Letter 83

I was delighted by the two letters of yours that I received together on April 26. Keep the story going. I am eager to know all the rest. I would also like you to look into what this means; you can find out from Demetrius. Pompey told me he was expecting Crassus at his Alban place on April 28, and that once Crassus arrived, the two of them would go straight to Rome to settle accounts with the tax-farmers. I asked, "During the gladiator show?" He answered, "Before they are brought in." Please tell me what this means, either now, if you know, or when he reaches Rome. Here I am devouring literature with that remarkable man Dionysius, and by Hercules I really do think he is remarkable. He sends greetings to you and all your household. "Nothing is sweeter than knowing everything." So write to me as to a curious man: what happened on the first day, what on the second, what about the censors, what about Appius, what about that people-pleasing Appuleia? Finally, tell me what you yourself are doing. To speak frankly, I enjoy your letters as much as any political news. I brought no one away with me except Dionysius, yet I am not afraid conversation will run short; I find the man delightful. Please give my book to Lucceius. I am sending you one by Demetrius of Magnesia, so that someone will be ready to bring me your reply at once.

I was delighted with your two letters which I received together on the 26th. Go on with the story. I am longing to hear the whole of it. I should also like you to look into the meaning of this: you can find out from Demetrius. Pompey told me he was expecting Crassus at his house at Alba on the 27th: and as soon as he arrived they were going to Rome together to settle accounts with the tax-gatherers. I asked, “During the show of gladiators?” And he answered, “Before it begins,” Please let me know what this means, either at once, if you know, or when he gets to Rome. I am devouring literature here with that extraordinary person—for upon my soul I really think he is extraordinary—Dionysius, who sends his respects to you and all your family. “Than universal knowing nought more sweet.” So satisfy my curiosity by describing to me all about the first and second days of the show, the censors, Appius, and that unsexed Appuleius of the populace: and finally please let me know what you are doing yourself. For to tell you the truth your letters are as exciting to me as a revolution. I did not bring anyone away with me except Dionysius; yet I have no fear of feeling the lack of conversation: I find the youth so entertaining. You will give my book to Lucceius. I am sending you one by Demetrius of Magnesia, so that there may be a messenger handy to bring back your answer at once.

delectarunt me epistulae tuae quas accepi uno tempore duas ante diem v Kal. Perge reliqua. gestio scire ista omnia. etiam illud cuius modi sit velim perspicias; potes a Demetrio. dixit mihi Pompeius Crassum a se in Albano exspectari ante diem iiii Kal.; is cum venisset, Romam (eum) et se statim venturos ut rationes cum publicanis putarent. quaesivi gladiatoribusne. respondit ante quam inducerentur. id cuius modi sit aut nunc si scies aut cum is Romam venerit ad me mittas velim. [2] nos hic voramus litteras cum homine mirifico (ita me hercule sentio) Dionysio qui te omnisque vos salutat. Ouden glukuteron e pant' eidenai. qua re ut homini curioso ita perscribe ad me quid primus dies, quid secundus, quid censores, quid Appius, quid illa populi Appuleia; denique etiam quid a te fiat ad me velim scribas. non enim, ut vere loquamur, tam rebus novis quam tuis litteris delector. ego mecum praeter Dionysium eduxi neminem nec metuo tamen ne mihi sermo desit. +abs te opere+ delector. tu Lucceio nostrum librum dabis. Demetri Magnetis tibi mitto, statim ut sit qui a te mihi epistulam referat.