XIIIa
BALBUS TO CICERO THE IMPERATOR, GREETING.
Rome, about March 23, B.C. 49
Caesar has sent me a very short letter of which I subjoin a copy. From the shortness of the letter you can infer that he is greatly occupied, to write so briefly about a matter of such importance. If there is any further news, I 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.
facere possum, opto. Quodsi una essem, aliquid fortasse proficere possem videri. Nunc exspectatione crucior.