Dearest Gneaus and Sextus,

I trust this missive finds you healthy and successful on your commissions. However, it has come to my attention that your father has suffered a catastrophic injury, and his life is in danger. I have not heard this from an official document, but from other sources. I am sorrowed that I have not yet received any information on his status from either of you.

Gneaus Pompey Magnus is your Paterfamilias. As his wife, I am Materfamilias. I am owed a duty to be informed of his health and physical status. In all other areas outside the home, I recognize and accept I am only informed of as much as Magnus wishes me to know, from entertainment to prowess. Do not let me suffer the embarrassment of being informed publicly by distant relatives or Magnus’ clients of information that I should already be privy to. It does not reflect just on me, but on all of us, weakening the power of family. Imagine the mortification should I find out about Magnus’ condition from my cousin, Gaius Julius Ceasar.

I hope you can understand my concerns, and request. I plan to come to him, in Xanthos, to monitor and care for him. My place is by his side in such a crisis, and I intend to be there if he needs me. No doubt you both will be too busy to focus on his needs as you might wish. On a more personal level, I miss him and am very distressed. My travel plans are based on his condition, as the rainfall has been astronomical in Picenum.

I beg of you to let me know all you can, right away, and of how my husband is.


With fondest regards,
Cornelia Metella