B.C. 48, ÆT. 58
letter and messenger that you have suddenly contracted
fever. I am much obliged for your prompt information as
to Cæsar's despatch. Continue, pray, in future to inform
me of any news I ought to know, whatever occurs. Take
care of your health. Good-bye.
2 June.
CCCCIX (A XI, 3)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Camp of Pompey in Epirus, 13 June
What is going on here you will be able to ascertain from
the bearer of your letter. I have detained him longer than
I otherwise should, because I am in daily expectation of
something happening, and even now I have, after all, no
other motive for despatching him except the subject on
which you asked for an answer from me, namely, my wish
as to the 1st of July. Both courses are dangerous—either the
risk of so large a sum of money at so critical a time, or the
divorce, of which you speak, while the result of the campaign
is still uncertain.[1] Wherefore, I leave this, as I do other
things, as absolutely as possible to your care and kindness,
and to her consideration and wishes, for whose interests—poor
girl!—I should have consulted better, if I had formerly
deliberated with you personally on our safety and property
rather than by letter.
You say that in the common misfortune there is no danger threatening me more than anyone else. Well, there is some consolation certainly in that; yet there are also after all many circumstances peculiar to myself, which you must
- ↑ Dowries were paid in three instalments (pensiones). The second instalment was due to Tullia's husband, Dolabella, on the 1st of July. A divorce, however, was already under discussion. If that were effected Cicero would not have to pay. He is divided in mind. If he paid, and Pompey's side won, he would wish for the divorce, and yet would have difficulty in recovering the money. If Cæsar's side won, the rupture with the Cæsarian Dolabella might be dangerous.
