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

Cicero to Varro. Epist. 8.

ALthough it be not the manner; no not of the common people, ex∣cept they be vrged, to be importunate in dem••nding a present; whereof there was formerly an intention and promise made: neue••thelesse the expectation that I haue of your promise, mooues me not to sollicite, but to challenge you of performance. And I could not choose; but send you foure bookes: which shall admonish you to pay the debt, without any great respect. This new Academie, hauing, as I suppose you know, rather a presumptuous forme, then otherwise. And therefore I doubt, that these foure bookes, which I send vnto you, com∣ming out of the center of the same A∣cademie, will challenge your promise, with too much importunitie: which I haue enioyned them, that they s••ould but onely put you in minde, that I liued in expectation, that you would haue honoured me with the dedication of some worke of yours: and for this cause

I forbare to write vnto you: to the end that hauing first seene your present, I might haue deuised the like to recom∣pence you. But obseruing your slacke∣nes••e, (though I will rather terme it di∣ligence, then slacknesse) I could not forbeare to write the said bookes vnto you, to manifest vnto the world, in the best manner I could, the firme knot, both of our studies, and mutuall loue, by which we are con••oyned. And so I haue digested in forme of a Dialogue, that discourse we had together in Cu∣m••num, Pomponius At••i••••s being pre∣sent. And because I conc••iued, that Antiochus opinion pleased you; I haue brought you in to def••nd it: and I main∣taine that of Philo. You will in reading, wonder at some things vttered by vs, which neu••r were spoken. But you know the custome in Di••logu••s. Here∣after we will betweene vs endite many things, and vpon the subiect of our selues. Which we should haue done be∣fore now: but for the time past, the Common-wealth excuseth vs; for the time to come, the blame should be laid vpon vs. And would to God, that in a retired life, and in a state of our co••n∣trie, though not ••rosperous, ••et secure; we might exercise our studies together. Al••hough occasions would not be then wanting, to meditate, and practise som∣thing else. But now, without studies,

what a life would ours be? In sooth, I know not certainly, whither with them I may likewise liue: but without, I shall neuer be able. But we will discusse this together hereafter, and verie often. Whereas you write vnto me, about the house you haue bought, and how you are gone to dwell there: I wish you all happinesse therein, and I thinke you haue done very wisely. Haue a care of your health. Farewell.