First half of July 43 BCE: To Brutus (at Dyrrachium) from Cicero (at Rome)

Cicero says he can't help Lepidus' children

From Cicero to Brutus, greetings.

Although I am just about to give a letter to Messalla Corvinus, still, I didn’t want our dear Vetus to reach you without a letter from me. The Republic is at a serious crisis point, Brutus, and we the victors are being forced to fight again. This is the result of Marcus Lepidus’ criminal insanity.

There are many things burdening me at the moment, since I have taken the Republic under my care, but no burden is greater than that I am unable to yield to the entreaties of your mother, nor those of your sister.¹ As for yourself (which is what I consider the most important) I think it will be easy for me to explain myself.

Lepidus’ case cannot be distinguished in any way from Antony’s, and in fact everyone believes it is harder to defend than his, because when Lepidus had been decorated by the highest honours by the Senate, and had sent a celebrated letter to the Senate only a few days before, he suddenly not only took in the remnants of the enemy force, but is even fiercely waging war by land and sea,² and the outcome of this is still uncertain. And so when we are asked to show mercy to his children, nothing is said to assure us that we shall not have to pay the ultimate price if (Jupiter forbid it!) the boys’ father is victorious.

Nor does it escape me how harsh it is for the father’s crimes to be repaid through the punishment of his sons. But this is a distinguished point of law, intended so that parents’ affection for their children makes them better disposed to the Republic. And so it is Lepidus who is cruel to his children, not whoever declares him a public enemy.

And if he laid down his arms and was condemned for the use of violence—and in such a trial he would certainly have no defence—his children would suffer the same calamity of his property being confiscated. However, that very thing which your mother and sister pray to avert for his children is exactly what Antony, Lepidus, and the rest of the enemy threaten us with, along with many other crueller measures. 

So the greatest hope we have right now is you and your army. It is of the greatest importance both to the Republic and to your own honour and high position that—as I have written previously—you come to Italy as soon as possible. The Republic desperately needs your strength, as well as your counsel.

After reading your letter,³ I have gladly embraced Vetus as a friend, because of his good intentions and remarkable services towards you. I have found that he is most devoted and affectionate towards both you and the Republic. 

I shall see my son soon, I hope. I trust that you will come to Italy quickly, and that he will be with you.

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Latin text of Cic. ad Brut. 1.12 | Glossary | Historia Civilis video overview of 44-43 BCE

1. Lepidus being declared a public enemy by the Senate meant that his property would be confiscated. Brutus’ mother Servilia, and his sister Junia Secunda, who was married to Lepidus, were attempting to intercede on behalf of Lepidus’ young children.

2. Shackleton Bailey notes that ‘No naval activities by Lepidus are recorded, but he doubtless had some ships on the coast of Narbonensis.’ Or Cicero may just be exaggerating.

3. Cic. ad Brut. 1.11.