war. I much wish he were now here: as his presence would render me less apprehensive of the consequences of these intestine commotions which prevail in Rome; and which are, by no means, indeed, inconsiderable.-But I forget that I proposed to imitate your laconic brevity, and am running on in a second page. Farewel then, and may success attend your arms! June 18th. LETTER The conduct of Marcus Brutus, as far as can be judged of it, at this great distance, appears altogether unaccountable. Before the battle of Mutina, he had drawn down all his forces to the coast, in order to embark for Italy, if any accident should make his assistance necessary. But, upon the news of Antony's defeat, he retired to the remotest parts of Greece and Macedonia, to oppose the attempts of Dolabella: and from that time (as Dr. Middleton observes) seemed deaf to the call of the senate, and to all Cicero's letters, which urged him so strongly to come to their relief. But had Brutus and Cassius (as the same ingenious historian remarks) marched with their armies towards Italy, at the time when Cicero first pressed it, before the desertion of Plancus and the death of Decimus; it seems reasonable to believe, that the immediate ruin of the republic might have been prevented. Life of Cic. iii. 247. 7 The disturbances to which Cicero alludes, were, probably, those that were occasioned by the violent measures of Octavius, in order to obtain the consulate. See rem. 8. p. 381. of this vol. 8 Decimus Brutus, soon after the date of this letter, was most treacherously deserted by Plancus: who drew off his troops from those of his colleague, and went over with them to the camp of Antony and Lepidus. "Decimus Brutus "being thus abandoned, and left to shift for himself, with a "needy mutinous army, eager to desert, and ready to give "him up to his enemies, had no other way to save himself "than by flying to Marcus Brutus in Macedonia. But the distance LETTER XVI. [A..U. 710.] To CAIUS CASSIUS. YOUR relation and my friend, the worthy Lepidus, together with all his adherents, were, by an unanimous decree of the senate, which passed on the 30th of June last, declared public enemies to their country: but, at the same time, a full pardon was offered to such as shall return to their allegiance before the first of September. The senate acts with great spirit; but it is the expectation of being supported by your army, that chiefly animates them in their vigorous measures. I fear, indeed, that we shall have occasion for all your assistance; as the war is now become extremely formidable by the villany of Lepidus, The accounts which daily arrive concerning Dolabella are altogether agreeable to our wishes: but, at present, they are nothing more than mere rumours, However, your letter addressed "distance was so great, and the country so guarded, that "he was often forced to change his road, for fear of being "taken; till, having dismissed all his attendants, and wan"dered for some time alone in disguise and distress, he com"mitted himself to the protection of an old acquaintance " and host, whom he had formerly obliged: where, either "through treachery, or accident, he was surprised by Antony's soldiers, who immediately killed him, and returned "with his head to their general. Vel. Patere. ii. 64. App. iii. 588. Val. Max. ix. 13." Life of Cic. iii. 242, dressed to the senate, dated from the camp on the 9th of May, has raised a general persuasion in Rome, that he is actually defeated. Accordingly, it is imagined, that you are now upon your march into Italy, with a view, on the one hand, of succouring us with your troops, if any of those accidents so common in war should have rendered our arms unsuccessful: or, on the other hand, of assisting us with your counsels and authority, in case we should have proved victorious. You may be assured, in the mean while, that no endeavours of mine shall be wanting to procure the forces under your command all possible honours. However, I must wait a proper season for this purpose, when it shall be known how far they have availed, or are likely to avail, the republic. At present, we have only heard of their endeavours in the cause of liberty and glorious, it must be acknowledged, their endeavours have been. But still some positive services are expected; and these expectations, I dare be confident, either already are, or soon will be, perfectly answered. No man, indeed, possesses a more patriot or heroic spirit than yourself: and it is for this reason that we wish to see you in Italy as soon as possible. The fact is, if you and Brutus were here, we should look upon the republic as restored. If Lepidus had not received Antony, weak and defenceless as he was, when he fled after the battle of Mutina, we should have obtained a complete victory. This infamous step, therefore, has rendered him far more odious in Rome even than Antony himself ever was: for Antony raised a war at a time when the republic was in the utmost ferment; whereas Lepidus has kindled the flames in the midst of peace and victory. We have the consuls elect to lead our armies against him; but though we greatly depend upon their courage and conduct, still, however, the uncertain event of war leaves us much to fear. Be assured, therefore, that our principal reliance is upon you and Brutus, whom we hope soon to see in Italy; and Brutus, indeed, we expect every day. Should we have defeated our enemies, as I hope we shall, before your arrival, the authority, nevertheless, of two such illustrious citizens will be of infinite service in raising up the republic, and fixing it upon some tolerable basis. All our business, indeed, will by no means be over, notwithstanding we should be delivered from the infamous designs of our enemies as there are many other disorders of a different kind, which it will be still necessary to redress. Farewel. LETTER ? Decimus Brutus and Plancus. LETTER XVII. [A. U. 710.] To AMPIUS'. YOUR family has informed you, I imagine, of my zealous labours to procure your restoration, as I have the pleasure to be assured that they are abundantly satisfied with my services.--Uncommon, indeed, as the affection is which they every one of them bear towards you, yet I cannot allow that they are more sincerely desirous of your welfare than myself. I am sure, at least, their power of assisting you in this conjuncture is by no means equal to mine. I have employed it, and shall continue to employ it, for your benefit: and I have already gained a very considerable point, which will much contribute to facilitate your return. In the mean while, preserve a firm and manly spirit, and be well persuaded that my good offices shall not be wanting to you upon any occasion. Farewel, LETTER In some MSS. the superscription of this letter is to Appius, and in others to Ampius Balbus. The time when this letter was written is no less uncertain than the person to whom it is addressed. |