DCCCLXIX (BRUT. I, I)
TO M. IUNIUS BRUTUS (IN
MACEDONIA)
ROME (LATE IN MAY)
L. Clodius, 1
tribune-designate, is much attached to me, or, to
speak with more empressement, loves me dearly. And
when I am assured of that I feel
certain—for you know me—that
you will conclude that I love him: for nothing
seems to me less human than not to give an
answering affection to those by whom one's love is
challenged. He seemed to me to suspect, much to
his chagrin, that some unfavourable report had
reached you from his friends, or rather through
his enemies, by which your feelings were alienated
from him. It is not my habit, my dear Brutus, as I
think you know, to make rash statements about
another man. It is a risky thing to do, owing to
the secret feelings and complicated natures of
mankind But I have seen to the bottom of Clodius's
heart: I know it, and have formed my judgment of
it. There are many proofs of it, but such as I
need not write down, for I want you to regard this
as a solemn deposition rather than a letter. He
has been promoted by Antony—though a
large share even of that very favour has its
origin in you—and accordingly he would
wish his safety so long as it is compatible with
ours. But he fully understands—for he is
no fool, as you are aware—that matters
have come to such a point that both cannot be
preserved; accordingly he prefers us. As to
yourself, indeed, he both speaks and feels in the
most affectionate manner. Wherefore,
if anyone has written to you or spoken to you by
word of mouth disparagingly of him, I beg you
again and again to believe me rather than them. I
have greater opportunity of judging than any such
casual observer, and I am more devoted to you.
Make up your mind that Clodius is most warmly
attached to you, and is such a citizen as a man of
the greatest sense and most ample fortune is bound
to be.
ROME (LATE IN MAY)
