CCXVII (A V, 18)
TO ATTICUS (IN EPIRUS)
CYBISTRA, SEPTEMBER
How I wish you were in Rome, if by chance you
are not there! For I have nothing to go upon
except having received a letter from you dated
19th July, in which you said that, you intend
going to Epirus about the 1st of August. But
whether you are in Rome or Epirus, the Parthians
have crossed the Euphrates under Pacorus, son of
the Parthian king Orodes, with nearly all his
forces. I have not yet heard of the arrival of
Bibulus in Syria. Cassius is in the town of
Antioch with the whole army: 1 I
am in Cappadocia, close to the
Taurus, with my army near Cybistra: the enemy is
in Cyrrhestica, which is the part of Syria next to
my province. On these subjects I have sent a
despatch to the senate. This despatch please look
at, if you are in Rome, and consider whether you
think it ought to be delivered ; and so with many
other things, or rather with all, chief of which
is that there be no "slip betwixt the cup and the
lip" 2 —as the saying
is—to add additional burden upon me, or
an extension of my time. For, considering the
weakness of my army, and the short supply of
allies, especially faithful ones, my most
trustworthy support is winter. If that has once
come, and they have not first crossed into my
province, the only thing I fear is that the senate
will not allow Pompey to leave Rome, owing to the
alarming state of affairs in the city. But if it
sends some one else next spring, I do not trouble
myself, always providing that my term of office is
not prolonged. 3 So much for you if you are
at Rome. But if you are out of town, or even if
you are not, the state of affairs here is this: we
are in good spirits ; and since, as it seems, our
plans are well laid, we cherish the hope that we
are strong enough also to carry them out. We have
pitched our camp in a safe spot, well supplied in
the matter of corn, almost commanding a view of
Cilicia, convenient for shifting quarters, and
with an army which, although small, is yet, I
hope, entirely loyal to me ; and we are about to
double its numbers by the arrival of Deiotarus in
full force. I have found the allies much more
loyal than anyone has ever done: and they can
scarcely believe their eyes when they see the
mildness of my administration and the
purity of my conduct. A levy of Roman citizens is
being held ; corn is being carted from the country
to places of safety. If, then, occasion arises, we
shall defend ourselves by force ; if not, by the
strength of our position. Wherefore do not be
alarmed. For I have you before my eyes, and I
perceive, as though you were present, your
affectionate solicitude for me. Now I beg you, if it is in any way
possible, supposing my affair to remain undecided
up to the 1st of January, to be in Rome in
January. I am quite certain of receiving no unfair
treatment if you are on the spot. The consuls are
my friends, the tribune Furnius is wholly devoted
to me. Still there is need of your persistence,
good sense, and popularity. It is a momentous
crisis. But it is not decent for me to press you
at greater length. Our two
Ciceros are staying with Deiotarus, but, if it
shall be necessary, they will be transferred to
Rhodes. 4 Do you, if in Rome, with your
accustomed punctuality, and anyhow, even if you
are in Epirus, send one of your servants with
letters, that both you may know what I am doing,
and I what you are doing or about to do. I am
doing your friend Brutus's business for him better
than he would have done it himself. But I now
produce my ward, and do not attempt to defend him.
For they are a dilatory lot, and there is nothing
to be got out of them. However, I will satisfy
you, which is more difficult than satisfying
Brutus himself. But in truth, I will satisfy you
both. 5
CYBISTRA, SEPTEMBER
