DCXLVIII (A XII, 10)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Astura (28 July)
Good heavens, how sad about Athamas! As for your sorrow,
it shews a kind heart, but it must be firmly kept within bounds.
There are many ways to arrive at consolation, but the straightest
is this: let reason secure what time is certain to secure.
Let us however take care of Alexis, the living image of
Tiro—whom I have sent back to Rome ill; and if "the
hill"[1] is infected with some epidemic let us transfer him to
my house along with Tisamenus. The whole upper story of
my house is vacant, as you know. I think this is very much
to the purpose.
DCXLIX (A XIII, 21, §§ 1-3)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Astura, 28 July
I have despatched a very bulky letter to Hirtius which I
recently wrote at Tusculum. That which you have sent
me I will answer another time. For the present I prefer
other subjects. What can I do about Torquatus[2] unless I
hear something from Dolabella? As soon as I do you shall
know at once. I expect letter-carriers from him to-day, or
at latest to-morrow. As soon as they arrive they shall be
- ↑ The house of Atticus was on the Collis Quirinalis, that of Cicero on the Mons Palatinus. So Cicero talks of "the hill" in referring to Atticus's house, as people living, e.g., in Grosvenor Place speak of those living "in the Square," i.e., in Grosvenor Square.
- ↑ That is, about effecting his recall. See p. 235.
