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

Cicero to Caius Caesar Impe∣rator. Ep. 15.

I Solidly commend vnto you, Praecili∣us; whose Father is your friend, my familiar; and a man of great integritie: For besid••s, that I beare an infinite loue to this young man, being ciuill and mo∣dest, and because he loues me entirely: I haue manifestly found his father, in all my occasions to haue beene much affected to me. This is he, who amongst others was especially wont to laugh at my proceedings, and reprehend me; in that I did not ioyne with you; and the rather, because you inuited mee thereunto, with honourable conditi∣ons;

But his inducement•• dr••e not my consent.

Because on the other part, I heard those our great defenders of the Com∣mon-wealth, cry out;

Be valorous, that after world's may rayse, Some brain, to blazon thy deserts, & praise. Thus, was I puckled in a foggie mist.

And yet he continued his exhortati∣ons. But they, though I were alreadie thoroughly hot; seeking by glorie to enflame me•• said;

Die not vnusefull, and without renowne, But die, that memory thy acts may crowne.

But now, you may perceiue they moue me but a little. And therefore leauing the loftie style of Homer, I betake me to the true precepts of Euripides;

I hate his councell that's for others wi••e, And in his owne occasions wants his eyes.

Which verses, Praecilius the elder, commendes exceedingly; affirming, that we may liue warily; and yet retaine our precedencie, and principalitie. But to returne, where we began, you shall shew me a memorable fauour, if out of your singular courtesie, you enterteine this young man; and to the good incli∣nation, which I am perswaded you haue, to pleasure him, and his Father; make vpon this my recommendation, some new addition. I haue vs'd a new style of writing, to giue you to vnder∣stand, that I send no vulgar commen∣dation. Farewell.