The familiar epistles of M.T. Cicero Englished and conferred with the: French Italian and other translations

Cicero to Domitius. Ep. 23.

IF I haue not written to you, since your comming into Italie; the reason onely was, because I could promise you nothing; being in so miserable an e∣state: neither could I aduise you, my selfe wanting councell: and in so grie∣uous tribulations, I found no m••nner of comfort to giue you. And though matters are not now a whit bettered, but stand in worser tearmes then be∣fore: yet I tooke occasion rather to write without matter, ••hen not to write at all. Though you were one of those, that sought to labour more for the Common-wealth, then their power would permit: neuerthelesse, in what I could, I would exhort you, to liue with

those conditions, which may be gran∣ted you. Bu••, hauing impos'd th••t end to your resolute, and commendable councell, which Fortune will haue to be the bounds of our contentions: I pr••y, and coniure you, by our entire, and auncient amitie, and by that great loue we beare one another, that for my comfort, your Fathers, your mo••he••s, your wiues, and all your progenies, ••o whom you are, and euer were most deare; to preserue your selfe; and to haue a care of that which may turne to the good of your estate, and of those that depend on you. Now is the time to reduce to action, the documents which with long studie you haue learn'd out of the writings of wise men. In doing of which, you shall support, though not willingly, at le••st with pa∣tience, the desire of those f••iends you haue lost. I know not mine ovvne worth: nay, I conceiue my worth to be but small; but neuerthelesse I pro∣mise you, that I will as effectually la∣bou•• that, vvhich I thinke may stand with your safetie, and dignitie, as you vvith singular industrie and loue, euer proseq••uted my occasions. And this my good will, I haue manifested to your most louing mother, a woman of great bountie, and goodnesse. If you commit any thing to ••e; I will doe

whatsoeuer I may imagine, stands to your liking. And also if you write not vnto me; I vvill notwithstanding with all care, and diligence doe, what-soeu••r I see may re∣dound to your benefit. Farewell.