Cicero to Caius Trebonius. Epist. 20.

I Haue commended my Orator, (for so I stile him) to your Sabinus: whom I should euery way thinke well of, for his nations sake; had he not also vsur∣ped their libertie, which hunt after ho∣nors, and therby assum'd that surname vpon himselfe, out of his owne braine: but yet his modest countenance, and solide discourse, shew him to retaine some thing, of those ancient customes. Thus much of him. Now that which toucheth me more neerely. My Trebo∣nius, if God prosper you, to your hearts desire, seeing after your departure with new courte•ies, you haue a little kin∣dled the flame of my loue; to the end wee may endure the thirst of your ab∣sence, with lesser difficultie, afford vs by your dailie letters some refreshing. But not vnlesse we truly and vnfeynedly do the like, Though you should do it oft∣ner then our selues for two reasons. First, because they which remained in Page  877 Rome were wont, to write vnto their friends, that were in the gouernment of Prouinces, the accidents of the Com∣monwealth; now 'tis requisite you should write them vnto vs, the Com∣monwealth being there: and then, be∣cause wee may pleasure you by other offices; in that for any thing I per∣ceiue, you can stand vs in no other sted, then to send vs letters. First, therfore I would vnderstand, what iourney you haue had: where you saw our Brutus, and how long you were togeather. If you haue proceeded further, I would haue you aduertise vs, how the warre is managed, and vpon what tearmes matters stand: to the end we may ap∣prehend, in what state we are. So much as your letters informe me of, so much I shall hold myselfe to bee certaine of. Be carefull of your health; and loue me with your accustomed sincere affe∣ction.