T. That is right, go on. C. Nam et, for you distinctly stated in writing your opinion, et Atticus ad me sermonem tuum pertulit, and Aticus too sent me word of what you said,… of what you said to him in conversation.
T. “Pertulit.” C. It means that Atticus conveyed on to Cicero the conversation he had with Appius.
T. Who was Atticus? C. is silent.
T. Who was Atticus? C. I didn't think it came into the examination.…
T. Well, I didn't say it did: but still you can tell me who Atticus was. C. A great friend of Cicero's.
T. Did he take much part in politics? C. No.
T. What were his opinions? C. He was an Epicurean.
T. What was an Epicurean? C. is silent, then, Epicureans lived for themselves.
T. You are answering very well, sir; proceed. C. Semper judicavi, I have ever considered, in te, et in capiendo consilio prudentiam summam esse, et in dando fidem; that your wisdom was of the highest order … that you had the greatest wisdom … that nothing could exceed the wisdom of your resolves, or the honesty of your advice.
T. “Fidem.” C. It means faithfulness to the person asking … maximeque sum expertus, and I had a great proof of it.…