Cicero to Plancus Imperator, elected Consull. Ep. 5.

I Receiued two letters from you, of one tenour; which was vnto me a manifest signe of your diligence. For I perceiued, how much you desire, that your letters more then any other thing by me exp•cted, might be deliuer'd me. I say therefore, they were most well∣come to me: and they haue made mee doubtful, whether I should hold dearer; your loue towards me; or the aff•cti∣on you did manifest towards the Com∣monwealth. Certainely as I iudge, affection borne towa•ds our coun•rie, is a matter of great moment; but the loue, and conuinction of two mindes, comprehends a greater delectation. That part therefore, where you com∣memorate the friendshippe I had with your father, and the l•u• which fr•m Page  490 your childehood, you bare towards me; and somewhat more, which you haue written to that purpose, afforded me infinite contentment. On the other side, it was pleasing to me, to behold; how well you were disposed, both now, and euer to assist the Commonwealth. And this my contentment was the greater, because it was annexed to the masters aboue mentioned. Wherfore, I doe not onely exhort you my deare Plan•us; but effectuallie I entreat you; as I did in those letters, to which you so courteouslie made answer; that, with all your vnderstanding, and the whole force of your minde, you will studie to procure the good of the Com∣monwealth. There is nothing, that can redound to your greater benefit, and glorie. And of all worldly things, there is not any one more excellent, and honourable, then to be beneficiall to our countrie. I speake freely to you, because I thinke that you, like an affa∣ble and wise man, will accept of it as hitherto you haue done. By the helpe of Fortune, it seemes you haue obtai∣ned great honors. The which, though without vertue, you could neuer haue atchieued: yet, in all mens opinion, Fortune, and the qualitie of the times, haue had the greatest hand therein• But now, that the commonwealth stands so afflicted; euery helpe which you Page  491 shall administer, will only be attributed to your selfe. It is an incredible thing, how odious Marcus Antonius is to all Cittizens; except to those, who toge∣ther with himselfe, haue betrayed their countrie. We hope much, in you, and your armie, and promise much to our selues vnderstand, I beseech you, how to apprehend the oppor•unitie of such a Fortune, and so great glorie. I ad∣monish you as a sonne: I wish the same to you, that I doe to my selfe: If I in∣cite you to Action, my countrie, and the great loue I beare you, moues mee thereunto. Farewell.