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LEpidus your kinsman; [and] my familiar friend; together with o∣thers, that revolted against the Com∣mon-wealth; were, by common con∣sent of the Senate, the last of Iune, de∣nounced rebells. To whom notwith∣standing,
all August was graunted to be thinke themselues. The Senate, que∣stionlesse, is full of courage, and the ra∣ther by reason of the hopes they con∣ceiue of your succour. The warre at the writing hereof was very hot: for which we may ••hanke the wickednesse, and inconstancie of Lepidus. We heare euery day that newes, which we desire of Dolabella. But as yet they haue no ground; nor come they from any per∣son worthie of credite. There is onely a muttering thereof amongst the multi∣tude. Neuerthelesse, by the informa∣tions of your letters, written from the Campe the seuenth of May; the Cittie was of firme beliefe, that he was by this time suppressed. And that you would come into Italie with your Armie. To the end, that if things here had the same issue, which we desired, we might em∣ploy your councell, and authoritie: But if through hard Fortune, they were doubtfull, as it ordinarily falls out in warres; we might be assisted by your armie; which I will helpe to the best preferment I am able. About which, it will then be a fit time to negotiate, when it shall be knowne what ayde it will [now] afford the Common-wealth, and what formerly it hath af∣forded. For hitherto, their endeuours onely haue beene heard of; extraordi∣nary doubtlesse, and generous: but, the
effect is that, that is expected. Which, I trust, hath in some sort alreadie suc∣ceeded: or will succeede very shortly. For valour, and magnanimitie you are aboue all men esteemed. And therefore we desire out of hand to see you in Ita∣lie. If we haue but you, we shall thinke we haue a Common-wealth. The warre had beene altogether finished, if Lepidus had not receiued Antonius, who disarm'd, and spo••led, tooke his heeles. Whereupon, Antoniu•• was neuer so hatefull to the Cittie, as Lepidus is at this present. For the one raysed warre in the troubles of the Cōmon-wealth; the other in her peace, and victorie. Against this man, we haue Decimus; and Plancus, elected Consulls. In whom, great hopes are conceiued•• But the vn∣certaine issue of Battailes, makes vs re∣maine very doubtfull. Be therefore per∣swaded, that all lyes vpon you, & Bru∣t••s. And, that you are bo••h expected; but Brutus hourely. And, though, as I hop••, your enemies will be vanquished before ••ou come; yet, by your autho∣ritie, the Common-wealth will get vp againe, and settle her selfe in some e∣state, that shall be tollerable. For there are many things which must be look••t vnto, when it fortuneth, that the com∣mon weal••h, shall be wholly free'd from the daunger of her wicked'st ene∣mi••s. ••arewell.