DCCCLII (F XII, 12)
C. CASSIUS LONGINUS TO CICERO (AT
ROME)
SYRIA, 7 MAY
IF you are well, I am glad. I also am well. I
have read your letter in which I recognized your
uncommon affection for me. For you seemed not
merely to wish me well—as you always
have done on private arid public grounds
alike—but to have involved yourself'in
very grave responsibility and to be exceedingly
anxious about us. Therefore, because in the first
place I thought that you would believe that we
could not remain inactive when the Republic was
crushed: and in the second place because, as you
suspected that we were moving, I thought you would
be anxious as to our safety and the result of the
operations, as soon as I received the legions
brought by Aulus Allienus from Egypt, 1 I wrote to you
and sent a number of messengers to Rome. I also
wrote a despatch to the senate, which I said was
not to be delivered until it had been read to
you—if by any chance my messengers have
chosen to obey me. If these letters have not
reached you, I have no doubt that Dolabella, who
seized the government of Asia after the abominable
murder of Treboinius, 2 has caught my
letter-carriers and intercepted the despatches. I
have now under me all the Roman forces in Syria. I
have been delayed for a short time whilst
providing the promised pay for the soldiers. I am
only just free from that difficulty. I beg you to
consider that the defence of my position is
committed to you, as you know full well that I
have declined no danger and no labour in the
service of my country: as on your suggestion and
advice I have taken up arms against the most,
unscrupulous outlaws: as I have not only collected
armies to defend the Republic and liberty, but
have also rescued them from the most bloodthirsty
tyrants. If Dolabella had
anticipated me in getting hold of these armies he
would have strengthened Antony's hands, not only
by their actual arrival, but also by giving him
reason to think 'and expect that they were coming.
For which achievements defend my soldiers, since
you understand that they have done wonderfully,
good service to the state, and secure' that they
do not regret having preferred to make the
Republic the object of their labours rather than
the hope of booty and plunder. Maintain. also the
position of the imperators Murcus and Crispus
3 as far as
lies in your power. For Bassus 4 was desperately unwilling to hand over
his, legion' to me. Had not his soldiers in spite
of him sent agents to me, he would have kept
Apamea closed until it had been stormed. I make
these remarks to you not only in the name of the
Republic, which has always been the object of your
deepest affection, 'but also in the name of our
friendship, which I feel 'sure has the greatest
weight with you. Believe me that this army is at
the service of the senate and all the 'most loyal
citizens, and above all of yourself. For from
continually being told of your patriotism they
regard you with wonderful devotion and affection.
And if they come to understand that their
interests engage your attention, they will also
regard themselves as owing ydu everything. Since
writing this- letter I have been informed that
Dolabella has arrived in Cilicia with his forces.
I shall start for Cilicia. Whatever I succeed in
doirig I will take care to let you know promptly.
I can only hope that we may be as fortunate as our
services to the state deserve. Keep well, and love
me. 7 May, in camp.
SYRIA, 7 MAY
