Marcus Caelius, to Cicero. Epist. 10.

WE were much grieued a• the newes, which by the letters of Caius Cassius, and King Deiotarus, we vnderstood. Cassius writes, that the Parthian souldiers haue passed Euphra∣tes: Deiotarus, that they came into our Prouince, by the countrey of the Co∣magens: There was none more vexed then my selfe, and that for your cause: knowing that you are ill prouided in your Armie, and fearing least this com∣motion, might cause some preiudice to your honour, for I should feare your life, if you had a greater Armie. But be∣cause it is but little I imagine, you will not ioyne battaile, of which necessitie, I know not what construction will be made. I c•nnot certainely, rid my mind Page  399 of this care, till I vnderstand that you are come into Italie. But this newes of the Parthians passage, hath raised vp di∣uers opinions. Some giue counsell, to send Pompeius thither: others, that he should be retain'd at Rome: othersome, that Caesar should be sent with his Ar∣mie: and others, that the Consuls should repaire thither. But no man is of opinion, that this enterprise is to be committed to priuate Cittizens. And the Consuls fearing least, the Senate should send them, or conferre this charge vpon some other to their dis∣grace, vse all meanes to preuent a sessi∣on of the Senate. So as they appeare not to be very careful, in the necessities of the Common-wealth. But this negli∣gence, or cowardise, or feare, whether we may call it, is couered with rea∣sonable pretexts, making shew that they refuse the Prouince, out of modestie. Your letters are not yet arriued, and, if those of Deiotarus, had not come so suddenly, men were about to beleeue, that Cassius had fayned the Parthian warre, and caused the Arabians to o∣uer-runne his Prouince, to the end it might seeme endamaged not by him, but by the enemie. Whereupon, by my aduise, you shall write with diligence, and warily, how matters there passe: to the end it may not appeare, that ei∣ther you haue followed any mans hu∣mor, Page  400 or concealed any particular of importance. Now the yeare is at an end; for the xviij. of Nouember, I wrote these presents, I see not how any thing can be concluded before Ianuary. You know how cold, and slow Marcel∣lus is: and in like manner, how sl•ck• Seruius is. What may you iudge of these men? and how can you beleeue, they will doe that which they haue no mind vnto, when they performe that vvhich they affect, so coldly? for they seeme to haue no will thereunto. At the change of Magistrates, if the Par•hian warre proceed, this mannage will spend the first moneths: but if there be no warre there, or onely the same; that you, or your successors, with the least succours sent, may prosequute it: I see Curio, will vse all meanes; first to crosse Caesa•• and then to assist Pompeius, in what soeuer thing he can; little, or great. Paullus by loftie words, shewes what a desire he hath to goe into the Prouin•e. To whose ambition, our Furnius will op∣pose himselfe: touching others I know not what to thinke. I h•ue written to you, what I know. I cannot see, what else will happen. I see that time produceth many things, and that many daily are a framing: but they'le be all comprehended withi• these bounds. I will not for•et to certi•ie you, how Cu∣rio sues for a diuision of the Campa• ter∣ritorie: Page  401 It is said, Caesar cares little for it: but that Pompeius desires much, it should be diuided: to the end that C•∣sar at his comming may not enioy it. As for your departing out of the Pro∣uince, I cannot promise you to ob∣taine, that a successor may be sent you; but I assure you, your time shall not bee prolonged. If in regard of the present warre, the Senate enioyne you to re∣maine there; and if you may not refuse it with your honor: you may take what course you thinke good: 'Tis sufficient for me, that I remember, with vvhat vehemencie at your departure, you en∣treated me, that I would not permit, the time of your office, to be prolon∣ged. Farewell.