The familiar epistles of M.T. Cicero Englished and conferred with the: French Italian and other translations

Plancus Imperator to Cice∣ro. Epist. 15.

HAuing written these letters, I thought it imported the common-wealth, that you should vnderstand what followed. My carefulnesse, as I hope, hath produced good effects, both to my selfe, and to the commonwealth. For by daily meanes, I wrought with Lepidus, that al priuate contestation laid apart, and being reconciled with me; with ioynt affection we might succour the commonwealth; and that he should make more account of himselfe, of his children, and of his countrie; then of a wretched, and base robber: and that in so doing, he should dispose of me in all things at his pleasure. I haue there∣fore obtained my purpose by the meanes of Laterensis. He hath giuen me his fidelitie, that he will persecute Mar∣cus Antonius with armes, if he cannot keepe him farre from his Prouince. En∣treating me withall, that I would ap∣proch, and ioyne my forces with his. And so much the rather, because it was reported, that Antonius was strong in Cauallerie, and Lepidus hath but a small troope of horse: and of those few he had; not many dayes before, ten of the best came away from him, into my

Campe. Which when I heard, I made no delay, supposing it requisite, that I should ayd Lepidus, while he had so good an intention. I saw, what benefit my arriuall would procure, either be∣cause with my Cauallerie, I might pur∣sue, and defeate Antonius horse; or be∣cause that part of Lepidus armie, which had beene seduced, and alienated from the Common-wealth, by the presence of my Armie, might be bridled, and kept vnder. Whereupon, making a bridge, in one day, ouer Isara, a great r••uer, that runnes vpon the confines of the Allobroges, I passed ouer with my Armie, the xii of May. But it being told me th••t Lucius Antonius, sent b••fore with horse and foot, was come into Forum I••lij, the xiiij. of May I sent my brother, with foure thousand horse, to affront him. And I by speedie dayes iourn••ies, with foure expedite Legions, and with the r••st of the horse, will fol∣low after. If the fortune of the common wealth afford vs neuer so little fauour, we shall here make an end of the inso∣lencie of these rascalles, and our owne trouble. If that theese, vpon our com∣ming begin againe to retire himselfe into Italie; It will be Brutus part to con∣front him: to whom I know, neyther courage nor counsell will be wanting. Notwithstanding my selfe, if this hap∣pen, will send my brother with the

horse, to pursue him, and to defend Ita∣lie from forraging. Haue a care of your health, and as I loue you, loue me. Farewell.