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Why, I even sent a man at their bidding to make the return. For they said that that was what the law required. My freedman Philotimus made the return. I believe you know my copyist. But write, and tell me too that it has been settled. I am sending a letter to Faberius as you think I ought. But with Balbus I think you have come to some arrangement in the Capitol to-day.

I have no scruple about Vergilius: for I am not bound to consider him, and if I purchase, what right will he have to expostulate? But see that he is not in Africa when the time comes, like Cælius. As to the debt, please look into the matter along with Cispius: but if Plancus bids, then a difficulty arises. Yes, both of us wish you to come here, but this business on which you are engaged must on no account be abandoned. I am very glad to hear you say that you hope that Otho can be outbidden. As to the assignment on valuation we will consider, as you say, when we have begun discussing terms: although he did not say a word in his letter, except about the amount of land. Yes, talk to Piso, in case he may be able to do anything. I have received Dicæarchus's book, and I am waiting for his "Descent." If you will commission some one, he will find the information in the book containing the decrees of the senate in the consulship of Gnæus Cornelius and Lucius Mummius. Your opinion about Tuditanus is very reasonable, that at the time that he was at the siege of Corinth—for Hortensius did not speak at random—he was quæstor or military tribune, and I rather think it was so. You will be able to ascertain from Antiochus, of course, in what year he was quæstor or military tribune. If he was neither,