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

Cicero to Thermus vice-Prae∣tor. Epist. 55.

THough, me thought I perceiu'd, when I talked with you in Ephesus, about the businesse of Marcus Anneius my Legate, how you were readie vpon all occasions to doe him pleasure; ne∣uerthelesse, both the same Marcus An∣neius, is ••o deare vnto me, that I am en∣clin'd to effect any thing, that may bee for his benefit; and I esteeme my selfe so neare vnto him, as I am assured, that besides your ••ormer disposition to doe him good, you will adde a new desire of fauouring him, vpon my commen∣dations. For ••hough I haue loued Mar∣cus Anneius of long time, and conceiue that opinion of him which th'effects de∣monstrate, hauing voluntarily chosen him Legate; which office hath bin sued ••or by many, whom I euer refused: neuerthelesse, seeing he was with mee, in the warre; and in the managing of military actions, I discern'd in him so great valour, prudence, fidelitie, and good will towards me; that there are none more deare vnto me then him∣selfe. You know how he is in sutes, with the Sardiani. In Ephesus I in••orm'd you of the cause, which notwithstanding you shall face to face better, and more

easily vnderstand. For the rest, I haue qu••stionl••sse beene long doubtfull, how I should w••ite vnto you: it being plaine, & to you•• great commendation made manifest, after what manner you ad∣minister Iustice: and we hauing neede of nothing else, but that you will pro∣ceed according to your vsuall fashion. Notwithsta••ding, be••ng not conceal'd from me, of what authoritie a Praetor is; especial••y, if he be of that integritie, grauitie, and clemencie, wherewith, it is openly knowne, you are endowed: I request you, for our friendly league, and for our equall, and mutuall offices; that with authoritie, endeuour, and fauour, you will so procure, that Mar∣cus Ann••ius may vnderstand, both, that you lou'd him heretofore, as he suppo∣seth, and hath often told me: and that my letters, haue made you loue him more eff••ctuallie. During your gouern∣ment, and au••horitie in that Prouince, no occasion can occur vnto me, where∣in you can shew me greater fauour. Withall, I am assured, that you vnder∣stand, how well your fauour, and cour∣tesie will be placed, vpon a man that is so thankefull, and so honest. Farewell.