Latin Texts & Translations

DCCCLXXI (F XI, 19)

DECIMUS BRUTUS TO CICERO (AT ROME) VERCELLAE, 21 MAY

I SHOULD wish you to read over first the despatch which I have sent the senate and make any alterations you think right. You will notice that I could not avoid writing it: for while I thought that the fourth and Martian legions would be serving with me, ^[Note] in accordance with the motion of Drusus and Paullus, with the support of you senators, I thought I need not much concern myself about anything else. In present circumstances, however, when I am accompanied by the most ill-equipped raw recruits, it is inevitable that I should be much alarmed both on my own account and on yours. The people of Vicetia shew very great attention to me and Marcus Brutus. I beg you to see that no wrong is done them in the senate on the question concerning their home-born slaves. They have a

very strong case, are very loyal to the Republic, and have a class of men opposed to them seditious and extremely idle. ^[Note]