Chapter text=A:book=10:letter=6

TO ATTICUS (AT ROME) CUMAE APRIL (BEFORE THE 27TH)

UP to this time the only thing stopping me is the weather. I am not going in for any sharp practice. Let what will happen in Spain, nevertheless my decision stands-partons! I have explained all my ideas to you in a previous letter. Therefore this is a short one, as also because I am in haste and more busy than usual. As to young Quintus, "I am doing my best"—you know the rest. Your next piece of advice is at once friendly and wise: but everything else will be plain sailing, if I only keep on my guard against him. It is no easy task: there are many perplexing traits in his character: no simplicity, no straightforwardness. I could wish that you.had undertaken the management of the young man. For his father is too indulgent: whenever I tighten the rein, he slackens it again. If I had been able to act without his father, I should have controlled him: and this you can do. But I excuse you: it is, I say, no light task. I regard it as certain that Pompey is going through Illyricum into Gaul. By what route and whither I am to go now, I shall consider.