Translation:Letters to Friends/9.10

Rome, 45 BC
M. Cicero says hello to P. Dolabella

I did not dare give our Salvius no letter for you; but, by Hercules, I have nothing to write except that you are loved wonderfully by me, of which I feel certain that, even with me writing nothing, you are not doubtful. To be sure, I should expect a letter from you more than you from me; for nothing is going on at Rome which I think you'd care to know, unless by chance you want to know that I'm the judge between our Nicias and Vidius. The latter brings forth, I think, in two little lines, the expense for Nicias, the former as Aristarchus 'obelizes' these; as if an ancient critic, I am going to judge whether they are 'the poet's' or 'interpolated'.

I think right now you're saying, 'So, have you forgotten those mushrooms that you ate at Nicias'?' But why? Do you think that old severity has been so shaken off from me that not even in the forum are the remnants of my former brow visible? But nevertheless, I will make sure our most pleasant 'companion' has been understood, and I will not bring it about that, if I condemn him, you restore him, lest Plancus Bursa not have a place for him to learn his letters.

But what am I doing? Since I'm uncertain whether you are of a calm mind or, as in war, are involved in some larger concern or affair, I'm rambling on. Therefore, when I consider it certain that you will gladly laugh, I will write to you with more words. However, I want you to know this, that the people have been seriously restless about P. Sulla's death before they knew it for certain. Now they have ceased asking how he died; they think that, because they know, they know enough. In other respects I bear it calmly. I fear one thing, that Caesar's spear might grow cold.