Latin Texts & Translations

DCCLII (A XV, 22)

TO ATTICUS (AT ROME) TUSCULUM (23 JUNE)

I congratulate ourselves that young Quintus has gone out of town: he won't be a nuisance to us. I believe Pansa is using satisfactory language. For I know that he has always been closely united with Hirtius. I think he will be a very warm friend to Brutus and Cassius if—it turns out to be expedient. But when will he ever see them ? ^[Note] And that he will be opposed to Antony—but when and on what grounds? How long are we to be fooled? However, I wrote you word that Sextus Pompeius was coming, not because he was actually near, but because he was certainly contemplating that move and because he was not shewing any signs of abandoning arms. Doubtless, if he goes on, war is a certainty. On this side too our dear lover of Cytheris ^[Note] thinks no one sure of his life unless he gains a victory. What has Pansa to say to this? Which side will he take if there is war, as I think there will be? But of this and other things when we meet, that is, today—as you say in your letter—or tomorrow.