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

THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE FAMILIAR EPISTLES OF M. T. CICERO. (Book 4)

Cicero to Seruius Sulpi∣tius. Epist. 1.

CAin•• Treba••ius my fa∣m••liar f••iend writes vnto me, ••hat you de∣manded of him where I was; and that you were sorrie that sick∣nes was ••he c••u••e, you could not come ••o see m•• ••fter my returne out of my Prouince; and that now, if I came neere

Rome, you would be glad to confer with me about both our offices. Oh Seruius, I would to God we could but haue spo∣ken together, before the ruines of the Common-wealth: (for we may now truely say, she is ruined,) out of question we might haue deuised some way to ••p∣hold her. For I know that both in, and after your Consulship, you affected no∣thing but peace. Foreseeing the euill that was to ensue. And though I com∣mended your iudgement, and was of the same opinion my selfe; yet could I neuer procure the atonement of ciuill dis••ord•••• For I came late; I was a∣lone; and, as it seemed, but weakely in∣formed of the cause. And finally, I found my forces vnable to alter their stubborne min••es, that desired warre. Now, seeing we are out of hope to assist the Common-wealth, if we may take some course for the safetie of our owne liues, not to maintaine any forme of our auncient state, but to mourne for the Common-wealth, so far as any wayes may stand with our reputation, I would rather consult with you then any other person in the world whatsoeuer. For I know you rich in the treasure of all learning, and deepely read in all aunci∣ent, and moderne histories. And know, that I had formerly written to you, that your going into the Senate, or rather, into the assembly of Senators, would

be to small purpos••, but that I was af∣fraid to offend him, who (as you may conceiue) would haue taken it very ill, that I should di••swade your residence in Rome; when he so instantly requested me to doe as your selfe did. To whom, when he intreated me, that I would re∣turne into the Senate, I answered: that I would say as you said, about the peace, or our going into Spaine. You see on what termes we stand: our Empire is diuided: warre is kindled in euerie quarter: Rome is abandoned, and ex∣pos'd to combustion: the lawes, iudge∣ment, and finally all good customes are supprest. Whereupon, so farre I am from hoping after better, that I know not what I may presume to desire. But if it seeme good to your wisedome, that we consult together, though I resolu'd to remoue further off from Rome, then now I am, whose very name I cannot heare spoken without extreme griefe: yet I will come nearer hand. I haue bidden Trebatius, that, if at any time, you would send him to speake to me, he refuse not this endeuour: the which I pray doe: or else, you may if you please send some one of your owne people, whom you most t••ust: that it may nei∣ther be necessarie for you, to come out of Rome, nor for me to approach it. I am so confident in your vnderstanding, and foolishly peraduenture, relie so

much on mine owne, tha•• I assure my selfe, that whatsoeuer wit•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 opi∣nion, we shall both conclud•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, will by all men be approued. Far••••••••l.

Cicero to Seruius Sulpitius. Epist. 2.

ON the nineteenth of 〈◊〉〈◊〉: being at Cumanum, I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 your le••••ters, and after I had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••hat you wrote, I might perceiue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dis∣cretion Philo••imus shewed: w••o being ••o speake to me in your nam••, about what occurred; he came not himselfe but sent the letters: the which you said were but briefe, supposing him to bee bearer. Notwithstandin•• wh••n I had read them, your Pos••••••••mia, and sonne Seruius 〈…〉〈…〉 me; and determined, that you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come to Cumanum; en••reating 〈◊〉〈◊〉 write vnto you, to that effect. Wh••rea•• you require me to aduise you: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more need of councell my selfe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 aduise another. And why should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sume to councell a man of your ••••••••o∣ritie, and wisedome? If we seeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our peculiar offices and duties, we ••ay easily finde them out: but if benefi•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall hardly finde it. But if we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men, we ought to be: that is, if 〈◊〉〈◊〉

steeme that onely profitable, which is iust, and ••••••est; we must needes know what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ould doe. In that you write how yo•••• state and condition is like mine o••••; it is most certain in vs, both that when wee held the best opinion, we erred alike: for our councels aymed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 concord, which being most behoue∣••ull to Caesar, we likewise thought in maintaining peace to haue fauoured him; but how we were deceiued in our iudgeme•••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what 'tis come vnto, you 〈…〉〈…〉 and you doe not onely know 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••resent, and past, but you forese•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••ose to come. It's an hard case 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now put vnto, to doe one of these two things: either to approue what is done; or to be present thereat, though you a••proue it not. One of which courses, in my opinion, is base; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other full of daunger. To conclude, •• am resolued, that we must depa••t; but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be thought of•• after what man∣〈…〉〈…〉 shall order our departure, a••d whither we shall goe. Neuer was there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 condition more miserable, nor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more difficul••: because we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dispose of any thing, but that w•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 light vpon some great contra∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 If you so thinke ••ood, I would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you doe thus: that if you haue de∣••ermin'd of any course, wherein your 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and mine owne doe not 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in any ••i••e take not the paines

to come; but if you desire first, to con∣sult with me, I'le willingly stay for you•• And I shall be glad, if you can conue∣niently, that you would come out of hand, as is likewise the desire of Seruius, and Posthumia. Farewell.

Cicero to Seruius Sulpitius. Epist. 3.

I Daily heare, that you are pensiue; and that, for the publick s••ipwracke, you mourne extreamely. Whereat though I cannot wonder, but confesse, that I likewise, vndergoe the same af∣fliction: neuerthelesse, I both grieue beyond measure, that you being a man endowed with such singular wise••ome, will not rather reioyce at your owne good, then vexe at another mans hurt. And I, though I graunt not, that any man is mo••e grieu'd at heart, then I am, for the lamentable ouerthrow of our Common-wealth: yet now for many reasons I take comfort, especially in calling to minde, that I neuer fail'd to pay vnto my countrie, whatsoeuer was due from a good Cittizen. For long since, as from an eminent and high tower, I discer••'d a far off, the ruine that was comming. And I saw it the

better, becau••e you pointed it out vnto me. For though I was in my Prouince a great part of your Consulship, yet so remote as I was, I knew your opinion about the preuenting this pestiferous warre. Besides I was in Rome, at the beginning of your Consulship, when a discourse falling out, vpon all the ciuill warres, you admonished the Senate, to take heed, by the calamities that were past: and to thinke how much more intollerable those would be, which oppressed the Country in these time••, seeing they had be••ne so cruell, who oppressed it heretofore, hauing thereof no former president or exam∣ple: In that men, doe vsu••lly thinke, that they may in all reason doe, what they haue example for; nay, and to doe wor••e, then their presid••nt allowes. Remember therefore, they are in ex∣treame mise••y, who might haue beene in happ••e•• ••state, if they had followed your aut••oritie, and cou••sell. You will say: What fruit reape I by this, a∣midst such darkenesse, and so great ••uines of the Common-wealth? Such is my griefe, I conf••sse, that it's scarce∣ly capable of consolat••on: so gr••a•• is the l••s••e of all things, and the desp••ire of their recouerie: yet, you s••ould m••tigate your so••row, ••i••h this com∣fort; that Caesar himselfe and with h••m al other Cittizens are possest, that there

remaines no other light of sanctitie, prudence, and repu••ation, but your per∣son. These reasons, may afford you, wonderfull relaxa••ion. Concerning your being farre off from your friends, you ought the easelier to support these troubles; being at one instant likewise, far remou'd from many, and grieuous molestations: of which I would write somewhat to you, but that I will not in writing certifie you of things, which, in that you see them not, I iudge you lesse vnhappie, then our selues, that daily be∣hold them. Hitherto me thinkes, I haue vsed all the arguments of cons••lation, that the loue I beare you could put into my minde, to ease the burden of your aggreeuances: other comforts remaine within your owne breast, the which I know to be great; yea, greater then a∣ny that can be ••ound: and I haue euery day, a feeling ther••of in my selfe, with so great benefit of minde, that me∣thinkes, I enioy a safetie th••reby. But I well remember, that you from your infancie, were studioushe addict∣ted to all lea••ning, and especiallie, to Philosophie; which in prosperitie yeeldes vs profit, and contentment; and now being in aduersitie, wee haue no other comf••rt but it. I will not bee arrogant, nor prescribe vnto you, who are endued with so great learning, and so noble a soule, the studie of these

Arts, which you euer affect••d from your youngest yeares. Thus much on∣ly I wi••l say vnto you, (and I hope you will commend me for it) that I, seeing how the estimation of my Art is de∣clin'd, I meane of eloquence, I haue appl••ed all my endeauours to th•• studie of Philosophie. And because you see, that your Art also, though it bee excel∣lent and singular, is notwithstanding almost as lightly valued, as ours: I need not labour to put you in minde; that in so boisterouse a storm you retire your selfe also in••o the same Port; be∣ing perswaded, that alread••e, you are thither withdrawne: for it is such re∣fuge, that though ••t cannot restore our publike los••e, yet will it be ve••ie avai∣lable, in razing out the memoriall thereof. Your ••onne S••ruius is a won∣derfull proficient in all the l••b••r••ll Artes, and principallie in thi••, wherein, as I write, my repose consis••eth. I wish him so well, that besides your owne, no mans loue can exceed m••ne towards him. Wherein he returnes me iust ex∣change. For he lou••s, and honors me, with an opinion, (as may easily be dis∣cerned) tha•• heerein hee performe••h, what your owne heart desireth. ••are∣well.

Cicero to Seruius Sulpitius. Epist. 4.

I Accept of your excuse, in hauing written vnto mee sundrie le••••ers of the same tenor, and in the selfe-same words: but I accept it only, in that you write you did so, by reason through negligence, and vntrustines of messen∣gers, letters oftentimes miscarried. Touching that part where you excuse your sel••e, by saying, that through pe∣nurie of words (for so you terme it) yo•• vse to write many letters, in one and the sel••esame forme; I cannot in any wise admit of it. And wheras you saie by waie of a iest, (for so I take it) that I possesse the treasures of the tongue, certainely I am not ignorant, that of words I am not very barren, (for why should I d••ssemble) but not∣withstanding all this, (and in this I halt as little) I easilie, or readilie giue place, to the pregnancie, and el••gancie of your writings. Touching the go∣uernment of Achaia; I euer liked of your course, in not refusing such a charge; but after the reading of your l••st letters, I farre more highly appro∣ued it. For all the reasons which you alledge are most iust, and beseem••ng both your authoritie, and prudence.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 as you are greeued, because ther•• ensued not that contentment of minde, you look't for, you supposing, that we liue not so ill here at Rome: Vn∣doubtedly you are deceiued. But be∣cause the commotion, and con••usion of things is such, and the ruine so great, which this most wicked warre hath wrought: that euery man deemes himselfe vnhappie wheresoeuer: there∣fore you repent you of your owne o∣pinion, and we at home, seeme happie men vnto you. But cleane contrarie, wee heere iudge you, not altogether to bee free from molestations; but in re∣spect of our selues, fortunate, or bles∣sed. And were it but in this, your con∣dition is farre better then ours; for you may securely write the occasions of your griefe, which wee cannot doe, without danger: not through any vice of the Conqueror, who cannot possi∣blie be more clement, but in respect of the victorie it selfe, which in ciuill wars, is alwaies insolent. In one thing wee haue exceeded you, because a little be∣fore your selfe, we saw the grace, which Caesar did to Marcellus your Colleague, and withall, in that I beheld, how the matter was carried. For I may truely affirme vnto you, that since these mise∣ries, that is, since that time that men began to striue for the Empire of Rome by armes, there hath passed nothing in

the Senate, with the dignitie of the common-wealth. For Eucius Piso making mention of Marcus Marcellus; and Caius Marc••••••us prostrating him••s••lfe at Caesars fe••te, humblie entreating him that he would bee pleased, that his Brother might returne to Rome; the Se∣na••ors rising ••p altogether at the same instant, submissely requested the like of him: Then Caesar accusing th••••u∣ster••tie of Marcus Marcellus, (••or so hee cal'd i••) and in honourable tearmes exal••••ng your worth, and wi••edome, on a su••daine b••yo••d all expectation, he said, that for all this hee would not forbeare to comfort the Senate. Be no further inquisi••iue. This seem'd vnto me ••o glorious a day, that me thought I saw a forme and Image of the Com∣monwealth raised vp againe from death; whereupon all they, who were demanded before my selfe, hauing gi∣uen thankes to Caesar, besides Vol••••tiu••; who said, if hee were in Marcellus case, hee would neuer returne to Rome; when I was sought vnto, I changed my mi••de: For I resolued, not o••t o•• sloth∣fulnesse, but for me••re griefe, of lost digni••ie, neuer to speake more in the Senate But this generous part in Cae∣sar, ••nd so ••riendly an o••fice of the Se∣nate, broke off my resolution; and in many words I gaue tha••kes ••o Cae••ar, which peraduenture may bee a c••use,

that I shall no more enioy that honest repose, that was the only mitigation of our euills. But yet, I hauing begun to speake, that I might not off••nd Caesar; who if I had beene altogether silent, might peraduenture haue thought, that I held, this Common-wealth no Cōmonwealth; I wil he••eaf••er speak so seldome, as it shall rather bee too lit••le, then too much: and this I'le doe, to satisfie in one, both his will, and mine owne studies. For although from my tender yeares I was well affected to all liberall Sciences, and especially to Phi∣losophie: yet this studie delights mee more ••uery day then other, ou•• of the maturitie of my yeares, as I suppose, which inclines to wisedome; and through the malignitie of these times, which is so violent, that no other re∣medie is aua••leable enough, to defend our minde from those molestations that enuiron it: to which studie, you write you could not attend, by rea∣son of the mult••tude of negotiations: which you may w••ll doe, allowing your selfe some time in the nigh••'s, now growing somewhat longer. Our Ser∣uius honours mee with great respect: and hee breedes my infinite content∣ment; for besides his learning, I dis∣cerne in him singular goodn••sse, con∣ioyn'd with valour. He often discours∣eth with me, of your affair••s, asking

me the question, whether you must re∣maine still in your Prouince, or depart. Hitherto my opinion is, that we dispose of our selues to Caesars will. If you were at Rome, besides your friends, you could finde nothing wherewith to bee delighted; Caesar himselfe is the best of all other considerations. But the estate of the Common-wealth, is such, that you would rather desire to heare of it, then see it. This I speake against mine owne minde; because I desire to see you in R••me for my consolation: but I speake it, because I preferre your bene∣fit before mine owne contentment. Farewell.

Seruius Sulpitius to Cicero. Epist. 5.

FOr the death of your daughter Tu••∣lia, I wa•• as truely sorrowfull, as be∣houed me: but this I reputed a com∣mon misfortune; and had I been there, I would haue assisted you with all possi∣ble kindnesse, and with your owne eies, you should haue read my griefe. Now, though their estate be pitiful, & lamen∣table, that vndertake to comfort others; who either being kinsfolkes, or neere f••iends, haue more need of consolation

themselues, being no waies able ••o dis∣charge this office, without aboundant teares, in that they are afflicted with the same care and griefe: yet will I not forbeare to set before your eyes those things, which at ••his present come into my minde: not because I imagine, that you did not discouer them, but in that by the vaile of your griefe, they are peraduenture concealed from you. What's the reason, that the death of your daughter should so afflict you? Remember how Fortune hath hither∣to to••sed vs. Shee hath depriued vs of those goods, which men ought to e∣steeme no lesse deere, then their chil∣dren; our countrey, our dignities, all honours, and commendable customes. What greater sorrow could pierce your heart, through the accesse of this dis∣aster? or what minde is there, that is not so inured to these things, that it is ere this time hardned; and that in fee∣ling them, is sorrowfull? haue you com∣passion of her, b••cause she is dead? In deed I suppose, this greeues you: Though nece••sarily you must, as wee al••o oftentimes consider, that they haue beene very fortunate, to whom the heauens were so fauourable, as depri∣uing them of life, they brought vpon them a death without vexation. And why should shee desi••e longer life? To what end? Vpon what hopes? To

marry with some Gentle••man, with whom she might haue liu'd h••ppily? I beleeue, that amongst our young Nobilitie, you might haue made choice of a son in law, co••respondent to your owne dignitie: to whose trust, you might ••ecurely haue committed your children. Or, because she might haue occasion to reioyce, when shee saw her children in flourishing estate? And such, who, of themselues, might be a∣ble to gouerne their fathers inheri∣tance? might attaine successiuely to all honours? might shew courtesie in their ••riends occasions? Which of these things was not taken away, before it was giuen? Oh, but you'l say, The losse of children go••s neere the ••eart. 'Tis true, it is an ••uill, but to suffer what we suffer, is far worse. Ile rel••te a thing vnto you, which gaue mee no small consola••ion; to try, if it can a••∣ford you as much. Returning out of Asia, and sailing from Aegina, towards Megara, I cast mine eye round about. B••hinde me lay Aegina, before M••gar••, on the ••ight h••nd Pirae••us, and on the left Corinthus: wh••ch were somet••mes renowned Cities, but now appeare to euery mans view, demolished, and euen wi••h the g••ound: And thus I began to con••ider with my selfe: Doe we then, poore wretched men, so dismay our selues, when any one of vs is slaine, or

dead; When in one onely place, so many bod••es of razed Cit••es are seene lying on the ground? Wilt not thou, ô Seruiu••, ackno••ledge and remember thy selfe, to bee borne mor••a••l? I•• you thinke good, propound to your sel••e this other example: Not long since, at one instant, many honourable men were slaine: The Empire was much impayr'd: All the Pr••uinces were tor∣mented: And doe you, for one si••ly womans breath expir'd, poure out so infinite lamentation? Who, if shee were not now dead, within a few yeeres, of nec••ssitie shee must dye; be∣ing mortall borne. Alas! banish this passion from your heart, and rather re∣call those things to your minde, that are worthie of your person: that shee liu'd as long time as was requisite; that she liued in the flourishing estate of the Common-wealth; that she saw her fa∣ther P••aetor, Consull, and Augure; that shee was married to one of the no∣blest young men in Rome; that shee ta∣s••ed all contentments, that possibly may bee ••nioyed in this world; and at last, departed this life at the same in∣stant, when the Common-wealth her selfe failed. And therefore nei••her you, nor shee, could complaine of Fortune. Besides you must remember, how you are the same Cic••ro, that was wont ••o perswade, and comfort others. Doe

not therefore imitate ignorant Physi••i∣ans, who in other mens maladies, pro∣fesse they haue the Art of Physicke, but by no meanes can cure themselues: ra∣ther haue recourse to those remedies, with which you were wont to cure o∣thers misfortunes. There is no greefe so great, which length of ••ime doth not make lesse, and extenuate. It becomes you not to expect this time, and not to withstand it by your wisdome. And if it bee true, that the soule is immortall: then she questionlesse, out of the loue she beares to you, and the affection to the r••st of her friends, would no•• haue you commit this errour. Deny not this fauour therefore to your daughters soule. D••ny it not your good friends, who sorrow ••or your greefe•• Nor deny it to your Country, because, if shee stood in need of you, shee may vse your aid and councell. And seeing we are reduced to such a point, that we must also haue a respect to this; take heed, lest others censure, that you la∣ment not so much for your daughter, as for another mans victorie, and the calamities of the Common-wealth. I am asham'd to write vnto you of this more at large, because I would not seeme to be diffident of your wisdome: with this breefe record therefore, I will make an end. We heretofore saw, that you gouern'd prudently in your happy

••ort••nes; and reaped thereby high commendation. Now, let it appeare vpon this accident, that you know how to demeane your selfe also in disasters, without taking greater greefe then is conuenient: to the end, that of all o∣ther vertues, this may not onely seeme wanting in you. As for the occur∣rents of these par••s, when I heare of the pacification of your minde, I will pre∣sently giue you aduertisement. Fare∣well.

Cicero, to Seruius Sulpitius. Epist. 6.

I Wish, my deere Seruius, as you write, that you had beene at Rome, when this grieuous accident befell me. For if your letters haue somewhat ••asde my mind, so much the more doe I suppose, that with your presence you might haue assisted me, both in comforting me, and mutually mourning for the cause of my griefe. For fi••st you set me downe reasons, that are of force to stay my teares; and then your selfe also, as it were for a kinde of comfort, haue associated your griefe with mine. But yet your S••ruiu••, in all the louing offi∣ces, that at such time could be shewed,

did manifest both in what esteeme himselfe held me, and how he thought that you al••o ••ooke well at his ha••d, this his affection towards me. Whose loue did so comfort me, that I know not what greater contentment I could haue desired; for ioy I cannot tearme it. Neither do your words onely cheare me vp, and your fellow feeling, as it were, of my heart griefe; but your au∣thoritie also turnes to my especiall con∣solation. For me thinks I am ashamed, I should not tollerate my mis-fortunes, with that fortitude of minde, as you, being a man of singular wisedome thinke fit I should doe. And yet some∣times I am so ouerwhelmed with sor∣row, that I can scarcely support it; wanting those comforts, which others in the like Fortunes fail'd not of, whose example I propound vnto my selfe. For both Quintus Maximus, who lost a son, that had beene Consull, and after the same dignitie, performed many famous enterpris••s: and Lucius Paulus, who in seauen dayes, was depriu'd of two: with our Gallus, and Marcus Cato, who had ••ne died, that was replenished with prudence and valour: these liued in those times, that the honours which the Common-wealth afforded them, were to them a comfort. But no other comfort was left me, then that which death bereau'd me of. I had lost those

ornam••••••s, ••hi••h you recount, and which I with painefull endeauours had purchased: my minde was not busied, neither with my friends occasions, nor the managings of the Common-wealth: I could not plead any cause, nor could I counsell the Senate: it ap∣peared vnto mee, euen as in effect it was, that I had lost all the fruits of my labours, and fortunes. But on the other side, considering ••hat this misfortune happened not to mee alone, but exten∣ded it selfe further to you, and some o∣thers also: I arm'd my minde with pa∣tience, and so much the more readily, because I knew whither to flye, where to repose mee, and where, with sweet and pleasant discourse, to expell out of my minde, all clouds of duskie and hea••uie meditations. But now, this greeuous wound makes me feele those olde scars, which I tooke to bee healed. Hereto∣fore, though I were depriued of the Common-wealth, yet I found them at home, which ye••lded me comfort. But now, of that societie, which I so deerly loued, finding my selfe left alone, mee ••hinkes I haue lost all those delights, that should haue eased my afflictions about the Common-weal••h. And thus I haue lost all, both publique and priuate com••ort: which makes me the rather desire, that you would speedily returne: all the consolations of letters,

are nothing, in respect of those, which our conuersation and conference will afford me: and her••of I shortly looke to receiue comfort. For I heare, your returne is expected. I desire for many causes, to see you out of hand, and a∣mongst the rest, that we may, before it be too late, consult, how to passe ouer this time, wherein, the forme of our life must bee fram'd, according to the will and pleasure of one man: who, though he be replenished with wisdom and courtesie; and, so far as I can per∣ceiue, beares towards mee, rather a good minde, then otherwise; and a singular affection to you: yet herein we must be circumspect, how wee resolue, and that we stir in nothing, but quietly repose our selues, vnder the shadow of his gracious fauour. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Marcellus. Epist. 7.

THough I will not presume to repre∣hend the courses, which hitherto you haue taken; not because I am like∣wise of the same opinion: but in that I repute you so wise, that I will not take vpon me to prefer mine own iudgment before yours: yet for our ancient loues

sake, and for the infinite good will, you haue borne me, from your child-hood, I could not but impart that vnto you, which I iudge most profitable for your life, without any preiudice to your ho∣nour, or reputation. I remember full well, you are the man, which in your Consulship performed wonderfull mat∣ters: I likewise call to minde, that you neuer approu'd, that a ciuill war should bee made in such forme and manner, as it hath beene. Neither did you euer like of Pompeyes Armie. And you alwayes fear'd the perils, which since haue hap∣ned, as also you cannot forget, that my selfe was euen of the same opinion. And therefore, as you would be present in the war, but a small time: so I vsed all the meanes I could, to keepe from thence, because there was no fighting with counsell, authoritie, or cause, which were things wherein we excel∣led: but the buckling was by force and hand-blowes, wherein we were not e∣quall: and therefore wee were vanqui∣shed; and if not vanquish't, (for it seemes, that a iust and honest cause can neuer be ouercome) at least, wee were disturbed, & discomfited. Wherin, not only your counsel is by euery man to be commended, in that together with the hope of victory, you gaue ouer your de∣sire of fighting: giuing in this to vnder∣stand, that euery wise & good Citizen,

as he enters into a ciuill war against his will, so doth he as vnwillingly perseuere in the same, till it bee ended. I see that those, who followed not your aduise, are diuided into two sorts: For some of them, did what they could, to re∣new the war in Africa: And othersome haue cast thems••lues at the feet of the Conquerour; as also I my selfe haue done. You haue kept a ••iddle way; r••puting peraduenture of the other two waies, the ••ormer very imprudent, & the second to be scarse honour••ble. Questionlesse, most men, yea all in ge∣neral, both censure, that you did wisely: and many likewise, extoll therin your magnanimity and fortitude. But it may suffice you, that you haue made your selfe known for such a man: especially, ••eeing you want nothing else, for the ••e∣couery of your former estate; but a will in your selfe. For I vndestand, there is nothing troubles his mind, that's Lord of all, but onely the doubt he is in, ••hat you will not accept of your restitution at his hands. In which it boots not, for me to deliuer my opinion, considering, what I haue done my selfe. Notwith∣standing, if you were formerly resol∣ued, to liue in perpetuall exile, rather then to behold your Countreyes serui∣tude: yet you should consider, that wher••soeuer you are, you shall be euer vnder his power, whom you flye, who

although hee were con••ent, that you should liue abroad in any place in li∣berty, and quie••ly: yet you should doe well, to bethinke your selfe, whether were better, either to liue at Rome, and in your own house, or at Rh••des, or Mi∣tylene But his dominion, whom we so much feare, being extended so far, that there is no p••rt of the world, which it reacheth not vn••o; had you not ra••her continue in your owne house, wi••hout danger, then abroad, wi••h perill, in an∣other mans. For my part, were I to lose my life, I had rather lose it in my Countrey, then in strange and forraine parts. What I write vnto you, all that loue you thinke the same: who, ••or your famous & noble vertues, a••e very many. We also stand in doubt of your habitations, which we would not haue sackt in any wise. For, though peraduen∣ture, they can take no hurt of long con∣tinuance: (because neither Caesar, who hath in his hands the Common-wealth, nor yet the Common-wealth her selfe, would permit it.) Neuertheles, I know∣ing that in Rome there be Huck••ters, I would not haue them outragiously en∣tred, and pil••••red. And who these are, I durst set downe in writing: but that I am assured, you know them well e∣nough. Your brother, Caius Marcellus, who is vexed with continuall afflicti∣ons, with many teares in his eyes, sues

for your re••urne. And I feele no lesse greefe then he: though the offices hee vndergoes to helpe you, are not per∣mitted mee to doe. I hauing stood i•• need my selfe of another mans helpe with Caesar, with whom I can doe no more, then what the vanquished, vsually obtaine from the Conquerour: Ne∣uerthelesse, I forsake not Marcellus, ei∣ther in my councels, or endeauours: your other friends make no vse of mee. In all occurrents command me. Fare∣well.

Cicero to Marcus Marcel∣lus. Epist. 8.

I dare not aduise you, nor offer you a∣ny comfort, knowing, you of your selfe to be exceeding wise, and of great valour. For if it be tru••, that you sup∣port those ••errible accidents, which haue happened, with such constancie as I heare; I should rather reioyce in your fortitude, then mitigate your sor∣row. If also the sinister euents of the Common-wealth excruciate you: I dare not presume to haue so copious a wit, as to thinke I can comfort you; not being able in that kind to helpe my selfe. In other offices be assured, that I will neuer faile, whensoeuer your

friends request me; to whom I will in all occasions, giue to vnderstand, that I am bound to doe for you, not onely whatso••uer I can doe, but what I can∣not doe also. This I would request you to accept from me, either as a remem∣brance, or an opinion; or else, that you would beleeue, that my affection to∣wards you vrged me to speake it: which is, to enter into this cogitation, that my selfe hath done; that if there be any forme of a Common-wealth, you must liue therein; and though you be, both in euery mans iudgement, and in effect an honourable Cittizen; yet the qualitie of the times must beare greater sway: then your peculi∣••r will: nay, ••hough no forme of a Common-wealth should remaine, yet you may think Rome, a place fit enough for your exile. For if we affect libertie, what part is no•• subiect to this domini∣on? if like wise you care no more to liue in one place, then another; what swee∣ter residence is there then a mans owne countrie? But I assure you, that Caesar cherisheth all good wits; and embra∣ceth noble, and estimable men, so farre as may stand with the state, and dignity which he holds: but I goe ••ur••her, then I thought to haue done. Againe I say, I will ioyne my whole endeuour, with that of your best friends, if they be your friends: if not, I for mine owne part,

in all opportunities, will satisfie what∣soeuer is due, to the auncient amitie hath beene betweene vs. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Marcellus. Epist. 9.

THough I wrote vnto you at large before, by Quintus Mutius, and ex∣plained my opinion to you; yet Theo∣philus your Free-man going thither, whose fidelitie and true loue ••owards you, is well knowne vnto me, I would not let him passe, without my letters: Once againe therefore I perswade you, to returne into your countrie, in what state so euer it stand. You may well see many things which you would not; but not more, then what euery day comes to your eares: and thinke not, but there may come as much offence vnto you, by the eare, as by the eye: rather, that which we heare, seemes of∣tentimes far greater then it is in effect. Oh, but you••l tel me that somtimes you must needs say, and doe that, which willingly you would not. First; to yeeld vnto the times, that is, to obey necessi∣tie, hath euer beene reputed singula•• wisedome: Then; so farre as I can see, this your argument is not true•• For, re∣maining

in Rome, peraduenture 'tis not lawfull for you, to speake what you thinke: but you may lawfully conceale it. There is onely one at this present, which gouern••s; who is not aduised by his friends, but followes his owne counsels: and the like would Pompeius haue done, if Fortune had permitted him to seruiue Conquerour. Shall wee beleeue, that a••ter victorie, he would haue made any reckoning of vs; when, during the vncertainties of the warre, when he saw, all men, runne one and the self•• same fortune, he onely made vse of the directions of some shallow fellowes? And ••f when, you were Con∣sull, he would not follow, your prudent instructions, n••ither would be directed after our prescriptions, in the yeare of your brothers Consulship: suppose you, if he had be••ne once possest of the whole common wealth, that he would euer haue lent so much as an eare, to our admonitions? Ciuill warres are full of all miseries; which our predecessors neuer saw; and [yet] this present age, by reiterated experience ha••h felt them. But there is nothing more lamentable, then victorie itselfe: the which, though it for••une to the best qual••fied men, yet it makes them more ••ierce, and vnbrid∣••ed: so as, though they be not such by nature, yet necessitie constraines them so to be. In that the victor must graunt

many things, contrarie to his owne minde, to those by whose meanes, he vanqui••hed. Did you not perceiue as well as I, how cruell likewise Po••peius victorie must needs haue beene? If there••ore he had subdued, would you in this case haue forsaken your coun∣trie, because you would not behold some things displeasing to your mind? If you say, you meant to liue at Rome, because you would haue enioy'd your substance, and retain'd your dignitie: I will answere, that out of your vertue, you ought to haue contemn'd your owne respects, and to haue no other ob∣iect, but the Common-wealth. With∣all, what will the effect of your opinion be? For hitherto, your resolution is not onely commended; but conside∣ring the matter, your good Fortune also: your resolution; because necessi∣tie draue you to a ciuill warre, and your wisedome retir'd you from the issue of it: your Fortune; by reason that in an honorable vacancie, you prese••u'd the qualitie, and fame of your place, and dignitie. But now, no place ought to be dearer to you, then your countrie; neither should you loue her the worse, for her d••formitie, nor depriue her of your comfortable presence, seeing shee is become the widdow of so many, so great personages. Finally, if you ••aue made knowne the greatnesse of your

minde, in not humbling your selfe to the Conquerour; take heed you be not censured proud, in refusing his courte∣sie. And if we repute him wise, that flies farre off, from his countries oppression; sometimes it is likewise esteem'd but wilfulnesse, not to affect it: and if we are denied to enioy publicke fortunes, yet let's make much of that, we are per∣mitted to enioy priuatly. To conclude, I say, that if you thinke that you liue there more commodiously: yet ought you to consider, that you rest not per∣aduenture in any great securitie. The libertie of Armes is vnlimitable: but in other countries, there is also le••se re∣spect of doing iniurie. I so desire your safetie, that your brother Marce••••us, lit∣tle, or nothing at all surmounts me. Haue a respect, as is conuenient, to the qualitie of the times, to your wisdome, to your life, and to your substance. Farewell.

Cicero to Marcus Marcel∣lus. Epist. 10.

THough I had no newes whereof to write, and euerie day expected your letters, or rather indeed your selfe: yet was I not willing Theophilus should come to you, 〈…〉〈…〉 l••tters.

Determine therefore to come so soon, as you can; and make accou••t, you shall come long looked for; not only by vs, that is, by your friends, but of all men in generall. Sometimes I muse with my selfe, that you delight as much as you can, to prolong your cōming: questiōles I should haue held you excu∣sed, i•• you had no other sence, but that o•• your eies. But things heard, making as deep an impression, as those that are seene•• and being my opinion, that yo•• ought without all delay to repaire to Rome; I thought good by this, to in∣stigate you thereunto. And s••eing I haue made knowne my minde vnto you, it remaines for you to resolue in such a sort, as best stands with your wisdome. Yet I would desire you to write vn••o me, at what time we are to expect you. Farewell.

Marcus Marcellus to Cicero. Epist. 11.

HOW farre your commands pre∣••aile with mee, you might euer vnderstand, but in this present occur∣rent more then at any other time. For though Caius Marcellus my most kinde brother, not only exhorted me, but

humblie entreated mee, that I would bee pleased to returne to Rome: yet could hee neuer pe••swade mee, nor worke that effect, which, since that, your letters haue done; by which I perceiue how the matter went. Your office of congratulation with mee, springing from a most sincere affection, is to me very acceptable: and it yeelds mee the greater contentment, because amongst so few friends and kinsmen, which seriously imployed themselues for my safetie, I particularly discouer your desire, and the singular affection you beare me. At the first I little re∣garded my returning into that coun∣trie, where men ruled more then laws: but now I am perswaded, that from such men, or such friends, as you are, no man can liue farre distant, either•• in aduerse, or fauourable fortunes; wher∣fore this makes me reioyce in my selfe, and I remaine so much oblieg'd vnto you, that I will deuise by all meanes to make you knowe, that you haue beene beneficiall to one, who in his loue vnto you, is no whit inferiour to the best of your acquaintance. Farewell.

Ser••ius Sulpitius to Ci••ero. Epist. 12.

THough I know well, that I shall informe you of lamentable, and fearefull newes, neuerthelesse because fortune and nature exceedes all mens discourse: whatsoeuer it is, I thinke good not to conceale it: On the xxviij. of May, comming by ship from Epidaurus, to Pirae••um, I there found Marcus Marcellus our Colleague, and I spent all that day with him. The day following, when I departed from him, with intention to goe into Boeotia, and to visite the rest of my Prouince; he, as hee told me, was to saile towards Italie, by the way of the Malleae. The day af∣ter I being to leaue Athens, about ten a clocke at night, Pos••umius his ••amiliar friend, came, and told mee, that after supper Publiu•• Magius C••ilo, one of Marcellus his domesticall friends, had stabb'd him with a poinyard, and giuen him two wounds, one in the stomacke, another in the head, close vnder one of his ••ares; but that yet there was hope, that hee might escape it: and that Ma∣gius after so wicked a fact, slue himselfe: and Marcel••us sent him to relate vnto me the accident, and ••ntreat me, that I would assemble some Phisitions: the

which I presently did; and about break of day went without all delaie, towards his lodging: when, not far from Pir••••∣um I met a boy that belonged to Acidi∣nus, who deliuered me a letter, which inferred, that a little before day Mar∣ce••••us left this life. Thus, a noble gen∣tleman, renowned for great valour, by a base fellow, and of meanest conditi∣on, was lamentably murdered: and, hauing for his honor, and dignitie been pardoned by his enemies, hee met with a [pretended] Friend, that butcher'd him. I would not stay till I came to his lodging, where I found none but two ••ree-men, and some few seruants; for the rest, they said, were fled distra∣cted, because their Master was slaine, before his owne lodging. I was enforc't to carrie him, into the Citie in my lit∣ter, and there I prepared for him as solemne a funerall, as in Athens I could. The Athenians would not grant me a place within the Citie where to burie him: For they excus'd themselues that they were prohibited by their religion, neither had they granted the like to any before; but they were content he should be buried, in any publique Schoole we best liked. And we of many made choice of the most noble; which was the schoole of the Acad••mie: where burying his bo∣die, we ordained, that the Athenians,

should erect in his memoriall, a mar∣ble sepu••cher. You see then, how both before and af••er his death, I did him those offices, whereunto I was tied, both in respect of inward amitie, and by reason I had beene his Colleague in the Consulship. Farewell. From A∣thens, this last of May.

Cicero to Publius Nigidius Figulus. Epist. 13.

THE reason why I haue not writ∣ten to you of long time, is first be∣cause I had no certaine subiect whereof to write; and secondly, because I could not vse those kinde of letters, which are ordinarie. For Fortune hath so ta∣ken from vs all kinde of cheerefull ar∣gument; that wee cannot onely not write, but not so much as thinke of any ioyfull matters. There remaines a kinde of writing, that's miserable and lamentable, and com••ormable to these times: this I want also. For when I should offer you assistance, and com∣••ort, I am able to offer you none For my selfe ouerwhelmed by the same stormes, am driuen to relie on others. And I lament more often, that I liue in this manner, then I ioy tha•• I liue: for

though I haue not particularly receiu'd any notorious iniurie by Fortune: and Caesar, without attending my supplica∣tion, hath conferred vpon mee, many reall fauours: yet haue I inwardly such discontentment, that mee thinkes I si••ne gri••uously in remaining aliue. For many of my familiar friends are by death taken away, and diuers for feare of the victor, are fled into sundrie countries. And, of all those friends, which ioyned with me, and you, in de∣fence of the Common-wealth, I haue not one that suruiueth: and I am en∣forst to behold the ruine and rapine of their goods: neither do I onely heare, but to my extreame hea••t griefe I see, their substance ill dispos'd of, by whose ayde wee heeretofore extinguished the flames of the Common-wealth. And where wee had before, fauours, autho∣ritie, and great glorie; now wee ••inde no such matter: true it is, that wee en∣ioy the grace and fauour of Caesar him∣selfe: but that can not preuaile, aboue the violent mutation of all things, and of the times. Being therefore de••titute of whatsoeuer I was accustomed vnto by nature, enclination, and vse; I am distastfull not onely to others, as I vn∣derstand, but to my selfe also. For be∣ing borne, to haue alwaies somewhat a foot, beseeming a man; now, I want not onely the meanes of employment,

but euen to ruminate, how I might helpe any one: And whereas before, I was able to pleasure persons ignoble, yea, and the guiltie; now, to Publius Nigidius my deare friend, who hereto∣fore was so highly honor'd, and who excells all men, both for learning, and pietie; I cannot so much as offer my assistance. It therefore re••aines, that I labour to comfort you, and remo••e from you with liuely reasons, that griefe which oppresseth your minde. But if any man be of true force to com∣fort, either you or any other, it is your selfe: whereupon, I will not touch that point, which containes in it lear∣ned, and exquisite reasons; But I will leaue it absolutely to your selfe. Ob∣serue you, that, which is requisite for a valiant, and wise man, exacted at your hands by your grauitie, height of spirit, life past, the studies, and Sciences, which you euer prosecuted with singu∣lar commendation. I'le deliuer vnto you, what I can know, remaining in Rome, and therunto bending my minde, as I doe. I therefore affirme vnto you, that you shall not long dwell in these molestations, wherein at this present you are inuolued; but in those which also oppresse vs, I feare, you will euer continue. First of all I conceiue, that hee which beares all the sway, hath a very good opinion of you. This I write

not without good ground. The lesse familiar I am with him, the more dili∣gently I diue into his disposition. And therefore be secure, that he delaies your restitution for no other reason, but be∣cause hee would haue so much the iu∣ster occasion, to denie their suits with whom hee is displeased. Besides, all his friends, I meane those in greatest opi∣nion with him, stand greatly affected to your vertues, whereunto may bee added the peoples fauour vnto you, yea, and of all Rome besides. And more∣ouer the Common-wealth, which, to tell truth; at this instant, is but weake, (but of necessitie it must recouer it former abilitie) with the same strength it shall haue, will constraine her gouer∣nours, to restore you to your countrie. I said in the beginning, that I could not offer you my endeauour, and yet now I'le presume to offer you it: for I will seeke by all ceremoniall obseruance, to gaine, and binde vnto me Caesars friends, who loue me well, and spend much time with me; and by all artificiall meanes, I will studie to insinuate my selfe into Caesars amitie; which hitherto hath beene denied me, through my o∣uer respectiue nature. In conclusion, take my faithfull promise, that I will leaue no waies vnattempted, by which I may thinke to compasse our ends: And in this I'le doe much more, then I

dare to write. In all other occurrents command me, for you shall see mee ex∣ceed the loue of all your other friends and kindred. I haue nothing in the world, which you may not esteeme as well yours as mine owne; But of this I'le dilate no further, being desirous that you should hope rather to helpe your selfe with your owne; as I hope you shall. Nothing remaines, but to exhort, and intreate you, that you would arme your minde against For∣tune: and remember not onely those things which you haue learned of other g••eat men, but also those which haue proceeded from your owne studie, and vnderstanding. Which doing, you shall relie on good hopes: and with forti∣tude ouercome any aduerse accident. But who is better acquainted with these reasons, then your selfe? I will enterprise any thing, whereby I may yeeld you assistance: and I will pr••serue in memorie the good: which you wrought for me in the vnfortunate time of my banishment. Farewell.

Cicero, to Cneius Plancius. Epist. 14.

I Receiued from you two letters, deli∣uered in Corcyra: in one of which

you did c••ngratulate with me, for ha∣uing vnderstood, that I still retained my ••ormer dignitie. In the other you wished mee happie successe of the new marriage. And I affirme vnto you, th••t I hold my dignitie; if it may bee cal'd dignitie for a man ••o c••rrie that minde towards the Common-wealth, which all honest men ought: but if dignitie consist, in effecting your vpright coun∣sels and ends; or at least in defending ••reely your opinions; there is not so much as the least appearance of digni∣tie; and 'tis no sm••ll matter, if we may gouerne our selues ••o, that with pati∣ence we may wade through the torrent of euils, which partly threaten, and partlie lie vpon vs; which is very diffi∣cult in so miserable a war, whose ends threaten slaughter on the one side, and seruitude on the other. A midst which d••ungers I am much comforted, when I call to minde, that I fores••we these dread••ull calamities, euer since the time, that I feared not onely the victory of our enemies, but our owne also. For I saw, but too pl••inely, how daun∣gerous that contestation would be, which propounded to it selfe, the Ro∣man Empire for a reward. And admit they had vanquished, to whom through hope of peace, and no desire of warre I was lin••ed; yet I well vnderstood, how bloudie the victorie of enraged,

ambit••ous, and insolent men would be: but if they had lost the day: how many great men, and e••cellent Cittizens would haue lost their liues. Who, when I lab••ured for peace, and laid open to them the miseries, which ciuil ••warres produce, they supposed, that my ex∣hortations proceeded rather from ••ea••e then prudence. Whereas you reioyce for my new marriage, I know assured∣ly, that you affect my repose & quiet: but I had neuer taken any new course, in these so lamentable times, but that, at my returne I found mine owne e∣state, in as bad termes as the Com∣mon-wealth: For I was not secure vn∣der mine owne roofe: my whole house was full of entrappings and snares; I found gins laid euery where for me, e∣uen by those, who for my singular be∣nefits, should rather haue had a tender care, of my goods, and safetie. Where∣upon I thought, by the trust of a new affinitie, to secure my selfe, from the perfidious practises of the olde: But e∣nough hath beene said, concerning our affaires, and more peraduenture, then was requisite. As for yours, take a good heart, and feare no particular contra∣rietie: For ouercome who will, I see not how you runne into any great dan∣ger: Caesar, hauing alreadie as far I can conceiue, asswaged his anger towardes you; and the Pompeians hauing neuer

hated you. Caesar I know, h••th receiued you into grace, and Pomp••ius neuer wi∣shed you ••ll. For mine owne part, I pro∣mise you, that wherein soeuer I may doe you good, although ••t this present, I see, I can pleasure you but little; yet will I striue, with endeuours and ••oun∣sell, or at least, wi••h heartie affection and loue, to procure your profit, ho∣nour, and safet•••••• I beseech you, aduer∣tise me, of what soeuer you doe, or in∣tend to doe, with expedition. Fare∣well.

Cicero to Cneius Plancius. Epist. 15.

I Receiued from you a very briefe let∣ter, wherein I was not certified of that, that I desired to know: and haue vnderstood that, which before I knew very well. For I was not informed, how constantly you support, the common miseries; I plainly discern'd, how much you lou'd me: but this I knew before; if the other had beene knowne vnto me, I had beene furnished with matter to write of: But though heretofore by let∣ter I exprest my mind vnto you; yet at this present likewise, I thought good to admonish you, that you would not thinke your selfe, to be at any worse

poi••t ••hen others. We are all in great danger, but the perill is common. Thi•• disaster is vniuersall: you must not therefore shake it off, ••or request, that, that be done for your selfe alone, which is denied all others. Let vs therfore still betweene vs retaine that minde, which we eu••r m••intain'd among our selues: whereof, I hope well on your behalfe; and for mine owne, I'le war∣••ant you Fare∣well.