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

Cicero Vice consull to Marcus Coelius Rufus, chosen AEDILE Curule. Epist. 9.

I Am very glad, both for mine owne, and for your sake; of the dignitie lately conferred on you, and for that which you attend hereafter. And, though I doe this office slackly, it is not out of negligence, but because I heare not how matters passe at Rome, the iourney being long, and the wayes en∣combred with theeues, which cuts off the expedition of newes. I am glad then, not onely for your present honor, but for those also, that are expected to succeed the same. And besides my con∣tentment, I finde my selfe deepely bound vnto you: neither can I deuise words to expresse my thankes, because you are come to it by such a meanes, that you haue giuen vs a subiect of that condition, that will euer minister vnto vs matter of laughter. So soone as I heard of it, I set before my imagination the person of that man; (you know whom I meane) and I represented vnto my thoughts, those his youths, of whom he so vainely gloried. I am scarce able to speak for laughing But, contemplating, ••ou

absent, me thought I spake thus vnto you. I regard not how great a matter you haue compassed; nor what offence you haue committed. And in that the busi∣nesse had better issue then I expected. That saying came to my minde. I am told that, that is impossible. But presently I became full of all ioy. For which be∣ing rebuked, as if I had beene halfe ou•• of my wits, I excused my selfe thus:

Accuse me not good friends, great plea∣sure landing: Obscures my reason and mine vnder∣standing.

What should I say more? while I scoffe at him, I seeme as verie a ••oole as him∣selfe. Heere I'le make a stop. Another time, when I haue more leisure, I will write more copiously vnto you, both of this and many other things that concerne you. Rufus, I must needes loue you, because Fortune hath made you a friend, to augment my honour; and curbe, not onely mine enemies; but euen such also as enuie me: that those may bee sorry for their bad and dishonest parts; and these for their ap∣parant follies. Farewell.