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

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 17.

I Haue giuen my brother thankes, as you wrote [I should:] and now final∣ly I may commend you; seeing at last your determinations are firme, and sta∣ble In the first moneths you ••rouck't me much to anger: and sometimes (I'l•• tell it yee, with your patience) you ap∣peared very mutable, in desiring ••o re∣turne to Rome; sometimes •• counter∣feit; otherwhiles timerous, in tho••e commands that are imposed vpon soul∣diers; and often, which was not wont to be your fashion, h••lfe pre••umptuous, and impudent: For you would present∣lie r••turne, full of monie; as if you had gone to Caesar, with a bill of ex∣change, and not with a letter of re∣commendation. And you remembred not how they that went to Alexandria, with letters of exchange to recouer their debts, haue not yet receiued ••o much as one Harrington. If I had ai∣med at mine owne profit, I would vn∣doubtedly haue desired to keepe you about me; for your conuersation yeel∣ded me no small contentment; and your counsell, and endeauours, were verie beneficiall. But knowing the trust you reposed in me, and the affection

you bare me, euen from your younger yeares; I had euer a minde, not onlie to preserue your estate, but to encrease both your honor, and profit. Where∣fore, when I had an opinion to goe in∣to my Prouince, you may remember what place I offered you, without be∣ing entreated. But after I changed my resolution, perceiuing how Caesar held m•• in good esteeme, and loued me affect••onatelie: and knowing his won∣der••ull courtesie and rare constancie; I sent you to him; and recommended you, with the greatest efficacie, possi∣ble. And he hath often written to me, that for my sake he will shew you all fauors. Euen as to your selfe also, both in words, and effects, he hath manife∣sted. Hauing there••o••e light vpon such a man: if you thinke I either know any thing, or wish you well, neglect him not: and if any thing peraduenture o••••end you; supposing, that either through his great occupations, or that he is not able, he doth not so sodainely remunerate your seruice: beare a while, and expect the end; which will yeeld you, honor, and contentment. And take my securitie for the same. It hoots not ••hat I spend more words in per∣sw••d••ng you; onlie I giue you this ad∣uise, that neither, to purchase absolute∣ly the loue of so honourable a man, and so liberall, nor to settle you in a

Prouince of worthie emplo••ments, shall you euerlight vpon the like occa∣sion. Besides, your bodilie vigor, ca•• neuer be better. And (as you vse to write in your bookes.) So thought Quintus Cornelius, I am verie glad you went not into Britannia; both because you suffered not the discommodities [of such a iourney,] and in that you haue not to relate vnto me those euents. I praie write vnto mee, where you meane to keepe your winter, and with what hope, and condition. Farewell.