Letter · 9 July 47 BC · Brindisi

Ad Familiares 14.10

Ad Familiares 14.10

Headnote

Cicero to his wife Terentia, written from Brundisium on the seventh day before the Ides of Quintilis 47 BC — 9 July (the manuscript dateline: Scr.\ Brundisi vii Id.\ Quint.\ a.\ 707 (47)). Three weeks have passed since Fam.\ 14.15 and Caesar still has not arrived. The substance of what Cicero wants done has been sent to Atticus rather than to Terentia, who is to learn it from him.

One section, almost wholly indirection. Cicero has written to Pomponius — Atticus — with instructions, later than he should have; Terentia is to go to Atticus, hear the plan from his mouth, and act on it. He will not put it on the page openly, because the page goes through hands he does not control. What he does ask of Terentia in plain words is letters, as fast as she can send them, on this matter and the rest; and the usual closing care for her health.

What I wanted done I wrote to Pomponius — later than I should have. When you have spoken with him you will understand what I want done; to write of it more openly was not necessary, since I had already written to him. About this matter and the rest, I should like you to send us letters as soon as possible. Take careful care of your health. Farewell. The seventh day before the Ides of Quintilis.
quid fieri placeret scripsi ad Pomponium serius quam oportuit. Cum eo si locuta eris, intelleges quid fieri velim; apertius scribi, quoniam ad illum scripseram, necesse non fuit. de ea re et de ceteris rebus quam primum velim nobis litteras mittas. valetudinem tuam cura diligenter. vale. vii Idus Quintilis.

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Ad Familiares 14.10

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