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| Cicero, Quintus and Atticus by Richard Wilson |
#1. Rome 68, November. Lucius died, Cicero is heart broken. Peducaeus helped with business deal. Cicero mentions Tusculum.
#2. Rome, 68. Father died November 23. Looking for objects for gymnasium. Loves Tusculum.
#3. Rome before February 13, 67. Asks about library for Tusculum.
#4. Rome, after February 13, 67. Purchased Megarian marble statues, loves the pentalic Herm, bronze heads. Looking for sculpture suitable for gymnasium and xystus.
#5. Rome,March/April 67. Waiting for Megarian statues and herms. Looking for things suitable for Academy (Is this the name for his villa at Tusculum?)
#6. Tusculum, May, 67. Looking forward to statues and Heracles Herms. Looking for things suitable for palaestra and gymnasium. He is sitting in the gymnasium while writing this letter. He is looking for typos (relief sculpture to be placed on a wall, carved well covers (puteolia).
#7. Rome, August 67. He is working hard to reconcile Lucceius to Atticus but unsuccessful. Cicero is running for office. He is excited about books and other items for Academy.
#8. Rome, end of 67. Awaits Atticus' return. Statues which Atticus bought for Cicero are at Caieta. Lucceius is still angry. Tullia is engaged to C. Piso Frugi.
#9. Rome, 1st half of 66. Cicero, praetor, handles C. Macer's case and conviction. Herm of Athena now in Academy, herms commonly found in such places. Looking forward to other pieces. These are at Formiae house. Soon will be moved to Tusculum and will decorate Caieta later. Hold the books until there is money to purchase.
#10. Rome, just before July 17, 65. His prospects for the consulship. Other candidates - Caesar a shoe in- a curator of the Via Flaminia. Cicero loves the Hermathena- it is the highlight of the gymnasium.
#11. Rome, after #10. 65. Marcus born. Cicero may defend Catiline. Cicero meets Atticus in Rome.
#12. Rome, January 1, 61. Problems with Antonius. Clodius caught at Bona Dea. At this point is a fun piece of gossip. Sositheus, Cicero's reader, died. Cicero very upset.
#13. Rome January 25, 61. Cicero received three letters from Atticus. The first was delivered by M. Cornelius who delived it to Cicero at Tres Tabernae. 2nd came from Canusium, 3rd by ship. Cicero has difficulty finding reliable post: qui epistulam paulo graviorem ferre possit nisi eam perlectione relevarit. Cicero named number 2 after Princeps of the Senate. Piso is petty, Messala tough. Clodius' affair. Caesar's divorce. Cicero suspects serious mischief. Pompey is jealous.
#14. Rome, Feburary 13, 61. Cicero is swamped. Pompey's speech poorly received. Fufius, a tribune, called Pompey to speak at contio, egged on by Piso, at the Flaminian Circus. Pompey in speech supports Senate. In the Senate Messala asked Pompey his position on Clodius' trial. He said that he supported Senate. Pompey was sitting next to Cicero. Then Crassus to steal limelight from Pompey stands up and praises Cicero. Cicero says Senate was resolute in the matter of Clodius. A bill was presented to people about it, opposed by friends of Clodius. Piso, consul, urged no vote. It was discovered that ballots with only nay were distributed. Then Cato takes platform and criticizes Piso. Hortensius, Favonius helped. Assembly dismissed. The Senate passes motion to support the bill. Clodius begs. Vote- 400 to 15. Clodius proceeds with crazy speeches.
#15. Rome, March 1, 61. Quintus receives Asia as province for governor. Cicero asks Atticus to be on his staff.
#16. Rome, early July, 61. Clodius' trial with all of its drama and Cicero's testimony. Hortenius' blunder. Crassus used money to bribe jurors. Pompey pushes L. Afranius for Consul. Cicero sees this as a big mistake. Atticus decides not be on Quintus' staff. Atticus wrote an epigram for Amalthea. Cicero would appreciate a description of the Amalthea, decorations, poems. Cicero would like to do the same at Arpinum.
#17. Rome, December 5, 61. Discussion of Quintus' anger with Atticus. Very philosophical. Atticus apparently felt compelled to explain his mode of life to Cicero. Cicero comforts Atticus and respects his choice. There is difficulty in maintaining harmony between Senate and Equites. Cicero has drawn closer to Pompey but realizes the dangers. Cicero mentions the coming election concerning Caesar and Bibulus.
#18. Rome, January 20, 60. Cicero misses Atticus as a confidant. Quintus is in Asia, Cicero is lonely, even though accompanied by throngs to the forum. He worries of family matters. His only consolation is Terrentia, Tullia and Marcus. Politics is a mess: Clodius' trial, Senate ineffective and scandel (Memmius initiated M. Lucullus' wife and wiped his boots on Agamemnon.) C. Herenius, tribune, propsed to make Cldoius a plebeian.
#19. Rome, March 15, 60. Cicero jokes that he is better at writing letters. Politics- there is the Gallic scare. Ambassadors are to be sent to prevent Gauls from joining Helvetians. Tribune Flavius pushing agrarian law for Pompey. Cicero got the parts removed which were bad for private interests. Tribune Herenius pushing bill to make Clodius pleb. Votoed each time. Pompey and Cicero are tight but Cicero is wary of the "honest men". Cicero is not able to help Atticus' affair. Cicero is sending his Greek version of his Consulship, soon a Latin version, then a poem. Quintus writes to Cicero that he never said anything bad about Atticus.
#20. Rome, May 12, 60. Cicero returns from Pompeii, May 12. Cicero mentions Atticus' kind and polite letter. Pompey is too eager for popularity but Cicero takes the high road. Cicero will stay true to his code. But he misses Catullus who just died. Cicero feels alone now. He is aware of jealous nobles. Metellus is an impressive Consul but Afranius is pathetic. L.Papirius Paetus offered Cicero books of Ser. Claudius. Cicero is excited.
#21. Antium, June 3 (?) 60. Cicero gives C. Cossinius his Greek version of his consulship for Atticus. Atticus wrote one too. Cicero sends some speeches as these are requested by the young, his "little speeches": Agrarian law, Otho, Catilinarian etc. Clodius still pushing to be a pleb. Metellus stops. Clodius and Cicero battle in the Senate, but Clodius keeps pushing to be a pleb. Banter and barbs are exchanged. Cicero hopes to steer Pompey for good constitutional purposes. Cicero hopes to bind Caesar to benefit the state. Cicero's criticism of Cato is that he is too insistent on keeping to stoic principals. His Amalthea looks forward to seeing Atticus. Cicero is pleased with Tusculum and Pompeii. Cicero sends Prognostica. Cicero asks Atticus again to take care of books from Paetus.
#22. Antium, December 15 (?) 60. Cicero enjoys Dicaearchus.
#23. Rome maybe, after 22. Atticus criticizes the size of Cicero's windows- a discussion on widow philosophy follows. Cicero hopes to work with Caesar and Pompey. Cicero looks forward to their strolls on the Compitalia. He promises to have the baths ready. Terentia invites Pomponia and Atticus' mother. Cicero requests Theophrastus' On Ambition from Quintus' library.
#24. Antium, early August, 59. Clodius is going on embassy to Tigranes. Atticus asked for Cicero to work on Geography. Cicero expects himself to have something to show for his absence from politics. He plans to be at Formiae or Pompeii by the Kalends. He expresses concern for the wall at Quintus' house.
#25. Antium, just after 24. 59. Cicero faces the possibility of embassy to Alexandria for Ptolemy XII. Cicero is spending time with the muses and loves it.
#26. Antium, after 25. 59. Cicero may not be able to produce literature. He is enjoying himself so much. He reads or counts the waves. Partly because it is not good weather for fishing. He enjoys Antium because no one knows about problems in Rome.
#27. Antium, after 25. 59. Cicero promises to have something to show for his vacation. Pompey and Crassus quietly pass a Lex Curiata to make Clodius a pleb. Cicero sees danger in this. Cicero says that he will not forget what Atticus said about Amalthea.
#28. Antium, April 16, 59. Servants lost the letters which Atticus wrote to Cicero. Cicero remarks that Atticus' letters are useful and charming. The Ist Triumvirate is in play. Cicero goes to Formiae on Pariles, then leave Formiae May 1, then to Antium on the 3rd, then Tusculum, then Arpinum, then Rome by June 1.
#29. Antium April 16, 59. Cicero waits more news from Rome about Clodius and his moves. Cicero disgusted at laws ignored by Vatinius and Caesar. People may have disliked domination of the Senate under Cicero but just wait for their reaction at three men running everything. Cicero will return to Antium from Formiae. From Antium to Tusculum.
#30. Tres Tabernae, April 19, 59. Cicero disgusted at way Clodius was made a pleb. What a joke. He met Curio at Trest Tabernae. Cicero learned that Clodius is to run for Tribune. Atticus urges Cicero to write. Atticus made favorable comments about Dicaearchus. This letter was written at 4 PM.
#31. Forum Apii, April 20, 59. Cicero will not attend the games at Antium because it may give the impression of pleasure seeking. He is going to Formiae.
#32. Formiae, April 23, 59. News slow to reach Cicero here. Quotes Odyssey: 9.27 when referring to Arpinum.
#33. Formiae, April 24, 59. Formiae= Laestrygonian Telepylus. People here are disgusted with Triumvirs. Cicero has been studying.
#34. Formiae, April 26, 59. Pompey will be shocked to see his reputation on the tank. Atticus urges Cicero to compose. But Cicero cites the constant stream of visitors. These may annoy but Cicero clearly does not dismiss.
#35. Formiae, April28, 59. Cicero not impressed with Bibulus holding up elections. Cicero clearly here and in previous letters not personally concerned with Publius' tribunate bid.
#36. Formiae, April 29, 59. Caesar's agrarian law in the works. Cicero has concerns for Campanian domain. Pompey's stand? He has quibbled, fence walked, straddled in so many issues that little room is left him. Cicero has thrust himself into study.
#37. Formiae after 32, 59. Cicero and Atticus note that Pompey is looking for dominance: i.e.- the new marriage, the three have another goal in view. Cicero will discuss matters at Arpinum, May 10.
#38. Rome, June 59. Campanian Law passed. Contains requirement for oath by any candidate. Laterensis withdrew from tribune bid rather than take the oath. Caesar offers Cicero Commissionship, also offered Free Commission. But Cicero does not want to be out of Rome when his brother returns.
#39. Rome, July 7-14, 59. Cicero upset about Statilius' manumission. Triumvirs unpopular to the extreem. People protest but have no power to act. At plays Pompey is hammered. Caesar entered theater and no one clapped. But Curio received an ovation. Diphilus (actor): "To our misfortune you are great". Publius threatens. Caesar offers Cicero to be on his staff.
#40. Rome, circa July, 59. Pompey says that Clodius will attack Cicero over his dead body.
#41. Rome, July 25 (?), 59. The Republic is in deep trouble. Much of what has been done by Triumvirs was to get Cato. It has ruined Rome. Pompey is hammered without pause. Cicero worries that these guys when frustrated will get violent. Caesar gives a speech against Bibulus- not well received. Clodius is dangerous but Pompey says he has Cicero's back.
#42. Rome, August, 59. Clodius attacks this, that and bounces all about. Pompey told Cicero that he told Clodius to leave Cicero alone. Cicero has kept low, house is thronged, busy in courts. He needs to find out Clodius' plans.
#43. Rome, August, 59. Cicero dictates this letters as he walks because he is so busy. Pompey regrets his position. Clodius threatens too.
#44. Rome, August, 59. The plot against Pompey's life. Vettius, the informer. The next day Caesar brings him to the Rostra and he changes those whom he accused of the plot.
#45. Rome, September, 59. The Republic is not healthy. Cicero builds defense via courts, associations and meetings.
#46. On route, March 22, 58. Cicero exiled. Needs to make plans.
#47. On route, March 22, 58. Mad, depressed, sees no hope.
#48. Nares Lucanae, March 27, 58. Difficult to find safe routes, places to stay.
#49. Vibo, April 3, 58. Canged course for Brundisium. Can not stay at Malta. Must be 400 miles from Rome.
#50. Thurii, April 6, 58. My enemies have robbed me of my things but not myself.
#51. Near Tarentum, April 17, 58. Perhaps he will go to Asia.
#52. Brundisium, April 29, 58. Depressed, angry, feels abandoned. Realizes those who failed to back him up out of jealousy.
#53. Thessalonica, May 29, 58. Trying to meet Quintus. Cicero worries about Quintus being prosecuted. Cicero feels betrayed by Hortensius.
#54. Thessalonica, June 13, 58. Cicero could not bring himself to meet Quintus.
#55. Thessalonica, June 17, 58. Reviews his incredible misfortune that he feel from such a great height with such a good case.
#56. Thessalonica, June 27, 58. Cicero has hope.
#57. Thessalonica, July 17, 58. Matters are going through the Senate but Cicero sees many obstacles. Then the speech leaked out he wrote against Curio and Clodius.
#58. Thessalonica, July 21, 58. He has not left Thessalonica, he awaits news.
#59. Thessalonica, August 5, 58. Cicero's chances seem to fade. There is hope in the new tribunes designate. Atticus tells Cicero he is of sound mind.
#60. Thessalonica, August 17, 58. Rumors are about that Cicero has lost his mind. There is no one here to talk to. Cicero reviews his feelings of loss and abandonment. Cicero regrets leaving Rome. Cicero discusses Clodius' opposition, the difficulty of getting things done, concern for return of property, Cicero blames himself.
#61. Thessalonica, August 19, 58. His hopes rise and fall.
#62. Thessalonica, September 4, 58. Worries of Quintus being prosecuted. He appreciates everything Atticus does for his family.
#63. Thessalonica, September 10, 58. Pompey takes hand in the matter and Quintus supports.
#64. Thessalonica, September 15, 58. Cicero plans to go to Epirus, Atticus makes Cicero hopeful. Cicero knows he was betrayed.
#65. Thessalonica, October 5, 58. Caecilius died giving Atticus his name. Cicero very happy. Cicero knows he has been hard on Atticus. Concerned about details of the language of Sestius' Bill for his recall.
#66. Thessalonica, October 28, 58. Keep me informed.
#67. Thessalonica, November 16, and Dyrrachium, November 25, 58. Plancius has been very supportive. Lentulus, Pompey and others are helping.
#68. Dyrrachium, November 29, 58. Details of Tribune bills both old and new. Cicero gives Atticus specific suggestions on improvement for wording.
#69. Dyrrachium, December 10, 58. Cicero wanted an honest update on political maneuvering concerning his recall.
#70. Dyrrachium, December 15 (?), 58. Depressed again as he loses hope. Worries about appearing ungrateful.
#71. Dyrrachium, January 15(?), 57. Now appears that things are going through the Senate.
#72. Dyrrachium, early February, 57. Depressed for the recall law before the Assembly was blocked by Clodius gang. Quintus almost killed in the riots which followed.
#73. Rome, September 10, 57. Cicero is back. General situation- pleased, recovered prestige, authority in Senate, influence. Account of his return:
Left Dyrrachium August 4.
Landed at Brundisium August 5.
Tullia was there- it was her birthday.
August 11- at Brundisium via Quintus of Centuriate vote.
Rome- returns via Porta Capena- people all over temple steps.
September 5- speech of thanks
September 7- Clodius stirs up grain shortage problem- Cicero speech appoints Pompey to handle matter.
September 8- Senate meets- measures passed- Pompey to handle grain
Cicero soon will hear Pontiffs decision about his house
#74. Rome, beg of October, 57. More news of problems. Battles over his house. September 29 was his speech to Pontiffs. Eagerly awaited by younger set.
October 1- thrust and parry in Senate to settle matters. Clodius atttempts to filibuster- he is shouted down.
October 2- Senate passes measure
Cicero's house and Catullus' portico to be restored. Palatine and Tusculum and Formiae house valued.
Cicero on Pompey's commission but Cicero hopes to run for Censorship. Cicero thinks he will put Tusculum up for sale.
#75. Rome, November 22, 57.
November 3 Clodius' men attack Cicero's house under construction on Palatine. Catullus' portico destroyed.
November 11- Clodius attack Cicero on Via Sacra
November 12- Clodius attacks Milo's house but was beaten off by Q. Flaccus.
November 19- Milo to campus before midnight- much rioting
November 22- Cicero writes this letter 2 am.
#76. Rome, January 28, 56. Cicero looks forward to Atticus' visit.
#77. Arpinum, April 14, 56. Cicero asks Atticus to post guards at his house.
#78. Antium, June 20, 56. Tyrranio has arranged Cicero library- these must those left from Clodius looting at Tusculum(?).
#79. Antium, after 78, 56. Cicero calls this area nothing quieter, nothing cooler, nothing more charming.
#80. Antium after 79, 65. Atticus bugged that Cicero sent De Consularibus Provinciae to Pompey first. Cicero is taking new line for better security to allign himself with Pompey and Caesar. Cicero's house once belonged to Catullus. Atticus' people painted Cicero's library.
#81. Antium, end of June, 56. Chatty.
#82. Antium/Tusculum, November 17, 56.L.Domitius failed to gain Consulship. Pompey and Crassus elected Consuls.
#83. Cumae, April 19, 55. Cicero says politics is a mess. If I say what I should about the Republic I am crazy, if what is necessary as a slave, if silent, oppressed. Atticus asked Cicero to write something dedicated to Hortensius.
#84. Cumae, April 27, 55. I am feeding of Faustus' library. As Rome is a mess, literature is my salvation. I long to sit on that seat beneath Aristotle's bust and take a walk. Instead he walks with Pompey.
#85. Naples, April 27, 55. Meeting with Pompey. Off to Pompeii.
#86. Tusculum, June 26, 55. Reading and reading.
#87. Tusculum, November 15/16, 55. Crassus left for Syria. Cicero is busy with De Oratore.
#88. Cumae or Pompeii, Mid May, 55. Cicero plans to use Atticus' library.
#89. Rome, July 1, 55. Cicero is planning a book with Varro in it. Caesar's building progress in Campus Martius. Discussion of De Republica. Legal battles. Paulus' basilica almost done- Cicero says it is beautiful.
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