So much reference has been made to them throughout the previous biographical sketch,—­for they supply us with some of the most important materials for Cicero’s life and times,—­that it may be sufficient to give in this place two or three of the shorter as specimens of the collection.  One which describes a visit which he received from Julius Caesar, already dictator, in his country-house near Puteoli, is interesting, as affording a glimpse behind the scenes in those momentous days when no one knew exactly whether the great captain was to turn out a patriot or a conspirator against the liberties of Rome.

“To think that I should have had such a tremendous visitor!  But never mind; for all went off very pleasantly.  But when he arrived at Philippus’s house[1] on the evening of the second day of the Saturnalia, the place was so full of soldiers that they could hardly find a spare table for Caesar himself to dine at.  There were two thousand men.  Really I was in a state of perplexity as to what was to be done next day:  but Barba Cassius came to my aid,—­he supplied me with a guard.  They pitched their tents in the grounds, and the house was protected.  He stayed with Philippus until one o’clock on the third day of the Saturnalia, and would see no one.  Going over accounts, I suppose, with Balbus.  Then he walked on the sea-shore.  After two he had a bath:  then he listened to some verses on Mamurra, without moving a muscle of his countenance:  then dressed,[2] and sat down to dinner.  He had taken a precautionary emetic, and therefore ate and drank heartily and unrestrainedly.  We had, I assure you, a very good dinner, and well served; and not only that, but

  ’The feast of reason and the flow of soul’[3]

besides.  His suite were abundantly supplied at three other tables:  the freedmen of lower rank, and even the slaves, were well taken care of.  The higher class had really an elegant entertainment.  Well, no need to make a long story; we found we were both ‘flesh and blood’.  Still he is not the kind of guest to whom you would say—­’Now do, pray, take us in your way on your return’.  Once is enough.  We had no conversation on business, but a good deal of literary talk.  In short, he seemed to be much pleased, and to enjoy himself.  He said he should stay one day at Puteoli, and another at Baiae.  So here you have an account of this visit, or rather quartering of troops upon me, which I disliked the thoughts of, but which really, as I have said, gave me no annoyance.  I shall stay here a little longer, then go to my house at Tusculum.  When Caesar passed Dolabella’s villa, all the troops formed up on the right and left of his horse, which they did nowhere else.[4] I heard that from Nicias”.

[Footnote 1:  This was close to Cicero’s villa, on the coast.]

[Footnote 2:  Literally, “he got himself oiled”.  The emetic was a disgusting practice of Roman bon vivants who were afraid of indigestion.]