DCCCXV (F XII, 4)
TO C. CASSIUS LONGINUS (IN SYRIA)
ROME, 2 FEBRUARY
I could wish that you had invited me to the
banquet of the Ides of March: there would have
been nothing left over! As it is, your leavings
give me much trouble-yes, me more than anybody.
Though our consuls are splendid, our consulars are
utterly shameful. Though the senate is courageous,
it is the lowest in rank that are most so.
Nothing, indeed, can surpass the resolute bearing
of the people, and of all Italy with one accord.
Nothing, on the other hand, can well be more
scandalous and unprincipled than our emissaries
Philippus and Piso. For having been sent to
deliver to Antony certain definite orders, in
accordance with the vote of the senate, upon his
refusing to comply with one of them, they have
brought back to us some intolerable demands on his
part. 1 The result is
that my house is thronged, and that though I am
supporting a sound constitutional measure, I have
now become a popular hero. But what you are doing or intending to do, even
where you are, I do not know. Report will have it
that you are in Syria. But there is no
confirmation of it. About M. Brutus, as he is less
remote, news seems more trustworthy. Dolabella is
being soundly abused by the wits for being so
prompt in relieving you before you had been full
thirty days in Syria. 2 So
all are agreed that he ought not to be admitted into Syria. You and Brutus are both
highly commended because you are thought to have
collected an army beyond what was hoped. I would
have written at greater length, had I known the
facts and the real state of the case. As it is,
what I write is founded on common opinion and
rumour. I am anxiously longing for a letter from
you. Good-bye.
ROME, 2 FEBRUARY
