DLXXVI (A XII, 35.2)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
(IN SICCA'S SUBURBAN VILLA, 1 OR 2 MAY?)
BEFORE I left your house 1 last it never
occurred to me that if a sum was spent on the
monument in excess of some amount or other allowed
by the law, the same sum has to be paid to the
exchequer. 2 This would not have disturbed me
at all, except that somehow or another-perhaps
unreasonably—I should not like it to be
known by any name except that of a "shrine." That
being my wish, I fear I cannot accomplish it
without a change of site. Consider, please, what
to make of this. For though I am feeling the
strain less than I did, and have almost recovered
my equanimity, yet I want your advice. Therefore I
beg you again and again-more earnestly than you
wish or allow yourself to be intreated by
me—to give your whole mind to
considering this question.
(IN SICCA'S SUBURBAN VILLA, 1 OR 2 MAY?)
