Εἴη μοὶ οὗτος φίλος οἶκος.[[130]]
[128]. quemcumque editors: quaecunque M.
[129]. improbiorem quam Müller: improbe (corr. to improbi) quemquam M. The reading of the whole passage from qui quidem is very uncertain.
[130]. Εἴη—οἶκος Peerlkamp: ΕΙΜΗΙϹΗΤΩ ΦΙΛΟϹ ΚΟϹ M.
think he has the same privilege as a Roman knight! For of course Terentius was within his rights. As to Metellus “de mortuis nil nisi bonum,” still for years no citizen has died who——For your money I will go bail. Why should you fear, whoever he has appointed his heir, unless it were Publius? However, he has chosen an heir no worse than himself: so you won’t have to open your coffers over this business, and you will be more careful another time.
You will attend to my instructions about the house, hire some guards and give Milo a hint. There is a tremendous outcry here at Arpinum about Laterium.[[131]] Of course I am much distressed about it: but “little he recked my rede.” For the rest, look after little Quintus with the affection you always show towards him.
VIII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Antium, Apr. or May, B.C. 56
Your letter contained many delightful passages, but nothing to beat the “plate of red herrings.” For as to what you say about the little debt, “don’t holloa till you are out of the wood.”[[132]]
I can’t find anything like a country house for you. In the town there is something, and quite close to me too, but it is not certain if it is for sale. Let me tell you that Antium is the Buthrotum of Rome, and just what your Buthrotum is to Corcyra. Nothing could be quieter or fresher or prettier: “this be my own