10 or 11 July: To Lucius Plautius Plancus (at Rome?) from Cicero (at Puteoli)
Cicero continues to pester people about Buthrotum
[This is the first of two letters form July 11th.]
I have already written to you previously to request—since the case of the Buthrotians has been approved by the consuls, who were permitted by both a law and a decree of the Senate to ‘review, make decisions on, and pronounce judgement upon’ Caesar’s acts—that you assist in this matter. In doing so, you would free our dear Atticus from his anxiety (I know you are devoted to him), as well as myself, who is no less troubled. For we have finished every part of this business very carefully, and with a great deal of effort and trouble, and it now rests with you to let us stop worrying about it as soon as possible. Although, I understand that you have the good sense to see that if the decrees of the consuls regarding Caesar’s acts are not observed, mass disorder will occur. In fact, although many of Caesar’s decisions are disapproved of—which was inevitable when he was so involved in public service—I still find myself bitterly defending them for the sake of public order and peace. I think you should be very careful to do the same, although the point of this letter is not to persuade, but to petition.
Therefore, my Plancus, I ask you, I really ask you (and by the god of truth, I cannot act with any more devotion, or more from the heart) to deal with, manage, and finish this business—not just acquiescing, but even being glad that we have managed it, and without any hesitation on the part of the consuls, due to the righteousness and justice of the case.1 In person, you have often shown Atticus as well as myself the goodwill you have towards him. If you do this, you will bind me to you through the greatest possible favour—when I have always been close to you due to goodwill and inherited friendship. I ask this as an important and pressing favour.
Read Ad Atticum 16.16b in Latin here | Check the glossary here
me dius fidius (by the god of truth) is a common interjection or oath. Dius Fidius might be associated with Jupiter.