[This is the first of two letters from July 26th.]
I arrived at Astura on the evening of the 25th. For in order to avoid the heat I had rested three hours at Lanuvium. Pray, if it won't be a trouble to you, contrive that I shall not have to come to Rome before the 5th of next month—you can arrange it by means of Egnatius Maximus.
Above all, come to a settlement with Publilius in my absence: as to which, write and tell me what people say.* ‘Much the people, of course, concern themselves about that!’* No, by heaven, I don't suppose they do. For it is already a nine days' wonder.
But I wanted to fill my page. I need say no more, for I am all but with you unless you put me off. For I have written to you about the pleasure-grounds.*
Read Ad Atticum 13.34 in Latin here | Check the glossary here
Notes from the translator, E.S. Shuckburgh:
write and tell me what people say—In regard to his divorce of his second wife Publilia.
‘Much the people, of course, concern themselves about that!’—Terence, Andr. 185.
I have written to you about the pleasure-grounds—See p. 308 [= Cic. Att. 13.43]. ‘I have written to say that the postponement of the auction will postpone my arrival for two days, but I shall come now unless you say that it is postponed again.’