Ariarathes, Ariobarzani filius, Romam venit. Vult, opinor, regnum aliquod emere a Caesare; nam, quo modo nunc est, pedem ubi ponat in suo, non habet. Omnino eum Sestius noster, parochus publicus, occupavit; quod quidem facile patior. Verum tamen,
Peducaeus; for all I felt for his father I have given to him, and I love him for himself as much as I loved his father; and you most of all for trying to promote this feeling between us. If you see the gardens, and if you let me know about the letter, you will supply me with something to write about; but, anyhow, I will write something. For there will always be something to say.
II
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Tusculum, May 24, B.C. 45
Your promptitude was more pleasing to me than the news you sent. For what could be more insulting? However I have hardened myself to insult, and put off all human feeling. I am looking forward to your letter to-day, not that I expect any news. What could there be? However ——.
IIa
CICERO TO ATTICUS, GREETING.
Tusculum, May 27, B.C. 45
Please have the letters sent to Balbus and Oppius, and anyhow speak to Piso about the gold when you can. If Faberius comes, see that the right amount of the debt is put to my credit, if anything is. Eros will tell you about it.
Ariarathes, son of Ariobarzanes, has come to Rome, I suppose he wants to buy some kingdom from Caesar: for, as things are at present, he cannot set foot in his own. Our friend Sestius, in his character of public host, has monopolized him; and I am not sorry for it. However, as I am intimate with
112quod mihi summo beneficio meo magna cum fratribus illius necessitudo est, invito eum per litteras, ut apud me deversetur. Ad eam rem cum mitterem Alexandrum, has ei dedi litteras.