CXVII (A IV, 8 b)
B.C. 55. Coss., Cu. Pompeius Magnus, M. Licinius Crassus.
In this year Cicero devoted much of his time and energy to the composition of the de Oratore. He was glad to be away from Rome, for though he had resolved to give up his opposition to the triumvirs, he was never really happy in supporting or even witnessing their policy, and the first letter betrays his sentiments as to the way in which the consuls had secured their election. His fear of an autocracy, however, seems now to be directed rather to Pompey than Cæsar; nor was he at all charmed by the splendour of the games given at the opening of Pompey's new theatre. The only extant speech is that against L. Calpurnius Piso (consul B.C. 58) who had been recalled from Macedonia.
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Tusculum[513] (January)
B.C. 55, ÆT. 51
Apenas had scarcely left me, when your letter came. Really? Do you suppose he won't propose his law?[514] Pray speak a little louder: I seem scarcely to have caught what you said. But let me know it at once, if it is all the same to you, that is! Well, since an additional day has been assigned to the games, I am all the more content to spend that day with Dionysius. About Trebonius I cordially agree with you. About Domitius,[515]
"I swear by Ceres that no single fig
Was e'er so like another,"