Letter 354

Your letter is full of peace, and I only hope peace may last some time. Matius does not think it can. Here are my builders, who had gone off harvesting, returning empty-handed and bringing a strong report that all the corn is being taken to Antony's house at Rome. Of course it is a false alarm, or I should have heard it from you. Not a sign as yet of Balbus' man Corumbus. I know the name; he is said to be a good architect. It appears to me there was reason in their asking you to be present at the sealing of that will: for they want us to think them friendly, and I don't see why that should not be their real feeling. But what does it matter to us? However, scent out Antony's intentions; I fancy he is more concerned about his banquets than about plotting any harm. If you have any news of practical importance, let me hear it; if not, give me full details as to who were cheered by the people at the mimes, and the epigrams of the actors. My love to Pilia and Attica.

Tranquillae tuae quidem litterae. quod utinam diutius! nam Matius posse negabat. ecce autem structores nostri ad frumentum profecti, cum inanes redissent, rumorem adferunt magnum Romae domum ad Antonium frumentum omne portari. Paniko\n certe; scripsisses enim. Corumbus Balbi nullus adhuc: est mihi notum nomen; bellus enim esse dicitur architectus. [2] ad obsignandum tu adhibitus non sine causa videris. volunt enim nos ita putare; nescio cur non animo quoque sentiant. sed quid haec ad nos? odorare tamen Antoni dia/qesin ; quem quidem ego epularum magis arbitror rationem habere quam quicquam mali cogitare. tu si quid pragmatiko\n habes rescribe; sin minus, populi e)pishmasi/an et mimorum dicta perscribito. Piliae et Atticae salutem.