Tusculum, July, B.C. 46
"Quintus the elder for the fourth time"[[32]] or rather for the thousandth time is a fool to rejoice in his son's new office[[33]] and in Statius, that he may see a double disgrace heaped on his house. I may add Philotimus as a third disgrace. His folly would be unparalleled, if my own had not been greater. But what cheek of him to ask you for a contribution towards it! Even suppose he had not come to a "fount athirst," but to a Pirene or "the hallowed spot where Alpheus took breath,"[[34]] to think of his drawing on you as his fountain, to use your word, especially when he is in such straits! Where will such conduct end? But that is his own look out.
[32]. A quotation from a verse of Ennius, Quintus pater quartum fit consul, preserved in Aulus Gellius X. 1.
[33]. Caesar had restored the ancient priestly corporation of Luperci and the celebration of the Lupercalia on the Palatine hill on February 15.
[34]. From Pindar, Nem. 1, 1, where it is used of the Arethusa at Syracuse, which was popularly believed to be connected with the river Alpheus in the Peloponnese.
Myself I am delighted with my Cato: but then Lucilius Bassus is delighted with his works too.
Va
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Tusculum, May 31, B.C. 45
About Caelius you must make enquiries, as you say: I know nothing. But one must get to know his character as well as his resources. If you have any doubts about Hortensius and Verginius, look into the matter: though, so far as I can see, you are not likely to find anything that will suit better. Deal with Mustela as you say, when Crispus has arrived. I have written to Avius to tell Piso all he
12bene nosset de auro, Pisoni demonstraret. Tibi enim sane adsentior, et istud nimium diu duci et omnia nunc undique contrahenda. Te quidem nihil agere, nihil cogitare aliud, nisi quod ad me pertineat, facile perspicio, meisque negotiis impediri cupiditatem tuam ad me veniendi. Sed mecum esse te puto, non solum quod meam rem agis, verum etiam quod videre videor, quo modo agas. Neque enim ulla hora tui mihi est operis ignota.