After 19 September 44 BCE: To Lucius Munatius Plancus (in Gallia Comata) from Cicero (at Rome)
Cicero cares more about defending the Republic from Antony than staying alive
Both while I was away making the journey to Greece, and then when I was called back mid-route by the voice of the Republic, I haven’t had a moment’s peace due to Mark Antony,1 whose—it is not insolence, for that is a common defect, but rather monstrosity—is so great that he cannot endure anyone speaking or even appearing as if they are free. My greatest concern isn’t even for my life—I’ve made the most of my years, or my deeds, or, if it matters at all, my glory. Instead, it is my country that worries me, and most of all, my dear Plancus, the anticipation of your consulship, which is so far off that I must wish more than expect that I’ll still be breathing by the time the Republic reaches that point.2
For what expectation can there be in a Republic where everything is oppressed by the armed violence of a most uncontrolled and intemperate man; where neither the Senate nor the people have any strength; where there are no laws at all, no justice, and not even some shade or trace of free citizenship?
Although, since I am sure all the news is sent to you, there is no need for me to go into detail about it. But the affection I have for you, which began in your boyhood, and which I have not only retained, but even increased, leads me to advise and encourage you to devote all your thoughts and attention to the Republic. If its survival can be drawn out until the time of your consulship, governing it will be easy; but drawing out its survival will involve a great deal of hard work, and luck too.
But I hope we shall have you back some time before then. And besides what I ought to advise for the Republic, I still so support your position in the State that I lend all my advice, zeal, kindness, care, effort, and hard work to promoting your high position. And so I think I shall easily do enough for both the Republic, which I hold most dear, and for our friendship, which it is our sacred duty to uphold.
I am not surprised, but I am glad, that our dear Furnius means as much to you as his kindness and high position deserve. Please believe that any good opinion or kindness you grant to him, I regard as if granted by you to myself.
Read Ad Familiares 10.1 in Latin here | Check the glossary here
Footnote borrowed from Shackleton Bailey: ‘On his way back to Rome, according to Plutarch (Cic. 43), Cicero had received a report (not constant reports, as T.-P.) of evil intent on the part of Antony, who also threatened violence against him on 1 September (Phil. 1.12, 5.19; Plut. Cic. 43); but after the delivery of the First Philippic on the 2nd they remained, according to Plutarch, keeping out of each other’s way, quietly watching one another […]. There is therefore something to be said for Nake’s view that this letter was written after Antony’s violent rejoinder on 19 September. The fact that Cicero says nothing of Plancus’ supplicatio, the subject of his next letter, could be explained by supposing that letter the earlier of the two. However, Cicero does say in Phil. 5.19 that Antony declared enmity against him (inimicitias mihi denuntiavit) before the 19th. And his words here, whenever he wrote them, strictly mean that Antony’s persecution started from the time of his own return to Rome, if not sooner.’
Plancus was consul designate for 42 BCE. By that point, Cicero would be dead.