DL (A XII, 18 a)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
ASTURA (13 MARCH)
HAVING learnt yesterday from the letters of
others of Antony's arrival, I was surprised to
find no mention of it in yours. But perhaps it was
written the day before it was sent. It does not
matter to me: yet my own idea is that he has
hurried back to save his securities. 1 You
say that Terentia speaks about the witnesses to my
will: in the first place, pray believe that I am
not paying attention to things of that sort, and
that I have no leisure for business which is
either unimportant or fresh. Yet, after all, where
is the analogy between us? She did not invite as
witnesses those whom she thought would ask
questions unless they knew the contents of her
will. Was that a danger applicable to me? Yet,
after all, let her do as I do. I will hand over my
will for anyone she may select to read: she will
find that nothing could have been in better taste
than what I have done about my grandson. As for my
not having invited certain witnesses: in the first
place, it did not occur to me; and, in the second
place, it did not occur to me because it was of no
consequence. You know, if you have not forgotten,
that I told you at the time to bring some of your
friends: what need of a great many was there ?
2 For my part, I had bidden members
of my household. At the time it was your opinion
that I ought to send word to Silius: hence it came
about that a message was sent to Publilius. 3 But neither was necessary. This matter you
will handle as you shall think right.
ASTURA (13 MARCH)