says that he saw young Quintus at Samos, and his father at Sicyon. They will easily obtain their pardons. I only hope that, as they will have seen Cæsar first, they may choose to aid me with him as much as I should have wished to aid them, if I had had the power! You ask me not to be annoyed if there are any expressions in your letter likely to give me pain. Annoyed! Nay, I implore you to write everything to me with complete candour, as you do, and to do so as often as possible. Good-bye.
15 December.
CCCCXIX (F XIV, 17)
TO TERENTIA (AT ROME)
Brundisium (25 December)
If you are well, I am glad. I am well. If I had had anything
to write to you about, I would have done so at greater
length and more frequently. As it is, you see the state of
my affairs. What the state of my feelings is you will be
able to learn from Lepta and Trebatius. Be sure you take
care of your own and Tullia's health. Good-bye.
CCCCXX (A XI, 8)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Brundisium, 25 December
Though you of course see for yourself with what heavy
anxieties I am consumed, yet you will be enlightened on that
point by Lepta and Trebatius. I am being severely punished
for my rashness, which you wish me to consider prudence;
and I do not wish to prevent your maintaining that view
