11 May 44 BCE: To Atticus (at Rome) from Cicero (at Puteoli)
Cicero replies to three (three!) letters from Atticus
[This is the first of two letters from May 11th.]
I arrived by boat from Pompeii to stay at our friend Lucullus’ on the 10th, around the third hour. Once I had disembarked, I received the letter which your letter-carrier was said to have brought to Cumae, sent on May 7th. From Lucullus’, at around the same time the next day I reached Puteoli. There I received two letters, one sent on the 7th, the other send on the 9th, from Lanuvium. So here is my reply to all three of them.
First, for what you have done about my payment and the business with Albius, I thank you. About your Buthrotian business: when I was in Pompeii, Antony came to Misenum; but before I had heard that he had come, he left for Samnium—you can see how much to hope for from that. So I will speak with him about Buthrotum in Rome. Lucius Antonius’ speech was horrible, Dolabella’s was outstanding. For now, let him keep the money, so long as he pays on the Ides. I am sorry about Tertulla’s miscarriage. For now we need as many Cassii to be produced as Bruti. About the Queen, I hope it is so, and about her Caesar too.1 I have repaid your first letter, and come now to the second.
About the Quinti, and Buthrotum, we will talk when I see you, as you write. I am grateful for how you have helped my son. You think I am mistaken in thinking that the Republic depends on Brutus. The situation is like this: either there will be nothing left of the Republic, or it will be saved by him or his friends. You urge me to write a speech and send it to him. My Atticus, let me give you a general maxim about matters in which I am quite experienced. There has never been anyone—neither poet nor orator—who ever thought anyone was better than themself. This is true even of the bad ones. How true do you think it is for the ingenious and erudite Brutus! I even experienced this recently, with the edict. I had written one because you asked. I liked mine, he liked his own. In fact, even when I dedicated my piece on the best style of oratory to him2—induced by his prayers, almost—he wrote not just to me, but to you as well, to say that he did not approve of the style I prefer. So please, allow each man to write as he prefers. ‘Each man has his own bride; and I have mine. Each man has his own love; and I have mine.’ Not a neat verse, for it is by Atilius, a most inflexible poet. But if only Brutus could give a speech! If he can remain safe in the city, we have won—no-one will follow a leader in a new civil war, or those who do will be easily defeated.
I come to your third letter. I am happy that Brutus and Cassius liked my letter, and I have replied to them to say so. That they want me to make Hirtius a better man—I really am doing as much as I can, and he speaks as one of the best. But he lives and spends his time with Balbus, who also speaks well. You can decide what to believe. I see that you are very pleased with Dolabella; I am too, very much so. I saw Pansa when I was in Pompeii. He clearly proved to me that he means well and desires peace. I see clearly that that they are looking for a reason for war. I approve of Brutus and Cassius’ edict. You ask me to think over the question of what I think out friends should do; my advice depends on the situation, which as you see changes by the hour. It seems Dolabella has accomplished a lot, both by his initial action, and this speech against Antony. Things really are going better, and now it seems we have a leader, which is one thing the country towns and good men are lacking.
You mention Epicurus and dare to tell me ‘do not engage in politics’? Does our dear Brutus’ expression not deter you from saying that sort of thing? Young Quintus, as you say, is Antony’s little right hand. So we shall get whatever we want through him with ease. I am waiting to hear, if Lucius Antonius has brought Octavius to a public meeting, as you think, what kind of speech he has made.
I have written enough; Cassius’ letter-carrier is setting out at once. I am about to go and visit Pilia, then to Vestorius’ banquet by boat. Wishing the very best to Attica.
Read Ad Atticum 14.20 in Latin here | Check the glossary here
Cicero had heard some sort of rumour about Cleopatra and her and Caesar’s son Caesarion.
Cicero’s Orator, written in 46 BCE.