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

Cicero to Plancus Imperator, e∣lected Consull. Ep. 12.

THough I ought to reioyce in the behalfe of the Common-wealth, that in times of such necessitie, you haue so greatly assisted her: Neuerthe∣lesse, may Fo••••une so grant, that I may embrace you a Conquerour, in the happie state of the Common-wealth; as a great part of my ioy, proceedeth from your digni••y: which I know now, to be very eminent, and will also be so hereafter. For I assure you, that more acceptable letters then yours, were ne∣uer recited in the Senate. And this hap∣pened, both through a singular great∣nesse, of the good, that you haue done in the Common-wealth; and also, through the grauitie of the words, and sentences. Which questionlesse, seem'd

no new thing vnto me, who was well informed of your valour; and called to minde, what you promis'd me, in the letters you sent me; and had fully also by our Furnius beene aduertised of your designes. But the Senate, apprehended greater matters, then were expected: not that it euer doubted of your dispo∣sition, but it had not full information, neither what you were able to doe, nor what you intended to attempt. Where∣fore Marcus Varisidius, hauing deliuered me your letters, on the vij. of Aprill in the morning; I tooke, in reading them, infinite contentment: and a great mul∣titude of excellent Cittizens accompa∣nying me out of my house, I presently made them all partakers of my conten∣tation. Afterwards came our Munatius, out of his wonted custome, to see mee, and I shewed him your letters; for as yet he knew nothing, because Varisidius came first to me: and he said, that so you appointed him. A little after, Munatius gaue me those letters to read, which you sent both to him, and to the pub∣licke state. We thought good presently, to goe and present the letters to Cornu∣tus, Praetor of the Cittie: who, because the Consuls were out of Rome, accor∣ding to the auncient custome, supplyed their place. The Senate was forth with co••uented: and almost all the Sena••ors ••ss••mbled, th••ough the fame and ex∣pect••tion

of your letters. Which be∣ing recited, Cornu••us had a scruple of conscience, by reason the Pullarian southsayers tooke notice, that he had not vsed requisite diligence, in making the diuinations. And this was appro∣ued by our Colledge. Whereupon the businesse was de••erred till the day fol∣lowing. On which day, I contended much in defence of your honour with Seruilius•• who hauing by fauour obtai∣ned, that his opinion should first bee heard: the greater part of the Senate op∣posed him and my opinion, which was the second, to be moued, being allow∣ed of by the greater part of the Senate: at Seruilius entreatie, Publius Titius spake against it. The matter was refer∣red ouer to the next day. Seruilius came prouided with an vniust minde, euen a∣gainst Ioue himselfe: in whose T••mple the mater was heard. Now, how rough∣ly I handled him, and how roundly I cut of Titius, that oppos'd himselfe a∣gainst vs, I wish you may vnderstand by other mens letters•• take this onely from mine: That the Senate could not bee more graue, more constant, nor more fauourable to your praise, then at that instant it shewed it selfe. And yet, the Senate was not more friendly to you, then the whole Cittie. For there was a wonderful accord to deliuer the Com∣mon wealth: and all the peo••l•• of Rome

concurre to this enterprise: prosequute therefore, as you doe, and make your name ••ternall: and all these semblances of glorie, rai••'d from vaine appearances of renowne; contemne them as s••ort, flitting, and transitorie things. True ho∣nour consists in vertue: which illustrates it selfe more then any way els, by effec∣ting great seruices for the Common-wealth: whereof Fortune sets bef••••e you, a most admirable oppo••••unitie. Which hauing once embraced•• suffer it not to flie from you: but procu••e that the Common-wealth may be no lesse bound to you, then you to her. As for me, you shall perceiue, that I will not onely be fauourable to you in ho∣nour, but I will also seeke, how to aug∣ment it in you: not to faile in the office I owe, as well to the Common-wealth, which I loue aboue my selfe; as also to our vnfained amity. And in those cour∣ses which I haue vnde••taken for the ad∣uancement of your honour, I take g••eat delight; for, the fidelitie, and wise∣dome of Ti••us Mana••us, othe••wise hath beene well knowne vnto me, mo•••• euidently perceiu••d, in the loue and diligence he hath vsed in your occa∣sions. Farew••ll.