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

Cicero to Papirius Paeto. Epist. 20.

YOur letters affoorded me a double contentment; both because I haue laughed; and in that I vnderstood, that you, at length, can laugh. Neither am I displeased, that like a bad souldier, you haue loaded me with apples: but I am sorrie, that I could not come thi∣ther, as I determined. For, not for few daies, but continually, I would haue lodged with you. And thinke not, that your dish of wine and honie, should more haue seru'd my turne; From an egge to roasted veale, that is, from the beginning of supper, euen to the last, you should haue seene me rauen like a

Wolfe. You were wont to commend me as a man easily to be satisfied, and with a slender meale: now, I am whol∣lie chang'd. For now, I thinke no more on the Common-wealth; nor, what opinion I ••hould deli••er in the Senate; nor, how I am to plead, and handle causes: I applie my selfe to an Epicurean life: not to the dissolute [life] at this day: but to that delicate, and moderate one, which you vsed, when you had plentie to spend: though at this time, you haue more Farmes then euer you had. So that, bee prepa∣red: you haue to doe with a man, that can eate soundly, and that now at length vnderstands somewhat: and men that haue learned late, you know how troublesome they are to content: and you must forget your banqueting dishes, and daintie Cakes. We are now come to that point, that we dare en••ite to supper, your Verrius, and Camillus: and you know, what delicate fellowes they are. But•• obserue yet, a further presumption: I inuited Hirtius also to supper; but he gate no Peacockes. And at this supper, my Cooke, (besides hot broth,) sent vp no dishes, like to those that w••re vsuall at Hirtius suppers. This therefore is now my life. In the mor∣ning, I visite at home, many honest men, but in miserable condition; and these ioyfull Conquerors: Who in

troth, verie courteouslie, and louinglie entertaine me. After this my visitati∣on, I shut my selfe vp to my studies: either I compose something, or else I read. Some also come to heare me, as a learned man, because I am a little more learned then they are. After∣wards, all the rest of the time ••is spent, about bodilie health. I haue lamented my countrie, more bitterly, and longer time, then euer Mother lamented her onely childe. If you wish mee well, procure your health: to the end I may not d••u••ur your substance, while you are sickelie. For I am resolued no•• to s••are you, be you neuer so diseased. Farewell.