quidnam milii futurum est, aut quis me non solum
Cumano III infelicior, sed iam etiam turpior? Nomination de me
Aon. Mat. gjjjj imperatum dicit Antonius, nee me tamen ipse
adhuc viderat, sed hoc Trebatio narravit. Quid agam
nuiic, cui nihil procedit, caduntque ea, quae diligen-
tissime sunt cogitata, taeterrime ? Ego enim Curio-
neni nactus omiiia me consecutum putavi. Is de me
ad Hortensium scripserat. Reginus erat totus noster.
Huic nihil suspicabamur cum hoc mari negotii fore.
Quo me nunc vertam ? Undique custodior. Sed satis
lacrimis. HapaKXtTrreov igitur et occulte in aliquam
onerariam corrependum, non committendum, ut etiam
compacto prohibit! videamur. Sicilia petenda. Quam
si erimus nacti, maiora quaedam consequemur. Sit
modo recte in Hispaniis ! Quamquam de ipsa Sicilia
utinam sit verum ! Sed adhuc nihil secundi. Con-
cursus Siculorum ad Catonem dicitur factus, orasse,
ut resisteret, omnia pollicitos; commotum ilium dile-
ctum habere coepisse. Non credo, ut est luculentus
auctor. Potuisse certe teneri illam provinciam scio.
Ab Hispaniis autem iam audietur.
Hie nos C. Marcellum habemus, eadem vere cogi-
tantem aut bene simulantem ; quamquam ipsum non
videram, sed ex familiarissimo eius audiebam. Tu,
quaeso, si quid habebis novi ; ego, si quid moliti eri
mus, ad te statim scribam. Quintum filium severius
328
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 12
XII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
What is to happen to me ? Who is there more Cwnae, May
ill-starred, or even more humiliated ? Antony says 5, B.C. 1$
he has received orders about me definitely. Yet I
have not seen him myself so far; but he told Trebatius.
What can I do now ? Nothing succeeds and all my
best laid plans fail abominably. For, when I had
won over Curio, I imagined I had attained my end.
He had written about me to Hortensius. Reginus
was wholly my friend. I never suspected that Antony
had anything to do with this part of the sea. Whither
can I turn now ? Everywhere I am watched. But
enough of lamentation. I must steal away and creep
privily into some cargo boat ; I must not allow it to
appear that I connive at being hindered. I must go
to Sicily. If I once get there, I shall have greater
ends in view. If only all goes well in Spain ! How
ever, I do hope the news about Sicily may prove
true ! Hitherto I have had no luck. It is said the
Sicilians have gathered round Cato, prayed him to
resist and promised every support : and that he has
been induced to begin making a levy. I don t believe
| it, good as the authority is. I know for a fact that
! that province could have been held. But we shall
soon hear from Spain.
Here I have C. Marcellus, who holds the same
views as myself or makes a good pretence of doing
so. I have not indeed met him myself; but 1 hear
it from one of his most intimate friends. Write to me,
: if you have any news. If I attempt anything, I shall
inform you at once. Young Quintus I shall handle
329
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
adhibebo. Utinam proficere possim ! Tu tamen eas
epistulas, quibus asperius de eo scripsi, aliquando con-
cerpito, ne quando quid emanet ; ego item tuas. Ser-
vium exspecto, nee ab eo quicquam vytes. Scies, quic-
quid erit.
Xlla
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Set: in Sine dubio errasse nos confitendum est. At se-
Cumano mel, at una in re." Immo omnia quo diligentius
nna. ^on. cogitata eo facta sunt imprudentius.
Mai. a. 70-5 , v v v > a > >
AAAa TO. /Aev TrpoTtTi Xc/at fa.a-ofj.fv axvv/ifvot, TTfp,
in reliquis modo ne ruamus. lubes de profectione
me providere. Quid provideam ? Ita patent omnia,
quae accidere possunt, ut, ea si vitem, sedendum sit
cum dedecore et dolore, si neglegam, periculum sit,
ne in manus incidam perditorum. Sed vide, quantis
in miseriis simus. Optandum interdum videtur, ut
aliquam accipiamus ab istis quamvis acerbam iniu-
riam, ut tyranno in odio fuisse videamur. Quodsi
nobis is cursus, quem speraram, pateret, effecissem
aliquid profecto. ut tu optas et hortaris, dignum
nostra mora. Sed mirificae sunt custodiae. et qui-
dem ille ipse Curio suspectus. Quare vi aut clam
agendum est et, si vi, fortiter cum tempestate. 1
Clam autem istis? In quo si quod o-c^dA/ia, vides,
quam turpe sit. Trahimur, nee fugiendum, si quid
violentius.
1 et si vi forte ne cum pestate M : et si vi forte et cum
tempestate Ant., F. I have adopted Orelli s reading ; but
it is -very uncertain.
330
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 12-12a
with severity. I hope my efforts may succeed. But
please some time tear up the letters in which I
criticize him severely, for fear anything ever come
to light. I will tear up yours. Servius Sulpicius I
am still awaiting, nor do I hear anything satisfactory
from him. You shall know whatever happens.
Xlla
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Undoubtedly I must admit I have been mistaken. Cumae, May
But is it once only or on one topic ? No, in every- S, B.C. 49
thing. The more carefully I have thought, the less
wisely have I done. Let bygones be bygones." ]
In the future only let us not invite disaster. You
bid me provide for my journey. What can I provide?
All the possible accidents are so obvious, that, if I
would shun them, I must sit still in shame and grief:
and, if I disregard them, it is odds that I fall into the
hands of villains. But see how miserable I am.
Sometimes it seems preferable that I should receive
some damage however bitter from Caesar s party,
that people may see I am hated by the tyrant. But,
if the voyage for which I hoped were open to me,
certainly, as you wish and advise, I should have done
something to justify delay. But I am watched with
extraordinary care and even Curio is suspect. So I
must make a bold move or use craft. If a bold move,
I need good weather : but, if craft, should there be
any faux pas, you see how disgraced I should be.
I am carried away by circumstances and must not be
afraid of a bold course.
1 Iliad xvii, 112, " But what is past though grieved we will
let be."
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
De Caelio saepe mecum agito nee, si quid habuero
tale, dimittam. Hispanias spero firmas esse. Massi-
liensium factum cum ipsum per se luculentum est,
turn mihi argurnento est recte esse in Hispaniis.
Minus enim auderent, si aliter esset, et scirent ; nam
et vicini et diligentes sunt. Odium autem recte
animadvertis significatum in theatre. Legiones etiam
has, quas in Italia assumpsit, alienissimas esse video.
Sed tamen nihil inimicius quam sibi ipse. lllud recte
times, ne ruat. Si desperarit, certe ruet. Quo magis
efficiendum aliquid est, fortuna velim meliore, animo
Caeliano. Sed primum quidque. Quod qualecumque
erit, contintio scies. Nos iuveni, ut rogas, suppedi-
tabimus et Peloponnesum ipsam sustinebimus. Est
enim indoles, modo aliquod hoc sit T?$OS AKIMOAON. 1
Quod si adhuc nullum est, esse tamen potest, aut
aperr? non est SiSaxTov, quod mihi persuaderi non
potest.
XIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Set: in Cu- Epistula tua gratissima fuit meae Tulliae et me her-
mano Xon. cule mihi. Semper speculam aliquam adferunt tuae
Mai. ft. i 05 Htterae. Scribes igitur, ac, si quid ad spem poteris.
ne dimiseris. Tu Antoni leones pertimescas cave. Ni
hil est illo homine iucundius. Attende Trpaiv -rroXi-
1 The text here is corrupt and no convincing emendation
has been suggested.
332
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 12a-13
I often reflect about Caelius : and if I have such
an opportunity, I will not let it go. I hope Spain
is safe. The action of the Massiliaris is praise
worthy in itself, and is a proof to me that things are
going well in Spain. They would have been less
bold, if it were otherwise, and they should know, for
they live near and are watchful. You are right to
remark the expression of popular feeling in the
theatre. Even the legions which Caesar got in Italy
seem to me to be very disloyal to him. However he
is his own worst enemj . You are right to fear that
he may run amuck. Assuredly he will, if he loses
hope. That is all the more inducement for me to do
something in the spirit of Caelius, and I hope with
better luck. But everything in due course ; and,
whatever it be, I will inform you forthwith. I will do
all for young Quintus that is necessary, and will
undertake the task not only of Arcadia but of the
whole Peloponnese. 1 He is able, if only he had
character. However, if he has none so far, he may
get it, or virtue is not teachable, and that I can
never believe.
XIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Your letter was very pleasing to my daughter and Cumae,
of course to me, for your correspondence always brings May 7, B.C.
a gleam of hope. So please write, and, if you can be 4&
hopeful, don t fail to be so. Don t be too much afraid
of Antony s lions. 2 He is a jovial fellow. Just hear
1 Cf. x, 5.
2 Plutarch and Pliny state that after Pharsaha Antony had
a chariot drawn by lions: but from this passage it appears
that the story was current earlier.
333
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
TIKOV. Evocavit litteris e municipiis decem primes
et mi viros. Venerunt ad villam eius mane. Primum
dormiit ad h. in, deinde, cum esset nuntiatum venisse
Neapolitanos et Cumanos (his enim est Caesar iratus),
postridie redire iussit; lavari se velle et -rrepl KoiXio-
Avcrtav yivea-Oat. Hoc here effecit. Hodie autem in
Aenariam transire constituit. Exsulibus reditum pol-
licetur.
Sed haec omittamus, de nobis aliquid agamus.
A Q. Axio accepi litteras. De Tirone gratum.
Vettienum diligo. Vestorio reddidi. Servius pr. No
nas Maias Menturnis mansisse dicitur^ hodie in Liter-
nino mansurus apud C. Marcellum. Cras igitur nos
mature videbit mihique dabit argumeiitum ad te epi-
stulae. lam enim non reperio, quod tibi scribam.
Jllud admiror, quod Antonius ad me ne nuntium qui-
dem, cum praesertim me valde observarit. Videlicet
aliquid atrocius de me imperatum est. Coram iiegare
mihi non vult, quod ego nee rogaturus eram nee, si
impetrassem, crediturus. Nos tamen aliquid excogita-
bimus. Tu, quaeso, si quid in Hispaniis. lam enim
poterit audiri, et omnes ita exspectant, ut, si recte
fuerit, nihil negotii futurum putent. Ego autem nee
retentis iis confectam rem puto, neque amissis despe-
ratam. Siliurn et Ocellam et ceteros credo retardatos.
Te quoque a Curtio impediri video. Etsi, ut opinor,
habes CKTrAow. 1
1 tKirXovv Baiter: txiraovov MSS,
334
LETTERS TO ATTICUS X. 13
how he plays the statesman. He summoned by letter
ten leading men and the board of four from the muni
cipal towns. They came to his country house in the
morning. First he slept till nine. Then, when he
heard the men had come from Naples and Cumae (for
Caesar is angry with them), he bade them return on
the next day, saying that he wished to take a bath
and a laxative. This he did yesterday. But to
day he has arranged to cross to Aenaria. He is
promising the exiles 1 that they shall return.
But let us pass over this and talk about ourselves.
I got a letter from Q. Axius. As for Tiro, thanks.
1 like Vettienus. I have repaid Vestorius. Servius
is said to have stopped at Menturnae on the 6th of
May. To-day he will stop with C. Marcellus in his
villa at Liternum. To-morrow early he will see me,
and will give me a subject for a letter to you. Just
now I can find nothing to write. I am much aston
ished that Antony has not even sent a messenger to
me, especially when he has paid me much attention.
I suppose he has some more truculent order about
me. He does not wish to refuse me to my face, but
I was not going to ask the favour, nor, if I had got it,
should I have believed him. However I will think
ut some plan. Let me know if anything has happened
n Spain; for now there is time for news to have come,
and everybody awaits it with the idea, that, if all go
well there, there will be no more trouble. But I do
not think the business is over, if Spain be kept, nor
r et hopeless, if it be lost. Silius and Ocella and the
est I suppose are detained. I see that you too are
hindered by Curtius, though I think you have a
passport.
1 Banished under Pompey s law de ambitu in 52 B.C.
335
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO
XIV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Cu- O vitam miseram, maiusque malum tarn diu timere,
mono nil quam est illud ipsum, quod timetur ! Servius, ut antea
^ ai - a - scrips!, cum venisset Nonis Maiis, postridie ad me
TO *~)
mane venit. Ne diutius te teneam, nullius consilii
exitum invenimus. Numquam vidi hominem pertur-
batiorem metu;neque hercule quicquam timebat, quod
non esset timendum; ilium sibi iratum, hunc non ami-
cum; horribilem utriusque victoriam, cum propter al-
terius crudelitatem, alterius audaciam turn propter
utriusque difficultatem pecuriiariam;quae erui nusquam
nisi ex privatorum bonis posset. Atque haec ita mul-
tis cum lacrimis loquebatur, ut ego mirarer eas tarn
diuturna miseria non exaruisse. Mihi quidem etiam
lippitudo haec, propter quam non ipse ad te scribo,
sine ulla lacrima est, sed saepius odiosa est propter
vigilias. Quam ob rein, quicquid habes ad consolan-
dum, collige et ilia scribe, non ex doctrina neque ex
libris (nam id quidem domi est, sed nescio quo modo
imbecillior est medicina quam morbus), haec potius
conquire de Hispaniis, de Massilia;
