B.C. 45, Æt. 61 Gnæus has fled I don't know whither, nor do I care.[1] I know nothing more. Hirtius wrote from Narbo on the 18th of April. You mention Caninius's shipwreck as though the news was doubtful. Please write, therefore, if there is any more certain intelligence. You bid me dismiss my melancholy: you will have done much to remove it if you secure me a site for the shrine. Many thoughts occur to me in favour of an apotheosis; but I must certainly have a site. Therefore, go and call on Otho also.
DLXXX (A XII, 38, §§ 1, 2)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Astura (May)
I have no doubt that your being overwhelmed with business
accounts for your not sending me a letter. But what a
rascal not to wait for your convenience, when that was the
sole motive for my having sent him! By this time, unless
anything has happened to detain you, I suspect that you are
in your suburban villa. But I am here, writing from one
day's end to another without getting any relief, though I do
at any rate distract my thoughts. Asinius Pollio has written
to me about my infamous relation.[2] The younger Balbus
told me about him pretty plainly, Dolabella in dark hints,
and now Pollio has done so with the utmost openness. I
should have been much annoyed, if there had been room
in my heart for any new sorrow. Yet, could there be anything
more blackguardly? What a dangerous fellow!
Though in my eyes indeed— But I must restrain my indignation!
As there is nothing that is pressing, only write
to me if you have time.
- ↑ Gnæus Pompeius was no favourite of Cicero's. He had threatened, indeed, to kill him, when he wished to quit the fleet after the battle of Pharsalia. He was killed by Didius (11 April) when landing to get water on his flight from Carteia after the battle of Thapsus.
- ↑ His nephew, still calumniating him in Cæsar's camp.
