DCCXCIX (A XVI, 13 a)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
AQUINUM, 10 NOVEMBER
What a wonderful coincidence! On the 8th,
1 having got up before
daybreak to quit my lodge at Sinuessa, and having
just before dawn reached the Tiretian bridge at
Minturnae, where the road to Arpinum branches off,
there met me a letter-carrier, who found me
“On long, long voyage bent.” I at
once exclaimed, "Here! anything from Atticus?" I
wasn't able at first to read it: for I had sent
away the torches and there wasn't sufficient
daylight. As soon, however, as it grew
light-having already written a letter to
you—I began reading the earlier of your
two. It certainly is the most charming letter in
the world. May I perish if I do not write and
exactly what I think: I never read anything
kinder. So I will come when you call me, only provided that you support me. At first,
however, I thought nothing could be more at cross
purposes than that you should send me such an
answer to the letter in which I asked for your
advice. Then there is your second letter, in which
you advise me to go “By windy Mimas towards
the Psyrian isle, ”
2 that is,
leaving the Appian Way à gauche. Accordingly, I
stay this day at Aquinum. It was a somewhat weary
journey and a bad road. I despatch this letter
next day, as I am leaving Aquinum.
AQUINUM, 10 NOVEMBER
