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

Cicero to Varro. Epist. 3.

I Had nothing to write: yet Cani∣nius com••ing to you, I would not haue him depart without my let∣ters•• But what should I write vnto you? that which I thinke you desire; that I will shortly come to visite you. Al∣though 'tis a matter to be considered of, how conuenient it is; that now when the Cittie is so ouerladen with miseries, we should goe to the Bathes; which are places of solace. We shall mi∣nister matter to them to talke of, who know not; that by changing of place, we neither change life, nor ••ustomes. And yet we cannot auoyd, the talking thereof. But what remedie? in retiring our selues to a reposed life, now when all men are employed in wicked and bad actions, should we regard the be∣ing censured? I resolue constantly to contemne the ignorant vulgar, and to follow your footsteps. For though our m••series be very great; ••et it seemes the studie of ver••ue, is now more bene∣ficiall vnto vs, then it was at oth••r times: or be it that in this storme, wee see no other Port; or else that the grie∣uousnesse

of the infirmity makes vs the better to know the necessitie, or want of Physicke; whose efficacie we did not discerne, while we were healthfull. But what do I? The writing of these things to you; in whose house they properly growe, is a carrying (as they say) of Owles to Athens. But I wrot them for no other end, but to giue you an occa∣sion to write vnto me something backe againe; and to acquaint you with my comming. Therefore answere, and ex∣pect me. Farewell.