Marcus Tullius Cicero→Titus Pomponius Atticus|c. 45 BC|Cicero|From Rome|To Rome/Athens|AI-assisted
Sestius was with me, and Theopompus the day before. He reported that a letter had come from Caesar; that Caesar writes he is resolved to remain at Rome, and adds as his reason the very one that was in my letter, namely that in his absence his own laws should not be flouted, just as the sumptuary law has been flouted (this is eulogon [reasonable], and I had suspected as much; but one must humor those people, unless you think we ought to press this very proposal ourselves); and that Lentulus has certainly divorced Metella. All of this you know better than I. So write back whatever you like, only write something. For by now I cannot imagine what you would have to write back to me, unless perhaps about the weasel, or if you have seen Silius.
You had only just left yesterday, when Trebatius came, and then Curtius shortly afterwards. The latter only came to pay a call, but he stayed at my invitation. Trebatius is with me too, and this morning came Dolabella. We had a long talk till late in the day. I cannot exaggerate his cordiality and friendliness. However, we touched on young Quintus. Much of what he told me was unmentionable, unspeakable; but there was one thing so bad that, if the whole army did not know of it, I should not dare to dictate it to Tiro or even to write it down myself. But enough of this.
Torquatus came to me opportunely, while Dolabella was with me, and Dolabella very kindly repeated to him what I had just been saying. For I had just been pleading his cause very earnestly; and my earnestness seemed to please Torquatus greatly. I am waiting to know if you have any news about Brutus. However, Nicias thought that the matter was settled, but that the divorce was not approved. For that reason I am all the more eager about the thing, as you are too. For, if any offence has been given, this can remedy it.
I must go to Arpinum. For my little place there needs putting in order and I am afraid I may not
have much chance of leaving Rome, when Caesar comes. About his coming Dolabella holds the same idea which you had inferred from Messalla's letter. When I get there and know how much there is to be done, then I will write and let you know, when I shall return.
Sestius apud me fuit et Theopompus pridie. venisse a Caesare narrabat litteras; hoc scribere, sibi certum esse Romae manere causamque eam ascribere quae erat in epistula nostra, ne se absente leges suae neglegerentur sicut esset neglecta sumptuaria (est eu)/logon idque eram suspicatus sed istis mos gerendus est, nisi placet hanc ipsam sententiam nos persequi), et Lentulum cum Metella certe fecisse divortium. haec omnia tu melius. rescribes igitur quicquid voles, dum modo aliquid. iam enim non reperio quid te rescripturum putem, nisi forte de mustela aut si Silium videris
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Sestius was with me, and Theopompus the day before. He reported that a letter had come from Caesar; that Caesar writes he is resolved to remain at Rome, and adds as his reason the very one that was in my letter, namely that in his absence his own laws should not be flouted, just as the sumptuary law has been flouted (this is eulogon [reasonable], and I had suspected as much; but one must humor those people, unless you think we ought to press this very proposal ourselves); and that Lentulus has certainly divorced Metella. All of this you know better than I. So write back whatever you like, only write something. For by now I cannot imagine what you would have to write back to me, unless perhaps about the weasel, or if you have seen Silius.
AI-assisted translation - This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.
Latin / Greek Original
Sestius apud me fuit et Theopompus pridie. venisse a Caesare narrabat litteras; hoc scribere, sibi certum esse Romae manere causamque eam ascribere quae erat in epistula nostra, ne se absente leges suae neglegerentur sicut esset neglecta sumptuaria (est eu)/logon idque eram suspicatus sed istis mos gerendus est, nisi placet hanc ipsam sententiam nos persequi), et Lentulum cum Metella certe fecisse divortium. haec omnia tu melius. rescribes igitur quicquid voles, dum modo aliquid. iam enim non reperio quid te rescripturum putem, nisi forte de mustela aut si Silium videris