January 43 BCE: To Lucius Munatius Plancus (in Transalpine Gaul) from Cicero (at Rome)
Cicero tries to bribe Plancus with glory
I have received two copies of the same letter from you, which in itself demonstrated to me how diligent you are.1 For I understood that you were taking pains to ensure that the letter I was so eagerly awaiting would reach me. And from it, I was doubly pleased, and found it difficult to judge, when comparing them, whether I thought your love for me, or your feelings for the Republic, should be valued more highly.
To be sure, in my judgement at least, affection for one’s country is the most important thing; but love and mutual friendly feelings are certainly far sweeter. And so you reminding me of my close relationship with your father, and of the kindness with which you have treated me since your childhood, and every other thing that pertains to the subject, made me unbelievably happy. In turn, your declaration of the way you feel about the Republic (and how you will continue to feel) made me extremely glad, and I felt this happiness all the more because this came in addition to what you had said previously.
And so I don’t just encourage you, my Plancus, but I even simply beg you—as I did in the letter which you responded so graciously to—to devote your every thought and all the force of your feeling to the Republic. There is nothing that can be more rewarding, or offer you greater glory, and nor is there anything at all that a human can do that is more illustrious or outstanding than to be truly worthy of the Republic.
Up until now (for your generosity and wisdom allow me to speak my mind freely) you seem to have achieved very great things, with luck on your side—and although these things would not have been possible without your excellent character, still, a majority of what you have achieved is attributed to luck and circumstance. But in these most difficult times, whatever you do to come to the aid of the Republic will be entirely down to your own merit.
It is unbelievable how all citizens—his thugs excepted—despise Antony.2 People have great hope in you and your army, and great expectations. By the Gods, do not miss this opportunity for popularity and praise!
I advise you as I would a son; I wish for your success as I do my own; I urge you, both on our county’s behalf, and as I would my dearest friend.
Latin text of Ad Familiares 10.5 | Glossary | Historia Civilis video overview of 44-43 BCE
Antony’s ‘thugs’ include his supporters in the Senate.