to whom to write, which won't be very long. There is a rumour of a doubtful sort that Cæsar has quitted Alexandria. It arose from a letter from Sulpicius,[1] which all subsequent messengers have confirmed. Since it makes no difference to me, I don't know whether I should prefer this news being true or false. As to what I said some time ago to you about Terentia's will, I should like it preserved in the custody of the Vestals.[2]
I am worn out and harassed to death by the folly of this most unhappy girl.[3] I don't think there was ever such a creature born. If any measure of mine can do her any good, I should like you to tell me of it. I can see that you will have the same difficulty as you had before in giving me advice—but this is a matter that causes me more anxiety than everything else. I was blind to pay the second instalment. I wish I had done otherwise: but that's past and done with. I beg of you that, considering the ruinous state of affairs, if any money can be collected or got together and put in safe hands, from sale of plate and the fairly abundant furniture, you would take steps to do so.[4] For I think that the worst is hard upon us, that there will be no making of peace, and that the present régime will collapse even without an opponent. Speak to Terentia also on this subject, if you think it right, at some convenient opportunity. I can't write all I have to say. Good-bye.
5 July.might be suggested from p. 47.]
- ↑ The son of Servius Sulpicius Rufus was with Cæsar. See vol. ii., pp. 356, 361.
- ↑ The MS. reading is apud epistolas velim ut possim adversas. I venture to write—as no satisfactory suggestion has been made—apud Vestales velim depositum adservari. The Vestals were frequently the holders of wills (see Suet. Iul. 83; Aug. 101; Tac. Ann. i. 8; Plutarch, Ant. 58), and Terentia had a half-sister a Vestal virgin, or perhaps apud [Greek: asphaleis
- ↑ If the reading fatuitate is right—which is very doubtful—Cicero apparently has found Tullia infatuated with her dissolute husband Dolabella, and unwilling to divorce him, though reduced to great straits by his extravagance. The "second instalment" refers to Tullia's dowry. See pp. 39, 41.
- ↑ Comparing pp. 44, 48, I think this must be taken to refer to movables belonging to Tullia, not Cicero. He wishes them to be sold and the money deposited in safe hands, in case of her husband repudiating her, or being himself ruined.
