DCCXCII (A XV, 13 a)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
PUTEOLI, 26 OCTOBER
Dolabella is a fine fellow! Although, as I am
writing this with the dessert on the table, I am
told that he had arrived at Baiae, he nevertheless
wrote to me from Formiae—a letter which
reached me just as I had left the bath-saying that
he had done his best about assigning debtors to
me. He lays the blame on Vettienus. Of course he
is up to some dodge, like a true business man. But
he says that our friend Sestius has undertaken the
whole affair. He indeed is an excellent man and
very much attached to us. Still, I am at a loss to
know what in the world Sestius can do in a
business like this which any one of us could not
do. But if anything unexpected happens, please let
me know. If; on the other hand, the business, as I
think, is hopeless, write all the same. It won't
disturb me at all. I am here
philosophizing—what else could I do? I
am composing a brilliant essay "On
Duties": and addressing it to my son. For on what
subject should a father address a son in
preference? After that I shall begin other
subjects. In short, this tour shall have something
to shew for itself. People expect Varro today or
tomorrow. I, however, am hurrying off to Pompeii,
not because anything can be more beautiful than
this place, but interrupters are less troublesome
there. But do tell me
distinctly what was the charge against Myrtilus,
1 for I hear that he has been executed. Is
it discovered who suborned him? As I am writing
these words I imagine that the speech 2
is being delivered to you. Dear, dear! how nervous
I am as to what you think of it! And yet, what
does it matter to me? For it is not likely to get
abroad unless the constitution has been restored.
And as to that I do not venture to say what I hope
in a letter.
PUTEOLI, 26 OCTOBER
