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

Cicero to Quintus Cornificius his Colleague. Ep. 17.

THe memoria••l you retaine of mee, is according as you signifie in your le••ters, beyond measure to me acceptable; and I entreat you to pre∣serue it; not that I any waies doubt the contrarie, but because it is the custome, to be thus ••ollicitous. There's newes out of Syria, of certaine tumults, which•• in that they a••e nearer to you, then vs, I am more so••rie for yours, then mine owne respects. Rome is in wonderfull quiet: but it were farre better, that it were busied in some beneficiall, and honoura••le ••rau••iles; which, I hope will be; because I ••e•• Caesar hath a desire th••reunto, Vnderstand, that in your absence, I e••d••e very boldly, because me thinkes I may, you being absent: and ••mong ma••y thi•••••• which perad∣uenture would no•• disl••k•• you, I h••ue

lately written of the perfect forme of speaking. Wherein, I thought many times, that you were somewhat discre∣pant from my opinion; after that man∣ner that a learned man vseth to dissent, from one, that is, vnlearned. I would haue you first, commend this Booke, for it owne desert; and then, though you should thinke it deserues nothing; yet to doe me a pleasure. I will giue it to your friends, to be written out, that they may send it you. For I suppose, though you approue not of the subiect, yet finding your selfe now without em∣ployments, you will take delight in e∣uery thing that comes from me. Where∣as you recommend vnto me your dig∣nitie, and reputation, in this you follow the custome of o••hers: but I assure you, that besides, the great accompt I make of your friendship, I doe so estimate your vertuous studies, and vnderstan∣ding; and haue so great hope, that you will a••ise to eminent degrees of honor; as I preferre none before you, and hold but few your equalls. Farewell.