26 April 43 BCE: To Cicero (at Rome) from Lucius Munatius Plancus (near Vienne)
Plancus tries to make a virtue out of non-commitment
From Plancus to Cicero, greetings.
I am glad that I did not promise anything to you rashly, and that you did not promise anything on my behalf in vain. At any rate, truly, the earlier I wanted you to know my plans before anyone else, the clearer proof you have of my affection for you. I hope that you see my services increase by the day, and I guarantee that you will hear more about them.
As for myself, my Cicero—so may I help the Republic to be freed from the evils that threaten it—I regard the honours and rewards that you and the Senate can give as truly comparable with immortality. At the same time, even without them, I shall not fail in any way in my zeal and persistence. Only if within the multitude of loyal citizens the strength of my spirit has been exceptional, and my efforts outstanding, do I want my position to be advanced by all of you.
But I truly desire nothing for myself—that is the very thing I am fighting against—and I am content to let you decide the time and circumstances of it.1 For a citizen cannot feel that any gift from his country is too late or too little.
On April 26th I got my army across the Rhone through forced marches, and sent ahead 1000 cavalry to Vienne by a shorter route. As for myself, if I am not held up by Lepidus I shall move swiftly enough not to disappoint. But if he obstructs my journey, I shall do what the situation demands. The forces I lead are very strong in number, character, and loyalty.
Please keep me in your affections, and know that I will do the same for you.
Goodbye.
Latin text of Ad Familiares 10.9 | Glossary | Historia Civilis video overview of 44-43 BCE
Plancus, literally last month: ‘I beg you, support my position in the Senate and motivate me to do more in the future by bringing about the things you have used to encourage me to hope for glory.’ Shackleton Bailey suggests he ‘may have been thinking of a Triumph.’