§12.2.1vehementer laetor tibi probari sententiam et orationem meam.
I am exceedingly glad that my opinion and speech are approved by you.
qua si saepius uti liceret, nihil esset negoti libertatem et rem p. reciperare; sed homo amens et perditus multoque nequior quam ille ipse quem tu nequissimum occisum esse dixisti caedis initium quaerit nullamque aliam ob causam me auctorem fuisse Caesaris interficiendi criminatur, nisi ut in me veterani incitentur;
If it were permitted to use such speeches more frequently, there would be no difficulty in recovering our freedom and the republic; but that mad and ruined man, who is far more wicked than that very man whom you said was most wickedly slain, is seeking an excuse for slaughter, and accuses me of having been the instigator of Caesar's assassination for no other reason than that the veterans may be incited against me.
quod ego periculum non extimesco, modo vestri facti gloriam cum mea laude communicet.
I do not dread that danger, provided that he shares the glory of your deed with my praise.
ita nec Pisoni qui in eum primus invectus est nullo adsentiente, nec mihi qui idem tricesimo post die feci, nec P. Servilio qui me est consecutus, tuto in senatum venire licet.
Thus, neither Piso, who first inveighed against him with no one agreeing, nor I, who did the same thirty days later, nor P. Servilius, who followed me, is allowed to come safely to the senate.
caedem enim gladiator quaerit eiusque initium a. d. xiii K. Octobr. a me se facturum putavit; ad quem paratus venerat, cum in villa Metelli compluris dies commentatus esset.
For that gladiator is seeking a slaughter, and thought he would make a beginning of it against me on the thirteenth day before the Kalends of October; for which day he had come prepared, having practiced for several days in the villa of Metellus.
quae autem in lustris et in vino commentatio potuit esse? itaque omnibus est visus, ut ad te antea scripsi, vomere suo more, non dicere. .
But what practice could there be in brothels and in wine? And so, as I wrote to you before, he seemed to everyone to be vomiting in his usual manner, not speaking.
§12.2.2qua re, quod scribis te confidere auctoritate et eloquentia nostra aliquid profici posse, non nihil ut in tantis malis est profectum.
Therefore, as to what you write that you trust something can be accomplished by our authority and eloquence, not a little has been accomplished, considering the greatness of our evils.
intellegit enim populus R. tris esse consularis, qui, quia de re p. bene senserint, libere locuti sint, tuto in senatum venire non possint.
For the Roman people understand that there are three consulars who, because they felt well about the republic and spoke freely, cannot come safely to the senate.
nec est praeterea quod quicquam exspectes.
Nor is there anything else for you to expect.
tuus enim necessarius adfinitate nova delectatur, itaque iam non est studiosus ludorum infinitoque fratris tui plausu diruiupitur; alter item adfinis novis commentariis Caesaris delenitus est.
For your relative is delighted with his new affinity, and so is no longer zealous about the games, and is bursting with envy at the infinite applause given to your brother; another relative likewise has been soothed by the new documents of Caesar.
sed haec tolerabilia,. illud non ferendum, quod est qui vestro anno filium suum consulem futurum putet ob eamque causam se huic latroni deservire prae se ferat.
But these things are bearable; what is intolerable is that there is someone who thinks his son will be consul in your year, and for that reason openly displays that he is slaving for this robber.
§12.2.3nam L. Cotta familiaris meus fatali quadam desperatione, ut ait, minus in senatum venit; L. Caesar, optimus et fortissimus civis, valetudine impeditur; Ser.
For my friend L. Cotta, by a certain fatal despair, as he says, comes less to the senate; L. Caesar, a most excellent and brave citizen, is prevented by ill health; Ser.
Sulpicius et summa auctoritate et optime sentiens non adest; reliquos exceptis designatis ignosce mihi si non numero consularis.
Sulpicius, a man of both the greatest authority and the best feelings, is not present; forgive me if I do not count the remaining ones as consulars, except for the consuls-elect.
habes auctores consili publici.
You have the directors of public counsel.
qui numerus etiam bonis rebus exiguus esset, quid censes perditis? qua re spes est omnis in vobis; qui si idcirco abestis ut sitis in tuto, ne in vobis quidem; sin aliquid dignum vestra gloria cogitatis, velim salvis nobis; sin id minus, res tamen publica per vos brevi tempore ius suum reciperabit.
Since this number would be scanty even in good times, what do you think it is in ruined times? Therefore, all hope is in you; and if you are absent for the purpose of being in safety, there is no hope even in you; but if you are planning something worthy of your glory, I would wish it to be while we are safe; if not, the republic will nevertheless soon recover its rights through you.
ego tuis neque desum neque dero.
I am neither wanting to your family nor will I be wanting.
qui si quae ad me referent, mea tibi benevolentia fidesque praestabitur.
If they refer anything to me, my goodwill and fidelity to you will be proven.
vale.
Farewell.