§10.9.1adventus Philotimi (at cuius hominis, quam insulsi et quam saepe pro Pompeio mentientis!) exanimavit omnis qui mecum erant; nam ipse obdurui.
The arrival of Philotimus (but what a man, how dull, and how often lying on behalf of Pompey!) dispirited all who were with me; for I myself have become numb.
dubitabat nostrum nemo quin Caesar itinera repressisset—volare dicitur; Petreius cum Afranio coniunxisset se—nihil adfert eius modi.
None of us doubted that Caesar had halted his marches—yet he is said to be flying; or that Petreius had united with Afranius—he brings no news of that sort.
quid quaeris? etiam illud erat persuasum, Pompeium cum magnis copiis iter in Germaniam per Illyricum fecisse; id enim αὐθεντικῶσ nuntiabatur.
What would you have? This too was firmly believed, that Pompey with large forces had made his way into Germany through Illyricum; for this was being reported on good authority (αὐθεντικῶσ).
Melitam igitur opinor capessamus, dum quid in Hispania.
Therefore, I think we should make for Melita, while we see what happens in Spain.
quod quidem prope modum videor ex Caesaris litteris voluntate facere posse, qui negat neque honestius neque tutius mihi quicquam esse quam ab omni contentione abesse.
This indeed I seem to be able to do almost with Caesar's consent, judging from his letters, since he says that there is nothing more honorable or safer for me than to keep away from all contention.
§10.9.2dices,
"ubi ergo tuus ille animus quem proximis litteris?"
adest et idem est; sed utinam meo solum capite decernerem! lacrimae meorum me interdum molliunt precantium ut de Hispaniis exspectemus.
You will say, "Where then is that spirit of yours which you showed in your last letter?" It is here and is the same; but would that I were deciding at the risk of my own life alone! The tears of my family, entreating me to wait for news from Spain, sometimes soften me.
M. Caeli quidem epistulam scriptam miserabiliter, cum hoc idem obsecraret ut exspectarem, ne fortunas meas, ne unicum filium, ne meos omnis tam temere proderem, non sine magno fletu legerunt pueri nostri; etsi meus quidem est fortior eoque ipso vehementius commovet nec quicquam nisi de dignatione laborat.
Indeed, our young slaves read, not without much weeping, the letter of Marcus Caelius, written in a pitiful strain, when he was imploring this same thing, that I should wait, lest I should so rashly betray my fortunes, my only son, and all my family; although my son is indeed braver, and for that very reason moves me the more vehemently, and cares for nothing except my dignity.
Melitam igitur, deinde quo videbitur.
Therefore, to Melita first, and then wherever it seems best.
§10.9.3tu tamen etiam nunc mihi aliquid litterarum et maxime si quid ab Afranio.
Yet even now, do you send me some letters, and especially if there is any news from Afranius.
ego si cum Antonio locutus ero, scribam ad te quid actum sit.
If I speak with Antony, I will write to you what has been done.
ero tamen in credendo, ut mones, cautus; nam occultandi ratio cum difficilis tum etiam periculosa est.
I shall, however, be cautious in believing, as you advise; for the method of concealment is both difficult and dangerous.
Servium exspecto ad Nonas, et adigit ita Postumia et Servius Flius.
I am expecting Servius around the Nones, and Postumia and his son Servius are urging this course.
quartanam leviorem esse gaudeo.
I am glad that your quartan fever is lighter.
misi ad te Caeli etiam litterarum exemplum.
I have also sent you a copy of Caelius's letter.