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

Cicero to Seruius Sulpitius. Epist. 26.

LVcius Messinius is thus intrinsecall with me, because he was my Quae∣stor: But this intrinsecalitie, which I out of the custome of our Predecessors, mu••h respected; hee, by his owne ver∣tue, and nobilitie, hath encreased. And therefore there is no man, with whom I conuerse more willingly, nor with greater famili••ritie. This man, though he seemes confident, that in regard of himselfe, you would readily doe him any reasonable pleasure, within your power; is, notwithstanding hopefull, that my letters may be of great authori∣tie with you. And besides, that of him∣selfe he conceiued thus much; he had, by our daily conuersation also, often vnderstood by me, what pleasing and especiall amitie, there was betwixt vs. I e••treat you therefore, with as great affection, as you see I am bound to en∣treat, for so inward and familiar a

friend; that you would declare the sutes he hath in Achaia, as heire to Mar∣cus Mindius, his brother, who did nego∣tiate in Elis; & not onely dispatch them in equitie, by the po••er you haue; but also by your councel, & authority. For, wee haue giuen expr••••se commission to our Agen••s in those parts, that in all ca∣ses of difficultie, they should retaine you for th••ir ••udge, and make vse of your endeuor, ••o it were not with your discommodititie: which charge vouch∣safe, I beseech you, to vndergoe, on the behalfe of mine honour. Besid••s this, if you thi••ke it no preiudice to your re∣pu••ation, you shall doe m••e a ••ingular pleasure, if they bee so litigious, that they will not take vp the matt••r without suite, to referre them to Rome, conside∣ring they haue to doe with a Senatour. Which, that you may performe with l••s••e doubt, wee haue so wrought, that Marcus L••pidus, the Consull, hath writ∣t••n to you thereof, not comm••nding, (for wee thought that might bee some disparagement to your reputation) but after a manner, requesting therein your fauour. I wo••ld write, how happily the benefit you conferre vpon Messinius would bee bestowed; but first, I am confident, that you consider it. Then, I would haue you thinke, you doe it ••or my selfe. For, I promise, and as••u••e you, that his ••akes no l••sse impressiō in

my heart, then if it were mine owne bu∣sinesse. But, besides my desire, that hee may without anie trouble enioy that, which in right belongs vnto him. I would bee also glad, hee might vnder∣stand, that no small matter hath accru'd vnto him by my recommendation. Farewell.