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Atticus.
bly fitted to support and to control the far greater intellect and finer character but less equable temperament of his friend. His advice is commonly towards a safe course, and he has a constitutional dislike of hazardous ventures. He particularly objected to Cicero's rash opposition to the triumvirs in the year 56, and if his advice had been followed Cicero would have escaped the humiliation which befell him after the conference of Luca.[1] So in the years immediately following, Atticus counselled 55-51 B.C.submission and the acceptance of Cæsar's overtures for friendship.[2] Nevertheless he is keenly interested not only in the safety but in the good fame of his friend. He recognises that while the Roman Knight, the man of business and of letters, may be permitted to make his own preservation and his own ease the first object, a very different standard of conduct is set up for the consular. He sees that by the lofty tone of his speeches and writings Cicero has given hostages to public opinion which must not be forfeited. Atticus may go out to the fifth milestone to greet Cæsar, as he 49 B.C.returns after driving Pompey from Italy; but at the same moment he encourages Cicero "so to bear himself that Cæsar may have cause to respect him rather than to thank him, and at all risks refuse to allow himself to be dragged to Rome."[3] Though Atticus was staggered by Pompey's
