[sect. 3]
profecti sumus: a regular use of the epistolary perfect for the present. Cicero is on the point of sailing.
a. d. II K. Mai.: an unusual expression for pridie AS Mai., but for the same formula, cf. C. L L. 1.902, 979.
petebamus: a regular epistolary imperfect, indicating what would be going on at the time the letter was received. Cf. Intr. 84c.
aegram [gap in text] corpore: Terentia's health would seem to have been delicate at the best, if we may judge from Cicero's earnest words in several letters, e.g. Ep. LVIII. and Fam. 14.22. Cf. also Ep. LVI.
sic agam: a colloquial phrase, meaning little more than this is the best plan. Its stereotyped character is shown by the fact that Cicero proceeds to state a plan of action, not for himself but for Terentia.
confirmes [gap in text] adiuves: on the mood and tense, cf. Intr. 84b.
transactum est, it's all over; a colloquialism. Actum est is more common cf., e.g. Att. 5.15.1; 9.12.4, and Plaut. Trin. 308; Ter. And. 465. Both phrases convey the idea of an unfortunate conclusion. In Ter. Heaut. 564 that idea is more fully expressed by the addition of peni.
quid Tulliola mea fiet: cf. Att. 6.1. 14 quid illo fiet? quid me? On the diminutives Tulliola and misellae (below), cf. Intr. 76 and pulchellus, Ep. V.10n.
matrimonio: Tullia's marriage to her first husband Piso; cf. Pisonem nostrum, Ep. XIII. 2 n. Cicero is thinking of the payment of the dowry.
Cicero meus: Marcus Cicero, the orator's son.
