the case is not the same, nor is the occasion the same, as in the proceedings which you recall to my memory as taking place in the temple of Apollo in the consulship of Lentulus and Marcellus:[[237]] especially as you say Marcellus and others are leaving Rome. So when we meet we must scent out the facts and settle whether we can be safe at Rome. The inhabitants of the new community[[238]] trouble me a good deal, for I am in considerable difficulties. But these are small matters: I am treating even more important things than this with contempt. I know Calva's will. How disgracefully mean! I am grateful to you for attending to Demonicus' sale. About ... I wrote to Dolabella long ago very fully, if only my letter was delivered. In his interests I am keen and devoted.
[237]. 49 B.C., when the Senate summoned all good citizens to Rome.
[238]. A colonia of veterans planted by Antony at Casilinum.
I come to your more recent letter. I have learned all I want about Alexio. Hirtius is devoted to you. With Antonius I wish things were going even worse than they are. About young Quintus, as you say, assez. About his father we will speak when we meet. I want to assist Brutus in every way that is possible. I see you have the same opinion of his harangue as I have. But I don't quite understand why you want me to write a speech attributing it to Brutus, when he has published his own. How could that be proper? Should I write as though against a tyrant justly executed? I shall have much to say and much to write, but in another way and at another time. Well done the tribunes about Caesar's chair, and well done the famous fourteen rows of equites! I am glad Brutus stayed at my house, and I only hope he enjoyed himself and stayed a long time.
304
IV
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Arpinati IX K. Iun. a. 710
IX K.H. X fere a Q. Fufio venit tabellarius. Nescio quid ab eo litterularum, uti me sibi restituerem. Sane insulse, ut solet, nisi forte, quae non ames, omnia videntur insulse fieri. Scripsi ita, ut te probaturum existimo. Mihi duas a te epistulas reddidit, unam XI, alteram X. Ad recentiorem prius et pleniorem. Laudo; si vero etiam Carfulenus, "ἄνω ποταμῶν." Antoni consilia narras turbulenta. Atque utinam potius per populum agat quam per senatum! quod quidem ita credo. Sed mihi totum eius consilium ad bellum spectare videtur, si quidem D. Bruto provincia eripitur. Quoquo modo ego de illius nervis existimo, non videtur fieri posse sine bello. Sed non cupio, quoniam cavetur Buthrotiis. Rides? At ego doleo non mea potius adsiduitate, diligentia, gratia perfici. Quod scribis te nescire, quid nostris faciendum sit, iam pridem me illa ἀπορία sollicitat. Itaque stulta iam Iduum Martiarum est consolatio. Animis enim usi sumus virilibus, consiliis, mihi crede, puerilibus. Excisa enim est arbor, non evulsa. Itaque quam fruticetur, vides. Redeamus igitur, quoniam
IV
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Arpinum, May 24, B.C. 44