Letter · November 46 BC · in Tusculano (m. intercalari)

Ad Atticum 12.8

Ad Atticum 12.8

Headnote

Cicero to Atticus, written from Tusculum during the intercalary month at the end of 46 BC (the manuscript dateline: Scr.\ in Tusculano m.\ interc.\ post a.\ 708 (46)). A single short section, continuing the conversation of 12.7 about young Marcus’s Spanish project. The first installment of his allowance is due and “the man is in a hurry,” so the practical question of timing presses. Cicero asks Atticus for a report from Celer on Caesar’s dealings with the candidates — and whether Caesar’s own mind is set on the fenicularium, the “Fennel-field” of southern Spain where he is preparing to fight Pompey’s sons, or on the Martium campum, the Campus Martius in Rome, where the consular elections would be held. The pun on the two campuses is the whole letter’s wit. A closing note: Cicero owes a visit to Pilia and Attica at Rome, and wants to know whether the elections require him there anyway.

About young Cicero — the plan strikes many people as good. His companion is a suitable one. But about the first installment let us look first. The day is upon us, and the man is in a hurry. Write me, please, what Celer reports Caesar to have done with the candidateswhether he himself has his thoughts on the Fennel-field of Spain or on the Campus Martius. And I should very much like to know whether it is in any way necessary that I be at Rome for the elections. For I must keep my word to Pilia, and certainly to Attica.

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Ad Atticum 12.8

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