Around 28 October 44 BCE: To Atticus (at Rome) from Cicero (at Puteoli)
Cicero worries about Atticus' opinion of the unpublished Second Philippic
Dolabella, that very best of men—although while I was writing this (over dessert) I heard that he had arrived at Baiae—has still written to me from Formiae—I received the letter as I got out of the bath—to say that he has done all that he can about the assignment of debts.1 He blames Vettienus (playing tricks, of course, as men involved with money often do), but says that our dear Sestius has taken on the whole affair.
Sestius really is the best of men, and a dearest friend, but I do wonder what in the world he can do in this situation, which any of us could not. But if anything is actually accomplished, please let me know; yet if, as I expect, the affair is hopeless, write to me anyway—that situation won’t upset me.
Here, I am philosophising (what else would I be doing?), and setting out a magnificent work ‘On Duties,’ addressed to my son.2 What would a father rather dedicate to his son? Then I’ll get on to the rest. In short, this trip will produce some work.
People thought Varro would arrive today or yesterday, but I am hurrying off to Pompeii, not because that place is any more beautiful, but because there are fewer people annoyingly interrupting there. But write to me, please, about what Myrtilus was charged with—indeed, I heard that he has paid the penalty—and whether enough is clear about who he was bribed by.3
As I write this, all I can think of is that my speech has been delivered to you.4 Oh, I am so scared about what you’ll think of it! Although, what does it matter to me? It won’t see the light of day unless the Republic is restored. My hopes for that—I don’t dare to write down.
Read Ad Atticum 15.13a in Latin here | Check the glossary here
Footnote borrowed from Shackleton Bailey: ‘Whether this concerned a transfer of claim by Dolabella to Cicero in payment of Tullia’s dowry or something more complicated cannot be made out.’
The De Officiis.
Myrtilus was possibly the man who was alleged to have attempted to assassinate Antony.
The Second Philippic.
"not because that place is any more beautiful, but because there are fewer people annoyingly interrupting there" he's literally a girlblogger
"It won’t see the light of day unless the Republic is restored." MARCE TULLI NOOOOOOO