§2.18.1accepi aliquot epistulas tuas, ex quibus intellexi quam suspenso animo et sollicito scire averes quid esset novi.
I have received several of your letters, from which I understood with what a suspended and anxious mind you were eager to know what there was of news.
tenemur undique neque iam quo minus serviamus recusamus, sed mortem et eiectionem quasi maiora timemus, quae multo sunt minora.
We are held on all sides, and no longer object to being slaves, but we fear death and exile as though they were greater evils, which are in fact much smaller.
atque hic status qui nunc est una voce omnium gemitur neque verbo cuiusquam sublevatur.
And this status which now exists is lamented by the single voice of all, nor is it alleviated by a word from anyone.
σκοπὸσ est, ut suspicor, illis qui tenent, nullam cuiquam largitionem relinquere.
Their purpose, as I suspect, those who hold power, is to leave no opportunity for bribery to anyone.
unus loquitur et palam adversatur adulescens Curio.
Young Curio alone speaks and openly opposes.
huic plausus maximi, consalutatio forensis perhonorifica, signa praeterea benevolentiae permulta a bonis impertiuntur.
To him, the greatest applause, highly honorable greetings in the forum, and moreover very many signs of goodwill are imparted by the good.
Fufium clamoribus et conviciis et sibilis consectantur.
Fufius is pursued with shouts, insults, and hisses.
his ex rebus non spes, sed dolor est maior cum videas civitatis voluntatem solutam, virtutem adligatam.
From these things, it is not hope, but grief that is greater, when you see the will of the state set free, but its courage bound.
§2.18.2ac ne forte quaeras κατὰ λεπτὸν de singulis rebus, universa res eo est deducta spes ut nulla sit aliquando non modo privatos verum etiam magistratus liberos fore.
And lest by chance you should ask in detail about individual matters, the whole situation has been brought to such a point that there is no hope that at some time not only private citizens but even magistrates will be free.
hac tamen in oppressione sermo in circulis dumtaxat et in conviviis est liberior quam fuit.
Yet, in this oppression, conversation at least in circles and at banquets is freer than it was.
vincere incipit timorem dolor, sed ita ut omnia sint plenissima desperationis.
Grief is beginning to conquer fear, but in such a way that everything is most full of despair.
habet etiam Campana lex exsecrationem in contione candidatorum, si mentionem fecerint quo aliter ager possideatur atque ut ex legibus Iuliis.
The Campanian law also has a curse in the assembly for candidates, if they make mention of land being possessed otherwise than as under the Julian laws.
non dubitant iurare ceteri; Laterensis existimatur laute fecisse quod tribunatum pl. petere destitit ne iuraret.
The others do not hesitate to swear; Laterensis is thought to have acted handsomely because he ceased to seek the tribuneship of the plebs lest he should swear.
§2.18.3sed de re publica non libet plura scribere.
But about the republic I do not care to write more.
displiceo mihi nec sine summo scribo dolore.
I am displeased with myself and do not write without the greatest grief.
me tueor ut oppressis omnibus non demisse, ut tantis rebus gestis parum fortiter.
I maintain myself, not submissively considering that all are oppressed, yet not bravely enough considering such great deeds as I have performed.
a Caesare valde liberaliter invitor in legationem illam, sibi ut sim legatus, atque etiam libera legatio voti causa datur.
I am invited by Caesar very generously to that legation, to be his legate, and also a free legation for the sake of a vow is given.
sed haec et praesidi apud pudorem Pulchelli non habet satis et a fratris adventu me ablegat, illa et munitior est et non impedit quo minus adsim quom velim.
But the latter has not enough protection against the shamelessness of the "Pretty Boy", and sends me away from my brother's arrival; the former is both more secure and does not prevent me from being present when I wish.
hanc ego teneo sed usurum me non puto, neque tamen scit quisquam.
This offer I hold, but I do not think I shall use it; yet no one knows.
non lubet fugere, aveo pugnare.
I do not care to flee, I yearn to fight.
magna sunt hominum studia.
Great is the enthusiasm of men.
sed nihil adfirmo; tu hoc silebis.
But I affirm nothing; you will keep this silent.
§2.18.4de Statio manu misso et non nullis aliis rebus angor equidem, sed iam prorsus occallui.
Concerning the manumission of Statius and some other matters, I am indeed vexed, but now I have become thoroughly callous.
tu vellem ego vel cuperem adesses; nec mihi consilium nec consolatio deesset.
I would wish or rather desire you to be present; neither advice nor consolation would be lacking to me.
sed ita te para ut, si inclamaro, advoles.
But prepare yourself in such a way that, if I call out, you may fly hither.