§16.16A.1Attici nostri te valde studiosum esse cognovi, mei vero ita cupidum ut me hercule paucos aeque observantis atque amantis me habere existimem.
I have learned that you are very supportive of our friend Atticus, and indeed so fond of me that, by Hercules, I think I have few friends who respect and love me in equal measure.
ad paternas enim magnas et veteres et iustas necessitudines magnam attulit accessionem tua voluntas erga me meaque erga te par atque mutua.
For to our great, ancient, and just paternal connections, your goodwill toward me and mine toward you, equal and mutual, has brought a great addition.
§16.16A.2Buthrotia tibi causa ignota non est.
The Buthrotian affair is not unknown to you.
egi enim saepe de ea re tecum tibique totam rem demonstravi, quae est acta hoc modo.
For I have often spoken about this matter with you and explained the whole thing to you, which was done in this manner.
ut primum Buthrotium agrum proscriptum vidimus, commotus Atticus libellum composuit.
As soon as we saw the Buthrotian land proscribed, Atticus, deeply moved, drew up a petition.
eum mihi dedit ut darem Caesari; eram enim cenaturus apud eum illo die.
He gave it to me to give to Caesar; for I was going to dine at his house on that day.
eum libellum Caesari dedi.
I gave that petition to Caesar.
probavit causam, rescripsit Attico aequa eum postulare, admonuit tamen ut pecuniam reliquam Buthrotii ad diem solverent.
He approved the cause, wrote back to Atticus that his demands were fair, but warned him that the Buthrotians must pay the remaining money by the appointed day.
§16.16A.3Atticus qui civitatem conservatam cuperet pecuniam numeravit de suo.
Atticus, since he wished the community to be preserved, paid the money from his own pocket.
quod cum esset factum, adiimus ad Caesarem, verba fecimus pro Buthrotiis, liberalissimum decretum abstulimus; quod est obsignatum ab amplissimis viris.
When this was done, we went to Caesar, spoke on behalf of the Buthrotians, and obtained a most generous decree; which was signed by men of the highest standing.
quae cum essent acta, mirari e quidem solebam pati Caesarem convenire eos qui agrum Buthrotium concupissent, neque solum pati sed etiam ei negotio te praeficere.
When these things had been done, I for my part used to wonder that Caesar allowed those who coveted the Buthrotian land to assemble, and not only allowed it but even placed you in charge of that business.
itaque et ego cum illo locutus sum et saepius quidem, ut etiam accusarer ab eo quod parum constantiae suae confiderem, et M. Messallae et ipsi Attico dixit ut sine cura essent aperteque ostendebat se praesentium animos (erat enim popularis, ut noras) offendere nolle; cum autem mare transissent, curaturum se ut in alium agrum deducerentur.
And so I myself spoke with him, and indeed quite often, so that I was even reproached by him for having too little confidence in his consistency; and he told both Marcus Messalla and Atticus himself to be free of anxiety, and openly showed that he did not want to offend the feelings of those present (for he was a populist, as you knew); but that when they had crossed the sea, he would see to it that they were settled in another territory.
§16.16A.4haec illo vivo.
These things happened while he was alive.
post interitum autem Caesaris, ut primum ex senatus consulto causas consules cognoscere instituerunt, haec quae supra scripsi ad eos delata sunt.
After the death of Caesar, however, as soon as the consuls, in accordance with a decree of the senate, began to investigate the cases, these matters which I have written above were brought before them.
probaverunt causam sine ulla dubitatione seque ad te litteras daturos esse dixerunt.
They approved the cause without any hesitation and said they would send a letter to you.
ego autem, mi Plance, etsi non dubitabam quin et senatus consultum et lex et consulum decretum ac litterae apud te plurimum auctoritatis haberent teque ipsius Attici causa velle intellexeram, tamen hoc pro coniunctione et benevolentia nostra mihi sumpsi ut id a te peterem quod tua singularis humanitas suavissimique mores a te essent impetraturi.
I, however, my dear Plancus, although I did not doubt that the decree of the senate, the law, and the consuls' decree and letter would have the greatest authority with you, and although I knew that you wished well for the sake of Atticus himself, nevertheless, in view of our close connection and mutual goodwill, took it upon myself to request from you what your own singular humanity and most delightful character were bound to obtain from you.
id autem est ut hoc quod te tua sponte facturum esse certo scio honoris nostri causa libenter, prolixe, celeriter facias.
That is, that you should do gladly, generously, and quickly, for the sake of our honor, this very thing which I know for certain you would do of your own accord.
§16.16A.5mihi nemo est amicior nec iucundior nec carior Attico; cuius antea res solum familiaris agebatur eaque magna, nunc accessit etiam existimatio, ut quod consecutus est magna et industria et gratia et vivo Caesare et mortuo id te adiuvante obtineat.
To me no one is more friendly, nor more delightful, nor dearer than Atticus; whose private property alone was previously at stake, and that a large one, but now his reputation is also involved, so that what he attained by great industry and influence, both during Caesar's lifetime and after his death, he may maintain with your help.
quod si a te erit impetratum, sic velim existimes me de tua liberalitate ita interpretaturum ut tuo summo beneficio me adfectum iudicem.
If this is obtained from you, I would like you to believe that I shall interpret your generosity in such a way that I shall consider myself bound by your supreme favor.
ego quae te velle quaeque ad. te pertinere arbitrabor studiose diligenterque curabo.
I shall zealously and diligently see to whatever I think you wish and whatever concerns you.
da operam ut valeas.
Take care of your health.