§1.11.1veteris Antisti talis animus est in rem publicam ut non dubitem quin et in Caesare et in Antonio se praestaturus fuerit acerrimum propugnatorem communis libertatis, si occasioni potuisset occurrere.
The disposition of Antistius Vetus toward the Republic is such that I do not doubt that, had he been able to find the opportunity, he would have shown himself a most fierce defender of our common liberty both against Caesar and against Antony.
nam qui in Achaia congressus cum Dolabella milites atque equites habente quodvis adire periculum ex insidiis paratissimi ad omnia latronis maluerit quam videri aut coactus esse pecuniam dare aut libenter dedisse homini nequissimo atque improbissimo, is nobis ultro et pollicitus est et dedit HS xx ex sua pecunia et, quod multo carius est, se ipsum obtulit et coniunxit.
For he who, when he met in Achaia with Dolabella, who had infantry and cavalry, preferred to face any danger from the plots of that bandit, who was most ready for anything, rather than to appear either to have been forced to give money or to have given it willingly to that most worthless and wicked man—he has voluntarily promised and given to us two million sesterces (HS xx) from his own money, and, what is much more precious, has offered and joined himself to us.
§1.11.2huic persuadere cupimus, ut imperator in castris remaneret remque publicam defenderet.
We desire to persuade him to remain in the camp as general and defend the Republic.
statuit id sibi * *, quoniam exercitum dimisisset.
He decided that this was [* *] for him, since he had already disbanded his army.
statim vero rediturum ad nos confirmavit legatione suscepta, nisi praetorum comitia habituri essent consules.
However, he assured us that he would return to us immediately after undertaking the legation, unless the consuls were about to hold the elections for praetors.
nam illi ita sentienti de re publica magno opere auctor fui ne differret tempus petitionis suae.
For, as he felt this way about the Republic, I strongly advised him not to delay the time of his candidacy.
cuius factum omnibus gratum esse debet qui modo iudicarint hunc exercitum esse utilem rei publicae, tibi tanto gratius quanto maiore et animo gloriaque libertatem nostram defendis et dignitate, si contigerit nostris consiliis exitus quem optamus, perfuncturus es.
His action ought to be pleasing to all who judge that this army is useful to the Republic, and to you so much the more pleasing, as you defend our liberty with greater spirit and glory, and, if the outcome we desire should crown our counsels, you are to enjoy it with greater dignity.
ego etiam, mi Cicero, proprie familiariterque te rogo ut veterem ames velisque esse quam amplissimum; qui etsi nulla re deterreri a proposito potest, tamen excitari tuis laudibus indulgentiaque potent quo magis amplexetur ac tueatur iudicium suum.
I also, my dear Cicero, ask you personally and familiarly to love Vetus and to wish him to be as distinguished as possible; and though he cannot be deterred from his purpose by anything, yet he can be stimulated by your praise and favor to embrace and protect his judgment all the more.
id mihi gratissimum erit.
This will be most pleasing to me.