21 April 44 BCE: To Atticus (at Rome) from Cicero (at Puteoli)
Cicero hypes up the assassins of Caesar. Octavius is 'completely devoted' to him
The day before yesterday, I sent you a longer letter; now I will reply to your most recent one. I wish Brutus would go to Astura. You write about the licentiousness of those men. Did you think it would be otherwise? Indeed, I expect it will get worse. In fact, when I read the public address about ‘so great a man,’ ‘a most distinguished citizen’—I can’t bear it, although that sort of thing is laughable now. But remember, this is how the practice of immoral speech is nourished, so that those heroes of ours, no, those gods-to-be, will of course attain everlasting glory, but not without hatred, and indeed not without danger. However, they have a great source of consolation in the knowledge of their greatest and most distinguished deed—but what is there for us? We, who although the king has been slain, are not free. But it is in the hands of Fortune, since reason has no sway over it.
What you write about my son delights me; I hope things remain favourable. I thank you for taking care that he is provided for sumptuously, so that he can live, and live well—and I ask that you continue to do this. About the Buthrotians, your thoughts are correct, and I am not giving up on the matter. I will even take up the case myself, as I see it gets easier by the day.1
About Cluvius’ property, since you beat me in attentiveness for even my own affairs, it is bringing in around 100,000. The collapse has not led to a decrease in value, and I think may have made it more profitable.
Balbus, Hirtius, and Pansa are here with me. Octavius arrived just now, and in fact is staying in Philippus’ villa, next-door. He is completely devoted to me. Lentulus Spinther is staying with me today; he leaves tomorrow morning.
Read Ad Atticum 14.11 in Latin here | Check the glossary here
Atticus owned an estate near Buthrotum, and was opposed to a plan of Caesar’s to found a colony there. Caesar seems to have implied to Cicero and Atticus before his death that the plan would not go ahead, but the ratification of his unpublished acts (and perhaps things passed off as such) meant the matter was no longer certain.
Epistulas Ciceroni modus legendi optimus! Utinam hanc paginem invenissem prius quam nunc. Tibi multas gratias ago 😊