§7.20.1breviloquentem iam me tempus ipsum facit.
Now the very time makes me brief of speech.
pacem enim desperavi, bellum nostri nullum administrant.
For I have despaired of peace, and our people are carrying on no war.
cave enim putes quicquam esse minoris his consulibus; quorum ego spe audiendi aliquid et cognoscendi nostri apparatus maximo imbri Capuam veni pridie Nonas, ut eram iussus.
For do not imagine that anything is of less value than these consuls; in the hope of hearing something from them and learning about our preparations, I came to Capua on the day before the Nones, in a violent downpour, as I had been ordered.
illi autem nondum venerant sed erant venturi inanes, imparati.
They, however, had not yet arrived, but were about to come empty-handed and unprepared.
Gnaeus autem Luceriae dicebatur esse et adire cohortis legionum Appianarum non firmissimarum.
Meanwhile, Gnaeus was said to be at Luceria, and to be visiting the cohorts of the Appian legions, which are none too strong.
at illum ruere nuntiant et iam iamque adesse, non ut manum conserat (quicum enim?) sed ut fugam intercludat.
But people report that he is rushing on and is on the very point of arriving, not to join battle (for with whom?) but to cut off retreat.
§7.20.2ego autem in Italia καὶ συναποθανεῖν—nec te id consulo;
For my part, while in Italy, I am ready even "to die together"—and on this I do not consult you; but if outside, what do I do?
sin extra, quid ago? ad manendum hiems, lictores, improvidi et neglegentes duces, ad fugam hortatur amicitia Gnaei, causa bonorum, turpitudo coniungendi cum tyranno; qui quidem incertum est Phalarimne an Pisistratum sit imitaturus.
To staying, we are urged by the winter, the lictors, and our improvident and negligent leaders; to flight, we are exhorted by friendship with Gnaeus, the cause of the good, and the disgrace of joining with a tyrant; though indeed it is uncertain whether he will play the part of Phalaris or Pisistratus.
haec velim explices et me iuves consilio; etsi te ipsum istic iam calere puto, sed tamen quantum poteris.
I wish you would unravel these questions and help me with your advice; although I suppose you yourself are already in a sweat there, but still, as far as you can.
ego si quid hic hodie novi cognoro, scies; iam enim aderunt consules ad suas Nonas.
If I learn anything new here today, you shall know it; for the consuls will soon be here for their Nones.
tuas cotidie litteras exspectabo; ad has autem cum poteris rescribes.
I shall expect a letter from you every day; to this one, however, write back when you can.
mulieres et Cicerones in Formiano reliqui.
I left the women and the Ciceros at Formiae.