DXXXV (F IV, 10)

TO M. CLAUDIUS MARCELLUS (AT MITYLENE)

Rome (January)

Though I have nothing fresh to say to you, and am now beginning more to expect a letter from you, or rather to see you in person, yet, as Theophilus was starting, I could not refrain from giving him some sort of letter. Do your best, then, to come at the earliest opportunity: your coming, believe me, will be welcomed not only by us, I mean by your personal friends, but by absolutely everybody. I say this because it occurs to me sometimes to be a little afraid that you have a fancy for postponing your departure. Now, had you had no other sense than that of eyesight, I should have sympathized with you in your shrinking from the sight of certain persons: but since what is heard is not much less distressing than what is seen, while I suspected that your early arrival much concerned the safety of your property, and was of importance in every point of view, I thought I ought to give you a hint on the subject. But as I have shewn you my opinion, I will leave the rest to your own wisdom. Still, pray let me know about when to expect you.

DXXXVI (F IX, 10)

TO P. CORNELIUS DOLABELLA (IN SPAIN)

Rome (January)

I did not venture to allow our friend Salvius to go without a letter to you; yet, by Hercules, I have nothing to say except that I love you dearly:^[1] of which I feel certain that

1. ↑ An astonishing remark to a man whom Cicero's daughter had just divorced for gross misconduct. But the letter is forced and cold.