one was ever afflicted with so heavy a calamity, that no one had ever greater cause to wish for death; while I have let slip the time when I might have sought it most creditably. Henceforth death can never heal, it can only end my sorrow.[314] In politics I perceive that you collect all circumstances that you think may inspire me with a hope of a change: and though they are insignificant, yet, since you will have it so, let us have patience. In spite of what you say, you will catch us up if you make haste. For I will either come into Epirus to be near you, or I will travel slowly through Candavia.[315] My hesitation about Epirus is not caused by vacillation on my part, but by the fact that I do not know where I am likely to see my brother. As to him, I neither know how I am to see him, nor how I shall let him go. That is the greatest and most distressing of all my distresses. I would indeed have written to you oftener, and at greater length, had it not been that sorrow, while it has affected all parts of my intellect, has above all entirely destroyed my faculty for this kind of writing. I long to see you. Take care of your health. Brundisium, 29 April. [Footnote 312: He means that had it not been for enemies in Greece and Epirus, he should not only have gone as far south as Epirus, but farther--to Athens. There is a good deal to be said for Schutz's reading, _Achaiam_ for _Athenas_, but as the MS. reading can be explained, it is safer to keep it.] [Footnote 313: The Clodian party at Rome. "That town" is Athens.] [Footnote 314: "I have lost my chance of dying with honour; henceforth death may end my grief, but cannot heal my damaged reputation." _Reliqua tempora_, _i.e._, other opportunities of suicide.] [Footnote 315: A mountain range in Illyria, over which the _via Egnatia_ passes (mod. _Elbassán_).] LXIII (A III, 8) TO ATTICUS (AT ROME) THESSALONICA, 29 MAY [Sidenote: B.C. 58, ÆT. 48]