B.C. 45, ÆT. 61 honourable funeral. I could not induce the Athenians to grant him a place of burial within the city,[1] as they alleged that they were prevented by religious scruples from doing so; and it is a fact that they had never granted that privilege to anyone. But they allowed us, which was the next best thing, to bury him in any gymnasium we chose.[2] We chose a place in the most famous gymnasium in the world—that of the Academy—and there we burnt the body, and afterwards saw to these same Athenians giving out a contract for the construction of a marble monument over him. So I think I have done all for him alive and dead required by our colleagueship and close connexion. Good bye.
31 May, Athens.
DCXIII (A XIII, 4)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Tusculum, 1 June
I have received the result of your kind labours as to the
ten legates. I agree with you about Tuditanus; it was his
son that was quæstor the year after the consulship of
Mummius.[3]
Well, since you repeatedly ask me whether I am satisfied about the debtors, I also repeatedly tell you in answer that I am satisfied.[4] If you can come to any settlement with Piso, do so. For I think Avius will fulfil his obligations. I wish you could come before Brutus; but if you can't, at least stay with me when he comes to Tusculum. It is of
- ↑ Athens was a libera civitas, and had complete management of internal affairs. The Athenians had been rather Pompeian in sympathy, and were perhaps afraid to shew special favour now to a prominent member of the beaten party.
- ↑ That is, in the grounds about a gymnasium.
- ↑ B.C. 145. See ante, p. 269.
- ↑ See p. 270.
