14 June 44 BCE: To Atticus (at Rome) from Cicero (at Astura)
Cicero replies to Atticus about So Many Things
I received two letters on the 14th, one dated the same day, and the other the 13th. So to the earlier one first. About Brutus, tell me when you know. I know about the consuls’ pretence at fear; for Sicca told me—affectionately but confusedly—told me about that suspicion.1 But why do you say ‘never refuse a gift’? For I’ve had no word from [Siregius?]. I don’t like it. About your neighbour Plaetorius, I was very troubled that I was not the first to hear. You have done wisely with Syrus. I think it will be easy for you to use his brother Marcus to scare off Lucius Antonius. [...] but you have yet to receive my letter asking you not to give anything to anyone except for the aedile Lucius Fadius. There is no other way of doing it safely and legally. You write that you are missing 100,000 sesterces, which were provided to my son—please ask Eros where the rent is from the apartment blocks. I am not angry with Arabio about Sittius.2 I have no plans for my journey until my balance has been dealt with; I think you will feel the same way. There you have the earlier letter.
Now for the other. You will be acting in your usual manner in not failing Servilia—that is, Brutus. I am glad that you are not distressed about the Queen, and that my witness meets your approval. I have found out about Eros’ accounts from Tiro, and summoned the man himself. I am most grateful that you have promised that my son will lack nothing; Messalla visited me on the way back from seeing them at Lanuvium, and said marvellous things about him.3 And by Hercules, his own letter is so affectionately and elegantly written that I wouldn’t be afraid to read it to an audience. I think I must indulge him more. I don’t think Sestius is troubled about Bucilianus.
As soon as Tiro gets back, I plan on going to Tusculum. If there is anything I should know, please write to me at once.
Read Ad Atticum 15.17 in Latin here | Check the glossary here
What the consuls (Dolabella and Antony) were pretending to be scared of is unknown.
Publius Sittius was a mercenary who had supported Caesar in Africa during the civil war by defeating several Pompeian leaders, including Masinissa II. Caesar rewarded him by giving him the east of Masinissa II’s kingdom. Arabio was Masinissa II’s son, who fled to Spain with the remaining Pompeians after they were defeated in Africa. After the death of Caesar, he reclaimed his father’s kingdom and killed Sittius. Cicero had written to Sittius in 57 BCE.
Messalla had seen Brutus and Cassius at Lanuvium.