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

THE SIXTEENTH BOOKE OF THE FAMILIAR EPISTLES OF M. T. CICERO. (Book 16)

Cicero to Quintus Tiro. Epist. 1.

SEE how pleasing your con∣uersation is. We staid a∣bout two hours at Thyr••um; where Xenomenes entertai∣ning vs, made shew of as much loue vnto you, as if he had alwaies liued with you. Hee hath promis'd to pro∣u••de you, of all necessarie things, and I doubt not the••eof. I should bee glad, if you finde your selfe any thing better,

that you would remoue to Leucas; that there you might whollie be recouered. Take counsell of Curio; and Lyso, and the Phisition. I thought to send Mario backe vnto you. Whom you might haue returned when you had found you•• better cheared. But I be thought me, that Mario could bring me but one letter: and I expected many. You may therefore procure (and will doe it you, if you loue me,) that Acastus may be euery day abou•• the Port•• Messengers will not be wanting, that may faith∣fully, and willingly deliuer me letters. And I will not omit any opportunitie of such as come to Patrae. I haue con∣fident hope in Curio, that he will attend you, with all care. He is kindenes it selfe, and loues vs aboue all the world most vnfeinedly. Therefore expect all courtesie from him: and bee not yo•• too hastie to follow me; for I had much rather see you come late cured, then presently infirmed. Labour there∣fore onely to recouer, and leaue the rest, to my prouidence. Many times farewell. Vpon my departure from Leucas, the vij. of Nouember.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 2.

WEE haue beene seuen daies at Corcyra. But my brother Quin∣tus, and his son, are at Buthrotum. Wee were maruellous carefull about your health, neither doe I wonder, that wee receiue no letters from you; For, with those windes that should serue you hi∣ther, we should saile from hence; which if they had serued, we would not haue lien waiting at Corcyra. Looke therfore vnto your selfe, and get strength: and when co••ueniently, both for your health, and season of the yeare, you can haue passage, come vnto vs that loue you dearely. None loues vs, that likes not you. Euery man wisheth you well, and lookes for your comming. Good Tiro, haue a singular care of your health. Farewell. This xviij. of Octo∣ber: From Corcyra.

Cicero to his friend Tiro. Epist. 3.

I Thought I should more easily haue endured your absence; but I finde I

cannot. And though it greatly con∣cernes mi••e honour, to be with all pos∣sible speed at Rome. Y••t mee think••s I sin in leauing you; But in tha•• I thought you were firmely resolu'd, not to put your selfe vpon the voyage, before you were well recouered. I approued your determination, as now I doe, if you be also of the same opinion. But, after you haue recouered your appetite, if you finde your selfe in state to follow mee, doe your pleasure. I haue sent Mario to you, that if you thinke good to come, he may beare you companie. If not, I would haue him presen••ly turne backe againe. Bee assured, I desire nothing else, but that you should come with your owne ease, if it be possible: but if you perceiue it requisite, to remaine some daies in Patrae, for your better re∣couerie; Know, that I desire nothing more, then to haue you cured. If you presently commit your selfe to sea, fol∣low vs by L••ucas. But if you meane to attend, till you are absolutely well, bee carefull, of you•• companie, of the wea∣ther, and of getting good shipping. But, as you loue mee, Tiro, take heede, that you let not Mario's comming, or these letters anie way moue you; for, in doing that which shall bee most auaila∣ble for your health, you shall doe mee the greatest p••easure. Therefore looke you vnto it: for, I so desire you, as you

may finde I loue you. My loue would see you here sound; my desire, pre••ent∣ly: but the first especially. Therefore, aboue all, bee care••ull to bee well: for, amongst the infinite courtesies, which you haue done me, this will proue the greatest. Farewell. The third of No∣uember.

Cicero ••o his Tiro. Epist. 4.

I Neither can, nor am willing to write vnto you, how it troubles me, to be without you. I onely write, it will be an exceeding grea•• content vn∣to vs both, if we could presently come so together, that I might see you reco∣uered. The third day, after wee de∣parted from you, we arriued at Alyzia, a place on this side Leucas, some foure∣teene miles. In Leucas, I hope, you will ouertake mee, or at least, Mario with your letters. As you loue me, or thinke I loue you, so looke to ••our health. From Alyzia. This v. of Nouember.

Cicero to his friend Tiro. Epist. 5.

WE staied all yesterdaie at Aly∣zia, from whence I wrote be∣fore vnto you; Quintus not being yet arriued. To day, which is the fifth of Nouember, I write these before daie being in a readinesse to de∣par••. I entreat you, for the loue you beare to all of vs, but especially to my selfe, your Master, endeuour to recouer. With a verie vnquiet minde, I expect, especially your selfe, and then Mario with your letters. Wee long all, but I aboue the rest, to see you presently, but in no case without your health, good Tiro. And therefore make no haste, I shall thinke I haue euerie daie seen you, so you come lustie and strong vnto vs. I can doe, what is to bee done, without your helpe, and therefore suppose not, that mine owne benefit driues mee, to desire your health, so much as the loue I beare you. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tir••. Epist. 6.

I Haue read your le••ter, with diuers a∣gi••ations of minde; the first side much disturbed me: but the other gaue me some relaxation. Wherefore, now know seriously, that you must not take anie iourney, either by land, or sea, till you are perfectly ••u••ed. You write vn∣to me, how you haue a good opinion of the Physician, and I heare no l••sse. But yet I commend not in anie sort, his course of dieting sicke persons; for I tooke it not to be well done, that hee made you drinke broth, hauing a dis∣tempered stomacke. Notwithstanding, by a letter of mine, I entreat him ef••e∣ctually, that he would cure you with all diligence: and in another, I likewise recommend you to Lyso. To Curius, be∣ing of so sweet a d••sposition, full of in∣tegritie, and cou••tesie, I haue writ∣ten at large, about your occasions: and among other things, if you so thinke good, that hee should conueigh you to his owne house: because I put no confidence in Lyso's diligence: first, because the Gre••kes ordinarily are ve∣rie negligent; and then, in that hee re∣turn'd mee no answer to my letters which he receiued; but you commend

him, and therefore take what course shall best please your selfe. One fauor I require at your hands, my Tiro, that you will spare no charge, in things ••e∣quisite for your health. I write to Curi∣us, that hee should giue the Physician what you appoint; because it were good, to giue him some thing, to the end, he may attend you with the grea∣ter diligence. When, in what, or where∣soeuer, it hath beene may hap to employ you, I haue receiued good satisfaction, & euer was highly contented with your endeuour: But you shall exceed, what∣soeuer you haue formerly done for me; if (as I hope) I may but see you lustie. If you finde your selfe strong in bodie, you may imbarque your selfe with Mes∣sinius the Quaestor: for, I suppose, you shall haue pleasing and louing compa∣nie of him. Hee is verie aff••ble, and so far as I can perceiue, beares an affecti∣on to you. But, as I said, take counsell of your abilitie of bodie, and then bee carefull, to saile commodiously, and in seasonable weather. I desire no other, but that you may returne in health and safetie. And bee assured, my Tiro, that there's none, who loues m••e, but beare you singular affection. And though it more imports vs, then anie other, that you were in health, yet manie besides; also, are desirous of the same. Hi∣therto, because you would not leaue me

in anie place, you could not recouer your maladie. Now, there's nothing hinders you. Laie aside all cares, and attend wholly to your recouerie: for, if you bee carefull thereof, I shall thinke you make great esteeme of mine affe∣ction. Farewell, my Tiro: Be health∣full, and merrie. Lep••a, and the rest, salute you: The vij, of Nouember: From Leucas.

Cicero to his friend Tiro. Epist. 7.

I Will adde this third vnto the two let∣ters I wrote this day vnto you; more to obserue the vsuall custome, then for anie thing I had to write. Once againe l••t me tell you, that I would haue you, according to the loue you beare mee, vse all diligence for your recouerie. Adde this to the rest of the courtesies, I haue had from you; for it will, aboue all the rest, be most acceptable to mee. I am confident in your prudence, that you will not vndertake anie iourny, ex∣cept you find your selfe well. But when you come, seeke to saile with the best conueniencie. Let no messenger come into Italie, without your letters, as I write to you, by eue••ie messenger that

comes to Patrae. Recouer, recouer, my Tiro; for, seeing Fortune would not permit vs, to saile together in compa∣nie, it fits you not now to be too hastie: and thinke of nothing, but how you may bee restored. Bee carefull of your recouerie. From Actium: The vij. of Nouember in the euening.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 8.

WEE are verie pensiue about your sicknesse: for, though we vnderstand, that you are out of all dan∣ger: neuerthelesse, perceiuing how ma••ters will require a long time for ef∣fect, this comfort is accompanied with notable discontentment: imagining what a while, I shall bee depriued of your companie: the sweetnesse wherof, I measure by my desire of it. But though I heartily desire to see you; ne∣uerthelesse, I earnestly entreat you, ••hat you will not expose your sel••e this win∣ter, to so long a voyage, except you be strong; nor put your self to sea, without good consideration. Scarcely vnd••r roofes, and within townes, can men of weake complexions defend them∣selues f••om cold; much lesse by sea, or

in long voyages, is it easie to shun the iniurie of the seasons. And, C••ld is verie hurtfull to tender bodies, as Euripides re∣porteth; to whom I know not what credit you giue: But I esteeme ••uerie verse of his to be a testimonie. If you wish me well, solicite your health, and returne lustie, & presently. Loue vs, and Farewell: Quin••us the younger, com∣mends him heartily vnto you.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 9.

WE departed from you, as you know, ••he second of No••em∣ber: the vj. wee arriued at Leucas, on the vij. at Actium. Where, through contrarietie of windes, we stayd all the next day. From thence, on the ninth, wee sailed prosperously to Corsyra. At Corsyra, by reason of a storme, we were staid all the xvij, and the xviij. Lea∣uing the Port of Corsyra, wee came to Cassiope, xv. miles from thence, where wee were detained by the windes, till the xxv. And manie ouer-hastie, not willing to stay, while the raging of the sea was downe, were cast a∣way. The foresaid day after din∣ner, wee set sayle, and hauing a

pleasa••t Souther••e gale, and faire wea∣ther, betwene that night, and the day following, wee came with pleasure to Hydrus in Italie: and with the same winde the next day, (which was the xxvj.) betweene eleuen and twelue a clocke, wee arriued at ••rundusium; and going a shore, Terentia met mee, and entred with me into the towne, enqui∣ring much after your selfe. On the xxviij, being in Brundusium, extremely desiring your letters, at last came a ser∣uant of Cneius Plancius, who presented me those of the xiij. which eased me of much sorrow: I would they had whol∣ly free'd me. Though Asclapo the Phy∣sician assures me, that you shall in short time be cured. Now I must a little ex∣hort you, to bee verie carefull, to reco∣uer your forces. I know your prudence, I know your temperance, and the loue you beare me. I conceiue, you will vse all meanes, to bee speedily with vs, which I excedingly desire, so you may take no hurt thereby. I would not haue you carried away with Lyso's harmony, lest you lie by it for a whole month. But seeing you would needes rather sa∣tisfie his kindnesse, then obserue your owne health, from this time forward take better heed. I haue vsed meanes to Curius, that he should satisfie the Physi∣cian, and that hee should supply your wants: And I will pay it here, to whom∣soeuer

hee appointeth. I haue left an horse, & a mule for you in Brundusium. I am much affraid, that in the begin∣ning of Ianuarie, there will bee great tumul••s in Rome; wee will proceed in all things verie moderately. It remains, that I entreat you, that you will not rashly take shipping. These Marriners, for gaine, vse to make haste, therefore bee circumspect, my Tiro. You haue a great and difficult sea to passe. It would be good (if you could) to associate your selfe with Messinius, for he was wont to bee warie in voyages. If not, then ioyne with some honorable personage, whom your Pilot may vse respectiuely. If in this, you vse all care, and comfort your selfe in your health, you shall giue me great satisfaction. I haue written to the Physician, to Curius, and Lyso, and recommended you. Farewell: And with safetie.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 10.

THough I desire euerie where the benefit of your endeuour; yet it greeues mee, not so much for mine owne, as for your respect that you haue not your health. But seeing

the violence of the infirmitie is turn'd into a Qua••tane, as Curio writeth. Be∣ing circumspect, I hope, you shall ea∣sily bee free'd thereof. Now, doe mee the pleasure, to minde nothing else, but your recouerie. I know your desire: but all things will succeed well, if you returne in health. I would not haue you make ouer-much haste, le••t being ill, besides offending your stomacke, your winter voyage migh•• bee dange∣rous. I came to Rome, the fourth of this month, where I was recei∣ued with the greatest honour, that could be imagined. But I am fallen in∣to the verie flame of ciuill discord, or rather, ciuill wa••re. Which I desiring, and in my opinion, being able to pre∣uent, I was hindered by some mens vn∣bridled humou••s: for there are of each part, ••hat long to bee toge••her by the ••ares: and C••sar also our friend, hath written to the S••nate, threatning them much, and v••lifying th••m with insolent speeches: and hee is not asham'd, in the••r despite, to hold both his Armie, and his Prouince: and my Curio cea∣seth not, to put him forward. And withall, our Antonius, and Q••intus Cas∣siu••, not being anie waies vrged the••e∣unto, a••e with Curio, fled to Caesar; Vpon the Senates charge giuen to the Consuls, Prae••ors, Tribunes of the people, and to vs, who are in the place

of Consuls, that we should defend the Common-wealth from ••ll succeeding detriment. The Cittie was neuer in greater daunger: nor euer h••d bad Cittizens so cruell a Ring-leader. On our part also due prouisions are made; And herein the authoritie and care of our Pomp••ius is employed: who now too late beginnes to doubt of Caes••rs power. Yet in all these hurlie-burlies, the Senate forbe••res not to assemble, and to deliberate vpon my Triumph: but Len••ulus the Consul, being desirous that I should acknowledge the whole benefit from himselfe, hath promis'd presently to set it forward, so soone as he hath dispatcht some vrgent neces∣sities of the Common-wealth. Wee shew our selues no wayes ambicious thereof: Which augments our reputa∣tion. The gouernments of Italie are distributed; and wee h••ue chosen that of Capu••. These are all the ad∣u••rtisements, which occurre at this present. B••e carefull of your reco∣u••rie, and when opportunitie is o••fe∣red, write vnto me. The xii. of Ianua∣rie. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 11.

INto what hazard my saf••tie, and that of all good men, and the whole Com∣mon-wealth is brought; you may con∣ceiue by ••his, ••hat we haue abandoned our proper habitations, and our coun∣trie it selfe, l••auing her as a pray, to whosoeuer will destroy, and set her in combustion. We are come to that point, as if some God, or Fortune doe not succour vs, I see no meanes for our escape. Since I came to Rome, I assure you, I haue vs••d all perswasions to com∣pound these discords: but I haue found such obstinacie in the hearts, not onely of those wicked, but also in them that are reputed honest, as my Force is not able to disswade them. They will haue ba••taile, and will not heare me, when I tell them of the miseries, which a ciuill warre drawes a••ter it. For hauing heard how Caesar, in••aged with furie, and bea∣ring no respect, either to his name, or dignitie, tooke into his hands, Arimi∣num, Pisaurum, Ancona, and Arr••tium; We haue left R••me wholly abandoned, with what wisedome, or courage it a∣uaileth not to argue. Now you s••e to what passe we are arriu••d. True it is, that he moues Ar••icles of accord; that

Pomp••ius goe into Spaiae; that the soul∣diers leuied in our defence, be cashee∣red: and in this case, hee is content to assigne Gallia Transalpina, to D••mitius; and Cisalpina, to Considius Nonianu••, Who were elected for those Gouerne∣ments: ••hat he cares no more to haue the fauour, that he may demand the Consulship in his absence, but that himselfe in person, will come to de∣mand it. We haue accepted of his con∣ditions, but so, that he will remoue the guarisons out of ••hese townes, that are in his hands, to the end, that the Senate without feare, being resembled in Rome, may consult vpon the aboue-mentioned conditions. In performing this, there is some hope of peace; but I acknowledg it to be scarce honorable, for we submit our selues to his conditi∣ons: but it's better to be any thing, then what we are. And, if hee should not obserue his propounded conditi∣ons, there is prepar'd so gri••uous a warre, as he cannot susteine it. I say if he doe flinch from the conditions him∣selfe hath set downe, wee hope to bee able to cut off his way from Rome, by hauing many men in a readin••sse: and we suppose also he will not bend thi∣ther, for feare of loosing the Galliae, who are his vt••er enemies, excepting onely the Transpadani••e especially if he perceiue six Legions on his b••cke that are in

Spaine, conducted by Afranius, and Petreiu••, with many succours: but if he wil needs be cō••umacious, tis thought, it will be no great ma••ter to suppresse him, so he make no approach to Rome. For he hath had one shrewd crosse, in that Titus Labienu••, who was of great cred••t in his Armie, not minding to be a companion of his wickednesse, hath left him, and takes part with vs: and they say many are readie to doe the like. I remaine in the Gouernment of the Sea coast, about Formiae. I would not vndertake a greater charge, that by my l••tters, and exhortations, I might wo••ke the bet••er effects with Caesar, a∣bout quietnesse. But if the warre goe on. I see I shall haue the gouernment, and command of a Campe, & c••rtaine Legions. I am wonderfully disturb'd that our Dolabella is with Caesar: I thought good to giue you these infor∣mations; but as you loue your health, let them not trouble you. Aulus Varro is my great friend, and beares you sin∣gular aff••ction. I haue recommended you vnto him, en••reating him to haue a speciall care of you, as well in the oc∣casions of your infirmitie, as of your voyage. He ha••h cou••teously pormis'd me, and I know hee will performe it. Seeing you could not be with me at that time, when I had occasion to em∣ploy your fidelitie, & endeuour; make

no hast in any wise to come while you are thus weake, especially being the depth of Winter. Your comming to me shall neuer be too late, so you come in ••afetie. Hith••rto I neuer spake with any man that saw you; but with Mar∣cus Volusius, who deliuered me your let∣ters: and no maruaile; for, I doe not thinke that mine haue this bad wether, had any speedie conueyance. Be care∣••ull to recouer, and commit not your selfe to Sea, till you may haue a secure passage. My son is at Formianum; Teren∣tia, and Tullia are in Rome. The xxviij. of Ianuarie, from C••p••a. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 12.

I Long ••or your comming, but I feare ••he voyage; for you haue bin grie∣uously si••ke; & what wi••h fasting, pur∣ging, and the anguish of your disease, you are consumed. The least disorder a man can commit in these daungerous maladies, may re••urne to the great dammage of such as are infirmed. I will bee in Cuman••m at the end of this mon••th. There my Tiro, l••t me see you lustie, and he••lthfull. My (rather our) studies, through the griefe of your ab∣sence,

are languished. Yet by the letter, which Acastus brought, th••y•• haue a lit∣tle lifted vp their eyes. Pompeius was present at the writing of these, and be∣ing desirous to heare some compositi∣on of ours, I merily, & freely told him, that my wits grew barraine, through your absence. Prepare your selfe to render your endeuours to our Mus••s. For at the appoynted day ours shall bee in a readinesse. For I haue hereto••ore taught you th••Etymologie of Fayth. Looke that you throughly recouer your health: in which wee are very happie. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 13.

AEGYPTA Arriu'd the xij^th of Aprill, and though he told me, the Feuer had left you, and that you were veri•• well: yet in that he said you could not write to me, I remain'd vnsatisfied: and so much the rather, because Hermia, who should haue beene here the same daie, was not yet come. I am troubled with doubtful cogitations, out of the aboun∣dant loue I beare to your life. Whereof if you free me, I will make you free, and

contented. I would write vnto you more at large, if I thought I should not annoy you. Applie the power of your owne vnd••rstanding, which I esteeme to be most exquisite, for the preseruati∣on of your selfe, to both our comforts. And let me yet againe requ••st you to bee diligently carefull of your selfe. Far••well. After the writing hereof, Hermia came, and deliuer'd mee yours, and by the raggednesse of the letters I discern'd the agonie of your disease. I send Aegypta backe agai••e vnto you, because I take him to bee a louing and discreet fellow, and one that wisheth you well: and with him I send a Cooke, to doe you se••uice. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 14.

I Haue had an ill night, and full of di∣stractions, by reason that Andricus came not yesterday as I expected. This morning hee came with your letters: from which though I could conce••ue no further of your state and being, yet am I somewhat recomforted. Ti••l I see you, I shall haue no apprehension of delight, neither can I betake my selfe to my vsual studies. Prouide that the Phy∣sition

may be promised the reward which he demaundeth, as I gaue order to Manius. I heare you are oppressed with melancholie, and that the Physi∣tion perceiues as much. Rowse vp from sleepe, your reading, and your humane studies, for which you are so deare vnto me. You must di••ourden your minde, that your bodie may fare the better. And this I request you, both for your owne benefit•• & for my contentment. Reserue Acast••c•• for the attendance of your person, and preserue your selfe for my consolation. Now comes the time of the promises, which I will also exhi∣bite at your comming. Farewell. The xiij. about eleuen of the clocke in the forenoo••e. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 15.

IF you should giue me the whole world, you cannot doe me a greater plea••ure, then to let mee see your selfe in health. N••ither shall I bee quiet in minde, till Menander returne, whom I ••e••t vnto you. If you loue me, be care∣full of your recouerie. And when you feele your selfe, in good plight, come ••nto vs. Farewell: the tenth of Aprill.

Quintus to Marcus Cicero his brother. Epist. 16.

I Would I might neuer see your selfe, (my Cicero,) my Tulliola, or your son; if you did not highly fauour mee when you made Tiro rather our companion then our seruant, finding him worthie of a better Fortune then hee formerly liued in. You would not imagine, with what ioy, both his, and your letters, haue possessed me. And I thankefully congratulate with you. For if the fide∣litie of Statius, please me so well: how much more esteeme doth the same pro∣pertie deserue, being accompanied with knowledge, dis••ourse, and huma∣nitie? Which vertues farre exceed all other considerations. I loue you for all; and most worthie respects: as also for this, and for hauing written vnto me in so chearefull a style. For I reade your verie selfe in your letters: I will performe what I promised to the ser∣uants of Sabinus. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 17.

I Know your desire: you would haue me put your Epistles in a volume also. But harke you Sir; How comes it, that you, that were wont to be the corrector of my writings, should be so improper in your speeches, as to say, Attending ••aithfully to my recouerie: from whence comes faithfully to be placed here? the proper place of this word, is in office: Though it may be m••nie other wayes applied, as when we say, faithfull doc∣trine, a faithfull house, a faithfull Art, and also a faithfull field. So that the application thereof be made with mo∣destie, and according to the true mea∣ning of Theophrastus: but this shall bee discussed, when we come together. Demetrius came vnto me: you are suffi∣ciently enformed, with what compa∣nie; but I haue rid him of them. But you'le tell me, you could not see him; To morrow he will be here againe, and then you shall: for the day following I'le be gone f••om hence. I am much perplexed, about your recouerie. But, attend vnto it, and doe euery thing that is befitting; for so you shall not onely giue me full satisfaction, but I shall imagine you are present with me. I

am glad you pleasured Cuspius: For I wish him all contentment. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 18.

WHat now? must it not bee so? I know it must, and it's neces∣sarie, that To his should bee added. Yet if you haue a desire vnto it, let vs, to shunne that enuie you speake of, leaue it out; though I alwayes contem∣ned such like enuie. I am verie glad, your breathing did you so much good. And if the ayre of Tusculanum would bee also helpefull, O Gods! How it would content me. But if you loue me, (which surely you doe, or at least after a cunning manner, you dissemble: yet howsoeuer) attend your recouerie. You know the best Physicke to bee, light meats, moderate exercise, a chear∣full mind, and a soluble bodie. Labour to returne, with your vsuall alacritie: I shall thinke the better, not onely of you, but euen of our Tusculanum. Try vnderhand if you can get Parhedrus to hire my garden; for, that's the way to make the gardener desperate. See the fume of this glutton, that dares venture fiue and twentie thousand Crownes,

vpon one possession; where neither Sunne, nor water commeth; neyther hath it wall, or house for habitation: Shall this fellow laugh at vs with so great expences? Put a tricke vpon him, as I intend vpon Marcus Oth••: Where∣upon I neglect his presented garlands. I would faine know what is done a∣bout the water of Crabra: though now we haue water in aboundance. When t••me serues, I will send the horaloge, and the Bookes. But is it possible that you should bee in want of Bookes? Or are you about some composition in imitation of Sophocles? Let the worke bee published. Aulu•• Ligurius, Caesars familiar acquaintance is dead. He was an honest man, and my verie friend. Aduertise mee of your comming. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 19.

I Expect your letters in answer to ma∣ny things, but much more your com∣ming. Purchase the loue of Demetrius, and if you can do him any other kinde∣nes, doe it. About my debt with Au∣fidius,

I say nothing because I know you to bee very carefull thereof; but dispatch it. If this stay you, I excuse you, if not come flying. I greatly ex∣pect your letters. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 20.

AS I liue (my Tiro) your infirmity troubles me. But I hope, if you prosecute with the same care you haue begun, to see you shortly in perfect health. Set you vp the bookes, in good order: and let an Index of them be made when it pleaseth Metrodorus: s••e∣ing we must liue according to his dire∣ction. Concerning the Gardener, I re∣fer my selfe to your discretion. The first of this mon••th, you may stay to see the Fencers, and the next come a∣way; for thus I thinke good: but doe as you will; If you wish me well be care∣full to preserue your sel••e. Farewell.

Cicero the sonne, to his sweetest Tiro. Epist. 21.

AFter a tedious and daily expecta∣tion for sixe whole weekes to∣geather after my depa••ture from you, your welcome mes••engers came with letters. The Epistle of my most sweet, and deare Father, gaue me wondrous contentment; and your owne letter ouerioy'd me. Whereupon I repent no longer my silence, but am glad there∣of. In that it brought mee wondrous encrease of the fruite of your humani∣tie: Whereby you haue made good my excuses. I am sure my sweet Tiro, that the good reports, which according to your desire, were spread of me, did highly please you. And I will employ all my endeauour, that this growing o∣pinion of me, may euery day bee more established. Therfore you may secure∣ly promise of me, heereafter, a more re∣formed life, then that which is past, hath at any time beene. Wherein, if I was drawen from the tru•• waie, I greeue much more then I make shew of. Of which greefe I know you haue beene partaker, in that you take part also in my prosperities, wherein I euer desired to haue a companion. I will therefore restore with double ioy, the affliction

you haue suffer'd for my sake. Vnder∣stand that I conuerse with Cratippus in an inward fashion, not as a disciple, but as his childe. He hath a sweet manner of discourse, which delights me great∣ly: Wherefore I am with him all the day, and often, part of the night also. For hee many times meales with mee. And our familiaritie hath proceeded so farre, that many times on a suddaine, he takes vs before wee haue halfe dy∣ned: and laying aside philosophicall conclusions, hee entertaines vs with pl••asant discourses. Wherefore endea∣uour as soone as you can, to come and enioy the societie of so noble, and so compleat a man. But what shall I say of Brutus? Whom I neuer suffer to be from me: so modest, and loyall he is. Whose disposition though it be to bee thriftie and graue, yet is he most plea∣sing companie; and alwaies in matters of learning. Within the compasse whereof wee lay the boundes of our contentments. I haue rented a place for him neere hand, and according to my abilitie, I supplie him. Besides this, I am resolued to exercise oratorie in Greeke with Cassius, and in Latin•• with Brutus. I liue daily with certaine learned men, which came from Mi••ylene with Cratippus Ep••orate: the cheefest of the Athenians, Leonides and other such like, spend their time with me. I will deliuer

no further of my selfe. Whereas you write to me of Gorgias: certainely hee furthered mee much in my pleading: but because I would not oppose my fa∣thers will, I put him from me: he hauing written earnestly vnto me, that I should dismisse him. I would not shew my backwardnes in obeying his will, because I would put no conceite of su∣spition into him. Besides I conceiu'd, how 'twas not a thing fit, that I should oppose my fathers iudgement; not∣withstanding, your office heerein, and counsell, was acceptable to mee. I admit of your excuse, by reason of your penurie of time, know∣ing that yours, is a li••e much employed. I am very glad of the purch••se made of that Fa••me. Wonder not though in the conclusion of my letter I reioyce with you: for you also in the end of yours, giue me aduertisement thereof. You haue meanes now to lay apar•• your cittie customes, and to become a ru∣sticke Romane. When hourely I set before mine eyes your pleasing aspect, me thinkes I see you buying countrie commodities, reasoning with labou∣rers, and to gather into the lap of your garment, the seedes of fruites after meales. But to come to the matter, I am sorrie as well as you, that I could not assist you. But doubt not my Tiro, that I will euer faile you, if Fortune ••aile

not me, especially, understanding, that this Farme is bought for common vse: You did me a gr••at pleasure to dispatch wha•• I gaue you in charge. I pray you send ••o mee as soone as you can a writer, but principally a Gr••cian. For I loo••e a world of time, in writing out the Commentaries. Be carefull of your h••alth, that we may once discourse to∣geather. I recommend Antherus vnto you. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 22.

BY your letters I am in some hope of your amendment; I'le assure you, I wish i•• Wherefore be carefull therof, and no wai••s suppose, that you doe any thing against my will in not being with me. You are with me, if you bee care∣full of your recouerie. I would there∣fo••e rather haue you obserue your heal••h, ••hen e••th••r mine eyes, o•• min•• ea••es•• Fo•• though I both hea••e, and see you willingly, yet your life is ••arre more deare vnto me. Heere I doe no∣thing; th••t is, •• write not; but I read most w••••l••••••ly. I•• the writers there ca••••o•• ••o well rea•• my hand, teach th••m. T••ere is one intricate interli∣ning,

which I my selfe scarcely vnder∣stand, about Cato when hee was foure yeares old. Looke to the building of the refectorie, as you doe. Tertia will be there, so that Publius be not bespo∣ken. This Demetri••s was neuer Pha∣lareus, but now it plainely appeares that he is Billienus. So as you shall doe me a good office to obserue him. You know his manner of phrase: Although: Neuerthel••s; Of those; &c. Yet if you speake with him, giue mee aduertise∣ment, that I may haue matter whereof to write, and to write more at large. Looke to your recouerie, for you can∣not doe me a greater pleasure.

Cicero to his Two. Epist. 23.

THough these moneyes come not vnder accompt, neuertheles if you may, it wil be good to take an acknow∣ledge thereof; Balbus writes to mee, that he is troubled with such a terrible flux of humours to his eyes as hee can not tell me what Antonius hath done a∣bout the law. I hope they forbid vs not to liue in the countrie. I haue writ∣ten to Bithinicus. See you, who con∣tem••e not old age, wh••ther Seruiliu•• vnderstand it. Though our Atticus,

because hee heard, how heeretofore I was dismayed at euery false all'arme conceiues alwaies the like; and per∣ceiues not, with what rampiers of Phi∣losophie I am now enuironed. And certainely because himselfe is fearefull, hee seekes to possesse others with feare. Yet I will not breake with Ant••nius, but preserue entire our ancient friendship, and write vnto him, so soone as I haue spoken with you. But come not be∣fore you haue call'd in your deb••. For the knee is n••arer then the legge. To morrow I looke for Lep••a. I shall need the sweetnes of your discourse, to mo∣derate hi•• bitternes. Farewell.

Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 24.

THough I had written to you, but this morning by Harpalus: not∣withstanding hauing, a fit messenger, I will no•• forbeare to make a repetition of my ••ormer. Not because I am di∣strustfull of your diligence, but because respects of importance vrge me. Great necessitie mou'd me to send you thi∣ther for dispatch of our businesses. Pro∣cure in any wise, that Offili••s and Au∣relius be satisfied, If you cannot get all

of Fla••m••, get at least some part; call for the pension dew the Calends of Ia∣nuarie. See you sa••isfie our Creditors, before your departure. Thus farre of matters domesticall. About publike affaires I am sufficiently enformed. I see what bee the ends and scopes, of Octauius and Antonius. I know, what you and others may well imagine. I thinke the worse of my selfe, that I come not with all speed vnto you. But I forthwith expect your letters. And know that Balbus, was in Aquinas, as was told ••ou, and the day after Hirtius. I thinke they went both vn∣to the Ba••hes. Wee shall heare, what they haue contriued. Giue notice to Dolabella's agents, and call earnestly vpon Papia. Farewell.

Cicero the sonne to Tiro. Epist. 25.

ALthough you haue v••ed a iust and fit excuse, of not writing vnto me; yet I entreate you not to make a custome of it. For although I bee both certified, by messengers, concer∣ning the rumors of the Common-wealth; and my father writes con∣tinually,

vnto me touching his good will towards me: yet a letter wri••ten of euery least matter, from you to mee, hath beene euer most acceptab••e; wherefore seeing that aboue all things I desire your letters, deale not with me in such sort, that you performe the the dutie of writing, by excuse rather then by daily sending. Fare you well.

Quintus Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 26.

HAuing receiu'd another Packet, without your letters, I silently complained of you. You will not bee able, to exempt your selfe from the penalty of this offence. Mar••u•• must defend you, and studie well too vpon the matter: and yet I cannot tell how he will proue, that you haue not com∣mitted an error. When I was a little one, I remember our mother, would cause euen the emptie butts to bee ••••••∣led: because, if any of the full were by stealth drunke out, they might not say, 'twas one of the emptie ones; and I would haue you doe the like. Though you haue nothing whereof to write,

yet write. Your letters carrie alwaies with them, truth and contentment. Loue vs, and Farewell.

Quintus Cicero to his Tiro. Epist. 27.

IF my brother, either in modestie, or through hast hath lightly reprehen∣ded mee of my negligence; you haue freely touched mee euen to the quicke; and in words no lesse significant, writ∣ten to me of the Consulls assigned; Whom I know to be more lustfull, and languishing then any woman. And if by misfortune they bee not remou'd from the gouernment, we•• are all in danger of a shipwracke. A man would not beleeue the wicked prankes, which I know they perform'd in the Galliae, when they lay in the face of the enemy that Summer that I was there; and if it be not prouided for, the vices of Antonius, being like their owne, hee will be easily able to allure them. It is requisite, that the counsell either of the Tribunes, or of some priuate per∣son, should defend the common-wealth. For these two are scarce wor∣thy,

that one of them should haue Ce∣sena, or the other the Free-hold of the foundations of the C••ss••tian Tauernes committed to him. I loue you as I told you, hartily. And about the end of this moneth I will see you: and wheresoeuer I meete you, I will swee••ly kisse your eyes, though it were in the midd'st of the market place. Loue me and Fare∣well.

FINIS.

Tityre, tu patulae: Cecinit molimine primo; Postera qui repetens: ARMA VIRVMQVE CANit.