§12.7.1quae desideras omnia scripsi in codicillis eosque Eroti dedi; breviter, sed etiam plura quam quaeris, in iis de Cicerone; cuius quidem cogitationis initium tu mihi attulisti.
I have written everything you wish to know in a note and given it to Eros; briefly indeed, but even more than you ask, including in it about Cicero; the first impulse of which reflection indeed you brought to me.
locutus sum cum eo liberalissime; quod ex ipso velim, si modo tibi erit commodum, sciscitere.
I spoke with him very generously; I would like you to inquire from him himself, if only it is convenient for you.
sed quid differo? exposui te ad me detulisse et quid vellet et quid requireret. velle Hispaniam, requirere liberalitatem.
But why do I delay? I explained to him that you had reported to me both what he wished and what he required: that he wished for Spain, and required generosity.
de liberalitate dixi, quantum Publilius, quantum flamen Lentulus filio.
Regarding the generosity, I said I would give as much as Publilius, as much as the flamen Lentulus gave to his son.
de Hispania duo attuli, primum idem quod tibi, me vereri vituperationem.
Regarding Spain, I brought forward two points: first, the same as to you, that I feared censure.
non satis esse si haec arma reliquissemus? etiam contraria? deinde fore ut angeretur cum a fratre familiaritate et omni gratia vinceretur.
Was it not enough for us to have abandoned these arms, must we even take up the opposite ones? Second, that it would happen that he would be vexed when he was surpassed by his cousin in intimacy and all favor.
vellem magis liberalitate uti mea quam sua libertate.
I could have wished him to make use of my generosity rather than his own liberty.
sed tamen permisi; tibi enim intellexeram non nimis displicere.
But nevertheless I permitted it; for I had understood that it was not too displeasing to you.
ego etiam atque etiam cogitabo teque ut idem facias rogo.
I shall think about it again and again, and I ask you to do the same.
magna res est; simplex est manere, illud anceps.
It is a major matter; to remain is simple, but that other course is hazardous.
verum videbimus.
But we shall see.
§12.7.2de Balbo et in codicillis scripseram et ita cogito, simul ac redierit.
Regarding Balbus, I had written both in the note and I think so as soon as he returns.
sin ille tardius, ego tamen triduum, et, quod praeterii, Dolabella etiam mecum.
But if he is slower, I shall nevertheless stay for three days; and, what I passed over, Dolabella is also with me.