48 B.C.]
Cicero Returns to Italy.
341
most place on the great stage of the Roman world—
"Sunt lacrimæ rerum, et mentem mortalia tangunt."
Cicero had remained in Epirus along with Cato and Varro, and the news of Pharsalia reached them at Dyrrachium.[1] Cato resolved to fight to the last, and took refuge with the more obstinate of his adherents in Africa, where the Cæsarian governor Curio had been overwhelmed and slain the year before by the help of Juba, King of Numidia. Cicero and Varro considered that the issue of the conflict must be held to have been decided by the defeat of Pompey. Cicero returned once more to Italy, landing at Brundisium about the end of October in the year 48 B.C.
It was doubtful at first whether he would be allowed to remain. Antony, who held Italy as Master of the Horse (for Cæsar had been proclaimed Dictator immediately after the battle of Pharsalia), had received orders that no Pompeians were to return to Italy without leave. Cicero, however, was able to show that Dolabella had written to him by Cæsar's direction, requesting him to return at once.[2] This caused an exception to be made for him in the general edict of prohibition. He remained, Nov., 48 - Sept., 47. B.C.therefore, at Brundisium for the next ten months in a miserable condition of mind and body. The climate affected his health, and his nerves seem to have completely broken down under the doubts and difficulties of the situa-