DXXXV (F IV, 10)
TO M. CLAUDIUS MARCELLUS (AT MITYLENE)
Rome (January)
Though I have nothing fresh to say to you, and am now
beginning more to expect a letter from you, or rather to see
you in person, yet, as Theophilus was starting, I could not
refrain from giving him some sort of letter. Do your best,
then, to come at the earliest opportunity: your coming,
believe me, will be welcomed not only by us, I mean by
your personal friends, but by absolutely everybody. I say
this because it occurs to me sometimes to be a little afraid
that you have a fancy for postponing your departure. Now,
had you had no other sense than that of eyesight, I should
have sympathized with you in your shrinking from the sight
of certain persons: but since what is heard is not much less
distressing than what is seen, while I suspected that your
early arrival much concerned the safety of your property,
and was of importance in every point of view, I thought I
ought to give you a hint on the subject. But as I have
shewn you my opinion, I will leave the rest to your own
wisdom. Still, pray let me know about when to expect you.
DXXXVI (F IX, 10)
TO P. CORNELIUS DOLABELLA (IN SPAIN)
Rome (January)
I did not venture to allow our friend Salvius to go without
a letter to you; yet, by Hercules, I have nothing to say except
that I love you dearly:[1] of which I feel certain that
- ↑ An astonishing remark to a man whom Cicero's daughter had just divorced for gross misconduct. But the letter is forced and cold.
