ter which has reached
me since the one brought me by your sailor and dated Olbia. But let
everything else, as you say, be reserved till we can talk it over
together. One thing, however, I cannot put off: on the 15th of May the
senate covered itself with glory by refusing Gabinius a _supplicatio_.
Procilius[510] vows that such a slight was never inflicted on anyone.
Out of doors there is much applause. To me, gratifying as it is on its
own account, it is even more so because it was done when I was not in
the house. For it was an unbiassed[511] judgment of the senate, without
any attack or exercise of influence on my part. The debate previously
arranged for the 15th and 16th, namely, the question of the Campanian
land, did not come on. In this matter I don't quite see way.[512] But I
have said more than I meant to say: for it is best reserved till we
meet. Goodbye, best and most longed-for of brothers! Fly to me. Our boys
both share my prayer: of course, you will dine with me the day of your
arrival.

[Footnote 510: One of the tribunes. He was convicted of _vis_ in B.C.,
54. Gabinius was governor of Syria B.C. 57-54. He had been engaged in
some warlike affairs in Iudaea, for which, or for some successes over the
Arabs, he claimed the _supplicatio_.]

[Footnote 511: [Greek: eilikrines], "pure," "clear."]

[Footnote 512: _Mihi aqua haeret_, "there's a stoppage in my water
course."]

CXVII (A IV, 8 b)

[Sidenote: B.C. 55. Coss., Cu. Pompeius Magnus, M. Licinius Crassus.]

In this year Cicero devoted much of his time and energy to the
composition of the _de Oratore_. He was glad to be away from Rome,
for though he had resolved to give up his opposition to the
triumvirs, he was never really happy in supporting or even
witnessing their policy, and the first letter betrays his
sentiments as to the way in which the consuls had secured their
election. His fear of an autocracy, however, seems now to be
directed rather to Pompey than Caesar; nor was he at all charmed by
the splendour of the games given at the opening of Pompey's new
theatre. The only extant speech is that against L. Calpurnius Piso
(consul B.C. 58) who had been recalled from Macedonia.

TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)

TUSCULUM[513] (JANUARY)

[Sidenote: B.C. 55, AET. 51]

Apenas had scarcely left me, when your letter came. Really? Do you
suppose he won't propose his law?[514] Pray speak a little lou