DLI (A XII, 19)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Astura (14 March)
This is certainly a lovely spot, right in the sea, and within
sight of Antium and Cerceii: but in view of the whole succession
of owners—who in the endless generations to come
may be beyond counting, supposing the present empire to
remain—I must think of some means to secure it being
made permanent by consecration.[1] For my part, I don't
want large revenues at all, and can put up with a little. I
think sometimes of purchasing some pleasure-grounds across
the Tiber, and principally for the reason that I don't think
that there is any other position so much frequented. But
what particular pleasure-grounds I shall purchase we will consider
when we are together; but it must be on condition
that the temple is finished this summer. Nevertheless,
settle the contract with Apella of Chius for the columns.
What you say about Cocceius and Libo I quite approve,
especially as to my jury-service. If you have seen light at
all about the question of my guarantee, and what after all
Cornificius's agents say, I should like to know about it:
but I don't wish you, when you are so busy, to bestow much
trouble on that affair.
About Antony, Balbus also in conjunction with Oppius wrote me a full account, and said that you had wished them to write to save me from anxiety.[2] I have written to thank them. I should wish you to know however, as I have already written to tell you, that I was not alarmed by that news, and am not going to be alarmed by any in future. If
- ↑ If consecrated, the building would not change hands with a change of owners of the property.
- ↑ In the second Philippic (§ 77) Cicero says that Antony's sudden and secret return from Narbo caused great alarm in Italy. Probably people thought that he had bad news from Spain, or orders from Cæsar to take some strong measures.
