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B.C. 46, ÆT. 60

  • viction—gathered not only from the tone of Cæsar's reply

which was gentle and courteous, but also from his eyes and expression, and many other signs besides, which it was easier to observe than it is to write—that I need have no doubt about your recall. Wherefore be sure you keep up your spirit and courage, and as you bore the stormiest times with philosophy, meet calmer weather with cheerfulness. However, I will attend to your business as though it were one of the most difficult possible: and on your behalf, as I have already done, I will with all the pleasure in life present my supplications not only to Cæsar, but also to all his friends, whom I have learnt to be warmly attached to myself. Good-bye.



CCCCXCVII (A XII, 6)

TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)

Rome, the second intercalary month


As to Cælius, please see that there is no defect in the gold.[1] I don't know anything about such matters. But at any rate there is quite enough loss on exchange. If to this is added gold . . . but why need I talk? You will see to it. That's a specimen of the style of Hegesias, which Varro commends.[2]

Now I come to Tyrannio. Do you really mean it? Was this fair? Without me? Why, how often, though quite at leisure, did I yet refuse without you? How will you excuse yourself for this? The only way of course is to send me the book; and I beg you earnestly to do so. And yet the book itself will not give me more pleasure than your admiration of it has already done. For I love everyone who "loves learning," and I rejoice at your feeling such a great admiration for that essay on a minute point. However, you are that sort of man in everything. You want to know, and

  1. Cælius was a banker or money-changer.
  2. Hegesias of Magnesia (in Asia) affected an abrupt and elliptic style. See Brut. § 286 ; Orat. § 230.