extremely enthusiastic in the cause. This is as far as I can go on paper with prudence. Good-bye.
About the second instalment,[1] pray consider with every possible care what ought to be done, as I mentioned in the letter conveyed to you by Pollex.
CCCCXII (F XIV, 6)
TO TERENTIA
Epirus, 15 July
It is not very often that there is anyone to whom I can
entrust a letter, nor have I anything that I am willing to
write. From your letter last received I understand that no
estate has been able to find a purchaser. Wherefore pray
consider how the person may be satisfied whose claims you
know that I wish satisfied. As for the gratitude which our
daughter expresses to you, I am not surprised that your
services to her are such, that she is able to thank you on
good grounds. If Pollex has not yet started, turn him out
as soon as you can. Take care of your health.
15 July.
[There is now a break in the correspondence for more than three months, in the course of which the fate of the Republic was decided. On the 7th of July, Cæsar, after Pompey had pierced his lines and inflicted a defeat upon him, retreated into Thessaly. Pompey's exultant followers forced him to follow, and on the 9th of August the battle of Pharsalia drove Pompey to his retreat and death in Egypt, and made Cæsar master of the Empire. The fleet, indeed, still held out, and took those of the Pompeians who had not been in the battle or had escaped from it to Africa and Spain. But Cicero
- [Footnote: to be written after the successful piercing of Cæsar's lines, during which
Cicero, from ill-health, had left the camp for Dyrrachium.]
- ↑ Of Tullia's dowry. See p. 8.
