DL (A XII, 18 a)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Astura (13 March)
Having learnt yesterday from the letters of others of
Antony's arrival, I was surprised to find no mention of it in
yours. But perhaps it was written the day before it was
sent. It does not matter to me: yet my own idea is that
he has hurried back to save his securities.[1] You say that
Terentia speaks about the witnesses to my will: in the first
place, pray believe that I am not paying attention to things
of that sort, and that I have no leisure for business which is
either unimportant or fresh. Yet, after all, where is the
analogy between us? She did not invite as witnesses those
whom she thought would ask questions unless they knew
the contents of her will. Was that a danger applicable to
me? Yet, after all, let her do as I do. I will hand over my
will for anyone she may select to read: she will find that
nothing could have been in better taste than what I have
done about my grandson. As for my not having invited
certain witnesses: in the first place, it did not occur to
me; and, in the second place, it did not occur to me
because it was of no consequence. You know, if you have
not forgotten, that I told you at the time to bring some of
your friends: what need of a great many was there?[2] For
my part, I had bidden members of my household. At the
time it was your opinion that I ought to send word to
Silius: hence it came about that a message was sent to
Publilius.[3] But neither was necessary. This matter you will
handle as you shall think right.
- ↑ This is the "return from Narbo," of which Cicero makes such large use in the second Philippic (§§ 76, 77). The "securities" were those given for the confiscated property which Antony had bought, especially that of Pompey, for which he had not paid.
- ↑ Seven was the legal number.
- ↑ Brother of his second wife.
