B.C. 45, ÆT. 61 Warm the fellow up, as I do Motho[1] and so get plenty[2] of flowers. What arrangement is being made about the Crabra,[3] though now indeed we have enough water and to spare, I should yet wish to know. I will send the sun-dial and books, if the weather is dry. But have you no books with you, or are you composing in the Sophoclean vein? Mind you have something to shew for your labour. Cæsar's friend Aulus Ligurius[4] is dead: he was a good man and a good friend to me. Let me know when we are to expect you. Take great care of youself. Good-bye.
DCXC (F XVI, 20)
TO TIRO (AT TUSCULUM)
Rome (December)
Upon my life, my dear Tiro, your health makes me very
uneasy. But I feel confident that if you continue to take
the same care as you have begun to do, you will soon be
strong. Arrange the books, get the catalogue made when
it pleases Metrodorus,[5] since you have to live according to
his orders. Settle with the gardener as you think right.
You can go to see the gladiators on the first, and return
home next day. And I think that is what you had better do.
But as you please. Take great care of yourself, if you love
me. Good-bye.
- ↑ Perhaps Motho is the town gardener—as we know there was a garden at Cicero's town house. A supply of flowers there would be specially needed for parties, festivals, etc.
- ↑ Reading itaque abundo coronis.
- ↑ The Crabra was the name of the conduit supplying Tusculum with water, for which Cicero paid a rate to the municipality (De leg. Agr., iii. § 8).
- ↑ Vol. i., p. 331; supra, p. 24.
- ↑ The physician.
