Around 20 March 43 BCE: To Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (in Narbonensis) from Cicero (at Rome)
'All sane people agree that they would prefer death to slavery.'
Due to the great goodwill I feel towards you, it is very important to me that your position is as strong as possible. So I found it troubling that you did not thank the Senate, even though that body has decorated you with the highest honours.1
I am glad that you want to bring about peace between citizens. If you keep this peace separate from slavery, you will be looking out for both the Republic and your own position—but if that peace of yours is intended to restore possession of unrestrained domination to a corrupt and desperate man, then be aware that all sane people agree that they would prefer death to slavery.
And so in my eyes at least, it would be wise of you not to interfere through that pacification of yours, which is not approved of by the Senate, nor the People, nor by anyone loyal. But you will hear this from others, or be informed through letters; your good sense will show you what it is best to do.
Latin text of Ad Familiares 10.27 | Glossary | Historia Civilis video overview of 44-43 BCE
Cicero mentions the honours the Senate had granted Lepidus at the beginning of the year in the Thirteenth Philippic, in which he also addresses Lepidus’ letter advocating for peace with Antony.