going to return (he is said to be still engaged in war) the business will be all settled before his return.
You say that a certain feeling of exultation on the part of the loyalists was roused on hearing of the receipt of this letter: you of course omit nothing in which you think that there is any consolation; but I cannot be induced to believe that any loyalist could think that any salvation has been of such value in my eyes, as to make me ask it of Cæsar—much less should I be likely to do so now that I have not a single partner even in this policy.[1] Those in Asia are waiting to see how things turn out. Those in Achaia also keep dangling before Fufius the hope that they will petition for pardon. These men had at first the same reason for fear as I had, and the same policy. The check at Alexandria has improved their position, it has ruined mine.[2] Wherefore I now make the same request to you as in my previous letter, that, if you can see in the midst of this desperate state of things what you think I ought to do, you would tell me of it. Supposing me to be received back by this party,[3] which you see is not the case, yet, as long as
- [Footnote: Calvinus by Pharnaces in Asia; (2) the failure of Aulus Gabinius in Illyricum
(App. Illyr. §12); (3) the insurrection in Bætica which had forced Q. Cassius to quit the province (he was drowned on the voyage home); (4) the difficulties Cæsar himself had met with at Alexandria; (5) the troubles in the city caused by the contest between the tribunes Trebellius and Dolabella; (6) the mutinous conduct of the legions in Italy. What Cicero did not know was the completeness with which Cæsar had overcome his difficulties in Egypt; nor could he foresee the rapidity with which he was to put down the war in Asia, for which he was on the point of starting. The troubles in Italy and Rome disappeared at once on his arrival, and in the next year (B.C. 46) the victory of Thapsus finally crushed the hopes of the Pompeians in Africa. The trouble in Bætica hung on for another year, and indeed lasted long after his death.]*
- ↑ Decimus Lælius appears to have returned in some way to his old Pompeian friends.
- ↑ Because neither those in Asia nor those in Achaia had as yet taken the final step of reconciling themselves to Cæsar, and yet would be able to do so, if necessary, as not having crossed to the Pompeians in Africa; whereas Cicero, by coming to Italy, had definitely separated himself from the Pompeians, and, if Cæsar failed, would suffer their vengeance. The others were safe in either event; he in neither, as he could not trust Cæsar, and yet was lost if Cæsar failed.
- ↑ All the commentators explain this to mean the Cæsarians, but I think it more likely that Cicero means the Pompeians, who just now are in high hopes. "Even suppose they would admit me as one of them-*
