DXCI (A XII, 46 AND 47, § 1)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Astura, 15 May
I shall conquer my feelings, I think, and go from Lanuvium
to Tusculum. For either I must for ever give up the use of
that property—for the sorrow will remain unchanged, only
somewhat less evident—or I must regard it as immaterial
whether I go now or ten years hence[1]. For it will not remind
me a whit more vividly than the thoughts by which I
am racked day and night. What then, you will say, can
literature do nothing for you? In this particular I fear rather
the reverse. For perhaps I should have been less sensitive
without it. In a cultivated mind there is no coarse fibre, no
insensibility. Yes, do come as you suggest, but not if it is
inconvenient to you. One letter and its answer will be
enough. I will even come to see you if necessary. So that
shall be as you find it possible.
DXCII (A XII, 47, §§ 1, 2)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Lanuvium (16 May)
About Mustela[2] do as you say in your letter, though it is a
big business. All the more am I inclining to Clodia. However,
in either case we must find out about the money due from
Faberius[3]. On that subject it will do no harm if you talk to
Balbus, telling him indeed—what is the fact—that we neither
will nor can buy unless we recover that debt, and should not
venture upon it whilst any doubt remained on that point.
But when is Clodia to be at Rome, and at what do you value
