I felt all the time how much good your presence was doing me: but I feel it still more since you have gone. So, as I wrote to you before, either I must come to you entirely or you to me, according as it can be managed.
Yesterday, soon after your departure, I think, some people, who looked like city men, brought me a message and a letter from Gaius Marius, son and grandson of Gaius.[[84]] He begged me in the name of our relationship, in the name of Marius, on whom I had written, and by the eloquence of his grandfather, L. Crassus, to defend him: and he stated his case in full. I wrote back that he had no need of an advocate since his relative Caesar was omnipotent, and he was the best and most liberal of men: but I would support him. What times these are! To think of Curtius wondering whether to stand for the consulship. But enough of this.
[84]. An impostor named Amatias or Herophilus. He was a veterinary surgeon, and was put to death by Antony after he had set up a column in the forum in Caesar's memory. Marius married Julia, aunt of Caesar; their son was adopted by Gratidia, grandmother of Cicero, and married a daughter of L. Crassus, the orator. Hence the claims of relationship asserted in this letter.
I am anxious about Tiro. But I shall know soon how he is, for yesterday I sent a man to see, and I gave him a letter to you too. I have sent you a letter for my son. Please tell me for what day the sale of the gardens is advertised.
102
L
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Tusculano XV K. Iun. a. 709
Ut me levarat tuus adventus, sic discessus adflixit. Quare, cum poteris, id est cum Sexti auctioni operam dederis, revises nos. Vel unus dies mihi erit utilis, quid dicam "gratus"? Ipse Romam venirem, ut una essemus, si satis consultum quadam de re haberem.
LI
CICERO ATTICO SAL.
Scr. in Tusculano XIII K. Iun. a. 709