DLXXVII (A XII, 36)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
ASTURA (2 MAY)
I WISH to have a shrine built, and that wish
cannot be rooted out of my heart. I am anxious to
avoid any likeness to a tomb, not so much on
account of the penalty of the law as
in order to attain as nearly as possible to an
apotheosis. This I could do if I built it in the
villa itself, but, as we often observed to each
other, I dread the changes of owners. Wherever I
constructed it on the land, I think I could secure
that posterity should respect its sanctity. 1
These foolish ideas of mine—for I
confess them to be so-you must put up with: for I
don't feel such confidence in taking even myself
into my own confidence as I do in taking you. But
if you approve of the idea, the site, and the
plan, pray read the law and send it to me. If any
method of evading it occurs to you, I will adopt
it. If you are writing to
Brutus at all, reproach him, unless you think you
had better not, for not staying at my Cuman villa
for the reason he gave you. For when I come to
think of it I am of opinion that he couldn't have
done anything ruder. Finally, if you think it
right to carry out the idea of the shrine as we
began, pray urge on Cluatius and stir him up: for
even if we decide on a different site, I think I
must avail myself of his labour and advice.
Perhaps you'll be at your villa tomorrow.
ASTURA (2 MAY)
