Marcus Coelius, to Cicero. Epist. 5.

I Know not what your minde is, about the peace of your Prouince, and the countries adiacent. Certainely I stand in great doubt thereof: For, if we could order the matter so, that the greatnesse of the warre, might not exceed the for∣ces of your Armie; and that we might obtaine so much victory, as might serue to get the triumph; and that we might auoid that dangerous, and terrible bat∣taile: great would our happinesse be. Now, if the Parthians stir at all, I know there will be no small matters to doe; and your armie is scarce able to defend Page  381 a Passage. But none considers •his: but 'tis rather thought, that a gouernour of a Prouince, as you are, is bound to pro∣uide whatsoeuer is nec•ssarie: supposing that he may doe i• sufficiently. Where∣unto may be added; that I cannot see, that you are to haue a successor sent you, by reason of the controuersie •i∣sen, about •ending one into Gallia. And though I thinke you haue already taken some course the•ein; neuerthelesse, to giue you occasion the ra•her to intend it, I thought good to adu•rtise you, how the matter is like to hang in sus∣pence. You know the ordinarie acci¦dents: the Senate will d•termine of the Gall's: A Tribune will come, that will be opposed: then another sha•l be pro∣pounded; who, if the Senate be not permitted, to send a gouernour in∣to any Prouince whatsoeuer; will likewise hinder the expedition of o∣ther Prouinces. And •hus trifling; this dance will last so long, that for two yeares no effect will ensue. If there were any thing new, about the Commonwealth, I would not faile ac∣cording to my custome, to write dili∣gently vnto you, both what were done, and what I expected would succeed. It seemes that the opposition of these Prouinces, slacken the course of other busin•sses. M•rc•llus makes all instance for it, as he hath euer done, but for all Page  382 the diligence he vseth: he cannot draw a full counsell to set thereon. And, if after this yeare Curio enter into the Tribuneship, and there be also treating of the Prouinces. I know you well perceiue, how easie it will bee then to crosse euery thing, and what strife will by Caesar, and those that fauour his cause, and not that of the Common∣wealth; be introduced. Farewell.