Translation:Letters to Friends/12.3

To C. Cassius Longinus

Rome, a little after 2 October 44 BC

Cicero says hello to Cassius

Your friend is increasing his madness daily. First, on the statue which he has placed on the Rostra he has inscribed 'To the father most deserving', so you all may now be declared not only murderers, but parricides as well. Why do I say 'you all'? Rather I should say 'we'. For that lunatic says I was the leader of your most beautiful deed. I wish I had been! He would not be annoying to me. But this is yours; since this has passed, I wish I had some advice to give you all! But I do not even find what I should do. For what is there that can be done against violence without violence?

But the entire plan of those men is this, that they avenge the death of Caesar. Accordingly, on October 2nd, brought forward to the meeting by Cannutius, that man came off most shamefully, but nevertheless said things about the defenders of our country which should have been said about traitors; concerning me, he said without a doubt that you all had done, and Cannutius was doing, everything according to my plan. Judge of what kind the rest are from the fact that they have snatched away money for travel from your legate. What do you think they conclude when they do this? That, of course, it's being carried to an enemy.

O wretched matter! We could not endure a master, to a fellow-slave we are slaves. And yet, although I am more supportive than hopeful, even now hope remains in your courage. But where are troops? As for what's to come, I prefer you to speak with yourself than to recognize my words.

Goodbye.