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

Cic••ro to Caius Clu••ius. Epist. 7.

WHen, vpon your departure for Gallia, moued by our inter∣changed affection, and the great respect you beare me; you came home to visit me. I spake with you about the A••el∣lani, who pay tribute for that part of their Countie which lies in Gallia; in∣timating vnto you, how neerely I was touched with their interest's. And af∣ter your departure, the matter being such, as it mainly imported a towne of that worth, and which I so much e∣steemed; being confident in your good inclination towards me, I thought my selfe obliged, to write vnto you thero•• with all possible diligence. Though I am not ignorant, either of the conditi∣on of the times, or of your power.

And I vnderstand but too well, that the charge y^• was giuen you by Caius Caesar was not to iudge, but to execute. Wher∣fore I request you, to do only so much, as I thinke you can, and will for my cause willingly. And, first I would haue you to conceiue it to be true: that all the busines of this towne or Incor∣poration is, that there maine interest lies in this County which paies tribute: and now, through the burdensome im∣positions it hath endur'd, it is ••alne into extreame pouertie. Which inconueni∣ence, though it appeareth that many o∣ther haue equally suffered: neuerthe∣lesse I assure you, that this towne in particular, hath suffered mo•••• then other. Which I forbeare to re••••••e vnto you, least in complaining of my friends miseries, I may seeme to distaste those persons, whom vnwillingly I would. Wherefore, were I not confident in my hopes, that I can manifest vnto Caesar, how that towne vndeseruedly, was ouercharg'd with such a burden: I would neuer haue sollicited you, vpon this occasion. But because I am assu∣r••d, and perswaded, that he will haue respect vnto the worth of the Towne; to the equi••ie; and also to the good affection, the inhabitants thereof beare towards him: I thought good, to re∣quest and entreat you, that you will reserue this cause to him to bee dis∣patched.

Which though I would not forbeare to entreat of you, though I had not heard that you euer granted so much before: yet I entertaine more liuely hopes of obtaining it, seeing 'twas told me, how the Rhegienses had obtained from you the selfsame fauour. Who, though they be linked in friend¦ship with you, yet your loue towards me, bids me hope, that what courtesies you haue done for your owne, you will also performe for mine acquaintance. Especially considering, that, hauing many friends, which would sue for the like at your hands by my meanes; I re∣quest this kindenes only, for these men. And though I assure my selfe, you vn∣derstand, that I discharge not this office, without cause; and that no vaine ambition hath tickled me on with so great instance, to sollicite you; yet would I haue you giue credit to my sin∣cere speeches, that I am to this towne much obliged: it hauing euer; aswell in time of my prosperities, as disasters, made knowne their singular affection to me. Wherefore, in respect of the viscerall amitie we hold together, and for that great loues sake which you haue euer borne me, I do in the greatest earnest I am able entreate you, that you, considering, that the estate of •• whole Towne is heere handled; which is neere vnto me both in friendshipp••

office, and affection, will bee plea∣sed, to gratifie me. And wee shall so value your fauour, if wee obtaine from Caesar, as, our expected grace, wee shall repute it granted, by your benefit: if otherwise; wee shall notwithstanding remaine in the same obligation; in that you labour'd to procure it vs. And besides the singular pleasure, you shall doe me thereby: you shall by meanes of such an important fauour, further oblige vnto yours••lfe, most bountiful, noble, and most gratefull cittizens; and such, as shall be worthy of your friend∣ship: of whom you may alwaies make any vse, either in your owne, or friends occasions. Farewell.