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

THE SECOND BOOKE OF THE FAMILIAR EPISTLES OF M. T. CICERO. (Book 2)

Cicero to Caius Curio. Epist. 1.

THough I am sorrie you s••ould sup••ose, me to be negligent in writing: yet it grieues mee not so much to bee accused of negligence, as it is plea∣sing vnto me, that you inuite me to put pen to paper: for in the one I am alto∣gether blamelesse, and in the other you

shew me that affection, which though I haue formerly perceiued, yet in the acknowledgement thereof I receiue much contentment. I haue euer writ∣ten, when I had oportunitie of sending: and who, in this kinde is more offici∣ous then my selfe? But from you I can sweare, that I haue not receiued aboue two, or three letters at the most; and very short ones. Wherefore, if you, as a strict Iudge, looke too narrowly to the matter, I will bee euen with you in the same errour: if you bee vnwilling, that I should vse you thus; you were best to iudge discreetly. But let this much suffice about letters: for I shall finde out meanes enough to giue you satisfaction herein, If I shall know how to please you concerning them. Your absence troubles, and contents me. It troubles mee; because it h••th depriued me of the fruits of your most pleasing conuersation: It contents me; because all things are fallen out to your glorie, and comme••dation: And seeing your ••ortune in all things comforts mee: I cannot choose, but giue you, out o•• mine affection towards you, one brie••e remembrance. There is so great an ex∣pectation of your valour, and vnder∣standing; that I haue the boldnesse to intreate you, as much as may bee, to re∣turne so disposed, that you may be able to gouerne, and maintaine it. And be∣cause

it is impossible, that I should e∣uer ••orget your deserts: I would that you also should call to minde, that, if, when you were little, you had not obey∣ed my most ••aithfull and louing aduer∣tisements, it had beene impossible ••or you to haue obt••ined those profits, and honours, which our country will be∣stow vpon you. In reward whereof, you ought to be content, that I now at length wearie with age; by resting my selfe vpon your loue, and youth; may giue some repose vnto my latter daies. Farewell.

Cicero to Caius Curio. Ep. 2.

THE death of your renowned Fa∣ther, hath depriu'd me of a testi∣monie of great authoritie; informed sufficiently of my great loue vnto yo•••• And, had the heauens so ••auoured him, that before hee dyed, hee might haue seen•• you, hee had beene the happiest man in the world; aswell for the memo∣ry of his owne vertue, which will liue for euer; as because he hath left behinde him, a sonne of such condition. But I will not beleeue, that our friendship shall haue need of testimonies. God keepe you, and increase your patrimo∣nie. And be assured I will hold you as

deare, and beare you the same affecti∣on, that was borne you by your owne Father. Farewell.

Cicero to Caius Curio. Ep. 3.

IT is not Rupa's fault, that the sports are not published, which you would celebrate in honour of your father: but we haue councelled him, that it is bet∣ter to expect your returne; to the end, that the b••si••esse may rest in your arbi∣triment. And about this matter, either I will write hereafter at large, what my opinion is; or els, least you should thinke thereon, I will take you at vna∣wares, and face to face against that rea∣son which moueth you I will dispute: that I may either draw you to that which I thinke fitting; or at least, I may leaue a memory of mine opinion to your consideration: that, if at any time (which I would not) you shall repe••t you of your owne counsell, you may call mine to your remembrance. But I can tell you, that your returne mee••es with such times, as, by those benefits, which nature, industrie, and Fortune haue giuen you; you may more ••asilie obtaine the highest dignities of the Common-wealth; then by pleasing the p••ople with the vanitie of such like

spectacles, which are not esteemed; because they are signes of riches: and not valour; and there is no man, that nowadayes is not therewith glutted, till his eyes are wearie againe. But I doe otherwise then I did at first make shew of. I said I would not write you mine opinion; yet I am entred vpon the particulars thereof. Wherefore I'le put off all this discourse till your returne. I giue you to vndersta••d, that great mat∣ters are expected from you; and such as should proceede from one that is ex∣ceeding rare for valour, and vnderstan∣ding: For which you being, as you ought to be, and as I hope, prepared: We, that are your friends, and all the Cittizens, and the Common-wealth, shall be more bound vnto you for this, then for all the sports or shewes you can giue vs. Assure your selfe, that to mee no man is more deare then you, or more acceptable. Farewell.

Cicero to Caius Curio. Ep. 4.

YOu know, there are diuers sorts of letters in vse•• but the chiefest is that by which the cōueniencie was brought vs of writing, to giue notice vnto our friends, far off, about n••edfull matters, to vs, or them appertaining. Letters of

this kinde I assure me, that you expect not from me. For, of your priuate oc∣casions, you haue them that gi••es you notice, and those that brings you newes thereof: and in my [affaires] there is no new thing happened. There are yet found two o••her kinds of letters, which much please me: one familiar, and con∣ceited: the other s••uere, and weightie. Of ••hese, I k••ow not, which is least to my purpose. Should I be m••r••y with you? truely I doe not thinke, there is a Cittizen, that hath in these times any ••ill to laugh. And in graue matters, Cicero canno•• write to Curi••; except hee d••scourse of the Common-wealth, of which it is not safe at this time to speake what he thinkes. Wherefore not hauing other occasion to write, I will end after my wonted manner, and I will on••ou∣••age you to pretend ••he height of glo∣ry. Because it is necessary you should encounter that expectation, which hath so much oblieged you to people; and a∣gainst this potent enemy, to fight man∣fully. W••••ch you shall easily ouer••ome, b••ing of opinion, that, if you will arriue vnto that height, which you desire, it is necessarie you should employ your selfe about those vertues, by which men get immortall honour. I would to this purpose write more at large if I did not faithfully beleeue, that without my words you were sufficien••ly inflamed:

neither touched I this point to enflame you, but to manifest the affection, that I beare vnto you. Farewell.

Cicero to Caius Curio. Ep. 5.

COnsider how the case stands with vs, when I dare not so much as write vnto you thereof. And although you are, wheresoeuer, (as I haue here∣tofore written,) in the selfe same dan∣ger: yet I am glad, that you are not at Rome: Be it either because you perceiue not that, which we see; or because your commendation is in a most eminent, and noble situation, in the view of ma∣ny of our friends, & Cittizens: brought hither not by any obscure, or various relation, but notable, and immutable. Now know I not, wh••ther I ought to ••eioyce, or fe••re, tha•• there is an admi∣rable expectatiō raised of your r••tu••ne: not because I doubt, that your vertue is not answerable vnto mens opinions; but indeed, because I feare you will find no employment for it, when you are re∣turned; all laudable customes of our Countrey are now at length so impay∣red, and almost extinguished. But be∣cause I know not, whether this also, which I write, be written with securitie, I will leaue the remainder to be signifi∣ed

vnto you by others. Yet, you eith••r hauing, or not hauing any hope of the Common-wealth, doe for your part whatsoeuer befitteth a valorous Ci••ti∣zen, and such an one as may hereafter restore the auncient libertie, and accu∣stomed dignitie, to your countrey af∣flicted, and oppressed with t••e miseries of the times, and wicked behauiour. Farewell.

Cicero to Curio. Ep. 6.

THere is yet no newes; of your ap∣proching Italy. Neuerthelesse, be∣cause it's thought it will not bee long ere you come. And being knowne for certaine, that you are already parted frō Asia, & are on your way to Rome; the great importance of the businesse hath forced mee, without any delay, to send this present messenger; which is Sex••us Villius, a familiar friend of my Mil••; I be¦ing exceeding de••irous, that this my let∣ter may come vnto your hands with all expedition. If it were true, Curio, that you had such obligations to me, as you publikely speake of, which I hold no∣thing; I would with more respect seeke after you, when I should haue occasion to aske any thing of you. Because a modest man shunneth, as much as is

possible, to entreat a fauour from him, to whom he thinkes hee hath done any kindnesse; lest that, in place of a re∣quest, hee should seeme to receiue as a dutie, that which hee demandeth; and to take it rather for payment, then a be∣nefit. But being more manifest then the light, that I am exceedingly obliged vn∣to you, through the nouelty of my mi∣series, and calamities: and conside••ing that it becommeth a gentle spirit, to ac∣cept willingly of a good turne from one, of whom other benefits haue been formerly receiued; I haue beene bold to request that of you by this letter, which aboue all oth••r things doth most im∣port me. Because I neuer doubted that I should not be able to sway the waight of your good ••urnes, though they were infinite; especially, considering that I am not of so weake, or poore a spirit, that I cannot assure my selfe abilitie, to bee capable of euery fauour, how great soeuer, and to remunerate the same, and ••o exceed it. I haue deliberated with my selfe, to recollect what fauours I am able, to vnite all my forces, and all my thoughts, to draw Mil•• vnto the dignitie of Consull: not so much to be esteemed courteous and louing, in the occasion of such a friend, as to shew my selfe grat••full, and ready to make acknowledgement, to one that hath beene so much my Benefactour. For I

beleeue not, that euer any man liuing, had so great care of his owne health and substance, as I haue of his honour, which I esteeme equall with my life. And I am most assured, that if you will fauour him, ••urther meanes will not be requisite. For we haue already all these things; the stay of those that are ho∣nest, which are affectionated to him, by reason th••t he being Tribune, laboured on my behalfe; the fauour of the peo∣ple, ••or the magnificence of the shewes, and because they know him of a f••ee disposition; the attendance of the young men, and those ••h••t are beloued of the people, because they see him al••o beloued, and know how diligent hee is in the like occasions. And there is l••st of all the fauour, which I afford him: which, though of it selfe it bee not of that quality, that it can doe much, yet, because it is knowne to be iust, and due, and full of gratefull affection, perad∣uenture for this cause, if not ••or any thing else, it will produce some fruit. We want st••ll a head, and one th••t m••y as it were, moderate these windes, and gou••rne th••m: whom if wee should choose out of many, we should not find a b••••t••r ••h••n your selfe. Wherefore, if you haue an opinion, that I am a thank∣full, and honest man; as you may be∣leeue, seeing me take th••t paines th••t I doe, ••or Milo; and to bee s••ort, if you

hold mee worhty of your fauours; let me entreat you to grant this my desire, of your bestowing your fauour vpon this my commendation, or, (to speake better) vpon my welfare. And of the aforesaid Milo I promise you, that if it shall please you to embrace him, you shall not finde a friend more couragi∣ous, graue, constant, and beneuolous towards you; besides, my obligation, for the honour, which will redound vn∣to me by this action, shall bee no whit inferiour to that, which I haue already vnto you, ••or hauing assisted mee in my returne from banishment. I know you are not ignorant, how much I am obli∣ged to Milo, and consequently, how much I ought to helpe him in this his demand; I meane, not onely when it were need••ull to contend ciuilly, but to ••ight with weapons. Therefore I will say no more. I recommend to you this cause, and remit my selfe vnto your loue. And assure you, that for such a courtesie, I shall hold my selfe in a man∣ner more bound vnto you, then I am to Milo himselfe, for hauing restored mee into my Countrey. Because the con∣tent was not so great, that I ••ound of my freedom, which he principally pro∣cured; as the sweetnesse shall be, which I shall taste in shewing him that thank∣••ulnesse, which his receiued good turns merited: and so much I esteem of your

fauour, that I doubt not, but by it alone, our suits may fully bee accomplished. Farewell.

Cicero, Vice-Consull; to Caius Curio, Tribune of the people. Ep. 7.

FRi••••ds were not wont to bee repre∣hended, though they slowly reioyce at other mens good fortunes, so their sl••cknesse proceeded not from negli∣gence. For I liue far off, and newes comes hither but slowly. I reioyce then, that you haue obtained the Tri∣buneship, and I desire, euen from my heart, that you may purchase therein e∣ternall praise. Further, I ex••ort you, that in all things you cleaue to your owne wisdome, and bee not led by the nose, through other mens perswasions. No man can better aduise you, then your selfe. You shall neuer erre, if you sticke to your owne counsels. I write not this without iust cause. I know to whom I write it. I can iudge of your vnderstanding and wisdome. Questi∣onlesse, being directed by your owne iudgement, you will neuer enter into a∣ny ignoble, or vnworthy actions: nei∣ther will you euer ••ather any other, then discreet proceedings. And, being in

these hard times of the Common-wealth possessed of your place (not by chance; but by your discretion: not by accident, b••t election; and at this time, when the state of publique affaires is in danger) I am certaine, you per∣ceiue, how farre the nature of times, beare sway in the gouernment there∣of, what great varietie of affaires there is, how doubt••ull their ends are, and how easily the humors of men bend, sometimes this, sometimes that way. Nor make I any question, but you vnderstand, that all negotiati∣ons in this world, are carried with co∣lour, and deceit. Open therefore your eyes, [I say] open them•• a••d doe as I haue directed you: follow your owne course, and onely rely on your owne counsels. A man should hardly find one, that can better aduise another, then you: who then should better direct your selfe? Good God, why am I not at Rome? that I might bee an eye-wit∣nesse of your honours, and as it were, enioy a part in them; and bee at hand to aduise and coūsell you•• Though you haue no such need: yet the sincerity and greatnes of my loue towards you, would so worke, that my faithfull in∣structions might stand you in some stead. But at another time, I'le write more at large, for within a few dayes, I mean to dispatch priuate messengers,

to informe suddenly the Senate, briefly of the victories, wee obtained ouer our enemies, all the last summer. By your free-man Thraso, I wrote vnto you, how diligent I was about your Priest∣hood, and the difficulties I met with∣all. Deere Curio, by the vnfained loue wee beare one another, I entreat you, that you will suffer mee to spend no longer time, in the gouernment of this Prouince, of which I now grow exceeding weary. I spake vnto you hereof, at Rome, no wayes supposing, you should this yeere haue beene Tri∣bune. And the same suit I often re∣newed by letters: but, then I sought your fauour, as a noble Senator, and a young Gentle-man generally beloued. Now I importune it, as from a Tri∣bune of the people, nay, as from Curio the Tribune. I pray therfore be pleas'd, to vse all meanes, not of comming to new consultation, which ordinarily is the more ••edious course, but rather to preuent the same: by requesting, that I may be tyed to those conditions enioy∣ned me, when I tooke vpon me this go∣uernment; which are extant in the Se∣nates decree, and by the Lawes pre∣scribed. Let mee by all meanes craue thus much of you. Farewell.

Cicero Vice-consull, to M••rcus Coelius. Ep. 8.

THis is not that which I expected from you: It may be you thought, I requi••ed you to write vnto me of fen∣sing encount••rs, the issues of suites, or of the thefts of Chr••stus: but I meant no such matter: for these are things, that when I was in Rome, no man would pre∣sume to acquaint me with. What look't I for then? obserue, in what nature I esteeme you, (and not without cause, for in all my dayes, certainely I haue not knowne a more vnderstanding man then your selfe in Common-wealth causes) not that I care so much to haue such triuiall matters imparted to me, nay, nor will I that you should certifie me of matters, of farre higher conse∣quence, daily discussed of in the Com∣monwealth, except they concerned my selfe: for, other ma••ters come diue••se wayes to mine ••ares, and fame it selfe will relate them to me. I expect not therefore from you, either things past, or present, but r••ther those future, and to come, as from a man that is cleare, and farre sighted, that beholding a draught of the Common wealths mo∣dell in your letters, I may conceiue what the whole structure will be. But I

excuse you for not hauing sent me it ••itherto, because nothing hath fallen out, that any of vs might not forsee as wel as you; you might rather haue fore∣seene, then any of vs, and especially my selfe, who was sundry daies in Pompeies companie, and euer in discourses of the Common-wealth, which neither can nor ought to be exprest in writing. Let me onely tell you, that Pompeius is a fa∣mous, and faithfull Cittizen, and hee wants neither courage, nor prudence, to constitute those ordinances for the preseruation of the Common-wealth, which are fit and expedient: And ther∣fore I would wish you, to offer him your loue: do but obserue how cheere∣fully he accepts of it. For now at length he holds that those are good, and those bad Cittizens, that we were wont to hold so. I stayed in Athens ten whole dayes, where our good friend Gallus Caninius kept me alwayes companie. Vpon this present, being the sixt of Iu∣lie, I am to depart. I commend all my businesses, to your speciall care, but a∣boue all my desire is, that things may so be wrought, that this office of mine may not be proroged. How you should carrie your selfe herein, I know you need not my direction; I will remit my selfe vnto your wisedome. Farewell.

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.

Cicero Imp••rator, to Marcus Coelius Rufus Elected Aedile Curule. Ep. 10.

I Cannot bee perswaded, that you wrote not to mee since your being made, Aedile, especially being elected with such disgrace to the honest man you wo•• of, and so much ioy of your ••riends. But howsoeuer, since this hap∣pie Crea••ion, that so reioyced my heart, I neuer heard one word from you: which makes me ••eare least my letters should miscarry as wel as yours, and be intercepted by the way. I assure you, I neuer wrote to mine owne house but you had a letter: neither could I doe otherwi••e, the wo••ld not affording me a dearer, or greater friend ••hen your selfe. Be care••ull t••erefore by whom you send me letters. Behold Coelius how it fall•• out according to ••our owne desire: I shall gaine a Tri∣••mphant crowne without ••oyning ••attaile with the Parthians; of whom ••ou doubted, knowing ••hat my power was but weake, to encounter so strong ••n enemie. Conceiue therefore; that when I heard of the Part••ians approch ••nd remembred how w••ake I was in ••ouldiers; I re••ired to places of ad∣••antage; and so came to Amanus tru∣sting

to the strength of that situation. I had in mine Armie, a companie of ve∣ry good outlandish men. The moun∣tanous people, who neuer knew me o∣th••rwise then by Fam••, came flocking in to see mee. For in this countrie I manie times ouer-heare these words; Is this that Cicero which deliuered Rome from the Treason, of those cons••ira∣tors: to whom the Senate, &c. When I ar••iued at Amanus, which is a mountain that seperates mine, from B••∣bulu•• his prouince, by a ••orrent; C••••sius, to my singular contentmēt, had fought so victoriously, that he had driuen the enemie from the siege of Anti••chia•• Bibulus had taken vpon him the Go∣uernement of his Prouince; and I, with all my forces pursued certaine re∣bells of Amanus, who had ••uer been•• enemies vnto vs. Many of them wer•• slaine, many were by vs taken: the r••••i••fled some into one, some into another quarter. A few strong places there were, which we suddainely surprising, to••ke, and set one fier. And this victorie w••s of that import, as I deserued to be ••n••tituled, by the Armie, IMPERA∣TOR, according to the mann••r•• And this honour I receiued before Issus, where Clitarchus told you, that Dariu•• was vanquished by Alexander. Th•••• p••rformed, I marched along with mi•••• Armie, to certaine fortifications, which

dai••ie ••orraged all Cilicia: and now I am b••fore an exceeding strong towne, called P••ndenissus, which I haue bel••a∣guerd th••se fiue and twentie daies, with argi••es, vine••, or shelters, and turrets: ••nd were it [a towne] of note, I might hope thereby to win much honour•• ••or b••leeue me 'tis as difficult, and dangerous an enterprise, as could bee vnder••ak••n: If I take it in, (as I make no doubt) the Senate shall forthwith be aduer••ised therof. These precedent circumstances I thought good to let you know, for your further hopes of that ••uccesse, which you desire. But to returne to the Parthians, wee haue past ouer this Somm••r, with reasonable e∣uent, to our satisfaction; but 'tis very doubtfull what may heereafter ensue. And therefore noble Rufus, vse your best endeauours to procure mee a suc∣cessor in ••his charge; or, if this (as you write, and I suppose) be hard to com••passe, let not my Com••and in any wise be prolonged: for this will readily bee granted Furthermore, I instantly re∣quest you, to write vnto me of the state, not onely of present, but future affaires: and vouchsafe heerein to bee ve••y vigilant, and care••ull. Farewell.

Cicero Imperator, to Coelius Aedile Curule. Ep. 11.

WOuld you euer thinke I could want words, and not you••s onely so elegant, but euen those vulgar [termes] that ordinarilie passe betwixt vs? yet this want doe I finde: for, in that I am much troubled with the feare of what will be resolued on, about the Prouinces; I am exceeding desiro••s ••o returne to Rome: I can forbeare the sight of my friends no longer: I am in∣comparablie wearie of my Prouince: ei••her because I haue alreadie purcha∣sed such fame, that I need not so much labour to augment it, as feare, least Fortune diminish it; or in that thi•• employment, is not propo••tion••∣ble to my forces, which can, and ha••e susteyned farre waightier burdens o•• the Common-weal••h; or else in very deed, because an hot warre is lookt ••or, which may be auoyded, as I suppose, if I be suff••red to depart at the time ap∣pointed. As for your Panthers, I haue spoken to diuers who t••ke them, that they should by all means get me some: but th••y light on so few now, as 'tis wonderfull; and they too, as men com∣monly say, complaine exceedingly, that all th••ngs are secure in my prou••nce

besides themselues, and therefore they resolued to passe ouer into Cariae. Not∣withstanding, they dailie looke for some there, and especially from Patis∣cus; those that are found shall bee all yours; but yet I tell you not how ma∣ny. Out of doubt your Aedil••ship gaue mee heartie contentment, and this present time renued the memori∣all thereof: for I wrote this letter on the Festiuall day of the great Mother of the Gods. I pray send me a particu∣lar information, of the whole state of the common-wealth, because I may boldly build vpon the truth of your ad∣uertisements. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Coelius Aedile Curule. Ep. 12.

THE great rumors, which, (as I heard) fell out in Rome, on the fe∣stiuall dayes of the goddesse Minerua, by reason of speeches made vnto the people; keepe my minde I assure you, in continuall trouble, because I could neuer heare further of it: and yet that which most grieues me is, that among these sturres, if there be any thing wor∣thie of laughter, I cannot make my selfe merrie with you: for I well know, there are many [th••ngs] but I dare

not write them. One thing I dislike, that you would neuer vouchsafe to cer∣tifie me, what hapned in Rome. Wher∣fore vpon the receipt of this letter, though the prescribed time of my Go∣vernment will be out, yet would I bee glad to meet with yours, to bee truely acquainted with the present state of the Common-wealth: to the end, when I ar••••ue, I may not bee a meere stranger. Your friend Diogenes, a very discreet, and well gou••rn'd man, went from me, with Philo in his company, from Pessi∣nus, to go seeke King Deiotarus, though they know well enough, that he is nei∣ther rich, nor bountifull. Liue in Rome, ô Rufus, that is, in the eie of the world, Men in other places become base, and obscure; who in Rome through indu∣strie, might quickly grow famous. Ha∣uing eu••r knowne thus much, and from my tend••r youth beleeued so, I would I had beene constant in this opinion. To tell you true, I esteeme more of a ••riendly walke, and familiar discourse betweene our selues, then of whatsoe∣uer honor, or profit may accrew from my Prouince. 'Tis questionlesse, that this gouernment will conferre vpon me, the respect, and commendation of in••egritie: and my gaines therein had beene as much, had I remained at Rome. Oh, but you will tell mee of a Tri∣umph: What more glorious Triumph

is there, then to enioy the presence of those things that are most deere vnto me, from which I haue so long beene absent. But I verily hope to see you ••hortly. On my way let me meet with letters, worthie your selfe. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Coelius Aedile Curule. Ep. 13.

THough your letters bee rare, (and those peraduenture sometimes not faithfully deliuered me) yet doe they yeeld mee great contentment. What wisdome might I perceiue in your last? how louingly and prudently you aduise me? and though I was resolued to take the same course, that you prescribe me, yet when the opinions of wise men and faithfull friends concur with our owne, wee like our former determination the better. I loue Appius deerely, as I haue many times told you: and hee seem'd no lesse to loue me, presen••ly after wee were reconciled. For both being Con∣sull, he gaue mee great respect and ho∣nour: and he conuersed with me most louingly; and appeared also to ••ffect those studies, to which I was addicted. And I for my part, haue omitted no oc∣casion, wh••rein I might doe him any

pleasure: of which I desire no other witnesse, then your selfe; for, Phania's testimonie, I thinke, is of no great au∣thoritie. And I loue him the better, be∣cause hee professeth so much loue to∣wards you•• Besides this, you know how deere Pompeius is vnto mee, and that I loue B••utus with all my heart. Why should I not ••••raine my selfe to fa∣uour him? Is hee not of a flourishing age, rich, and powerfull? Is h••e not gotten to a high degree of honour? Hath he not a rare wit? Doth hee not abound in progeny, kindred & friends? And which is more, is he not my Col∣league? Hath he not dedicated his in∣uention•• vnto mee? I am transported thus far, to remoue from you that suspi∣tion, which our letters imply of my af∣fection towards him. You must needes haue heard something. But be assured, they are deceiued. And though in my Prouinciall managings, I take some dif∣ferent courses from his; whereupon some may suppose, that I doe this ra∣ther out of a secret hatred, then through diuersity of opinion, yet did I neuer ei∣ther say, or doe any thing, with a pre∣iudiciall intention to his honour. And this case excepted, which Dolobella's te∣merity hath exposed mee vnto, I am ready to become an humble Sutor for him in any d••nger One part of your letter, where you write that the Ci••y

sleepes, reioyced me much, conceiuing thereby, that, that same friend of ours, was growne cold. But the last words of your hand-writing, peirced my ve∣ry heart. What? doth Curio defend Caesar? Who, but my selfe, would be∣leeue it? for, as I liue, I thought so. Oh how I desire to laugh with you. Be∣cause I had visited all parts of my Pro∣uince, and made you a relation thereof, and that I had enriched: he Cities, and p••rswaded the people to pay the custo∣mers, not only the impositions of these present fiue yeeres, but the remainder also of those fiue that are past: and had ••ound no condition of men, but did thinke well therof; I determined the seu••nth of May, to passe into Cilicia: and after I had beene at the Campe, and h••d taken speedy order, for what∣soeuer concerned the Army; to take my iourney towards Rome, according as the Senate decreed. I would faine see you in your Aedile-ship. And I thinke euery day a yeere, till I bee in Rome, and amongst my friends; but e∣specially with your selfe. Fa••ewell.

Cicero, Imperator; to Marcus Coelius, Aedile Cur••le. Epist. 14.

THere is great familiarity, between me, and Marcus Fabius, a very ho∣nest & a learned man: And I loue him heart••ly, not so much for his wit and learning, which is great, as for rare mo∣desty I ••ee in him. I recommend vnto you his cause, with the same care and loue, as if it were mine owne. I know the custome of you great Lawyers; you receiue no Client vnder an Homi∣cide. But in this mans case, no excuse can se••ue you. If you wish me well, lay all other businesse apart, when Fabius shall need your helpe I am very desi∣rous to vnderstand, how matters goe at Rome: and aboue the rest, I would know how you dispose of your selfe, it being long since I heard any newes at all: but this hard winter is the cause thereof. Farewell.

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.

Cicero Imperator, to Marcus Coelius Aedile. Ep. 16.

YOur l••tters would haue brough•• me much griefe, but that as w••ll mine owne reason free'd me of all cares; as also, my minde being long time plūged in despaire, is now become so obdurate, that it entertaineth no new sorrow, yet I know not what the contents of my former letters might be, through which you should so cen∣sure of things as you write. I com∣plain'd of the present troubles, where∣at you also grieued: For I neuer found you so blind in vnde••standing, but that

you could see the same, which I dis∣cerne. One thing I wonder at, that you who should know me so well, should euer be induc••d to thinke, that I am ei∣ther so inconsiderate, that when I may sa••le securely, I will beare out into the m••ine: or so inconstant, that in an in∣stant I should shake off the fauour of so mightie a man, which I haue with so long t••auaile obtained: and be an ene∣mie to my selfe, by my personall assi∣stance in a ciuill warre, which from the beginning, and alwai••s I haue shunned•• what is then this my pensiue resolu••i∣on? peraduenture to retire me into some solitarie place, for you may be sure•• that not onely my mind, to which yours once was answerable, but also mine eies cannot endu••e to behold the i••solencies of some vnwo••thy persons. Whereunto is to be added this trouble∣some pompe of my Lictors, and this imperiall title, which hath b••ene impo∣sed on me. For if this were not, my bur∣den would be faire more tollerable. I could be content, to withdraw my selfe, into any obscure, or s••litary place within Italy; but this my dignitie, lai••s me open, no•• to th•• eyes onely, but to t••e tongues also of such as are maleuo∣lent: and yet I neuer determine to leaue Italy withou•• your pr••uit••e. But least I should be t••oublesome to my friends, I am cons••rained to liue at these little

Farmes I haue vpon the Sea coast. And vpon this, diuers suspect, that I mind to passe the Seas, which peraduenture would stand with my liking, if I thought to arriue in some peaceable part. For it besitteth not me to goe to warre, prin∣cipally against one, to whom I haue al∣wayes shewed my selfe a friend: and in his assistance, to whom I can neuer be thankefull enough. And you cannot but carry in mind, what I once so free∣ly told you, when you met me at Cuma∣num. Remember you not then, how far I was from abandoning Rome? And when some speech grew of leauing it, did I not protest vnto you, that I w••uld rather stand to all chances, then fo••sake Italy, to enter into a ciuill warre? Hath any thing since fallen out to make mee alter my minde? rather all accidents haue concurred, to maintaine my for∣mer resolution. I sweare vnto you, and I suppose you doe bele••u•• me; that a∣midst these miseries I seeke nothing els, but that men may perceiue, that as I haue alwayes affected peace; so b••ing out of hope to effect it, I haue s••unned ciuill warre with all my power I hope, I shall neuer repent my s••lfe of this my constancie. For if Qui••tus H••rtensius was wont to boast, that he neuer ••ssi∣sted in a ciuill w••r••••; ••uch more should I be commended for the same. For in him it was repu••ed but a kinde of co∣wardize;

And my former proceedings remoue this imputation. Neither am I dismaid at those dangers, which your viscerall loue, propounds vnto me; be∣cause there is no kind of disaster, which seemes not to oppresse euery one in these troublesome times: from which questionlesse with mine owne particu∣lar preiudice, and ••uen with those which you exhort me to shunne, I would most willingly haue freed the Common-wealth. To my sonne, whom I am glad you so dearely esteeme, if the Common-wealth stand firme, I shall leaue a rich patrimony, in leauing him the memor••all of my name. But if the Common wealth dissolue, no worse can come to his share, then falls ••o other Cittize••s. Whereas you pray me, to be carefull of my sonne in law, a worthie young man, and deare vnto me, you may well coniecture, that I am neerely toucht on his behalfe, conside∣ring the ••ntire loue I beare to him, and my daughter Tullia. And I tell you thus much, that amongst the common miseri••s, the small hope I had, was, that he would ••uoid all those molestations, which his ou••r-free disposition made him runne into. Enquire I pray you; while he remain'd in Rome, what dayes were they, how bitter to himselfe, and to me his Father in law how dishonou∣rable? Therefore, I neither attend the

end of the warre in Spaine; which I am certaine will be such, as you write vnto me; nor haue I any other stratagem in my head. If the Cittie euer recouer her former state, vndoubtedly, there shall be also some place for vs: if it shall no•• recouer, I beleeue that you also will re∣tire to the same so••itary places, where you heare we are setled. But I dreame perhaps; and all these things may haue a better issue, then we expect. For I call to mind the feares of those, which were old when I was a young man. Who knowes, whithe•• I am not come to be of the same disposition, following the common defect of my yeares? God graunt, it proue so: but yet I am sure you haue heard, that there is an imbro∣dered gowne a weauing for Oppius. And our friend Cur••ius will haue one twice dyed: but the Dyer makes him d••u••ce attendance. I would needs put in this clause, that you might perceiue, that I can still be merrie, though I be a little moued. I desire, you may see that come to passe of Dol••bella, which I haue told yo••. And make reckoning, that it is your owne case. To conclude, be assu∣red, ••hat I will do nothing without my friends counsel: but I beseech you, that whereso••uer I shall be, you will defend both me, and my children in such sort, as best stands with our amitie, and you•• owne loyaltie. Farewell.

Cicero Imperator, to Caninius Salustius Vice-quaestor. Epist. 17.

YOur officer on the xvii. of Iulie, deliuered me your letters at Tarsis: whereunto I will particularly answere, as you seeme to desire. I heare not a word of any Successor in my place, neither doe I thinke, that any man shall succeed. There is nothing to the con∣trary, why I may not depart, at the ••ime appointed; especially all feare of the Parthian warre being taken away. And I thinke not to stay in any place, I haue an opinion, that I shall goe as fa••re as Rhodes, to see my sonne; and nephew, But I dare not assure you ••hereof. I would faine be with all spe••d in R••me, yet I'le proceed in my voy••ge accord∣ing to the intelligence, that I shall re∣ceiue from thence. And according as I shall thinke, that it may turne to the benefit of the Common-wealth Your Successor cannot come so soone, that you may meete me in Asia. Whe••e you tell me, that Bibulus grau••ts you an ample ••reedome, from rendring an ac∣compt of that you haue receiued; I gr••unt you it were good for you that it w••re so, bu•• I am not of opin••on, that the law Iulia will tollerate it: which

Bibulu•• obserues not for some peculiar reasons of his owne•• but if you approue of my counc••ll: I would aduise you to obserue it. In that you write, I should not di••furnish Apamea of men; I see that some are of the same opinion, and I am very sorrie, that I haue g••u••n oc∣cas••on to malignant spirits to pra••tle thereof so vntowardly. Whether the Parthians are return'd or no, besides your selfe, I know no man makes doubt: and because this newes was generally divulged for certaine, I ca∣sheered so great a number of choice souldiers; whom, I had placed in the guarisons of the Citties. It was not ••rue, that I sent you, my Qu••sto••s ac∣compts; nor, were they yet finished•• I meane to leaue a cop••ie of them in A∣pamea. Concerning th•• bootie, that came to my hand•• in th••s war, no man laid hand vpo••'t, nor shall touch one farthing thereo••, ••xcept the Quaestors of Rome, that is, the people of Rome: I am minded to returne all the common treasure, by the Bankers of Laodicea. From whom I will take securi••ie, that it m••y be paid in without my daunger: Whereas you mooue me in a matter of ••e•• thousand crownes, I can in no sort furnish you: because one part of the treasure, amoun••ing of the spo••le, is al∣readie in the conueyers hands: and mine owne portion the Quaestor hath

receiued. For your d••mand, concer∣ning my opinion of the Legions, which by the Senates order, are to come into Syria: at fi••st I doubted, whether they should come or no: but now I assure my selfe, that they shall not come, when they shall vnderstand, that there is no daunger of warre in Syria. I see well enough, that Marius, successor to Bibulus will ar••iue very late, because or∣der was set downe, that he should bring men along with him. I haue answered one o•• your letters, now I come to an∣other. You intreat me, that I would write to Bibulus in your behalfe, with all importunitie possible. To which I answere, tha•• I am readie herei•• to giue you all con••en••ment: but yet I haue some cause to complaine of you, that alone, amongst all those which are about Bibulus, you did not aduer••ise me of the euill opinion, that he conceiu••s of me without cause. For many haue told me, that Antiochia being in great feare, and much hope being repo••ed in me and my armie, he should say, that he would rather suffer any extremity, then seeme to haue need of my ayde. And, that you haue concealed this from mee displeaseth me not, vnderstanding what respect a Quaestor should beare ••o a Praetor. And I heard before, what termes he stood vpon wi••h you. More∣ouer, when he wrote to Thermus touch∣ing

the Parthian warre, I had not so ••uch as the least word from him con∣cerning it; to whom he knew well, that the d••ung••r of that warre did apper∣taine. Neither did he euer w••ite vnto m••, more ••hen once, to recommend his sonne vnto me when he s••ood for the Augureship. Wh••reupon I, mo••ed by compassion, ••nd bec••use I ••uer affected his sonne, I would not but answere him very courteously: but if he be of that humor, ••hat he beares an euill mind to euery man, which I could neuer be∣l••eue, I ought to care ••he l••sse, t••ough he loues not me neither. But if he haue any particular hatred to my selfe, my l••tters will stand you in small st••ad That he ha••es me, I manifestly discerne by this, that he hath written to the Se∣nate, how he hath vsed all endeuou••s, that the money might be made ou••r by exchange, to the peoples aduantage; at••••ibu••ing onely to himselfe that glo∣rie, which was no l••sse mine then his owne: saying fu••ther, that he was the man, who sent backe the troupes of h••rse of Lombardie, to ease the people of such a charge: which was my action, and none of hi••. He hath afterwards made me partaker of a businesse, which concernes himsel••e onely; affirming that the prouision of prouender for the oullandish horse, was demaunded by vs both. But what more manifest testi∣monie

o•• his malignant, and ••a••e na∣ture can be requir'd, ••hen•• w••it••ng to A••io••arz••n••s, to whom, the Senate at m•• ••••q••••st, had giuen the title o•• Ki••g, he stiled him not K••ng, but soone ••o King A••i••barzanes It is not good to commend any one, to men of that con∣dition; because in such a ca••e they doe worse. But, to doe you •• pleasure, I haue written to him. Abou•• the d••li∣uering, or not deliuering i••, vse your owne discretion. Far••well.

Cicero Imperator, to Quintus Thermus Vice praetor. Epist. 18.

I Am very glad, that my endeauours for Rhodon, and other fauours that I haue shewed to your most gratefull selfe, and yours, haue beene accepta∣ble. And perswade your selfe, that daily, more and more, I affect your honour: the which by your iustice, and clemencie, you ha••e indeed, alrea∣die so amplified, that it seemes not, that any thing more can bee added there∣unto. But ruminating euery day vpon your occasions, I cannot but like well of my coun••ell, that I gaue to Aristo, from th•• beginning, when hee came to finde me: it seeming vnto me, that you

would draw vpon your selfe too pow∣erfull an enm••••ie, i•• this young man, who is po••ent and migh••i••, ••••ould re∣ceiue such an ini••rie f••om you. And doubtl••ss•• it might ••e well t••rmed an iniu••ie: beca••s•• ••h••re is no•• any man, whom the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o•• ho••or exceedeth hi••. And h••, (le•• vs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aside his nobi∣litie,) in thi•• r••sp••ct, is sup••riour to your L••gates, (m••n certainelie of ho∣n••st condition, and h••rmlesse p••rsons,) in that he is not onely Quaestor, but your owne Quaes••or. I vnderstand suf∣ficiently, that no mans il•• will can pre∣iudice y••u: but yet I would not there∣fore, th••t thre•• Bre••hren of a most no∣ble familie, cou••agious, and eloquent, should be angrie with you, especially, vpon som•• ground. Fo•• I see, that they are all three, like to be Tribunes of the people, one after an other; and who knowes the cond••••ion of times, which shall succeed in the Common-wealth, I for my part, am of opinion, that there will be troubles. Why therefore, would you expose your selfe, to ••he displeasure of th•• Tribunes? especi∣ally, wh••n, witho••t any checke, you may preferre the Quaestor before the Legates: who, if he follow the steps of his predecessors, ••s I hope and desire; your selfe shall par••icipa•••• of his com∣mendation: if otherwis••, the whole infamie will redowne to himselfe one∣ly.

Going into Cilicia, I thought good to write my opinion vnto you. I pray God, that whatsoeuer you doe, may turne to your owne contentment. But if you'le follow my aduise, you shall a∣uoid these oppositions, and bee carefull of the quietnesse of your posteritie. Farewell.

Cicero Imperator, to Caius Coeli∣us, sonne to Lucius, elected Quaestor. Epist. 19.

WHEN I heard the wished newes, of your being elected my Quaestor, I was in hope, that from thence, so much the greater content∣ment should redound vnto me, by how much the longer you were like to con∣tinue with me in the Prouince: and it was very necessarie, that to the neare tye of amitie, by which fortune hath linked vs, familiar conuersation should also be annexed. Afterwards, because neither your selfe, nor any other wrote vnto me of your comming, I doubted (as still I doe) least I should depart from the Prouince, before you ariued there: I since receiued your letters, written with singular humanitie, which were deliuer'd me, the xxii. of Iune in Cilicia, where I was with the Armie.

And in those, I discouer'd your courte∣ous, and inge••uous nature: bu•• they doe not expresse, neither from whence, nor when they were dated, or at what time I should expect you; neit••er could I know it from the bearer, be∣cause you told him not. Which circum∣stances being vncertaine, I determined notwithstanding, to send my S••ators, and Lictors, with these pr••sent letters: the which if you receiue timelie e∣nough, I should be very glad, that you would out of hand come vnto mee in∣to Cilicia: your cos••n Curio (and as you know) my deare friend, and Caiu•• Vir∣ginius your kinsman, and our familiar acquaintance, haue written effectually to me in your recommendation, and questionles, they haue wrought the same effect th••y worthilie did merit, but yet your letters were of greater ••f∣fect, especially being written, of your new dignitie, which vnto both of vs will giue occasion of a more inward amitie. Fortune could not allot mee a Quaestor, more pleasing vnto mee then your selfe: and therefore I will doe a∣ny thing to aduance your honour: ••hat all men may clearely discerne, that I haue had a du•• respect both to you•• owne, and the dignitie o•• your Ances∣to••s. But this I may th•• better eff••ct, if you come vnto mee in Cilicia, the which, in my opinion, greatly impor∣teth

both mee, the Common-wealth, and your selfe especially. Farewell.