DCCV (A XIV, 6)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
FUNDI, 12 APRIL
On the 12th I received your letter at Fundi
while at dinner. First—you are better:
second—you give better news. For that
was a disquieting report about the legions coming.
As for Octavius, it is of no
consequence. I want to hear about Marius : 1 I thought he had been got rid
of by Caesar. Antony's conversation with our
"heroes" is not unsatisfactory in the
circumstances. But after all the only thing so far
that gives me any pleasure is the Ides of March.
For as I am at Fundi with my friend Ligur, I am
vexed to the heart that the estate of a Sextilius
is in the hands of a rascally Curtilius. 2 And in mentioning that
instance I include a whole class of similar cases.
For what can be more contemptible than that we
should maintain the measures which caused us to
detest him? Are we also to have the consuls and
tribunes which he chooses for the next two years?
I see no possibility of my taking part in the
administration of affairs. For could there be a
more flagrant solecism than that the tyrannicides
should be exalted to the skies, the tyrant's
administrative acts defended? But you see what
sort of consuls and other magistrates we
have—if they are to be called
magistrates! You see the indifference of the
loyalists. In the municipal towns they are jumping
for joy. In fact I can't describe to you how
rejoiced they are, how they flock to see me, how
eager they are to hear me speak on the state of
the Republic. Meanwhile, however, we can get no
decrees out of the senate. The result of our
policy is that we stand in awe of the conquered
party. I write this to you after the dessert has
been put on the table. More another time, and more
exclusively political. Mind you let me know how
you are and what is going on.
FUNDI, 12 APRIL
