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

Lucius Plancus Imperator, elected Consull; to the Consulls; Praetors; Tribunes of the people; Se∣nate; people; and Communaltie of Rome. Epist. 8.

IF some peraduenture thinke, that I haue held too long in suspence, the expectations of men, and the hope, which the Common-wealth had of me: I suppose it, first requisite for mee to excuse me to these men; before I promise, that from this time forward, I will discharge my du••ie. For, I will not appeare to haue corrected an error committed: but I would it should bee knowne, that hauing alwaies borne a reall minde; now, when I found a conuenient time, I haue discouer'd it. I vnderstood my selfe thus farre; that in so great troubles, and in such a tu∣multuous esta••e of the Cittie, it was very profitable to giue a testimonie of an affectionate Cittizen: and I saw diuers had receiued great honours; vpon the like occasion; but Fortune hauing brought me to that passe; that if I manifested my selfe for you, too soone, I should frustrate my de∣signes, and lose the hope I had to assist

the Common-wealth; and in not lay∣ing my selfe open, I might haue greater oportunities to doe you seruice; I made choice to haue a regard to common safetie, more then to mine owne estimation. And what man in the world, in the fortune I haue had; after I had liued, as euerie one knowes I did liue; being in the hopes that I am in; could euer support anie base action, or desire anie, which might be dange∣rous? But, time, great labour, and mightie expence, was requisite; to per∣••orme that, in effects, which I to the Common-wealth, and all good men had promised; and to repaire to the ayde of my Cou••trie, with such forces, as were answerable to my intention. It was behou••full for me, to confi••me the Armie, tempted oftentimes with great rewards; and to induce it, rather to hope for moderate ma••••••rs from the Common-wealth, then infinite boun∣ties ••rom one alone. It was conuenient, to confirme diuers Cities, the which our enemies•• the yeere pa••t, by large donatiues, had oblieged to th••mselues: whom it was expedient to perswade; that they should not esteem gifts, which proceeded from men of that condition; and that it were mo••e co••mendable for them to receiue the same benefits, from persons, that bare a better minde towards the Common-wealth Be∣sides

thi••, It was behouefull, by policie, to win the hearts of others, which had the gouernment of neighbour Prouin∣ces, and of the Armies: to the end they might esteeme it bet••••r, to defend ge∣nerall libertie in the companie of ma∣ny; then with a few, to obtaine a vi∣ctory lamentable to the whole world. And besides the things forementioned, it was nece••sarie that I should fortifie my selfe by ingrossing the Armie; and, to multiplie succors: to the end; that when afterwards I openly reuealed my minde; then, though some tooke it ill, there might be no danger to make knowne, what part I would defend. Therefore, I will neuer denie, that I fained diuers things again••t my will; and dissembled many with my griefe; to attaine my end of such designes For, how dangerous it was, for a good Cit∣tizen, before due time to manifest him∣selfe; by my Colleagues case, I had con∣ceiued. And for this respect, to Cai••s Furnius, my Legate, a valiant, & resolute man, I gaue more commissiōs by word of mouth, then in writing: to the end, they might more secretly be to you cō∣ueied; & my self r••maine more secured. I also informed him of the prouisions, which to secure the common safetie, and to arme vs, is behoouefull. From whence it may be collected, that long since, the defence of the cōmon wealth

had in my heart made deepe impressi∣on. Now, through the Gods benignitie, I being well furnished of all things: I desire, that men would not onely hope well of me; but settle on me a secure, and infallible iudgement. I finde my selfe to haue fiue Legions, vnder their Standards; for their fidelitie, and va∣lour, much affected to the Common-wealth; and, through the bountie I haue vsed to them, as ready at my com∣mand as possiblie may be. I retaine the Prouince, together with all the Citties well affected; and more then carefull to discharge their duties: [And] as ma∣ny horse and foot, as these nations can raise; to defend their safe••ie and com∣mon libertie. As for me, I am so en∣couraged, either to defend the Pro∣uince, or to goe whither the Common-wealth shall summon me, or to resigne, the armie, succors, and Prouince; that I refuse not to take vpon my selfe, euen the whole brunt of the conflict: so that, by my ruine, I might but confirme my countries safetie, or abate the perill. If I make these offers (euery thing being now set••ed, and in a peaceable estate of the Cittie,) with the preiudice of mine owne praise: yet shall I reioyce in the benefit of the Common-weal••h. But if the same dangers still remaine: I referre my selfe to iust Iudges; that may defend me from the malignitie of those, that

enuie me. A large satisfaction ••or my endeuours, shall be the safetie of the Common-wealth. I thinke good to en∣treat you, that you would take these souldiers to your speciall recommenda∣tion; who mooued by my authoritie; but much more, trusting in your fideli∣tie; haue suffered themselues to be de∣ceiued with no hope, propounded to them; nor with any danger haue beene daunted. Farewell.