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

THE FIFTEENTH BOOKE OF THE FAMILIAR EPISTLES OF M. T. CICERO. (Book 15)

Cicero vice-Consull, to the Consulls, Praetors, Tribunes of the people; Senate, and people of Rome. Epist. 1.

IF you bee well, &c. But that I thought Marcus Bibulus vice-Consull, could haue giuen you cert••ine information, of the euents succeeded in his Prouince: I would not haue o∣mitted,

so soone as the newes was brought me, speedily to aduertise you, that the Parthians with almost their whole forces, had passed ouer Euphra∣tes. Though this were reported to me for a certaine truth: y••t I thought it not my office, to write vnto you of the particul••rs of another mans Prouince. But perceiuing the same newes, euery day more verified, and that it was a matter of that consequence; and be∣cause we did not heare that Bibulus was come into Syria; and besides all this, in that the managing of this warre, ap∣p••rt••ined as it were vnto vs both: I iudge it requisite to giue you aduertis∣ment the••••of. The Ambassadors of King Antiochus Commagenus, were the first, that certefied me•• of a great Ar∣mie of Parthians, passing ouer Euphra∣tes. Hauing heard this, some being of opinion, that credit should not bee so suddainely giuen to the foresaid King, I thought it expedient to attend a while, till tydings might arriue of greater cer∣taintie. The xix. of September, con∣ducting mine Armie into Cilicia, be∣tweene the confines of Lycaonia, and Cappadocia, letters were deliuered me, from King Tarcondim••tus, who hath report to be as faith••ull an associate of the people of Rome, or more trustie, then any beyond Mount Taurus. Wher∣in, he gaue me to vnderstand, how Pa∣corus,

sonne to Orodes, King of the Par∣thians, was passed Euphrates, with a mightie Cauallerie, and encamp••ed himselfe vnder Ty••a. And th••t great tumults were raised through all Syria. The selfe••same day, I rec••iued letters to the same effect, from Iamblicus th'-Arabians Phyla••••: Who is thought to be well affected, and a friend to our Common-wealth. These newes being heard; though I had little securitie, of the doubtfull valour of our associats, who would take no notice thereof, ex∣pecting ••ome present innouation: yet I hoped that they were become some∣what more friendly to the people of Rome, amongst whom I had alreadie beene, and who by ••ryall, had found our integritie, and clemencie: and that Cilicia might the better be confirmed in loyaltie, if it had but some proofe of our equitie. And to this effect, and for the suppressing of those Cili••ians who were in armes; and to make the ene∣mie who was in Syria to conceiue, that the Roman•• Armie, did not only not drawe backe, as daunted by these ru∣mors, but a••so aduanc••d, as resolu'd to vanquish, I began to march with the Armie towards Mount Taurus. It is not requisite to relate vnto you, in what state these Prouinces are, in that you had other meanes to vnderstand it. But if my authoritie bee of any e∣steeme

with you, in those things espe∣cially, which you haue heard, and whereof I am an eye witnesse. I would aduise you to send succours hither, which though they shall come later then was conuenient, yet is it good to s••nd them. You know that I came to the gouernment of this Prouince, with little strength, though so dangerous a warre was feared, as now is expected. And though I knew my selfe weakely prouided, to defend it; yet for mine honors sake, I would not refuse such a charge, preferring your authoritie, be∣fore any disaster that might befall mee•• And now, seeing that to succeed, which was feared, I informe you, that if you send not in defence of th••se countries, as great an Armie as you vse to send to those places, that are pe∣stered with warres of gr••at••st conside∣ration. You are in danger to loose ••he••e Prouinces, which you well know to be of waightie consequence to the R••mane people. Neither must you put any confidence in the souldiers that are heere, for they are but few; and these few, cannot looke the en••mie in the face. And they haue g••uen so bad a tri∣all of themselues, that Marcus Bibulus, being in Asia, in great want of men, as a very prudent man, would not ent••r∣taine them, although hee had your ly∣cence to that effect. We can hope for

little from our f••iends, for, hauing beene pillaged, and oppressed by our gouernours, they are either so weake, that they can afford vs no ayde, or beare vs such an hatred, as it would bee meere ••olly, to ••••ust to them in any en∣terprise. King D••iota••us is with all his forces at our command. Cappadocia is emptie. The other Kings and Princes, cannot doe much, neither are they wil∣l••ng. I will not be discouraged, though I want souldiers. And I hope, I shall not want direction. Th'euent is vn∣certaine. God grant we may come off with safetie; for I make no doubt of honour. Farewell.

Cicero vice-Consull, to the Consuls, Praetors, Tribunes of the people: Senate and people of Rome. Epist. 2.

I Could not arriue in my Prouince be∣••ore the last of August; through the difficultie of my iou••ney, as w••ll by sea, as by land. But being come thi∣ther, I began p••e••ently to view the Ar∣m••e, and to furnish it with what was necessarie. And though I had but weake meanes, yet h••uing respect to

that which you enioyned mee, I wrought so, that by mine industrie, and diligence, I prouided it of all things necessarie. This being done, newes, and letters comming euery houre, how the Parthians were come downe into Syria, with all their forces: I resolu'd to march by Lycaonia, by th'Isaur••, and through Cappadocia; fearing much, least the Parthians might get out of Sy∣ria, and fall into my Prouince. Where∣unto they had an open way, marching by Capadocia, which is an open passage. And doing as I determined, I took my way through that part of Cappad••cia, that confineth v•• on Cilicia. And com∣ming with my Armie to a certaine towne called Cybistra, lying on the side of Mount Taurus, there •• encamped; to the end that Artuasdes king of the Arme••••ans might know, howso••uer hee were affected, that the Romane Armie was vpon his confines. And besides this, to haue the supportation of King D••i••tarus, a loyall friend to our Com∣mon-wealth, Who by his counsell, and force might greatly assi••t vs. Here therefore pitching our T••nts, for the speedy receiuing of aduertisements out of Syria, and sending my Caual∣l••rie into Cilicia, that the Citties there, perceiuing my ariuall; might the rather pers••uer in their fidelitie; I staid there for the space of three daies: Which I

spent in a very important, and necessa∣rie office. Which was•• that I off••r'd my selfe to king Ariobarzanes, a very iust King, and friend to the Romanes, promising him ••ll ayde and succor, for the defence of himselfe, and of his kingdome: and causing him to vn∣derstand, how affectionately you had recommended him vnto me, and with how great honor to himselfe, you see∣med to hold him in high esteeme: in that the Romane Senate, neuer vs'd so louing an action to any king, as they had done to him, giuing him no slender testimonie of the affection you beare him, and of his owne worth, for which you reputed him worthie of your pro∣tection. The King hauing heard this Embassie, he began, fi••st, to thanke you in the best manner he could, and then my selfe; taking it for a great grace, and wonderfull honor, ••hat the Senate, and people of Rome, should haue so great a ca••e of his sa••etie, and that I vs'd so much diligence to let him know it. And so proce••ding in his discourse, he told me to my great contentment, how he ••••ued fre•• from all feare, and suspicion, as well of his life, as of his kingdome, whereat re••oycing with him, and expressing the conten••ment of minde I felt thereby•• I exhorted him to be minde••ull of the horrible acci∣dent of his father•• death, and carefully

to looke to hims••lfe, and by our aduise to lay fo•• his owne safet••e. After this, taking le••ue of me, he returned to Cy∣bistr••. The day after hee came much disturbed, and lam••nting to me in my Tents, togeather•• with Ariar••thes hi•• brother, and with his fathers anci∣entest f••iends, who l••mented no lesse then himsel••e; and hauing pitti••ully demanded ayde of mee, I cast with my selfe, what might be the meaning thereof. And ••e at larg•• laid open vn∣to me the occasion; inferring, how cer∣taine practises were di••couered, inten∣ded against him. Wh••ch hith••rto had lyen hid, in respect, that they who might haue reuealed them, for feare had concealed them. And though they saw them••elues free'd of the danger, yet they f••ared to discouer them; but being secu••ed in my power, they boldly made them knowne. And amongst these was his louing, and courteous bro••her: who also in my presence af∣firm'd, how he had beene prouoked to make a way to the kingdome, by his brothers death, in that hee could not raigne while he liued: but for feare of worie, he neuer reueal'd it to him be∣fore my arriuall: which procur'd such securitie, that these treasons came to be discouered. Vnderstanding the matter, I entreated the king to be circumspect, and to vse all meanes and endeauour,

for the preseruation of his life & State: And I exhorted those faithfull friends and followers, who were so beloued of his father, that bearing in minde, the disastrous accident befallen the old King, with all care and vigilancie, they should intend the preseruing of this man present. Her••upon the King re∣questing me, to lend him a part, of my horse, and infanterie, though I had not onely ample licence from you, but also strict iniunction, that so I might, and should doe: yet the necessities of the Common••wealth enforcing me, to conduct my Armie vpon the confines of Cilicia, without interposing any de∣lay, for the bad newes which euery day came out of Syria; and supposing the King able enough to defend himselfe, without the succor of my Armie, in that the trecheries were now made knowne: I perswaded him, that the first demonstration of himselfe to be a king was, to preseru•• his owne life; then that he should be a seuere persecutor of whomsoeuer had committed any trea∣son against his person; that hee should punish the heads of the conspiracie; and beare himselfe chearefully to o∣thers, for the rooting of all suspition out of their mindes. And that he would rather make vse of mine Armie, to daunt the courage of the delinquen••s, then any wayes to contest with th••m.

Heereunto, adding, that your decree would be of so great force; that no man d••••st innou••te any thing; they conceiuing, that I had expresse com∣missio•• from you to ayde him, and to cur••e their insolency, that plotted a∣gainst him. And after I had with liue∣ly reasons perswaded him to bee of good courage, I rais'd my Campe from the foresaid place, directing my march towards Cilicia. And so I departed out of Capp••do••ia, hauing miraculously preserued both the life, and state of Ariobarzanes. Whom, you had pru∣dently recommended vnto mee, gran∣ting him first, out of your owne ••ree∣will, the tit••e of a King, by decree's full of affection. Wherein you shewed the great care you tooke of his s••fetie; whereof I thought good to giue you notice, that you might vnde••stand, how you, by your circumspection pre∣uented a great euill, which ere long, would haue produced wicked effects. And I write the more willingly to you he••reof, because me thinkes I discern'd in king Ariobarzanes, so many, and such like signes, of wit, fideliti••, and loue, as it may be conceiu'd, that not with∣out speciall reason, you tooke so prin∣cipall a care of his well doing. Fare you well.

Cicero to Marcus Cato. Epist. 3.

THE third of September, the Em∣bassadors of king Antiochus Com∣magenus came vnto mee there, where I had pitched vnder Iconium, bringing newes, how the sonne of the Parthian king, kinsman to the king of the Arme∣nians, with an innumerable companie of Paribians, and a great number also of other nations, was come to the banks of Euphrates, & had already begun to transport his Souldiers. H••reunto annexing, how it was reported, that the king of Armenia would make some in∣cursion into Cappadocia, whereof I was desirous to adue••tise you, for our friendships sake, not being willing to write publikely thereof, for two rea∣sons; one because the Ambassadors informed me, that the foresaid king Commagenus, presently dispatched mes∣sengers to the Senate with letters, wherein he certified them of all: th'o∣ther, because I made reckoning that Marcus Bibulus, vice-Consull, being departed from Ephesus, euer since the midd'st of August, and hauing had faire windes, was now come into his Prouince, and so consequently, with greater certaintie, might write vnto

the Senate, of the euents of Syria. And because I see all other meanes exclu∣ded, of defending these Countries; I labor to purchase the loue, & good will of the people, and to keepe our Collea∣ga••es in fidelitie. And nothing else oc∣curring worthie of in••ormation, I be∣seech you to loue, and fauour me, as you were won•• to doe. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Cato. Epist. 4.

BEing resolued, to make a sute vnto the Senate, which questionlesse in it selfe, is iust and honest; neuer••helesse, I thought fit therein to vse your autho∣ritie as an instrument: knowing what fauour, and assi••tance, the rare qu••lities of your minde may affoord me: which haue brought you into such reputation with euery man, that your meanes in obtaining any great matter of moment, are exceeding powerfull. And to this effect, I was d••sirous in this present let∣ter, fully to aduertise you, of the course I tooke, to retaine the ami••ie of our associat's; and of the Iustice, and Cha••i∣tie, which I shewed to their Sub••ectes: hoping that by this way, I should more easilie encline you, to fauour me. The

last of Iuly I was in my Prouince, and perceiuing how it was a season, to re∣paire to the Armie without any delaie: I stayed onely in Laod••cea three daies, in Apameae foure, three in Sinadis: and as many more in Philomelum: and leau∣ing in all these townes multitudes of souldiers. I disburdened manie other Citties, who were surcharged with in∣tollerable tributes, and heauie vsuries: and clear'd them of infinite debts vn∣sufferable; growing by taxations, which were impos'd vpon them, beyond all reason. And because the Armie, was disseuer'd, through a certaine disorder, growing before my arriual; vpon which cause, fiue Cohorts of it, were with∣drawen, vnder Philomelum, without ei∣ther Legate, or T••ibune; and finally, without so much as a Centurion; the remainder of the Armie lying in Lycao∣nia, I gaue Commission to Marcus An∣neius th•• Legate, to reconduct the sayd cohorts thither, where the others were: and so knitting together the whole Ar∣mie, that he ••hould encampe himsel••e there in Lycaonia, vnder Iconium. Af∣ter, he hauing performed all things ac∣cording to mine order giuen him, I came to the Campe, the xxvi. of Au∣gust: hauing first drawen together, a good number of the best forraine soul∣diers I could take vp, both foot, and horse, besides those, which were vo∣luntarily

offered me, by the free Nati∣ons, & those Kings, who are in league with vs. In the meane while hauing mustred my men, I directed my m••rch towardes Cilicia. And the first of Sep∣tember being on my way, Embassadors ouertooke m••, from king Commagenus, which being all astonished, & fraught with feare, related to me for a certaine truth, how the Parthians were passed into Syria; whereat my mind was won∣derfully troubled, in respect of Syria, and mine owne Prouince, and bri••fly, in respect of all Asia. Wherefore I re∣solu'd too, to hold on my way by that part of Cappad••cia, which confineth with Cilicia; perceiuing that if I should fall into Cilicia, I might easily de••end it, through the naturall si••uation of Mount Amanus, (for there are but onely two entries, out of Syria into Cilicia, and both of them are narrow, that with a very few men, the enemies passage may be stopped, and on the part of Syria, Cilicia could not be better fortified) but Cappadocia I feared: because it lay open to Syria, and is expos'd to the danger, that might accrew from bordering kings. Who, though they be our frends, yet dare they not manifest themselues, enemies to the Parthians. Therefore, in the furthest part of Cappad••cia, not farre ••rom Mount Taurus, vnder the towne of Cybistra, I encamped; both

to defend Cilicia, and to supplant the new disseignes o•• bord••ring Nations, holding Cappadocia. And in the meane time, ••umors on all sides being sp••ead, and a great warre expected, king ••••••••∣tarus, a wise, and v••lian•• man, (of ••hom b••••h you, & I, together with the whole S••••at••, had euer a singular good con∣ceipt, ha••ing found him vpon all occa∣sions faithfull, a••d w••ll aff••cted to the people of R••me,) sent Ambassadors to me, info••ming me, that he would come with all h••s Forces into my Campe. Wher••pon, I, being mou'd, through so louing and cour••eous a demonstra∣tion, gaue him thankes by letters, ex∣horting him to hasten his comming as much as was possible•• and hauing stay∣ed at Cybistra fiue dayes, to furnish my selfe of things necessarie for the warre, I deliuer'd king Ario••a••z••nes from an imminent perill, which be••ore he had not perceiued. And, being ••ecommen∣ded to me, at your requ••st by the Se∣nate, I did not onely procure his safe∣tie, but so effected, that he might cause himselfe to be both obey'd, and feared. B••sides this, I pr••uailed so far with the same King, that he shew'd fauour to Metra, and that Athen••us, whom you so seriously recommended to me. Who through the malice of Athenaides had beene banished: so that he now main∣taines them about him, in gre••t, and

honou••able fashion. And perceiuing what warre, might e••sue, betweene king Ariobarzan••s, and the Priest, if the Priest with Armes meant to defend himselfe: as the common opinion was he would doe, being a powe••••ull young man, and furnished with horse & foot, and which imported most, with mo∣ney, being fauoured by th••m, that af∣fected innouation; I caus'd ••im to de∣part out of the kingdome, and so ac∣commoda••ed ••he Kings affai••es, as without tumult, or Armes, he might bear•• him••elfe as a King, and liue with∣out any ••ealousie, keeping a roiall guard within his Pallace. In the meane ••pace, by letters receiu'd from diuers; and by messengers arriued, I vnderstood, how a great Armie of the Parthians, and A∣rabians, made approach to Antiochia: and that a great troope of their horse, who were gotten into Cilicia, were dis∣comfited and hewen in pieces, by my Cauallerie, and Praetorian Infant••rie, who we••e of the g••arison of Epiphanea. Whereupon, seeing that the Parthia: Nation, giuing ouer the enterprise of Cap••adocia, drew neare to Cilicia; with great dayes iourneyes, I conduct••d the Armie towardes Mount Amanus: whi∣ther being come, I had aduertisement, how th•• enemy was ris••n from before An••iochi••, & Bibulus was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there∣into. And hearing that D••••••tarus wa••

hasting tow••rds me, with a strong Ca∣u••llerie, and Infant••rie, and mul••itude of Forces: I sent him word, that I now saw no ne••d, why he shoul•• remooue himselfe so farre f••om his ••ingdome: but vpon any occurr••nt, I wou••d sud∣dainly giue him notice. Af••••r these e∣uents, retaining a firme resolution, to pacifie the people of Mount Amanus, and to expell them, that euer w••re ene∣mies, though I came with an int••ntion, to ••uccour both the one, and other Prouince, if the time permitted: neuer∣thelesse, I iudging, that this would re∣dound to the benefit of both those Prouinces; I thought it most expedient to bring my determination ••o effect. And there••ore making a shew of depar∣ting from the sayd Mountaine, and remouing about a dayes iourney off: and pitching my tents vnder Epiphan••a, the xij. o•• October, about the shutting in of the ••uening, I, with the most actiue of my souldiers aduanced: and so mar∣ching all night, at breake of day, we asc••nded the mountaine; and d••••••ding the Armie, part rem••ined vnder mine, and my brothers command, part I committed to Caius P••ntinius, and the rest I left to Lu••i•••• An••cius, and Lucius Tullius, who are all the Legates I haue: and so marching on in thi•• ••quipage, we ass••i••••d the enemies on a suddaine: of whom some were sl••ine, some ••aken,

hauing no time left them for flight. P••ntinius beleaguer'd Erana: Which being the Metropolitane of Amanu•••• may rather be tearmed a cittie, then a Burrough; and moreouer, Sepyra, and Commoris. Which town••s were verie strong, de••ending themselues resolute∣ly. But yet they were so oppressed, that in the end with great•• slaughter of the enemies, they were taken. And this assault beginning before day light, con∣tinued till two houres within the night. Besides ••his, we tooke six small towns, and burnt diuers others. After these e••fects ensued, we pitched at the foote of Amanus, call'd by the name of Al••x∣anders Altars; in which place, staying some foure dayes, we spent the time in extinguishing our enemies, and in ••or∣raging, and wasting that part of Am••∣nus, which lies against my Prouince. These things being perform'd, I con∣ducted mine Armie within sight of Pindenissus, a Burrough of priuiledged Cilicians. Which is seated vpon a verie high mountaine, a place inex••ugnable, and inhabi••ed by men, who alwayes scorn'd ••o be gouern'd by their owne Kings, much lesse by others. And per∣c••iuing that they gaue receptacle to all that fl••d, making op••n defence, through hope they had, that ••he Par••hian•• would arriue to their succour: me thought the honour of the Romane soueraigntie,

spurred me forward, to suppresse their insolencie, that others thereat might be astonished, who stood ou•• stiffe against our dominion. I therefore impaled, and intrenched them, and I beleaguer'd them, with six Bulwares, and encamped about them, with as great an extent as I was able. And I oppugn'd it with Countermures, shelters, and tourrets. And so, battering it with diuers engins, and assailing it with Crosse-bow shot, with great labour, and without any di∣sturbance, or charge to our Associates, I tooke it, within the space of lesse then two moneths. For they within, percei∣uing the Cittie burnt, and ruined on euery side, out of necessitie yeelded themselues. A little beyond, are the Tibarani, as wicked and audacious as the former. Who hearing of the taking in of Pindenissus, sent me hostages. And then I dismissed the Armie, (win∣ter being now come on,) to their se∣uerall quarters. And gaue charge to Quintus my brother, that he should dis∣perse the Armie, in the taken, and sus∣pected Burroughs. Now be as••ured, I shall repute it for a great honour, if, when these my actions are related to the Senate, you will but approue, that a thankefull demonstration may be made thereof. And, ••hough I know it to be the custome, o•• ma••ure, and qua∣lified men, to employ one another in

such like cases, and to adde their ••arnest entreaties: neuerthelesse, I thinke it may suffice me, onely to haue giuen you information thereof. Calling to mind, how many times, you haue with your sentences, fauoured me, in how many places exalted, and honoured, and vpon how many occasions benefit∣ted me: your words I euer est••emed of such power, that when soeuer you commended me, I was sure to com∣passe all my pretences. And finally, I remember, when not minding to grant the celebration of a publicke feast, vnto a famous man, and endued with singu∣lar integritie; you said you would grant it him, if it were demanded for ma••ters effected by him, as Consull in the Cit∣tie. And the same honor you yeelded to me in my gowne: not by vertue of Armes, as it was graunted to many: but, (as neuer any had it;) for my Coun∣tries preseruation. I forbeare to alledge, how for my sake, you car'd not to ex∣cite against your selfe many enemies, to expose your selfe to many perils, and to resist the violence of my Fortunes. Which you were ready to oppose, euen ••o the end, if I had beene so pleased. And last of all, that you reputed mine, your enemie; whose death you also ap∣proued, defending Milo's cause, in the open Senate. So that I might easily per∣c••iue, how worthily you este••med o••

me On my p••rt, I wil not now produce the good ••ffices, I euer perform'd for you; but onely ••n affectionate encli∣nation towards you: Through which, I was enforced not alone, to reuerence you in heart, and imitate your exam∣ple, and your vertues, (For, there's none that doth not so much) but in all my actions, in al•• my writings, as well Greeke, as Latine; and bre••fly in all those Sciences, wherein I exercised my selfe, I could not, but prefer you before all men, aswell those, whom wee know by sight, as those whom fame hath gi∣uen vs notice of. You will, peraduen∣ture, demand of mee, what the reason is, I make so great an accompt, of re∣ceiuing this fauour from the Senate? To which, I will freely answer, because I thinke I can, & ought so to do; aswell by reason of our studies, as for our in∣ward friendship, and also for the dome∣sticall familiaritie, that hath ••eene be∣twixt our fathers. If euer there were a man, that by nature, (ney, (••f mine owne affection deceiue me not) that out of iudgement and learning) neuer reli∣shed the vaine praises, that are giuen by the vulg••r; I certainely am that man. And thereof my Consulship can giue testimonie; wherein, as in all my life past, I confesse, I h••ue practised those courses, from whence a true glo∣rie might ari••e vnto me. Bu•• yet I was

euer of this opinion, that glorie should should not be affected. And that this is true: refused I not, the Prouince assig∣ned to me by the Senate? Which, be∣ing munified, and secure, yeelded mee mee vndoubted hope•• of a Triumph. And when I might with little labour, haue obtain'd the Augurall dignitie, as you cannot but conceiue; did I not contemne it? but after I r••ceiu'd that iniurie, which notwithstanding, turn'd to my great renowne; although you euer termed it the ruine of the Com∣mon-wealth; I applied all my endeuor, that the Senate and people of Rome, might fauour me, with all titles of ho∣nour, for a signe, as it were, of mine in∣nocencie. Whereupon, afterwards I tooke vpon mee the Augureship, which at first I car'd not for: and the same honour, which the Senate is ac∣customed to grant those men, that by armes haue augmented the State of the Common-wealth, heretofore by mee contemned; I now seeke, that with iust title it may bee also relucent in mee. And to the end, my minde may bee herein satisfied, (and in this may b••e perceiu'd a little sparke of desire, to cure the wound of my recei••ed iniury;) Though before I told you, I would not entreat you, to lend mee your ayd, and helpe; now, with my whole hea••t, I request your furtherance. But

not, vnlesse my actions at this present be such, as doe not onely not seeme fri∣uolous; but of that moment, that ma∣nie haue for matters of lesse conse∣quence, been with greatest honours, by the Senate dignified. And surely, if I haue truely obserued your renowned vertues, as in effect I haue (for you know, with what vigilant attention, I vse euen to collect your words) I con∣ceiue, amongst the rest, how you were wont, not onely to looke into the acti∣ons of Captaines valiantly atchiued, but also into their customes, life, and institutions: and co••sequently, to ho∣nour them, according as th••se qualities were in them, more, or lesse resplen∣dant. Which, if you please to consider in my actions, you shall discerne, that to preuent the rebelling of those people, who perceiuing so great a war readie to ruine them, would presently haue re∣uolted; I betooke my selfe to the safe∣guard of equitie and moderation: And by these stratagems, I haue compassed such designes, as by no Armie were e∣uer atchiued: hauing drawne these As∣sociates ••o our amitie, who were our capitall enemies: and re-vnited ••hose subiects with our dominion; who, per∣ceiuing things in a commotion, were alien••ted; expecting to what part, For∣tune would bee enclined. I know not what conceit hath transported mee fur∣ther

then was requisite; especially with you, to whose eares, the complaints of al those people come, which are our As∣sociates. Of the aboue-mentioned suc∣ces••es, they will plentifully enforme you, who thinke themselues re-establi∣shed by mine ordinance. And omitting to alledge, that there is not anie one man, who will not concur with mee, in making a faithful relation of my euents; They of the Isle of Cyprus, and the Kingdome of Cappadocia, shall bee the men, who shall speake vnto you, in my commendation. The like will bee done, as I suppose, by your e∣speciall friend, King Deiotarus. These put all together, cannot peraduenture, speake so far, that they can with words, adde anie thing to the effects. But be∣cause in all ages, there was a lesser num∣ber of those that could subdue their owne appetites, then of those, that knew how to vanquish an enemie; cer∣tainely, you ought to repute my opera∣tions the greater, and more iust, com∣paring with the excellencie of armes, these parts which are more rare, and found with greater difficultie. I will not proceed to more ••fficacious en∣treaties But, as it were, distrusting to be heard, I will cal Philosophie to mine ayde, which is the dearest thing that I esteeme in the world, and the most worthie gi••t, that euer the Gods be∣stowed

vpon humane generation. This communion therefore of studies, wher∣by (, both of vs, hauing from our child∣hood, applied all our thoughts and en∣deuors thereunto); we haue almost a∣lone, brought that ancient & true Phi∣losophie, (which some hold, to taste of sloth & idlenesse,) into the Foru••, and Common-wealth, & almost into the armie; shal pre••ch my deserts vnto you: which, I suppose, Cato cannot (but vn∣lawfully) denie. Wherefore assure your selfe; that if it so happen, that the Se∣nate, through your perswasion, grant me this honour; I shall repute, I haue a••tained to my intention, by the means I most desired, that is, by the loue you beare mee, and your owne authoritie. Farewell.

Marcus Cato to Cicero, Impera∣tor. Epist. 5.

HAuing vnderstood of the vigilant care you haue taken of the people committed to your charge, and the Iu∣stice you haue executed in your go∣uernment: & your zeale, in procuring their happines. I haue found such con∣tentment therein, as our friendship, and the loue I beare vnto my Countrey, re∣quireth.

Which, notwithstanding, to me is no new thing, nor to anie that haue knowne the diuine forme by you obserued, in the Regiments of Rome. wherefore, not thinking it fit, that your praises should bee concealed, hauing with innocencie, and good counsels, defended the Prouince, preseru'd the Kingdome of Ariobarzanes, with the King himselfe; & recalled to the obedi∣ence of our Empire the Confederates; I spake openly in the Senate, in testi∣monie of your vertues, which had pro∣duced so happie effects. The Senate vnd••rstanding your desire, according to the ancient order, did del••berate, that all the Temples of the Citie should bee visited. And, if, for that which you haue effected, not by anie fauour of prosperous Fortune, but by meanes of your owne moderation and prudence, you had rather, the people of Rome should giue thankes to the im∣mortall Gods, then acknowledge it from your selfe: I in like manner re∣ioyce thereat. But if you affect this ho∣nour, esteeming it an earnest of your Triumph; And would for this, haue vs more bouud to Fortune, then to your selfe; Know, that Triumph doth not alwaies second such honor. In my opinion, 'tis farre greater glorie, when the Senate iudges, that the Pro∣uince was maintain'd and preseru'd ra∣ther

by the clemencie and sinceritie of the Captaine, then either by the force of Souldiers, or the Gods benignitie. And about this point, I haue been lon∣ger then vsuall, to make you conceiue the great desire I haue, to settle you in this opinion; that I haue both pro∣cur'd that for you, which in my iudge∣ment did accrue most vnto your great∣nesse: and that I reioyce, that you haue obtained, what you most desired. Farewell. Loue vs, and as you haue begun, prosecute the affaires of the Common-wealth, and our Associates, with diligence, and seueritie.

Cicero to Marcus Cato. Ep. 6.

NAEVIUS, as I remember, by the mouth of Hector, saith; I finde, O Father, inestimable contentment, in hea∣ring my selfe commended by you, a commen∣dable person. The like may I say, who thinke I haue gained wonderfull glory, because you congratulate with m••e, for my obtained honour, and much more, in that with the testimonie of your opi∣nion, you haue praised my actions. For that Fame, which springs from the iudgement of some graue man, and one of authoritie, augmente••h a mans r••∣nowne and reputation; and eu••ry man

presumes, that it proceeeds from truest vertue. But what in this I take for a sin∣gular fauour, and yeelds mee high con∣tentment, is, that I conceiue, how in respect of our friendship, you haue been most liberall to me of that, which you would willingly haue afforded any, for the t••uths sake. And if our Citie, in which, it is a miracle to finde one Cato, had not onely that one, but did abound in many Cato's, there is no Pompe, nor Triumph so magnificent, which I would not esteeme, as nothing in comparison of the praises which you haue deliuered of me. For, according to my opinion, and in their iudgement, who, with discree•• and sound vnder∣standing, respect the end of true glory: nothing in the world could haue add••d vnto my good name so much, as by your speeches hath beene added. In which, as I haue beene aduertised from home, you exalted me to heauen. I will not contend, in alledging the rea∣sons, that made me not ambitious; but desirous to purchase vnto my selfe that gen••rall grace, which is so much estee∣med; hauing written thereof at large, in my last letters. And though you infer, ••hat a m••n s••ould not bend to such like respects, this no waies distas••s me, for ••'is true, that honors should not be so openly hunted af••er; but when they are o••f••red by the Se••••te, they ought not

to be re••used. And because it pleaseth me to suppose, that the Senate, in re∣compence of my labours sustained in the seruice of the commonwealth, re∣putes me not vnworthy of an ordinary fauour. In such a case I desire no other from you, but after you haue granted me, what your owne iudgement im∣plyes; that you will also reioyce, if I happen to attaine to my desire, as you reioyced at the honor, which not long since was conferred on me. Whereof I know, you tooke that contentment which was requisite; in that you were present, at the recording of the decree thereupon passed; considering that such del••berations are vsually registred, by the dearest F••iends of that part, whom the Act concerneth. I hope we shall shortly see one another againe, and God grant, in a better State, then I can expect of the Commonwealth. Farewell.

Cicero Vice-consull, to Marcus Marcellus Consull. Ep. 7.

I Am wonderfull glad that you obtai∣ned the end of your rea••onable de∣sire. For your piety towards your friend••, and loue towards your coun∣try deserued the reputation, which your sing••lar, and excellent vertues in your

Consulship haue procured you: where∣in, you haue set vp a ladder, as it were, for Caius Marcellus, to mount vnto the same degre of dignitie. I am assured, there is none in Rome, that will not shew himselfe therewith, as contented as we doe. Who being sent by you, to the vttermost bounds of our Empire, doe highly exalt you, with iust and true praises. For, though I haue specially loued you from your childe-hood; and you haue not onely satisfied mee at all times, and vpon anie occasion, but also reputed me worthie of all honour: Neuerthelesse, obseruing the kinde part, that you shewed to your brother, & the singular grace that the people of Rome haue afforded you: the loue I formerly bare you, is manifoldly re∣doubled. And I will not conceale, how I finde ample satisfaction, when I heare from prudent persons, and those wor∣thie of credit, how in all opinions, a∣ctions, in all our endeuours and pro∣ceedings, we both aime at one marke. Now, if to the other excellent opera∣tions of your Consulship, you also adde this, that a Successor may forth∣with be s••nt me, or that my time be not prorogu'd, which you limited mee by decree, and by the Law, I shall remaine highly ••atisfied. Bee carefull of your health, and loue, and de••end mee, as you were accustomed. Touching

newes of the Parthians, not minding yet to aduertise the Senat, I thought not good to write to you the••of: for in wri∣ting to the Consull, I might seeme, as it were, to write vnto the Senate. Farewel.

Cicero Vice-Consull, to Caius Marcus, Consull ••lected. Epist. 8.

TO my wonderfull content, I vnder∣stand you are created Consull; which dignitie the Gods felicitate vnto you, and aduance from good to better: that you may administer it, with your owne, and your fathers honor, giuing such testimonies of your valor, as I desire you should; both because I haue found, in the great instabilitie of my fortunes, how heartily you loued me, and also in that the infinite benefits I haue receiued from your ••ather, binde me to lou•• you; & consequently to wish you all happines: he neuer failing me of his ayde and fauour, either in my miserie or prospe••itie. Besides, your Mother a vertuous Ladie, and of great magnanimitie, hath manifested by ••ui∣dent effects the inexplicable good will she beares vnto me; hauing laboured in my safetie and honor, with the grea∣test feru••ncie, that can be required in a wom••n. Whe••fore I entreate you, to loue and d••fend m••, while I re∣maine in this gouernment. Farewell.

Cicero vice-Consull, to Mar∣cus Marcellus his Colleague. Epist. 9.

I Am wondrous gl••d, that M••rcellus is made Consull, and that your wi∣shes haue taken ef••ect. And no newes could haue come of greater ••oy vnto me not onely in respect of himselfe, but also in iudging that your vertue meri∣te••h al felicity. To this may be annexed, that not onely when For••une fauoured my aff••ires, but also when she frowned on me; I made infallible tryall of the sinceritie o•• that affection which you bare mee: and finally, I haue alwaies found your hou••e, ready to procure my honour, and safet••e, at all times when need required. Wherefore you shall doe me a fauour, to manifest this my contentment to your wife Iunia, a most graue and worthie Lady. I beseech you, loue, and defend me according to your accustomed manner. Farewell.

Cicero Imperator, to Caius Marcellus Consull, son to Caius. Epist. 10.

BEhold, Fortune concurring with our desire; in hau••ng ministred an occasion, whereby the family of the Marcelli, and Marcellini, who, in louing of me, were alwaies of one cons••nt, hath found a meanes to certifie mee of the a••••ection which they bare me; You are exalted to the Consulship, which I greatly desi••ed. And in truth, neither could I haue had greater hap, then to haue a Consull to mine owne minde, no•• you meete wi••h fitter times, to make me c••pable of your affection: For, I hau••ng performed some seruice in the behalfe of the Common-wealth, it lies in you to manifest, how farre you loue me, by intimating to the Senate, how worthie I am of commendation; and by perswading them to remune∣rate my dese••uings. I would therefore, if you finde the S••nate thereunto en∣clined, that when my letters are read, you would take the paines (as with ease you may,) to procure, that the honora∣bles•• decree may bee thereupon made that you are able. If the knot which fastens me togeather with your kin∣dred, were strong••r ••hen the chaine,

that bindes mee to your friendship, I would choose them for my meanes. Whom you know, to with mee very well, but it impo••ts not. From your father I haue receiued important bene∣fits, and I may truely auerre, that neuer any man s••ewed himselfe a greater friend to my safetie, and honor ••hen he did: your brother obser••es, and ••••••spects mee, as is knowne to ••ll men. And to include many wo••d•• i•• on••, your whole familie, w••s neuer fl••cke, to attempt any enterp••••se, in my fa∣uour. And yet for all this, your selfe was neuer inferior to any of yours in louing me. Whereupon with all fer∣uencie, I request you really to fauour me, and to take vpon you, the protecti∣on of mine honor; ••••rst, in procuring those honors to be confer••ed vpon me, which fore-run a Triumph; and then, iu furthering me in any other respect, that shall seeme accrewing to my bene∣fit. Farewell.

Cicero Imperator, to Caius Mar∣cellus Consull. Epist. 11.

THough the effect it selfe relateth, how deare my honour was vnto you, and how stedfastly you remaine

the same in your Consulship, that you alwaies weare amongst the rest of your house, and kindred: yet the let∣ters also of all my friends doe ratifie the same. Wherefore I finde my selfe so much bound vnto you, as there is no trauaile so great, which I would not most readily, and cheerefully put my selfe vpon for your benefit. For the person to whom a man stands bound, is a matter of great moment; and I was euer glad to reamaine obliged vnto you, to whom, both through the same pro∣fession of letters, and for benefits recei∣ued from your father, and your selfe I am much endeared. Besides, that lo∣uing band, which ties vs with a stronger knot; in that you haue euer discharged your place and dignitie, to the benefit of the Common-wealth, is a thing that I loue aboue all other things. So that I refuse not to stand so farre bound vnto you, as all good cittizens are engaged. And I pray, Fortune to send you that issue of your honor, which you deserue, and I hope will follow you. I am in hope that shortly, wee shall see one another, so we be not opposed by the southerne windes. Whereof I am in great feare, because now is their pro∣per season. Farewell.

Cicero Imperator, to Lucius Paul∣lus elected Consull. Ep. 12.

THough I neuer doubted, but that the people of Rome in recompence of your infinite deserts, and for the no∣bilitie of your blood, would with sin∣gular fauour, and generall suf••rages, create you Consull: neuertheles, being at this present certefied of so acceptable and pleasing newes, it possesseth my hea••t with an incredible delightfulnes. And I pray the Gods to prosper you in such a dignitie, and vouchsafe you meanes to discharge it with that ho∣nor, as belongs to your esteeme, and the degree of your progenitors. I would I had been presēt that happy day to haue assisted you as I euer desired: and that with my diligence, and endea∣uour, I might haue wiped out some pa••t, of that great obligation, wherein I stand bound vnto you. Which opportunitie, being taken from me, by this vnexpected, and suddaine acci∣dent, because I was to depart to the gouernment of my Prouince: I request at you•• hands as a speciall fauour, that you will effectually labour, and procure that no wrong may be done me; which is, that the due time assigned for my Office be not prorogued; that I may

thereby arriue in such a time, as I may taste the contentment, of your excel∣lent gouernment. And fauouring mee heerein, I will annexe this benefit to your many others. Farewell.

Cicero Imperator, to Lucius Pau∣lus Consull. Epist. 13.

FOR diuers respects I could haue wished, I had beene in Rome with you; but principally, that both in de∣manding and managing your Consul∣ship, you might haue discern'd the good affection, that deseruedly I beare vnto you. True it is, that I was euer certaine, that in your petition you would finde no obstacle at all: but yet I would haue beene glad vpon such an occasion, to haue manifested some louing demon∣stration. And in your consulshippe, though it be my desire, that you should not incounter with many troubles: yet doe I much distaste, that in exchange of so many fauours, which being a young man I haue receiued from you, I at these yeares should not haue the power, to returne you some such gra∣titude, as is befitting. But I thinke it was a certaine influence of the heauens which alwaies opened the way to you,

in oblieging me; and clos'd it vp when I should shew my gratitude vnto you, in that I euer had aprompt and readie will thereto; but meanes that were slow, and vnable to accomplish. You assisted me to attaine to the Consul∣ship; and to returne into my countrie, from which I was vniustly banished. And now the happie times permits, that vnder your consulship, it hath be••ne my fortune, to compasse some laudable effects. Wherefore seeing you are pla∣ced in so high, and honorable a digni∣tie, and occasions are presented vnto me, of being honoured: on the one side I am instigated humblie to intreat, and vrge you to endeauour so, that the Senate may establish a decree vpon my Fortunate successes, with all the fa∣uour & regard y^t can be imagined: on the other; I dare not with you vse ce∣remonies, least I should make you con∣ceiue, that either I haue forgotten the forme which you haue heeretofore vsed in doing me courtesie; or, that I might imagine you are forgetfull. Wherfore, laying aside (as I thinke you desire) all circumstances of faire words, I will breefely demand a fauour of him, whose deserts towards me are knowne to all nations. If your selfe were not Consull (O Paullus) I would vse your meanes, that you might procure mee their affection, who had that dignitie:

but because this great honor and au∣thoritie placed in your selfe, and our intrinsicall amitie, is hid from no man, I entreate you in the best manner I am able, to procure, that with all fauoura∣ble interpretation, and possible expe∣dition, my actions may be scanned and gratified. Wherof I write to you that are Consulls, and to the Senate. You shall vnderstand, that they are worthy to bee accounted of, and such, for which thankes are deseruedly to bee rendred vnto the gods. And not only in this, but in any other occasion, wher∣in the interest of my honor represents it selfe, I request you to vouchsafe your vndertaking the defence thereof. And aboue all bee carefull to cut off euery designe, which is intended for the pro∣longation of my gouernment. I desire to see you Consul, and to obtaine from you being Consull, both absent & pre∣sent, the end of mine intentiōs. Farwel.

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

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

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

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.

Cicero to Caius Cassiu••. Epist. 15.

THough each of vs departed from the warre vpon like deliberations, with hope of peace, and hatred of ciuill bloudshed. Yet, being the first, who retired, I am peraduenture the more bound to defend the course that wee had taken: though many times I call to minde, how being together, and con∣sulting of sundrie, and great matters betweene our selues, to prouide for our safeties, we held one opinion, and made one conclusion. Which was; to attend what successe the first battaile would haue; after which, of necessitie it was expedient, that either the whole cause should be determined, or at least our iudgem••nt resolued. Which reso∣lution was neuer reprehended, but by those, who maintained, that it was bet∣ter for the Common-wealth to be ab∣solutely dissolued•• then to remaine weakned, and dismembered. And I saw, that if she once perished, al hope of reducing her to her due state, went with her. But if shee were but languishing, there would be yet some comfort. But things haue happened, so farre beyond all mens opinion, as it is a greater mira∣cle, that ••uer they could fall out, then

that we were not able to foresee, or be∣ing men to presage them. Question∣lesse, I confesse, that I supposed, that af∣ter the fatall battaile fought, the victo∣rious would prouide for common safetie, and the vanquished for them∣selues. But I likewise iudged, that these effects could not grow from any other root, then from suddaine victorie, and humilitie of the vanquished: and had this humilitie beene; they who were in Africa, had found in him the same cle∣mencie, which they that went into A∣sia, and Achaia had experienced. And that without any other mediation, but his owne. But the euill proceeded from this, that times were carelesly let run on; which greatly imparts in ciuill warres. For a yeare and an halfe run∣ning on in this manner, some conceiu'd hope to ouercome, others without hope of victorie, choose rather to die fighting; then to liue, by comming to their enemies for mercie. And of all these disasters, Fortune beares the blame. For who would euer haue thought, that the Alexandrian warre, would euer haue drawne to such a length, the warre ciuill? And that one Pharnaces, could haue strokē such a ter∣ror into all Asia? We concurred all in one election, though with a diuersitie of Fortune; you went into a part, where you might consult, and dis••erne the

end of things a fa••re off; which greatly rids ••he minde of cares: And I was de∣sirous to meete with Caesar in Italie, sup∣posing he would haue come thither, with that troupe of renowned men, whom he hath preserued: and with an intention, to moue him to peace, whereunto he seem'd readie, and verie willing. But I could not doe as I would, because he pursued his enemie, and went farre from these parts. Now, in what state I liue, coniecture you. I heare on euery side, of the deepe woes, and direfull lamentations of miserable Italie, and our distressed Cittie. Where∣unto both you, and I, and euery man, according to his Forces, might perad∣uenture haue found some remedie, if the chiefe Commander had arriued. Wherefore I request you by all the loue that you haue euer borne me, to write vnto me what successe things haue, what foundations you lay, what may be hoped for, and how we should car∣rie our selues. I will performe whatso∣euer your letters enioyne me. And I would to God I had followed the councell which you gaue me in your first vnfortunate letters, which you sent me from Luceria: for then; I had with∣out any mol••station, preseru'd my dig∣nitie. Farewell.

Cicero vice-Consull to Caius Cassius. Epist. 16.

I Perswade my selfe, that you will be halfe ashamed to see your selfe sur∣prised with this third Epistle, before I can get so much as a lyne, or a letter from you. But I write not these to vrge you to so small a matter, for I expect, nay, I challenge longer discourses from you. If I had opportunitie, I would send you euery houre three letters. For in writing to you, methinkes I haue a kind of a representation of your owne person euer before me; though I allow not of these phantasticke apparitions of Catius, who approues of those mentall visions of Idols: on whose authoritie your new friends relying, affirme, that the phantasie is able to frame in it selfe, the similitude of any imagined bodie. And to the end you may vnderstand, that Catius the Insubrian, of the sect of Epicurus, lately dead, calleth those Spectra, which Gargesius, and before him D••mocritus, by another title terme•• Idols. And though it may be that these Spectra, may be seene, because they re∣present thems••lues vnto the eye. Yet I would faine haue any man tell me, how they can also penetrate the minde. And how is it probable, that thought or co∣gitation

should haue this priuiledge, that as soone as I thinke of you, your Spectrum should present it selfe vnto my minde? And not onely of yours, who are seated, in the most secret cell of my memorie; but if a conceipt should rise in my imagination, in what forme the Island of Britannia lyeth, should I be∣leeue that the Idoll of it, would be pre∣sented vnto me? But I'le reserue this present subiect till another time. Now I mean•• to trie you: and if I perceiue, that you should grow choleri••ke, or that you take it as an affront, I will goe further: and I will grieue for the v••o∣lence hath beene offered you•• pr••ying that you may be restored to that here∣sie, from whence you were by A••mes expelled. Neither will it suf••ice to al∣ledge, that for these two, or three years, you haue voluntarily exiled your selfe from vertue, that you haue beene allured by the sweet bait of plea∣sures, and delights; but with whom speake I? Marie, with a man of grauitie and maturi••ie: who since you dedica∣ted your selfe to publicke negotiations, haue in all times gouerned your selfe with that prudence, that you haue re∣plenished Rome, with honourable, and rare examples So that a doubt growes in me, whether this sect sprung not out of a better Trunke then we imagine, seeing you affected, to insert your selfe

thereinto. But what new conceit leads thee, O Cicero? Why I'le tell you the truth: It neither being secure, nor I be∣ing willing, to write what I thinke, a∣bout the Common-wealth, I entred into these phantasies, thinking it better to write of them then nothing. Fare∣well.

Cicero to Caius Cassius. Epist. 17.

YOu haue a companie of prepo••te∣rous Corrier's: when they go from hence they demand my letters, when ••hey come hither they bring me none. Although in truth, they herin offend me not, being so desirous to write vnto you as I am. True it is, they should doe much more discreetly, if they gaue mee a little more time. But they euer come to me, in their trauailing atyre, making all hast to be gone, because their com∣paniōs attend them at the gates. So that you must pardon me, if at this time, I be also briefe; But know you what? I will shortly recompence the defect, to which I haue by their hast beene enfor∣ced. Though I know no reason why I should excuse my selfe: considering yours come hither emptie, and returne

with letters. We haue it here for cur∣rant, (somewhat I mu••t write) that Publius Sylla the Father is dead, some say, murdered by theeues, others af∣firme, by surfeit of meates. The people take no great care, now they vnder∣stand, that his bodie was burned. And no doubt but you also, who are wise, will take it patiently enough: the euill is, that we haue lost the forme of the Common-wealth. The generall opi∣nion was; that Caesar would haue taken it verie heauily, as he that feared, least the sales which were made by publicke outery, might haue beene abated. Min∣dius Marcellus, and A••ius, the complec∣tion-maker reioyced they had lost their aduersarie. There's no newes out of Spai••e, but a wonderfull expectation. There are certaine reports, rather bad then otherwise, but they are not credit∣ted, by reason they come from no cer∣taine places. Our Pansa departed f••om Rome, the thirtieth day of December, with honourable employment: so that euery one may m••nifestly discerne the power of vertue; which, as a loadstone Iron, drawes o••hers to follow her, se••king no other reward then the pos∣se••sion of her selfe. And though some other opinion, hath within ••his little while be gloomed your vnderstanding; yet if you will but looke with a direct eye, shee euer honours and rewardes

those spirits that obserue her: as wee may see by Pansa, who, relieuing many out of miseries; and leauing in these af∣flictions of the Citie, an example of his wonderfull integritie, and loue, hath wonne the hearts of euery good man. I am glad you continued hitherto in Brundusium; and I thinke it was the be••t resolution: and I assuredly beleeue, you shall also doe verie wisely, to keepe your selfe within your bounds, without entangling your selfe, in dangerous matters. You may be well assured, that we who loue you, shall receiue therein grea•• satisfaction. And I pray you from this time forward, when you haue anie occasion to write home, to be mindfull of my busine••se. Euery man that comes vnto you, shall, if I know thereof, bring letters from me. Farewell.

Cicero to Caius Cassius. Epist. 18.

THe letter should haue been longer, but that the messenger required it of me, at the very instant of his depar∣ture: and yet longer, if I had delighted in Fables: for matters of moment can∣not be written of, without daunger. You'l say, we may be pleasant amongst

our selues, and salute one another with letters of recreation. In troth, verie hardlie. Why, what shall we then doe? do we what we wil, ther's no wandring for vs out of the path of miseries. But you'le aske me, what's become then of Philosophie? Where is shee? Yo••rs is amongst pleasures, mine in perpetuall molestations, out of shame to see my selfe hampered with the chaine of ser∣uitude. And therefore, I seeme to doe something else; not to infringe the pre∣cepts of Plato. Ther's nothing certaine reported out of Spaine, neither is there any newes at all. I am sorrie in mine owne behalfe, you are so farre from vs; I reioyce on yours. But this Corrier is verie importunate. Farewell therefore. And as you haue lou'd me from your in fancie, so euer loue me. Farewell.

Cicero to Caius Cassius. Epist. 19.

I Protest, I haue no greater comfort in this my absence, then to write vnto you. For me thinkes I talke, and toy with you, as if we were together. And yet this proceeds not through the Spe∣ctra of Catius; in whose fauour I will by my next, produce you so manie rusti∣call

Stoicks, that I will driue you to af∣firme, that Catius was borne in Athens. I am much contented, that our Pansa, with the wonderfull satisfaction of all men, hath obtain'd so honourable a charge. And I vow to God, I doe not reioyce for him alone, but for all of vs. Hoping that it will be discerned, how much euery man naturally shuns, and abhorres tyrannie•• and on the contra∣rie, how chearefully they embrace, and fauour the iust, and merci••ull; and that those honors which wicked men, labor and desire to obtaine, are distributed to honest and good men. It's a great mat∣ter, that it should be so difficult to per∣swade men, that vertue of her selfe is amiable, and an excellent rewarder of her followers: being truer, then truth it selfe, that vertue, iustice, and honestie, are those seedes which produce the true repose and peace of minde: as Epicurus himselfe (from whom all the Catij, and Amasinij his erronious interpreters are derived:) beareth wi••nesse, saying, That he cannot liue comfortabl••e, that liues not iustly, honestly. Wherefore Pansa pu••suing the ho••est d••lectations of life, pos••es••eth ve••tue: and those whom we call louers ••f delights and pleasures, are louers likewise of honestie and iu∣st••ce: and such as endeuouring them∣selues in all vertues, doe poss••sse them. And therefore, Sylla, whose iudgemen••

we must needs a••proue; perceiuing the Ph••los••phe••s to bee dissonant among ••hem••elues, wi••hout se••king out which was the chiefe good; purcha••'d in a moment, all goods. Whose death cer∣tainely I h••ue borne with a constant mind; and so much the rather, being as••ured, that Caesar will not suffer vs long to looke after it, hauing aboun∣dance of condemned men, whom hee m••y in his place restore vnto vs, tho••••h ••here is a ••onne of his, remaining, who is well able to discharge his Fathers of∣fice. Now, to come vnto the Com∣mon-wealth. I looke for a relation of the warre of Spaine. I would I were dead, if I, be not much perplexed; and I had rather liue vnder our vsuall, that's a mercifull Lord; then to vndergoe a new yoke of one that is full of crueltie. You know how presumptuous Cn••ius is, and arrogates euery great thing vnto him••elfe; you know, how he main∣taines, that crueltie is a kind of vertue: you know how ridiculous hee thought himselfe vnto vs. And therefore, I am affraid, least in exchange, he ••ay, with his Sword, basely laugh at vs. If you loue me, write vnto me. Oh! how glad I would be, you did but as••ure me, whi∣ther you read this letter, with a troubl••d mind, or a di••burdened. For a•• ••he same ins••ant, I should come to know, what resolution to vndertake in mine

owne occurrents. To auoyd prolixitie, I will bid you farewell: and as you loue me, loue me. If Caesar vanquish, looke for me presently. Farewell.

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

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.

Cicero to Tr••bonius. Epist. 21.

I Read your letter and your•• booke with great con••entment, but my pleasure was mingled with the greefe of your departure. For in the greatest

desire of perpetuating our conuer••ati∣on, you h••ue left vs with this onely comfort, th••t with daily, and long let∣••ers, the ardent desire of each partie m••y be mittiga••ed. Which, as o•• mine owne part I da••e promise it sh••ll take effect; So I am rea••ie to beleeue that it wi••l not faile on yours; in that the loue you beare mee, is mo••e then manifest. For to omit the fauours, whereof the Citties can g••ue undoubted testimony; when you ••hewed you•• ••elfe an enemie to my enemies. When you defended me to the people; when being Quaestor•• you discharged about my selfe, and the publ••ke office of a Consull•• and would not obey the Tribune of the people, though your Colleague did crowch vnto him. And not to rip vp these late matters, which shall remaine pe••petu∣ally fixed in my memorie: what a trouble had you with me, when wee were employed in armes? how did you reioyce at my returne? what greefe, and discontent surpriz••d you, when you heard of my dolors, and molestations? and finally, how readie w••re you to come by all meanes vnto me at Brundu∣sium, had you not beene sent into Spain•• vnexpectedly? Laying therefore these things apart; which notwith∣standing I so highly esteeme, as I doe mine owne life and sa••etie; tell mee I praie you, what greater notice of your

loue could you haue giuen mee, then what you h••ue afforded mee in this booke? Fi••st, because all my sayings, appeare vnto you ••ull of pleasing de∣lightfulnes••e; which to othe••s perad∣u••nture seeme otherwise. Then, were they so, or but so so; they are as ••ou deliuer them, most ingenuous: & such, as in your grace••ull, and ha••pie ca••ry∣ing of them forestalle euery mans laughter, before they come to consider them to be my passages. But, if you did, as of necessit•••• you must, thinke onely on me; all the while you were a∣bout this compo••ition; I were an Iron fellow if I should not loue you. And in that you could not write this subiect, without a friendly, and louing remem∣branc•• of me. I am readily perswaded, that the affection you beare vnto mee is no lesse, then that which is borne by euery man to his owne person. To which affection, would I had no lesse abilitie in deeds, then I haue in loue to be answerable. Wherein notwithstan∣ding I hope you shall remaine well sa∣tisfied. Now to your letter: Which pleas'd me exceedingly: for besides that, it was ingenuou••, and copious: it was also in euery part full of affection. I answer thereof, first, I wrot that Epi∣stle to Caluus, thinking it should no more haue come to light, then this which you now read: For a thing mnst

be otherwise written, which wee deter∣mine should be onely read of those, to whom 'twas sent; then that which is to passe through the hands of many. Then, where as you meruaile that I ex∣alted his wit with such great commen∣dation, you supposing that they excee∣ded the bounds of veritie: I answer, that I thought fitting so to doe. Hee shewes great promptitude in writing; hee prosecutes a certaine method of his owne, conducted by a kinde of error in iudgement; wherein notwithstan∣ding he doth very well; he is full of lear∣ning, but does not liuelie expresse his conceipt: therefore I exhorted him thereunto. For if you would put spirit into any man, or sharpen his vnder∣standing, there is no better way in the world, then to commend him. This is my iudgement, and counsell about Caluus: Counsell; in that I prais'd him, to exhort him: Iudgement; in that I h••ld him to haue a wit worthie to bee esteemed. It remaines that I pray, that your iourney may proue happie; that I expect your returne with hope, that I visite you oftner in my thoughts, and betweene writing to you, and reading your letters that I mittigate the insatia∣ble desire I haue to see you. My desire is, that you should often call to memo∣rie, your owne officious endeauours for mee. Of which if it bee lawfull

to be mindefull; 'twere base in me to be forgetfull. For I would not onely haue you to esteeme me for an honest man, but one, of whom your selfe may haue opinion, you are much beloued. Farewell.