CCCXXXVI (A VIII, 6)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
FORMIAE, 23 FEBRUARY
When I had already sealed the letter to you
which I intended to despatch over night, as I
did—for it was written in the evening-C.
Sosius, the praetor, came to Formiae on a visit to
my neighbour Manius Lepidus, whose quaestor he
once was. He brought me a copy of Pompey's letter
to the consuls. “I have received a despatch
from L. Domitius on the 17th of February. I append
a copy. Now, without my saying a word, I know you
understand of your own accord how important it is
to the Republic that all troops should be
concentrated in one place at the earliest possible
time. Pray, if you think it right, make an effort
to join me as early as possible, and leave a
garrison for Capua of such strength as you may
determine to be sufficient.”
Then he added a copy of
Domitius's letter, which I sent yesterday. Good
heavens! how I trembled with excitement! How
anxious I am as to what is going to happen. Yet I
do hope that Magnus will justify his name in the
terror he inspires when he arrives. I have even
some hope that, as carelessness and negligence
have been our only stumbling block at present,
operations will now be conducted with courage and
due attention. 1
One thing, by Hercules,
has given me pleasure. I have recently heard that
the quartan fever has left you. Upon my life, I
could not have been more glad if it had happened
to me. Tell Pilia that it is not fair for her to
have her fever any longer; it is a reflexion on
your perfect sympathy! I hear that Tiro has got
rid of his second attack. But I see that he has
raised money for his expenses from others; whereas I had asked Curius to supply him
with what was necessary. I prefer to think Tiro's
modesty in fault rather than the illiberality of
Curius.
FORMIAE, 23 FEBRUARY
