CCII (A V, 13)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
EPHESUS (AFTER 22 JULY)
WE arrived at Ephesus on the 22nd of July, on
the 620th day after the battle of Bovillae. 1
I accomplished the voyage without alarm and
without sea-sickness, but somewhat slowly, owing
to the crankiness of the Rhodian open ships. About
the throng of legations and private suitors, and
about the extraordinary crowd of people that met
me even at Samos, but to a surprising extent at
Ephesus, I presume that you have
heard, or—" well, what is all that to
me? " 2
The fact is, however, that the tithe-collectors,
as though I had come with imperium, the Greeks, as though I were
governor in Ephesus, 3 presented themselves to me
with eagerness. This will, I am sure, convince you
that the professions I have been making these many
years past are now being put to the test. But I
shall, I hope, stick to the principles which I
learnt from you, and give full satisfaction to
everyone, and with the less difficulty that the
contracts in my province have been settled. 4
I did not neglect your
little affairs at Ephesus, and although Thermus
5 before my
arrival had been most courteous in his promises to
all your agents, yet I introduced Philogenes and
Seius to him, and recommended Xeno of Apollonis.
In a word, he undertook to do everything. I
besides submitted to Philogenes an account of the
note of exchange, which I had negotiated with you.
So enough of that. I return to affairs in the
city. In the name of fortune, since you are
remaining at Rome, I beg of you, use every means
of supporting and fortifying the position that I
am not to be left in office more than a year,
without even an intercalation. Next fulfil all my
commissions, and especially in regard to that
domestic matter get rid of the difficulty with
which you are acquainted. 6 Next to that
do so in the matter of Caesar: it was on your
advice that I set my heart on him, and I do not
repent. And, as you well understand how it is my
nature to know and care for what is going on in
public affairs—going on, do I say? nay,
rather what is going to
happen—write me everything at full
length, and that with the utmost precision, and
especially whether there is any breakdown in the
trials that have either taken place or are about
to do so. As to the water, if you are looking
after it, and if Philippus is taking any steps,
please attend to what is done.
EPHESUS (AFTER 22 JULY)
