Volume 1 — LVI (A III, 2)
Evelyn S. (Evelyn Shirley) Shuckburgh translation
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Nares Lucanæ,[300] April
B.C. 58, ÆT. 48
The reason for having come this journey is that there was no place where I could be independent except on Sica's estate,[301] especially till the bill is emended,[302] and at the same time because I find that from this spot I can reach Brundisium, if you were only with me, but without you I cannot stay in those parts owing to Autronius.[303] At present, as I said in my previous letter, if you will come to me, we shall be able to form a plan for the whole business. I know the journey is troublesome, but the whole calamity is full of troubles. I cannot write more, I am so heart-broken and dejected. Take care of your health.
From Nares Lucanæ, 8 April.
Notes in this chapter
Note 1 · Nares Lucanæ (Monte Nero), near the River Silarus, and on the via Popilia (south-western branch of the Appia). Cicero has therefore come norNote 2 · A friend of Cicero's, of whose death at Brundisium we afterwards hear (Fam. xiv. 4, § 6).Note 3 · The bill originally named 500 miles as the distance from Italy. Before passing it had to be put up in public three weeks (trinundinæ), and mNote 4 · P. Autronius Pætus, one of Catiline's confederates, who would injure Cicero if he could. Cicero would not be able to reach Epirus without co