[250]. Brutus apparently called a stream on his estate at Lanuvium "Eurotas," and a building there the "Persian porch," after the river Eurotas and the στοὰ Περσικὴ at Sparta.

Good God! how the first page of your note held me transfixed with horror! How did that violent brawl happen in your house? But I am glad this cloud passed away quickly. I am very eager to know how you have fared with your sad and very difficult conciliatory mission; for the knot cannot be unravelled. We are so surrounded by force of every kind. Brutus' letter, which you show that you have read, has so disturbed me, that, undecided as I was before, my sorrow makes me still slower at making up my mind. But I will write more when I have news from you. At present I have nothing to write,

320quod scriberem, nihil erat eoque minus, quod dubitabam, tu has ipsas litteras essesne accepturus. Erat enim incertum, visurusne te esset tabellarius. Ego tuas litteras vehementer exspecto.

X
CICERO ATTICO SAL.

Scr. in Tusculano Non. Iun. aut postridie a. 710

O Bruti amanter scriptas litteras! o iniquum tuum tempus, qui ad eum ire non possis! Ego autem quid scribam? ut beneficio istorum utantur? Quid turpius? Ut moliantur aliquid? Nec audent nec iam possunt. Age, quiescant auctoribus nobis; quis incolumitatem praestat? Si vero aliquid de Decimo gravius, quae nostris vita, etiamsi nemo molestus sit? ludos vero non facere! quid foedius? frumentum imponere! quae est alia Dionis legatio aut quod munus in re publica sordidius? Prorsus quidem consilia tali in re ne iis quidem tuta sunt, qui dant; sed possim id neglegere proficiens; frustra vero qui ingrediar? Matris consilio cum utatur vel etiam precibus, quid me interponam? Sed tamen cogitabo, quo genere utar litterarum; nam silere non possum. Statim igitur mittam vel Antium vel Circeios.

especially as I have doubts as to whether you may get this letter. For it is uncertain whether the messenger may see you. I am looking for a letter from you very eagerly.

X
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.

Tusculum, June 5 or 6, B.C. 44

What an affectionate letter from Brutus! And what hard luck that you cannot go to him! But what am I to say? That they should accept the other party's favours? That were the depth of shame. That they should try some new move? They dare not, and now they cannot. Well, suppose I advise them to keep quiet and they do, who can guarantee their safety? Indeed, if anything unpleasant happens to Decimus, what sort of life shall we lead, even if no one molests us? It is a sad disgrace not to preside at the games.[[251]] Fancy putting the burden of the corn-supply on them! What is this but promotion downwards,[[252]] and what state office is more contemptible? To give advice in such matters is certainly quite unsafe, even for those who give it. If I were doing good, I might overlook that; but why should I put my foot in it to no purpose? Since he is following his mother's advice, or rather her supplications, why should I interfere? However, I will consider what kind of letter I can write, for I must give some answer. So I will write at once either to Antium or to Circeii.