Cicero to Messinio . ¶ THE ARGVMENT .

He signifieth to his friend Messinius , that he is desirous to see him , and exhorteth him to mitigate and assuage the heauinesse and bitternesse of his troublesome times , with the communicating of letters , and with the comfortable remembrance of a good conscience .

MOst acceptable were your letters : which gaue me to vnderstand no lesse than I presupposed , before you applyed your pen to the practise of inditing : namely , that you were inflamed with a maruellous desire to sée me : which singular courtesse of yours I can not but well accept , yet so notwithstanding , that you imagin the same scant counteruailable with the kindnesse , where with for your sake I am affected . For so do I wish al things to chance vnto me , as I professe my selfe touched , or rather stinged with a desire to be in your presence . For , at what time the number of honest men , good citizens , * * Honestie , ple santnesse , and loue ▪ are the causes of kyndnesse , and the special allurements , why we couet to be to gether . pleasant companions , and such indéede as lo●…ed me , and made of me great account , was not small : yet among so many , there was not one , with whom I would 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spende my time , then with you , and very fewe with whom I wish to be so willingly . As for this time wherin we now liue , for so much as some of our acquaintance are swallowed vp with the sworde , some scattered in varietie of soiles , and othersome haue altered the former disposition of their will : one dayes space , spent in your societie , ministreth to my minde larger delightsomnesse , then all the time which I waste with many of them , among whom necessitie constraineth me to make continuance . I would not haue you conceiue this opinion , that solitarinesse , or a wandering life in a vast wildernesse , or an vnfrequented abiding , is vnto me more pleasant and comforta●…le , ( which I may not vse by any meanes ) than the conference & communi●…ation , which I haue with * * Of Caesars acquaintance . sundry Gentlemen , that haue vsual resort to my house , one or twaine at the vttermost excepted . Wherfore I refuse not to run to that refuge of succour , which ( in my iudgement ) you ought to imbrace , namely intercourse of friendly Epistles , and also an assurance of both our consciences . For I am the man , as you may lightly coniecture , and without curious canuassing gather , that haue at no time , attempted any thing , more for my priuate commoditie , then for the furtherance of my friends , and profite of my citizens , at whose estate and condition , if * * He meaneth Pompeius . he had not enuied , and maliciously repined , towards whom your affection was neuer inclined , ( for I was your beloued ) both he him selfe had béene fortunate and happie , and all other giuen to vertue and goodnesse . Such a man am I , as doe both wishe and will , that the violence of none haue force so farre to preuaile , as henest ease and tranquillitie power to ouer come , and when as I perceiued , that the selfe same * * Caesars armie . armie which I most mistrusted , was of greater abilitie , then the mutuall consent of suche good Gentlemen , whome I ( by myne owne procurement ) assembled , then thought I thus in my mynde , that it could not be much preiudiciall and hurtfull to conclude * * Yea , though the condition we●…e scant honest . peace vpon any condition whatsoeuer , so that safetie might be obteined , and daunger auoyded , then to encounter him vpon confidence of sufficient force , to whome in strength and fortitude I am inferiour . But of these matters , and of other circumstances , we shall talke shortly face to face without interruption . There is nothing which sticketh so fast in my cogitation , as the state of the affaires in * * Caesar tooke one part , Scipio another , and ●…uba the king . Africa , the expectation whereof keepe me in Rome , for nowe ( as it should séeme ) the matter lies a bléeding , and is brought into a very narrowe point of perill , and surely I thinke that in some respect it toucheth me , although howe much or howe little , out of question I am ignorant : neuerthelesse , whatsoeuer is reported vnto me from thence , I knowe the counsels of my friendes and welwillers are in a readinesse . For nowe the matt●…r is growne towardes such hassarde , that , although in their two causes which are at de●…aunce and dealing of blowes in battell , great difference consisteth , yet small oddes is there in their * * He supposeth that both their victories will smell of crueltie . victories , except I be farre and wide deceiued . But to discouer a plaine truth , my mynde , which in matters of difficultie and doubtfulnesse was not a little inféebled , in fearefull daungers , and terrible desperation is mightily confirmed : & your last letters haue affoorded to the same , further establishment : whiche conteined a testimonie of your valiauntnesse , in suffering iniuries with a couragious stomache : besides that , sithence your singular humanitie & gentlenesse , was to your preserment , and your letters also a meanes for your aduantage , I féele my selfe thereby somewhat assisted . For I wil write no vntruth , I tooke you to be a man ●…f a soft nature , and a milde spirite , as we are all for the most part , that haue lead our liues in a frée and a fortunate common wealth : Howbeit , as we inioyed * * When the common wealth was glorious . prosperitie , and the floure of felicitie with moderation ▪ so nowe also , in this aduersitie , and * * In that wee are 〈◊〉 to Caesar. declining of fortunes fauour from vs , ought we to sustaine all perplexities with patience : to the intent that in most mayne mischiefes , we might ●…nde this good remedie , not onely to contemne and despise , but also to desire and long after death , which we ought not to feare although we 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 with blessedness●… , * * For he is of op●…nion , th●…t our my●…des or soules are immortall : which he pro●… i●… his booke of old age so intituled . 〈◊〉 ▪ i●… 〈◊〉 ●… 〈◊〉 of the senses , and leauet●… the 〈◊〉 ●…rustrate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . This tranquillitie , ease and ●…ietnesse ▪ 〈◊〉 you ●…hase and p●…ssesse , if you loue me in dé●…de , if your friends●…ip ●…e feruent ▪ & 〈◊〉 kindnesse not controulable ▪ yea plant this ▪ persuasion in your minde , That nothing ( blame and offence 〈◊〉 ▪ 〈◊〉 you haue neuer ●…éene 〈◊〉 vnto , an●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ Can chaunce in the life of any man wherein horror is harboured , or feare intertain●…d . I wil come and visite you shortly , if I may sée time conuenient : if any thing fall out in suche sort , that an alteration of our counselles must insue , I will certifie you without delay . Sée that you remaine so desirous to sée me , that you remoue not from the place where you be , sithence you are weake and cras●…e , before you aske mine aduisement by your letters , what my will is to haue you doe in that behalf . I would that you should loue me stil , as you now do no lesse , and as I wish that your health be carefully considered , so I woulde not be well pleased , if in tranquillitie and quietnesse your minde should not be established .

Fare you well .

Cicero to P. Lentulo . ¶ THE ARGVMENT .

This Epistle is altogether consolatorie or comfortable : for he mi●…istreth consolation to Lentulus by comparison of his owne times and troubles , when he being in banishment fo●… a sea●…on , recouered notwithstanding the benefite of his countrie , and the possession of his dignitie . The occasion why the Epistle is so shor●… , was , for that Pollio went to Lent●…lus of set purpose , to make report vnto him of all thinges by word of mouth .

OF all things done here , * * Of the countries Asinia . Pollio ( who was not only present , but also had the ordering and disposing of them ) shal sufficiently giue you to vnderstand . As for my selfe , the confidence and hope which I conceiue in your matters and bus●…nesse , comforteth me a midde the maine seas of my sorrowes and heauinesse ▪ bycause ▪ I suspect it is like to come to passe , that by the procurement of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 counse●…s , mens maliciousnesse shal be infeebled and weak●…ned , as also by the benefite of that happie day of restitution , not only the thoughts of * * Whose vnfaithfulnesse we haue in great suspicion traitours sha●… be preuented , ●…ut the cogitations and purposes of your aduersaries shall quite be dissolued : Secondly , the remembr●…unee of mine owne * * When he was forced to for●…ake his ●…ountrie . troublesome times , offer vnto me som●… consolation : a represe●…tation o●… image whero●… ●…●…ée in your present estate . For although your worship and countenaunce in a matter of lesse importance be blemished , then my health , sa●…etie , and life ind●…ungered : yet there is such a liuely likenesse and resemblance , that I hope you will iudge me pardonable , if I feare not those things , which your owne self haue alwayes supposed not to be feared at all . But spare not to shewe your selfe the man , whome ( from tender yeares ) I tooke you to be . Beléeue me th●… , howe much the iniurious dealing of peruersse people shall be increased , so much the worthynesse and dignitie of your person shall be inlarged . As for me , * * For in time of necessitie , true frendship is more effectuall . looke what dutie & seruice is requireable of a friende to a friende , on my part shall be precisely perfourme●… ▪ I will not deceiue your hope .

Fare you well .

Cicero to Ualerio . ¶ THE ARGVMENT .

This Epistle is tempered with iesting and pleasantnesse . One thing therin is serious , namely where hee giueth thankes to Lentulus , to whose gouernement Cilicia was committed : lastly , it conteineth certaine duti●… of familiaritie towardes the same Valerius .

FOr * * Hee is pleasantly disposed , calling him Lawier , not as though he were one in deede , but as though he gaue him the name for affections sake . why should I not salute you by the name of a Lawyer ? I know no cause to the contrarie : Especially sithence in these dayes and as the course of the world nowe is , boldenesse may be vsed for wisedome , impudencie taken for prudence . I haue thanked Lentulus by my letters in your name , and that with diligence . But I would wishe you to looke for no more letters from vs : but rather to take paines to come and sée vs your friendes , and there to make your aboade , where you may growe in worship and estimation , rather then to continue where you are , séeming solitarie wise : albeit some which haue béene with you , report you to be proude and hautie ●…arted , bycause you vouchsafe not to answere your clients : and partly spightfull in speache , bycause you answere vnhappily . But nowe Valerius , my desire is to be pleasaunt with you in person : wherefore , doe what you can to come vnto vs : and as for Apulia your natiue countrie , come not at it : that we may be glad of your safe comming hither . For if you goe into Apulia , when you come there , you shall knowe * * Alluding to the basenesse of his petigre , as though he were maruellous destitute of alliaunce & acqu●…intance . as many of your friendes and kinsfolke●… , as did * * Whom neither man , woman , nor child knewe but his dog alone . Vlysses , at the ending of his long peregrination and wearisome voyage .

Fare you well .

Cicero to Curio . THE ARGVMENT .

This Epistle hath foure members , or portions . In the first Cicero being accused of Curio for his seldome writing , excuseth him self by the commemoration of his duetie . In the second , he discouereth the griefe of his mynde conceiued through the absence of Curio , and his ioy on the otherside , for Curio his worship . In the thirde is contained an admonition to the deseruing of praise , and to the imbracing of vertue . In the fourth , hee commendeth to Curio the estate of his olde age , being fiftie sixe yeares olde when he wrote this letter .

ALthough I am grieued , that for negligence sake you haue me in suspicion : * * An excuse with a testimonie of his beneuolence . yet my duetie to be accused of you , did not so muche moue me to be sorie , as the selfe same to be required , did incourage me to be merrie : especially , sithence I am not guiltie of that offence whiche is layde to my charge ▪ And assuredly , in that you acknowledge a desire of my letters , therein you declare your selfe , not onely an approued friende vnto me , but also do testifie the swéetenesse of your loue . There hath none escaped the carrying of my letters , whome I might vnderstande to trauell toward●…s you : For w●…o is lesse slouthfull , and more * * He sayd not more diligent but more quicke and speedie , to the intent he might rather excuse than commend him selfe . Epi. ●… . Lib. 5. quicke and spéedie to write to his friende then I ? As for you , I haue hearde not passing twise , or thrise at the vttermost from you , and when you write , you write very sparingly and shortly : wherefore if you giue vniust iudgement vpon me , why may not I also condemne you in the same offence : and if you séeme loath that I shoulde so doe , then is it your duetie to be more courteous and vpright towards me . But concerning letters , let this suffice : for I mistrust not , but that I shall serue you to your owne contentation with often writing , conditionally , that my labour therein employed , be rather regarded , then refused , accepted then despised . * * The second part of the Epistle . I am not a litle grieued for your long absence from vs , by the meanes whereof I suffer this inconuenience , that I laboure in the lacke of your most swéete and delightsome acquaintance : and yet I can not but reioyce , for that you haue obtained and wonne ( as it were ) the maisterie in all thinges , with great worship and renoune , and that fortune assenteth to my desires in all your affaires , suites & businesse . * * The thirde part or portion So great is the expectation of your iudgement & wisdome , that I dout not to request & earnestly beséeche you , to returne to vs in such sort confirmed in mind & established , that the expectation which you in the minds of most men haue kindled , may accordingly be mainteined & nourished : * * He commen deth and exhorteth together , bycause exhortation shuld be rempered with commendation . Epi. 12. Li. 15. And bycause no stormes of forgetfulnesse , no ●…empestes of vnthankfulnesse , shall be able to drenche the remembraunce of your duetifull desartes towardes me : I praye you heartily , to repose this in your memorie , that to what prosperitie and dignitie fortune shall aduaunce you , * The fourth part or member . you shoulde neuer haue had the abilitie to aspire there vnto , but that in your childhoode you did lay a listening eare to my faythfull counselles , and shewed your selfe conformable and applyaunt to my most louing aduertisements . Wherfore , such ought your duetie to be towardes vs , and such your affection , that myne * * For he wa●… foure and fiftie yeares old when he 〈◊〉 this letter . olde age still increasing , and dayly drouping , may be harboured in the hauen of your friendship , and ●…nde comfort in the goodnesse of your youth .

Fare you well .

M. T. Cicero to Curio . ¶ THE ARGVMENT .

Hee exhorteth Curio to seeke after praise , fearing , least whiles ciuil warres did spring , hee would decline from the seruice which hee did owe to the common wealth , and take part and confederacie with traiterous citizens .

YOu are not ignoraunt Curio , that of letters there are * * Three kynd of Epistles or letters . sundry sortes , but of all other none so certaine as that one , whiche moueth vs to inuent matters necessarie , that thereby we might certifie suche as be absent , of that whiche they ought to k●…owe , eyther pertaining to vs , or to them .

Such kinde of letters it is néedlesse to looke for at my hands , sithence you haue as well writers , as reporters , of your domesticall and priuate businesse . As for my matters , I haue nothing newe whereof to giue you intelligence . Beside this , there are two other kinde of letters , which exhibite vnto me no small delectation , the one is familiar and pleasant : the other is weightie and earnest : of which twaine whether it best behoueth me to frame my style vnto , and apply my pen , I am altogether ignorant . Should I vse dalliance in inditing ; and pleasantnesse in writing vnto you ? Now certeinly I thinke him to be no citizen who setteth his mind vpon toying * * Bycause of the ciuil wars and contentions . in these tumultuous times . Should I write somewhat vnto you grauely , and disclose some matter of weight ? what thing can there be , whereof Cicero can certifie his Curio more seriously , then of cases concerning the common wealth ? and in this kinde of letters is my cause conuersant , and so conuersant , that I would not willingly communicate with you , those thinges whiche at this present occupie my mynde . For in so doing I should busie my braine , in matters more hatefull then healthfull . Wherefore , bycause there remaineth vnto me no argument wherevpon to write , I wil vse that litle clause or petit sentence , which of custome I am wont , and I will not be behinde hand to incourage you to the desire and loue of renoune : for you haue a sore aduersarie , and the hope which is alreadie had on your behalfe , excéedeth the boundes of all beliefe : which hope and expectation , you may satisfie , and easily ouercome by the meanes of one thing , namely , if you be certeinly resolued in this point , that earnest labour muste be susteined , and no paines auoyded , in * * Mening the morall vertues wherewith we win credite to our selues , and commoditie to the state of our countrie . those thinges principally which purchase passing prayse , both with Prince and people , the glory and fame whereof you haue singularly and throughly loued . Much more would I write tending to this same purpose , but that I am persuaded , that of your owne accorde you haue stomach sufficient in this point , and haue your mynde no lesse inflamed to deserue dignitie , then I am ready to put it into your memorie : and this , whatsoeuer it be , litle or much , that I haue touched in my letter , I haue not done , to the intent to kindle your courage the more in this case , but to the ende I might sende you an assuraunce of my loue , and a gage of my hartie good-will .

Fare you well .

M. T. Cicero to Curio . THE ARGVMENT .

He comforteth Curio mourning for the death of his father , and promiseth that he will be vnto him in place of a second father .

I Haue lost a speciall witnesse of my great loue towardes you , your father I meane , a man of singular vertue and noblenesse : who , by the benefite of his owne praises , and by the meanes of you his true and naturall sonne , had excelled the fortune of all men whatsoeuer , had it béene his good lucke to haue had life prolonged , till such time as he might haue séene you , his valliant sonne , after your returne from the * * Ouer the which he had peremptoric gouernment , and iudiciall authoritie . prouince , before he gaue his last farewell to the world . But though he be gone , yet I rest in hope , that our friendship is not frustrate of witnesse sufficient . The Gods giue you good of your patrimonie and inheritaunce . I am yours , and thinke that you are no lesse loued and thought vpon , then you were of your father naturall , whiles he lyued .

Fare you well .

Cicero to Curio . THE ARGVMENT .

He reioyceth for Curio his sake , both bycause he was not present at Rome , where many thinges were committed to the preiudi●…e and dammage of the common wealth , and bycause he is in suche a place , where his well doing may winne him worship . For ende , he counselleth Curio to take charge of the common wealth .

HOwe these matters of weight goe , I dare not let you vnderstande by letter , although , in what place soeuer you abide , as I haue already written vnto you in times past , you are subiect to the selfe same danger of * * By translatition , for hazard of life & goods , aphrase very vsuall . ship●…racke : yet it reioyceth my heart that you are absent , eyther bycause you sée not these things which we sée : or else , bycause your praise is placed in a loftie & famous seate , namely in the open sight , as well of Citizens as of others your fellowes : the report wherof hath sounded in our eares , not by tunes of tongs doubtfull and variable , but by one voice of all men most certaine , and perceiuable . Of one thing I am ignorant , whether I should reioyce or be afraid for your sake , bycause the expectation and looking for your returne is maruellous : not that I am afraide for any doubt of your vertue , that it should not be counteruailable with the opinion of men : but certainly , for that at your comming , you shall not be able to remedie that which is amisse : all things are so tossed , turmoyled , troubled , topsie turuey turned , and in a manner vtterly spoyled . But I wote not whether I may well commit these matters to writing . Wherefore , looke more largely otherwise to vnderstande the rest . But as touching your owne person , whether you trauell in hope or in despaire of the common wealth : * * Ciceroes accustomed clause to Curio . for whose nature he well knewe : ouer him was hee careful , lest he should be damnified . Studie , deuise , prouide those things , which in a worthy man and a good citizen , ought neuer to be wanting , that laboureth with tooth and naile to succor the afflicted state of the weale publique : and , before it be quite ouerwhelmed with the waues of lamentable times , and outrageous manners of mischiefous men , to restore it to the former beautie , auncient libertie , worship and dignitie .

Fare you well .

Cicero to Curio . THE ARGVMENT .

He commendeth highly Titus Annius Milo , labouring for the Consulship and to the intent he might obteine that which he desireth , omitteth no one circumstance nor other , which in a commendatorie letter may be required .

YOur comming to Italie * * The first wordes detect the desire of the Petitioner was not then hearde of , when I sent Sextus Villius , Miloes friend vnto you with these my letters : Howbeit , when there was an ynkling , that it wold not be long er you came , and that it was perfectly knowen , that you were iourneying out of * * Where Curio was in office of the Quaestor . Asia toward Rome : the weightinesse of the matter was suche , that we thought these letters could not come too soone to your handes , when we greatly wished , and gladly willed , that they might be conueyed vnto you with all spéede possible . * * An insinuation , or close entrance , to his petition . If ( friend Curio ) my desarts towardes you were such , as they are more commended of you , then considered of me , I would , if I had any great petition to make , trie what I could obtaine , if * * Marke his modestie . shamefastnesse were not my hinderance . For , to a shamefast felow , it is grieuous and troublesome , to craue some great thing of him , of whome he thinketh him selfe by duetie * * Priuie commending of his merites . well to haue deserued , least the thing which he craueth , might seme to be * * In requiring is dutie , in desiring is desart . required , rather then desired , and to be counted a recompence and not a benefite . But bycause your merites towardes me are manifest vnto all men , and in the straū genesse of my doleful dayes , appeared , not onely in their brightnesse , but also in their greatnesse : and séeing It is the propertie of a gentle and courteous nature , to affoorde much vnto him , to whome much is due : I doubted not to craue that of you by letter , whiche of all thinges is to me the greatest , and most necessarie . Neyther doe I feare any vnabilitie in bearing the burthen of your innumerable benefites , sithence chiefly I am of this confidence , * * From hope of making recompence . that there is no fauour nor good turne so great , whiche my mynde cannot conceiue in taking , or in exchaunging of courtesie and making amendes , adorne , & beautifie . I , my studies , al my labour , care , trauell , diligence : for end , all my mynde haue I founded , fastened , and fired vpon Milo his Consulship , wherin I haue determined , not onely to séeke for the commoditie of the office in his behalfe , but also as I ought , for the due praise of pietie . And surely , I thinke no man at any time hath béene so carefull of his health and wealth , as I haue béene of his renoune and honour : in the which I haue béene resolued , my self and all myne to consist . I knowe that you , being but one man , can , if you will , be to him such a furtheraunce and helpe , as ouer & beside the same we néed demaund nothing . We haue al these adiuments and helpes : the loue of good men , obteined through his behauiour in the protectourship of the people , for our cause , as I hope you vnderstand : the desire of the commons and multiude , by reason of his * * Wherevpon Milo spent three whole patrimonies or inheritances . large giftes and presentes , and the liberal disposition of his nature : the fauour and good will of the honourable youth of this citie , and of diuers Gentlemen , who haue giuen him their consentes : finally , our suffragation , or consenting voices , though lesse auailable , yet not disalowable , but iustly * * For the friendly vsage which he hath shewed vnto me . deserued , and therefore peraduenture worthy acceptation . A guide we must néedes haue , and of a gouernour we can not be destitute , yea one certaine ruler , & high officer must be made , in these stormes & blustering tempests which I haue discouered . * * From the person of Curio . And if one man among al that rest , may be desired & wished , to this roome of authoritie , vndoubtedly , we shoulde not picke out one , whome with you we might account comparable . Wherefore , if you can conceiue this opinion of me , that I am not a man vnmindfull of my friende , that I am disposed to courtesie and goodnesse , if there were none other cause of such conceit , then that I lay to my helping hand so earnestly , for Milo his furtherance , finally , if you are of this iudgement , that such benefites as you haue bestowed on me , are not frustrate and cast away : then let me desire thus much of your gentlenesse , that you would stande my friend in this matter whereof I am carefull , that you would employ your trauel and paine for my commendation , or to tell a flat truth , in manner , my life and preseruation . As for T. Annius , thus muche I promise in his behalfe , that no man in the world toward you shall shewe more humanitie , more grauitie , more constancie , more beneuolence and goodwill , if it would please you to vouchsafe him your fauour . And as for my selfe , my worthinesse , honour , dignitie , and renowne , shall by your meanes so much be inlarged , as I must ( perforce ) acknowledge you to be the very same my benefactour , in the procurement of my praise , that wast sometime the pawne and protectour of * * When you spared no paines in restoring me to my natiue countrie . my life . But that I am assured , that it is not vnknowne to you , how seriously and earnestly I labour in this petition of Milo , and that therein not only great paines , but also some resistance and striuing is required , I would haue written vnto you more at length : And now I commit to your patronage the whole matter and the cause , and mine own person I commend to your courteste . And take this one clause for a conclusion , that if I may obteine at your handes the summe of my supplication , Milo shall not be so much bound vnto you for your highnesse , as I wil be your déepe debter for your goodnes . For the safegarde of mine owne life was not to me so precious , and déere , wherein he shewed him selfe a principall fauourer , as my thankfulnesse shall be pleasant and delectable , in making iust recompence , where vnto I shall be drawne by your onely & alone friendship , as in hope I am persuaded .

Fare you well .