Letters to Atticus/4.7

by Marcus Tullius Cicero

To Atticus at Rome

Arpinum, April-May 56 BC

Nothing could be better timed than your letter, which much relieved the anxiety I was feeling about that excellent boy, our Quintus. Two hours earlier Chaerippus had arrived: his news was simply awful. As to what you say about Apollonius, why, heaven confound him! a Greek and turn bankrupt! Thinks he may do what Roman knights do! For, of course, Terentius is within his rights! As to Metellus—de mortuis, etc.^[1]—yet there has been no citizen die these many years past who----. Well, I am willing to warrant your getting the money: for what have you to fear, whomsoever he made his heir, unless it were Publius? But he has, in fact, made a respectable man his heir, though he was himself----! Wherefore in this business you will not have to open your money-chest: another time you will be more cautious. Please see to my instructions about my house: hire some guards: give Milo a hint.^[2] The Arpinates grumble amazingly about Laterium.^[3] Well, what can I say? I was much annoyed myself, but "to words of mine he gave no heed."^[4] For the rest, take care of young Cicero and love him as always.

Footnotes

1. ouch hosiê phthimenoisin, leaving Atticus, as often, to fill in the words ep' andrasin euchetaasthai (Hom. Od. 22.412, where the word is ktamenoisin. Terentius is some eques who has stopped payment.
2. Because Clodius was attempting to pull down Cicero's new-built house on the ground that the site was still consecrated. He was prevented by Milo (Dio, 39.20).
3. Something that Quintus had done, perhaps about water, on his estate which annoyed his fellow townsmen.
4. ho d' ouk empazeto muthôn (Hom. Od. 1.271).