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

Cicero arrow_forward to Publius Lentulus Vice-consull. Ep. 9.

YOur letters vvere very acceptable vnto me, because I vnderstood [by them] that you apparently perceiue how much I respect you; vvhich had not beene so well expressed, if I said I had loued you, because in my conceit,

that name of respect, although it be ex∣ceeding graue and holy; is notwith∣standing of lesse vveight, and of much lesse price, then are the courtesies you haue done me. As for the thankes you render me, nothing hath thereunto more mooued you, then a certaine a∣boundance of affection; which giues occasiō, that you esteeme those things vvhich vvithout my vtter shame, and soule imputation cannot be pretermit∣ted. But if all this time we haue beene separated, we had liued togither, and in Rome, I had made more manifest demonstration of my mind vnto you. For vvith equall commendation, in defence of the Common-wealth, vve should haue proceeded in euery action to one, and the selfe same end, and pur∣pose. And I hope it may yet come to passe; asvvell for that, vvhich you giue notice of; as because you can easily performe the same. Of the which I vvill here after giue satisfaction accor∣ding to your d••sire, and vvill declare vn••o you hovv I am affected, and the state in vvhich I now find my selfe. But to turne vnto my purpose, if you had beene at Rome, I would haue beene go∣uerned by your pleasure, and haue re∣mitted my selfe wholly vnto your loue and infinite vvisedome, and you should haue vsed me as a Counceller, perad∣uenture not altogether ignorant, but I

am sure, faithfull, and affectionate. Al∣though I am verie glad, (as I ought to be,) to hea••e you are full of glorie in your Prouince, for your late obteined victorie: Yet here you would haue reaped, a better crop of your seede, and more aboūdant. Because I would won∣derously haue helped you, to haue bin reuenged on them, of whom you know there are some, that greatly maligne you, for hauing restored me into my Countrie; other some, that enu••e you for the reputation and renovvn, which is fallen vnto you by so noble a fact, and honourable enterprise. Although that wretched villaine, naturall enemie of his friends, vvho vvithout fauour, and depriued of any man to vphold him, in recompence of your especiall fauours done him; bestirred him vvith that feeble force he had, to doe you in∣iurie: Yet hee himselfe in our re∣uenge hath giuen condigne punish∣ment to his owne offences. For such plots of his haue beene discouered, ••hat haue not onely vtterly dishonored him, but during life depriued him of libertie. And although I should hau•• lik't it better, that you had learned by my example, then by your owne expe∣rience; yet I reioyce in my sorrow, that you haue knowne that faith in men vvith small cost, which I to my great losse haue beene acquainted vvith, and

I am disposed to discourse a while vp∣on this point, to giue ansvv••re to that you haue demanded. You write that you vnderstand that I am reconciled vvith C••sar, and with Appius, and fur∣ther you adde, that for being so, you doe not reprehend me; but that you would know what reason hath moued me to defend & praise Vatinius: which, that it may the better be explained, i•• is necessarie, that I declare my minde vnto you; taking my discourse from far-fetch'd passages. When I returned, good L••ntulus, into my Countrie, it was my meaning to helpe, not onely my friends, but also the Common-wealth; and because I found my selfe infinitely oblieged vnto you, as being by your meanes returned; I thought I was likewise oblieged vnto it, as ha∣uing fauoured you in my restauration. And whereas formerly I had wearied my selfe in the seruice thereof, because I would not b•• wanting vnto it in the office of a good Cittizen; I now thinke that it behooueth me much more to doe the same, that I might not be vn∣gratefull. And this disposition of mine I made knowne vnto the Senate, when you were Consull; and reasoned with your selfe often about it. Though from the beginning, when you sought that the Senate should restore my former losses, many things offended me; find∣ing

my ••elfe of the one part secretly hated, and of the other slowly fauou∣red. For, neither when there was rea∣soning about my house, or of that wic∣ked violence, by which I, and my bro∣ther were cast out of doores; did they ioyne with you, which should haue as∣sisted: nor yet made they demonstra∣tion of that minde towards me, which I expected; not only in matters that were of moment, no nor yet in such, as although they were for the great los••e of all my moueables neces••arie: howsoeuer they were of mee, but as base things, little esteemed. And though I perceiued t••ings passe in this manner, (for they were not very se∣cret,) yet did I not esteeme the present ••••iurie, equall vnto their merit past. Wherefore, although I knew my selfe much obliged to Pompeius; especially because you more then any man tolde mee, that you saw him very earnest in my cause; And although I loued him, not so much for hauing receiued curte∣sies from him, as because I haue beene alwayes inclined to affect him; think∣ing that he for his vertue had deserued it: yet without hauing any regard to what he desired, I followed my old cu∣stome, hauing in euery action, the good of the Common-wealth my sole ob∣iect. And in token of the truth, Pompeius being of the Senate, when he went in∣to

Rome, to commend Publius Sextius; and Vatinius one of the testimonies, had tolde, that I was become one of Caesars friends, moued thereunto by his happy fortune; I gaue him this answer. That the fortune of Bibulus, which hee esteemed full of misery, was greater in my estimation, then all the triumphs, and victories. And in another place, I said (euen in the presence of Pompeius,) that none but they thrust mee out of Rome, which where occasion that Bibu∣lus feared to s••ur out of doores. And that examination of mine was onely to reprehend the Tribuneship of Vati∣nius. Where I spake with great liberty and courage, about violence, authority, and the donation of Kingdomes. Nei••ther did I in this 〈…〉〈…〉, but a•• m••∣ny other times speake in S••na••e with the same constancie. And further, Mar∣celinus, and Philippus being Consuls, th•• Senate vpon the fift of Aprill, was con∣tented vpon my request, that on the fifteenth of May in open Senate, the case should bee proposed of the Campan Territorie. Thinke you that I could at this time couragiously handle this cause rather, then ••orget my owne cala∣mities, and call to remembrance my owne actions? When I had spoken my opinion, there grew great alteration, in some particular persons, which had oc∣casion; and in others also, which I

could neuer haue imagined. For the decree being made, after that manner that I had councelled; Pompeius, with∣out making any demonstration vnto me, that he was displeased; tooke his iourney for Sardinia, and Africa: and went by Luca to meet with Caesar; who complained much of this deed of mine: as being incensed a little before in Ra∣uenna, by Crassus, who had spoken much ill vnto him concerning mee: And, though I had vnderstood by many, that Pompeius was offended with mee; Yet my brother gaue mee the greatest no∣tice, who meeting him in Sardinia, a little while after hee came from Luca, was thus saluted by him. In very deed, Sir, I desired to see no man rather then you: neither could fortune haue brought mee any man, with whom I could bee so much contented. If you take not such order, that your brother Marcus keepe the promise that you on his behalfe made vs, this debt will fall vpon you. What needs more vvords? He complained grieuously; hee made repetition of his deserts; hee called to memory the agreement made about the acts of Caesar; and follovved on yet further, that he knevv vvell, that Caesar lou'd my happinesse; p••aying him at last, to recommend vnto me the cause, and ••he honour of the aforesayd [Cae∣sar.] And that at the least, I should not

oppugne him, if I vvould not, or could not help him. When I had from my brother vnderstood these things, and Vibullius, by commission of Pompeius, hauing beene a little before to speake vvith mee, that I should in courtesie leaue, till his returne, the Campan cause, in the state it vvas in: driuen to bethinke me of my selfe, I turned me vvholly to consider mine ovvne affaires, becom∣ming after a sort petitioner to the Common-vvealth: That in conside∣ration of so much paines, as I had taken for it, it vvould be pleased to grant me, that I might shevv my selfe gratefull to∣vvards my benefactours, and continue the trust of my brother; and that it vvould suffer that man to bee good, vvhom in all occasions it had found to be a good Citizen. Novv in all my a∣ctions and sentences, vvhich seeme to offend Pompeius, I perceiued, that there vvere certaine persons vvhom you may imagine, vvhich, notvvithstanding they vvere of my opinion, and had alvvaies beene so, yet they reioyced, that I fol∣lovved not the vvill of Pompeius; hoping assuredly, that he, for that cause should grovv a cold friend vnto me, and Caesar a capitall enemie. I had iust occasion to be grieued hereat; but much more, that in my pr••sence, they did most fa∣miliarly embrace, vvelcome, and kisse mine enemie. But vvhy doe I say, mine

enemie? rather enemie of the Lavv, of the Courts of Iustice, of the quiet of his Countrey, and in conclusion, of all men of honesty. vvith that demonstra∣tion, they had an opinion they should mo••e mee to anger, but it vvas not so; because in mee all anger vvas ext••ngui∣shed. These passages therefore conside∣red, and making a calculation, vvith that vnderstanding that God had giuen mee, I reduced into forme all my dis∣courses: vvhich if I be able, I vvil briefly recount vnto you. If I should see the Common-vvealth to bee gouerned by vvicked & loose Citizens, as vve knovv falleth out in our times; and haue vn∣derstood, to haue at other times also occurred; no force, either of revvards, vvhich I slightly esteeme, nor yet of dangers, vvhich were vvont to feare the stou••est men, could haue such interest in me, that I should consent to the li∣king of men of such condition, al∣though my heart should tell mee, they had obliged mee. But the Common-vvealth resting it selfe vnder the shadow of C••cius Pompeius, vvho, vvith his great deserts tovvards it, and vvith his vvor∣thy actions, hath gotten this povver, and estimation; and I hauing from my youth fauoured, nay, I say more, ha∣uing furthered him, both vvhen I vvas Praetor, and vvhen I vvas Consull, and he in like manner helping mee, as vvell

by councell, as by fauour; and vnvvil∣ling to haue other enemy in the Citie, then that man that vvas to me an ene∣my; I thought not, that I should bee held for inconstant, if I had a little al∣tered some of my opinions; inclining my vvill to that, vvhich appertained to the dignity, both of a man of his sort, and of such an one, as vvas my Bene∣factour. And being of this minde, it vvas necessarie for me, as you see, that I should also fauour Caesar, hee being in∣vvard vvith Pompeius; to vvhich, part∣ly ancient friendship much moued me, that I and my brother Quintus haue al∣vvaies, as you knovv, held vvith Caesar; partly, the humanity and courtesie, vvhich hee hath many vvayes in short time shevved vs. And to this, the re∣spect of the Common-wealth, made great addition: seeming vnto mee, that it did not onely dislike, but strangely re∣fused, that there should be any conten∣tion with men of that quality. Especial∣ly Caesar hauing performed many valo∣rous actions thereunto behoofefull. And I being heretofore entred into such deliberation, was vpon the for∣mer occasions, altogether settled, by reason of the testimonie, that Pompeius had giuen of me to Caesar, and my bro∣ther to Pompeius. Moreouer, I should haue considered, that which is by our Plato written so diuinely; that, Citi∣zens

were wont to bee such, as their Gouer∣nours. I remember the first day of my Consulship, and often afterwards, that I might keepe the Common-wealth in a direct course, and at one stay, I layd so strong foundations, and in such a manner encouraged the Senate, that it was no maruell, though it carried it selfe so stoutly in December follow∣ing. And in conclusion, I remembred: that from the time of our Consulship, vntill that of Caesar and Bibulus, men li∣ued in exceeding peace, and vnity; And vpon any occasion wee had to speake in Senate, our opinions had that esteeme that was befitting: after∣wards; at that time when you were Gouernour of the hither Spaine, the Common-wealth hauing no Consuls, but Merchants of Prouinces, and ser∣uants, and ministers of seditions; for∣tune would, to giue occasion of war, throw mee into the midst of the Camp of discord, and ciuill contention. In which danger, the Senate hauing rea∣dily raised it selfe, and whole Italy, with the strength of the best men, in my de∣fence and assistance: I will not relate what happened; because I should com∣plaine of many; I will onely in briefe say, that I needed no army, but I wan∣ted Commanders; And the fault was in generall of all those, which did not defend mee; but particularly of those,

which were tyed to defend me. And if they should bee reprehended, which were truely fearefull, they which coun∣terfetted feare, are so much more blame-worthy. Certainely, that dispo∣sition of my minde was worthy of commendation; when seeing my Citi∣zens most ready to succour mee, and desirous, to shew me their thankfulnes; yet because they were without Lea∣ders, I would not put them to encoun∣ter with armed seruants. But it sufficed me, onely to sh••••, how much strength should haue beene by consent of good men gathered, if they had had occasiō of a battaile for me, when I was strong, and lusty; seeing they could after∣wards, when I was at the weakest, giue mee succour. Whose mindes you did not onely know, when you took paines about mee, but also you confirmed and maintained [them.] And I will neuer deny; rather, while I breath, I will be mindefull, and report it willingly; that you vsed the means of some most noble personages, which were more strong in restoring me, then they were after in retaining mee. In which intention, if they had perseuered; together with my prosperitie, they had regained th••ir owne au••horiti••. Because, the good Citizens, recouering themselues in your Consulship; and being by your example rouzed from that drowzinesse,

that had long oppressed them; especi∣ally, hauing the protection of Cneius P••mpeius, and of Caesar, who, by his owne strength, was raised by the Se∣nate, to singular and vnusuall honours, no wicked Citizen could haue euer of∣fended the Common-wealth. But marke, I pray you, how things haue proceeded. That infamous fellow Clo∣dius, which polluted the womens sacri∣fices; who gaue no more honour to the Goddesse B••n••, then to his owne three sisters, was absolued of that fault, for which he ought deseruedly to haue suf∣fered. And afterwards, Milo, Tribune of the people, and with him many iust men, entreating, that this seditious Ci∣tizen might, according to his fact, bee punished; the Iudges, against all rights of Iustice, did acquit h••m, depriuing the Common-wealth of so memorable an example, of reuenge vpon seditions. And afterwards, the very same Iudges permitted, that the name of Enemy, was with bloudy letters engrauen, in the house, that was not mine, (because it was no booty of mine, I hauing onely a hand in the building thereof) but did belong vnto the Senate, who payd the charges of it. It is true, that I ought them that thankfulnesse, which was due for so great a ben••fit, as bringing me out of banishm••nt, and giuing mee my health againe. But I would, that

they had not onely, as Physicians, had regard vnto my health, but also of my strength, and colour; according to the custome of those good masters, which take care to anoynt such as are to make proofe of their actiuity. But as Apelles•• by his curious Art, finished the head of Venus, with the vpper part of her breast, leauing the other part of her body, with a meere beginning: so may I say that some men about my head, haue onely laboured, and haue left the rest of the body rude, and vnperfected. And because those that enuie me, and espe∣cially mine enemies, thought, that the blow giuen mee by banishment, had partly taken away my courage, you could not imagine how much I haue deceiued their expectation. Heretofore, of Quintus Metellus, son of Lucius, who was a stout man, and of a strong heart, and in my iudgement, for greatnesse, and constancie of minde surpassing all men; they reported, that they vnder∣stood, (though I hold it rather to bee a thing of their owne forging,) that hee being returned from banishment, made alwai••s shew of a weake and deiected minde. How is it credible, that hee should be changed by banishment, ha∣uing both by especiall election accep∣ted it, and with great courage of minde sustained it, being carelesse of his re∣turne? and how comes it, that they

take not notice, how Metellus in con∣stancie and grauitie exceeded all men; euen that Ma••cus S••aurus, who was so famous ••o the world? But their malice made them beleeue that of mee, which they ••magined, or vnderstood of him; that is, that I should grow base, or bee deiected: though the Common-wealth gaue me greater encouragement, th••n I euer had before, in m••king k••owne, that it could not be vvithout mee. Be∣sides, Metellus, by intercession of one only Tribune of the people vvas resto∣red; vvhereas I•• vvas by the Senate, by the Consuls, by all Rome recalled, ac∣companyed vvith vvhole I••aly, at the Conuocation assembled for the chu∣sing of Consuls, and by the vvhole Countrey vvith great concourse of people receiued. Neither haue I after∣vvards euer done, nor doe I any thing at this present, vvhich may offend any man, though he vvere the most malici∣ous man in the world, onely I doe vvhat I can, that I may not bee vvan∣ting to my friends, or strangers; ei∣ther in doing, counselling••, or ta∣king any p••ines I am able for them. This custome of mine, perhaps offen∣deth him, that lookes after the glorie and appearance of this life; and doth not consider, the cares, and heauie troubles vvith vvhich it is incombred. But because I was wont, to commend

Caesar, they doe herein openly repre∣hend me, as if I were become a rebell to my ovvne person, and vnto the af∣fection vvhich I haue formerly carried to my countrie. And they consider not, that I am moued hereunto, not onely by the reasons spoken of in the begin∣ning, but also these last, vvhich I began to manifest. O Lentulu••, you shall not finde that vnion of good men, which you left vs, the which confirmed in our Consulship, and sometime afterwardes interrupted, and destroyed, before you vvere Consull; vvas aftervvards by you intirely restored: and is at this present abandoned of such, as should haue fa∣uour'd it. Which, those chiefe men of ours, doe not onely demonstrate vvith signes externall, from the which they might vvith ease haue absteined, but haue many times in diu••rse fashions reuealed it. So that vpon good rea∣son ••u••ry wise Cittizen, (of vvhich ••u••ber I desire to be one, and so to be esteemed) ought vvholly ••o change as vvell his vvill, as opinion. Because, the same Plato, (whose au∣thority it pleaseth me to follow) would, that a man should take paines in the ••om∣mon-wealth, till he can p••rswade his Citti∣zens, to their owne benefit. And he ad∣deth; that i•• is not conuenient to force ••i∣ther Father, or Countrey: and he saith, that the occasion of his not medling in

the Common-wealth vvas, that hauing found the people of Athens now at length growne old in madnesse, or folly, he had no hope to be able either with reason or force to correct, or reclaime them, the one being im∣possible, the other seeming vnto him a thing that was not honest. I had not the like libertie; because I could neither say, that the people of Rome, vvere so mad, as Plato once found that of A∣thens; and because, I hauing beene now long time conuersant in the Common-wealth, it seemed troublesome vnto me to take my selfe from it. And I thought it a matter of no small conse∣quence, to be able vvithout blame, to hold mine ovvne estate. Beyond all that hath been•• hitherto spoken, I con∣sidered the ra••e, or ra••her••d ••••ne cour∣tesie, that Caesar hath vsed to me, and my bro••her: for which, though C••sar were lesse fortunate in the successes of war, yet were I obliged to fauour him; so much the rather therefore should I doe it, perceiuing him to be in so expedite a course of a prosperous fortune. And ••e you well assured, that after your selfe, from whom I acknowledge my well∣fare; there is no man, to whom, I should not onely confesse; but be glad ••o be so much beholding. Hauing made this preamble, it is easie ••or me to make an∣swere to your demand, concerning Va∣tinius, and Crassus. And I take great de∣light,

that you are pleased, that I should keepe good quarter with Caesar, and with Appius. Now to come to Vatinius. First of all Pompeius reconciled me vnto himselfe, as soone as he vvas made Praetor, I hauing with all my power withstood his petition in the Senate, not so much to offend him, as to de∣fend and preferre Cato. After that, Cae∣sar sought me, with intreaties of grea∣test e••ficacie, that I would be his de∣fender. But let me entreat you, not to be further inquisitiue, why I haue commended a man of his condition, then I shall thinke fitting: least I requite you with the like, at your returne; though I can also requite you at this prese••t; that you may well remember what you haue written in commenda∣tion of any man, euen to the outmost bounds of our dominion. Neither be you therefore grieued, because I also doe now, and will hereafter doe the like. Yet I confesse, that the spur which put me on to de••end Vatinius, was that of which I said, while at the bar I defen∣ded him: it appeared vnto me, that I did act the Councell, which the Para∣site giues to the souldier in the Eun••ch.

If it fall out, that shee name Thaedria, Produce thou straight the name of Pam∣phila. If shee say, let vs send for Phaedria,

To sup with vs; say thou, bid Pamphila, That with her pleasing note may solace you. If you shall heare her praise the comeli∣nesse, Of him: praise her; and to conclude, do•• thou Reply, pinch, bite her, with like crafti∣ne••••e.

So I, because some noble men, and my benefactors, did loue mine enemie more then be••eemed them, and in my presence oftentimes drew him apart, sometime as if it had beene about ear¦nest busine••se, and did at other times familiarly, and pleasantly embrace him: and becaus•• they had their Publius, I besought the Iudges by speciall fauour, that they would also grant vnto me an other Publius: that I might a little sting them, as they had somewhat pinched me. N••ither do••h it suffice me to haue said it, but often also, with th'applause of Gods, and men, I make the eff••cts appa••ant. You haue hitherto vnder∣stood of Vatinius: now hearken [to what I shall say] about Crassus. We were then become friends, I hauing, (because I would not disturbe the Common-vvealth,) forgiuen all iniu∣ries; wh••n it fortuned, that he vnder∣tooke the defence of Gabinius, with no small wonder to euery man, hauing but

a while since strongly oppugned him. I should haue car'd but little, so that he had defended him with modestie, and vvithout venome: but hauing galled me without cause, and with little respect; I was enforced to ••urne me; and I begin∣ning againe to be inflamed vvith the disdaine of former iniuries, (whose sparkes were not y••t extinguished, as I beleeued, but [vvere] onely couered,) suffered my s••lfe to be transported into extreame ••••oller. This gaue me great reputation amongst the people; and it much plea••ed som•• kinde of men; I meane such, as I often name, without naming them: w••o greatly prais••d me, that I vvas so free in speaking; saying, that they began then onely to bel••eue, that I was returned into my Countrie that arrow_back Cicero, which I was wont to be. But of the other side, they said it pleased them, that Crassus vvas mine enemie, ••nd that his fri••nds ••hould neuer be∣come friends to me. Wher••upon I, hau••ng vnderstoode by men of autho∣ritie, and credite, of their malice; and Pom••ius praying me more then euer to be reconciled to Crassus; and further, Caesar vvriting vnto me, that he vvas ve∣••••e sorry for this disagreement: I regar∣ded not onely my troubles, but also mine owne nature: and Crassus, to as••ure ••s it vvere, the people of Rome of our reconciliation, that very day, that hee

parted to goe vnto the gouernment of Syria, desired to sup vvith me in the gar∣den o•• Crassipes my sonne in law. Wher∣upon I vndertooke to defend him, as did befit our acquaintance; and vvith his great reputati••n •• de••ended him in the Senate. You haue vnderstood vpon what grounds I went, and vvhat busi∣nesse I haue defended; and my estate in the gouernment of the Common-vvealth, so farre, as concerneth me. But beleeue faithfull••, that I had done nei∣ther more nor lesse, though I had beene at libertie, and free ••rom all r••spects. Because I should not hold it a wise en∣terprise to contend ag••inst so great povver; nor to thrust at the principali∣ties of such like personages, though it vvere not impossible; nor to perseuer in one opinion; the course of things being altered, and good men hauing changed their minds, excepting onely in religious obedience. Neither shall you euer finde, that wise men, and such as are expert in the affaires of the Com∣mon-wealth, praise him, that doth al∣wayes p••oceed, after one and the selfe same order. But, as it is vvisedome, to obey the time, or vvinds in nauigation; although you cannot arriue vnto the port; yet being able, by changing of your course, to arriue thither; it vvere folly to goe forvvard ••he vvay begun vvith danger, rather then by changing

it, to land at the place desired: euen so, it behoouing vs, as I haue o••ten said, to ha••e for obiect, our ovvne good, toge∣ther with that of the Common-wealth•• we should not alwayes hold, one and the s••lfe same way; but alwaies walke to one and the selfe s••me end. Wherefore I againe reply, that, if I had mine owne libertie, I would not, for it gouerne me o••herwise then I doe at this present. But being bound by good turnes, and by iniuries vrged, I rather lay my foundation in this opini∣on, so to helpe the common-wealth, that I thereby be not endangered Nei∣ther doe I greatly care to manifest my selfe for such in euery occasion: first, because my brother Quintus, is Caesars Ambassadour: next, because I haue neuer done any office for Caesar•• no, not of the least condition, for which hee hath not manifestly made demonstrati∣on, to be exceedingly bound vnto me. And I obtaine of him, all those great fauours, that may bee desired from a man of his qualitie. Whence it pro∣ceeds, that the malice of others cannot hurt me: by the which I should haue beene shrewdlie foyled, if I had not made me a buckler of those which are the most honoured, and potent Citi∣zens: because my wonted guard was not sufficient to defend me. Me thinke I am certaine, that if you had beene

present, you would not haue counsel∣led me otherwise. I know debates, or conten••ions, please you not; I know the temperance, and mildnesse of your nature; I know, tha•• you intirely loue me, and that you hide within your breast no hur••••ul•• or euill thoughts to any man; I know you haue a great, and a generous spirit; not hid vnder any vaile of dissimulation, but plaine, and full of sinceritie. I haue ••••ene in your friends the same deceit, that you might see in mine. It is therefore cre∣dible, that the same reasons should moue you also by which •• was moued. But alwaies when I shall enioy you, you shall be the man that shall aduise me in mine affaires; and take charge of mine honour, as you tooke charge of my safetie: and I in your actions, opi∣nions, and pleasure, and finally in eue∣ry thing doe promise to help•• you, and be your associate; Neither will I while I liue thinke of any other thing, then that you may finde euery day greater content then other, in hauing fauour'd me. Whereas you pray me, if I haue written any thing since your depar∣ture, that I would send it you: I haue written certaine Orations, which I will giue to Menocritus: but bee not a∣fra••d; for they are so few, that they will no•• proue tedious vnto you. And be∣cause I doe not alwai••s attend vnto O∣rations,

but some times turne me to more pleasing studies, which, as they did in the daies of my youth; so they doe now much delight mee: I haue written, or I haue endeau••ured to write, a disputation after the manner of Aristotle, or a Dialogue of the Ora∣tor; which matter I haue deuided into three Bookes; and I am halfe of opi∣nion, that they may bee helpfull vnto your Lentulus: because they are diffe∣rent from the common precepts, and embrace the whole art of Oratorie, which was written in times past by A∣ristotle, and Isocrates. Moreouer, I haue written in verse three bookes of my owne troubles, and calamities; and if I had thought good to haue devulged them, I had not deferred so long to send you them; because they are, and shall be perpetuall testimonies of your fauours towards me, and of my thank∣fulnesse and affection towards you. But I haue not sent them, for feare: not of those, which would hold themselues offended, (because of them I haue written both little, and sleightly,) but of my benefactors, who being in num∣ber infinite, it was impossible I should of euery one make mention. Yet I will send you them howsoeuer; if I finde conu••niencie of a messenger. And, because you haue alwaies exceedingly loued learning; I now giue you all the

fruits, which shall grow of those stu¦dies, in which I haue beene euer most delightfully exercised; and to you I de∣dicate and consecrate the future births of mine vnderstanding. It was not needfull to remember me, nor to re∣commend vnto me your affaires: be∣cause they are so ne••re vnto me, that I would not be put in minde of them: and I cannot be praied [to doe any thing] about them without extreame griefe vnto me. Touching that you write me, that you could not this som∣mer furnish the want of my brother Quintus, because, being hindered by sicknes you went not into Cilicia: be•• sure, that hauing made him to haue thi•• possession, he will thinke, and haue an especiall occasion to thinke, that yo•• haue entirely accomplished his busi∣nesse. I beseech you write often vnto me, giuing mee familiar aduertisemen•• of your affaires; and signifying alwaies vnto me, how our Lentulu•• proceedeth in his studies; & how he doth exercis•• himselfe therein. And be well assured•• that no man euer loued another ma•• so well, as I loue you, and I wil•• striue to make such signes appeare, tha•• not only you, but all men liuing shal•• perceiue it; yea, and our posteritie. Ap∣pius hath first reported in many pla∣ces, and lastly hath spoken it openl•• in the Senate, that, if the law Curias•• ••e

produced, he will take that prouince; that fortune shall allot him: the law being not produced; he will deale so with his Colleague, that hee shall be contented to let him come in your place; and that, though it bee a cu∣stome, that the Consull should go with the authority giuen him by the people; it followes not therefore, that hee may not doe otherwise: and, that it is suffi∣cient, for him to goe with that, which the Senate hath giuen him by way of the lavv Cornelia; and vvould serue himselfe of it, till his returne to Rome I know not what your friends write vnto you concerning this; I know wel, that there are diuerse opinions; one, that hauing no successor from the peo∣ple, you may choose whether you will depart or not: another, that if y••u de∣part, you may leaue one in your place. I know not so well the law in this point; (though it bee a matter of no great difficultie to know it) as I know that it is expedient for you without a∣ny delay to resigne your prouince to your successor; If it were for nothing else, but to shew an act of magnanimi∣ty, and befitting that courtesie, which I know delights you: Especially con∣sidering that you can without suspect of your owne ambition, oppose his. I hold it my part, to tell you what I thinke; and to defend what you do••

After I had written these, I receiued yours, about the customers of your prouince. Who cannot in reason com∣plaine of you, touching Iustice: but considering that you haue alwaies been their furtherance, I would you had now also beene as warie as you could neither to endamage, nor offend them. For if you had but vsed them in a little more gentle manner, they would haue beene contented. I will not now bee slacke in defending what you haue de∣creed: but you know what manner of men these customers are: and you know, with what furie they were enra∣ged against Quintus Scaeuola. Howsoe∣uer, I would counsell you, that aft•••• the best manner you may, you wil•• seeke to appease, and reconcile them•• And though it be a thing full of diffi∣cultie, yet by your wisedome it ma•• with facilitie be effected. Farewell.