Letter 23 (pg23) Flashcards
From
Cicero
To
Plancus
Date
20 March 43BC
Plancus
governor of Gallia Comata. a General who frequently changed sides
went over to Antony’s side soon after this letter
Purpose of Letter
To try and recruit Plancus, win him over to the side of the Senate
Start of letter (effective)
starts congratulating him
“your attitude to the Republic pleased the senate and satisfied the assembly very greatly”
Tells Plancus he himself trusts him
“in spite of my conviction of your own sound sense”
Makes joining him sound desirable
“identify yourself with the cause of Roman Freedom”
States that he believes it is not plancus’s fault
“joined…not from your own free decision”
Promises him greatness if he follows his advice
“You will not only be consul…but a great one”
But if he does not follow Cicero…
“bring you no dignity but utter disgrace” (he gives him only two options greatness or disgrace)
sounds friendly
“it is only because I am your friend that I have written you these rather harsh words”
“the very numerous bonds between us”
Sounds like he really wants Plancus’s support
“I am eager”
uses the rule of three
foremost duty to break away from “bad” Romans
secondly, offer the senate your services
lastly, make up your mind that peace can only be achieved by abolishing weapons and enslavement