CCCXLIX (A VIII, 15)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
FORMIAE, 3 MARCH
On the 3rd of March Aegypta 1 delivered me your
letters, one, an old one, dated 26th of February,
which you say that you intrusted to Pinarius, whom
I have not seen. In this you say that you are
waiting to learn how Vibullius, who
had been sent in advance, is getting on, who did
not obtain an interview with Caesar at all (I
observe in your second letter that you are aware
of this), and how I mean to receive Caesar when he
returns. I design to avoid meeting him at all. You
mention also your intended retreat from Rome 2 and
the change in your way of life, in the necessity
of which I agree, and you say that you don't know
whether Domitius retains his fasces. When you
know, please inform me. So
much for your first letter. There followed two,
both dated the 28th of February, which completely
dislodged me from my old resolve, 3 which, however, I
told you was beginning to totter. I am not shaken
by your expression, "incensed with Jove himself,"
4 for there is danger
in the angry passions of both; and though victory,
of course, is uncertain, yet now the worse side
seems to me to be the better prepared. Nor am I
influenced by the consuls, who are themselves more
easily moved than feather or leaf. Consideration
of duty tortures me, and has all this while been
torturing me, with indecision. To remain is
certainly the more cautious policy, to cross the
sea is considered the more honourable. Sometimes I
prefer that many should think that I have acted
incautiously, rather than a few think that I had
acted dishonourably. You ask me about Lepidus and
Tullus; they, indeed, have made up their minds to
meet Caesar at Rome, and to come into the senate.
Your most recent letter is
dated on the 1st of March, in which you express a
wish that there might be a meeting between them,
and say that you do not despair of peace. But at
the moment of writing I am of opinion that they
will not meet, and that, if they do, Pompey will
not yield to any offer of terms. You appear to
have no doubt, if the consuls cross, what I ought
to do. They are certainly going to cross, or
rather, as a matter of fact, have already crossed.
But remember that, with the exception of Appius,
there is hardly one who has not a
legal right to cross. For they either have
imperium, as Pompey, Scipio, Sufenas, Fannius,
Voconius, Sestius, the consuls
themselves—who have by immemorial custom
the right to visit all provinces or they are their
legates. But I decide on nothing. As to what your
opinion is, and pretty well what is the right
course, I am clear. I would have written at
greater length, if I had been able to do so with
my own hand. But I think I shall be able to do so
in a couple of days. I am sending you a copy of
Cornelius Balbus's letter received on the same day
as yours, that you may sympathize with me, when
you see me treated with such mockery.
FORMIAE, 3 MARCH
