20 December 44 BCE: To Decimus Brutus (in Cisalpine Gaul) from Cicero (at Rome)
Cicero humblebrags about the Third and Fourth Philippics
Marcus Cicero greets Decimus Brutus, imperator, consul-designate.
The Tribunes of the Plebs called a meeting of the Senate for December 20th and had it in mind to propose protection for the consuls designate.1 Although I had resolved not to attend the Senate until January 1st, still, when your edict2 was published that same day, I thought it would be the worst crime either if a Senate meeting was held where nothing was said about your divine services to the Republic—which would have been the case, had I not attended!—or even if I was not present for any mention honouring you.
And so I went to the Senate in the morning. When people noticed that, a very large number of Senators attended. I would rather you find out about the motion I proposed in the Senate concerning you, as well as what I said in a very large public assembly, from other people’s letters.3 But please trust that I shall always eagerly take up and support everything that could improve your position—which is already very distinguished through your own actions. And although I am aware that many others will do this alongside me, still, I shall strive to be the leader in this affair.
Read Ad Familiares 11.6a in Latin here | Check the glossary here | Watch an overview of events from the Ides of March onwards here
Hirtius and Pansa, who would take office on January 1st.
Decimus Brutus had issued an edict as Governor of Cisalpine Gaul that he would hold the province for the Senate and People of Rome—and not hand over the governorship to Antony, who was on his way there with an army.
Cicero’s speeches in the Senate and before the people were the Third and Fourth Philippics.