[Footnote 580: Pompey had two functions at this time: he was governor of Spain and _præfectus annonæ_. The latter office, as being extraordinary, might be, perhaps, held with the other without an actual breach of law, but it was certainly against the spirit of the constitution. Cicero knows that Pompey's staying in Italy and governing his province by _legati_ will not be acceptable to Cæsar, and he alludes to it in carefully guarded terms. He had been named his _legatus_ when Pompey first undertook the care of the corn-supply, but it does not seem as if he ever seriously contemplated going on actual service.] [Footnote 581: L. Cornelius Balbus, whom Cicero defended, and who acted as Cæsar's agent.] [Footnote 582: The name of the person jocosely referred to by Cæsar is uncertain, from corruption of the text. Q. Lepta is Cæsar's _præfectus fabrum_.] CXXXIV (Q FR II, 11 [13]) TO HIS BROTHER QUINTUS (IN THE COUNTRY) ROME (15 FEBRUARY) [Sidenote: B.C. 54, ÆT. 52] Your "black snow"[583] made me laugh, and I am very glad that you are in a cheerful frame of mind and ready for a joke. As to Pompey, I agree with you, or rather you agree with me. For, as you know, I have long been singing the praises of your Cæsar. Believe me, he is very close to my heart, and I am not going to let him slip from his place. Now for the history of the Ides (13th). It was Cælius's tenth day.[584] Domitius had not obtained a full panel. I am afraid that foul ruffian, Servius Pola, will appear for the prosecution. For our friend Cælius has a dead set made at him by the Clodian gens. There is nothing certain as yet, but I am afraid. On the same day there was a full house for the case of the Tyrians: the _publicani_ of Syria appeared in large numbers against them. Gabinius was abused roundly:[585] the _publicani_ were also denounced by (the consul) Domitius for having escorted him on his start on horseback. Our friend Lucius Lamia was somewhat insolent: for on Domitius saying, "It is your fault, equites of Rome, that such things have happened: for you give verdicts laxly," he said, "Yes, we give verdicts, but you senators give evidence of character."[586] Nothing was done that day: the house stood adjourned at nightfall. On the comitial days which follow the Quirinalia (17th February), Appius holds the view that he is not prevented by the _lex Pupia_ from holding a meeting of the senate, and that by the _lex Gabinia_ he is even compelled to have a meeting for the legations from the 1st of February to the 1st of March.[587] And so the elections are supposed to be put off till March. Nevertheless, on these comitial days the tribunes say that they will bring forward the case of Gabinius.[588] I collect every item of intelligence, that I may have some news to tell you: but, as you see, I am short of material. Accordingly, I return to Callisthenes and Philistus, in whom I see that you have been wallowing. Callisthenes is a