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IF you be in health, I am very ••lad•• I s••ould n••uer h••u•• ••hought, that you ••ad so lit••le est••••med our mutua••l loue, and th•• amit•• ••e••weene vs renued, that for a word only, you would s••eke the ruine of my brothe•• M••••ellu••; to whom some respect was du••, if not fo•• his owne sake, yet at least ••or ••he nobilitie of our
familie, & ••or the singular loue I beare, both to you, and the Common wealth. But now I both see him to be b••set with enemies; and small accompt to be made of my selfe, by him that had good reason to esteeme me. So that I, who haue charge of the Prouince, and Ar∣mie; I that am armed for your d••fence, am extreamely distrac••ed. And because you haue neither borne you as ••quitie, nor as the clemencie of our predeces∣sors required you; no maruaile thou••h hereafter you r••pent you. I did not be∣leeue, you could haue car••ied so muta∣ble a minde, towards me, and mine: And yet your iniuries cannot be of so great efficacie, as to separate me from the Common-wealth. Farewell.
IF you and the Armie bee safe, and in health: I am glad. You write vnto me, that for the mutuall loue, and late amity renewed betweene vs, you could neuer haue beleeued, that I should haue held you in so base an esteeme: by which words I know not, wha•• you would infer: But I imagine, that it
m••ght be reported vnto you, how I ar∣gu••ng in the Senate, vsed this speech; That many were greeued, because I had pres••rued the Common-wealth: and that your neere••t kinsmen, whom you could not well denie, wrought you ••o farre, that you should not vrge my commenda••ion in the Senate, as be∣f••re you were resolued. In saying of which, I further added, that the office of preseruing the Common-wealth, was equ••lly diuided betwixt vs. For, I had defended Rome ••rom domesticall practices, & from the treason of corrupt Citizens, and you, Italy, from the ar∣med enemy, and priuie conspiracies: and that this our society, in so great & honourable an enterprize, was broken off, by your kindred: who tooke i•• ill, that I, who had wonder••ully approu'd of you, in matters of so great impor∣tance, should be i•• any par•••• by you re∣compenced. And declaring in ••his dis••course, with what ioy I ••tt••nd••d your praise, and approb••t••on; and how f••u∣strate I rema••n'd o•• that hop••; the Se∣nators tooke con••entm••nt her••in, and began to smile; not ••or ••hat I ••pak•• of you, but because my expectat••on prou'd v••ine and ••ru••tl••s••e: and be••ause openly, and sincerely, I reueal'd the de∣sire I had, ••o bee commended by you. I•• cannot therefore in this be sayd, that I haue not honoured you, manifesting
what contentment I should take, to heare your testimonie, adde greater grace to my renowned actions. Wher∣as you speake of mutuall loue, I know not how you vnderstand loue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but I suppose, that then it is tru••ly mu∣tuall, when the one, and the other p••rty loues, with equall and ans••erable affe∣ction. If I should haue sayd, th•••• to doe you a fauour, I reno••n•••••• my Prouince; you would rather h••u•• thought mee vaine herein, then other∣wi••e. For the renunciation was made, to giue my selfe satisfact••on, and euery day I am b••tt••r pleas••d therewith, then other. It is true, that in giuing it vp, I sought to haue it committed to you. I will no•• men••ion the offices I did you, bef••re you were drawne by lot: on••ly, be as••ured of thus much, that my Col∣league did nothing in it, wi••hout my priuitie. Remember you the rest: with what expedition, so soone as your lot was drawne, I as••embled the Sena••e on the selfe same day; how aboundantly I spake in your comm••ndation. Did ••ot you once tell mee your selfe, that I did not onely commend you, but ex∣alted your praise, with th•• scorne and contempt of your Competitors? Be∣sides, the decree, which past vp••n such an election that day from the S••na••e, will testifie my true loue towards you, so long as 'tis extant. And after you
wen•• into the P••ouince, I desire you would call to minde the fauours, that I did you, both in the Senate, and with the people; as also the letters I wrote vnto you. And when you haue colle∣cted all these things, consider I pray you, whether at your last returne to Rome, you requited so many good offi∣ces. Whereas you mention our renu∣ed amity, I know not herein your mea∣ning, because you terme that renued, which neuer was altr••d. Whereas you write, that I haue done ill, hauing by one onely word, procured your bro∣thers ruine; First, be assured, that I like wondrous well, this your zeale, and good will, accompanied with such vi∣s••••rall loue and affection to your bro∣ther: And then, if in any thing, for the respect of the Common-wealth, I haue beene opposite to your brother; I re∣quest you to p••rdon me; For, no man can loue the Common-wealth, bet∣ter then my selfe: but if I defended my reputation, from his violent passion towards mee; i•• may suffice you, that I neuer complained to you, of the iniury hee did m••e: who, be∣cause I knew, that he prepared, and di∣sposed the whole power of his Tribune∣ship to my destruction: I besought Claudia your wife, and Mucia your si∣ster, whose good opinion towards me, I discouered in many things, for the
amities sake betwixt me and Pompeius, that they would diuert him from so wicked a determination. But hee, not∣withstanding I had been Consul, & had preserued the Commonwealth, did me such an iniury, as was neuer offred to a∣ny Magistrate, of what mean rank soe∣uer; nor to the worst Citizen. For, at the last of December, as peraduenture you haue heard, he prohibited me, in the re∣signation of my Consulship, to giue ac∣count vnto the people of my procee∣dings: which iniurie notwithstanding, at last redounded to my great honour. For, hee permitting me no further inti∣mation, then mine oath; I swore aloud, and the people with a loud voyce, and to my great glory, swore likewise, that mine oath was most true. Hauing re∣ceiued this grosse disgrace; yet the same day, I sent to Metellus, those that were friends to vs both; requesting him to remoue that resolution, he had vndertaken against me; To whom he made answer, That it was not in his power: because, speaking to the peo∣ple, he had formerly implyed, that there was no reason, that he should haue au∣thoritie giuen him to speake, who would not grant the same to others, but had punished them, without permitting them lawfull plea. Oh, what a graue Gentle-man, and braue Citizen was this! who, though I had deliuered the
Senate from death, Rome from combu∣stion, and Italy from war, thought mee worthy of that punishment, which the Senate, out of the consent of all good men, had inflicted vpon them, who meant to set Rome on fire; hew the Ma∣gistrates & Senators in peeces; and to haue rais'd vp, a most bloudy or cruell war. Vpon this, I oppos'd my selfe to your brother, who was present. For, the first of Ianuary, I so buckeld with him in the occasions of the Common-wealth, as hee might perceiue, I wan∣ted neither courage, nor constan∣cie. And afterwards on the third of the same moneth, hee hauing conuocated the people, in the beginning of his O∣ration, he went about to depraue mee, naming, and threatning me euery third word, with full resolution, vtterly to sinke mee; not by way of Iustice, or e∣quitie, but by bitter violence, and passi∣onate outrage. Whose temeritie, if I had not stou••ly withstood; who would not haue thought, that in my Consul∣ship, I shewed resolution, rather out of the benefit of my Fortunes, then either for vertue, or fortitude of mind: If you neu••r perceiu'd how ill Metellus stood affected to mee; this may bee an eui∣dent signe, that he little esteemes you; neuer writing vnto you, of a matter of so great importāce. But if he did impart his minde vnto you, you sho••ld thinke
me very milde, and tractable, in that I neuer complain'd therof to you, though I had all the reasons [in the world] to doe it. For, not onely in words, as yo•• write, but with all man∣ner of iniuries, he labour'd to persecute me. Now, obserue my humanitie, if it may be termed humanitie, when a man does not onely suppresse the choler of his mind•• but further humbleth himself, to his enemie. I, though your brother had shamefully iniuried me, yet neuer shew'd my ••elfe to him, otherwise then fauorable. And, whensoeuer his name came in question in the Senate; I al∣waies ioyn'd with them in opinion, that proceeded mildly with him. Neither content with this; although hee were mine enemie: yet in that hee was your brother. it did not onely displease mee, but further, I wrought by al my means, and power, that the decree enacted a∣gainst him, might be cancell'd. So, as I oppos'd not your brother; but I haue resisted your brother, neither was I towards you, mutable, as you write; but so constant, that I haue perseuer'd in louing you, though you gaue me oc∣casion to the contrarie. As also at this present, though you write to mee after a threatning manner, yet will I not complaine. Because I doe not onely pardon, but highly commend your passion 〈◊〉〈◊〉 naturall affection intimating
in this, of what force brotherly loue is. But yet I entreat you, that you will also truely waigh my passion; allowing, that if your friends did bitterly, and with cruelty, persecute me without cause; I ought in this case, nor onely, not to giue them place, but make my repai••e to you for aid; and make vse of the power, as well of your selfe, as of the whole Armie, vnder you. I euer desir'd to haue you my friend, as likewise, I haue omitted no endeauour, whereby it might appeare, that I was not your friend onely, but your most louing friend. My heart is now, that which it euer was, and so shall continue, so long as you please: and if the hatred that I deferuedly beare to your bro••her, can any whit extenuate the loue be••wixt vs; I will hereafter forb••are to hate him, l••ast it be an occasion, that I bee no•• beloued. Farewell.
YOur mani••old courtesies worke so with mee, that I giue no credit to tho••e di••honest repo••ts, which this im∣por••••••a••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sends vnto me. Neither 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 account of such like 〈◊〉〈◊〉, by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their leuity: and
freelie taking your selfe in his stead, I accept you for my brother: imagining that he is no more liuing amongst men: Though twice I haue sau'd him, whe∣ther hee would or no. Touching my selfe, and the things I haue effected, I will write thereof at large to Lollius, not to be burdensome vnto you, with so many letters. You shall know my minde by him, about the state of this Prouince: Let mee intreate you, if it bee possible to continue the same loue, towards me, that you alwaies bare me. Farewell.
THE letters of Quintus my brother, & of Titus P••mponius, my inward friend, so rais'd my hopes, as I expected aide, no lesse from you, then from your Colleague: Whereupon I wrote vnto you, conformable to the state wherein I stood, giuing you thankes for what you had he••etofore done, and request∣ing you, heereafter neuer to faile mee. After this, my friends not onely wrote vnto me, but many that came hither, reported it by word of mouth, that your affection towards me was alter'd which was the cause, I would presume
no mo••e to write, because I would not bee irkesome, nor troublesome vnto you. Now, my brother Quintus ad∣uertising mee, how exceeding kindelie you spake of mee in the Senate, I thought it but my dutie, and most re∣quisite, to thanke you againe for the loue, which still you manifest vnto me. But if I shall not wrong your curtesie, I would intreate you, that you would pre∣serue your friends, and me also, rather then by their arrogancie, and crueltie, to oppose mee: you haue ouercome your selfe, in pardoning the Common∣wealth your priuate enmities, and will you foster other mens [rancors] a∣gainst her? I giue you my faithfull pro∣mise, that if out of your clemencie you lend me your aide, in all occasions I will rest at your command: but if you permit the Senate, people, and Magi∣stra••es to be crosse, in reuoking me out of this vnworthie banishment, wherein I was driuen, by wicked violence, not onelie to my owne, but to the ruine of the Commonwealth: remember, that you may heereafter desire to suc••our vs both at such a time, when no means is left, eithe•• for her escape, or my safe∣tie. Farewell.
THough I resolu'd not to write any thing vnto you, but by way of recommending some Friend; not be∣cause I knew my commendations would take any great place with you, but that they who entreated me, might perceiue, that our ••riendship was no whit impaired; yet when Titus Pompo∣nius was comming towards you, who better knowes then any other, what I haue desired, and effected in your behalfe; and doth besides long to grati∣fie you; and bear••s me singular affecti∣on: I thought good to write vnto you; especially not being able to satisfie Pomponius in any other wise. If I should say, that you were much bound vnto mee, I should not lie; hauing euer pro∣cured your benefit, honor, and reputa∣tion; whereas your selfe can t••uely testifie, that you neuer did mee any fa∣uour: rather you haue sometimes sought to hurt mee, for as much as I haue vnderstood from many: For I••le not affi••me, that my selfe euer found it: not to vse the very same word acciden∣tallie, with which they say, you were wont to picke qu••rrels wi••h mee. But I meane not to w••ite that vnto you,
which hath be••ne reported to me: I'le leaue it ••or Pomponius to deliuer vnto you; who apprehended the same dis∣contentment which I did. The Senate and people of Rome, are witnesses of the notable offices which I haue per∣••ormed for your honour: whither you euer recompenst mee in any part, none knowes better then your selfe. How farre you may command me, l••t others giue their censure: whatsoeuer I did for your sake, I did it first out of mine owne disposi••ion, and then to be repu∣ted constant. But now I giue you to vnderstand, that such an occasion pre∣pares it selfe, that I must needes with greater zeale doe my endeauour. And I will bend my selfe throughly there∣unto, so I finde not my paines, and tra∣uell lost; for in this case, you your selfe would hold me for a foole. Pom••ponius will informe you wherein my helpe is so importing, the which Pom∣ponius, though I am confident, you will doe any thing for his sake, neuerthe∣lesse I comm••nd him to you: And if any of the loue remaine with you, that heeretofore you bare me, I pray you demonstrate it to me wholly in his per∣son; You cannot doe mee a more ac∣ceptable office then this. Farewell.
DEcius the Notarie, came and en∣treated me, that at this present I would preuent that any man should be allotted to succeed you. I, ••lthough I had the best opinion of him, that could bee had of one of his condition: and tooke him ••or your ••riend; ye••, calling to minde what you wrote vnto me, not m••ny daies before, I thought it hard to beleeue, that you should haue chan∣ged resolution: neither would I ••tand to his meere word, although I tooke him for a discre••te and modest person. But after Cornelia your wife spake with Terentia, and Quintus Corne••ius certifi∣ed me thereof: I was carefull to bee present in the Senate, as oft as it sate. And concerning your desire, to re∣maine still in the Prouince, I had much a doe to make Quintus Fusius, Tribune of ••he people, and the rest to beleeue it, to whom a little befor••, as also to mee, you had written the contrarie. The affaires of the Prouinces were d••∣f••rred till Ianuarie, but notwithstand∣ing, at that time, wee hoped ••o obtaine our purpose. ••he kinde office you did me, in wri••ing, that you desire, my
buying of Crassus house, might proue fortunate vnto me: was an occasion, that not long a••ter, I bought it for an hundred, and fiue thousand crownes: so that I feele such a burden of debt vp∣on my shoulders, that I could wish, to enter into some conspiracie, so they would accept of mee. But the hatred they beare me is so great, as they offer mee repulse, and malice me openly, as the cause of their ruine: besides they are not confident, and are afraid, that I lay some snares for them; not belee∣uing, that I can want money, who freed the vsurers, from their violence. In truth, I am reputed for that cause, a sufficient man: and there are som••, that lend freely for sixe in the hu••d••ed. I went to see your house, and bu••lding, which I thought in euery part verie faire. I haue defended Antonius in the Senate house, with the greatest seruen∣cie, and care I could; and by my speech and authoritie I haue much drawne the Senate to fauour him: I would not faile him: though for some offices past, 'tis well knowne, how ill hee hath requited me. I pray you, write o••ten to me. Farewell.
I And all men else, tooke great d••light in the letters, which you w••ote to the Senate; For you giue so much hope of a secure state, as putting my trust wholly in you, I haue alwaies promised to euery one. But on the contrarie, those your old enemies, who were be∣come your new friends, hearing the newes of your victorie, remain'd ama∣zed, and astonished; seeing thems••lues frustrated of ••he hope, they had, ••o come to the glorie of so noble an en∣t••rprize. The letters you wrote vnto me, though they containe but little de∣monstration, of your loue towards me, were neuerthelesse very deare vn∣to me. For I neuer reioyce more at any thing, then I doe when I vnderstand, t••at I ••aue discharg'd my dutie••: and, if aft••rwards any man in ••ffects bee not answerable, I am glad, that I rest supe∣rior in courtesie. I make no doubt, but the Common-wealth will reconcile ioyne, and binde vs together; ••hough my aff••ction towards you, which in many resp••cts you m••y haue deseru'd, were not sufficient to make mee enioy your loue ••nd fauour. And bec••u••e you may know, what I wou••d haue h••d y••u
written to me, I will tell i•• you plainely, both as my nature and our Amitie re∣quireth. I haue compassed matters of such qualitie, as I firmely bel••eued that you would reioyce with me; being bound thereunto, first, in r••spect of your countrie, and then in considera∣tion of our friendship. But I imagine you forbare the doing of such an of∣fice, for feare of offending some man. Though I assure you, ther's none but commends that, which I af∣fected for the sa••etie of my countrie. And when you come, you shall vnder∣stand, that I bare my selfe therein with so much iudgement, and greatnesse of minde, that you will not esteeme my amitie contemptible; perceiuing by the effects, that as you are far greater, then euer was Scipio Africanus, so I am not in∣ferior much to Lelius. Farewell.
I Know that all your friends haue writ∣ten to you, with what endeuour, and affection, I haue defended, and aug∣mented your dignitie. For I haue tra∣uail'd in such sort, that they m••y very well perceiue, the desire I h••u•• to plea∣sure you. I haue so bandied with the
Consuls, and many Consular persona∣ges, as I neuer was so feruent in plead∣ing any thing: and I haue vndertaken to defend your honour, in all occasions, that hence-forward shall pres••nt them∣selues: to pay what I owe to our aunci∣ent amitie; as now I doe, and would haue done before, if a certaine qualitie of the times, being opposite to my de∣sire, had not hindred me. And truely I was euer readie in heart, to honour and pleasure you: but it f••ls out, that some men, ••nemies, and enuious of o∣thers praise, like a pestilence, infecting and corrupting our friendship, haue procured, that for a time, there passed not betwixt vs, any great effects of loue: and to recouer in part, that time, I might well desire, but n••uer hope, ••or so fit an occasion, as at this present is: Fortune affording me a meanes, not onely to sh••w vnto you, my true and constant loue, but to shew it you, in the gr••atest height of your felicitie. Wher∣in my h••p hath beene so fauourable, that not onely your familie, but all Rome discernes, me to be your verie friend. And now, your wife, amongst other matrones the chiefest; and your obedient, and valorous sonnes, are go∣uern'd according to my precepts, and instructions; making vse of me in their op••ortunities: And the Senate, and people of Rome, see manifestly, that in
this your absence, you haue not a friend, that more zealouslie procureth your honour then my selfe. I care not to giue you adue••tisement, of such things as haue ensued, and daily fall out, for you•• friends will write to you thereof. For my selfe, be ass••red, that when I vndertooke to honour and ob∣serue you, I was mooued thereto out of no suddaine desire, nor accidentallie: but so soone as I entred into businesses, I alwayes had this end, to anneere my selfe as much as I could to your friend∣ship. Since which time, I cannot re∣member, that I haue not daily more and more, obseru'd, and esteem'd you; and that you neither loued, nor accep∣ted of me. And if at some times, no bad effects, but some dislike hath growne betweene vs, this occurring through ••alse suggestions, and of no moment, I would haue the memoriall of that time, so to be rooted out of our memorie, tha•• it may neue•• grow againe. For you are, and I desi••e to be such a man, as I hope our inward friendship, shall be praise-worthie in either of vs, both of vs lighting on the selfe same times of the Common-wealth. You may make that ac••ompt of me, which best plea∣seth you; but yet I thinke you'le value me no lesse, then belongs to my place. Howsoeuer, I promise, and make offer of my selfe, in so much as I shall be able
to effect any thing for your benefit. And though in this, I should haue ma∣ny competitors, neuerthelesse I'le giue that triall of my selfe, as they shall all remaine vanquished; offering to stand to any mans iudgement, especially of Marcus, and Publius your sonnes: the which, though they be both, deare to me, yet I am somewhat more affected to Publius; because not on••ly at this present, but ••uen from his childhood, he hath alwayes lou'd and reuerenced me as a Father. Suppose these l••tters to be in stead of a league, not of an Epi∣stle: and be secure, that I will most re∣ligiously obserue, and performe, what∣soeuer now I promise you: And I will euer discharge the same office that I perform'd in your absence, in defence of your digniti••; first because I am your friend, and then, because I would not appeare variable or inconstant. I will not therefore be longer. Onely I af∣firme vnto you, that whensoeuer of my sel••e I finde I haue abilitie to doe any thing, which may procure you satisfa∣ction, ben••fit, or reputation, I will of mine owne accord doe it. And in what I cannot find•• out, if I but vnde••stand it from you, or yours, I will so worke, that ••ou s••all rest contented, in hauing mo••ed me. I beseech you therefore im∣ploy me in any occasion of yours, how little or great, or indifferent so••uer it
〈…〉〈…〉 write to your fri••nds, that they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my e••deuour, aduise, autho∣ri••ie, and ••••uour, i•• publique or p••••uate occ••s••on••, eith••r iudiciall, or domesti∣call: ••f your owne, or of your fri••nds; to the end that my care•• may diminish as faire as is pos••ible, their d••sire of your owne presence. Farew••ll.
IF you be in health, I am pleas••d, my selfe am in health. If you t••••e vpon you m••ns defence, as your custome was: Pub••ius V••••inius, hauing n••ed o•• defence, ha••h recourse to your protecti∣on. I hope that you will n••t refuse me in matters, wherin my honor is touch't, hauing accepted of me in those which lesse imported. And whom should I ra∣ther choose or call vnto in my de••••nce, then him vnder whose protectiō, I haue beene accustomed to ••uercome? should I peraduenture fe••re, that you, who for my saf••ty expos'd your selfe agai••st ••he violence of mightie persons, are not now able to ressi••t, the bad and wicked practises of some, who are as vo••d•• of force, as fraught wi•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉? where∣fore, if you loue me, as y••u were wont;
embra••e me, and prepare your selfe, to defend my reputation against such as these. You know that my fortune, •• can∣not tell ••ell 〈…〉〈…〉 manner, easily findes adue••saries, not vpon my dem••rit: but what auailes that, if i•• happen by my vnluckie fortune? I pray you, if any man would wrong my reputation, forget not your old custome, and make manifest vnto me your court••ous disposition, as euer you haue done, since first I came into this gouernment. I send vnto you a coppie of the letter, which I sent vnto the Senate, by way of aduertisement, of things by me atchieued. 'Tis told me, that a seruant of yours, is run from you, and that now, he is amongst the Vardaei, whereof you wrote nothing to me; notwithstanding I haue commaunded him to be searcht for, by sea and land; and I'le finde him you out howsoeuer, except he be fled into Dalmatia: from whence I'le fetch him too, at last. Loue me and Farewell. In the Campe at Narona, this xiij. of Iulie.
FOr ••our Dionisius, though I haue sought much, yet hithe••to can I not finde the trace of him; and the lesse, be∣cause
the cold hath here also in such sort increased, that it hath driuen me out of Dalmati••: neuerthelesse, I will so vse the matter, that I will get him at length. I peruse••, what you wrote vnto me a∣bout C••t••lius, Out alas! what is that you d••mand of me? how happens it, that you alway••s seeke impossibilities at my h••nd? I would I could doe euery th••ng ••or you; and our f••••end, ••extus Ser••ilius; but I ••ust tell you ••••eely, that I wonder much, that you defend such men, and accept of such like causes. This Catilius is the bloudiest fellow that liues: how many Gentlemen, how many honest matrones, how many Ci∣tizens of Rome, hath he slaine, and made slaues? how many Countries hath he destroyed? This b••utish creature, a man of no esteeme, was so presumptuous, as to contend wi••h me, and I tooke him in warre: I could wish, to pardon him for your sake, but how shall I answer them, that cry out, and complaine, that he hath taken away their goods, rifled their ships, and murdered their bro∣thers, child••en, and progenitors. W••re I as brasen fac'd as Appius, in whose place I was subst••••uted, I could doe no lesse then punish him: yet I'le do what I can, to content you. Quintus V••lusius your disciple, de••ends h••m: if he can peraduenture, satisfie his aduersaries; I would, perhaps, release him. I pray,
affoord me all your helpe, wherein you see me to stand in ne••d 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth me great wrong, in not moouing the Se∣nate, that I may be graun••ed my sute, for the ha••pie successe the gods gaue me in this warre of Dalmatia: as if I had not performed matters worthie of tri∣umph, much more of obtaining a sute: If he stay while I haue ended the whole warre, I shall be worse entreated then others, who haue serued in the warres for ••he Common-wealth. There re∣maines yet, twentie old townes of Dal∣matia, which haue vnited themselues, with aboue threescore.
AFter my sutes were commenced, I went into Dalmatia. Six townes I haue taken by force: and there is this alone remaining, which is very great, taken heretofore by me foure times: For I haue taken, foure towers, foure wals, and all the Castle. From which, the snow, raine, and cold haue driuen me: and through my euill hap, I was enforced to leaue the foresaid towne, the warre b••ing finished. Whereupon I pray you, if need be, to fauou•• me with Caesar, and to defend me in what shall be requisite; with co••stant opini∣on, that you haue not a be••ter friend then my ••••lfe. Farewell. The f••r of September, from Narona.
I Wonder not, though you accept so well of mine offices, hauing euer knowne you amongst others, for a most thankfull man: and I neuer for∣bare to publish it. For I haue not onely receiued thankes from you; but haue beene also plentifully requited. Wher∣upon in all your other occasions, you shall finde mee ready to pleasure you. Wheras you commend vnto me, Pom∣peia, your wife, a most noble Gentle∣woman: hauing perused your letters, I presently spake with our friend, Sura, to tell her in my behalfe, that she should make me acquainted, what shee stood in need of; for I would willingly plea∣sure her. And I promise you to doe it, and if it be needfull, I'le goe in person to visit her. Neuerthelesse, I would that you should write vnto her, that she will esteeme nothing so great, or so tri∣fling, that I shall thinke either too diffi∣cult, or vnbeseeming me. Whatsoeuer I can doe for you, will seeme easie, and conformable to my dignitie. If you wish mee well, procure that Dionysius may returne. Whatsoeuer you promise him, I'le performe: but if he will needs be a knaue, you shall lead him prisoner
in triumph. I beshrew these Dalmatians, that put you to so much trouble. But, as you write, in short time you will bring them in, and they will illustrate your victories. For they were euer reputed warlike. Farewell.
I Determine freely, to open my minde vnto you by letters, which doe not blush; seeing in presence I neuer durst doe it, through a certaine modes••y, I cannot say, but rather a rudenesse. I haue a wonderfull desire, and except I be deceiued, very commendable; tha•• you would be pleased to celebrate my name, with the publication of your compositions: the which, though ma∣ny times you told me, you would doe; yet I would haue you pardon mee, though I solicite you thereunto: For the ••orme of your writing, which I euer thought would bee excellent, goes be∣yond my expectation, and hath so won mee, that I am surprized with an excee∣ding desire, that my acts atchieud, may be written with your pen. Because I doe no•• onely hope, that death it selfe shall not ••xtinguish the memoriall of my
name; but further, in life I desire to enioy that reputation, which may ac∣crew vnto me by your testimony; and to taste that sweetnesse, which I shall finde, seeing my selfe to be praised, and beloued, by one of your qualitie. And though I know how much you are em∣ployed: neuerthelesse, in that I see, you haue now finished the historie of the Italian, and ciuill warre: and you told me you pro••ected the rest; I would not omit for mine own sake, to admonish you, that you would bethink your selfe, whether you would connex our pro∣ceedings with others; or else to doe, as many Graecians haue done, Calistines the Troian war; Timaeus that of Pyrrhus; and Polybius the warre of Numantia: all which, diuided the foresaid wars; so you also might separate the ciuill con∣spiracie, from the wars externall. I see not certainely, that it greatly imports my commendation; yet respecting my great desire, surely it imports, that you doe not obserue the order of times, but that you rather anticipate, & first make mention of my actions. And withall, if you employ your wit vpon one sub∣iect onely, and about one person; me thinkes I foresee, how much more co∣pious and more adorned, the discourse wil proue in euery part. Neither am I so barren of vnderstanding, but that I per∣ceiue, how impudent I am; First, in im∣posing
vpon you such a burden (which, in respect of your imployments, you might well refuse:) and then, to impor∣tune you, that you would commend me; in that you may thinke peraduen∣ture I deserue it not. But hauing once begun to exceed the bounds of mode∣stie, wee must absolutely laie aside all bashfulnesse. And therefore I request you earnestly, to set forth mine actions, and that with greater lustre, then per∣aduenture, you iudge to stand with their merit: and that you will not tye your selfe to the lawes of Historie, but to the desert of our friendship: which, I desire, should preuaile further with you in this; then truth. And because heretofore, you wrote, in a certaine Proeme, and indeed ingeniously, that euen as that Hercules in Xeno∣phon, would not be mou'd a whit at the allurement of pleasures: so no respect of amitie should stir you. Now, ••or my contentment, I would haue you alter your minde, and in regard of our loue, that you would applie your selfe, to sa∣tisfie me in this request. And if (as I d••sire) you resolue to collect a memo∣riall of my proceedings, and to com∣prehend them distinc••ly in one volume: it would bee a subiect, in my opinion, verie worthie of your eloquence. For, beginning from that time, that the con∣spiracie gr••w, and prosequuting euen to
that [instant] when I return'd from ba∣nishment; you shall meet with so many accidents worthy of historie, as compi∣ling them all together, you wil make vp a reasonable volume. And in this, you may make vse of the knowledge you haue, of the ciuill alterations, relating partly, the originall of discords, partly shewing the remedies against future mischeefes: discommending withall, things blame-worthy, and praising the cōmendable, with such reasons, as you iudge fittest. And if you would follow your wonted custom of speaking freely; you may note, many mens perfidious proceedings, plots, & trecheries against me. Withall, my disasters will minister vnto you great variety in writing, cary∣ing such a kind of contentment, as will inuite mē to read forward. For, nothing is more apt to delight the Readers, then the variety of times, & seuerall mutati∣ons of Fortune. The which, though in their triall, we found them troublesom, yet are we not sorry, to see them writ∣ten. For, the secure remembrance of troubles past, bringeth contentment & others, that neuer sustain'd any greefe of their owne, reading the molestati∣ons of other men, without agreeuance, they feele a kind of compassion, which replenisheth the minde, with accepta∣ble delight. Which of vs feeles not, both contentment, and compassion,
when he reads the death of that Epami∣nondas, who was slaine before Manti∣nea? where hee commanded, that the weapon which wounded him to death, should then bee taken out of his bodie, when hee heard, that his shield was in safe keeping: and hauing heard thus much, contemning the extreme paine of his wound, in full contentment, he finished his daies, with a noble death. Which of vs reads not, with admirable a••tention, the flight, and returne o•• Themistocles? 'Tis true, that a continued historie seemes much to delight; be∣cause it orderly representeth the suc∣cesse of things past•• but a distinct Nar∣ration, wherein men may obserue, the variable and doubtfull accidents, of some excellent man, carries with it, both wonder, and expectation; ioy, & sorrow; hope, and feare: and, if the end be remarkable, in reading it, wee attaine to the height of contentment. Wherefore, it will please me the better, if you resolue to distinguish this tale (as I may terme it) of our affaires, and successes, from the continued course o•• your writings: which containes in it, diuers enterprizes, and many effects, both of counsels, and of the times. Nei∣ther will I beleeue, that it should breed any suspition in you, that I goe about to creepe into you, by way of flattery; though I shew so ardent a desire, to bee
by you celebrated. For, you are not a man, that's ignorant of your selfe. And who reputes them not rather enuious, which admire you not, then those flat∣terers, that doe praise you? Neither am I so foolish, to bee celebrated and eter∣nized by one, who by celebrating mee, may not also himselfe purchase a parti∣cular renowne for his wit, and learning. That so famous a Captaine, Alexander, would onely be drawne by Apelles, and grauen by Lysippus: and hee did it not, bec••use he would win their loue, by the Art of assentation; but because hee saw, that Apelles picture, and the sculp∣ture of Lysippus, would make their names renowned, and bring to hi••∣selfe also, no small reputat••on. Although th••se Artificers, by th••••r mysterie, re¦pr••sent nothing, but the forme of the bodie, shewing vs their corporeall image, whom we neuer saw: but who∣soeuer is celebrated for laudable acti∣ons, without helpe of images, he liues of himselfe, and shall liue for euer in the memorie of men. And we se•• that Spartan Agesilaus hath no lesse fame, who neuer would bee either drawne, or grauen; then they, that were very carefull herein: For, one little Pamphlet onely of Xenophons, written in com∣mendation of that King, hath far sur∣mounted all the pictures, and statues, that euer were. And the contentment
of my minde, and the reputation of my name will be the greater, if I bee men∣tioned in your writings, rather then of any other. Because I shall not onely he••ein haue your wit fauourable to me, as Tim••leon had that of Timaeus, and Themistocles, that of Herodotus; but fur∣ther, the authoritie of so honourable a person, and so well knowne in the im∣portant seruices of the Common-wealth. So, as it will see me, that I haue not onely found that shrill trumpet, which Alexander, when he came to Si∣gaeum, said that Homer resounded in ho∣nour of Achilles; but withall, the seri∣ous testimonie of a great, and reputed m••n I like that Hector well, whom N••uim b••ings in, who reioyced not so much, for that he was praised, but hee addes, by a praise worthie man. And, if I obtaine not this fauour from you; that is, if by reason of any businesse of your owne, you shall not haue time herein to content me, (for, in matters possible, I suppose, you would grant my request) I shall peraduenture bee vrged to doe that, which many are wont to reprehend: for I will write of my selfe, after the example, notwithstanding, of many famous men. But you know, that in this part, many respects must be con∣sidered. They must write sparingly of themsel••es, if they haue done any thing worthy of praise, & omit those things,
which de••erue blame. Whereunto wee may adde, that the writings pur∣chase neither credit, nor authori∣tie; and finallie diuers discommend this manner of writing, saying, that in Greece, the proclaimers of the Gyminician games, vsed greater modestie: who though they haue set the crownes on the heads, of the other Conquerors, and with a loude voice, publis••ed their names; yet when them∣selues before the games be ended, are crowned, they cause another to come to diuulge them: because they will not publish their owne victories. I desire to auoide this taxation, and will shunne it, if you grant me my request; and I entreate you heerein to satisfie me. And to the end, you may not wonder, why I vse such earnest and long suite, or en∣treatie to you for it, y••u hauing o••ten informed me, that with all diligence, you would compound a worke of my actions: I tell you, as I did in the be∣ginning, that I heerein sollicite you, for no other respect, but because, I would by all meanes, that other men should know mee by your bookes be∣fore I die; and that w••ile I liue, I m••y enioy the fruite of my glorie. If con∣ueniently you can, I should bee glad, you would returne me an answer. And if you determine, to take in hand this task••, I will make an abstract, of mine
owne proceedings. But if you put mee off till another time, I will not doe it, but reserue my selfe, while I speake with you thereof. Prosequute in the meane while, the historie you haue begunne, and perseuer in louing me. Farewell.
THough the comfort, which your letters bring me, is most accepta∣ble, because it demonstrates, sin∣cere loue, ioyned with singular pru∣dence: neuerthelesse I reaped thereby, a farre greater benefit, hauing discern'd with what fortitude you contemne hu∣mane things; how well you are arm'd; and furnished, against the cruell assaults of Fortune. And questionlesse, hee may bee reputed wiser then all others, who is not gouerned; but gouernes Fortune; trusting onlie in himselfe, and of himselfe onely depending. This o∣pinion I was euer of; and though it were well setled, and engrauen in my minde: notwithstanding the violence of vnhappie times, and the perpetuall shakings of aduersitie, haue somewhat displa'ct it, & made it almost to be for∣gotten. But now by your last letters,
I see you haue replanted it; and like∣wise, more by those, which to such a purpose you did write vnto mee, not long before. And therefore it is need∣full that I speake not once alone, but often, and much•• and that I assure you, that there is no iewell so precious, which I hold not base, in respect of your letters. And though those rea∣sons, which with an artificiall forme, and in great abundance you haue col∣lected, are of a wonderfull power to comfort; yet nothing hath more com∣forted me, then the constancie, and grauitie of your minde; the which in these your letters, I haue perceiued as in a looking glasse: and so much I prize it, as I am asham'd, I doe not imitate the same. I tell you more, that I hold my selfe more resolute then you, who talkes so much to me of forti••ude. For you seeme to haue some hope of better fortune, in that by diuers reasons you seeke to intimate vnto mee, that wee should not esteeme the Common-wealth so weakned, but that shee may rise againe; as we see, that one Fencer ouerthrowne by another, oftentimes recouers; ther••ore no maruaile, though you bee resolute, relying vpon some hopes: but yet I wonder, how you should haue any hope remaining. Tell me? What doe you see, which is not altogether wasted, and consumed?
Consider all the members of the Com∣monwealth, which are well knowne vnto you. Surely you cannot finde one which is not batter'd and broken: which things I would reherse yet fur∣ther, if I knew them better then you; or if I could relate them withou•• griefe: although according to the precepts you set downe, wee should whollie driue a∣way, and banish all griefe. Whereup∣on I will support priuate discommodi∣ties, as you iudge them; and common, with greater ••ortitude then your selfe, who exhorts mee to suffer them. For, you are eased by some hope, as you write; bu•• mine is the greater con∣stancie, being supported by no hope at all And as you friendly aduise and put mee in minde, I will comfort my selfe, with thinking how much I euer loued the Common-wealth, and by reducing those times to memorie, In which I to∣gether with your selfe, so greatly assist∣ed her; I hauing done fo•• my countri••, no lesse questionles, then what I ought to doe: certainelie more, then was ex∣pected from any mans counsell, or courage whatsoeuer. Pardon me, if a little I commend my selfe. For, spea∣king of those things, on which for the ease of my minde you wish me to me∣ditate, my griefe is made much lesser. And to obserue you, so fa••re as I am able, I will winde my selfe from cares
and passions, and I will returne to the studie of the Sciences; which in flou∣rishing Fortune are an ornament, and in miserie a comfort; and I will re∣maine with you, so long as either of our ages, or health shall permit mee: and if we cannot bee together as wee would, yet the similitude of our studies, will make vs such a connexion of minde, that we shall neuer seeme to be wholly separated. Farewell.
IF you bee in health, I am glad. I re∣maine as I was wont, and also some∣what worse then vsually. I haue many times enquired of you, desirous to see you; and I wondred as still I doe, how you can be so long out of Rome. I know not vndoubtedlie the cause, that de∣taines you so farre from vs. If you loue solitarinesse, for the better commodi∣tie of writing, as you were wont to do; I am glad, and reprehend not your course; knowing that there can bee no greater delight; not onely in these mi∣serable, and vnhappie; but also in pea∣ceable, and quiet times; and especiallie to your minde: which being now wea∣rie,
affects repose, after so manie agita∣tions: and being replenished with Sci∣ence, sends abroad dailie, some goodlie fruite, which pleaseth others, and aug∣ments your owne glorie. But if you haue giuen ouer your selfe in praie, as when you were heere, to sorrow and teares: I am sorrie for your griefe, and for your affliction. And if you'le giue me leaue to tell you my opinion, I can∣not but reprehend you. Alas! what meanes this? will you alone, not dis∣cerne, manifest, and apparant things, who with the pregnancie of your wit, can discouer the most hidden? will not you vnderstand, that continuall lamen∣ta••ion helpes nothing? will not you remember, that calamities are rather redoubled, which your wisdom would haue you to expell out of your minde? But if by waie of exhortation I can worke nothing with you, I request you by the loue you beare me, to free your selfe from these molestations, and re∣turne to liue with vs, and to our com∣mon studies, or else to your owne, for you studie more then others. I am distracted with two contrarie things: I would not be burdensome to you, wi••h these my admonishments: and I would perswade you to giue ouer, the resolu∣tion you haue vndertaken. I beseech you, either in the one to follow my di∣rections, or in the other not to trouble your selfe. Farewell.
THE absolute loue you beare mee, appeares in euerie part of the let∣ters which I last receiued from you. Of which loue though I was most assured before now; yet this demonstration was beyond measure acceptable to me; I would saie pleasing, but that I thinke I haue lost this word for euer: and not for the occasion you imagine, and in which, vsing most sweet and friendlie words, in effect, you grieuouslie repre∣hend me; but because for that deepe wound I cannot finde that cure, which may heale it. Alas! I praie tell mee? can I runne vnto my Friends? Where are they? you know of whom I speake; for wee haue found them common to vs both. Others, you know are dead; and others obdurate in their wil, neuer to come to Rome, liue in a remote coun∣trie. I could willingly liue with you, and exceedinglie desire it: and, 'tis long since we knew, and lou'd one a∣nother. Our familiaritie is great: our studies alike: what band, or obligation is wanting to vnite vs? may wee then liue together? for my part, I know no impediment; but hitherto, wee haue not so done, though we be neighbours
about Tusculanum, and Puteoli: what should I say in Rome? Where the Forum being common, neighbourhood li••tle importeth. But our age, I know not through what wicked accident, is light vpon times of such disposition, that when we should taste of all content∣ment, wee are asham'd euen to liue. For what refuge had I left, being stript of all publike, and priuate good, together with all comfort? onely books: where∣in, because I can doe nothing else, I ex∣ercise my sel••e continuallie: but 'tis a great matter, that they also denie mee their help, and me thinkes they exclude, me out of the Port of repose, and they reprehend me bitterlie•• because I still remaine in this life. Which is no other then these present miseries, greater then euer were any. And do you won∣der then, that I liue remote from that Cittie, where I finde no contentment from mine owne house? and where it is necess••rie to beare a great hatred to the times, to men, to publike places; of meeting, and to the Senate? Where∣vpon I entertaine my selfe with r••a∣ding, and spend therein all my time; not to finde any medicine, that might absolutely cure me; but to beguile onely that griefe, which lies heauie vp∣on me. And if we had had this aduer∣tisment, as we had it not•• thorough the continuall feares, that held vs in su∣spence:
We had been alwaies together; neither should your vnhealthfulnesse grieue me, nor should my heart sorrow offend you. And therfore let's vse all the meanes wee can, to liue together; seeing we cānot deuise any course, that will sort better with vs. Within these few daies therefore, I will see you. Farewell.
THough no man is lesse able to com∣fort you, then my selfe; hau••ng ••aken your troubles so to hart, that I my selfe neede consolation. Neuerthe∣lesse my griefe being not altogether so implacable as yours: and seeing you in so terrible an agonie: I thought it an office correspondent to our amitie, and to the loue I beare yo••, no longer to defer writing to you, but to administer you some phisicke, which may at least diminish your griefe, though not abso∣lutelie cu••e it. And that consolation is ordinarie, and well knowne to euery one, of vvhich vvee ought continually to reason, and debate: that vvee beare in minde, that vve are men borne vnder this lavv, that our life must lie open to all the blowes of Fortune. To which
Law, we must not seeke to oppose our selues, in refusing that condition of life, wherein we were borne; rather with patience support those accidents, which humane wisedome cannot preuent: comforting our selues in calling to minde, that nothing happens to vs, that hath not befallen manie others. And though this may yeeld thee cōfort, yet I'le propound a thing to thee, that shall bee of greater force, then this or any o∣ther consolations, which haue bin euer practised, or written by the wise••t m••n. I say therefore that considering the mi∣serable e••tate of our cittie, and the wic∣kednesse of these times, you will per∣ceiue, that they are truely happie, who haue had no children: and th••y lesse vn∣happie, who haue now lost them, then if they had lost them, when the Com∣mon-wealth flourished. It's true, that if thy great losse grieueth thee, in re∣spect of the damage receiued; I see no course to diuert absolutely your griefe. But if naturall affection moue thee, to lament their miseries, that are dead: not to alledge now, what I haue often read, and heard vpon this argument: that there is no euill in death, after which if the soule liueth, it may ra••her be ter∣med an immortalitie then a death: and if it die together with the bodie, we must not suppose that there is any mise∣rie, because no sense: leauing I say, this
part aside, I will onely intimate vnto you one reason, which is very true: That such a danger is approaching to the Common-wealth, that euerie man should be glad to auoid with death. For what receptacle, shall honestie, bounty, vertue, laudable customes, good Arts, and finally libertie it selfe, and safetie, now finde? Questionlesse there is ne∣uer a young man or childe, of whose death I haue heard, in this, of all others, most cruell, and pestiferous yeare, which seemes not to me by the gift of the eternall Gods, to haue beene re∣leased from these miseries, and from this so bad a condition of life? So that if I could beate into your minde this o∣pinion; that they whom you haue lost met with no euill, it would in a great part diminish your afflictions. For so you should come to retaine onely that griefe, which you feele not for their death, but for your owne losse. And surely it befits not the grauitie, and wisdome, which since your childhood, you haue alwaies manifested, to de∣spaire for the losse of them, that feele nothing. Remember how you haue liued hitherto, with so great moderati∣on of minde, as it is necessarie for you to perseuere in the same constancie. And by wisedome and discourse, we must anticipate that in our selues, that at length time will bring vs: which by
the remedie of yeares, healeth euerie greene wound. For if there were neuer so base a woman, which in the losse of children, did not at last cease lamen∣ting: surely we are bound to draw that from our prudence, which continuance of daies will bring vs; and not to ex∣pect the medicine of time, which rea∣son first propounds vnto vs. If these letters take effect, I shall thinke that I haue obtain'd my greatest desire: If they worke nothing at all, yet shall I iudge, that I haue done the office, of that friend, which I haue euer beene, and promise during life to be vnto you. Farewell.
I Wrote not heretofore vnto you, not because I was forget••ull of our ami∣tie, or to breake off my vsuall custome: but because for a time I, together with the Common-wealth, found my selfe oppressed with a grieuous ruine; and besides, your hard, and lamentable ac∣cident, so afflicted me, as it ministred occasion to me, of not writing to you. But now, supposing, that I had too long neglected this office; and the me∣morie of worth, & greatnesse of mind,
wherewith I know you to be endowed, vrging me thereunto: I thought good to breake of silence, with a firme opi∣nion, that I shall commit no ••rror. You know, Publius S••xtius, that when you were accused, being far off from Rom••, I def••nded you: and afterwards, the same perill hanging ouer your person, as did ouer Milo, I neglected no ende∣uour for your safetie: and last of all, so soone as I was returned, notwithstan∣ding your caus••, was carried o••her∣wise, then I would haue aduis'd, if I had beene present; yet I fail'd not in affor∣ding you any help, that lay in my pow∣er. In which time, not onely your ene∣mie, but some o••hers which pretended to be your friends, taking opportunitie of the dearth, sought to disgrace you with the people: and so f••rre they wrought, that ioyning thereunto, the partialitie of Iudges, and the iniquitie of many others, they were of power sufficient, to suppresse the truth, and your iust cause. Afterwards, vpon any occur••ents whatsoeuer, I n••uer was wanting to your sonne Publius, neither in endeuour, counsell, labour, or in fa∣uour, or testimonie. Where••ore hauing diligently, and religiously obserued all the offices of friendship, I would not likewise omit, to exhort, and entreat you, that you will remember, that you are a man, and a man of valour: which
is; that you will prudently support, this common, and doubtfull accident: com∣mon, because none of vs can auoid it; doubtfull, because no man knowes, whether it will be of little, or long con∣tinuance. Defend your selfe brauely from griefe, and oppose Fortune; re∣uoluing in your minde, that both in our Cittie, and in other Common-wealths, many valiant, and innocent men, haue beene vniustly sent into ba∣nishment. Let me also tell you this: and would to God, I might not speake true; That you are depriued of such a Coun∣trie, which can procure no contentmēt to a wise man. Concerning your sonne, if I should write nothing, I feare that I might seeme ingratefull towards his vertue: but if I should tell you, all that I iudge of him, I feare I shall renue in you that desire, and griefe, which you were wont to feele for the priuation of so worthie a sonne. But neuerthelesse you shall doe exceeding wisely, to thinke, that his loue, his valour, and his industrie remaine alwaies with your selfe: those things being no lesse our owne, that we embrace with our mind, then the same, that we behold with our eyes. His high valour therefore, and the inexplicable loue he beares you, ought to giue you great consolation. And you ought to receiue no smal comfort, con∣sidering that we and many others, so
much esteeme you, for the rare qualities of your minde: & that this aduerse For∣tune abates no whit, of our loue to you; or of our iudgement concerning you. Whereunto you may adde another rea∣son; that as you haue not deserued this exile; so you should not much grieue therefore. For, wise men, when they are priuie to their innocentie, are neuer disturbed for any accident, that can happen to them. I, for the memo∣rie I retaine of our auncient friendship, and for the vertue which shineth in your sonne, and for the obseruance he shewes me, will be most readie to yeeld you helpe, and comfort. If it happen that you write to me of any thing, I will so handle the matter, that you shall per∣ceiue, your writing was not friuolous. Farewell.
THough I my s••lfe, who desire to comfort you, want another mans comfort; nothing for manie yeares ha∣uing so much pierced my h••art, as now your trouble doth: notwithstanding I doe not onely exhort, but for our a∣mitie intreat you, that you will streng∣then your selfe against disasters•• car∣rying in minde, with what conditions all men are borne, and in what times,
we were brought forth. Your owne va∣lour hath giuen you more then Fortune tooke from you: hauing obtained that, which seldome strange, or ignoble cit∣tizens are wont; and lost that, which Fortune hath taken away from many of greatest nobilitie. Besides I see, that Tribunals of iudgement, and commen∣dable customes of our countrie will be so altred; that happie is he, that with least grieuous paine, is from such a Common-wealth departed. But you hauing both goods, and children, and vs, together with others, conioyned vnto you in the nearest of loue, being to make ••lection, to liue with vs, and with all your friends; and of so many iudgements there being onely one, which is reprehended, as that which by one onely, and doubtfull sentence, may be thought to be yeelded to the power of one: for all these reasons alledged, this hard fortune should not seeme grie∣uous to you. My affection towards you, and your children, euen as you desire, and as it ought to be, so shall it euer continue. Farewell.
I Did euer beleeue, that you loued me from your heart. But I am euery day
more confirmed in this beliefe: and I know that euidently, which sometimes you wrote vnto me; that your affecti∣on, would appeare so much greater to me, then it did in the Prouince•• by how much the better it may be discerned, that it proceeded from iudgement, and not from obligation. Although my o∣pinion is, that you cannot doe more then that, which you did in the Pro∣uince, to demonstrate your loue to∣wards me. I receiued a few daies since your letters, which were most accepta∣ble to me; for you writ, that although you expected my comming with great desire, notwithstanding because mat∣ters went forward, otherwise, then you supposed, you reioyced at the course I tooke. Now, I haue receiued these other, which gaue me exceeding con∣tentment, because I vnderstand, you are of the same opinion, that all good and valiant men ought to be of; that nothing is profitable, but that which is honest and iust. And besides th••s; In that you promise to follow me, wh••ther so euer I goe, which is the most accep∣table thing you can doe for me, and (if I be not deceiu'd) most honourable for your selfe. Till now, I neuer ac∣quainted you, with my intention by writing; not because I would conceale my selfe from you, but in that commu∣nicating my aduise vnto you, it was but
a putting you in mind of the office of that good Cittizen, whereof you make profession; and an inuiting you, to run both my perill, and fortune. But consi∣dering that I see, with how much loue, and courtesie you offer your selfe vnto me: I willingly accept of your good minde; but without any binding you, to keepe promise with me. If you doe what you make shew of; I shall remaine greatly bound to you therefore: If you doe not, I will excuse you. And of these two elections, I suppose, that the first hath pleased you for my sake, and th'o∣ther for feare. For now, we truely de∣bate of a most important matter. That which is honest, is plainely discerned. That, that is profitable is hidden from vs. Yet if we be the men we should be; that is, worthie of our studies, and of our profession; we need not doubt, but 'tis better to choose, that which is ho∣nest, then that, that is profitable. And if you be of this opinion, come to me presently. But if you thinke, you cannot presently come thither, whither hone∣stie cals vs: I will aduertise you in what soeuer is requisite, and in conclusion, I say vnto you, that what course soeuer you take, I will be your friend; but if you be the man I desire, your best ••riend. Fa••ewell.
HOwsoeuer it had stood with me, I would haue met you, if you had come whither you appointed: Where∣fore, though you remain'd behind, be∣cause you would not put me to any inconuenience: notwithstanding I as∣sure you, that, had you sent for me, I would not haue respected mine owne commoditie, to giue you satisfaction. To the other parts of your letters, I could more absolutely answere, if Mar∣••us Tullius, my Notarie were here•• who I am sure about casting vp the ac∣compts, (for the rest I know not what to say) hath done nothing with anie end, to doe you therein preiudice, or dishonor. And though the auncient order, and custome were obseru'd at this daie: Yet be assured, that in respect of our friendship, I would neuer haue giuen vp the accompts without first comparing them, with your selfe. But it being requisite, by Caesars Law, to leaue a coppie of them in the Prouince, and to carrie afterwards the o••iginall to Rome: I haue done the same in the Pro∣uince, which I would haue done at Rome also, if the former custome had continued. Wherein I was so confi∣dent in you, that I would not be the
man, that would be with you, at the drawing of the accompts: but left the charge thereof to my Notarie, appoin∣ting him expresly, that he should frame euery thing to your minde. I neither doe nor euer will repent me, of hauing that confidence in you, which I made shew of: but me thinkes it's strange, that you entred into a iealou••ie of my Notarie; you hauing likewise left or∣der, that your brother Marcus Mi••dius should peruse the accompts, which were made in my abs••nce; neither had I any other hand in them, but that after they were finisht, I read them; your brother hauing ••ormerly both ••eene, and approued them. If this were honour: I could no•• more honour you: If it were confidence: I was more confident in you, then al∣most in my selfe. If it were requisite in such a businesse to haue regard to your benefit, and praise, as it was fit to haue: I had no man more apt, nor discreet for such a businesse then my Notarie•• And though I haue left in Apamea, and La••∣dicea, a coppie of the accounts; it was for no other end, but to obserue the Law, which commands, that they should bee left in two Cities within the Prouince. Whereupon to this part, I answer, that though I had many iust occasions, for which I could not vse a∣nie delaie, in giuing vp my accounts in
Rom••: Neuerthelesse, I would haue stayed for you, had I not thought they could not haue beene reexamined after they were registred in the Prouince. And as for Volusius, I am informed by vnderstanding men, and especiallie by Caius Camillus my verie good friend, and most expert in such affaires; that wee could not change the course set downe, nor transferre Valerius debt, vpon the person of Volusius; because they that stood bound for Valerius, had beene neither more nor le••••e oblieged to payment. And the principall debt, was no•• as you write, 900. crownes but 570. For, about the somme which came short of 900, we had receiued no assignations, in the name of Valerius. But certainely you seeme to repute me, both discourteous, and negligent; yea, (but I respect it not) and verie indi∣screet. Discourteous, in that you ima∣gine a Legate, and an officer of mine, were discharged, not for mine owne, but for my Notaries benefit; especially, when they were not to bee bound, to this inconuenience. Negligent; you supposing, that I neuer sought to bee acquainted with a matter, which did import my office so neerely, as it might proue preiudiciall to me: and that my Notarie, had set downe that, which he thought good, without speaking one word to me: alleaging, that if I had
thought thereon, I would haue pro∣ceeded more circumspectly. And I say vnto you, that I thought sufficient∣ly of it, and I minded to haue eased Volusius, of so waightie a somme. And on the other side, I haue ••ound out a way, that Titus Marius, and others, which put in their securitie for Valerius, should not be in any danger to paie it: taking such a course therein, that no man found himselfe grieued, nay, all in generall highly commended mee for it. And I must tell you more: My Notarie onely, tooke it not well. But I thought it the part of an honest man, hauing reseru'd to the people, what was be∣longing to them, to preuent the parti∣cular losse of so many good friends, and Cittizens. As for the monies raised out of the Prouince, you know, that by the aduise of ••neius Pompeius, they were laid vp in the Lycaeum. And I as a thing done by mine owne Order con∣sented thereunto. Pompeius afterwards sent, and tooke them away, ••uen as Sextus tooke yours, which you laid vp: But this imports not you. I may well grieue, that I had not the foresight to make a note; by which it might haue appear'd, that you left those sommes there, with my approbation: but that there are extant, the Senats decree, and both our letters. From hence it is mani∣fest, that those monies were deliuered
to Publius Sextius: & I, seeing the mat∣ter so cleare, as no errour could ensue•• I tooke no great care to make such a note: but now I wish, for your satisfa∣ction, that I had made it. I am of your opinion, about giuing in of the ac∣compts, which you are to make: Nei∣ther in this, shall your, and my ac∣compts differ any thing: For you shall adde, that there you left those sommes by my Order; which I neuer put in. Neither haue I any reason to denie you this fauour: and though I had, yet to pleasure you, I would not denie it. As for the accompt of 2700 crownes, you cannot complaine; for it was set down as you pleased, or ••o speake more true∣ly, as it pleas'd your brother. I would willingly amend, if I could that which I left vndone, in giuing vp my ac∣compts. But I must bee circumspect, that herein I cōmit no error, the tearm set downe by the Senate being past. But surely, you haue no reason to be so angry, for I could not otherwise behaue my selfe: although in this, I refer mee to their iudgements, that vnderstand it better then I doe. This I assure you, that I'le faile you in nothing, not onely wherein I see you deepely interested, but wherein soeuer I may doe you a pleasure. As for ••hose that haue done good seruice to the Common-wealth; know, that I haue giuen no testimony,
except it bee of the Tribunes, of the Souldiers, of the Prefects, and my Do∣mestickes; wherein I erred, supposing, that I might at my pleasure, haue pre∣sented their names: but afterwards I was aduertised, how 'twas necessarie, to present them within thirtie daies, after the giuing in of the accompts. Out of doubt, I am verie sorrie, that I left not this care to you, seeing you are so ambitious of it. For of my part, there is no ambition at all. But there remaine the Centurions names, to bee presen∣ted, and the Camerades of ••he militarie Tribunes: For, in these, the Law tyes mee not to a prefixed time. Now it re∣steth, that I returne you answer, about the three thousand crownes, whereof I remember you wrote vnto mee from Myrina, obiecting to me an error, which grew by your fault, and not mine. For, i•• any deserue reprehension; It is your brother M••ndiu••, and Tullie my Notary, that should bee reprehended. But that errour being now past recalling; (For, the monies being dispos'd of, I was departed out of the Prouince;) I doe certainely thinke, that according to the inclination of my mind, and according to the hope of monies, which I then had, I wrote back vnto you, as friendly as I could But mee thinkes, it is not reasonable, that I should bee bound to yeeld that vnto you now, by way of ob∣ligation,
which then in courtesie I pro∣pounded. Neither, though you write vnto me, of the sayd three thousand Ducat••s, did I receiue your letter wi••h that discontentment, as Deb••ors in these times receiue letters, from their Creditors. You must withall consider, that in Eph••sus, I hauing le••t in the hands of the Toll-Masters, three••score six thousand C••ownes, which I had lawfully gotten in my Prouince, Pompey tooke it all. Whereof, whether I com∣plaine, or not, questionlesse, your losse being onely three thousand Crownes, you may endure it with the greater pa∣tience; imagining with your selfe, that the Senate allowed you not so great prouisions, as indeede it gaue you; or, that my selfe gaue you not so much, as I did. For, if you lent mee those three thousand Crownes, yet I am so confi∣dent in your good nature, and in the loue you beare me, that you would not now force me to sell somthing of mine owne, to haue them againe: for other∣wise, I haue no meanes to restore you them. But all that I haue written, e∣steeme it to bee written by way of merriment: And the like doe I, by that you haue written to mee. Although, when Tullius returnes out of the Countrey, I will not forget to send him to you, if you thinke it bee requisite. I d••sire in any wise,
that you would rend this letter. Fare∣well.
I Haue read your letters with content∣ment, by which I vnderstood, that you greatly desire to see mee: Which I imagined, though you had not written it. Neither is my desire in this, inferior to your owne. And so let my thoughts obtaine their wished ends, as I heartily desire to be with you. For, when our Countrey did more abound, then now it doth, with men of valour, and true Citizens, and the number of my friends was greater; yet was there none, with whom I was more willing to conuerse, then with your selfe, and but few, with whom so willingly; but now, some be∣ing dead, other some in remote Coun∣tries, and others not bearing that mind towards mee, they were wont to doe; I should verily thinke one day better spent with you, then all the time I con∣sume with many of those, with whom I conuerse out of necessitie. And I as∣sure you, that solitarinesse would bee much more acceptable to me, (which, notwithstanding, is not granted mee)
then their enter••ainements, that daily frequent my house; except it be of one, or two, at the most. Therefore I retire my selfe, as I would wish you also, to our pleasing studies: and withall, I comfort my selfe with the memoriall of my intentions, thinking to my selfe, that I neuer had respect, (as I suppose you conceiue) to priuate benefit, but to pub∣lique safetie. And if hee, whom you could neuer loue, because you loued me, had not borne me enuie; hee, and with him all other good men, had been happy. I would neuer consent, that the violence of any particular man should bee so powerfull, as to suppresse com∣mon libertie. And after I saw those armes, which I euer feared would bee able to doe more, then the consent of good Citizens, who, according to my directions, and examples, vndertooke to defend the Common-wealth: I was of opinion, that discords were rather to be compounded, though vpon vnequall termes, so it we••e with securitie, then to fight against those, who were stron∣ger then our selues. But shortly wee'l confer, both of this, and many other things. And I remaine now in Rome, for no other end, but before my depar∣ture, to know the successe of the war, that is now on foot in Africa. For, I am of constant beleefe, that we shal shortly see an end thereof. And I am of opi∣nion,
it imports me, I know not what, to delay my departure: that I may ioyne with my friends, to take some course, according to the newes, we shall receiue. Although I cannot tell you, what it is, that should so import mee; matters being growne to that passe, as ouercome who will, the victorie will be the same, though equitie, stand more with the one, then the other part. And yet notwithstanding, now, that I am out of all hope, I beare a more conten∣ted ••inde, then when wee were be∣twixt hope, and feare. And your last letters but one, encrea••ed my confi∣dence: In that by them I vnderstood, that to support iniuries, your singular humanitie, much encouraged you, and much also your learning. I'le not bee sparing to tell you the truth: At first, I tooke you to bee rather of a so••t dispo∣sition, then otherwise; as for the most part, all we are, to whom the chaine of seruitude seemes too heauie; being inu∣red to liue nobly, in a happie and free Citie. But as in good fortune, wee bare our selues moderately, so ought wee to resist this constantly, which is the worst that could haue happened: That a∣mong so many euils, we may enioy this little benefit; that whereas in happie times; it was our dutie to contemne death, in which is felt no miserie; now, being plunged in so many tribulations,
we ought not so much to contemne, as to desire it. I request you, for the loues sake, that you beare mee, to embrace this quiet: and firmely to beleeue, that besides offence, and sin, from which you haue beene hitherto, and euer will bee exempted, there can nothing light vpon a man, how terrible soeuer, which should dismay him. I will presently come to you, if I see there bee any oc∣casion. And if it be requisite, to change resolution, I will for••hwi••h adu••rtise you. But I beseech you, being so crazie, hazard not to trauell, out of a desire to see mee, before you haue my aduice therein. Let mee request you, to loue me still, as you doe; and to regard your health, alacritie, and contentment. Farewell.