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

THE SEVENTH BOOKE OF THE FAMILIAR EPISTLES OF M. T. CICERO.

Cicero to Marcus Marius. Epist. 1.

IF any bodily griefe, or your vsuall indisposition hath detain'd you, from comming to the publike sports; I ascribe it rather to Fortune, then to your wisedome. But if you reputed these things vaine, vvhich by others haue beene admired; and being ••ble, yet vvould not come:

the one, and other please me well; both that you are healthfull of bodie; and that you had so prudent a minde, in contemning those things, which others admire vvithout cause; so that, you haue reaped the fruit of your vacancie, vvhich you might wonderfully enio••, remaining as it were alone, in that Pa∣radise. Neither doe I therefore doubt, but you spend all the morning, in rea∣ding, and studying in that roome of yours, from whence you may disce••••e, Stabi••num, & Sei••num. At which time, they that left you there, being drovvs••e, beheld amongst the multitude, those, vvhich represented Comedies. The o∣ther houres of the day, you after spent in those pleasures, that for your recrea∣tion you made choice of: vvheras vve, vvere vr'gd, to heare the Comedies, vvhich Publius Maecius forsoo••h appro∣ued of. In truth, if you desire, I should tell you; I must needs say, the sports vvere as honourabl••e set forth as might be, but not to your liking•• vvhereof I iudge according to mine ovvne incli∣nation. First, for greater honour to the Festiuitie; they return'd to the Stage, who, I thought, for their reputations sake, had left it. Then our Aesope, who so much delights you, bare him selfe so ill, as he should haue done euery man a fauour, not to haue gone forward in his part; for hauing begunne to sweare,

his voyce fail'd him in that [very] place, If I commit any dec••it wittingly. I need not describe the rest vnto you, you knowing how the other playes are. Neither need I to tell you that they had not the pleasing, or gratefull spe••ches of ordinary playes. For the pomp tooke away the pleasure; and I am most sure, you wil be very glad you saw it not. For, to see 600. Mules in [the Tragedie of] Clytemne••••ra; or three thousand stand∣ing cups in a Troi••ne horse; or sundrie armed showes of horse, and foot, in a battaile; what delight yeelds it? the vul∣gar admire these things, but they would no vvaies haue contented you. If in those d••ies you made your Protoge••es read vnto you, so he read not my Ora∣tions, vndoubtedly you found ••a••re sweeter recreation, then any of vs. F••r as for the Graecian, or Oscian sports, I thinke you neuer desir'd to see them, in that you may see the Oscian, in our Se∣nate; and the Grae••ian you so detest, that you accustome not to goe to your countrie Farme by the Greeke way. And why should I imagine, that you desire to see the Champions, when you would neuer see the Fencers? wherein Pompeius himselfe confesseth, that he hath meerely lost his time, and charge, in exercising them. Besides this: For ••iue whole dayes, I denie not but there we••e euery day two magnifi∣cent

baytings; but what pleasure can an vnderstanding man take, when by a forcible and strong beast a weake man is torne in peeces; or when a goodlie beast, is with a speare goared through, from one side to the other? These things if they were worthie of sight, thou hast seene them more then once: and we that haue be••ne there befo••e, saw nothing new or strange. The last day, was of the Elephants: who, stroke the people into great wonder, but gaue no delight; rather a compassion: and men in some sort thought, that, that kinde beast, did participate of humane nature. But because you may not ima∣gine, but that in those dayes, I was not onely happie, but free: I will not forget to aduertise you, how at the same ••ime, when the Comedies were represented, I was like to breake with the paines, I tooke in de••ending the cause of Gallus Caninius, your familiar friend. And if the people fauour'd me, as highly as they did Aesope; before God, I vvould leaue the art willingly, and liue with you, and our equals. For if this kind of life, did not please me, then, vvhen both my yeares, and ambition, excited m•• to follow it; and when I was not bound to defend any, but such as I thought well of; neither was I bound to defend whom I would not, now I am so weary of it, that I can follow it no more. For

I expect no fruit of my labours; and sometimes I am enforced, to defend such an one, as hath done me an iniu∣rie, at their entreati••s, that haue bene∣fitted me. Wherefore, I daily cast a∣bout, how I may one day liue, after mine owne humour: and I cannot ex∣presse vnto you, how praise vvorthie I hold your resolution; and how I am sa∣tisfied to see you liue so retired. And I grieue the lesse, for your comming so seldome to see vs, for if you vvere at Rome, neither could I enioy your sweete conuersatiō, nor you make vse of mine, be it what it will be, by reason of my troublesome negotiations: from which if I can but ease my selfe, (for I seeke not to be altogether free'd,) I haue a mind not onely to teach others, but your selfe also; vvho for so many years, haue studied nothing else, what that life is, which may truely be call'd a life. At∣tend you as you doe, to maintaine, and preserue your selfe, in this your weake constitution: to the end that we may visite our countrie houses together, and at ease, range vp and downe, here and there, in our Litters. I haue beene lon∣ger then I vse to be; not through the a∣boundance of my time, but out of loue: you hauing halfe inuited me in a cer∣taine Epistle, to write somewhat, which might make you not repent, that you were not at the sports. Wherein if I

haue giuen you satisfaction, I am glad: if not, I will be of good hope, that an other time you will come to see th••m, and visite vs; not expecting, that my letters should herein giue you full con∣tentment. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Marius. Epist. 2.

I Will diligently performe what you enioyne me: but certainely you were verie circumspect to commit the enter∣prise to one, who for his owne inter••st, desires, that the thi••g may be sold very deare: but you shew'd wit in limitting me the price, for which, I was to buy it. For if you had referr'd your selfe to me; as my loue is towa••ds you, I would haue enioyn'd my coheires to haue giuen you satisfaction therein. But now I know what you will spend, I will vn∣de••hand send a person, that shall offer neare your price: that th••re be no sale made vnder the price you offer: But no more iest••ng. I will obserue you with that dilig••nce, which I ought. As for Bursa, I am sure, you receiue great con∣tentment; but you reioyce ••oo coldly with me; supposing•• as you write, that by ••eason of his ignobilitie I esteeme

the mirth the lesse, Be assured, that I was more ioyfull at ••his sentence, then when Clodius was slaine. First, because I loue rather to ouercome with reason, then with armes: then, because it is pleasing to me to ouercome rather with the glorie, then ••••••ne of my freind. And aboue all, it lik'd mee, that good Citi∣zens haue manifested so great affection to me, though they perceiu••d in oppo∣sition, the preualent practises, and in∣finite desire of Pompeius, a man so ho∣norable, and potent. Last of all, which could scarcelie seeme probable, I wish't worse to this man, then to Clodius himselfe: For ••o Clodius, in opposing him, I had done an inurie: and to ••his defending him, a benefit: and Clodius aimed at an high enterprize, s••eing all the Commonwealth was to runne the same Fortune with me; neither did hee mo••e of himselfe, but through their ass••stance, who, I being safe, could not bee s••fe themselues. But this fooli•••• creature, for his recre••tion, went about to molest me: and made some that en∣uied m••e, beleeu••, that hee would al∣waies be galling of me. I pray there∣fore reioyce exceedinglie. A great victorie is obtained. There were neuer more resolued Cittizens then they, who durst attempt to condemne him, against Pompeius power, who had cho∣sen them for his i••dges; which they

would, neuer haue done, if they had not beene touched at the heart, with my passion. Wee are so incombred heere, with aboundanc•• of Iudges, and new lawes; that euerie day wee praie that some suspension follow not, to the end that, as soons as may be, wee may see you. Farewell.

Cic••ro to Marcus Marius. Epist. 3.

WHEN I consider, (as many times I doe) on the common miseries, wherein for so mani•• yeares w••e haue liued; and for any thing I see, are like st••ll ••o liue; I call to minde that t••me, when w•• were last together. Nay, I remember the day it selfe: For on the xiii. of May, in the yeere, when L••an••u∣lus and Marcellus were Consuls; I comming in the euening into Pompeia∣num, you came presently vnto me, with a minde much troubled; A••d the griefe did arise partly from thinking on my office; and in part also for my danger. If I remained in Italie, you doubted least I should faile in my office: and if I went to the ciuill war; you feared I should runne in••o some imminent perill. At which time you

might perceiue me also, ••o disturb'd, and depriued of all counsell, that I knew not how to elect the best. Ne∣uerthelesse, I chose rather to yeelde to the feare of infamie, then to respect mine owne safetie. Which afterwards I grieued at; not so much for feare of d••nger, as for ••he many defects I found there, whither I was gone. First, the Armie was but little and weake: then, except the Captaine, and some few o∣thers, (I speake o•• the chiefest) the rest were in the warre it selfe so rauenous, and in wo••ds so cont••melious, that the victorie it selfe astonish••t mee. I may further adde, that the honourablest Cittizens, of our parts, were much charged with debt, What should I say more? The••e was nothing else good; but the occasion of the enter∣prise. Which hauing obs••rued, I di∣spairing of victorie, first began to counsell •• peace, as alwaies my custome was. Then Pompeius being ve••y farre from this opinion, I began to a••••••••e him, to draw the warre out at length. Whereunto sometimes hee consent••d, and said he would doe it; and wo••ld peraduenture haue so done, if after a certaine encounter, he had not growen too confident in the force of his soul∣diers: neither afterwards, did that man, so highly euer esteemed, any thing beseeming a good Captaine.

With a new Armie, raised in diuerse places, hee ioyned battaile, with tough and lustie souldiers. Whereupon re∣maining vanquished, and hauing lost, euen his lodging Tents, alone re∣proachfully, hee betooke himselfe to flight. And this was my end of the warre: it appearing vnlikely to mee, that being so broken, wee could rest victors, in ••hat wee were not equall, when we were most entire. I departed from that warre, wherein it was neces∣sarie, either by fighting to die; or to light vpon some trecheries; or fall into the hands of the vanquisher; or haue recourse to King Iuba; or to bee retir'd into voluntarie banishment; or else make choice to kill my selfe. Certaine∣ly nothing else could thereon ensue; being neither willing, nor daring, to put thy selfe into the Conquerours hands. But of all the foresaid discom∣modities, there was none more tolle∣rable then exile; especiallie to him that is innocent; when no further infamie concurr'd therein: and when you are depriu'd of that Cittie, where you can behold nothing without griefe. I made choice to liue amongst my friends, (if one may say, that any man hath now right in any thing) & yet I was pleas'd, to be with my friends. I prognostica∣ted what did afterwards ensue. I came home, not with hope to remaine there

very contented; but so there were any forme of a Common-wealth, to be re∣sident as it were in my countrie: if there were not; to liue as it were in banish∣ment. Me thought I had no occasion, to offer my selfe death; yet many, to desire it. For we commonl•• say, that a man should no longer esteeme his life, when hee is no more the same man h••e was. But notwithstanding to be guilt∣lesse, is a great ••x••••nuation of afflicti∣on: ••speci••lly hauing two things for my sustentation, the knowledge of the most commend••d arts; and the glorie atchiued by my worth; t••e one of which cannot be taken away from mee in life; nor the o••her after death. I haue beene trouble••ome to you, with this so tedious a discourse; b••t knowing you to be most louing to me, and the Com∣monwealth, I meant absolutely to lay open my minde vnto you: first, to shew you, how I neuer would condiscend, that the power of one Cittizen should be greater•• then of the whole Com∣monweal••h. But after that through some mans fault the forces of one par∣ticular man so encreased, that there was no meanes to resist him, I affected peace: and the Armie being lost, and that Captaine in whom our hopes did liue; my desi••e was, that all the rest, should haue giuen ouer the warre; but not obtaining this my selfe alone le••t it:

and now if this be a Citie, I make ac∣count to be a cittizen; if it bee not, I suppose my selfe to bee an exile, in a place, where I remaine in no worse condition, then if I were in Rhodes, or Mitylene. I desir'd rather to haue dis∣coursed of these things with you face to face; but because I saw, I should not so soone finde opportunitie, I thought good now to write them: to the end that if you chance to bee in any place, where any speake sinisterly of me, you may know how to defend me. For there are some, who, though my death would no waies aduantage the Common∣wealth; yet they thinke it a great sinne, that I doe liue. And these men, I am certaine, thinke the number of them that were slaine in this warre, to be ve¦ry small: who if they had followed my aduise, though with vniust peace, yet with honour, they might haue liued. For they should haue beene inferior in armes onely, but not in equitie. Heere is a longer Epistle then peraduenture you d••sired; and I ••••all beleeue you take it so, except you write me another longer. If I can dispatch some busi∣nesses of mine owne, I hope shortly I shall see you. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Marius. Epist. 4.

THE xiiii. [of this present.] I came into Gumanum with our Libo: I thinke presently ••o goe to Pompeianum. But I'le first let you know of it. I de∣sire, that you should be alwaies health∣full; but more questionl••sse while wee are ••ogether. For you see we shall short∣ly meet. Wherefore if you determined to applie any remedie to the gowte, de∣ferre it while another time. Be carefull there••ore of your health, and expect me within two, or three daies. Fare∣well.

Cicero to Caius Caesar Imperator. Epist. 5.

BEhold, how secure I am, that your minde is no wa••es different from mine, not onely in my owne occasions, but also in those of my frends. I thought to haue brought Caius Tr••batius in my companie, whither soeuer I went, with an intent to do him all the honour and fauours, that possiblie I could: But see∣ing Pompeius iourney growes much

longer then I supposed: and in that I may easily, for a ce••taine suspition that you are priuie to, either stay, or at least prolong my depar••ure: see what securitie I repose in you: I haue begun to resolue that Treba••ius shall attend for that from you, which hee hoped for from me: and I haue promised him no lesse, in your good affection, then I was wont to assure him of mine owne. But there hath happened a wonderfull acci∣dent, as it were to assure mee, that my conceite was not vaine; and to secure me of your fauour. For our ••riend B••lbus, being in my house; and I spea∣king affectionately to him, of the fore∣said Trebatius, a letter of your•• was brought me, in the end of whi••h you wrote thus: I will make Marcus Furius, whom you commend vnto mee, either k••ng of Gall, or L••pta's Ambassabour. If you please, send mee another, that may for your sake, be honoured. I and Balbus blisse ourselues, that this should happen at such a time, as it seemed not fallen out by chance, ••ut euen sent from heauen. Behold therefore, I send vnto you Trebatius; and so much the more willinglie, because besides mine owne desire you inuite me to send him also. I entreat you my Caesar, to em∣brace him with that humanitie, which is so incident to your owne natur••, and to conferre those benefits vpon him

alone, which for my sake, you would procure any friend of mine. And this I assure you in his behalfe, not with my old manner of speech, whereat writing to you, of Milo, you worthily laughed: but after the Roman manner, as discreet man speake; that there is no man, that in bountie, valour, or modestie, goes beyond him; whereunto may bee ad∣ded, for the greater ornament of his o∣ther qualities, a singular memorie, and perfect knowledge of that, which ap∣pe••taines to the gouernment of Ci••ies. I doe not require you, to make him a Praefect, or a Tribune, or to giue him any oth••r dignitie, onely I desire, that you would loue him, and vouchsafe him your accustomed courtesie. And y••t, I shall not take it ••ll, if you please to aduance him, with such like titles of glory. And fin••lly, ridding him, as they say, out of mine owne ha••ds, I put him into yours, so famous for victorie, and promise obserued. But it may be, I vse more ceremonies in this, then your courteous disposition comporteth: But for those, I doubt not, but wee shall finde a fitter opportunitie hereafter. Be carefull of your health; and continue the loue you beare me. Farewell.

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 6.

I Neuer write to Caesar, nor Balbus, but I recommend you; and that not with cold, but with such feruent words, as they giue great notice of the loue, which I professe vnto you. But I pray you, shake off these fantasies, and that same humour of returning to a Citie life: and with care, and resolution, striue to obtaine that you hoped for, vpon your departure. And wee your friends will as readily pardon this, as those noble and rich Matrones pardoned Medea, that inhabited in the high Castle of Corinthus: whom, with her white hand, she made beleeue, that they ought not to reprehend her, be∣cause she liu'd remote from her Coun∣trey.

For in the lands of strangers, Haue risen many rangers, And haue their Countries publique good procured. Many in their owne cottage, Possest with drowzie dotage, Haue their whole life without ren••wne endured.

Among which, questionlesse, you had beene one, if we by violence, had not driuen you from hence. But another

time, I'le write more at large. Now, you that haue studied to open other mens eyes, open so your owne, that you be not deceiued by the Charretiers of Britannia. And•• seeing I haue begun to enter into that passage of Medea, reser••e this alwaies in your minde; That hee's not wise, that's not wise for his owne profit. Looke to your health.

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 7.

I Forget not to recommend you: but I would faine heare from you some∣thing, about the effects thereof. I haue great hope in Balbus; to whom I often write effectually of you. I wonder much, that when I receiue letters from my brother, you write not to mee. I vnderstand, that in Britannia, there's neither gold, nor ••iluer: if it bee so, I would wish you out of hand, to take a charriot, and retu••ne presently to vs: but in case, that without Britannia, we may compasse our intention, seeke to thrust in, amongst Caesars Familiars. Wherein my brother, and Balbus, will greatly assist you; but assuredly, more your owne modestie, and deserts. You serue one, who, besides many meanes

that he hath to prefer you, is by nature most liberall. You are of an age verie apt to serue him. And by mee, most assuredly, you are recommended with all efficacie: so that you neede to feare but one thing, [which is] that you neg∣lect not your selfe. Farewell.

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 8.

CAESAR hath written very friend∣ly vnto me, how you haue yet no great familiari••ie with him, in regard of his great employments; but that with∣out faile, you shal haue hereafter. And I returned answ••r vnto him, how accep∣table euerie fauour and courtesie that he did for you•• would be vnto me. But in your letters, I obserue too great haste; and I cannot conc••iue, why you refused the benefit of the Tribune∣ship, ••specially in that you should haue beene fre•• from the trouble of execu∣ting it. I will expostulate thereof, with Vacerra, and Ma••ilius, but not with Corneliu•••• because, confessing, that you were instructed by him, you cannot commit an errour without some impu∣tation to himselfe. I pray, make vse of this opportunitie and occasion, for you

will neuer finde a better. Concerning what you write vnto mee, about that Doctor Pretianus, I cease not to re∣member you to him. And hee in like manner writes to mee, that you haue occasion to bee beholding to him. I would faine know wherein: and I look that you should write often to mee out of Britannia. Farewell.

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 9.

THese many daies I know not what you doe; for you write nothing to me, nor for these two moneths haue I written to you. Seeing you were not with my brother Quintus, I knew not whether, nor by whom to write, I de∣sire to know, where you are, and where you meane to winter. I could bee glad it were with Caesar: but I durst not write to him thereof, knowing how discon¦tented hee is now: but I haue written of it to Balbus. See you bee not forget∣••ull of your selfe, and returne a little the later, to returne the richer: you need not make haste to come hither, especially Vacerra being dead. But you want no counsell. I would faine know, what resolution you haue vndertaken.

Cneius Octauius, or whether it be Cn••iu•• Cornelius, your familiar friend, borne of a noble family, of which no man hath notice; knowing that I am your friend, inuites mee often to supper with him. But hitherto hee could neuer bring mee thither; and yet I accept of his good will. Farewell.

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 10.

I Haue read your letters, by which I vnderstood, how our Caesar is of opi∣nion, th••t in the knowledge of the Lawes you are very profound. You haue cause to reioyce, that you are got∣ten into a Country, wh••re it is thought you know somewhat. And if you had also gone into Britannia, vndoubtedly, in that so great an Island, you would not haue met with your equall. But neuerth••lesse (I may well laugh, seeing you inuite me to it) I beare you a kinde of enuie, that you were called by him, to whose friendship•• not through any pride in himselfe, but by reason of his many negotiations, others cannot at∣taine. But in these letters, you write no∣thing to me of your affaires, which certainely touch me, as neerely as mine

owne. I am aff••aid, lest this winter, you be frozen, and therefore I wish you, to keepe alwayes a good fire. Mucius, and Manilius concur with me in this opini∣on, as they that know, that you are not very well furnished with clothes: though I heare, that you in those parts, meet with them that set you on heat. Through which aduertisement, I fea∣red much your occasions. But you are much more circumspect in the Art of war, then in pleading. For, though you can swim excellent well, yet you were not willing to swim in the Ocean, nor to see the Charretiers of Britannia: al∣though, when you were at Rome, you neuer fail'd to goe see them run, and manage horses. How effectually I haue written to Caesar in your behalfe, your selfe knowes: how often, I know. It is true, that for this many daies, I dis∣charg'd not this office; onely because I would not seeme, to distrust in his infi∣nite courtesie, a••d of the singular affe∣ction that he beares me; notwithstan∣ding, in these last that I wrot, I thought to renue your recommendation to him. And I would bee glad to know, what I haue wrought, and withall of your estate, and all your designes. And therefore I desire to know, what you doe, what you expect, and how long you thinke, to liue from vs: and bee assured, that I cannot endure your ab∣senc••,

if I perceiue not, that it is ••o•• your good. For otherwi••e, we are both the foolishest men in the world: I, be∣cause I seeke not to draw you to Rom••; you, because you come not away fly∣ing. One meeting that we haue toge∣ther, whether it bee about graue, or ie∣sting matters; is certainly mor•• worth; then, not onely our enemies, but the very Ed••i our brethren. And therefore let me know all, as soone as you can: For, by comfort•• counsell, or effe••t, I'le f••r∣ther you. Farewell.

Cicero to Trebatius. Ep. 11.

IF you were not a••readie departed from Rome, you would now certain∣ly haue a desire to leaue it. For in so many Interr••gnum's, vvho hath need of a Lawyer? I would aduise all Doctors, to demand two Aduocateships of euery Interrex. Doe you not thinke that I am a great proficient in your Law termes? But tell me, vvhat doe you? how goe matters? for I see, that you beginne to iest. These signes are better, then the Statues of my Tusculanum, the vvhich vve also cal signes. But I desire to know, vvhat this imports. You write, that Cae∣sar takes your Councell: I would be

gladder, that he tooke counsell of him∣selfe, to doe you some good. And if he doe it, or that you hope he will doe it, beare with this warre, and leaue it not. For I, with the hope of your benefit, vvill moderate my desire of seeing you. But if you see no way, to enrich your selfe there, returne to Rome: For here, either you shall at one time or other get somewhat; or if not, one discourse be∣twixt vs, will questionlesse bee worth more, then all the Samarobri••ae that are in the worl••. Besides, if you returne presently: you shall minister no great matter of rumour, or talke; but if you continue long abroad, without anie profit, I am much affraid, not onely of L••b••rius, but of Valerius also our com∣panion; For, in a Comedie, the person of a Doctor of Britannia may fitly bee represented. Doe you laugh? I laugh not; but, of a most important matter, as my vse is, I write iestingly vnto you. But now to lay aside all iests, I most lo∣uingly entreat you, if by the meanes of my letters, you be honored, as you de∣serue, that you will curbe the desire of being with vs, and seeke to ••ugment your reputation, and benefit. But if mat∣ters goe ill forward, returne hither. But be c••rtaine, that with your own wo••th, and with those offices I performe, in recommending you most effectuallie, you shall obtaine the end of all your de∣sires. Farewell.

Cicero to Trebatius. Ep. 12.

I Could not imagine the cause, why you gaue ouer writing to me. But my friend Panfa tells me, that you are be∣come an Epicurean. Oh! what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ho∣norable warre? what would you haue done, if I had sent you to Tarentum, and no•• to Samarobrina? I neuer liked you since, you commended the li••e where∣unto Titius also my familiar acquain∣tance, meant to applie himselfe. But how will you defend ciuill equitie, do∣ing euery thing for your owne i••t••rest, and nothing for your cittizens? vvhat vvill that part of the law benefit you, vvhich commands, that amo••gst good men, promise be kept? how can he be a good man, that does nothing for any man, but himselfe? how will you shew, that, that which is common ought to be deuided: if they which onely respect their owne delight, will haue nothing common? How would you haue men sweare by Ioue•• if you thinke that Ioue cannot be angrie, with any bodie? And how shall the people of the Vlubrans doe, if you be of opinion, that a man must take no care of publicke things? I am therefore verie sorrie, if it be true, that you are entred into the schoole E∣picur••s: but if you counterfeit, to humor

Pan••a, for your profit; I excuse you: so you will sometimes vvrite, what you doe, and what you would haue me doe, or procure for you. Farewell.

Cicero to Trebatius. Ep. 13.

HOw come you to conceiue, that I should be so vnreasonable, as to be angrie with you, because you seem∣ed so instable, and desirous to returne to Rome; and that for this cause, I for∣bare long time to write vnto you? It's true, that the g••iefe and discontentment of your minde, which I perc••iued in your first letters, troubled mee verie much. But I omitted to write vnto you, for no other cause, but because I knew not where you were, and yet you complaine, and accept not of my ex∣cuse. Alas! I pray tell me my Tribatius, is it money that makes you so presump∣tuous? or is it because Caesar, so great a Captaine employes you? I would I might die, if I doe not thinke, (such is your vaine-glorie) that you had rather be employed by Caesar, then to bee gil∣ded ouer with gold. But be it the one and the other; who will support your pride, besides my selfe, who am a man apt to endure euery thing? But to re∣••urne to my purpose, I am very glad,

that you remaine there so willingly: and as your former discontentment was grieuous to me, so now I am de∣lighted, to see you con••ented. Onelie I am in doubt, that your Art, will helpe you but little. For I vnd••rstood, that there,

N•• man decides his cause by law: But being crost begins to drawe.

And you are not a man, to maintaine quarrells: nay, I know you to bee so modest, that your aduersari••s cannot put in this plea against you, that you with armed power, were the first to as∣saile them. But ••hat I may giue you so••e item also, of those that are not in your bookes, I aduise you to take heed of the Treuiri. I heare that they are ••ruell. I had rather they were rich: But ano••her time peraduenture, I shall haue more leisure to iest. I pray write vnto mee diligently, how al matters are car∣ried there: the iiij. of March. Farewell..

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 14.

CHrysip••us Vettius, free-man to Cy∣rus the Architect, made me thinke that you had not yet forgotten me. For hee saluted me in your name, you are

growne very coy, that you vouchsafe no•• to write to me, who am so neere a fri••nd vnt•• you. And if you can write no more: there will bee found but few h••erea••ter, whom you are like to ouer∣throw in their suites. But if you haue forgotten me, I will endeauour to come vnto you, before I be cleane ra∣zed out of your memorie. If also, the ••eare of the sommer debilitate you; de••ise some excuse, as you did, about Britannia. The foresaid Chrysippus told me, to my singular contentment, that you are one of Caesars intimates, but certainely it would like me better, and more reason there is, that I should haue daily i••formation of your proceed∣ings, by your owne letters. To which desire questionlesse you had neuer gi∣uen cause, if with as great care, you had learn'd the lawes of amitie, as you did those that belong to plead••ng. But all this I speake by way of ••est; as ••ou are wont to doe, and I too sometimes. I beare you vnfeined affection, and I de∣sire; yea, verily I beleeue, that you do the same. Farewell.

Cicero to Trebatius. Ep. 15.

HOw hard a matter 'tis to content them that loue; this may teach you. First you made me dispaire, in that you would not remaine where you are. And now I no lesse despai••e, i•• that you write, that you continue there willingly. Then, I was vext•• beca••s•• you were not contented to be recom∣mended by my letters; now, I am di••∣pleas'd, because you liue contented, being separated from me. But yet I had rather suffer the want of my p••e∣sent desire, then not to behold you in that state, I hope to see you in. I can∣not vtter, how glad I am, that you are entred into amitie, with Caius Matius, a courteous and learned man. Vse all meanes po••sible, to endeare him to you. Vndoubtedly in this Prouince, you cannot make a greater purchas••. See you looke vnto your health. Fare∣well.

Cicero to Trebatius. Ep. 16.

IN the Tragedie entituled the Troiane Horse; it's written as you know to∣wards the end. The Troianes wit be••gins

too late: But you, little one, delay∣ed not long to get wit. In the begin∣ning you wrote letters ••o mee full of complaints rather foolish, then other∣wise. Afterwards you were not very ••ond to see Britannia, for which, I can not blame you; and now, I see you whollie addicted, to the winter residen¦ces: and you thinke not to stir a foote. You must be wise euery way; [for] ••his is the course to improue you. If I did vse to sup abroad, I would haue satisfi∣ed Cneius Octauius in his desire. But I could not forbeare, hee inuiting me so often, to aske him, who he was? Not to iest: he is an honest man: I would you had taken him along with you. Let me vnderstand by all meanes what you doe, and whether you meane to come into Italie this winter. Balbus writes to me of a certaintie, that you'le become a rich man. I will not now examine, whether ••ee spake after the Romane phrase, that you were to h••ue money enough, or else according to the Stoickes, who affirme, that all they are ••ich, which enioy heauen, and earth. As many as come from thence, aueire, that you are so haughtie, as you sc••rne to answer, to a demand made: Neuer∣thelesse you haue reason to reioyce; in that it is generally knowne, that at Sa∣marobrina, there is not a learneder man in the laws, then your selfe. Farewell.

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.

Cicero to Trebatius. Ep. 18.

I Receiued at one instant some letters of yours, that were written at diuerse times: Euery thing pleased me: that you prepare your selfe for this warre; and that you are a worthie fellow. And though at the first you seemed to me somewhat vnconstant; yet I thought not, that this proceeded from a waue∣ring minde, but from an ardent desire to be with me. Giue not ouer therefore, so promising a beginning; passe tho∣rough this warlike employment with an inuincible minde. Assure you, you'le gaine much thereby. I'le renue your commendation: but vvhen the time

shall be fitting. Build vpon this, that you cannot desi••e more th••n my selfe, that your present absence may be very be∣neficiall. And in testimonie thereof, conceiuing that your lawes doe not helpe you much, I sent you some few daies since, a letter in Greeke, by vvhich you might be ayded. I pray write vnto me, of the successe of the warres of Gal∣lia. For I giue credit, to euery foolish and idle fellowes reports. But as I said, all that you wrote pleased me; onely I maruailed, that you wrote against all common vse; many letters with your owne hand, of one, and the same te∣nor. For, as for writing to me, vpon r••zed paper, I see your frugalitie, and I commend you for it: But I am a consi∣dering, what it might be that was first vvritten there; vvhich you vvould ra∣ther cancell, then vvrite out: vnlesse peraduenture, they were your law ca∣ses. For I cannot be perswaded, that you would raze out my letters, to in∣sert your owne. Was it happily your meaning to let me know, that your em∣ployments, were vnfruitfull, and that you get not so much, as may buy you paper? This is your owne fault, who carryed with you shamefastnesse, and would not leaue it behind you here with vs. I'le commend you to Balbus, when he comes thither, after the Ro∣maine manner, that is, with all efficacie:

and if you receiue not my letters so sud∣dainely, doe not wonder. For I will be abroad all the moneth of Aprill. I write this in P••ntinum, staying a while, in the Farme, of Marcus Aemilius Phile∣mon: From whence I was wont, to heare the noise of my Clients, who by your meanes, committed themselues to my care. For 'twas confidently told me, that a multitude of frogs were as∣sembled together in Vl••bra, to come and visite me. Farewell. They viij. of Aprill, from Pontinu••.

THough your letter vvhich L••c••us Aruntiu•• deliuer'd me, vvas very innocent; because it contein'd no∣thing, that might not securely haue beene read in the hearing of the peo∣ple: yet I rent it, as vvell because of Lucius Aruntius words; vvho said, that he receiu'd from you the like commissi∣on; as because in the end of the selfe sa••e letter you put me in minde to doe so: but no more of this. I maruaile that you neuer since wrote vnto me; espe∣cially so great newes hauing occurred. F••••evvell.

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 19.

SEE, whether I loue you: (though certainely vpon iust occasion•• for, I doe not goe beyond you in loue) for being now farre o••f, I could not with∣hold that from you, which in R••me I would not grant, nor so much as pro∣mise you: wherefore, so soone as I de∣p••rted from V••li••, I began a ship-bord, to compose the Topicks of Aristotle: and the sight of that Citie, because it was so aff••cted to you, made mee haue a desire vnto it. I sent you the booke from Regium: in which you shall see, that I haue entreated of that matter, as plainely as possible I could: but if some things seeme obscure vnto you: you must imagine, that no science can bee learn'd out of writing, without an In∣terpretor; and without some exercise: and not to go ••a•• from the matter; your Lawes, thinke you they can bee le••rn'd out of bookes onely? which, though they be many; neuerthelesse, they re∣qui••e a teacher, and exposition. Though, if you read my booke atten∣tiuely, and often, I will not say, you shall reape a••l the fru•••• that you desire; but at least, you shal•• vnderstand the matt••r of your selfe. And, i•• you will

haue also the places, from whence you draw your arguments, when any que∣stion is propounded, to come readily to minde; exercise is necessarie: wher∣in I will helpe you, if I returne safe, and finde things safe at Rome: Farewell, the xxviij of Iuly, from R••gium.

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 20.

SInce I knew the affection that the Citie of Velia beares you; I thought her more worthie of my loue: though she loues not you onely, who is belou'd of euerie one; but also your Ru••io, who is as much desired, as if hee were one of vs. But I thinke you verie wise, in causing him to come to your building. For, ••hough Velia is of no les••e est••eme then Lupercal, neuerthe∣lesse, I had rather you would make a building in Rome, then anie where else. But for all this, if you'l follow my coun∣cell, as you were wont, you sh••ll not sell your fathers possessions, which you haue here; (I speake this, because the Velienses something doubted thereof) Neither shall you leaue Hele••es an ex∣cell••nt riuer; nor forsake the house, sometimes of Papi••ius: though it haue

a groue, where euen strangers are wont to rest themselues. Notwithstanding, if you cut it, you will haue a goodly prospect. But it may bee verie commo∣dious for you, especially in these times; first, to haue their Citie for a receptacle, to whom you are deere; then your owne house, and your farmes also; e∣specially in a remote, heal••hfull, and pleasant place. And, I thinke, my Tre∣batius, it will also be fit for me. But re∣gard your health, and haue a care of my matters, expecting me, by the Gods helpe, before Autumne. I haue caused Sex••us Fabius, to giue me his Master Ni∣co••s booke, wherein hee treateth of ea∣ting well. O sweet Physician! how willingly I learne these precepts: I mar∣uell our Bassus neuer spake word to me of this book. It seems he spake to you. The winde riseth, haue a care of your health. From Velia, the xx^th. of Iulie.

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 21.

AFter I had informed you of the cause of Silius; hee came to mee: and I telling him that you were of opi∣nion, that promise wi••hout preiudice to his right, might bee made in this forme:

If Quintus Caepio the Praetor, hath giuen me possession of the goods of Turpilic•• He answered me, that hee vnde••stood from Seruius Sulpitius, that a will is no∣thing worth, if it be made by him, that hath no power to testate. Adding, that Offilius a••firm••d the same; but that of this, he could not talke with you: and hee prayed mee to commend his cause vnto you. Be assured, that besides you, I haue not a greater friend then he: nei∣ther know I a better man. Therefore it would please me verie well, and I much entreat you, ••hat you would ••inde him out. But doe it, if you loue me, out of ha••d. Farewell.

Cicero to Trebatius. Epist. 22.

YEster-night, at the Table, you laught a•• me, because I said, it was a doubtful case, wh••ther an hei••e might in right, challenge a th••••••, which was committed before his time. Wh••re∣upon, though I return'd late home, ••nd full of wi••e; neuerthelesse, I noted ••he place, where the said case is written; and I sen•• it you: because you might know, that Sextus Aelius, Marcu•• Man••lius, and Marcus Brutus, are of a contrarie opini∣on:

and yet I agree to S••euola's opi∣nion, and yours. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Fabius Gallus. Epist. 23.

I Had not beene long come from ••r∣pi••as, when your letters were deliue∣red me: and by the same messenger, I receiu'd one from Anianus: wherin ••e courteously promis••d mee, that at his comming, I should become his deb∣tor, for what time I would. Imagine a little, that you are my selfe. Do•• you thi••ke it stands, ei••her with your mo∣destie, or mine; first, that I demand a day of paimen••; and ••••at afterwards, I should requ••re it for aboue a yeere•• but all had be••ne ••ell, if you had brought those things, which I desir'd, and ••or such a sum as I would. And neuerthe∣l••s••e; with that, you write you h••ue bought, I shall not only be content, but take also great pleasure therin; knowing euidently, that you haue vs'd not only diligence about it, but also loue: and that you haue not bought a thing, which you thought not fit for me. But haue first satisfied your owne iudge∣ment, the which in euerie thing I haue alwaies reputed excell••nt. Yet I would

not haue D••masippus change his minde: Be••ause you haue not bought a thing ••o my liking. You haue, not knowing my mann••r, bought these foure, or fiue statues, at so great a price, as I would not giue it for all the sta••ues that can be found. Besides, you paralell these sta∣tues, with the Mus••s of M••tellus. What comparison is there? First, I would ne∣uer haue so high priz'd the Muses them∣selues: and all the Mus••s would haue beene contented with this my iudge∣ment. Neuerthelesse, they would haue well beseem'd my Librarie, as a conue∣nient ornament for our studies. But the statua's of Bacchus, how they like me! Oh they are faire! I know it too well: and I haue se••ne them often; but if they had pleas'd me, I would haue gi∣uen you speciall commission [to buy them:] For, I vse to buy those statues, the which after the manner, as is accu∣stomed in schooles; may adorne my roome, in the Palaestra. But the statua of Mars, how can that fit me, who euer procur'd, and perswaded peace? I am glad there was neuer a statua of Satur∣nus. For it, and that of Mars, I should haue thought, would haue indebted me. I ra••her would, that there had been one of Mercurius: b••cause I thinke, Auianus would haue come to a more reasonable price. Whereas you write, that you would haue that Tr••pesophorus,

or Statua, which supports the table; if you like it, I'le giue it you: but if you be chang'd, I'le keepe it my selfe. With the money, certainely, which you haue spent vpon these statues, I could farre more willingly haue bought a lodging at Tarracina, not to bee alwaies trou∣bling my friends, by lying in their hou∣ses. But I see the fault is in my free-man, to whom I specified the things I would haue: and likewi••e in Iunius; who, as I suppose you know, is absolutely for Amanu••. I haue begun in a gallerie of my Tusculan••m, certaine ••••••ting rooms, the which I would adorne wi••h faire pictures. For, if any s••ch like things de∣light me, picture pleaseth me. But yet if these statues must lye vpon my hands, certefie mee where they are, when I mu••t send for them; and how to con∣uey them along. For, if Damasippus will not haue them, wee sh••ll finde some o∣ther Damasippus, though I should lose somewhat therein. As for the house, when I receiued your other letters, I was vpon my departure: and therfore I left the care to my daughter; and spake also thereof to your Nicia, who, as you know, is a friend to Cassius. But when I was returned, be••ore I could read these your last; I demanded of my daughter, if she had done nothing in it•• shee an∣swered me, that she had spoken therof to Licinia, Cassius sister, with whom I

suppose, he conue••seth not much. And shee said•• that shee durst not part with that house, without Decius her hus∣bands knowledge, who is gone into Spaine. It l••kes me well to see, that you make so g••eat account of conuersing, & liuing with me; first that you would take that house, wherein you sh••ll not onely dwell neere me, but as it were with me; besides, because you haue so great a desire to come to it; vvhich notwithstanding, let me not liue, i•• it be greater then mine. Wherefore I will vse all ••he mean••s I can therein, perceiuing how much it imports both th•• one, and other of vs. If I can do any thing you shall vnderstand of it. Write backe to ••e of euery thing: and certifie me if you please, when you will come. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Fabius Gali••••. Ep. 24.

VVHether soeuer I turne my selfe, I see manif••st signes of the loue you beare me: vvhich was the occasion, that you were disple••••••d a∣bou•• Tigellius. I thanke you ther••fore fo•• your good will: but I'le deliu••r you the case briefly. Capius (i•• I be not de∣ceiu'd) was wont to say, I sleepe not to euery man: So, I serue not euery bodie.

But what ••er••ice is this? Heretofore, when I vvas in great esteeme, I was not so much obserued, and reuerenc••d of euery bodie, as I am at this present, by all Caesars friends, e••cept onely by this man. Wher••of me thinkes I make g••eat v••e, in that I cannot tolerate such an one; more pestile••t, then his countrie it selfe•• And I thinke he tooke this h••rd conceit against me, because himselfe could haue lik't well of the praises, which Calu••s Licinius bestowes vpon me, after the manner of Hipponactes. But see, wherefore he is in choller with me; I vndertooke to defend the cause of Phamea, out of a desire to doe him a fa∣uour: for he conuersed with me verie domesticallie: Now, he came to me, & told me, that the Iudge would heare his cause, presently on that day, vvhen I was to sit in counsell about Publius Sextius. I answer'd him, that I was de∣sirous to pleasure him; but that it vvas not possible: and vpon any other daie, when he thought good, I would not faile him. He, knowing that he had a Nephevv, which play'd sweetly, and sang very well, departed from me, so farre as I could perceiue, halfe angrie. You may see the na••ure then, of these Sardi: they are like those which are sold in the open ma••ket place, one vvorse, then anoth••r. You haue heard my rea∣s••ns, and the fume of this Sala••on. Send

to me your Cato, I desire to read it. It's a shame for vs both, that I haue not yet read it. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Fabius. Gallus. Ep. 25.

GRieue not that I rent your letter; for I haue kept it; and you may haue it, when you will. I thanke you for aduertising me; and I pray you to a••∣uertise me continually: For you seeme to feare, that if we haue other superior, then this man, our ioy, may change in∣to mourning. But doe you not see, that the Master comes, sooner then we thought? we must lay downe the pen∣sill: to the end that the praises giuen by vs to Cato, turne not to our preiudice. Be a••sured my Gallus, that, that part of your letter, could not haue beene set downe more to the purpose; where you say, o••her things are ••ransitorie. Heare this in secret: keepe it to your s••lfe: tell it not to Appella your freeman: no man writes after this manner, but we two. I doe not say, well, or ill; suffice it, that no man writes as we doe: pros••qu••••e then your style, and neuer giue it ouer. For 'tis that, which teacheth vs ••o speake well••; and I beginne to spend therein also a part of the night. Fare∣well.

Cicero to Gallus. Ep. 26.

HAuing now beene ten dayes grie∣uously sicke of the collick, and not being able to persvvade them, that would haue employed me, that I vvas ill; hauing no feauer. I sl••pt awaie to Tuscula••um: vvhere finding my selfe verie wearie of that infirmitie, especial∣ly hauing continued two dayes with∣out tasting a drop of water, or any thing else: I thought that you should rather haue a care of of me, then I of you. I vse to be greatly afraid of all dis∣eases; but most of that, for vvhich the Stoicks reprehend your Epicurus, hear∣ing him say, that the difficultie of vrine, and of the bloudie Flix, disturbed the peace of his minde. One of vvhich dis∣eases is thought to proceed from su∣perfluitie of meates; and the other by a more dishonest occasion: I doubted much in the beginning, lea••t it vvould haue beene a Fluxe: but it seemes I re∣ceiued good by change of ayre: or per∣aduenture, because I haue freed my minde of many cares; for, this ••uill was alreadie in declination. Neuer∣theles••e because you shall not wonder, from whence this disease growes, and from what disorders: the law vpon ex∣penses, which seemes to haue brought

continencie, made me erre. For while these gallants, who are curious in their meates, beginne to bring into reputati∣on those things, that spring out of the earth, which are exempted from the l••w; th••y season mush••oanes; and lit∣tle, and all sorts o•• herbes; with so gre••t Art, that better cannot be ••aten. Ha∣uing therefore eaten thereof in Lentulus ho••se; a cruell Fluxe came vpon me, which hath h••ld me till now: and so I that easily refrained from Oysters, and Lampries, I haue beene deceiued; by what? by Beetes, and Mallowes. Here∣after therefore wee'le looke b••tter to it. But it had beene your part, hauing vn∣derstood it by Anitius, who saw me vomiting; not onely to send, but to haue come, and seene me. I make ac∣count to stay here, vvh••le I recouer my dissipated forces. But if I can rid my selfe of the disease, I hope easily to re∣couer them. Farewell.

Cicero to Gallus. Ep. 27.

I Know not wherefore you complaine of me•• hauing no occasion: & though you h••d, yet should you not complaine. Y••u write, that when I was Consull, I made vse of you; and that Caesar will re∣store you, into your countrey. You

speake it too confidently; but none be∣leeues you. You adde, that you deman∣ded the Tribuneship for my sake. I would you had beene alw••ies Tribune. For you should not haue beene to seeke of an Intercessor. Afterwards, you sting me, saying, th••t I dare not speake ••r••ely; as if I had not freely ••nswered you, when you imm••destly entre••ted me. This I write vnto you, to giu•• you to vnderstand, that in these qu••••kes of wit, in which you ••uppose your sel••e, to be some bodie; you deser••e no com∣mendation. But if you had mildly com∣plained of me; willingly, & as p••easingly I would haue iustified my selfe. I d••slike not what you haue done, but what you haue written. And I wonder much, that you should not esteeme me a free man, hauing preserued others libertie. But if the things were false, which you, as you say, laid open to me: what am I bound to you for it? if true•• you may be a suffi∣cient testimonie, how much the people of Rome, are bound vnto me. Fare∣well.

Cicero to Curius. Epist. 28.

I Remember, I ••hought you heretofore not ver••e wise, in ••hat you wou••d liue rather there ••h•••• with vs: for ••he situa∣tion of this Citie, when it was a Citie, was more conformable to your affable and sweet nature: then all Pelopo••nesus, therefore farre more then Patrae. Now contrariwise, it appeares vnto me, that you were verie circumspect; when, see∣ing no remedie for the matters of Rome, you went into Graecia: and that you are at this present not onelie wise, in being farre from hence•• but also happie. Though now a daies, who can be hap∣pie that knowes any thing? But as you are gone into a part, where you heere not the iniquities that are heere com∣mitted; so haue I found out another meanes not ••o heare them. For, since I betooke my selfe to my friends that come to visite me: who for this cause also, come hither oftner then they were wont; for they thinke they see a white bird, when they see a good Cittizen; I retire mee to my Librarie. From whence I compile workes, that perad∣uenture will please you. For I once vnde••stood, that you reprehending my affliction; said, that you perceiu'd not

in me that greatnesse of minde, which my Booke inferred. But as in that time, I mournd for the Common-wealth: which not on••lie for her be∣nefits towards mee, but also for mine towards her, was ve••ie deare vnto me: so now, though not onelie reason comforte••h me, which is of great force, but also time, which impaireth griefe, euen in fooles; yet I lament, that com∣mon libertie is so lost, that no hope remaines, to regaine it. N••ither hi∣therto can we complaine of him, that gouernes all things, (except peraduen∣ture this be his offence) but Fortune hath beene in fault for some things; and for some, our selues also. So that we must not grieue for that which is past. As for that, that is to come, I see no hope at all. Whereupon I re∣turne where I began. You were wise, if iudgment; happie, if fortune caus'd your departure. Farewell.

Manius Curius, to Cicero his Master. Epist. 29.

FOR, though Atticus bought me, you enioy me: so ••hat the fruite is yours, and the possession his: which, if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would sell, he could finde but a little

for it. But what thinke you of the te∣stimonie I make, whersoeuer I come? By saying, that I acknowledge all my good from you; that I liu••; that I haue; that I am in anie esteeme? Wherefore my Cicero perseuer constantl•• in pre∣seruing me, and cōmencing me, espe∣cially to Sulpitius your successor: that I may the more easilie obey your pre∣cepts, and see you at Rome, to my great contentment; and more commodi∣ouslie carrie my things from hence, and conueie them with me. But shew not this letter to Atticus. Let him be∣leeue, that I am an honest man, and that I vse not to gratifie two men with one thing. Be carefull theref••re good Patron, to maintaine your health: and salute my Tiro in our behalfe, The xxix. of October.

Cicero to Curius. Epist. 30.

NOW I neither perswade, nor entreate you to re••urne home: nay, and I also desire to d••part, and ar∣riue in some quarter, where I may not heare the name, nor the workes o•• the children of Pelops. You will not be∣leeue what blame I think my selfe wor∣thie

of, f••r being present at these things. You seeme to haue foreseene long be∣••ore, what would ensue, when you de∣parted from hence. For though these things be also bitter to heare; yet ••o heare, is more tollerable then ••o see ••hem. You were not in Campus Mar••i∣us, when, at two a clocke, the people being to be assembled, for the creation of Quaestors, Quintus M••ximu•• his seate was placed, whom ••hey nominated Consull: but his death being vnder∣stood, his seate was carried away: and Caes••r, leauing the crea••ion of Quae∣stors, created a Consull, who was to hold his Magistra••i••, ••rom seauen a clocke, till ••he Calends of Ianu••••ie, wh••ch were on the morning of the day following. So that, all the while Cani∣nius was Consull, no man dined; nei∣ther was ••here any hurt done. For hee was so vigilant, that hee neuer slept in all his Consulship. You thinke these things worthie the ••••u••hing at: because you are not heere: but if you were, you would not forbeare teares. And what if I should write vnto you of fur∣ther matters? For there are an infinite companie of such like: the which doubtlesse I could not endure, if I had not retired my selfe into the Port of Philosophie; and had our Atti••us, for a com••anion in my studies. To whom, seeing you wri••e, that the pos∣session

and power of your person be∣longs, and to me to employ, and enioy you: I am content therwith. For then a thing is possessed, when a man en∣ioyes, and vseth it. But of this, at some other time, I'le write more at large. Acilius who was sent into Greece with an armie, is much obliged to me: For in the better times of the Common-wealth, I defended him twice, in cases of high importance. And he is a thank∣••ull man, and do'es mee great honour. I haue written exactly, this fastned l••t∣ter, in your fauour•• which when hee receiueth, what o••fers he makes you, I would be glad to vnderstand. Far••∣well.

Cicero to Curio. Epist. 13.

BY your letters I easilie compre∣hend two things, which I haue al∣waies desired: one, that you g••eatlie esteeme me; another, that you know your selfe beloued of me: Let's there∣fore contend in courtesies one to ••no∣ther; wherein, whosoeuer remaines superior, I shall be equallie satisfied. I am glad that it was not nece••••••rie ••o deliu••r my letter to Acilius. I see you

haue had no great need of the Sulpicius offices; because your matters were so shefled vp together, that they haue as you write, neither hands nor feete. I would they had their feete, to the end that you might once returne, because you see, that those wittie and ingenious mottoes, so long in vse, are euery day more and more decaying, if wee few, preserue not the auncient Atticke glo∣rie: as Pomponius, who next to you, in promptnesse of wittie sayings, is the chiefest; and I after him, might deser∣uedly say. Come therefore, I pray you, to the end that the seed of wittie iests may not be destroyed, as the Com∣monwealeh is extinguished. Fare∣well.

Cicero to Volumnius. Epist. 32.

BEcause familiarlie, as you should, you haue written vnto me, without your forename: first, I was in doubt, whether the Senator Volumnius with whom I entertaine great friendship, wrote vnto me; Afterwards, the wittie conceits of the letter made me thinke that it was yours. In which letter eue∣rie thing gaue me great contentment••

but this; ••hat you doe with little dili∣gence defend the possession of my essaies: writing to mee, that after my departure all the sayings, euen to those of Sextius, are attributed to me. Doe you then suffer it? doe not you defend me? I thought I had left my mottoes so sign'd, ••hat they might haue beene discern'd from others. But seeing in Ro••e is such ignorance, ••hat no saying is so vnproper, that appeares not wit••y vnto some man: I entreat you, by the loue you beare me, if there bee not some pregnan•• conceit in those, which Iulius in my second booke of the O••a∣tor, produceth, that you will affirme all the rest not to bee none of mine, offering to wager against him, that will not beleeue it. Whereas you complaine of the Iudgements, I care much lesse, let the worst en••ue that may of all de∣fendants. Let Selius also bee so ••lo∣quent, that he can make men beleeue that he is Free borne, I care not much. But I pray, let vs defend with all ou•• power, the possession of gracefull wi••tie passages. Wherein I onely preferre you [and] contemne all others. You thinke that I ••est with you? Now I see you haue wit. But speaking in good earnest, your letters appeared to mee very elegant. And though they should be, as they were ridiculous. Yet did not I laugh: Because I would, that our

••riend should gouerne himselfe, with all wisdom, both for his own respect; (for I loue him well, as you know) as also for the Cōmon-wealth; which though she be ingrate towards me, neuerthe∣les, I cannot forbeare to loue her. Now my Volumnius, seeing you haue begun; and that you finde you are deere vnto me, write vnto me often of the affaires of Rome, and of the Common-wealth. I take great pleasure to read your let∣ters. Besides this, though Dolob••••••a bee verie desirous to doe mee any pleasure, and beares me entire affection; yet ex∣hort him to perseuere in his good will; & work so, that he may be wholly mine. I vse vnto you al importunity herein, & yet am not satisfied. Neither doth this grow, because I doubt; but because I desire it beyond measure. Farewell.

Cicero to Volumnius. Epist. 33.

THough you are not now here, when we exercise our selues in de∣claiming; yet haue you no preiudice thereby. Neither neede you enuie Hir∣tius;

as you write you should doe, if you lou'd him not. Except you would enuie him, rather for his eloquence, then for hearing my disputations. For, my sweet Volumnius, I am of no worth; and if I be worth anie thing, yet I hate my selfe, hauing lost those companions, for whose sake, you held mee happie. And though otherwhiles, I published something worthie my name; now I lament, that these my darts were throwne, not against armed men; but against birds, as Philoctetes saith in At∣••ius, ••aring no more for glorie. But yet I shall be merrie, if you come; though, you shall come in the verie height of occupations. From which, if I can free my selfe, I will leaue these businesses, to liue with you and our common frend••. For your Cassius, and our Dolobella, (though both th'one, and other, may be term'd ours) attend also to the same studies: & I giue eare vnto them willing∣ly. Here we haue neede, of your so ex∣quisite, and perfect a iudgement, and of that your so profound knowledge; so that many times, it makes me reser∣ued in my speech. I am constantly re∣solu'd, if Caesar will, to lay aside here∣after that person, wherein I haue many times giuen him satisfaction, and to shut my selfe vp in studies, ••o enioy an honest vacancie, together with you, and others, that haue a desire to vnder∣stand.

I would not haue had you to doubt, that your letters would haue annoyed mee, i•• they had, as you write, beene long; for, I as∣sure you, the longer, the more accept∣able. Farewell.