Greetings my friend,

I am looking forward to Rome once again, having heard little of news there since brother Drusus has fallen behind in his correspondence...he even made a hash of my speech to the electorate at the Assembly--making it seem that I was speaking there in person rather than by letter! Since he married Torquatus' daughter Fulvia, he has had his head in the clouds!

Should the people choose me for one of the positions as Censor, I will be able to catch up on affairs in Rome, and perhaps spend some time at my estates in Alsium, where I will be sure to invite you and the other magistrates for a feast.

I am glad that your year has been a successful one, and that your finances are again well-organized...the various branches of the Claudii are again on the rise, and it would be a shame to let this be marred by such matters as money.

I look forward to seeing you in Rome, and what is this of impending marriage?! You must give me all the details when next you write.

Decimus, procos. Siciliae