had begun, threw aside what I had in hand, and "hewed out a model of thy design."[1] I wish you would ascertain from Pollex the state of my accounts. It is not becoming that my son should be straitened in this his first year at Athens. Afterwards we will be more particular in keeping down his expenses. Pollex also must be sent back to Puteoli, in order that Vestorius may accept the inheritance.[2] It is clear that I must not go there, both for the reasons mentioned in your letter and because Cæsar is near at hand. Dolabella writes to say that he is coming to see me on the 14th. What a tiresome instructor![3]
DCLXII (F VII, 24)
TO M. FADIUS GALLUS (AT ROME)
Tusculum (August)
I find the traces of your affection whichever way I turn:
for instance, quite recently in the matter of Tigellius.[4] I
perceived from your letter that you had taken a great deal
of trouble. I therefore thank you for your kind intention.
But I must say a few words on the subject. Cipius I think
it was who said, "I am not asleep to everybody."[5] Thus I
too, my dear Gallus, am not a slave to everybody. Yet
- ↑ Atticus appears to have urged Cicero to write something of the nature of the letter before condemned to present to Cæsar. Cicero says that he at once laid aside the philosophical treatise on which he was engaged (de Natura Deorum), and drew up a first sketch of such a document. The words are from some unknown poet.
- ↑ Pollex had come from Puteoli, but had not brought full information (p. 327). He is to be sent back to convey Cicero's formal authorization to Vestorius.
- ↑ He expects Dolabella to instruct him how to behave to Cæsar, as he had before instructed him in the art of dining.
- ↑ The Sardinian singer whose affectations are described by Horace, Sat. i. 2, 3, sq.
- ↑ Cipius was a complaisant husband who feigned sleep for the benefit of his wife and her lover, but woke when a slave began stealing the silver.
