Take care! Do not let anyone see this letter; take care to seem
negligent and uninterested as you read it.
"A conspiracy against the life of Caesar has been detected and
reported. Its leader is said to be Egnatius Capito. As some informer,
sponsored by Talponius Pulto, claims to have seen you in Capito's
company, you are implicated. Save yourself. Do not return home. Do not
go to the Palace, order yourself carried immediately to the
Querquetulan Gate. On the way there purchase a raincloak and an
umbrella hat and whatever else may be needful for your journey.
Outside the _Porta Querquetulana_, in front of Plosurnia's tavern, you
will find one of the fastest horses in Italy, a blood-bay, noticeable
for light-blue reins with silver bosses, his saddlecloth light-blue
with a silver edge. Descend from your litter in front of the tavern,
accost the man holding the horse, say to him:
"'Is this the leopard-tamer's horse?'
"He will reply:
"'It is.'
"Then say:
"'I am the leopard-tamer.'
"He will then allow one of your spare bearers to take the horse.
"Divest yourself of your toga then, not sooner. Equip yourself for
your journey.
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