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 DCVI (A XIII, 31)

TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)

On the morning of the 28th Demeas handed me a letter written the day before, according to which I should expect you to-day or to-morrow. But while longing for your arrival, it is I after all, as I think, who will hinder you. For I don't suppose the Faberius business will be so promptly settled, even if it is ever to be so, as not to cause some delay. Come when you can then, since your arrival is still deferred. I should be much obliged if you would send me the books of Dicæarchus which you mention: add also the book of the "Descent." As to the letter to Cæsar, my mind is made up. And yet the very thing which your friends assert that he writes—that he will not go against the Parthians until everything is settled at home—is exactly the advice I gave all through that letter. I told him to do whichever he chose: that he might rely on my support. No doubt he is waiting for that, and is not likely to do anything except on my advice! Pray let us dismiss all such follies, and let us at least be half-free. That we can obtain by holding our tongues and living in retirement.

Yes, approach Otho as you suggest, and finish that business, my dear Atticus: for I can hit on no other place where I can at once keep away from the forum and enjoy your society. As to the price however, the following occurs to me. Gaius Albanius is the nearest neighbour: he bought 1,000 iugera of M. Pilius, as far as I can remember, for 11,500 sestertia.[2] Prices are lower all round now. But we must add a great desire to buy, in which, with the exception[Footnopte 2: A 1,000 iugera amount to 625 English acres; 11,500 sestertia to about £92,000. That gives about £147 per acre, which for property close to the city is not perhaps too much.]