DLXXXV (A XII, 42.1-3)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME OR A SUBURBAN
VILLA)
ASTURA (10 MAY)
I never desired you to have a regular day for
writing: for I understood the state of things you
mention, 1 and yet I suspected or rather was
quite aware that there was nothing for you to tell
me. On the 10th of the month, indeed, I think you
must be out of town and quite see that you have no
news to give. However, I shall continue sending
you a letter nearly every day. For I prefer
writing for nothing to your not having a carrier
at hand to whom to give a letter, if anything does
turn up which you think I ought to know.
Accordingly, I have received on the 10th your
letter with its dearth of news. For what was there
for you to send? To me however that was not
unpleasing, whatever it contained, even if I
learnt nothing else but that you had nothing to
tell me. Yet, after all, you did say
something-about Clodia. Where then is she, and
when does she arrive? I like her property so much,
that I put it next to Otho's above all others. But
I don't think that she will sell, for she likes it
and is rich: and as for that other, you are quite
aware of the difficulty. But pray let us exert
ourselves to hit upon some way of obtaining what I
desire. I think of leaving this
place on the 16th: but it will be either to
Tusculum or my town house, and thence perhaps to
Arpinum. when I know for certain I will write you
word.
ASTURA (10 MAY)
