Translation:Letters to Friends/14.18

Formiae, 22 January 49 BC
Tullius says the most affectionate hello to his Terentia and as a father to his sweetest daughter, Cicero to his mother and sister.

You must consider again and again, my souls, I am carefully thinking about what you should do, whether you should be at Rome, or with me, or in some safe place. It is not only a consideration for me, but for you as well.

These things come into my mind: that you can be safe at Rome with Dolabella and this choice will prove helpful to us if any violence or if any looting begins to take place; but on the other hand, the following troubles me, that I see that all good men are away from Rome and they have their women with them. Also, this region in which I am contains not only towns but estates as well known to me, such that you can be both with me for a while and, when you are away, also conveniently at our estates. I am still not entirely sure which is better. See what other women of your standing are doing and that you are not forbidden to leave when you wish to do so. I’d like you to carefully consider this again and again, with yourselves and with your friends. You will tell Philotimus that the house should have towers and a garrison. And I’d like you to provide trustworthy couriers so I may receive some letters from you every day. In addition, make sure most of all that you are well, if you want us to be well.

22 January, from Formiae