Cicero to Caius Cassius vice-Quaestor. Epist. 14.

YOu fauour me, in recommending Mar•us Fabius as a friend vnto me; wherein I make no great gaine, because alreadie, for many yeares, I haue beene able to dispose o• him at my pleasure; and in that I loue him, as farre as the nobilitie of his mind, and his respectiue Page  862 obseruāce towardes me, deseru• t•. But neu•rth•les•e perceiuing, how he loues you aboue any other, I am become a greater friend vnto him. Wherefore, though your letters haue preuailed: ye• the certaine knowledge I haue had of his great af•ection toward•s you, hath so much the rather recommended him. In conclusion, I will labour hard for the dignitie of Fabius, as you entreat me. For diuers reasons, I would we could meete together: first, to satisfie the longing I haue had to see you, to whom these many yeares, I haue beene well affected; and that in presence, I may reioyce with you, as I haue done in letters. Withall, that we communi∣cate betweene our selues, you, yours, I, mine occurrents: and finally, to weaue the web of our friendship, which wee haue framed with sundrie obligations: but, through instabilitie of the times, could neuer arriue to it full perfection. Which falling out so con•rarie, in stead thereof, wee'le vse the helpe of letters, wherby we may in ab•ence conuerse, as if we were together. It is most true, that by writing, I shall not reape that fruit, which I should by your presence: and that contentment which growes from congratulation, would be much the greater, if I could face to face reioyce with you. But yet, I will n•t forbeare to discharge this office, as heretofore I Page  863 haue done; •i•st to congratulate with you, for the magnanimous eff•cts which you haue produced; and then for the oppor•u•itie of the time, in that by th•se •r•sh success•s, you are depar∣ted from your Prouince, attended with greatest glory, and infinite commen∣dations; and with the generall •atis∣faction of the whole inhabitan•s. And thirdly, to negotiate the same af∣faires afarre of, which we would in pre∣sence haue discussed. Mine opinion is, that you should with all expedition goe to Rome, considering that at my depar∣ture from thence, your businesse went on succesfully: and then, by reason of your late, and honourable victorie, your returning thith•r will vndoubted∣ly augment your reputation. But if your kinsmen discouer themselues so mali∣cious, as to put some iniurie vpon you; If you know your selfe to be of that power, that you can acquite your selfe; you cannot any where get greater glo∣ry: If not, then be circumspect, le•t this return of y•urs proue mischi•uous. You must relie on your owne strength; and you know what you are able to vnder∣goe. If you can goe through; It will be laudable, & popular: If not; the re•orts of men, in absence, are more tollera∣ble. Touching my occasions, againe I request you, to appli• all your power, that the office of my Prouince may not Page  864 be prorogued, which both by the Se∣nate and people, was committed to me, but for a yeare onely: and I exact this of you, as that whereon my whole for∣tunes are depending. You shall haue herein the consent of Paullus, my verie good friend, and enclin'd to doe me a∣ny pleasure. Curi•, and Furnius labour in this matter most feruently, suppo∣sing, that all my contentments depend thereon. Nothing now remaines to be mentioned, but the confirmation of our friendship, and herein it shall not be requisite to vse many words. You in your tender years affectionately sought my amitie: and I was euer of beleefe, that your conuersation, was an orna∣ment vnto me. Afterwardes you were the secure Port, in my terrible stormes, and safe shield, against the trecherie of mine enemies. And after your depar∣ture, I contracted friendship with Bru∣tus your kinsman: so as I perswade my selfe, that from so noble a wit, and ab∣solute learning as yours is, in all times, great honour and contentment will ac∣crew vnto me. And I request you as earnestly as I may, to worke so, that you confirme me in this beleefe, and aduer•ise me of all euents that happen, but especially when you come to Rome. Farewell.