DLXIII (A XII, 28)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
ASTURA (24 MARCH)
I have learnt nothing more about Silius from
Sicca in conversation than I knew from his letter:
for he had written in full detail If; therefore,
you have an interview with him, write and tell me
your views. As to the subject on which you say a
message was sent to me, whether it was sent or not
I don't know; at any rate not a word has reached
me. Pray therefore go on as you have begun, and if
you come to any settlement on such terms as to
satisfy her—though I, for my part, think
it impossible-take my son with you on your visit,
if you think it right. It is of some importance to
him to seem to have wished to do something to
please. I have no interest in it beyond what you
know, which I regard as important. You call upon me to resume my old way
of life: well, it had long been my practice to
bewail the republic, and that I was still doing,
though somewhat less violently, for I had
something capable of giving me ease. Now I
positively pursue the old way of life and old
employments; nor do I think that in that matter I
ought to care for the opinion of others. My own
feeling is more in my eyes than the talk of them
all. As to finding consolation for myself in
literature, I am content with my amount of
success. I have lessened the outward signs of
mourning: my sorrow I neither could, nor would
have wished to lessen if I could. About Triarius you rightly interpret
my wishes. But take no step unless the family are
willing. I love him though he is no more, I am
guardian to his children, I am attached to the
whole household. As to the business of
Castricius,—if Castricius will accept a
sum for the slaves, and that at the present value
of money, certainly nothing could be more
advantageous. But if it has come to the point of
his taking the slaves themselves away, I don't
think it is fair, as you ask me to
tell you what I really think: for I don't want my
brother Quintus to have any trouble, and in that I
think I have gathered that you agree with me. If
Publilius is waiting for the aequinox—as
you say that Aledius tells you—I think
he must be on the point of sailing. He told me,
however, that he was going by way of Sicily. 1 Which of the two it is, and when, I should
like to know. And I should like you some time or
other, when convenient to yourself, to see young
Lentulus, 2 and
assign to his service such of the slaves as you
may think right. Love to Pilia and Attica.
ASTURA (24 MARCH)
