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reasons to allege, all hesitation is at an end. But of this when we meet: for it is a very serious business and needs great caution. To-morrow therefore, unless I get something from you this evening.

DCLIX (A XIII, 45)

TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)

Lamia came to see me after your departure and brought me a letter which he had received from Cæsar. This letter, though dated earlier than that brought by Diochares, yet made it quite clear that he would arrive before the Roman games. At the end of the letter there was a sentence ordering him to make all necessary preparations for the games, and not allow him to hurry back for nothing. Certainly from this letter it seemed beyond doubt that he would come before that day, and Lamia said that Balbus thought so too after reading that letter.

I perceive I have thus some additional days holiday, but pray, as you love me, let me know how many. You will be able to ascertain from Bæbius and your other neighbour Egnatius. You exhort me to spend these days in an exposition of philosophy. You are spurring a willing horse, but you see that I am obliged to have Dolabella constantly with me on the days you mention. But had I not been detained by this business of Torquatus, there would have been a sufficient