DCCCXLII (F X, 9)
L. MUNATIUS PLANCUS TO CICERO (AT
ROME)
NEAR VIENNE IN GALLIA NARBONENSIS (27 APRIL)
I am glad that I made no rash promise to you,
and that you did not pledge yourself to anything
for me without good ground. At any
rate you have the stronger evidence of my
affection for you in the fact that I wished my
plans to be known to you sooner than to anyone
else. I hope you clearly perceive that additions
to my services are being made every day. I
undertake that you shall know it still better. As
far as I am concerned, my dear Cicero—as
surely as I hope that the state may be relieved
through me of the evils that threaten
it—though I regard with respect the
rewards and honours which you senators have it in
your power to bestow—worthy surely to be
compared with immortality—yet even
without them I am not likely to slacken at all in
my zeal and persistence. Unless in the crowd of
the most loyal citizens my enthusiasm has been
conspicuous and my exertion eminent, I do not
desire any accession to my honour by the votes of
your house. I covet no honour for
myself—it is against such covetousness
that I am myself fighting. I am quite content that
you should have the decision both of its amount
and of its season. A citizen can never think
honour paid him by his country either too late or
insufficient. I got my army across the Rhone on
the 26th of April by forced marches. I sent
forward a thousand cavalry from Vienne by a
shorter route. If I am not delayed by Lepidus, I
shall myself leave nothing to be desired in the
way of speed. If; however, he puts himself across
my line of march, I shall take such measures as
seem necessary. I am bringing a force thoroughly
satisfactory as to numbers, nature, and loyalty. I
beg you for your affection, as you know that it
will be only mutual.
NEAR VIENNE IN GALLIA NARBONENSIS (27 APRIL)
