3 May 44 BCE: To Cassius (at Lanuvium) from Cicero (at Pompeii)
Cicero tells Cassius that he needs to do even more for the Republic
[This is the second of three letters from May 3rd.]
Believe me, Cassius, there is no end to the amount I think about you and our dear Brutus—that is, about the whole Republic, all hope for which now lies with you both and Decimus Brutus. I myself at least have some more hope from the way the Republic has been governed by my most outstanding Dolabella. For that evil of the city was seeping in and getting stronger by the day, until I despaired for the city and the peace there. But the trouble has been so subdued that I feel we are now safe for all time, or at any rate from that most vulgar of dangers.
The things that are left to be done are great and numerous, but all rests with you three. Nevertheless, let me set out each in turn. For as things have gone so far, it seems that we have been freed from the ruler, but not from his rule. Although our king has been killed, we uphold his every kingly nod. And not just that, but we approve of things as if he had thought of them, when he would not have done them if he were still alive. Nor do I see any end to the matter. Laws are posted, immunities are granted, enormous sums of money are distributed, exiles are recalled, false decrees of the senate are recorded—so that it seems only that we have purged our hatred of that foul man and the feeling of suffering from our servitude, while the Republic still lies in the turmoil into which he threw it.
These are the things you three must untangle. Nor must you think that the Republic has had all that she needs from you. Indeed, she has had more from you than I ever thought to hope for; bur she is not yet content, and she requires great things, in proportion to your greatness of spirit and your service. As of yet, she has avenged her injuries through the death of the tyrant at your hands, nothing further. But what respect has she recovered? Or is it that she now obeys a dead man, whom alive she could not bear? Do we defend the hand-written notes of a man whose laws we ought to tear up? ‘But we decreed it thus!’ In fact, when we did that, we were yielding to the circumstances of the time, which have always held a great deal of weight in the Republic. But certain people are abusing our courteousness, immoderately and ungratefully.
This and much more when we speak face to face, soon. Meanwhile, I hope you may be persuaded, both for the sake of the Republic, which I have always held most dear, and for the sake of our friendship, that your standing is my greatest concern. Take care of your health.
Read Ad Familiares 12.1 in Latin here | Check the glossary here