§14.14.1si vos valetis, nos valemus.
If you are well, we are well.
vestrum iam consilium est non solum meum quid sit vobis faciendum.
It is now your decision, not only mine, what you ought to do.
si ille Romam modeste venturus est, recte in praesentia domi esse potestis in homo amens diripiendam urbem daturus est, vereor ut Dolabella ipse satis nobis prodesse possit.
If he is going to come to Rome in a moderate manner, you can properly stay at home for the present; but if that madman is going to give the city over to be plundered, I fear that Dolabella himself may not be able to be of sufficient help to us.
etiam illud metuo ne iam intercludamur, ut cum velitis exire non liceat.
I also fear this, that we may already be cut off, so that when you wish to leave, it may not be permitted.
reliquum est, quod ipsae optime considerabitis, vestri similes feminae sintne Romae; si enim non sunt, videndum est ut honeste vos esse possitis.
The remaining point, which you yourselves will consider best, is whether women like you are in Rome; for if they are not, we must see how you can remain there respectably.
quo modo quidem nunc se res habet, modo ut haec nobis loca tenere liceat, bellissime vel mecum vel in nostris praediis esse poteritis.
As things stand now indeed, provided only that we are allowed to hold these places, you will be able to stay very comfortably either with me or on our estates.
etiam illud verendum est ne brevi tempore fames in urbe sit.
There is also this to be feared, that in a short time there may be a famine in the city.
§14.14.2his de rebus velim cum Pomponio, cum Camillo, cum quibus vobis videbitur, consideretis, ad summam animo forti sitis.
Concerning these matters, I should like you to consult with Pomponius, with Camillus, and with whomever else you see fit; in short, be of courageous mind.
Labienus rem meliorem fecit; adiuvat etiam Piso, quod ab urbe discedit et sceleris condemnat generum suum.
Labienus has improved the situation; Piso also helps, because he is departing from the city and condemns his own son-in-law for his crime.
vos, meae carissimae animae, quam saepissime ad me scribite et vos quid agatis et quid istic agatur.
You, my dearest souls, write to me as often as possible, both what you are doing and what is going on there.
Quintus pater et filius et Rufus vobis s. d.
Quintus the father, his son, and Rufus send you their greetings.
valete.
Farewell.
VIII K. Menturnis.
January 25 (eight days before the Kalends of February), at Minturnae.