24. C. Plinius to his friend Bebius Hispanus, &c.
1. TRanquillus my chamber-fellow is desirous to buy a little field, which a friend of yours is said to offer to sell.
2. I desire you to take order that he may buy it at a reasonable rate, for so it will please him to have bought it.
3. For a bad purchase is always unpleasing, most of all, be∣cause it seemeth to upbraid the owner with his folly.
4. But in this little field there are many things which set my friend Tranquillus on, (if he like the price) its nearnesse to the city, the conveniency of the way, the smalness of the village, the quantity of the ground, which may rather invite than busie one.
5. Besides, to scholars that are addicted to their studies, as this man is, so much ground is enough in all reason, as that they may ease their brain, refresh their eyes, walk softly about the bounds, and use one track, and know and count all their little vines and small trees.
6. I have told you these things thus particularly, th•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may the better know how much he is like to be beholden to me, and I to you, if he buy that little farm, which is commended for those conveniences, at a reasonable rate; that it may not give him cause to repent of his bargain. Farewell.