11 June 44 BCE: To Atticus (at Rome) from Cicero (at Astura?)
Cicero finally gets a letter from his son!
Finally, a letter-carrier has come from my son! But by Hercules, the letter is written in a traditionally refined style, which itself shows that he has made some progress. The others also write brilliant reports. Leonidas still stands by his ‘for now,’ but Herodes praises him highly.1 In short, I am glad to be lied to about this, and willingly allow myself to be led. If any of your friends have written anything that pertains to me, please let me know.
Read Ad Atticum 15.16 in Latin here | Check the glossary here
1
Cicero’s thoughts on Leonidas’ previous report: ‘I feel it is not satisfactory to praise him when the praise is for ‘as he is now.’ These are not the words of a confident tutor, but of a fearful one.’