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XVI
XVI
To C. Trebatius Testa (in Gaul)
Rome, November, 54 B.C.
In the "Trojan Horse," just at the end, you remember the words, "Too late
they learn wisdom." You, however, old man, were wise in time. Those first
snappy letters of yours were foolish enough, and then - ! I don`t at all blame
you for not being overcurious in regard to Britain. For the present, however,
you seem to be in winter quarters somewhat short of warm clothing, and
therefore not caring to stir out:
"Not here and there, but everywhere,
Be wise and ware:
No sharper steel can warrior bear."
If I had been by way of dining out, I would not have failed your friend
Cn. Octavius; to whom, however, I did remark upon his repeated invitations,
"Pray, who are you?" But, by Hercules, joking apart, he is a pretty fellow: I
could have wished you had taken him with you! Let me know for certain what you
are doing and whether you intend coming to Italy at all this winter. Balbus
has assured me that you will be rich. Whether he speaks after the simple Roman
fashion, meaning that you will be well supplied with money, or according to
the Stoic dictum, that "all are rich who can enjoy the sky and the earth," I
shall know hereafter. Those who come from your part accuse you of pride,
because they say you won`t answer men who put questions to you. However, there
is one thing that will please you: they all agree in saying that there is no
better lawyer than you at Samarobriva!
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