DLV (A XII, 12)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Astura (16 March)
As to the dowry, make a clean sweep of the business all the
more. To transfer the debt to Balbus is a rather high and
mighty proceeding.[1] Settle it on any terms. It is discreditable
that the matter should hang fire from these difficulties.
The "island" at Arpinum might suit a real
"dedication," but I fear its out-of-the-way position would
diminish the honour of the departed. My mind is therefore
set on suburban pleasure-grounds: but I will wait to inspect
them when I come to town. As to Epicurus,[2] it shall be as
you please: though I intend to introduce a change in future
into this sort of impersonation. You would hardly believe
how keen certain men are for this honour. I shall therefore
fall back on the ancients: that can create no jealousy. I
have nothing to say to you; but in spite of that, I have
resolved to write every day, to get a letter out of you. Not
that I expect anything definite from your letters, but yet
somehow or another I do expect it. Wherefore, whether
you have anything or nothing to say, yet write something
and—take care of yourself.
