DCCCIII (F XVI, 24)
TO TIRO (AT ROME)
ARPINUM (NOVEMBER)
Though I sent Harpalus this morning, yet since
I had a man to whom I could safely intrust a
letter, in spite of there being nothing new to
say, I determined to write repeatedly to you on
the same subjects: not because I did not feel
confidence in your assiduity, but because the
gravity of the business leaves me no rest. The top
and tail (or, as the Greek proverb has it, the
prow and stern) of my motive in sending you from
my side was that you might put my financial
affairs straight. Let Ofilius and Aurelius in any
case be paid. If you can't get the whole sum out
of Flamma, 1 get a part of it: above all, see that the
installment 2 (from Dolabella) is duly paid on the 1st
of January. Settle about the assignment of debts:
see to the ready-money payments. So much for my
private concerns. On public affairs send me all
trustworthy intelligence: what Octavian, what
Antony is doing; what the general opinion is; what
you think is going to happen. I can scarcely pre
vent myself hurrying to Rome. But,
hush! I am waiting anxiously for a letter from
you. Yes, Balbus was at Arpinum on the day you
were told, and the next day came Hirtius. Both I
think were bound for the waters. But it is all one
to me! Take care that Dolabella's agents are
reminded. Dun Papia also. Good-bye.
ARPINUM (NOVEMBER)
