[sect. 2]
Phameae: cf. Ep. LXI.8n. Tigellius was annoyed at Cicero for neglecting to act as the advocate of Phamea, his grandfather (or uncle), after having promised to do so (cf. Att. 13.49.1).
ipsius quidem causa: Phamea had proffered his assistance to Cicero during the latter's canvass for the consulship (cf. Att. 13.49.1 ).
P. Sestio: Sestius was apparently charged with ambitus; cf. Att. 13.49.1.
in consilium iri: cum iudices, de reo sententias laturi, in unum coeunt, ire in consilium dicuntur (Manutius). Cf., however, Ep. V. introd. note.
ille: i.e. Phamea.
sat bonum: this archaic form of satis (cf. Ter. And. 475) seems to be found with no other adj. than bonus in classical prose; cf. pro Rosc. Amer. 89; de Or. 3.84; Att. 14.10.1.
unctorem: the reference is obscure. Manutius suggests cantorem.
Sardos venalis: the Sardinian slaves were weak and sickly because of the unhealthful climate of their native country. Hence the proverb: 'Sardi venales; alius alio nequior.' Cf. Otto, Sprichwrter der Rmer, 308.
Catonem tuum: probably a political biography of Cato. Cf. Intr. 33. Att. 13.49 may be read with profit in connection with this letter. The influence of Tigellius with Caesar and Cicero's fear of Caesar's anger prevented Cicero from maintaining long the manly position which he assumes in this and the following letter, for about a month later he writes to Atticus: miror te nihildum cum Tigellio; velut hoc ipsum quantum acceperit, prorsus aveo scire nec tamen flocci facio (Att. 13.50.3); and about the same time: Titellium totum mihi (sc. reduc in gratiam) et quidem quam primum; nam pendeo animi (Att. 13.51.2). Cf. Schmidt, Briefw. pp.353 ff.