Latin Texts & Translations

CCXIX (A v, 19)

TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS) CILICIA, 20 SEPTEMBER

I had already sealed the letter which I presume you to have just read, one in my own handwriting and containing an account of all occurrences, when suddenly, on the 20th of September, a letter-carrier of Appius, arriving express on the forty-seventh day from Rome—oh dear! to think of the distance I am away !—delivered me your letter. From it I feel no doubt that you waited for Pompey's return from Ariminum, ^[Note] and have by this time started for Epirus ; and I am still more afraid that in Epirus you may be having no less cause for anxiety than I am having here. As to the debt to Attilius I have written to Philotimus not to apply to Messalla for it. ^[Note] I am rejoiced that the fame of my progress has reached you, and I shall rejoice still more if you learn the sequel. I am very glad you find so much pleasure in your little daughter, ^[Note] and though I have never seen her, I yet love

her dearly, and feel sure that she is charming. Good-bye! Good-bye!

I am glad you approved of what I did about the ruins in Melita ^[Note] in connexion with Patron and your fellow Epicureans. In saying that you were glad that the man lost his election who "opposed the uncle of your sister's son," ^[Note] it is a great mark of affection on your part! In the same spirit you admonished me to rejoice too. It hadn't occurred to me! "I don't believe it," quoth you. As you please: well, then, I am glad ; since righteous indignation is not the same as spite. ^[Note]