I am quite convinced—and the more so because I perceive that you think the same—that I am regarded with warm affection by Oppius and Balbus. Inform them how strongly and for what reason I wish to have suburban pleasure-grounds, and that it is only possible if the business of Faberius[1] is settled; and ask them therefore whether they will promise the future payment. Even if I must sustain some loss in taking ready money, induce them to go as far as they can in the matter—for payment in full is hopeless. You will discover, in fact, whether they are at all disposed to assist my design. If they are so, it is a great help; if not, let us push on in any way we can. Look upon it—as you say in your letter—as a solace for my old age, or as a provision for my grave. The property at Ostia is not to be thought of. If we can't get this one—and I don't think Lamia will sell—we must try that of Damasippus.
DLXV (A XII, 33)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Astura (26 March)
As I wrote to you yesterday, if Silius is the sort of man you
think and Drusus will not be obliging, I would have you
approach Damasippus. He, I think, has broken up his
property on the Tiber into lots of I don't know how many
acres apiece, with a fixed price for each, the amount of
which is not known to me. Write and tell me therefore
whatever you have settled upon. I am very much troubled
about our dear Attica's ill-health: it almost makes me fear that
some indiscretion has been committed. Yet the good character
of her tutor,[2] the constant attention of her doctor, and
- ↑ Cæsar's secretary—now in Spain—owed Cicero money.
- ↑ This man's name was Q. Cæcilius Epirota, a freedman of Atticus (taking his patron's adoptive name, see vol. i., p. 168). The scandal seems to have got abroad, see Suet. Gramm. 16. That Cicero should suggest such a thing to Atticus shews the extraordinary intimacy between them.
