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

Cicero Imperator, to Lucius Pau∣lus Consull. Epist. 13.

FOR diuers respects I could haue wished, I had beene in Rome with you; but principally, that both in de∣manding and managing your Consul∣ship, you might haue discern'd the good affection, that deseruedly I beare vnto you. True it is, that I was euer certaine, that in your petition you would finde no obstacle at all: but yet I would haue beene glad vpon such an occasion, to haue manifested some louing demon∣stration. And in your consulshippe, though it be my desire, that you should not incounter with many troubles: yet doe I much distaste, that in exchange of so many fauours, which being a young man I haue receiued from you, I at these yeares should not haue the power, to returne you some such gra∣titude, as is befitting. But I thinke it was a certaine influence of the heauens which alwaies opened the way to you,

in oblieging me; and clos'd it vp when I should shew my gratitude vnto you, in that I euer had aprompt and readie will thereto; but meanes that were slow, and vnable to accomplish. You assisted me to attaine to the Consul∣ship; and to returne into my countrie, from which I was vniustly banished. And now the happie times permits, that vnder your consulship, it hath be••ne my fortune, to compasse some laudable effects. Wherefore seeing you are pla∣ced in so high, and honorable a digni∣tie, and occasions are presented vnto me, of being honoured: on the one side I am instigated humblie to intreat, and vrge you to endeauour so, that the Senate may establish a decree vpon my Fortunate successes, with all the fa∣uour & regard y^t can be imagined: on the other; I dare not with you vse ce∣remonies, least I should make you con∣ceiue, that either I haue forgotten the forme which you haue heeretofore vsed in doing me courtesie; or, that I might imagine you are forgetfull. Wherfore, laying aside (as I thinke you desire) all circumstances of faire words, I will breefely demand a fauour of him, whose deserts towards me are knowne to all nations. If your selfe were not Consull (O Paullus) I would vse your meanes, that you might procure mee their affection, who had that dignitie:

but because this great honor and au∣thoritie placed in your selfe, and our intrinsicall amitie, is hid from no man, I entreate you in the best manner I am able, to procure, that with all fauoura∣ble interpretation, and possible expe∣dition, my actions may be scanned and gratified. Wherof I write to you that are Consulls, and to the Senate. You shall vnderstand, that they are worthy to bee accounted of, and such, for which thankes are deseruedly to bee rendred vnto the gods. And not only in this, but in any other occasion, wher∣in the interest of my honor represents it selfe, I request you to vouchsafe your vndertaking the defence thereof. And aboue all bee carefull to cut off euery designe, which is intended for the pro∣longation of my gouernment. I desire to see you Consul, and to obtaine from you being Consull, both absent & pre∣sent, the end of mine intentiōs. Farwel.