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

Cicero to Aulus Torquatus. Epist. 4.

THere is no newes at all; and if there were, I know your Friends certifie you thereof: but of the future though it be hard to speake: neuerthe∣lesse a man may by imagination some∣times come neere it, when the matter is such, that a man may forecast the issue. At this time it seemes onely pro∣bable, that the warre will not long con∣tinue: though some are of contrarie opinion. I thinke that by this time some effect hath ensued: not that I know it certainely, but because wee may easily conceiue as much. First, euery man may expect the victorie; and of all bat∣tailes, the end is ambiguous. Then, the Armie both of one and other side is so

great, and so resolu'd to fight, as it is no great wonder though either of them vanquish. That opinion is euery day confirmed, that although the occasi∣ons of the warre bee different, yet be∣tweene their victories there will bee no great difference. One side wee know, by experience: on the other part, if Cae∣sar vanquish, there is no man who doth not forecast, how great feare the••e is like to be; both because it is prouoked, and in that it will haue armes in hand. And in relating this to you, if you think that I augment your griefe, whereas I should mittigate it with some consola∣tion: I confesse, that I finde no com∣fort in the common calamities, besides one; the which if you could embrace, were very great, and such as I euerie day make vse of: and this it is. That a man, when hee hath wrought all the good hee is able, ••ought not to bee di∣sturbed for any contrarietie, that may happen, not hauing deserued it. There∣fore, wee hauing alwaies aduised ••or the benefit of the Common-wealth, and being rather the blame of Fortune, then of our counsels, that things haue succeeded ill: and in a word; for so much as did belong vnto vs, we hauing neuer beene deficient; we ought to en∣dure that patiently which hath happen∣ed. But yet I will not bee perswaded, that I am able to comfort you, in these

common miseries, wherein a greater wit then mine is required to giue it; and singular vertue, to support it. Ne∣uerthelesse, euery one may easilie shew you, how in particular, you haue no occasion to complaine. For although Caesar hath beene more slacke in relea∣sing you from trouble, then we suppo∣sed: yet I know he carries a good af∣fection to you. For concerning others, I doe ••ot beleeue you expect my opini∣on. It remaines, that you grieue, be∣cause for so long time, you are f••r from your friends. This is certainely a great discontent: you being separated from the sweetest, and most pleasing chil∣dren in the world. But as before I wrote vnto you, it is now a time, when euery man esteemes his estate very vn∣happie, & rather desires to be in any o∣ther place, then where he is. I ••or my part repute my selfe most vnfortunate, for being in Rome; not onely because in all euils, it is more terrible to behold, then to heare: but in that being heere, I see my selfe exposed to all those acci∣dents, which may happen on a sud∣daine. Although to my selfe, who de∣uise alwaies to com••ort you, the know∣ledge of letters, to which I haue euer beene addicted, hath not afforded so great consolation, as the length of time. You may remember how much I haue beene grieued. Wherein the first com∣••ort

is, that I saw more then others; when I desired peace, although the conditions were vnequall. And though I presume not to haue pre∣saged out of my vnderstanding, but in that fortune was pleased to make me p••ognosticate that which ensued: ye•• I am delighted with this vaine praise of wisdome. I finde another consolation, which is common ••o vs both: that if I we••e now summon'd to the last period of life, I would not goe vnwilling: for I would thinke by death, to bring my afflictions to an end; and I should de∣part from that Commonwealth, wher∣in it auailes me not to liue. Besides this: I am now old: and I thinke I haue spent my yeares so well, that in one re∣spect, I should die with comfort; and in another, I should not take my selfe to be iniured, though I be forced to passe that period; whether nature her selfe hath almost conducted m••e. Finally, there hath died in this warre such a per∣sonage, and so many valiant men haue therein left their liues; that if wee were constrained to die, me thinkes it were indiscretion to r••fuse it. For my part, I propound vnto my self••, all accidents: and there is no euill so great, which I take not to bee neere at hand. But yet I feare not; the vexation being greater, which is caused by feare, then is the thing it selfe which we feare, wherein

there is not onely, no griefe, but wee shall finde, the last period of sorro••. But I'le goe no further: and peraduen∣ture I haue said more then was requi∣site. But, not any delight of many words, but meere good will, drawes my letters out too long. It displeas'd me that Seruius went from Athens; who because hee was your familiar friend, and one replenished with bountie, and wisedome, should I know, haue euer beene neere about you, and haue giuen you great comfort. My desire is, that as you ought, and your custome is, you would relie on your firme resolu∣tion. I will with all diligence, and care procure that, which I shall thinke to be beneficiall for you, and what may profitablie concerne, either your selfe, or yours. In doing whereof, I shall imitate your loue towards mee: but neuer arriue to [your] deserts. Farewell.