talking of the improvements of the city: the course of the Tiber is to be diverted from the Mulvian bridge along the Vatican hills; the Campus Martius to be built over, and the Vatican plain to be a sort of Campus Martius. "What's that?" I said. "Why, I was going to the sale to buy Scapula's gardens, if I could safely." "Don't you do it," he told me; "for the law will be passed: Caesar wants it." I was not disturbed at hearing it: but I should be annoyed, if they do it. What have you got to say about it? However I need not ask. You know how eager a news-monger Capito is: not even Camillus can beat him at that. So you must let me know about the auction on the 15th: for that is what is bringing me to town. I have combined some other things with it: but those I can easily do two or three days later. However I don't want you to be tired out with travelling: nay, I even excuse Dionysius. As to what you say about Brutus, I have left it open so far as I am concerned: for yesterday I wrote and told him that I should have no need of his help on the 15th.
XXXIV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Astura, July 27, B.C. 45
I reached Astura on the evening of the 25th: for to avoid the heat of the day I rested three hours at Lanuvium. I should like you, if it is no trouble, to contrive that I need not come to Rome before the 5th of next month. You can manage it through Egnatius Maximus. The chief point is that you
182illud in primis, cum Publilio me apsente[[159]] conficias. De quo quae fama sit, scribes.
[159]. me apsente Müller: mea pene absente M.
Terence, Andr. 185
"Id populus curat scilicet!"
Non mehercule arbitror; etenim haec decantata erat fabula. Sed complere paginam volui. Quid plura? ipse enim adsum, nisi quid tu prorogas. Scripsi enim ad te de hortis.