Latin Texts & Translations

DCCCLXII (BRUT. I, 4, §§ 3-6)

M. IUNIUS BRUTUS TO CICERO (AT ROME) CAMP IN EPIRUS, 15 MAY

... ^[Note] Now, Cicero, now is the time for action, lest we turn out to have rejoiced in vain at the defeat of Antony, and lest

it is always to be a case of cutting out one mischief for another to grow worse than the former. No reverse can now find us unprepared or otiose, in which everyone will not be to blame, and especially yourself, whose influence the senate and Roman people not only allow to be so great, but even desire to be the very greatest that one man's can be in a free state. And this influence you ought to maintain not only by good intentions but also by prudent conduct. Now the prudence, with which you are richly endowed, does not fail you in any respect except as to moderation in bestowing honours. ^[Note] All other endowments you possess in such profusion, that your excellences will stand comparison with any of the heroes of old. The only outcome of your grateful and generous heart that people feel to be wanting is a more cautious and better regulated liberality. For the senate ought to grant nothing to anybody which may serve as a precedent or justification to the ill-disposed. For instance, I am afraid in regard to the consulship that your friend Caesar will think that he has mounted to a higher position by means of your decrees than he will be willing to descend from, if he is once made consul. ^[Note] But if Antony regarded the working machinery of kingly power left by another as an opportunity for seizing kingly power for himself, what do you suppose a man's feelings will be who shall conceive himself justified in aspiring to any kind of office, not on the authority of a slain tyrant, but on that of the senate itself? Wherefore I shall reserve my compliments

to your good nature and foresight till I begin to have proof that Caesar will be content with the extra-constitutional honours that he has already received. ^[Note] "Do you mean, then," you will say, "to make me liable for another man's misconduct?" Yes, certainly for another's, if its occurrence might have been prevented by foresight. And oh that you may clearly see the depth of my alarm in regard to him!

P.S.-After writing the above I have been informed that you have been elected consul. ^[Note] I shall indeed begin to imagine that I have before my eyes a complete and self-sustained Republic, when I see that. Your son is well, and has been sent in advance into Macedonia with the cavalry.

15 May, in camp.