15 April 44 BCE: To Atticus (at Rome) from Cicero (at Formiae)
Cicero talks to Atticus about his son
On the 14th, I saw Paullus at Caieta. He told me some truly terrible things about Marius and about the state of the republic. Nothing from you, of course, since none of my letter-carriers have been in Rome. But I hear that our Brutus has been seen around Lanuvium. Where is he heading to? I am eager to know everything about the rest, but this especially. I write this setting out from Formiae, intending to be at Puteoli the next day.
I received letters from my Cicero,1 very traditionally refined, and quite long. While other things can be faked, the polish of these letters shows he has actually learnt something. Now I earnestly entreat you—and I spoke with you about this recently—to see that he has everything he needs. It bears on my duty, as well as my reputation and dignity. I understand that you see it the same way. To be sure, if I go to Greece in Quintilis,2 as I intend to, everything becomes easier; but when the times are the way they are, and it is not possible to be certain about what would be honourable, or doable, or expedient, please, make sure that we look after him in a most respectable—and well-funded fashion.
Think over this and whatever else pertains to me, as you usually do, and write to me either about anything of substance, or, if there is nothing, about whatever comes into your head.
Read Ad Atticum 14.7 in Latin here | Check the glossary here
His son, who had been studying in Athens since 45 BCE. Cicero would never see him again.
The month now known as July. Quintilis would be renamed ‘Julius’ later in 44 BCE.