Late December 44 BCE: From Quintus Cicero to Tiro (at Rome)
Cicero's brother disparages the new consuls to Tiro
You gave me a remarkable beating for my idleness in your letter. My brother had written sparingly, evidently because he was embarrassed and in a hurry. But you have written as things really are, with the whole unflattering picture, especially as regards the consuls designate.1 I am well acquainted with them—they are full of lust and laziness; effeminates at heart.2 Unless they give up the helm, there is very great danger of us all being shipwrecked. It’s unbelievable the things I know they did during campaign season, while the Gauls were camped opposite.3 Unless they are treated firmly, that thug4 will soften them up through their shared vices. The situation must be defended, either by the tribunes, or by the actions of private individuals. As for those two, you would scarcely trust one with Caesena, and the other with the cellars of Cossutius’ taverns.5
As I have said, you are the apple of my eye. I shall see you all on the 30th, and even if I first see you in the middle of the Forum, I shall cover your eyes with kisses.
Love me. Goodbye.
Read Ad Familiares 16.27 in Latin here | Check the glossary here | Watch an overview of events from the Ides of March onwards here
Hirtius and Pansa, who would take office on January 1st.
Footnote borrowed from Shackleton Bailey: ‘This characteristic verbal assault (cf. Cicero, 67f.) was, as How points out, grossly ungrateful, in that Hirtius had been instrumental in gaining Caesar’s pardon for the writer.’
Quintus Cicero, Hirtius, and Pansa all fought under Caesar during the Gallic War in the 50s BCE.
Antony.
Footnote borrowed from Shackleton Bailey: ‘Caesena was a small town near the Rubicon in Cisalpine Gaul. Nothing is known of Cossutius’ taverns, but they were probably in the same area, which produced a noted wine (Plin. N.H. XIV.67). Hirtius then was feeble and incompetent, Pansa a drunkard (cf. Att. 409 (XVI.I).4 ad Kal. Ian. in Pansa spes? λῆρος πολὺς. in vino et in somni <animi> istorum). But what put this locality into Quintus’ head there is no knowing. Possibly something in Tiro’s letter, or possibly he was on a visit there.’