To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.
I Know your Freeman Phania, to be so discreet, and haue noted him so vigilant, in obseruing what is done in the Common-wealth, th••t if her selfe could possiblie informe you of her owne state, I cannot thinke shee could giue you the••in, better satisfacti∣on then he can giue you. wherefo••e he
can sufficiently enforme you of all things. And it is a good excuse for my breuitie: besides, for some othe•• respects, it is also more secure. But for my loue to you, though the said Phani∣a can say enough, yet I thinke it not altogether impertinent, that my selfe likewise, assure you thereof. Be there∣fore most secure, that you are very deare vnto me, both for the estimable parts of your wit, nobilitie, and cour∣tesie; as further, because you write, and because I haue heard it from others, that all the good offices I haue imploy∣ed in your behalfe, are acceptable to you. And seeing Fortune, by loosing the knot of our neere familiaritie, hath d••priu'd vs for so long a time, of fami∣liar conuersation; I will labour to re∣store that which I did loose, by now fauouring and assisting you, as farre as I am any waies able•• wherein I shall e∣steeme my selfe happie, if I may per∣ceiue, that this my affectionate desire, bee as acceptable to your kindred, as I know it is to your selfe. I neuer knew your Free-man Cilix before he brough•• me your letters, which were full of loue and courtesie. And he also ha••h done me heerein a wonderfull kinden••sse, by relating dailie to me, with singular con∣tentment•• the great loue that you bea•••• me, and which in all your discourses, you demonstrate vnto me. ••hat need I
say more? In two daies hee is growne domesticall with me, but for all that, it cannot be that I should not be very de∣sirous of Phania's returne, whom when you send backe to Rome, which I sup∣pose will be shortly: I pray: enioy••e him to vse me in any thing wherein I am able to do you seruice. I friendly re∣commend vnto you Lucius Valerius, a Doctor of the Laws, and I recommend him, tho••gh hee were not in effect a Doctor: For I will bee more warie in writing to you of him, then hee vseth to be in adui••ing others. I wish him marueilous well, hee is one of the most inward, and trustie friends that I haue. Hee acknowledgeth himselfe greatly bound vnto you, but yet he writes that I shall doe him a wonderfu••l fauour, by recommending him vnto you; where∣in I beseech you, that you will not fru∣strate his expectation. Farewell.
SEeing it hath so fortuned, both a∣gainst my will, ••nd beyond expecta∣tion, that I must nece••sarily repaire to the gouernment of this Prouince. A∣mongst the multitude of my molesta∣tions,
and in my sundry cares and co∣gitations, I haue found this onely comfort, that none could haue succee∣ded you, which stands be••ter af••ected to you then my selfe: neither could I wish to haue receiued my Prouince from any man, more desirous to resigne it me disincombred, and free from all disturbance. And, if you hope also, that I bea••e the same affection towards you; vndoubtedly you shall neuer herein be deceiued. Out of our inward loue, and by y••ur g••eat humanity, I earnestly entreat you, that, wherein so∣euer you may (as in many things, it will be in y••ur power) you would be•• very care••ull of my affaires. The Se∣nate, as ••ou perceiue, commits this Prou••nce to my charge. If you leaue it me, as little encombred as you can•• I shall proceed in the course of my of∣fice. You know how farre in this yo•• may assist me. I earnestly intreate you that you will bethinke your selfe of e∣uery thing wherein you may pleasur•• me. I wo••ld vse more words abou•• this matter, but that I feare I should wrong your courtesie; and offend o•• an••ient friendship, which betweene vs, suffers no superfluous ceremonies: be∣••ides, there needs not many words in a matter that speakes sufficiently for i•• selfe. I promise you assuredly, that If I vnderstand you haue a regard to m••
proceedings, you shall finde therein, ample satisfaction, and contentment. Farewell.
WHen I came to Brundusium, the xxii. of May, Quintus Fabius your Lega••e, came to seeke me: and by your order told me that which not one∣ly I, whom it concerned, but the whole Senate also call'd to mind; that t••is Prouinc•• requir'd a stronger gu••tiso••. For almost all were of opinion, that my Legions, and those of Bibulu•• should be made vp with Italian souldiers. Where∣unto Sulpicius the Consull, saying, he would not consent, I much complai∣ned thereof; but the Senate so greatly hastned my departure, that I was for∣ced to obey him, as I did Now I desire, you would carry in mind, what I de∣maunded of you in the letters, whi••h I deliuered at Rome to your posts: which was, that whatsoeuer one could effect, for the ease of a domesticall and louing friend, in visiting the Prouince, you would procure with all affection and diligēce, for the inuiolable loue I beare you: that euery one might plainly dis∣cerne,
that neither I could euer haue succeeded any man, more deuoted to me then you, nor you resigne the Pro∣uince to any, who lou'd you more dear∣ly then I. By those, which you wrote vnto the Senate, whereof you sent me a copie, I vnderstood, that you had ca∣sheer'd a great number of souldiers: but the aboue mentioned Fabius certi∣fied me, that you had indeed such a de∣termination, but at his departure, it was not yet effected. If it be so, you shall doe me a singular kindnes, not to wea∣k••n so small an armie. And as I suppose, you haue receiued the decrees enacted by the Senate to this purpose. Such is ••he loue I beare you, that any thing you doe, shall giue me satisfaction: but yet I am confident, you will be readie also ••o per••orme that, which accreweth to my benefit, and commoditie. I expec∣••ed Caius P••ntinius my Legate, at Br••n∣d••sium, and I thinke he will be there, be∣••ore the first of Iune, as soone as he comes, we will take shipping, with the first opportunitie. Farewell.
THe fourth of Iune, being at Brun••u∣sium, I receiued your letters, where∣in you write, that Lucius Clodius shall
impart something to me in your name. I earnestly looked for him, to heare what he would haue deliuer'd, touching your commission. I hope by many te∣stimonies, you are now sufficiently sa∣tisfied, of the affection I beare towards you, and the speciall desire I haue to serue you: and yet you shall be••ter vn∣derstand, when greater occasion shall be giuen to shew it, how deepely your honor, and dignitie is imprinted in my heart. Quintus Fabius Virgilianus, and Caius Flaccus, sonne to Lucius, and Mar∣cus Octauius, sonne to Cneius, haue all three made knowne vnto me, how dearely you value my amitie: which I formerly collected, by many presump∣tions, especially in that delectable book of Augurations, written so louingly, and dedicated to mee. Whatsoe∣uer one friend can doe for another, I will not leaue vndone for your sake; not onely because I euer honored you, from the first day you began to loue me: but further, in that I infinitely e∣steeme two persons, of two seuerall a∣ges, Cnei••s Pompeius your daughters fa∣ther in law, and Marcus Brutus your sonne in law. Moreouer, my selfe ha∣uing beene receiued into the Colledge of the Augures, me thought this degree of honor, especially approued by you, with my great reputation, was as it were a band, to linck vs together, in an indis∣soluble
societie. But if Clodius speake with me, I shall haue ampler matter wher••of to write, and I'le doe what possible I can, to see you out of hand. Whereas you write, that you lingred so long in your Prouince of purpose to meete me, I must needs confesse it gaue me great contentment. Farewell.
I Came to Trallis on the xxvii. of Iuly. There Lucius Lucilius presented me your letters, and related what by word of mouth you did commit vnto him. You could not haue sent me a man that was more my friend, neither as I thinke more wise and discreete, to informe me of such matters, as I desired to vnder∣stand. I haue read your letters with great satisfaction, and gaue a diligent eare to Lucilius: Now, you being of o∣pinion also, that ceremonies should not passe betwixt vs, (for, you write: though you haue read, with much con∣tentment what so ••uer by me was men∣tioned about mutuall kind offices, dis¦charged one to another; yet because I ••etch't my r••lation of them somewhat too farre about; you thought them not altogether so requisite) and because in∣deed
they are meerely supe••fluous, when the amitie is such, as hath beene long tried, and that there is no further doubt of faithfulnesse; I will lay them aside: thanking you onely, as I haue reason, for the louing diligence, you vse, in reforming the state of the Pro∣uince, to facilitate my gouernment of the same. First therefore, I thanke you for so courteous an office, then I en∣gage my faithfull promise vnto you, that with all endeuour and zeale, I will euer labour, that first your selfe, and all your friends, and others a••terwards may also perceiue, wh••t a friend I am vnto you. And of thus much, whoso∣euer he be, that's ignorant, he rather seemes, to be discontented at our friendship, then not to be priuie to it. But certainely, it shall apparently bee knowne. For it shall be made manifest by no obscure, nor ignoble persons; neither in occasions lightly importing: but let the effects ••ather proue this, then my words. And in that you write, that going the same way I entend, you feare, you shall not see me in the Pro∣uince, I will reueale the whole matter to you. Talking with Phania your Fr••e-man in Erundusi••••n, I remember I said, I would willingly haue entred into the Prouince, on that part that stood best with your liking: to which he ••••∣plied, that you meant to come by Sea,
and therefore you would be glad, that I were arriued at Sida, a maritime part of the Prouince: I told him I would: and so had done, but that Lucius Clodius aduis'd me in Corcyra no•• to enter into this encombrance, because at my arri∣uall, you would be in Laodicea. This was a farre shorter cut, and more com∣modious; principally in that it gaue you better satisfaction: but afterwards you altered your resolution. Now, you shall vnderstand my disseigne, to the end that you may gather, a•• you may easily, if there be any way for our meeting. I thinke to be at Laodicea, on the last of Iulie: and there will I continue for cer∣taine dayes, for the receipt of some mo∣nies, which I made ouer by way of ex∣change from Rome. Then will I take my course towards the armie; so that in the middest of September, I make ac∣compt to be at Iconium. But if I mistake my selfe in writing, (for I know not what may happen) whensoeuer I set forwards you shall be aduertised of my iournies from day to day, with all pos∣sible expedition, and diligence. I nei∣ther dare, nor willingly will impose vpon you any burden, but if it may be with your conueniencie, it greatly im∣ports vs both, that we should meete, before you leaue the Prouince. If any euill hap, preuent this our interuiew, yet notwithstanding in the gouernment
of this Prouince, I will haue no lesse care of your honour, and reputation, then if I had seene you. I will not write vnto you, that you should performe any thing on my behalfe, till I be out of hope, of meeting you. Whereas you write, that you requested Scaeuola, du∣ring your absence, to gouerne the Pro∣uince till my arriuall; I saw him in E∣phesus, and he kept me company for those three dayes, that I stayed there, but he spake not a word, of your moo∣uing him to any such matter. I would he could, for I cannot be perswaded, that he would not haue serued you. Farewell.
WHen I compare that which I haue done, with that which hath beene by you per••o••med, I am far better satisfied in mine owne, then in your proceedings. Although I desire, that in true loue, we may disch••rge our selues recip••ocally. Phania's fidelitie in all your affaires, b••ing well knowne vnto me, and in what esteeme he is with you, in Brundusium I was bold ••o
aske of him, by what pa••t he thought you would haue me make entrance in∣to the Prouince: He answering me, that I could not please you better, then to goe by shipping to Sida. I promis'd to doe so; though I did it with great dis∣commoditie, and little credit. But af∣terwards meeting in Corcyra, Lucius Clo∣dius, a man so possest of your heart, that talking with him, me thought I spake with your selfe, I said to him, that I meant to take the same course, Phania prescribed me: then he giuing me thankes, for the entire af••ection I shew∣ed herein, importun••d me, to goe di∣rectly to Laodicea; affirming, that you would reside in the edge, or skirt of the Prouince, for your more readie depar∣ture: and, but that I was Successor, whom you so much desired to s••e, you would haue beene gone before your Successors comming. Which fitly con∣fronted with the letters, that I rec••iued in Rome: by which I perceiued what hast you made to depart. I answered Clodius, that I was readie to doe as he counselled me, and farre more willing∣ly, then to performe my promise vnto Phania. So that hereupon changing my determination, I presen••ly wrote a let∣ter vnto you, with mine owne hand, which was deliuered timely enough, as your an••were thereunto implies. In do∣ing this, I haue, as I suppose, discharg'd
my part, neither could I shew any grea∣ter kindnesse. Now with this, compare what you haue done. You did not one∣ly not come thither, where you might with the soonest haue had sight of me. but you remooued into those parts, where I could not possibly arriue, with∣in the terme of those thirty daies, which were assigned you, for your departure, as I suppose, by the law Cornelia. So that it seemed vnto them, who were not ac∣quainted with our mutuall affections, that you seeke to auoid our meeting; and consequently (to say no worse) that you were but a cold friend vnto me: but on the other side, they iudge, me most louing to you. And in deed, before I came into the Prouince I re∣ceiued your letters, in which, though you certified me, of your going to Tar∣sus, neuerthelesse you gaue me assured hope of our meeting. Yet some persons afterwards, and as I beleeue, malicious (for many at this day are possest with that vice) hauing fit matter to talke of, and being no waies acquainted with the stabilitie of my mind, laboured to alienate me from your friendship, al∣ledging vnto me, that you had some in∣terest in Tarsus, that you establish't, and perform'd many things; whereas, you might haue considered, that when I was entred into the Prouince, it belon∣ged not to you, further to gouerne it.
Which neither they were euer wont to doe, that within a short time expected the arriuall of their Successor. But these mens wordes neuer troubled me; ra∣ther, being true, I was beholding to you, for you eased me herein, of a part of my burthen; and I reioyced, that whereas the imployment of my gouernment was to continue for a whole yeare, which I thought ouer-long, I was by your means eased, of a moneths labour and trauaile. One thing, (to speake truth) displeaseth me, that, of those few souldiers, which remain'd in the Pro∣uince, there wanted no lesse then three Cohorts, which were more entire then the rest; and, ••hat I cannot learne how they are disposed of. But aboue all it grieues me, that I cannot certainly vn∣derstand, where to see you: and I de∣f••rd writing, for no other cause, but by reason, I hourely expected your pre∣sence. But becau••e you wrote nothing to me, I haue sent vnto you, Antonius, Conductor of the new Supplies, a vali∣ant man, and one in whom, I pu•• great confidence; that, if you thinke good, you may assigne to him the charge of the Infan••ery: that I may attempt some enterprise, while the season of the yeare serues. Wherein, both our amitie, and your letters, put me in hope that I should not want, your best directions, neither do I yet despaire of those hopes.
But questionlesse, when, or where I may see you, except you certifie me by writing, I cannot so much as imagine. For that which belongs to me; both good, and bad shall apparently see, that my mind is as friendly addicted to loue you, as possiblie it can be. For yours, you haue giuen ill disposed men some occasion to surmise the contrary; doe but reclaime this errour, and I will hold you most deare vnto me. And because you might consider, or cast where we may meete, without the breach of the Cornelian law; I arriued in my Prouince on the last of Iuly: I goe into Ci••icia, by way of Cappad••••ia. I remooued the Campe from Iconium, the last of Au∣gust. Now, for the time when you may most fitly meete with me, you may take order at your pleasure, casting vp the dayes iournies, and the way; where it may be effected, and on what day, without any inconuenience to either of vs. Farewell.
VVHen I haue more time, I••le write more at large; I wrote these in great hast, Brutus seruants being to depart for Rome without any stay;
so as, I had no time to write to any bo∣die else but to you, and Brutus. The Ap∣pian Legates, brought me, I cannot say a letter, but rather an entire volume, full of vniust complaints, because by my letters, I hindred their building. In the same epistle you intreated me, forthwith to giue them licēce to build, before the winter came vpō them: & withal, chec∣king me couertly, you cōplained that I prohibited them, to collect the tribute: before my selfe, made acquainted with the matter, had giuen licence; you af∣firming that this was but a kind of cros∣sing their courses; in that I could not informe me of this matter before the winter, after my returne out of Cilicia•• Now, conceiue rightly, whether you haue any cause to complaine of me. Di∣uers parties came crying out, and say∣ing, They were grieuously exacted vp∣on, through the paying of intollerable tributes. I wrote, that nothing should be done therein, before I had well ex∣amin'd the matter: can any man say this was iniustice? Oh, but you'le tell me I could not be inform'd thereof before the winter: I grant it: but should I goe seeke my informations from them, or they come to me? What you'le say, so farre off? When you wrot vnto me that I should permit them to build before Winter: suppos'd you not that they were to come where I was? though in
deed, they committed an absurditie, worthie of derision. For, they sent me the letters when winter was almost ••n∣ded, importing a suit, that they might finish their worke in the Sommer that was past: but know, howsoeuer, I am readie to obserue your pleasure; al∣though, they are far more in number, that refuse to pay such tributes, then those, that are therewith contented. Concerning the Appians this may suf∣fice. Pausania, Lentulus free-man, and an officer of mine, tels me, that to him you seem'd offended, that I met you not. Did I this, thinke you, out of any disesteeme of you, and because I am the proudest man in the world? A man of yo••rs, came after midnight, and infor∣med me, that you would be at Iconium before daie. When, being two seuerall waies, and not knowing by which you might haue come, I sent Varro, a fami∣liar acquaintance of yours, one way, and Quintus Lepta, chiefe of the inge∣niers of mine armie another: enioyning both of them, to come post before, that I might goe out to meere you: Lepta came running and told me, how you were gone beyond the armie: I came presently to Iconium. How the matter went afterwards you know: why should not I come and meete you? First being Appius Claudius, then being Appius Im∣perator. Moreouer, it being the cu∣stome
of our predecessors? and, which is of greater importance, you being my friend? especially, I hauing euer beene, more obseruant in such offices, then e∣uer stood with mine honour and condi∣tion. But no more of this. The same Pausanius told me further; how you complained of me in these words: did Appius meete Lentulus, did Lentulus the like to Appius, and would not Cicero vouchsafe, to come and meete Appius? How comes it to passe? that you being a man, in my iudgement, of singular learning, and wisedome, greatly expe∣rienced in worldly affaires; and fur∣ther, endewed with a pleasing affabili∣tie; which is a vertue, as the Stoicks de∣seruedly hold opinion; I say, how can it be then, that you should be carried a∣way with these fopperies, supposing that either Appius, or Lentulus for their nobilitie, should be highlier esteemed of me, then the ornaments of vertue? Though I had not past those honours, which in vulgar esteeme, are glorious, yet could not I admire these your names: I rather valued those men high∣ly, which left them vnto you. But after I was with much honour, elected to many offices of gouernments of great qualitie, wherein I bare my selfe so ap∣prouedly, that I cou••d not wish greater reputation, or glory [then was giuen me]; I neuer reputed my selfe your
superiour; but alwayes your equall. Nor could I see, that euer Cneius Pom∣peius, whom I prefer before all others, or Publius Lentulus, to whom I giue place, retain'd any other opinion. If you thinke otherwise, it would not be much amisse, (the better to vnderstand what Gentilitie or Nobilitie is) to consider a little, what Athenadorus son to Sandon, writes thereo••. But to re∣turne to our first purpose, beleeue most assuredly, that I am not onely your friend, but your most entire affectio∣nate, and in all manner of proofe, I will contend, to possesse you of so much. But if you seeke occasions, that you may seeme not to be, so much obliged to labour aswell for me, as I haue la∣boured for you, from this time forward I free you of this trouble. I shall questi∣onlesse finde out other Counsellers, or at least Ioue shall be my guide. If also your inclination be such, that you af∣fect to conte••••; yet shall you not m••ke me, doe other then loue you after my vsuall mann••r: But you shall doe well•• if you beleeue it not, for I little care whether you doe or no. I haue written freely to you, of these matters, because my conscience tells me, that I alwaies discharged the office of a friend; and relying on the loue I beare towards you, the which as it was entertained wi••h a ••••rme deliberation, so will I
maintaintaine and hold it till you are wearie. Farewell.
THough I perceiue so much as your own ••etters did seeme to intimate, that you are like to bee at Rome b••fore you shall receiue these; and that ••re now the twatling of these malignant people of the prouince, is somewhat cooled; yet you hauing written so co∣piously to mee touching their sinister relations, I thought it fit, brieflie to an∣swer you. But I will not rip vp a new, the two first heads of your letter, be∣cause they comprehend no absolute, nor determinate points; except this, that in the place where matters are scand, and at some feasts, it was ob∣seru'd by many externall signes, that I am not your friend. This, is as much as nothing; and being nothing, nei∣ther can I conceiue what these words of yours import; sure I am, that this might truely be spoken vnto you; that both on the seate of Iustice, and in priuate places, I haue many times vtte∣red honorable and worthie reports of you, giuing manifest testimonie, of our familiar, and domesticall Amitie. And
as for the Legates, could I haue wrought more iustlie or equallie, then to ease poore Citties of a burthensome charge, without diminishing a whit of your reputation, especially being with great instance sollicited thereunto by the Cities themselues? For I heard no∣thing, that these ••mbassies went to Rome in your Honour. When I was in Apamea, the principalls of diuers Ci∣ties came & told me, that the ordina••ie charge of Embassies were so great, that the cities were not able to defray them. Then, I cast many things in my minde: First, I could not bee perswaded that you, who are not onely wise, but as the report now goes, a noble minded man, should be delighted in these Em∣bassies: and as I remember once in Synnadis, vpon the publique Tribunall I spake much thereof; alledging in the first place, how Appius Clodius, with∣out further testimonie from the Myn∣densians (for that City was then men∣tioned) was knowne by the Senate, and by the people of Ro••e: and more∣ouer, that I had obseru'd at other times, that the Legates that came to praise any man, neuer obtain'd au∣dience of the Senate. And finally I concluded, that their good enclination lik't me wel, because they shewed them∣selues thankfull to you, who had bene fitt••d them; but that I thought this
course no wayes necessarie: and if needes they would demonstrate their good affection, I should haue thought well of it, if some one had done it of his owne charge: And haue granted it; so that the expence had beene reasona∣ble; but not, if exorbitant. You can∣not therefore in any reason, take this ill at my hands: except, (as you adde) that mine edict had beene past, vpon pur∣pose, to crosse these legations; as some were of opinion. Now, in my iudge∣ment, they beare not themselues so ill, who doe such bad offices, as they, ••hat l••nd an eare vnto them. While I was yet in Rome I drew the edict; after∣wards, I annexed thereunto but one clause, which I tooke out of yours: and this at the importunity of the Tole-masters, who came to Samos to me, for this purpose; and touching the disburthening of the Cities of their charge, I wrote that article with speci∣all care•• and I annexed thereunto some new conditions, which gaue me good satisfaction; being so beneficiall to the Cities, as if I had herein restored to them their liues. But this poynt, which occasion'd all the suspition, that I went about to wrong you; is an ordinarie thing, put in practice by others before my selfe. And I could not be so foolish to imagine, that the Embassadours came to Rome for any priuate occasion;
as being sent, not to giue thankes to a priuate man, but vnto you; not for particular interests, but publique; and in an assembly not priuate, but generall to the world, that is, in the open Se∣nate. Neither when I interposed this ••y command; that no man should de∣part without my license, did I exclude them, which could not come to me be∣yond Mount Tauru••, where I was with the Armie. And that clause in your letters well deserues laughter. For, see••ing they might haue spoken to me, as I went betwixt La••dicea, and I••onium; as the Magistrates and Ambassadours of all those Precincts, and Cities did, Which dwell on this side Taurus; to what purpose was it, that they should come and speake with me in the camp; or that they should passe the Mount Ta••rus: except they had not resolued of their Embassies to Rome, before my being beyond Taurus. Which questi∣onlesse is not so. For while I was in Laodicea, Apamea, Synn••dis, Philomel••m, and Ieonium, in which Cities I stayd, all these Embassies were constituted. And yet you must conceiue thus much, that about the diminu••ion, or absolute ta∣king away of the charge, for these Le∣gations, I referred my selfe wholly to their pleasure, that were of highest au∣thoritie in the Ci••ies. In that it might iustly be feared, that by reason of vn∣necessarie
disbursements, things might haue beene brought to that passe, that it had beene needfull to sell the tributes, and to haue layd an imposition, of so much by the powle, or by the house; which, as you know, would haue beene a very hard matter. And I being ca••e∣full (not onely iustice, but compassion mouing me thereto) to ease the burthe∣ned state of those affl••cted Cities, and especially oppressed by their owne Ma∣gistrates, I could not well be negligent, in the case of so impertinent an ex∣pence. When such tales therefore were told you•• you should not haue beleeued them. But if you take pleasure to lay your owne iealousies vpon others, you bring vp in friendship, a certaine dis∣course little beseeming a Gentle-man. And if I meant in any thing, to haue blemished your reputation, I would ne∣uer haue beene inquisitiue of ••our son in law Lentulus, of your free-man in Br••ndusi••m, nor of the cheefe Engine•• in Coreyra, whither you would haue me to come. And, i•• y••u followed the pre∣scriptions o•• the learnedest men, tha•• haue wri••ten exceeding well of amity, you sh••uld not haue vs'd these, or the like ••pee••hes. They argued, I o••••os••d: Th••y ••ff••rmed, I denyed. Th••••k•• ••ou that I neuer heard any thing t••u••hing yo••? As for example, that whe•• I was to come to L••o••i••ea, you passed ouer
Mount Taurus. that you gaue enter∣tainment in Tarsus, at the very same time, I gaue mine in Ap••mea, Synnadis, and Philomelum. I will adde nothing more, lest I should be thought culpable of the same defect, whereof I accuse you. Thus much I will freely vtter; if these things, which you say, were rela∣ted to you by others; bee your owne dreames, or fictions; you commit a greeuous errour: but being true, that they were the reports of others, yet, you are greatly too blame, to giue eare vnto them. I will neuer faile in the office of a good freind. And if any man thinke, I haue some subtill reach in my procee∣dings; whosoeuer he be, I would hee would tell me, what a wonderfull sub∣tilty I should shew in this; that I, when I was in Rome, and your selfe in your Prouince, euer defended your reputati∣on, when I could not so much as dream, I should need your ayd in these occurrents; should now, when you are in Rome, and I in my Prouince, giue you cause, to neglect my credit? But it may bee, you suppose that I haue done you iniury, in my giuing ••are to certaine persons, that dep••au'd, or spake ill of your Legates, or Cape-Ingeniers, or Tribunes of the souldiers: wherein, notwithstanding, I neuer heard, that they touched your reputation; or that they should speake vnworthily of any
other, but the fore-mentioned, of which men, Clodius discoursing with me in Corcyra, complained greatly, and said, that other mens malignitie, had blemisht the integritie of your name. I neuer drew any man to speech of such like matters: but by reason, they a••e many that talke thereof, no wayes in my iudgement, wronging therein your honour, I would not be too for∣ward, to put them to silence. If any one hold opinion, that no man can be really reconciled: hee accuseth not vs herein, as men perfidious, but rather manifests his owne treacherie, disco∣uering that to be in himselfe, which he imputes to others: and such an one, hath no better conceipt of you, then of mee: But if the forme of my gouern∣ment distastes any man, thinking it strange, that in the gouernment of this Proui••ce, I take some courses different from yours: each of vs obseruing Iu∣stice and equitie, though you one way, and I another; I doe not greatly value such a mans good opinion. You, as a most noble & bountifull Gentle-man, gaue profusely in the Prouince, if I haue proceeded with a more restrained hand, & that the yeere following hath cut off a part of your former bounties; by reason of the hardnes of the times, no man need wonder hereat: ••or, be∣sides that of mine owne nature, I was
euer sparing of anothers purse, I was much mou'd (as I told you) out of the conditions of the time: and therefore little care, to seeme niggardly to those, that complaine vpon their peculiar in∣terests, so I bee herein good vnto my selfe. Touching the aduertisements you send mee, concerning Romane af∣faires, I heartily thanke you, and the rather, because you intimate, that you will be carefull of those businesses, that I commended to you; in which, of one aboue the rest, I request you to bee mindefull, that the time of my gouern∣ment be not prolonged; And entreat Hortens••us, our Colleague and famili••r friend, that if euer he did, or intended to doe me a pleasure, hee will not now perseuer in his opinion of the gouern∣ment for two yeeres: for nothing can more molest, or discontent me. Wher∣as you would know, in what state I stand: I departed from Tarsus the se∣uenth of October, and the day follow∣ing I wrote these, in the Countie of Mopsuhes••ia, where I was with the Ar∣mie. If I atch••ue any thing, you shall bee aduertis'd thereof, and I'le neuer write home, but you shall bee written to. Concerning the Parthians, I take it for a fable. Those Araebians that came into my Prouince, in Parthian habit, are gone away, as it's reported: and there is no feare of any warre in Sy∣ria.
I would willingly haue you write often of your affaires, of mine, and of the whole state of the Common-wealth, at which I am much troubled; so much the rather, in that you write our friend Pompeius is to go into Spaine. Farewell.
WIth much a doe, I haue at last read a letter, well beseeming Appius Clodius, full of humanity, cour∣tesie, and friendly care. Out of questi∣on, the very sight of R••me, hath retur∣ned you your former sweet procee∣ding. For when you wrote vnto me on the way, while you were yet in Asia, about the matter of the Legates, whose comming to Rome I prohibited: and when you complain'd, that I hindred the Appian edifications, it gaue mee no small distaste; & mine own conscience witnessing, that I had beene euer con∣stant in louing you, I returned an an∣swer halfe in choller: yet after I read the letters deliuered to Philotimus my Free-man, I perceiued, there were ma∣ny in the Prouince, which affected our falling out. But after you came to Rome,
or at least, as soone as you had seene your friends, you vnderstood of them my perpetuall loue and affection to∣wards you, manifesting it selfe, vpon all occurrents, while you stay'd in your Prouince: wherefore imagine, how neere my heart those words went, you wrote vnto me•• If any thing fall out for my aduancement and dignity, though it be vnpossible, yet render me equall kindnesse. This, you may easi∣ly doe; for, what is there in this world, which endeauour will not compasse? Neither can any attempt be so difficult, but a true affection may ouercome it. I euer thought, & so my friends write, that you should obtaine a Triumph, but yet I am exceedingly satisfied in the cer∣tainty you giue me thereof; and not bec••use I hope my selfe as easily to get it; (for this were but an Epicurean part) but in that your honour and dignity is of it selfe most deere vnto me. Seeing therefore, you haue greater conueni∣encie of messengers, then any other; for none would come hither, without giuing you notice; when my suit hath gotten that successe, which you expect, and I desire, I should bee very glad, to be therof aduertised. If through those long Sessions of the Senate, as our friend Pompeius was wont to terme them, you are delayed a day or two, (for there is no likely-hood it shall bee
longer,) your dignity will no wayes be impeach't by this deferring. But for the loue you beare mee, and for that, that you expect from mee. Vouchsafe to cheere me vp, with this acceptable in∣formation, and ••emember to keep pro∣mise with me about the present, which you promised to make mee. For be∣sides, that I am desirous of the Science of Auguration; any gifts of yours in∣finitely please me, they being an appa∣rant testimony of the loue you beare me. And because you demand some e∣quall remuneration, I must ruminate well vpon it, that I may make you the like requitall: For, if I should not take the paines in this, that vsually I doe in my other compositions, which you are wont to thinke worthy of admiration. You might haue iust cause, to repute me not onely negligent, but vnthankfull. And of these matters enough. Further now, my desire is, that you bring to ef∣fect the offer which you made me; my meaning is, that you labor by all means possible, to compasse me my suites; v∣sing therein your wonted diligence, that the Senate may pleasure mee, and out of hand, with the honourablest demonstrations that may be. You pro∣mis'd it me; see you doe not faile: and doe it likewise, for the sake of our an∣cient am••tie. I doubt, I haue ouer-long deferred my writing thereof to the Se∣nate,
and that my letters•• through diffi∣cult passage by sea, came in time of the vacations. But herein I followed your example; and I thinke I did well, in not writing so suddenly after my being cal∣led Imperator, but after the end of ma∣ny enterprizes, brought to passe in all this summer. Be therefore carefull of this, according to your promise; and so in all other occasions, vouchsafe to take my affaires, my selfe, and all mine, into your friendly protection. Farewell.
VVHen I heard of their presum∣ptuous boldnesse, that mole∣sted you, though at the first hearing I was astonished; becaus•• nothing could haue hapned further beyond my expe∣ctation; yet when I more aduisedly considered thereof, I tooke heart at grasse, putting great hope in your selfe, but greatest in your friends. And many reasons perswaded me to think, that this trouble would rather augment, then ex∣tenuate your honor. It vext me much, that enuious men had found out a meanes, to depriue you of the glory of your Triumph, which questionlesse
you should haue obtained, conforma∣ble to your deserts. Of which losse, if you make the same reckoning, that I e∣uer esteemed should be made; you shall do wisely, & triumph at last in the sor∣row of your enemies. For I know you to be so strong in friends, and so prudent, that vndoubtedly it will greatly grieue them, that euer they run into such a le∣uity. For mine own part, I assure & pro∣mise you, calling all the gods to wit∣nesse of my heart, that for your digni∣tie, (for so I will rather terme i••, then safetie) in this Prouince, which you gouerned, I will haue more then ordi∣narie care; entreating for you affectio∣nately; endeauouring my selfe no o∣therwise then if you were my kinsman; vsing what authoritie, and power one may haue, that is deare, as I hope to be vnto the Cities, and hath the title of Imperator. Command mee, and ex∣pect at my hand all [good] offices, for my endeuours shall surmount your i∣magination. Quintus Seruilius deluer'd me a briefe letter of yours, which not∣standing I thought too long; for your int••eating me, made me take it for an iniurie. I am sorrie the time is come, wherein you shall haue cause to know, what esteeme I make both of you, and of Pompeius, whom I must regard a∣boue all others; and what loue I beare to Brutus: Although you should haue
discern'd it by some other way, as no doubt but you shall. But seeing such an occasion is offered, if euer I faile in any thing, let me be reputed a dishonoura∣ble, and very bad man. Pontinius whom I know to be much bo••nd vn∣to you, returnes you those offices that hee owes you. Hee was gone to Ephe∣sus, vpon businesse of his owne, of no small importance, but when hee heard of this accident of yours, he presently returned to Laodicea. I knowing that you shall haue a number of such men to fauour you; I make no doubt but this present crosse will redound to your greatnes. But if you obtaine to bee Censor, and discharge the Censorship, as you ought, and can: I plainely dis∣cerne, that you will not be a perpetuall and firme defence to your selfe only, but to all your well willers also. Well, labour what you can, that there may be no prorogation of my office; that when we haue procured you all satisfa∣ction from hence; we may also stand you in some steed there, if any thing happen wherein I may pleasure, or ••ur∣ther you. Whereas you write of some fauours shewed you, which my friends also haue wri••ten from thence vnto me; it was no newes; but yet it infinitely contented me: not onelie for your owne respect, whose friendship yeelds me much satisfaction, and benefit; but
also because by this I see, there is some esteeme made in our Cittie of valour and worth: which reward I alwaies receiued, in paiment of my trauell and paines. But me thought it verie strange, this young man should bee so rash and headstrong, to incurre your enmitie, without all regard of me; whom with singular endeauour, I defended twice in capitall causes: especiallie you being back't with manie qualities, and assi∣stances, that to himselfe are wanting, for I'le speake no worse of him: and these words that slipt from him like a childe, and a foole as hee was; were first certified me in writing by my friend Marcus Coelius, and of the same, you haue also written to mee at large. Certain••l••e if I had tooke him for your enemie, I would rather haue sh••ken off mine old, then entred into any new a∣mi••ie with him. For you shall haue no cause to doubt of my affection, which I haue made manifest to eu••rie one, both now heere in my Prouince, and before in Rome: Neuerthelesse because in your letters I obserue some little iea∣lousie of me, I am enforced to iustifie my selfe with you. For now, 'tis no time for me to complaine. But tell me now? when prohibited I any embassie from comming to Rome, in your praise? see you not how I could haue done no∣thing of lesse preiudice to you then
this, if I had profest open hatred to you? And againe, in case I meant closelie to malice you, I could haue vndertaken no action, would more haue laid me open then this. Were I as persidious, as they that report this of me, I had not beene so palpably foolish, to breake out suddainly with you into so great enmitie; especiallie in a mat∣ter, wherein I might well discouer my desire, but that in effect I could no waies offend you. I remember diuers came and told me, that the rated charge of Embassies, farre exceeded the vsuall proportion; whom I did not enioyne to any thing, but onely said, I thought it fit, that the charge thereof, should mount no higher then was de∣termin'd by the law Cornelia: And in this likewise, I referred my selfe to their pleasure; as the accompts of the Citie can testifie: by which it appeares, that the charge was such, as themselues thought good to be at; but, bad men haue striuen to peruert truth with a thousand lies; giuing you to vnder∣stand, that prouisions were not onely taken from those Embassadors, who were going to Rome, but were rede∣manded, and caus'd to be restor'd by their Agents, who were alreadie de∣parted, and that this was the cause that many forbare comming to Rome. I could finde in my heart to bee verie
plaine with you, were it not, (as before I told you) that my meaning is, as rea∣son requires; onely to iustifie my selfe, and not accuse you; no waies to ag∣grauate your minde, which is alreadie sufficiently disturbed. So that I con∣demne you not for beleeuing these mens words: but 'Ile not spare to set downe some reasons, why you should not haue beleeued them. And certain∣ly, if you repute me an honest man, and for a man worthie of opinion or fame in those Sciences, whereunto ••rom my childhood I haue beene addicted; if you suppose in mee any generosity of minde: or if you value me of any iudge∣ment in matters of waightie conse∣quence; I cannot perceiue, how it should enter into your minde, that I would practise, (I will not say) any trecherie, any decei••, or dissimulation in our friendship; bu•• so much as the least base, or dishonourable part. But if you please to delineate me for an hol∣low, and double-hearted fellow: what is there more vnlikelie to bee thought of, in a man of such a n••ture, then to cast off the loue of a person placed in high dignitie: or to take away his good name, in the Prouince, whose honor blemished by others, I haue at R••me de∣fended: or to shew an ill minde, where I haue no pow••r to hurt; or to intend trecherie in that place, where it would
be discouer'd to no end nor purpose? And why should I bee so implacable towards you: hauing vnderstood by my brother, that you were not my ene∣mie, when without blame you might haue beene so? And seeing with reci∣procall desire, we encline to concord: what fauour required you of me, du∣ring my Consu••lship, that I deni'd you? when I accompanied you, on your way, to the Prouince; what charge left you with me a•• Puteoli, wherein, my care, surmoun••ed not your expectati∣ons? and if it be true, that fallacious, and double hearted men, howsoeuer, haue a regard to their p••culiar profits: what in conclusion could bee more be∣neficiall, and profitable to mee, then ioyning in loue with a noble and ho∣nourable person, whose power, ac∣companied with such wisedome, and valour; whose progenie, and kindred, might be vnto me, a wonderfull orna∣ment, and preualent protection? Nei∣ther sought I your friendship, with any particular end, or aime; but because these your parts, and endowments, I esteemed them, and loued them, for their owne sake. Moreouer, how value I those bands, thinke you, by which I reioyce, to see we are linked or ioyn'd together? The likenesse, or identitie of studies; the swee••nes of mutuall conuersation, li••e, and discours••; and
that litterature that is not of many pos∣sessed? These things I passe ouer, as being better knowne to our selues, then others. What shall I say of those things, which are well knowne to the people? The peace, and agreement wee made; in which, being so generally noted, the leaft halting in the world, would haue rais'd suspition of trecherie: The col∣ledge of Angures, in which amongst our predecessors, it was not onely vn∣lawfull, to violate amitie, but further, no man could bee aduanced to th••t dignitie, who professed hatred to any one of the Colledge. But to leaue mat∣ters so waightie and important: where finde you, that any man held, could hold, or ought to hold another in that reuerence, as I hold Cneius Pompeius, your daug••ters Father in law. For if deserts be of any worth, I make ac∣count that he hath restored to mee my Countrie, my Children, my safetie, my Dignitie, and briefel••e, euen mine own selfe: If sweetnesse of conuersation: who can rem••mber in our Cittie, any friendship more inward then ours? and if signes of loue and courtesie deserue any thing; what proiect, would hee not co••mit ••o me? what secret would hee no•• communicate? when hee was remote from Rome, whom did hee vse but my sel••e? what t••arms of honour hat•• h•• not grac'd mee with? and in
conclusion with what patience, with what humanitie, did hee once endure me to touch him to the quicke, in the defence which I made for Milo? with what a singular care prouided hee, that I might not runne into any popular disgrace, protecting me with his Coun∣cell, Authoritie, and in a word, with armes? at which time hee shewed, that magnanimitie, and grauitie, as hee would neuer beleeue the words, I will not say of a Phrygian, or a Lycaonian, as you did in the matter of Embassies; but of many great men, who spake ill vnto him of me. Now his sonne, be∣ing your sonne in law; and besides the respect of affinitie, I vnderstanding how deere, and acceptable you are to Pom∣peius: how ought I thinke you to bee affected towards you? especially hee hauing written vnto mee such letters, that if I were as great an enemie to you, as I am a friend, yet would I bee pacified, and suffer my selfe wholly to be directed, not onely by the will, but by the leaft winke, or becke of so great a benefactor. But of these matters let this suffice: and I feare I haue beene longer then peraduenture was requi∣site. You shall see, what I haue partly performed, and partly set on foote in your behalfe; the which I doe, and will vndertake, rather for your honour, then for any great danger, or doubt
therein. For I hope ere long to heare, that you are created Censor: which be∣ing an office for a man of great valour and high vnd••rstanding, (let me tell you) it requ••res other consideration and care then this present imploym••nt. Farewell.
LYing with the Campe neere to the riuer Pyramus, I ••eceiued at one time two of your letters, which Quin∣••us Seruilius sent me from Ta••sus: one was written the v. of Aprill: the other, which seemed the latt••r, bare no date. I will first therefore answer to the for∣mer. Whereas you write vnto me, that you are cle••red of the imputed crime of Maiestie: of which successe, though I vnderstood by le••ters, by messengers, and finally by fame it selfe, (for nothing could be more divulg'd: not that any man thought otherwise, but because all the occasions of renowned men, are euer spred with a common voyce) yet your owne letters multiplied my ioy; not onely in that they reuealed what was past, more abundantly then others
did: but also, by rea••on, that vnd••r∣standing of it by your selfe, I had the greater cause (as I thought) to reioyce with you. I haue therefore enter••ain'd you a far off, in thought, and kissed your letters, and, with my selfe, I re∣ioyc't, as if the businesse had beene mine owne. For, when the people, the Senate, and the Iudges; doe fauor wit, endeauour, or vertue; me think••s they fauour me also. Which peraduen••ure proceed•• from that sweet deceit, by which I am nuzzel'd in a beliefe, that my selfe also am possest of those parts to which al fauour, or grace belongeth. Neither did I wonder, that your cause should haue so glorious an issue, but that your enemies could carry ••o wic∣ked a minde. And though you are yet to purge your selfe, de ambitu: this need not much to trouble you. For, as you euer encreased Maiestatem, of the peo∣ple of Rome, So you euer shunned am∣bitum. Aud what is Maiestas? Nothing else, vndoubtedly (according to Sylla's meaning) but, That no man should be de∣fam'd by any other, without rigorus chastise∣ment: & Ambitus was wont for the most part to be so apparāt, that as well ••e that seeks ••o defend himselfe being culpable, of∣fendeth: as he that accus••th one that is inno∣cent. For whether one giues, or not, con∣trarie to the lawes, how can it possibly be concealed? & of all the honors you
euer emoyed, who euer had the least suspition [thereof]? O, what hard fortune had I, that I could not then be present? I know well enough, what sport I should haue made. But touching the triall de Mai••state, you write two things, which giue me singular con∣tentment; one is, that you were defen∣ded by the Common-wealth her selfe, who, though she were better stor'd with good and valiant cittizens, should support men of your qualitie: but now more especially, because there is such a penurie, in euery age and degree, that shee being left as a poore forsaken, and desolate widdow, hath great reason to imbrace such tutors. the other is: be∣cause you so highly extoll the fidelitie and loue, of Pompeius, and Brutus, both my very deare friends. I am glad, you haue two kinsmen so louing and noble: the one neither hath, or euer had in all the world his like; and the other hath now a long time enioy'd the chiefest place among the yong men of this Cit∣tie; and shortly also, as I hope, shall carrie it from them, that in yeares farre exceed, and goe before him. Concer∣ning the corrupted witnesses, if Flaccus cause not their infamie to be publickely proclaim'd in their seuerall Citties; when I passe through Asia, it shall be done. Now, I come to your other E∣pistles: I haue perus••de the forme and
draft you sent me, of the present times, and the whole state of the Common-wealth, and I am much comforted in the prudent discour••e you make there of. Because I see the daung••r is not so great, as I feared, and there is better de∣fence, then I in any wise hoped; If it be true you write vnto me, that all the citty referres it selfe to Pompeies direction and gouernment. And also I conc••iue, how prone your mind is, and enfl••med to the defence of common libertie. And I was singularly well pleas'd in your lo∣uing care and vigilancie, that in the depth of your waightiest occasions, you faile not to mak•• knowne vnto me, the state of the Common-wealth. If I had thought, you had beene in these distra∣ctions, I would not haue written so earnestly to you, about the bookes of the Auguries. Now, I sollicite you not to the performance of your promise herein, reserue them till another time, when both the one, and the other of vs, may be at better leisure. And in their stead send me at this present, all your Orations compleat, as you promised. Tullius who should haue spoken with me in your name, is not yet come to me. And here are now no more of your friends; but that all mine, are likewise yours. I know not what those letters be, which, you say, I wrote vnto you, in so great choller, I haue written twice vn∣to
you, in iustific••tion of my sel••e, a∣bout the false reports, that were d••li∣uer'd you of me: and in iustifying my selfe, I complaine of you, for giuing them credite: and me thought one friend might lawfully vs•• such expostu∣la••ions with another. Bu•• if you relish them no••, Ile vse them no more. And if the letters I wrote to you, vpon such a subiect were (as you write) destitute of eloquence: I tell you they were not mine. For as Arist••rchus accounted no verse to be Homers, which he approu'd not of: so, (giue me leaue a little to be pleasant,) suppose you nothing to be mine, which is not smooth and elegant. F••rewell. And if you be Censor, be mindfull to looke backe into the Cen∣sorship of your great Grand-••ather.
I Will first congratulate with you, (for so the order of things requires) afterwards I'le returne to my selfe. I am glad therefore of your being clea∣red of the action de Ambitu, not so much for your acquitall, whereof no man doubted; as, in that the better cittizen you are, the more valiant man, the more constant friend, and the grea∣ter
aboundance there is in you of ••hose parts, that deriue from vertue, and en∣deuour: so much the more was it to be admired, that in the Articles o•• so m••∣n••e iudges, who are of power to accuse, without producing the accuser, there was no secret m••lice found ou••, which durst oppose you•• This was not a pro∣ce••ding answerable to these times, to men of thes•• dai••s, nor to present cu∣stomes. For my part I haue not ob••er∣ued any thing this many yeares, that strooke me in••o a greater wonder. Now, to come to ••hat part, which concernes me: Imagine your s••lfe ••or a while in my pl••ce, and accoun•• you are my s••lfe If you can easi••y deu••se what to obi••ct vn••o me, shew me no fa∣••our, if I kn••w not how to replie. I ••ray God this a••finitie, which my ••riends hau•• made without my priu••tie, procure to me and my daughter Tulli•• that contentment, which, out of your loue, I know you wish her. Which, thou••h I hope it will come to pas••••: yet should I grieue much, that ••his should ••all out, in time of your molestations, but that your prudence and humanitie affords me comfort Wherefore I know not how to get cleare of this bu∣••inesse: For of the one side I ought not to disapproue a thing, which you desire to be succesfull; and ••••t on the other, I cannot tell what
still vexeth my minde; although I am perswaded I may be secure, that you vnderstand very well, that all this mat∣ter was brought about by my friends meanes: to whom, a•• my departu••e I gaue commission, that I hauing to liue so far of, they should not attend my will and pleasure, but of themselues s••ould doe what they thought ••i••, and conuenient: And what if you had bin personally here, you may say? surely I should haue entertain'd the match, but concerning the time [of consummati∣on] I would haue done nothing with∣out your aduise, and counsell. You see, how I sweat with the paines I daily take, while I striue to defend a matter, which I am bound to defend, and no•• to offend you. Ease me therefore of this so waightie a burden. For to my re∣membrance, I neuer handled so intri∣cate a matter. And be assured, that, when I heard the newes of this affinity, though, heretofore I had beene slacke, in performing any thing that apper∣tain'd to your honor, I should suddain∣ly haue be••aken my selfe to the defence thereof, by making you discerne; not any b••tter affection then before, (••or better I could not) yet a more feruent zeale and readie will to prosequute your occasions. In departing out of the Pro∣uince, the whole yeare of my gouerne∣ment being expir'd, on the third of
August, when we drew neare to Sida by Sea, I heard of this thing by my friends letters. I said presently to Quin∣tus Seruilius, who was with me, and s••em••d not verie glad of these new••s, that I would affect you, more then euer I did. What should I ••ay more? I will not prot••st that my loue is growne greater, but I'le boldly affirme, that my desire to manifest it vnto you, is much augmented. For, as the regard of our precedent enmitie, b••fore vrg'd me, to be ver••e warie how I gaue the least mis∣trust, of my fained reconciliation vnto you; so this new affinitie, excites me to vse all my best endeuours, that it may not be thought, that vpon th••s conside∣••ation, the tender affection I euer bare you, should in any part be d••m••nis••ed. Farewell.
PResaging, as it were to my selfe, that in such alike office, I should one d••y haue need of your f••uour; when your goue••nment and proceed∣ings in the Prouince, were d••b••••ed in ••he Senate, I maintain••d your honour, with my whole power. Ye•• I must needs say, and that truely, that you haue ren∣dred
me more, then euer you receiu'd, How many haue written to me, tha•• not onely with the authoritie o•• you•• words, and opinion; for which things of themselues, from so great a man, I ought to haue beene contented; but ••urther, with your endeuour, and coun••sell, and with your repairing home to my house, and solliciting al my friends, you omitted no office of kindnesse to a∣ny particular [in my behalfe]? I esteeme more of these things, then o•• those, for which these endeuours are vnderta∣ken. For the ornaments of vertue, haue beene obtained by many, without ver∣tue; but such high fauo••rs, from men o•• that rari••i••, none cert••inely but a ver∣tuous man, could at any time obtaine. So that I propound vnto my selfe no o∣ther reward of our amitie, but meere friendship; which in her selfe compre∣hends aboundant felicitie; especially in those studies, wherein we mu••ually take l••king. Because I offer my selfe vnto yo•• as an associate in the cause of the Common-weal••h, of which, our o••ini∣ons are not different: and I will daily conuerse with you, in the exercise of those vertues, that both the one, and o∣ther of vs loueth. I would to God for∣tune had so dispos••d, that your kindnes might haue bin as great to my friends, as mine to yours: and yet I despair•• not ther••of, for a secret for•• knowledge
that my mind giues me: but you need not care for this: the burden is to lie on my shoulders. And I entreat you to beleeue, that by this new affinitie, my affection towards you is not onely not diminished, but it is encreased: though before, it seem'd to be perfect. When I wrote this present letter, I hop't you were Censor, and for this cause, I con∣triu'd the letter, briefe, and mo∣dest, as letters ought to be, that are directed to a ma∣ster of behauiour. Farewell.