DXL (F XV, 17)
TO C. CASSIUS LONGINUS (AT
BRUNDISIUM)
ROME (JANUARY)
YOU have most unreasonable letter-carriers,
though I am not personally angry with them. But,
after all, when they are leaving me they demand a
letter, when they come to me they bring none. And
even as to the former, they would have consulted
my convenience better if they had given me some
interval for writing; but they come to me with
their travelling caps on, declaring that their
company is waiting for them at the city gate.
Therefore you must pardon me: you shall have here
another short note, but expect full details
presently. Yet why should I apologize to you, when
your men come to me with empty hands and return to
you with letters. Here—for after all I
will write something to you—we have the
death of P. Sulla 1 the elder: according to some from
an attack of footpads, according to others from an
attack of indigestion. The people don't trouble
themselves, for they are assured that he is dead
and burnt. Your philosophy will enable you to bear
this; though we have lost a well-known "feature of
the city." People think that Caesar will be vexed
for fear of his auctions becoming flat. Mindius
Marcellus 2 and Attius the paintseller are delighted
at having lost a rival bidder. There is no news from Spain, and a
very great anxiety for some: the rumours are
rather gloomy, but are not authenticated. Our
friend Pansa left town in military
array 3 on the 29th of December. It is
enough to convince anyone of what you have
recently begun to doubt, that "the good is
desirable for its own sake." 4 For
because he has relieved many of their misfortunes,
and has shewn humanity in these evil times, he was
attended by an extraordinary display of affection
on the part of good men. I very much approve of
your having stayed on at Brundisium, and I am very
glad you have done so, and, by Hercules, I think
that you will act wisely if you don't trouble
yourself about vain things. 5 Certainly I, who
love you, shall be glad if it is so. And pray,
next time you are sending a packet home, don't
forget me. I will never allow anyone, if I know
it, to go to you without a letter from me.
ROME (JANUARY)