Astura, July 30, B.C. 45
Yesterday evening I had a letter from Lepidus at Antium. That is where he is, for he has the house I sold. He implores me to be in the Senate on the 1st, saying that both he and Caesar would take it as a great favour. I don't think it is of any importance; for Oppius would probably have said something to you, as Balbus is ill. However I would rather come for nothing, if necessary, than have my absence noticed. I should regret it afterwards. So to-day I go to Antium, to-morrow home by midday. I should like you and Pilia to come to dinner on the last of the month, if you are not engaged.
I hope you have settled with Publilius. I shall rush back to Tusculum on the 1st; for I prefer all the transactions with them to take place in my absence. I am sending my brother's letter to you: it is not a very kind answer to mine, but I think it should satisfy you. You will see for yourself.
206
XLVIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Tusculano IV Non. Sext. a. 709
Heri nescio quid in strepitu videor exaudisse, cum diceres te in Tusculanum venturum. Quod utinam! iterum utinam! tuo tamen commodo.
Lepta me rogat, ut, si quid sibi opus sit, accurram; mortuus enim Babullius. Caesar, opinor, ex uncia, etsi nihil adhuc; sed Lepta ex triente. Veretur autem, ne non liceat tenere hereditatem, ἀλόγως omnino, sed veretur tamen. Is igitur si accierit, accurram; si minus, non antequam necesse erit. Tu Pollicem, cum poteris.
Laudationem Porciae tibi misi correctam. Adeo properavi, ut, si forte aut Domitio filio aut Bruto mitteretur, haec mitteretur. Id, si tibi erit commodum, magno opere cures velim et velim M. Varronis et Olli mittas laudationem, Olli utique. Nam illam legi, volo tamen regustare. Quaedam enim vix mihi credo legisse me.