text=A:book=13:letter=24
What is this about Hermogenes Clodius having said that Andromenes told him that he had seen my son at Corcyra? I supposed that you must have heard it. Didn't he then give any letter even to him? Or didn't he see him? Pray therefore let me know. What answer am I to give you about Varro? You have the four parchment rolls in your hands: whatever you do I shall approve. It isn't after all a case of "fearing the Trojans." I. e., public opinion, as often. See vol. i., p.90, etc. Why should I? But I am more afraid of his own disapprobation of the business. But since you undertake it—I shall sleep on both ears. In alteram aurem, a proverb for undisturbed sleep, and so a quiet mind. It is used by Terence (Haut. 342), Plautus (Pseud. i. I, 121), and Pliny (Ep. 4.29). It was a Greek proverb also: e)p' a)mfo/tera ta\ w)=ta kaqeu/dein (Pollux, 2.84). It is also French: dormir sur les deux oreilles. I don't know of any English equivalent, but there is the converse, "to sleep with one eye (or ear) open." About the "abatement" I have answered your full and careful letter. Please therefore settle the business, and that too without hesitation or reserve. This ought and must be done.