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

Cicero to Publius Le••tulus Vice-consull. Ep. 8.

OF all things which concerne you, what is done, determined, and promised by Pompeius; Emplat••rius shall to the full enforme you: who hath not onely seene, but sollicited them; and that with so much loue, iudgement, and care, that greater of any friend could no wayes be expected. Of the same man you may vnderstand the state of the weale publique, whose shape by pen can hardly be portraied. But let it su••fice you, that the gouernment is in the managing of our acquaintance, and the common opinion is, that in our time it will not be changed. Where∣fore I, as well for the obligation that I haue to Pompeius, as to obey your com∣fortable, and safe Councels; and to maintaine my regained honour, toge∣ther with my prosperitie; I fauour his

pretences, as he vpon your request hath fauoured me in my occasions. You know how full of trouble it is vnto a cittizen to change the habite of his mi••de, especially when it is good, and such as hath beene by him long time continued. Notwithstanding I applie my selfe to this mans pleasure, not be∣ing able with honestie to gainesay him, neither doe I this as is peraduenture by some enformed, with dissimulation; because a naturall inclination, and loue, which I beare him, can doe so much with me, that I hold all things to be ho∣nest and ••rue, which are to his profit, and good liki••g. And in my iudgement his aduersaries also should doe well, if (not being able to withstand him) they should cease to contend longer with him. Verily this also giues me comfort, that euery man freely graunteth vnto me, as it were by a speciall priuiledge, either to fauour the disignes of Pom∣peius; or to be silent; or to retire me to our common studies, in which I take the greatest pleasure. And if his friend∣ship forbid me not, I will by all meanes doe so; not being able to councell the common-wealth with that freedome I desire; nor with that authority, which I, after so manie troubles susteined in managing the gr••atest pl••ces of dignitie haue expected. Although this is not my losse alone, but vniuersall. For, of ne∣cessitie,

either place must be giuen (though with losse o•• reputation,) to the wils of some few: or difference of opinion, and opposition must be vaine and friuolous. And whatsoeuer I haue hitherto written, hath beene almost wholly vpon this occasion. That you may at le••gth looke to your selfe. The courses of the Senate, of all Courts of iustice, and the whole state are altered; nothing remaineth for vs to doe, but to wish for quietnesse: and those that gouerne, make show that they wil con∣tent vs, so that men will be quie••, and not so much ••rouoke their grea••nesse to displeasure: ••ut we must not thinke to liue with that repu••ation vvhich be∣••itteth noble Senators: thankes be to them that haue allienated Pompeius, from the Senate, and broken the peace which was betvveene him & the No∣bilitie. But to turne to our purpose, a∣bout your matt••rs; I haue found that Pompeiu•• is a good friend vnto you; and when he becomes Consull, you shall ••••nde (if I be not dec••iued) what∣soeuer true, parti••••lar, and important fauours, your heart ca•• im••gine, or be desired. And I hauing an especiall care of all your businesse, vvill spurre him al∣vvaies forward. And I am not onely sure, that I shall neuer seeme vnto him importunate, but I rather hope, that he perceiuing me so gra••efull, will herein

assuredly find great contentment. Le••∣tulus liue secure, for euery little occasi∣on of yours sticks neerer me, then all mine owne. And I being of that mind, can satisfie my selfe for matter of my diligence; but for the effects, it is im∣possible; as not being able with my v••ry thoughts, to serch out the way, to shew you my thankefulnesse, much lesse in act to equalize the least part of your fa∣uours. It is here reported that you haue gotten a great victorie. And vve expect the nevves thereof from you. And we haue alreadie spoken to Pompeius; and so soone as your let••ers shall arriue, vve vvill speake vvith the Magistrates, and Senators. And in all your businesse, al∣though it should so fall out that we should vvorke more then vve thinke our selues able: yet it seemes much lesse vnto vs then is befitting. Fare you well.