DLV (A XII, 12)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
ASTURA (16 MARCH)
As to the dowry, make a clean sweep of the
business all the more. To transfer the debt to
Balbus is a rather high and mighty proceeding.
1
Settle it on any terms. It is discreditable that
the matter should hang fire from these
difficulties. The "island" at Arpinum might suit a
real "dedication," but I fear its out-of-the-way
position would diminish the honour of the
departed. My mind is therefore set on suburban
pleasure-grounds: but I will wait to inspect them
when I Come to town. As to Epicurus, 2 it shall be as you
please: though I intend to introduce a change in
future into this sort of impersonation. You would
hardly believe how keen certain men are for this
honour. I shall therefore fall back on the
ancients: that can create no jealousy. I have
nothing to say to you; but in spite of that, I
have resolved to write every day, to get a letter
out of you. Not that I expect anything definite
from your letters, but yet somehow or another I do
expect it. Wherefore, whether you have anything or
nothing to say, yet write something
and—take care of yourself.
ASTURA (16 MARCH)
