CCCCXCVIII (A XII, 7)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Tusculum (second intercalary month?)
I have already written all you want in a note and given it
to Eros, briefly, but even more than you ask. In it I have
spoken about my son, of whose idea you gave me the first
hint. I said to him in the most liberal manner what I
should like you, if it is convenient to you, to learn from his
own mouth. But why put it off? I explained to him that
you had reported to me his wishes and what means he
required: "He wished to go to Spain[1]: he wanted a liberal
allowance." As to a liberal allowance, I said that he should
have as much as Publius gave his son, and the flamen
Lentulus gave his. As to Spain, I put before him two
objections, first, the one I mentioned to you, the fear of
adverse criticism—"Was it not enough that we abandoned
the war? Must we even fight on the other side?" And
secondly, that he would certainly be annoyed at being surpassed
by his cousin in intimacy with Cæsar and every kind
of favour. I could wish that he would take advantage of
my liberality, rather than of his own freedom of action:
nevertheless, I gave the permission: for I had been given
to understand that you were not much against it. I will
think over the subject earnestly, and beg that you will do
the same. It is an important step: to stay at home involves
no complications, the other course is risky. But we will
see. About Balbus I had already written in the note, and
I think of doing as you suggest as soon as he returns. But
if he is somewhat slow in coming, I shall in any case be
three days at Rome: and, oh! I forgot to say, Dolabella
also will be with me.
- ↑ With Cæsar to fight against the sons of Pompey.
