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Epistulae ad Familiares, IV. ix.-x.

it not possibly be the mark of a haughty spirit to spurn that same conqueror's generosity, and if it be the act of a philosopher to forgo one's country, may it not be a proof of sheer callousness not to yearn for her? And if by any chance you are unable to enjoy a public life, it is surely senseless to refuse to enjoy a private one. The main point is this, that if you think your present life is more comfortable, you still have to consider whether it is not less safe. There is no limit to the licence of the sword, but in foreign countries there is even less scruple in committing a crime. For myself, so anxious am I about your safety that I am on a par with your cousin Marcellus, or at any rate I come next to him. For you it remains to make the best of your opportunities and to take thought for your rights as a citizen, your life, and your property.

X

To the same

Rome, January, 45 B.C.

1 Though I have no news to tell you, and am beginning to look forward more to a letter from you, or rather your arrival in person, still, as Theophilus is setting out, I felt it impossible to give him nothing in the way of a letter. Take care then to come as soon as possible; for believe me, your coming will end a period of eager expectancy, not only among us, by which I mean your friends, but among all without exception. For it sometimes occurs to me to have a lurking apprehension that the delay in your leaving for home is not displeasing to you.

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