25 May 44 BCE: From Trebonius (in Athens) to Cicero
Trebonius visits Cicero's son, and has written Cicero a poem!
[This is the second of two letters from May 25th.]
I hope you are well. I reached Athens on May 22nd, and, as I had very much wished to, saw your son there.
He is devoted to all the right studies and has an excellent reputation for moderation. You can tell how delighted I am about this without me saying anything. You are not unaware of the regard I hold you in, and how our very long-standing and genuine friendship means I am glad at every good thing that goes your way, even the smallest—let alone something this fortunate. Do not think, my dear Cicero, that I am just saying this to humour you. No-one is more loveable to everyone in Athens than that young man of yours—or even, of ours, for there is nothing of yours that I do not share with you. Nor is there anyone more studious of the arts you love most, that is, the most important ones. And so, I can tell you this truly, I am happy to congratulate you, and myself too, that he is the type of person that, while we must love him no matter what, we can be glad to love.When he mentioned in a conversation that he wants to visit Asia, I not only invited him, but even requested that he do so, specifically while I am governing the province. Have no doubt that I shall act in your stead with love and affection towards him. I shall also take care that Cratippus comes along with him, so that you don’t think that he will be in Asia as a holiday from the studies he is urged towards by your encouragement. For he is skilled, I can see, and making great strides; I shall not stop encouraging him, so that he improves himself by the day through further learning and practice.
At the point at which I send this letter, I do not know how you all are faring in politics. I hear about certain chaotic events; I certainly hope this is not the case, and that we may finally enjoy peaceful liberty; as of yet, I have hardly experienced this.
However, since I managed a brief rest on the voyage, I have put together a little treat for you, as is my habit—and I have included in it one of your sayings that you said, which complimented me highly, and I have appended this to my letter. If in these verses I seem in certain words to be too forward, the utter depravity of the figure I am very freely inveighing against will be my defence.
Please also excuse my hot temper, which is justified in attacking men and citizens of this sort. Then again, why should Lucilius have had the liberty to do so any more than myself? Even if he hated the people he hurt as much as I do, those people were certainly not as worthy of being attacked with such freedom of speech.As you have promised, please write me into one of your dialogues as soon as possible; for I do not doubt that if you write anything about the death of Caesar, you will not relegate me to having a small part, either in the deed, or in your affections. Farewell; I commend my mother and family to your care.
Sent on the 25th May, from Athens.
Read Ad Familiares 12.16 in Latin here | Check the glossary here
Trebonius stopped at Athens on his way to govern the province of Asia.
The figure he is attacking is probably Mark Antony.
Lucilius was a 2nd century BCE satirist, who openly and aggressively attacked his subjects.