Who should receive them but Atticus, that "alter ego ?" Cicero doubted whether he should cling to Pompey--as he did in every phase of his political life, till Pompey had perished at the mouth of the Nile.

But at last he saw his way clear to honesty, as I think he always did.

He tells his friend that Caesar had sent his confidential messenger, Balbus, to sound him.

The present question is whether he shall resist a certain agrarian law of which he does not approve, but which is supported by both Pompey and Caesar, or retire from the contest and enjoy himself at his country villas, or boldly stay at Rome and oppose the law.

Caesar assures him that if he will come over to them, Caesar will be always true to him and Pompey, and will do his best to bring Crassus into the same frame of mind.