Page:Loeb Classical Library L205N (1958).djvu/153

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Epistulae ad Familiares, II. viii.-ix.

repeated in writing. Of this much you may be sure, that Pompey is an excellent citizen and ready in heart and head to take any precautionary measure necessitated by the political situation.

To him then give thyself; right heartily He'll welcome thee, believe me[1]

For the same persons are either good or bad citizens in his eyes, who as a rule seem good or bad in ours. 3 Having been just ten days at Athens, and having had plenty of our friend Caninius Gallus's[2] society, I am leaving the city on July 6, the day on which I send you per carrier this scrap of a letter. While I desire that all my affairs should have your most earnest attention, there is nothing I desire more than that there should be no extension of my term of office in the province. Everything that concerns me depends on that. When, how, and through whom that must be managed, you will be best able to decide.

IX

M. Cicero, proconsul, to the same as curule aedile elect

Near Taurus, 51 B.C.

1 In the first place, I congratulate you, as in duty bound, and rejoice not only in your present, but in your anticipated, promotion. I am rather late in the day, not through any negligence on my part; but because I know nothing at all of what is going on. For I am here in a district where news penetrates very slowly; it is so far away, and there are brigands

  1. ↑ Taking this as a quotation, and it sounds like one. Otherwise simply "put yourself in his hands; take my word for it, he will give you a hearty welcome."
  2. ↑ See i.2.4 and 4.1.
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