DXC (A XIII, 26)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Astura, 14 May
About Vergilius's share I quite approve.[1] Settle it that way
therefore. And indeed it will be my first choice, next to
Clodia. If neither comes off, I fear I shall cast prudence to
the winds and go for Drusus.[2] My eagerness for the object
with which you are acquainted deprives me of all self-control.
Accordingly, I come back again and again to the idea of
Tusculum. Anything rather than not have it completed
this summer. For myself, considering my circumstances,
there is no place where I can live at greater ease than Astura.
But because my people—I suppose from being unable to
endure my melancholy—are in a hurry to get to Rome,
though there is nothing to prevent my staying on, yet, as I
told you, I shall leave this place, that I may not appear
altogether stranded. But whither? From Lanuvium my
endeavour is to go to Tusculum.[3] But I will let you know
at once. Yes, please write the letters for me. The amount
I write is in fact beyond belief—for I work in the night hours
also, as I cannot sleep. Yesterday I even finished a letter
to Cæsar; for you thought I ought to do so. There was no
harm in its being written, in case you thought that it was
by any chance needed. As things stand now, there is certainly
no necessity to send it. But that is as you shall think
good. However, I will send you a copy perhaps from
Lanuvium, unless it turns out that I come to Rome. But
you shall know to-morrow.
