VII
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Tusculum, intercalary month, B.C. 46
I have scribbled a note with all you want on a tablet, and given it to Eros—quite shortly, but more than you ask for. In it I have spoken about my son, of whose intentions you gave me the first hint. I took a most liberal tone with him, and, if you think it convenient, I should like you to ask him about that. But why put it off? I pointed out that you had told me what he wished to do and what he wanted: "he wished to go to Spain, and wanted a liberal allowance." As for the allowance, I said I would give him as much as Publilius or Lentulus the flamen gave their sons. Against Spain I brought forward two arguments, the first, the one I used to you, that I was afraid of adverse criticism: "Was it not enough that we abandoned one side? Must we take the other?" The second that he would be annoyed, if his cousin enjoyed Caesar's intimacy and general goodwill more than he did. I should prefer him to make use of my liberal offer rather than of his liberty. However I gave him permission; for I saw you did not really dislike the idea. I shall think the matter over carefully, and I hope you will too. It is an important point: to stay is simple, to go risky. But we shall see.
20De Balbo et in codicillis scripseram et ita cogito, simul ac redierit. Sin ille tardius, ego tamen triduum, et, quod praeterii, Dolabella etiam mecum.
VIII
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Tusculano m. interc. post. a. 708
De Cicerone multis res placet. Comes est idoneus. Sed de prima pensione ante videamus. Adest enim dies, et ille currit. Scribe, quaeso, quid referat Celer egisse Caesarem cum candidatis, utrum ipse in fenicularium an in Martium campum cogitet. Et scire sane velim, numquid necesse sit comitiis esse Romae. Nam et Piliae satis faciendum est et utique Atticae.
IX
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. Asturae VI K. Sext. a. 709
Ne ego essem his libenter atque id cotidie magis, ni esset ea causa, quam tibi superioribus litteris scripsi. Nihil hac solitudine iucundius, nisi paulum interpellasset Amyntae filius. Ὢ ἀπεραντολογίας ἀηδοῦς! Cetera noli putare amabiliora fieri posse