Latin Texts & Translations

CCCII (A VII, 10)

TO ATTICUS (AT ROME) OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ROME, 17 JANUARY

I have suddenly resolved to leave town before daybreak, to avoid all gazing and gossip, especially with my bay-decked

lictors. ^[Note] For the rest, I don't know, by heaven, what to do now or in the future: such is the agitation into which I am thrown by the infatuation of our party's most insane decision. But what counsel should I offer you, you whose advice I am myself anxious to receive? What plan our Gnaeus has adopted, or is adopting, I don't know: as yet he is cooped up in the towns and in a state of lethargy. If he makes a stand in Italy, we shall all be together: if he abandons it, I shall have to reconsider the matter. Up to now, unless I am out of my senses, his proceedings are all fatuous and rash. Yes, pray write to me frequently just anything that comes into your head.