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

Cicero, Imperator; to Marcus Coelius, Aedile Curule. Epist. 15.

I Could haue wished no greater pru∣dence, or expedition, then you and Curio vsed, in obtaining my suites•• which giues mee speciall satisfaction; both for their speedy prosecution, and also in that our Competitor, who was angrie with vs, hath approued in the Senate of those high praises, where∣with C••to honoured me, in relating my actions. Now prouide your selfe to procure me the Tri••mph also: for I hope to obtain it. I am glad ••ou haue a good opinion of Dolobella, and withall, that you loue him. Whereas you say, my Tullia's discretion must bee the best meanes, to correct some of his defects, I know you speake this, for that which you once wro••e vnto mee about him: what ••ould you say now, if you saw, what I then wrote to Appius: But what should we doe? Thus goes the world. God send mee good of this affinity, and that Dolob••lla may proue as good a ••o•• in law, as we desire, and as I hope he will proue, the rather for the good instructions you may giue him, out of your accustomed good conditions, and nature. N••w, I am wonderfully per∣plexed

about the Common-wealth. I am a friend to Curio; I affect Caesars ho∣nour: I could spend my life for Pom∣peius: yet I loue the Common-wealth aboue all other•• Labour not you much in this behalfe, for me thinks I perceiue you are taking care: in that you would bee both a good Citizen, and a good friend. I ha••e resign'd ouer the gouern∣ment of my Prouince to Coelius, my Quaestor. To a childe, youl'le say? And I answer, To a Quaestor, and a braue noble youth: And all haue al∣most don the like; & there was no man, that for his honor and worth, was more worthie of it. Pontinius departed long before. My brother Quintus had refused the charge: And say I had also left it him; euill mindes might haue repor∣ted, that this was no leauing of a charge, when hee but surrenders it to a Brother. And they peraduenture would haue added: that the Senates meaning was, the gouernment of Prouinces should be giuen onely to them, that ne∣uer before had the like office: and that my brother held the gouernment of Asia, ••or three whole yeeres. In a word, I am rid of all care: If I had left my brother there: I should haue fear'd eue∣ry blast of winde. Neither did I this out of mine owne braine, but led by the example of such men; who being v••ry mightie, yet sought the generall

amity of the Cassij, & Antenij. Though for my part, I stroue not so much, to win this young man; as not to o••fend, and make him an enemie; As I should h••ue done in giuing this dignity to any other. You ought to app••oue of this my course, if for nought els, at least be∣cause there is no retiring backward You write very darkly to me, touching Occila, neither finde I any thing in the Records. Your actions are so spread a∣broad, that your very marriage is knowne beyond mount Taurus. If the E••sterly windes stay me not, I hope out of hand to see you. Farewell.